A relentlessly paced domestic noir examining the mother-son-daughter-in-law relationship in a chilling new light.

If you liked B. A. Paris’s Behind Closed Doors or Jenny Blackhurst’s Before I Let You In, you’ll love this compelling and chilling psychological thriller. We all know that family relationships are never straightforward, and we can’t choose our children’s partners. We just have to hope we like them . . . A girl. A boy. His mother. And the lie she’ll wish she’d never told. Laura has it all. A successful career, a long marriage to a rich husband, and a 23-year-old son, Daniel, who is kind, handsome and talented. Then Daniel meets Cherry. Cherry is young, beautiful and smart but she hasn’t had the same opportunities as Daniel. And she wants Laura’s life. Cherry comes to the family wide-eyed and wants to be welcomed with open arms, but Laura suspects she’s not all that she seems. When tragedy strikes, one of them tells an unforgiveable lie – probably the worst lie anyone could tell. It is an act of desperation, but the fall-out will change their lives forever.

‘I was blown away’ – Jilly Cooper

A gripping and chilling debut psychological thriller, The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances is the story of a mother, a son, his girlfriend and an unforgivable lie.

She loves your son. She wants your life. How far would you go to protect your son?

Laura has it all. A successful career, a long marriage to a rich husband, and a twenty-three year-old son, Daniel, who is kind, handsome, and talented. Then Daniel meets Cherry. Cherry is young, beautiful and smart – but hasn’t led Laura’s golden life. And she wants it.

When tragedy strikes, a decision is made and a lie is told. A lie so terrible it changes their lives forever . . .