In a small town, secrets don't stay hidden for long. Another standout compulsive and thought-provoking novel from the author of the Richard & Judy book club pick, The Herd.
The compulsive, page-turning new novel from the bestselling author of Richard & Judy book club pick The Herd, perfect for fans of Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere and Liane Moriarty.
'Brilliantly done' Sarah Turner, bestselling author of Stepping Up
'Addictive, thought-provoking, and cleverly told' Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing Girl
What happens behind closed doors stays there. Doesn't it?
Rosie and Seb Kent are happily married, living in the sleepy seaside town of Waverly. Now that Seb has achieved his dream of becoming headmaster of the local school, their lives couldn't be any better.
Then she arrives.
Abi, a young, single mother, has come to Waverly for a fresh start. She plans to reinvent herself and give her children a new life. But then she sees Seb.
And nothing will ever be the same again . . .
As their complicated hidden past threatens to destroy them both, they try their hardest to keep it contained.
But in a small town, secrets don’t stay hidden for long, and soon, what should be their private business becomes a very public scandal.
How far will everyone – them, their families and the whole community – go to protect everything they hold dearest?
*** READERS CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT PRIVATE LIVES ***
'Emily Edward’s takes a simple situation and turns it into a compulsive page turner'
'Emily Edwards...has a brilliant knack for the book-club type discussion novel'
'Simply superb storytelling. Emily Edward has nailed the domestic drama'
Praise for Emily Edwards:
'A knock-out twist' GILLIAN McALLISTER
'Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant' CLARE MACKINTOSH
'It is hard to imagine a more timely novel' JODI PICOULT
About the Author
After studying at Edinburgh University, Emily Edwards worked for a think tank in New York before returning to London where she worked as a support worker for vulnerable women at a large charity. She now lives in Lewes, East Sussex with her endlessly patient husband and her two endlessly energetic young sons.
The inspiration for The Herd came when she was eight months pregnant with her first son, and her husband and their vaccine-hesitant doula had an impassioned 'debate' about vaccination in their garden. As she sat there with her hands over her huge stomach listening to them both, Emily realized this was an issue which impacts us all and that it would make a brilliant topic for a novel.
Industry Reviews
It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue.
Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE
Controversial, addictive and clever, and the characters are so multi-layered and complex they are wholly believable.
Woman & Home
Wow! What an incredible book, and so timely. I was riveted! Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story.
Susan Lewis
Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it!
Stella
Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant.
Clare Mackintosh
Echoes of The Slap.
Stylist
Smart, empathetic and with a knock-out twist.
Gillian McAllister
I loved this book. It put me through the emotional wringer. A genuine rollercoaster that asks big moral questions with beautifully drawn characters who left me in tears but also full of hope.
Sharon Horgan
A timely novel, we were completely gripped.
Closer
THE HERD is a tense and provocative exploration of parental friendship tangled in one of the most controversial topics of our time. Compelling and nuanced, this hugely impressive page-turner will have readers desperate to discuss: what would they do?
Ashley Audrain
Insightful, compassionate and nuanced. The Herd is so good.
Louise O'Neill
Gripping, thought-provoking, moving and oh-so-topical, The Herd tackles the most divisive parenting issue of our age with skill and compassion. Fans of Jodi Picoult will DEVOUR it
Tammy Cohen
Addictive, thought-provoking, compassionate and cleverly told, Private Lives explores contrasting attitudes to controversial ethical dilemmas, raising the question of how far people have the right to know the personal secrets of those in authority. A highly compelling and complex read that will spark rich and lively debate.
JENNY QUINTANA
Loved this. It's about two residents in a small town whose past catches up with them, causing major upset to both their families and the wider local community. It's about gossip and judgement and forgiveness, and is brilliantly done.
SARAH TURNER (The Unmumsy Mum)
Calling it a perfect book club read (which it is) doesn't do justice to the compulsive urge it invokes to message all your girlfriends and ask them what they would do in the same circumstances! Edwards presents all sides of a complex situation with balance and compassion, wrapped up in a compelling story with beautifully taut prose.
KIT CONWAY
This brilliantly written novel will really get you thinking.
The Sun on Sunday's Fabulous Magazine
Fast-paced with fantastic dialogue, we loved this.
Woman's Weekly
Just who, the novel asks, is the villain here? A great premise and plot with lots of emotion.
Daily Mail
