Susan Wilkins

She thought she knew everything about her sister. It seems she was wrong . . . DC Jo Boden was eleven years old when her older sister, Sarah, was brutally murdered during her first year at University. Her boyfriend, Nathan Wade, was convicted of the killing. Now, sixteen years later, Wade is being released on licence and documentary film-maker, Briony Rowe, says she can prove his innocence. The Boden family has never recovered from the tragedy, and they have always been certain that Wade is guilty. But Jo, who grew up believing her sister was perfect in every way, starts to question the evidence which put Wade behind bars. And perhaps Sarah harboured some very dark secrets of her own . . . It Should Have Been Me by Susan Wilkins is a taut and pacey psychological thriller for fans of Clare Mackintosh, Lisa Jewell and Susie Steiner. 'A first rate thriller, tense and twisty . . . Sue Wilkins is a writer at the very top of her game' - Elly Griffiths 'Dark and gripping from first page to last, this is Susan Wilkins at her nail-biting best' - Jessie Keane

It Should Have Been Me

‘Compulsive and thoroughly captivating… I found myself unable to tear myself away and as a consequence read it all in a single tense sitting… bags of suspense and action wrapped up in a thrillingly plotted story’ Reader’s Retreat, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ On the first day in her new job, Detective Megan Thomas is called to a murder. The body lies deep in an underground bunker, in the middle of beautiful countryside. The two women in the nearest house claim to have no idea who it could be or who could have put it there. So why are they so nervous? And why does Noah, the young child living there, talk about a visitor he’s meant to keep secret? Megan is determined to solve the case. She’s moved to Devon for a fresh start, after years spent undercover. But when she looks at the victim, it triggers a panic attack. As her heart races and her breathing stalls, she’s forced to ask whether she can return to life in a regular crime unit. Her memories are too powerful to be buried, maybe too powerful to let her do her job. But the need to find justice for the unnamed victim still drives her. When another body is found on the stretch of beach where she swims every day, Megan realises that she is up against a truly vicious killer. Then Noah goes missing, and Megan finds herself in a race against time to save an innocent life. She won’t rest until she finds answers – no matter what it might cost her. A completely gripping new series from bestselling author Susan Wilkins, introducing the tough and determined Detective Megan Thomas. For fans of Ann Cleeves, LJ Ross and Mari Hannah, this will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. What readers are saying about Buried Deep: ‘My favourite read of 2020… I was engaged from the very first chapter… Brilliant’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Extremely compulsive… my attention didn’t waver for a second and I read it in one sitting… keeps the interest and tension going with timely reveals, unexpected developments and a clever plot’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved the book and was gripped straight from the off. Susan’s a great writer, building up the tension nicely and giving a thumping action-packed ending that really delivers.’ Jessie Keane, author of The Knock ‘Addictive, gripping, twisty… how this story unfolds is just brilliant’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Thrilling… will have you gripped and enthralled right from the beginning… an addictive read’ Once Upon A Time Book Blog ‘One of the best… compelling… I loved this book.’ Nigeladamsbookworm, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved Buried Deep… a gripping plot that had me frantically flipping pages… If you haven't yet read this, you need to. An excellent start to a series that promises to be brilliant.’ Sandy’s Book A Day ‘Loved this… if you like Vera you will love this book. Brilliant’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant… had me hooked from the beginning’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant book in my opinion! I want to read more and dive into Megan's past… She fascinates me. 5 stars.’ B for Bookreview, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A terrific start to what promises to be an excellent new police procedural series’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Gripping… twists and turns and plenty of suspicious characters… Looking forward to reading more’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘A suspenseful fast paced thriller’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Murders, intricate plot, red herrings and twisted reveals… I knew I had a winner in my hands’ Shalini’s Books & Reviews ‘Full of action and suspense… hard to put down. Couldn't wait to find out what happened… Amazing.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A completely gripping crime thriller with heart-stopping suspense

Buried Deep

The gripping new political thriller with a shocking conspiracy at its heart from 'blazingly brilliant' best-selling author Susan Wilkins (Sunday Mirror). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'unpredictable, intricately woven...I couldn't stop reading', Amazon reviewer. A heart transplant saved Adam Hardy's life. But as he recovers from surgery, strange visions surface. Adam's organ donor wasn't killed in an accident - he was murdered. As Adam frantically tries to untangle the truth, reports of a deadly new virus start to emerge. Felicity Oldroyd, the Chief Medical Officer for England, is in a race against time to contain the pandemic. But the way the virus is spreading raises some disturbing questions. Together with police from Counter Terrorism Command, she battles to identify the source of the outbreak and ensure her country's survival. Adam's memory could provide the vital clue. Can he help Felicity and the police get to the truth before it's too late? A dystopian page-turner full of mystery and suspense for fans of Michael Crichton, David Baldacci and James Patterson. Praise for the Kaz Phelps Series: 'Well plotted and unflinchingly told.' (Sunday Express) 'Murder, corruption and a crafted plot make for a fine read.' (The Sun) Praise for the Detective Megan Thomas series: 'My favourite read of 2020... I was engaged from the very first chapter... Brilliant.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the next one.' Amazon reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I loved the book and was gripped straight from the off. Susan's a great writer, building up the tension nicely and giving a thumping action-packed ending that really delivers.' Jessie Keane, best-selling author of The Knock

A Gripping Political Conspiracy

A Killer's Heart

The gripping political thriller with a shocking conspiracy at its heart from 'blazingly brilliant' best-selling author Susan Wilkins (Sunday Mirror). A heart transplant saved him… but the search for the truth could cost him his life. 'Unpredictable, intricately woven…I couldn’t stop reading', Amazon reviewer. ★★★★★ A heart transplant saved Adam Hardy's life. But as he recovers from surgery, strange visions surface. Adam’s organ donor wasn’t killed in an accident – he was murdered. As Adam frantically tries to untangle the truth, reports of a deadly new virus start to emerge. Felicity Oldroyd, the Chief Medical Officer for England, is in a race against time to contain the pandemic. But the way the virus is spreading raises some disturbing questions. Together with police from Counter Terrorism Command, she battles to identify the source of the outbreak and ensure her country’s survival. Adam's memory could provide the vital clue. Can he help Felicity and the police get to the truth before it’s too late? An emotionally charged page-turner full of mystery and suspense. Written before the emergence of Covid-19, this is a prescient political thriller for fans of Michael Crichton, David Baldacci and James Patterson. Praise for the Kaz Phelps Series: 'Well plotted and unflinchingly told.' (Sunday Express) 'Murder, corruption and a crafted plot make for a fine read.' (The Sun) Praise for the Detective Megan Thomas series: 'My favourite read of 2020… I was engaged from the very first chapter… Brilliant.' Goodreads reviewer, ★★★★★ 'I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the next one.' Amazon reviewer, ★★★★★ 'I loved the book and was gripped straight from the off. Susan’s a great writer, building up the tension nicely and giving a thumping action-packed ending that really delivers.' Jessie Keane, best-selling author of The Knock

A gripping political thriller

The unputdownable new psychological thriller full of suspense, family secrets and lies, from best-selling author Susan Wilkins. 'An adrenaline-fuelled tornado of a novel with such strong female characters. I loved it.' Laura Wilkinson. This is the fear she's had from the beginning, the fear every mother has, of a loss too terrible to bear. Marcia Lennox has a life most people would envy: a loving husband, Harry, a beautiful and clever daughter, Phoebe, a high-flying career, and a pristine London home. But in her third week at university, Phoebe disappears. She leaves her phone, her credit cards and all her possessions in her room. Detective Sergeant Jo Boden is new to Cambridge, just finding her feet after leaving the Met, when Phoebe's case lands on her desk. The police track Phoebe's last known movements. But as Jo investigates, she begins to suspect the worst. A young love affair gone wrong? A botched kidnap attempt? An ex out for revenge? Clinging to the hope that Phoebe will be found, Marcia discovers her daughter had a secret life she had hidden from her parents. And Marcia knows about secrets. Her carefully constructed life is a front, created to escape her own past. Estranged from her own family, with a marriage on the verge of breakdown, Marcia must find the courage to return; a journey that drags her from her safe London bubble back to the wilds of East Anglia and the desolate Norfolk Fens. Can she face her demons to save her child? An emotional thriller with a jaw-dropping twist for fans of Rachel Abbott and Lisa Jewell. Readers love Susan Wilkins' crime thrillers: ﻿ 'Well plotted and unflinchingly told.' Sunday Express 'Murder, corruption and a crafted plot make for a fine read.' The Sun 'This stylish, clever crime story never lets up... Blazingly brilliant.' Sunday Mirror 'Dark and gripping from first page to last, this is Susan Wilkins at her nail-biting best.' Jessie Keane 'I was engaged from the very first chapter... Brilliant.' Goodreads reviewer, ★★★★★

A Gripping Psychological Thriller

She's Gone

The unputdownable new psychological thriller full of suspense, family secrets and lies, from best-selling author Susan Wilkins. ‘An adrenaline-fuelled tornado of a novel with such strong female characters. I loved it.’ Laura Wilkinson. This is the fear she’s had from the beginning, the fear every mother has, of a loss too terrible to bear. Marcia Lennox has a life most people would envy: a loving husband, Harry, a beautiful and clever daughter, Phoebe, a high-flying career, and a pristine London home. But in her third week at university, Phoebe disappears. She leaves her phone, her credit cards and all her possessions in her room. Detective Sergeant Jo Boden is new to Cambridge, just finding her feet after leaving the Met, when Phoebe’s case lands on her desk. The police track Phoebe’s last known movements. But as Jo investigates, she begins to suspect the worst. A young love affair gone wrong? A botched kidnap attempt? An ex out for revenge? Clinging to the hope that Phoebe will be found, Marcia discovers her daughter had a secret life she had hidden from her parents. And Marcia knows about secrets. Her carefully constructed life is a front, created to escape her own past. Estranged from her own family, with a marriage on the verge of breakdown, Marcia must find the courage to return; a journey that drags her from her safe London bubble back to the wilds of East Anglia and the desolate Norfolk Fens. Can she face her demons to save her child? An emotional thriller with a jaw-dropping twist for fans of Rachel Abbott and Lisa Jewell. Readers love Susan Wilkins’ crime thrillers: ‘Well plotted and unflinchingly told.’ Sunday Express ‘Murder, corruption and a crafted plot make for a fine read.’ The Sun ‘This stylish, clever crime story never lets up… Blazingly brilliant.’ Sunday Mirror ‘Dark and gripping from first page to last, this is Susan Wilkins at her nail-biting best.’ Jessie Keane ‘I was engaged from the very first chapter… Brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer, ★★★★★

A gripping psychological thriller

A glossy and gripping crime thriller about survival and vengeance, it puts the pedal to the metal as it hurtles through contemporary London, from the glass towers of the super-rich to the down and dirty backstreets of organized crime and blackmail. She was a woman, so they thought she'd be easy to kill . . . Kaz Phelps is on the run - from the past, from the legacy of her criminal family, from the haunting memories of her murdered lover. The police want her back in jail and her enemies want her dead. While standing by the grave of her gangster brother, Kaz realizes she only has one option. To fight back.Nicci Armstrong was one of the Met's best detectives until personal tragedy forced her to quit. Now she's responsible for the security of the super-rich who use her city as a playground. She is one of the few people Kaz might trust. But Nicci's biggest mistake yet is falling in love with a man she knows is only using her.Meanwhile, as envious rivals back home plot against him, a Russian billionaire searches for a special gift to keep the Kremlin onside, a disgraced politician dreams of revenge and a Turkish drug baron plots to purge his dishonour with blood.

The Killer

CRIME & MYSTERY. A glossy and gripping crime thriller about survival and vengeance, it puts the pedal to the metal as it hurtles through contemporary London, from the glass towers of the super-rich to the down and dirty backstreets of organized crime and blackmail. She was a woman, so they thought she'd be easy to kill ...Kaz Phelps is on the run - from the past, from the legacy of her criminal family, from the haunting memories of her murdered lover. The police want her back in jail and her enemies want her dead. While standing by the grave of her gangster brother, Kaz realizes she only has one option. To fight back. Nicci Armstrong was one of the Met's best detectives until personal tragedy forced her to quit. Now she's responsible for the security of the super-rich who use her city as a playground. She is one of the few people Kaz might trust. But Nicci's biggest mistake yet is falling in love with a man she knows is only using her.

‘Fast paced… I have to admit I struggled to put this book down, grabbing five minutes here and there just to finish it!… Fantastic read, would definitely recommend!’ Stardust Book Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Detective Thomas, we’ve brought your sister in for questioning. She’s our prime suspect.’ Detective Megan Thomas used to work undercover, in constant danger, unsure who to trust. Now she’s moved to the remote, wild coast of Devon to be with her family and learn to live without fear. At last, she can remember why she joined the police – to get justice and protect the innocent. But when her sister Debbie finds the broken body of local businessman Greg Porter, his hand reaching out as if to beg, Megan’s peace is shattered… Porter’s wife and children don’t seem to care much about their loss, and everyone in their small seaside town knows his business dealings were shady. So Megan can’t understand why her colleague Jim Collins is so determined to prove Debbie did it. And why is Debbie acting so suspiciously? When she learns the secret Debbie’s hiding – a secret that could tear her family apart – suddenly Megan is the one with doubts. But is her beloved sister really capable of murder? Megan’s boss won’t allow her to investigate, leaving Megan on the sidelines. Caught between her job and her family, Megan doesn’t know where to turn. She’s desperate to save her sister, but how far is she willing to go? Then a surprise confession takes the case into even darker waters. Everyone who knew Porter seems to have a reason to lie – even some of the cops on Megan’s team. The only way Megan can find the truth is to risk everything by confronting a killer. But without knowing who to trust, she can’t be sure she’ll make it out alive… Fans of Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons and Mari Hannah will be hooked by this incredibly gripping mystery thriller. Readers love Susan Wilkins’ writing: ‘Absolutely brilliant!! From start to finish I was kept totally gripped. Full of twists and turns… Susan Wilkins is an amazing author and I can't wait for the next one.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fast-paced, tightly plotted… Another dose of brilliant crime fiction. More please!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Compulsive and thoroughly captivating… I found myself unable to tear myself away and as a consequence read it all in a single tense sitting… Bags of suspense and action wrapped up in a thrillingly plotted story’ Reader’s Retreat, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Gripped from start to finish… I am in awe.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Addictive and enthralling!… Devoured this book in just one sitting, it was that addictive.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely devoured Close to the Bone… gripping, thrilling and draws you straight in… impossible to put down.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘My favourite read of 2020… I was engaged from the very first chapter… Brilliant’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Well, another success by Susan Wilkins!!… an action-packed crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages.’ Bookworm86 ‘Extremely compulsive… My attention didn’t waver for a second and I read it in one sitting’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Addictive, gripping, twisty… How this story unfolds is just brilliant’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved this… If you like Vera you will love this book. Brilliant’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An addictive crime thriller with edge-of-your-seat suspense

Close to the Bone

'Detective Thomas, there's no easy way to say this. We've brought Debbie in for questioning.' 'You mean my sister Debbie? What are you talking about? You've arrested my sister?' 'Megan, she's our prime suspect.' Detective Megan Thomas hoped that moving to Devon would mean a quiet life. Her years undercover in London left her broken and alone, unsure if she would ever recover. Slowly, she's learning to work with a team and trust other people. But when her sister Debbie finds the body of local businessman Greg Porter, that peace is shattered. Porter's wife and children don't seem entirely grief-stricken, and his business dealings are not all they appear to be. So why are the police so determined to focus on Debbie? And why is she acting so suspiciously? When Megan learns what happened between Porter and Debbie, it threatens to tear the family apart, and forces her to ask if her beloved sister could really have done something so terrible. Her boss won't allow her anywhere near the case, leaving Megan on the sidelines. Caught between the job she loves, and what she feels she must do, Megan finds herself faced with an impossible decision. She's desperate to save her sister, but what if Debbie is lying? When a second body and a surprise confession takes the case into even muddier waters, Megan must decide where her loyalty lies - with her family, or the truth. And whatever choice she makes, will she be able to live with herself? Fans of Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons and Mari Hannah will be hooked by this incredibly gripping mystery thriller. Readers love Susan Wilkins' writing: 'Absolutely brilliant!! From start to finish I was kept totally gripped. Full of twists and turns... Susan Wilkins is an amazing author and I can't wait for the next one.' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A great read!... captured my attention from the very beginning... I struggled to put this book down, grabbing five minutes here and there just to finish it!... Fantastic read, would definitely recommend!' Stardust Book Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Compulsive and thoroughly captivating... I found myself unable to tear myself away and as a consequence read it all in a single tense sitting... Bags of suspense and action wrapped up in a thrillingly plotted story' Reader's Retreat, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Addictive and enthralling! ... Devoured this book in just one sitting, it was that addictive.' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'My favourite read of 2020... I was engaged from the very first chapter... Brilliant' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Terrific... Keeps you guessing until the end. More please!' NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Close to the Bone: An Addictive Crime Thriller with Edge-of-your-seat Suspense

If she can't get justice, will she settle for vengeance?Kaz Phelps has escaped her brother and her criminal past to become an anonymous art student in Glasgow. But can life under the witness protection scheme ever give her the freedom she craves?Banged up and brooding, Joey Phelps faces thirty years behind bars. Still, with cash and connections on the outside, can an overstretched prison system really contain him?Helen Warner, once Kaz's lawyer and lover, is a rising star in Parliament. But has she made the kind of enemies who have no regard for the democratic process, or even the law?Ousted from the police and paralysed by tragic personal loss, Nicci Armstrong is in danger of going under. Can a job she doesn't want with a private security firm help her to put her life back back on track?A murder dressed up as suicide and corruption that goes to the heart of government unite ex-cop and ex-con in a deadly quest to learn the truth. What they discover proves what both have always known - villainy is rife on both sides of the law.

The Mourner

Set in London and Essex, The Informant is a story of ruthless criminals, corrupt cops, obsessive love and the villainy that operates on both sides of the law. As a drug-fuelled teenage tearaway, Kaz Phelps took the rap for her little brother Joey over a bungled armed robbery and went to jail. Six years later she's released on licence. Clean and sober, and driven by a secret passion for her lawyer, Helen, Kaz wants to escape the violence and abuse of her Essex gangster family. Joey is a charming, calculating and cold psychopath. He worships the ground Kaz walks on and he's desperate to get her back in the family firm. All Kaz wants is a fresh start and to put the past behind her. When Joey murders an undercover cop, DS Nicci Armstrong is determined to put him behind bars. What she doesn't realize is that her efforts are being sabotaged by one of their own and the Met is being challenged at the highest level. The final test for Kaz comes when her cousin, Sean, gets out of jail. He is a vicious, old-school thug and wants to show Kaz who is boss. Kaz may be tough enough to face down any man, but is she strong enough to turn her back on her family and go straight?

Susan Wilkins

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