Bad Blood

an explosive psychological crime suspense thriller with a triple twist: 'a triumph!' Claire Douglas
Hodder's 2025 crime launch title - a debut from a well-connected agent and writer, Sarah Hornsley. When young lawyer Justine Stone's ex-boyfriend is accused of a brutal double murder, she is forced to return to her home town to investigate.

'An intricate, clever thriller that delves beautifully into family dynamics and small-town politics. I loved it ― Jennie Godfrey, No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS

A FAMILY FULL OF SECRETS

Justine Stone left her small, claustrophobic hometown in Essex eighteen years ago, turning her back on her family and what happened that terrible night.

A HOUSE FULL OF LIES

But when her childhood sweetheart, Jake, is accused of a horrific double murder, Justine's world begins to crumble. And when her brother disappears in the wake of the deaths, Justine is forced to open the door to the past again - a door that she's kept shut for years.

A NIGHT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

What has her mother been hiding all this time? Why does nobody ever talk about the death of her father? And what did her brother know about the couple Jake is accused of killing?

WHEN EVERYONE HAS A REASON TO LIE, HOW DO YOU UNCOVER THE TRUTH?

'Incredibly gripping. A triumph' - Claire Douglas, #1 bestselling author of THE COUPLE AT NO. 9

READERS LOVE BAD BLOOD
'GOSH - did not expect that ending!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I've been dying to read a juicy courtroom thriller after finishing Apple's Presumed Innocent - and this delivered on all fronts! Can't wait to read what the author writes next!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The plot is brilliant with lots of twists and a very unexpected ending' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This book will keep you guessing to the very end. This is an outstanding debut from Sarah Hornsley - very well written, with a lovely flow to the book and characters that will surprise you and finishing with a great twist. Brilliant!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I absolutely loved this well crafted thriller, with its mix of small town and family dynamics. It is very much for fans of Sarah Vaughan but also has a flavour of Broadchurch' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

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