Teacher Richard Boyle certainly never thought he would find himself talking down a former student intent on harming others, but when a former student shows up at school with a vest packed with explosives, he springs into action. Thanks to his quick thinking, Richard averts a major tragedy but his moment in the spotlight puts him in the sights of a deranged blackmailer with a score to settle...

As events rapidly spiral out of control, Richard is drawn into a tangled web of salacious accusations and deadly secrets. As he tries to uncover the truth, Richard discovers that there's something dangerously wrong in the town. Everyone in his life seems to be hiding something, and trusting the wrong person could cost him everything he loves.

International bestseller Linwood Barclay returns with a breathtaking new thriller.

PRAISE FOR LINWOOD BARCLAY:

'Barclay deserves all the accolades that routinely flow his way, as this hypnotic outing attests' Financial Times

'Linwood Barclay has crafted another perfect page-turner' The Times

'Pacy and tense, it's a triumph from a master thriller writer. Every page makes your heart beat that little bit faster' The Sun

'You'll be left speed-reading towards the end to discover answers expertly posed by the bestselling Toronto-based crime writer' The Independent

'Totally absorbing... brilliant stuff' Neil Lancaster

'A superior thriller' Sunday Times

'A suspense master' Stephen King