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 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.