Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Susan Hill, Nicci French and Val McDermid, this is an astute and intelligent psychological thriller centring around obsession and rage from international multi-million copy seller Joanne Harris. Fast paced with unexpected twists and turns, it will get right under the skin...

''[A] gripping psychological thriller... Harris is one of our most accomplished novelists and Gentlemen & Players, with its pace, wit and acute observation, shows her at the top of her form'' -- DAILY EXPRESS
''[A] delicious black comedy ... the plot is so cleverly constructed, the tension so unflagging, you''d think she''d been writing thrillers all her life'' -- DAILY MAIL
''It kept me on the edge of my seat and I was thinking about it long after I turned the last page'' -- ***** Reader review
''An intricate, engrossing novel'' -- ***** Reader review
''Wonderfully, horribly plausible'' -- ***** Reader review
''I read it in three days which is as close as I get to "couldn''t put it down"'' -- ***** Reader review
''Well written and enthralling'' -- ***** Reader review
''A must read....'' -- ***** Reader review
''Absolutely loved this book!'' -- ***** Reader review

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At St Oswald''s, a long-established boys'' grammar school in the north of England, a new year has just begun. For the staff and boys of the school, a wind of unwelcome change is blowing. Suits, paperwork and Information Technology rule the world; and Roy Straitley, the eccentric veteran Latin master, is finally - reluctantly - contemplating retirement.

But beneath the little rivalries, petty disputes and everyday crises of the school, a darker undercurrent stirs.

And a bitter grudge, hidden and carefully nurtured for thirteen years, is about to erupt.

The trilogy continues with blueeyedboy and Different Class.