North of Boston - Elisabeth Elo

Pirio Kasparov finds herself abandoned in the North Atlantic when the fishing boat she's on is rammed by a freighter. She somehow survives for nearly four hours in the freezing water before being rescued, but Pirio's friend, Ned, is not so lucky. He disappears without a trace.
Pirio can't shake the suspicion that the boat's sinking was no accident, and begins to unravel a lethal plot that takes her to Northern Canada and the ice-cold waters of Baffin Bay. To survive, she must overcome a deadly betrayal from someone in her past, and, most importantly, learn to trust her own instincts above all else.

Elisabeth Elo's mesmerising novel introduces a gutsy heroine with a rare ability to withstand the extreme, and follows a dark and treacherous quest that brings to light some horrifying truths.

Elisabeth Elo was born in Los Angeles but grew up near Boston, and has lived for much of her adult life close to the Atlantic.
With three older siblings who became fanatical sailors and time spent at sea herself with fishermen friends, Elisabeth has a real understanding of the ocean and those who sail on it, which inspired NORTH OF BOSTON. Her essays and short stories have appeared in a variety of publications and her fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She teaches writing at Boston College and lives with her family in Massachusetts.

'This intense, slow-burning literary thriller, Elo's debut, paints a subtle portrait of a strong and believable heroine ... On this evidence Elo, a creative writing teacher in Boston, could well become a major force in the thriller world'
Daily Mail

'Loyal and tenacious Pirio is a marvellous protagonist. I can't wait to read more about her'
Sun

An utterly riveting debut thriller! Pirio Kasparov is one of the best protagonists I've read in years, tough, cynical, wry and compelling.
Her determination to discover the truth behind her friend's murder will earn your admiration, while her growing desire to be a better daughter, friend, and person will win your heart
Lisa Gardner

North of Boston is a gripping and unorthodox thriller, packed with intriguing characters and unexpected twists
Tom Perrotta

I wish I had a friend like Pirio Kasparov - intelligent, loyal, brave, and funny. From the opening pages of North of Boston I was enthralled... What a terrific novel
Margot Livesey

[An] outstanding debut
Publishers Weekly