The Thorn Girl

On a cool April evening, fifteen-year-old Marianne lays out a rug on the stone floor of an abandoned cottage and waits for her boyfriend Shane. Her mother does not know she is missing. Shane will never arrive, and by the end of the night, Marianne’s life will be shattered into a million pieces.

Years later, in a dimly lit attic, Adele stumbles across the secret diary of the mother she has never met, and a shocking account of a crime committed twenty-five years ago.

Returning to the last place her mother was seen alive, Adele’s arrival and the diary spread like wildfire amongst the small close-knit community. Old memories are stirring up fresh wounds.

No-one wants the truth of what happened that cool Spring evening ever to be told.

And the deeper Adele digs, the more lies she uncovers.

Adele knows Shane is innocent. The question is, can she find those responsible before they silence her?

A heart-stopping, intense and emotionally engrossing read that will keep you compulsively turning the pages late into the night. If you read one book this year, make it The Thorn Girl.

This book was previously published as In My Mother’s Name.

Read what everyone is saying about The Thorn Girl:

‘This is a compelling and gripping read that I didn’t want to put down. I devoured this book in one sitting. Laura Elliott pulled me in from the very start. I highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Amazing book! Kept me on the edge of my seat. Tons of suspense and twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. Can’t wait to read more from this author.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book is one of my favorites of the year. I finished it in two days. I could not put this book down. This book keeps you guessing and keeps you so hooked on the story… Stop whatever you are doing and pick up a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A powerful emotional rollercoaster.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is brilliantly written, you feel as if you were in the room with her mother…a really, really wonderful book that I will be thinking about for quite a while.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A really powerful story… handled superbly. A sterling read and one I won’t forget.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐