From the acclaimed author of The Party comes a story inspired by a true crime, in which two women form a deep friendship, but their dark secrets threaten to destroy their bond.

Frances Metcalfe is struggling to stay afloat. A stay-at-home mum whose troubled son Marcus is a full-time job, she thought that the day he was accepted at the elite Forrester School would be the day their lives changed for the better. But after a disturbing incident at school leads other families to ostracise the Metcalfes, Frances feels more alone than ever.

Until she meets Kate Randolph.

Kate is beautiful, wealthy, confident and powerful. And she just wants to be friends with Frances.

But as the two bond, a startling secret threatens to destroy them – because one of these women is not who she seems.

In a masterful psychological suspense novel, Harding spins a web of lies, deceit and betrayal. What happens when friendships are tested and lives are put on the line? And is it ever possible to forgive the past?

What readers said about The Party

‘Painfully compulsive, this riveting drama piles layer upon layer of tension’ Sunday Mirror

‘If you enjoyed Big Little Lies, you’ll love this explosive family drama’ Take a Break

‘A compulsive page turner’ Bella