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.