The compulsive, page-turning new novel from the bestselling author of Richard & Judy book club pick The Herd, perfect for fans of Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere and Liane Moriarty.

'Brilliantly done' Sarah Turner, bestselling author of Stepping Up

'Addictive, thought-provoking, and cleverly told' Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing Girl

'A must-read... full of events and hidden secrets. I couldn't put this book down' ? ? ? ? ?

'Filled with escalating tension that never let up.' ? ? ? ? ?

What happens behind closed doors stays there. Doesn't it?

Rosie and Seb Kent are happily married, living in the sleepy seaside town of Waverly. Now that Seb has achieved his dream of becoming headmaster of the local school, their lives couldn't be any better.

Then she arrives.

Abi, a young, single mother, has come to Waverly for a fresh start. She plans to reinvent herself and give her children a new life. But then she sees Seb.

And nothing will ever be the same again...
As their complicated hidden past threatens to destroy them both, they try their hardest to keep it contained.

But in a small town, secrets don't stay hidden for long, and soon, what should be their private business becomes a very public scandal.

How far will everyone - them, their families and the whole community - go to protect everything they hold dearest?

*** READERS CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT PRIVATE LIVES ***

'A compulsive page turner' ? ? ? ? ?

'As gripping as any thriller' ? ? ? ? ?

'Should be on every book club list' ? ? ? ? ?

'My favourite book so far this year' ? ? ? ? ?

'Simply superb storytelling. Emily Edward has nailed the domestic drama' ? ? ? ? ?

Praise for Emily Edwards:

'A fresh take on a community drama and a perfect book club read' Kit Conway, author of Cat Fight

'A knock-out twist' Gillian McAllister, bestselling author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time

'Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant' Clare Mackintosh, bestselling author of Other People's Houses

'It is hard to imagine a more timely novel' Jodi Picoult, bestselling author of By Any Other Name

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• Literature & FictionWomen's FictionMystery, Thriller & SuspenseCrime
• Literature & FictionWomen's FictionPsychological
• Literature & FictionContemporary FictionContemporary Women

• Publication Date: June 19, 2025
• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 347 Pages
• File Size: 33 KB