I Thought I Knew You

Winner of East Anglian Novel of the Year 2019 in association with Jerrold’s, National Writers Centre Norwich, University of East Anglia

“Who do you know best?

Your oldest friend? Your child? Or yourself?”

When Jules’s daughter Saffie makes a shocking allegation against Holly’s son Saul, the best friends fall out for the first time ever.  Nothing will persuade Holly that her son is guilty. But Jules’s thirteen-year-old daughter is clearly traumatised.

As the two mothers attempt to deal with the allegation without involving the police, other closely held secrets are revealed. Everything the two women held true is thrown into question, and their friendship strained to breaking point. When one of the teenagers goes missing the story takes an even darker turn. Who can they trust any more?

I Thought I Knew You explores friendship versus motherhood, how our most fiercely held views are tested when we’re personally affected, and how, for Holly and Jules, no one is quite who they think they are.

Not even themselves.

Tammy Cohen, author of They All Fall Down writes:

'Long after it ends, you'll still be tying yourself in knots asking. 'Well what would I do?'

Lisa Jewell author of The Family Upstairs, and None of This is True says:

'Relationships so real I can't believe they're not still continuing somewhere...Utterly brilliant'

Craig Robertson, author of Random and The Photographer writes:

'A Fabulous premise, expertly delivered...constantly leaving you on edge and fearful for characters you care about.'

Debbie howells author of Her Sister’s Lie comments:

'Heart wrenching'

Reading Group Questions

We have list of questions which deal with the topics in the book – a great way to start a conversation at a reading group and to get yourself thinking about the issues.

    See details of Penny’s other books on her books page.

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