Author: Vaughan, Sarah

Thriller / suspense

Published on 27 August 2026 by Simon & Schuster Ltd in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 416 pages
197 x 131 x 27 | 296g

ALL FAMILIES HAVE SECRETS. BUT IT’S THE LIES THAT CAN KILL.

The compelling new novel about power, money and lies from the author of Anatomy of a Scandal.

A timely and compelling study of family guilt. Sarah Vaughan’s finest novel yet’ MICK HERRONVaughan’s novels are not just screenplay drafts: her cool, careful prose is a pleasure to read’ TELEGRAPHExpertly plotted and crackling with tension, this is dysfunctional family psychodrama at its unputdownable best’ GUARDIAN This is talented Vaughan’s sixth novel and cements her place as one of our finest thriller writers’ DAILY MAILThe gap between public image and private life is the theme of this clever novelIntriguing’ THE TIMESSarah Vaughan doesn’t miss a beat in this intricate family thriller As the jeopardy builds, so does the brilliant characterisation’ SAINSBURYS MAGAZINEShades of King Lear in this gripping tale of three daughters coming together to celebrate the 70th birthday of their mother A notably, well-written, thoughtful thriller, strong on family dynamics’ MAIL ON SUNDAYVaughan elegantly toys with readers’ expectations as she parcels out details about Eleanor’s family and relationships and explores themes of class, power, and the magpie-like nature of authorshipa canny, suspenseful tale’ PUBLISHERS WEEKLYPacked with twists and oozing with menace, this sharp-edged tale is a taut triumph’ CRIME MONTHLYGripping’ CLOSERAlavish 70th birthday party.Abody found onastorm-lashed beach.Andasecret that someoneis dyingto tell…Famed children’sauthor Dame Eleanor Kingman has summoned her familyand friends to her exquisite manor house on the cliffs. They’re celebrating her birthday and her latest number one bestsellerin her series of books based onamother foxand her cubs.

But the night before the party, Eleanor receivesan email:an email that threatens to expose the lie she’s kept upforover halfacentury.

Someone knows her secret.Isit her estranged literaryagent?Isit her ex-husband, to whom she no longer speaks?Isit the nanny she firedall those yearsago, whoalways didhaveaknackforstorytelling? Orisit one of her three daughters,all of whomhaveastakein the publishing empire she has built…

WithaTVcrewarriving to filmadocumentary of her life, Eleanor needs to find out who sent the email and preserve her multimillion-pound career.

But when push comes to shove,andit’s time to tell the truth willanyoneactually believe her?