The Mother Next Door

I glance over at Lou's house as I pull onto my drive, surprised that it is still in darkness. Lou and the kids should have been home from school long ago. I should be preparing a delicious meal for my children as they tell me about their day. But Lou's car is nowhere to be seen...

The night is drawing in and Lou has still not returned. I try not to panic, but deep down I know something is wrong. Lou is the most dependable friend. Our children are at the same school. We always help each other out, and she cares for my two like only a mother can.

As a storm rages outside and local news reports tell everyone to stay indoors, a feeling of deep dread starts to swell. Then the call comes. The police have found Lou's car, with my children's schoolbags still inside along with Lou's phone. But they are nowhere to be seen.

Clutching my husband's hands, willing our children to be found safe and sound, I try to silence the voice inside my head. I've not been honest. I'm being punished for what happened all those years ago.

And then I get Lou's message and I know that if I want to see my children again, I need to tell the truth to everyone I love.

What I don't yet know is that Lou has been keeping her own dark secret. And once the storm passes, nothing will ever be the same again.

A gripping and addictive psychological suspense about dark obsession, intense motherly love and how far we will go to protect those we love the most. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Adele Parks and Sally Hepworth.

What readers are saying about Leah Mercer:

'Wow... From start to finish, I was literally hooked... Blew me away... Unputdownable, emotional and heartbreaking.' Tropicalgirlreadsbooks ¿¿¿¿¿

'Hooked right from the beginning, I knew this was going to be a one sitting read... I was prepared and had the tissues at the ready. Did I need them? Yes I did!... Really pulled on my heart strings... This is one tale that I highly recommend and is one that will be part of my best reads of the year.' Once Upon A Time Book Reviews ¿¿¿¿¿

'Amazing... I would advise you to keep a few tissues handy, because the emotions run high. I would also advise you to clear your schedule, because you will be unable to put this book down.' B for Bookreview ¿¿¿¿¿

'As soon as I started reading I was gripped... I loved the suspense and intrigue... I read all through the day.' NetGalley reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿

'This book is so good and I loved every single second of it... Riveting and extremely twisted, there was no way I could put this one down and it resulted in an all-night read and a major book hangover!' RubieReads ¿¿¿¿¿