**THE SUNDAY TIMES CRIME PICK OF THE MONTH - AUGUST 2026**

How much do you trust the couple next door? Discover the gripping new twist-filled thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Message Deleted

Emily is ready to leave the lies behind. Moving into a beautiful new home and finally with money in the bank, her partner Oliver has promised that they can put their life as con artists firmly in the past. They can relax, settle in, even do ordinary things like getting dinner with the couple next door.

But what if the couple next door is hiding something too?

Because on picture-perfect Orchard Lane, something is not right. Unsettling messages start to arrive. Emily becomes convinced someone is watching them. And then Oliver begins to behave strangely as well.

She wants to trust him. She wants to believe they’re in this together — especially if someone might know their darkest secrets.

But when murder comes to Orchard Lane, Emily realises she only knows one thing for sure about her husband.

He’s a very good liar…

'One of the most startling denouements in recent crime fiction' Sunday Times

'Absolutely brilliant. Super pacy and very clever – I couldn’t guess the twists or the ending' Ruth Kelly

‘Just when you think you know exactly who did what, there is a twist to beat all twists’ The Times

© K. L. Slater 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026