When Alice meets Gretchen for the first time, it feels a bit like falling in love. Life's got a bit boringly grown-up of late: weekends at weddings and baby-showers, celebrating friends' transitions to a life she isn't quite up for yet, and, at home, a sweet-and-stable boyfriend she suspects she's outgrown. Gretchen Bartholomew, with her air of impulsiveness and intuitive style, is that rarest of things: a proper, new friend who knows how to have fun. Even the added complication of Gretchen's gorgeous brother, Bailey, might actually be just what Alice needs. Before she knows what's hit her, Alice's brilliant new best friend is turning her world upside down.

But Gretchen has a dark secret, which - like a time bomb ticking in her hand - won't stay hidden for ever. The explosion may teach them both more than they ever wanted to know about how female friendships can go wrong.

This isn't your standard chick-lit fluff - and for that we're very grateful . . . This tale is so deliciously dark, you'll be left craving the next twist of dubious events ****' Heat * ‘The perfect dark twist on traditional chick-lit’ Heat *
This dark, compelling tale is a warning for every female with a new friend' Sun * ‘[An] intense and gripping read ****’ Hot Stars, OK! *
Totally gripping ****' Company * ‘Darker than your average chick lit, you’ll be engrossed from the first page. A compelling, excellent read with a twist’ Candis *
Chick lit with a sinister twist' Elle * ‘Lucy Dawson spins an intriguing tale . . . A break from the black-and-white morality of the chick-lick genre’ London Lite *

Lucy Dawson has been a journalist and magazine editor, and continues to work as a pilates instructor, alongside writing. She is 32 and lives in Tunbridge Wells.