Alice Clark-Platts

This is a stunning debut - part psychological thriller, part detective novel - from a powerful and distinctive new voice. The murder of a first-year university student shocks the city of Durham. The victim, Emily Brabents, was from the privileged and popular set at Joyce College, a cradle for the country's future elite. As Detective Inspector Erica Martin investigates the college, she finds a close-knit community fuelled by jealousy, obsession and secrets. But the very last thing she expects is an instant confession...The picture of Emily that begins to emerge is that of a girl wanted by everyone, but not truly known by anyone. Anyone, that is, except Daniel Shepherd. Her fellow student, ever-faithful friend and the only one who cares. The only one who would do anything for her...Praise for Bitter Fruits: "There is a gripping, economic precision in this highly charged thriller." (Ralph Fiennes). "Grabbed me from the first page and wouldn't let go. A compelling read, beautifully written...A tense, captivating tale, brilliantly told." (Rachel Abbott). "Once I started reading it I couldn't stop. A brilliantly plotted and utterly gripping thriller." (Emma Kavanagh). "Superbly gripping...A very assured page-turning storm I read in one sitting. " (Stav Sherez). "A psychological police procedural...An intelligent and thrilling debut." (Peter Guttridge, author and former Observer crime critic). "Intriguing and sinister with masterful plotting and tension. A bittersweet read by a new crime author I can't wait to read again." (Mel Sherratt). "A thought-provoking, atmospheric and emotional page turning thriller - brimming with mystery and suspense. I absolutely loved this novel, and devoured it from cover to cover." (Paul Pilkington).

`Enjoyably twisty ... with a killer ending' i `I couldn't put it down' Sophie Hannah `Clever and twisty' Observer THREE CHILDREN WENT OUT TO PLAY. ONLY TWO CAME BACK. The Flower Girls. Laurel and Primrose. One convicted of murder, the other given a new identity. Now, nineteen years later, another child has gone missing. And the Flower Girls are about to hit the headlines all over again...