A SUNDAY TIMES BEST CRIME BOOK OF 2022 In a grand old mansion in the middle of the Sussex countryside, seven people have seen more than they should... The new chilling thriller from Lesley Thomson. In a small community James Ritchie was looking forward to spending the day with his son, though he was a little late picking him up from his ex-wife, Anna. In the middle of nowhere Later that afternoon, they are found dead, the victims of a double stabbing. Anna will never see her family again. You need to keep your secrets close... As DI Toni Kemp unravels the case, she is brought to a grand country mansion, long ago converted into flats. In this quiet, peaceful place, seven long-term residents have seen more than they should. But this is a tight-knit group - and they are good at keeping secrets... PRAISE FOR THE COMPANION: 'Like the best of Barbara Vine and Agatha Christie crossed with the unique Lesley Thomson brilliance.' Elly Griffiths 'This modern take on the country-house mystery shocks from the off.' The Times 'Colourful characters and devious plotting.' Ian Rankin 'Electrifying, gritty.' Woman's Own What more could any crime fiction fan want? Provocative characters, most of whom have excellent motives for committing the murders and all of whom make you smile or wince; a location straight out of Agatha Christie; a mystery that will keep you guessing right to the end as the clues point in one direction then another, then another; and even a hint of romance before the end. It all adds up to the best kind of crime novel