First appearing as a deadly accident, Penny Varnavides’s death is quickly revealed to be a murder – one that bears a shocking resemblance to the killing in her upcoming book.

Only three people knew the plot of Penny’s manuscript: her literary agent, her editor and her ex-girlfriend, Meredith, who is immediately arrested.

Writer Lindsay Gordon is convinced of Meredith’s innocence, and delves into the cutthroat and competitive world of London publishing in search of a murderer.

Praise for Val McDermid

‘McDermid remains unrivalled … Brilliant’ Observer

‘Val McDermid is a born storyteller… absorbing reading’ Sunday Telegraph

‘A classic … McDermid pulls out all the stops. Impeccable’ Guardian