The weight of blood - Laura McHugh

A gripping debut psychological crime novel about family lies and dark secrets in an isolated community as a series of women go missing.

People still whisper about Lucy Dane's mother who vanished years ago from the town of Henbane, deep in the Ozark mountains.

When one of Lucy's friends is found murdered, Lucy feels haunted by the two lost women: by the mother she never knew, and the friend she couldn't protect.

But her search for answers, in a place where secrets are easily concealed, leads her to a chilling discovery.

And with this revelation, she must grapple with the meaning of family, the secrets we keep, and the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love.

"It is a long time since I have read a debut as impressive as Laura McHugh's The Weight of Blood. It is a chilling portrait of a small town in the Ozarks where violent men are protected and young women vanish."
The Sunday Times - Joan Smith

"A fantastic novel rich in character and atmosphere.
This is one you won't want to miss."
Karin Slaughter

"One of the best thrillers of the summer and one of the best books of the year. Beautifully written and cleverly plotted with memorable, deftly drawn character, The Weight of Blood is an unmissable debut."
Sunday Express

"I was bewitched by the enchanting Ozark landscape and the haunting murder mystery at the heart of McHugh's masterful debut. The Weight of Blood is the kind of novel that leaves the reader wanting more. I can't wait to read what's next from this gifted new writer."
Amy Greene, author of Bloodroot

"An elegant time-bomb of a novel, a coming-of-age story that holds you captive from the first sentence as McHugh skillfully tips the scales back and forth in this mesmeric mystery where two generations of women struggle to find a balance between loyalty to family and self preservation, with dire consequences. A thrilling debut!"
Tracy Guzeman, author of The Gravity of Birds