Desert Island Crime with Egan Hughes
Egan Hughes is the author of the dazzling debut crime novel, THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY, which published last week in digital and is coming out in paperback in August. We asked her about the crime books she’d take with her to a Desert Island
Over to you Egan:
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
I’ve read this book more than any other and am drawn to the story of the second Mrs De Winter (we never know her first name), living in the shadow of wild, reckless Rebecca. The dangerous Cornish seas beside Manderley add a sense of foreboding that’s tied up in how Rebecca died.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Celeste Ng writes brilliantly about family, belonging, race and what it is to be an outsider. At its heart is the nomadic Mia and her teenage daughter, Pearl, who attempt to settle in Shaker Heights, but why did Izzy burn the house down?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I love an unreliable narrator and the guessing game that ensues. Gone Girl takes it to new heights. Amy is utterly relatable in the early chapters of her toxic marriage to Nick. And then the twist changes everything.
You Don’t Know Me by Imran Mahmood
This debut by criminal defence barrister Imran Mahmood shows there’s no escape from London gang culture for some young people. The unnamed defendant stands accused of murder and gives his own shattering defence speech.
Fingersmith by Sarah Walters
Thrillers don’t come more perfect than this nineteenth century tale of betrayal and family secrets, and the twists are sublime. Sue Trinder travels from the back streets of London to be a lady’s maid in an imposing country house, but nothing is as it seems.
Skin Deep by Liz Nugent
The manipulative Delia grew up in an isolated island community and is irresistibly drawn to the sea. We know from the outset that her terrible past is catching up. It’s set in Ireland and in Nice, where I spend a lot of time when it’s possible to travel.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Narrated by Richard, the outsider, who’s studying ancient Greek on a scholarship with a privileged group of students. We know from the start that Bunny has been murdered, and their own Greek tragedy plays out in Vermont.
The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Things get deadly on the Amalfi coast during a long, hot summer. Tom Ripley is a darker character than in the film and it’s perfect summertime noir. Highsmith set out to write a true to life psychopath and said, ‘It felt like Ripley was writing it.’
The One That Got Away is available in eBook now and Paperback this Autumn!
SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA NEW BLOOD DAGGER
***Don't miss the utterly gripping new thriller from Egan Hughes - LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON is out now***
'This one really pulled me in' JANE CORRY
'Tense, thrilling and full of twists and turns' ANGELA MARSONS
'A summer must-read' WOMAN'S WEEKLY
'A masterclass in storytelling' THE COURIER
'Addictive, I was gripped from the opening chapter' JO SPAIN
'Plunges the reader in and leaves them gasping for air' RACHEL EDWARDS
'Utterly addictive' CRIME MONTHLY
'Gripping' HELLO
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You love him. You trust him.
YOU CAN'T ESCAPE HIM.
Mia thinks she has escaped her controlling ex-husband, Rob. She's found herself a new home, a new boyfriend and a new life.
But when the police arrive to tell her that Rob has been found dead on his boat, things quickly fall apart. Mia is terrified she'll be suspected, however the police are keeping all options open. They know Mia had reason to hate her ex-husband, but she's not the only one. Plenty of people wanted Rob Creavy dead, not least his new wife, Rachel.
What they don't know is that Mia has a secret, one she's desperate to protect.
But someone else knows. Someone with very dark secrets of their own . . .
A claustrophobic, twisty psychological thriller about love, trauma and revenge - perfect for fans of, THE HOLIDAY, SOMETHING IN THE WATER and THE WOMAN IN CABIN TEN.
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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
'One of my favourite thrillers of the year' *****
'Clear your schedule. Once you start reading, you won't be able to stop' *****
'All the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very last page' *****
'The ending is incredibly hard to predict' *****
'Wow, is all I can say for this book' *****
'An incredible novel that drew me in and didn't let me go'
'What a thrilling read' *****
'Dark, twisted and utterly unpredictable. A must-read!' *****
