Books by Margot Livesey

A poignant and probing psychological drama that follows the lives of three siblings in the wake of a violent crime

Fate has not been kind to Gemma Hardy. Orphaned by the age of ten, neglected by a bitter and cruel aunt, sent to a boarding school where she is both servant and student, young Gemma seems destined for a life of hardship and loneliness. Yet her bright spirit burns strong. Fiercely intelligent, singularly determined, Gemma overcomes each challenge and setback, growing stronger and more certain of her path. Now an independent young woman with dreams of the future, she accepts a position as an au pair on the remote and beautiful Orkney Islands.But Gemma's biggest trial is about to begin . . . a journey of passion and betrayal that will lead her to a life she's never dreamed of.

A Kirkus Reviews 'Best Fiction of 2016' selectionA Bookpage 'Best Books of 2016' selectionA Barnes and Noble 'Best Books of 2016' selectionA Seattle Times 'Best Books of 2016' selection'Mercury is as luminous, unforgettable, and perfectly rendered as only Margot Livesey can accomplish.' Dennis Lehane An optometrist in suburban Boston, Donald is sure that he and his wife, Viv, are both devoted to their two children and each other. Then Mercury - a gorgeous young thoroughbred with a murky past - arrives at Viv's stables, and as she begins to ride him, dreams she had harboured and relinquished for the sake of her family are rekindled; dreams that soon morph into consuming desire. As her infatuation with the thoroughbred escalates to obsession, it seems there is nothing - and no one - she will allow to stop her this time around. Though Donald may have 20/20 vision, he is slow to notice how profoundly Viv has changed, and how much these changes threaten their quiet, secure world. But by the time he does, it is too late to stop the catastrophic collision of Viv's determined ambitions ...'Margot Livesey is a searingly intelligent writer at the height of her powers.' Jennifer Egan

A decent, harried young banker travels north to Scotland and his mysteriously troubled sister. Brilliantly structured and tense as a thriller, CRIMNINALS shows how the best intentions can have the worst results - and how families pull together, form themselves anew, and occasionally, tear apart.