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Guilty by Siobhan MacDonald is OUT NOW!

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​Guilty by the AMAZING Siobhan MacDonald is out now in paperback in Ireland and available as an eBook widely!

THE PERFECT LIFE

Doctor Luke Forde has the perfect life. A respected heart surgeon, he has a rewarding job, a successful wife, and a daughter, Nina. From their beautiful house overlooking Carberry Lough in County Clare, they present a portrait of family bliss. But over the course of a weekend, Luke’s life spirals into chaos.

A GUILTY SECRET

It begins with the word ‘GUILTY’ painted on his boathouse one morning. Then he spots a chilling notice in the local newspaper. When this is followed by the delivery of a small coffin-shaped package, Luke is terrified. Someone knows the dark secret he is hiding. And someone is out to get him.

SOMEBODY WANTS REVENGE

Luke begins to be plagued by horrifying anonymous messages, and it transpires that it’s not only Luke the sender is intending to harm. With strange things happening in the operating theatre, Alison’s political ambitions straining their marriage, and Nina’s behaviour sparking all sorts of trouble, Luke turns to therapist Terence Black. Is the therapist the only one that can save Luke and his family from the horrendous secrets of the past?

A twisty and compelling psychological suspense novel set in Ireland, from ebook-bestselling author Siobhan MacDonald. Perfect for fans of Dervla McTiernan and Andrea Carter.

Praise for Siobhan MacDonald:

‘Dark and twisted’ Alex Marwood, Edgar Award winning author of The Wicked Girls

‘An unsettling, suspenseful tale of heartbreak and revenge. I flew through it’ Andrea Carter, author of the Inishowen mysteries

Gripping, surprising, and terrifically rewarding’ Chris Pavone, New York Times bestselling author of The Expats

‘Evocative and richly detailed’ Kimberley McCreight, author of the New York Times bestseller Reconstructing Amelia and Where They Found Her

‘Explosive . . . studded with dark revelations’ Kirkus Reviews

Skillfully wrought’ Booklist

Masterly control of mood and scene’ Chicago Tribune

In celebration of Siobhan’s publication day we thought we would catch up with her for an exclusive Q&A:

1. What do you love most about writing a psychological suspense novel? Have you always written in this genre?

I enjoy creating worlds that explore why people commit a crime, rather than how they commit it. It lets me shine a light on the darker, intriguing sides of the human psyche. This type of writing keeps me connected with my inner detective, from the comfort of an armchair! My first novel, at peace in a drawer, started as gentle mystery but veered off into chillier climes. In subsequent novels, I jumped straight into crime fully embracing my natural instincts.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about the Forde family?

On the face of it they are a small family, the epitome of success. Luke Forde is a respected heart surgeon, his wife Alison is a successful local politician, and he has a teenage daughter Nina, just left school. This small nuclear household is connected to the wider community and greater sense of family through Alison’s father, Cornelius, an influential landowner and employer. It appears to be a close-knit, supportive community but looks can be deceiving.

3. When writing do you come up with your characters or plot first? Do you have any tips/tricks for future writers?

It find that differs from novel to novel. Guilty is inspired by an incident I heard about in the media, so the characters and plot came to me together. In Twisted River and The Blue Pool, the plots came to me first. I wouldn’t advise being rigid or formulaic when embarking on a story. I’d advise going with what your instinct tells you.

4. Can you describe the book in 3 words?

A criminal exposition.

5. For readers who loved ‘Guilty’ do you have any other book recommendations?

Guilty is set against the backdrop of County Clare in Ireland. If you like your crime with a dollop of rugged scenery, try Andrea Carter’s The Body Falls, the latest of a series, set in the beautiful Inishowen peninsula in Donegal. There’s also my personal favourite of Jo Spain’s – With Our Blessing, set in a convent outside Limerick. And again with an Irish backdrop, I recommend Patricia Gibney’s Lottie Parker series of novels. Buried Angels is her most recent.

6. BONUS QUESTION: When you’re not writing, what activities and hobbies do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy a bit of tennis with plenty of interludes at the net! A bit of yoga (if it’s not too bendy), a walk in the wind, and a cup of coffee or two with a friend.