Books published by Bookouture

'Your daughter is dead.'When Kat Cavanaugh hears the words every mother dreads, her perfect world shatters. She takes in the beautiful long blonde hair, torn yellow dress and chipped blue nail-varnish. It can't be real.And then the police add the word 'suicide'. But Kat refuses to believe them. Even when they show her the familiar looping handwriting and smudged ink on the note her little girl left behind. She knows her bubbly, vivacious daughter would never take her own life.As she searches Grace's perfume-scented room, filled with smiling photos, she uncovers secrets her daughter had been hiding. Secrets that make her wonder how well she really knew the woman her only child was becoming.Kat's determined to find out what really happened to Grace on the night she died, even if it means facing her own troubled past. But as she gets closer to the terrible truth, Kat finds herself faced with an unthinkable question: there was no way she could have protected Grace - or was there?The must-read psychological thriller for 2019 from the million-copy-bestselling author of Silent Child, perfect for fans of Behind Closed Doors and The Girl on the Train.

'I can't remember anything. Not even my own name.'When Mia James is washed up on a beautiful, sun-drenched beach she has no idea who she is or what happened to her. She doesn't even recognise her own face - until her boyfriend, Piers, comes forward, providing her with an identity.Piers is handsome and attentive, Mia's home is huge and stylish, and her friends are eager to help her fill in the blanks. As Mia steps into the perfect life she was living before her accident, she should feel lucky to be alive. But she struggles to adjust, lost for words around people she is meant to know and love, grasping for clues about who she really is.And as her memories slowly return, Mia realises something is very wrong. Her neighbours are avoiding her, her emails have all been wiped, and she is haunted by the face of a woman standing by the water. Too many things just don't seem to add up and she begins to question those closest to her…What if nearly drowning didn't happen by accident?How does she know who to trust, when she's not even sure she can trust herself? From the million-copy-bestselling author of The Secret Mother and The Perfect Family, this completely addictive psychological thriller will have you racing through the pages until the final jaw-dropping twist. If you loved Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and The Wife Between Us this book is for you.Why readers are totally gripped by The Girl From The Sea:'Wow, wow, wow! Absolutely hooked from the first page and read in a matter of hours… I really could not put it down last night! Brilliant… Would give more than 5 stars if I could! Amazing read!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'5 huge stars! This book was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!… I was shocked by the ending… I didn't see it coming!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'This book had me ready to dive in head first from page one… I LOVED, LOVED this book. It had twists, turns, crazy and drama all in one. This one will make your head spin… 10 stars!!!!!!' Goodreads, 5 stars'I devoured this book… there was no way I could sleep until I'd finished it! I was hooked from the start and the story has enough twists to keep you guessing. And that twist at the end oh boy I did NOT see that coming! Fantastic!''What can I say? Just wow. I'm usually never surprised by an ending, but this one blew me away. I am totally in shock and think I'll have a hangover from this book for a while. A great read that keeps you on your toes until the very last word.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'One of the best thrillers I've ever read… I love it when a book keeps me guessing… I adored the ending… one almighty kick to the gut which sends you reeling, jaw smashing into the floor. The last chapter is incredible… I cannot wait to read the author's next book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

In Katy's opinion, weddings should follow some basic rules:1) No-one should ever have sex. Of course. The married couple has the rest of their lives for that, and the guests should be too busy partying.2) If you are heavily pregnant (as Katy is) you should obviously not be invited to three weddings in the space of one summer. Your husband's accident-prone best friend, your attention-seeking colleague, your 73-year-old mother's marriage to her Spanish toy boy - all without even an alcoholic drink to make them bearable.3) During the speeches, it should not be revealed that you had a secret one-night-stand with one of the other guests.4) Instead of laying bets on the length of the best man's speech, guests should not be laying bets on whether a marriage will be in ruins before the end of the meal…But this summer, Katy is lucky enough to be the special guest at the weddings that break ALL of the rules. What could possibly go wrong? From the no. 1 bestselling author of No-one Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday, this book will make you laugh until you cry. Perfect for fans of Nick Spalding, Marian Keyes and Gill Sims. No-one makes readers laugh like Tracy Bloom!'Absolutely fabulous… I couldn't put this down and read it in about 3 hours flat… Easily my favourite book from Tracy Bloom so far.' Rachel's Random Reads, 5 stars'The title of this book grabbed my attention. It made me chuckle as it reminded me of my wedding night last month. I was so beat, dead on my feet; almost fell asleep in the shower. Needless to say, expensive hotel and new lingerie notwithstanding, sleep won. So, does anyone have sex at weddings?... Hilarious… had me laughing out loud.' A Haven for Book Lovers, 5 stars

The woman's limbs were so thin; the skin on her arms as translucent as tracing paper. Around her neck lay a faint string of purple bruises. In one so frail, darker, angrier marks might be expected but Beth knew the bruising would have stopped the moment her heart stopped beating.When a hiker finds the body of a woman by the shores of Lake Ullswater, the police are put on high alert. Felicia Evans was known to be a tough character, but who would have strangled her?Detective Beth Young quickly spots the links to three cold cases. Three women strangled and discarded in the stunning, wild hills of the Lake District.As Beth begins tracking down witnesses, the team receives an anonymous letter claiming the charming mayor of Carlisle is behind the murders. There's pressure from the top to clear his name. But Beth is determined to find the truth no matter whose feathers she ruffles in the process.Beth knows the clock is ticking. The killer is hunting again. And it's down to her to find who's responsible before another woman becomes his prey…A gripping edge-of-your-seat thriller from bestselling author Graham Smith, perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and J.R. Ellis. Readers are loving A Body in the Lakes:'Boy did I love every minute of it!... Everything that a true crime junkie wants and needs to satisfy that craving of thrills and chills… A Body In The Lakes is a dark and brooding read that totally held me captive. Parts chilled me to the core whilst other parts caught me off guard, causing an array of emotions. British crime writing at its best.' By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars'If I was to sum up in 3 words: Exciting, spine-tingling and unpredictable. It had me on the edge of my seat at times, especially when we got a glimpse into the killer's mind, and it literally kept me guessing until the very end.' Booked up Girl'A thrilling edge of your seat story.' Star Crossed Reviews, 5 stars'Excelled all expectations and this is a series that is right up there with my favourites… The book is set in one of my favourite places the Lake District with its beautiful scenery but the storyline is gruesome, disturbing and complex.. A gripping, fast paced thriller that grabs all your attention and doesn't let go, it's a real whodunnit and I would urge you not to miss it. Highly recommended.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'Once I started this book I didn't want it to finish, it's a great read and a must for crime thriller fans.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'Action packed, gritty, grisly in parts but also with some humour…and with a nail-biting build-up of tension this novel delivers on all counts for me. Great characterization and skilfully woven plot strands all add up to a captivating and very enjoyable read. Loved it and comes highly recommended.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'Plenty of red herrings and twists kept my brain engaged.' Chapter in my Life, 5 stars

A grand old house soaks up the golden summer sun… but inside the dining room something dreadful has happened. Melissa couldn't be happier that summer has arrived. She's delighted to have her mother back by her side, and she is extending her beloved Hawthorn Cottage so her new family can live together.Meanwhile, Melissa's mother Sylvia is back in good health and enjoying a brief stay at a stately retirement home. She loves getting to know the residents, until first a dog and then his owner are both found dead in the dining room. Like mother, like daughter, Sylvia decides to do a little investigating of her own.Convinced that the deaths are suspicious, Sylvia starts probing her fellow residents, trying to find out who might have wanted the dog and its owner dead. Could it be the once-married couple, or the glamorous actors or the harassed manager of the home?When one of Sylvia's friends falls ill in suspicious circumstances, Melissa realises her mother has rattled someone, but who? And what happens if the killer realises they've been rumbled? Will Sylvia find herself meeting a villain in the dining room? And can Melissa find the culprit before another life is taken? An absolutely gripping mystery for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis! This book was previously published as No Laughing Matter. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands:'Hooked from the first pages… wonderful… fascinating, full of twists and turns… kept me guessing till the end.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'Brilliant… I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars'An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!' Renita D'Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter, 5 stars'Perfect for lovers of COZY CRIME!... I loved this book… This is an easily read book but it will keep you on your toes.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

'What a heart-breaking story!... The tissues came out, then they were put back away only for them to be taken back out again! Had me gripped from the first page. A book that will make you want to hug your children and never let them go... Have tissues to hand!' Stardust Book ReviewsMy baby girl, I'll never forget you - your smile, your laugh, the way your hair sparkles in the sun. I cannot comprehend this pain. I cannot breathe through it.For Claire, life as she knows it is over. And after the death of her daughter, Julia, she is searching for answers. Stumbling upon a pile of letters, hidden under Julia's bed in an old, battered shoebox, she feels closer to her daughter than ever before. They tell her that Julia was happy, that she was thriving at university, that she was in love. But as the letters go on, Claire starts to feel uneasy at something hidden between the lines. Even as she grieves, she must prepare to face a shocking discovery. Because Julia was hiding a terrible secret - and when it's uncovered, it will make Claire question everything she thought she knew about her daughter…An emotional and gripping page turner that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Fans of Liane Moriarty, Lisa Wingate and Jodi Picoult will love this moving and poignant tale that's full of twists. Readers absolutely love Nicole Trope:'WOW!!! It brought out so many different emotions in me and I was crying walking the dog… This book will stay with me for a long time.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'Simply one of the best books I've read.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'I love Nicole Trope!... Perfect for lovers of Jodi Picoult.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'I read it in one sitting!... The characters have crept under my skin and could be there a lifetime.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'You know you've enjoyed a book when you read it in about 2 days!!' Goodreads Reviewer'Impossible to put down… Utterly engrossing…Both utterly shocking and unbearably moving.' Book'd Out'Well there goes my Sunday… This book was so compelling, I just had to keep going until I was finished… Brilliant.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'I can tell we're going to be the best of friends…'When Louisa Sullivan takes her little boy to his first playdate at a new friend's house she doesn't realise life is about to change for her family. Because she's about to meet Darcy Lane.Darcy is a woman who has everything - a dream house, a powerful husband and enviable wealth.She's the perfect wife. The perfect friend. The perfect liar. From the top ten bestselling author of The Secret Mother and The Child Next Door, this utterly gripping psychological thriller will have you up all night reading. If you loved Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and The Wife Between Us this book is for you.Why readers are hooked by The Best Friend:'Absolutely Brilliant!... grabbed me right from the very first page and kept my interest throughout… one of the most intense thrillers I have read… I cannot even get over the level of craziness!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!! This book had me holding my breath… So many emotions and frustrations rolled into one!!!... a fantastic psychological thriller.... I give it a huge 5 stars!!!!... goes right up to my top 5 books this year!!!!!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'Just electrifying. I could hardly sit still… wonderful twists that had me gasping in shock... I absolutely love it… a gripping page turner of a read that you just have to read in one sitting. I could feel my heart literally pounding… Definitely one that will have you on the edge of your seat… Loved, loved, loved it!' By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars'WOW - this one of the most tense and gripping psychological thrillers I've read. From the first page I was absorbed… really has you on the edge of your seat… totally engrossing.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'Shocking, Stunning, Unbelievably fascinating… a wonderful read and will definitely keep you on your toes!... Wow factor is phenomenal!... this book pulled me into every twist… You stayed glued to the pages until the very last.' Nook Books and More, 5 stars'I could not put this down! 5 star book all the way. Gripping, addictive, wriggle in your seat kind of book! … It's brilliant! I loved the ending too. You will not be disappointed!!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'OMG what a read. Absolutely fantastic read… had me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait to read more from this author. Highly recommended. 5 stars.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

Bright mornings and brisk walks… spring has arrived in the Cotswolds. But the atmosphere is positively wintery in Upper Benbury after a series of murders shake the close-knit community. Since her move to the country, Melissa Craig has become firmly established in village life. So, when one of the older residents fails to show up for a drinks party, Melissa goes to check on her. What she finds chills her to the bone: her dear neighbour has been murdered, and the killer has painted a hideous smile onto her face… Melissa soon realises that the death in her village bears the same trademark as a series of recent murders in the Cotswolds. When will The Smiler strike again? With a dangerous killer on the loose, Melissa realises she needs to solve this case quickly. But as she starts to look closely at the people around her, she realises the killer may be closer to home than she could ever have imagined. What dark secrets are the villagers of Upper Benbury hiding? And can Melissa crack this deadly case before another life is taken? Do you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and P.D. James? If so, then you won't be able to put down this gripping novel!

A tenacious young detective with scars both physical and emotional, Beth Young will stop at nothing in her fight for justice for the innocent. Death in the Lakes is the first book in the series. Set in the Lake District, it is perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and Peter James. Detective Beth Young has just joined the Cumbrian major crimes team when a body is found posed in a ritualistic manner - arms spread and graceful wings attached - at a crumbling castle in the hills of the Lake District. The entire police force is on red alert. But Beth begins to feel she's the only one who can follow the disturbing clues left by the twisted killer. Because she doesn't think like everyone else. To Beth, crimes are puzzles she can solve. Even if real life is a little harder. As more bodies are discovered in derelict stately homes across the Lake District, Beth knows she's in a race against time. But the killer is looking for another victim to add to his collection… Will Beth be able to save her? Or will he get there first? Readers are loving Death in the Lakes: 'I was absolutely gripped… A sophisticated and gripping read that will send your heart racing. This is an author who knows exactly what a crime fan expects from a book and he delivers every time. A thrilling and twisted read.' By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars 'Ohh I really enjoyed this book so much, the plot was exceptionally good, very gruesome and totally addictive.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Every now and again something stunning comes along, and now is that time… Not only is the story original, and compelling, but the main character is one of the best fictional Police Detectives I've had the pleasure to be introduced to… A great book, just stunning.' Nigel Adams Bookworm, 5 stars 'Graham Smith is excellent at creating characters which lead the reader to make assumptions about them before he picks away and slowly reveals what lies... A great start to what promises to be an exciting new series.' Chapter in my Life 'Packed a punch of thrills and chills… [A] remarkable read that captures the mind in a vice grip and refuses to let it go.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars '[It] thunders towards a thrilling climax.' Goodreads reviewer 'Twisted and gruesome. And brilliant… Hugely atmospheric… The action is full on, and the story is full of tension - my nerves were shredded!' Suze Reviews 'Compulsive, atmospheric and relentlessly gripping!' Craig Russell 'Oh my, what a chillingly disturbing first case… Just when you think you may have it figured out… You don't… If you like a good police procedural serial killer mystery…. this is the one for you.' Goodreads reviewer 'A very, very cleverly written novel which grows in intensity… A psychologically intelligent, gripping and complex start to a brand-new series.' The Writing Garnet

As the stage is set for a local village play in a beautiful countryside manor, Melissa Craig plays the role of detective once again when one of the cast is mysteriously murdered… Melissa is delighted when she's asked to help put on a play at her favourite local Cotswolds hotel. There's nothing she loves more than getting to know the cast, who are just as colourful behind the scenes as they are on stage.Rehearsals are running smoothly until the perpetually grumpy supporting actor is found spread-eagled at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs leading to a cellar.As Melissa tries in vain to save his life, she is sure she can hear voices nearby and suspects there is more to this accident than meets the eye. Why on earth was he trying to get down to the hotel's private cellar? And why does the hotel manager seem so angry about it?When the hotel floor plans deliver some unexpected revelations, Melissa is convinced that she's dealing with a murder. But when all of your suspects are actors, how can you tell the good liars from the bad? Can Melissa find the killer before the final curtain falls? If you've devoured books by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and P.D. James, you won't be able to resist this page-turning murder mystery! This book was previously published as Exhaustive Enquiries. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands:'Hooked from the first pages… wonderful… fascinating, full of twists and turns… kept me guessing till the end.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'Brilliant… I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars'An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!' Renita D'Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter, 5 stars