Dervla McTiernan has done it again. In the heart of Vermont, a young woman named Nina Fraser vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a cloud of suspicion hovering over her boyfriend, Simon Jordan. The novel opens with a haunting prologue narrated by Nina herself, shedding light on her tumultuous relationship with Simon and the fateful weekend they spent together near Stowe. A chilling declaration marks the end of her narrative: “I went downstairs to tell Simon that we were over and that I never wanted to see him again.”

As the story unfolds, the voices of Nina's parents, Leanne and Andy, Simon's mother, Jamie, and Detective Matthew Wright take center stage. Together with a few other characters, they embark on a journey to unravel Nina's story, confronting their own fears, suspicions, and the harsh realities that emerge in the wake of her disappearance.

Through a series of revelations and introspections, McTiernan skillfully delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of grief, helplessness, and the complexities of parenthood. In this narrative, the focus shifts from the mere question of "who" to the profound exploration of "why" and "what," challenging traditional thriller conventions.

While the mystery surrounding Nina's disappearance may lack ambiguity, the novel brims with raw humanity and poignant reflections. It serves as a meditation on the fragility of life, the weight of unconditional love, and the painful realization that death strips away the illusion of control over our destinies.

In a world where the only certainty is love, McTiernan asks a haunting question: Is love enough to overcome the harsh realities of loss and betrayal? Through her poignant prose and intricate character portrayals, she leaves readers pondering the profound implications of mortality and the enduring power of human connection.

Publishers Review

'Her best yet. Completely riveting ... and everyone's going to be talking about that ending' Sally Hepworth

'Propulsive and satisfying ... This is Dervla McTiernan at her finest.' Tracey Lien, internationally bestselling author of All That's Left Unsaid

'Gripping ... A smart and unpredictable portrait of how the boundaries between tragedy and entertainment get blurred. It's a disturbing treat for thriller fans.' Publishers Weekly

'One of the best thrillers I have read ... unforgettable and deeply moving' Don Winslow

'McTiernan turns the traditional thriller on its head ... [with] deep humanity ... Truly haunting.' Kirkus starred review

'A masterpiece. Haunting, emotional, fiercely intelligent and absolutely diabolical' TJ Newman, author of Falling