Comme une impression de déjà-vu ?Helen et George avaient imaginé une nouvelle vie, loin de leurs problèmes, dans ce cottage à retaper au fin fond des Cornouailles. Mais à peine sont-ils arrivés, qu'ils comprennent que quelque chose cloche avec cet endroit. Helen ne se départit pas de l'angoissante sensation d'avoir déjà vu cette maison. Et ce ne sont pas les poupées découvertes dans les murs ni les étranges bocaux enterrés dans le jardin qui atténuent sa terreur. Quand elle découvre que cette maison a appartenu trente ans plus tôt à une femme soupçonnée de sorcellerie coupable d'un triple meurtre, le passé revient brutalement frapper à leur porte. Helen et George réalisent alors qu'ils courent un terrible danger, et qu'ils ne peuvent se fier à personne - ni même l'un à l'autre.Après le succès de Personne ne doit savoir, Prix des lectrices 2023, Claire McGowan revient avec un thriller psychologique terrifiant aux enjeux sociaux très actuels.
« Une histoire captivante, percutante et pleine de rebondissements. Claire McGowan est au sommet de son art. » Peter James
Et si on parlait du bon vieux temps ?Alison organise une réunion d'anciens camarades d'Oxford pour fêter une amitié longue d'un quart de siècle. Entre-temps, elle s'est mariée avec Mike, avocat d'affaires, dont elle a eu deux enfants. Elle vit dans la maison de ses rêves dans le Kent. Elle a réussi sa vie, et elle a bien l'intention d'en faire la démonstration lors de ces retrouvailles.Mais la fête vire au drame lorsque Karen, la meilleure amie d'Alison, fait irruption dans la maison, en état de choc. Elle affirme que le mari d'Alison l'a violée. Mike jure qu'il est innocent. À qui se fier ? Ce douloureux épisode fait resurgir les plus sombres souvenirs de leurs années de fac. Et certains sont prêts à tuer pour que ces souvenirs restent des secrets bien gardés.« Un suspense à couper le souffle. » Sunday Mirror« Ces pages fourmillent de fausses pistes et de rebondissements : accrochez-vous, ça va secouer. » Crime Time« Un thriller époustouflant qui vous tiendra en haleine jusqu'à la dernière page. » Erin Kelly
C'est une parfaite inconnue. Mais elle sait qui tu es.Il n'y a pas si longtemps Suzi a fait quelque chose de mal. Elle en paie le prix à présent : enceinte et terrorisée, elle vit dans un cottage isolé avec Nick, son mari jaloux.Quand Nora s'installe dans la seule maison à proximité, Suzi est ravie d'avoir enfin une amie. À tel point qu'elle est presque tentée de lui révéler son effroyable secret. Mais très rapidement Suzi commence à douter : Nora serait-elle au courant ? C'est pourtant impossible.Rattrapées par leurs secrets et leurs mensonges, Suzi et Nora vont vite réaliser qu'elles ont bien plus en commun qu'elles ne l'auraient imaginé. Et que les apparences sont parfois trompeuses...Un suspense psychologique brillamment construit aussi glaçant que divertissant.Pour les fans de Lisa Jewell et Samantha Downing.« Un thriller haletant, au suspense qui vous tiendra captivé jusqu'à la dernière ligne. » Erin Kelly« Trois points de vue et un twist renversant : Claire McGowan sait comment tisser une histoire géniale ! » The Daily Mail« Un formidable page-turner. » The Guardian« Drôle et parfaitement rythmé... à glacer le sang. » The Daily Telegraph« Un roman captivant que vous n'arriverez pas à lâcher. » The Sun« Un thriller remarquablement exécuté, à l'atmosphère envoûtante. À donner des frissons dans le dos ! » Sunday Mirror« Extrêmement convaincant et intelligent. » The Bookseller« Un roman complexe, dérangeant et intelligent, qui sait rester léger et extrêmement divertissant. » Irish Times« Débordant d'intrigues, ce livre est à lire absolument. » Woman & Home
« Un thriller psychologique palpitant. » Cécile "SeriaLectrice", 20 Minutes
Blood stains the altar. Can she be found?
Paula Maguire, forensic psychologist is called in to investigate a missing girl and the disappearance of a holy relic in Claire McGowan's exhilarating fourth novel in the series, A SAVAGE HUNTER. The Paula Maguire series is sure to enthral fans of Stuart MacBride and Lee Child.
'A complex, disturbing, resonant novel that remains light on its feet and immensely entertaining' - Irish Times
Victim: Female. Twenty-two years of age.
Reason for investigation: Missing person.
ID: Alice Morgan. Student. Last seen at a remote religious shrine in Ballyterrin.
Alice Morgan's disappearance raises immediate questions for forensic psychologist Paula Maguire. Alice, the daughter of a life pee0r in the Home Office, has vanished along with a holy relic - the bones of a saint - and the only trace is the bloodstains on the altar.
With no body to confirm death, the pressure in this high-profile case is all-consuming, and Paula knows that she will have to put her own life, including her imminent marriage, on hold, if they are to find the truth.
A connection to a decades-old murder immediately indicates that all may not be as it seems; as the summer heat rises and tempers fray, can Alice be found or will they learn that those that are hungry for vengeance may be the most savage of all?
What readers are saying about A Savage Hunter:
'A compelling story with twists and turns, intelligently written to include history and current issues'
'An excellent, well-written series, giving you an insight into the troubles that have plagued Northern Ireland and how all their lives have been affected'
'I found the twisty threads really engrossing and couldn't wait to see how they were brought to a climax. And boy, talk about explosive ending!
Some say they deserve their fate. But isn't everyone entitled to justice?
Forensic psychologist Paula Maguire is in a race against time to solve a deadly crime in THE SILENT DEAD, the third novel in Claire McGowan's terrific, hard-hitting crime series. The perfect read for fans of Val McDermid and Elly Griffiths.
'Astonishing, powerful and immensely satisfying' - Peter James
Victim: Male. Mid-thirties. 5'7".
Cause of death: Hanging. Initial impression - murder.
ID: Mickey Doyle. Suspected terrorist and member of the Mayday Five.
The officers at the crime scene know exactly who the victim is. Doyle was one of five suspected bombers who caused the deaths of sixteen people.
The remaining four are also missing and when a second body is found, decapitated, it's clear they are being killed by the same methods their victims suffered.
Forensic psychologist Paula Maguire is assigned the case but she is up against the clock - both personally and professionally.
With moral boundaries blurred between victim and perpetrator, will Paula be able to find those responsible? After all, even killers deserve justice...
What readers are saying about The Silent Dead:
'Great atmosphere - it's tense and chilling. I simply did not want to put this book down. Superb fast-paced plot and wonderful storytelling'
'A gripping story covering grief and frustration as it explores the moral dilemma of people failed by the system to may just be taking justice into their own hands. A great read'
'Absorbing story that constantly holds your attention. Steady, tense layering, building up to the nerve-wrecking end
Stolen. Missing. Dead...
Forensic psychologist Paul Maguire is up against the clock to stop a merciless killer in THE DEAD GROUND, the second novel in the highly acclaimed Paula Maguire series and the gripping follow up to The Lost. Claire McGowan's thrillers are sure to enthral readers of Michael Connelly and Karin Slaughter
'Fresh and accessible without ever compromising on grit or suspense' - Erin Kelly
Forensic psychologist Paula Maguire, already wrestling with the hardest decision of her life, is forced to put her own problems on hold when she's asked to help find a baby taken from a local hospital.
Then the brutal, ritualistic murder of a woman found lying on a remote stone circle indicates a connection to the kidnapping and Paula knows that they will have to move fast if they are to find the person responsible.
When another child is taken and a pregnant woman goes missing, Paula finds herself caught up in a deadly hunt for a killer determined to leave no trace, and discovers every decision she makes really is a matter of life and death...
What readers are saying about The Dead Ground:
'Another gripping page-turner from a fabulous writer!'
'Every time you think you've got it all worked out there will be another twist to it. Definitely worth reading'
'A powerful read that touched nicely on women's rights and pro-choice in an Irish context. Cleverly done; I felt a great deal of empathy for all concerned. An excellent read
A twisty, unputdownable thriller about the secrets people keep and the lies people tell, for fans of THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN and BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. "Compelling and flawless" Sharon Bolton
What would you do if the man you love was arrested for murder?
Bad things never happen to Charlotte.
But her fiancé Dan has been hiding a secret, and the pressure is pushing him over the edge.
When he's arrested for killing a nightclub owner, Charlotte's future is shattered.
Then she opens her door to Keisha, an angry and frustrated stranger with a story to tell.
Convinced of Dan's innocence, Charlotte must fight for him - even if it means destroying her perfect life. But what Keisha knows will threaten everyone she loves, and put Charlotte's own life in danger...
Three stories. One truth. Brace yourself for The Fall.
What people are saying about Claire McGowan:
'A knockout new talent' Lee Child
'Astonishing, powerful and immensely satisfying' Peter James
'Compelling and flawless' Sharon Bolton
'A keeps-you-guessing mystery' Alex Marwood
'Clever and entertaining' Jane Casey
'Original and compelling' Mark Edwards
'Terrifically assured and pulse pounding' Stav Sherez
'Taut plotting and assured writing' Good Housekeeping
'A cool and twisted debut' Daily Mirror
'She knows how to tell a cracking story' Daily Mail
'Page turning' Guardian
'Chills you to the bone' Daily Telegraph
Paula Maguire, forensic psychologist on the Irish border, returns as a teenager in this exclusive digital short story from Claire McGowan. If you love the Paula Maguire series, or are yet to meet the infamous psychologist, you'll be gripped...
1998 and future forensic psychologist Paula Maguire is still in school, being taunted by bullies. In particular one girl, whose family has paramilitary links, is calling her a rat. Even though Paula might not know why her mother went missing five years before, she's sure she's no traitor's daughter.
But words are nothing compared to what her policeman father, PJ, is dealing with. The hot summer is simmering with violence and the entire force is focused on finding a bomber leaving devices on the routes of Orange parades.
When PJ is injured at the scene of a crime, Paula is shocked to find herself next in the perpetrator's crosshairs. The threats at school don't feel so empty now, but what connection could there be?
As the possibility of first love appears, will Paula be able to find out in time to save herself and follow her heart?
What readers are saying about Controlled Explosions:
'A beautifully rendered novella set way before the series began. I was completely hooked'
'Fast-paced and exciting'
'A great peek into the history of Paula - our favourite psychologist! All very fascinating - I just love the setting
A missing couple. A lurking killer. A perfect storm.
Forensic psychologist Paula Maguire returns to solve a dark and dangerous case on a small Irish island in the taut and terrifying BLOOD TIDE, the fifth novel in Claire McGowan's acclaimed series. The perfect read for fans of Joy Ellis and Karin Slaughter.
'A brilliantly executed thriller with a haunting and atmospheric setting. Spine tingling' - Sunday Mirror
Called in to investigate the disappearance of a young couple during a violent storm, Paula Maguire, forensic psychologist, has mixed feelings about going back to Bone Island. Her last family holiday as a child was spent on its beautiful, remote beaches and returning brings back haunting memories of her long-lost mother.
It soon becomes clear that outsiders aren't welcome on the island, and with no choice but to investigate the local community, Paula soon suspects foul play, realising that the islanders are hiding secrets from her, and each other.
With another storm fast approaching, Paula is faced with a choice. Leave alive or risk being trapped with a killer on an inescapable island, as the blood tide rushes in...
What readers are saying about Blood Tide:
'A very clever plot with many shocking moments. The island setting added to the atmosphere as did the ongoing storm. What a terrific book'
'I caught myself holding my breath as I followed the characters avidly. This is definitely the series that keeps on giving and keeps getting better'
'A masterfully plotted and executed novel. The pace never lets up, with new developments in every chapter. An excellent read
Long-buried secrets are being unearthed. And they're very close to home...
Forensic psychologist Paula Maguire returns yet again to her hometown to investigate a spine-chilling case in THE KILLING HOUSE, the sixth novel in Claire McGowan's series. The Paula Maguire series is the perfect read for fans of Michael Connelly and Peter May.
'A delicious spookiness is added to McGowan's customary mix of complex characterisation and sweat-inducing excitement, offering a new level of chilling thrills' - Sunday Mirror
When a puzzling missing persons' case opens up in her hometown, forensic psychologist Paula Maguire can't help but return once more.
Renovations at an abandoned farm have uncovered two bodies: a man known to be an IRA member missing since the nineties, and a young girl whose identity remains a mystery.
As Paula attempts to discover who the girl is and why no one is looking for her, an anonymous tip-off claims that her own long-lost mother is also buried on the farm.
When another girl is kidnapped, Paula must find the person responsible before more lives are destroyed. But there are explosive secrets still to surface. And even Paula can't predict that the investigation will strike at the heart of all she holds dear.
What readers are saying about the Paula Maguire series:
'I have loved every single book. It's the characters and their own personal lives that really stand out in Claire McGowan's novels'
'Claire McGowan knows how to pull us in. Her future releases are always lined up on my kindle way ahead of time!'
'McGowan keeps developing her characters to be more rounded and complex. I've really fallen in love with the character of Paula Maguire and I can't wait to read more about her
Not everyone who's missing is lost
Hard-hitting and unputdownable, THE LOST follows Forensic psychologist Maguire back to her hometown in the search for two missing girls. This exhilarating introduction to the Paula Maguire series by Claire McGowan is sure to grip fans of Elly Griffiths and LJ Ross.
'Claire McGowan is a knockout new talent' - Lee Child
When two teenage girls go missing along the Irish border, forensic psychologist Paula Maguire has to return to the hometown she left years before. Swirling with rumour and secrets, the town is gripped by fear of a serial killer. But the truth could be even darker.
Not everyone who's lost wants to be found
Surrounded by people and places she tried to forget, Paula digs into the cases as the truth twists further away. What's the link with two other disappearances from 1985? And why does everything lead back to the town's dark past- including the reasons her own mother went missing years before?
Nothing is what it seems
As the shocking truth is revealed, Paula learns that sometimes, it's better not to find what you've lost...
What readers are saying about The Lost:
'Well written and keeps you guessing. The best book I have read this year'
'Fantastic read. Had me gripped from start to finish - I just couldn't put it down. Highly recommended'
'Compelling and thrilling. Claire McGowan has a clever ease of storytelling that draws you in and leaves you wanting more
