When We Were Silent

A psychological thriller about secrets and retribution

Fiona McPhillips author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Transworld Publishers Ltd

Published:2nd May '24

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

When We Were Silent cover

In When We Were Silent, Lou Manson confronts her past at a prestigious boarding school, revealing dark secrets and the complexities of loyalty and revenge.

Set against the backdrop of a prestigious boarding school, When We Were Silent delves into the complexities of power, corruption, and the quest for retribution. Lou Manson, an outsider at Highfield Manor, navigates a world of privilege and dark secrets. As she befriends the talented Shauna Power, Lou's intentions to expose the school's hidden truths are complicated by the bonds of friendship and loyalty. The elite at Highfield are fiercely protective of their reputation, leading Lou to grapple with the moral dilemmas that arise when truth and loyalty clash.

Years later, Lou is summoned to testify in a lawsuit against Highfield, forcing her to confront the painful memories she has long tried to bury. The past resurfaces, and with it, the haunting realization that revealing the truth may come at a great personal cost. The narrative weaves through themes of betrayal, the impact of silence, and the weight of unspoken stories. As Lou faces her past, readers are drawn into a gripping tale that explores the consequences of choices made in the name of revenge.

When We Were Silent is a compelling psychological thriller that captures the intensity of youth and the complexities of friendship. With its rich character development and intricate plot, this novel invites readers to reflect on the lengths one might go to seek justice while navigating the murky waters of loyalty and betrayal.

Fiona McPhillips captures the claustrophobic nuance of teenage loyalties, lies and privilege on every page. A twisting, turning dive into a web of long-buried secrets, When We Were Silent marks Fiona McPhillips as one to watch * Jane Harper, New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of EXILES *
Suspenseful and beautifully written, this novel perfectly captures teenage intensity and anguish * The Guardian *
Secrets involving sexual abuse at an elite private school. Excruciating suspense. Well-written. Made me think of serial abuser/rapist Larry Nassar. * Stephen King *
I love a great literary psychological drama. I devoured Fiona McPhillips's debut, a lovechild of Tana French and Patricia Highsmith, but also totally original. Absolutely brilliant! * John Boyne, bestselling author of THE HEART'S INVISIBLE FURIES *
Tense and unsettling * New York Times *
A stunning debut – beautifully written, tender and poignant, but pulls no punches. A powerful, unforgettable read * Andrea Mara, bestselling author of NO ONE SAW A THING *
A complex story of power, abuse and secrets * Irish Times *
With a dark and poetic pen, Fiona McPhillips snakes through the waters of a tony private school, peeling away secrets in tiny waves until they crash into a powerful ending. This book absolutely nails what it feels like to be young, female, powerless, and dead set on redemption. A wonderful, relevant, and beautifully written debut. * Julia Heaberlin, bestselling author of WE ARE ALL THE SAME IN THE DARK *
Angry, accomplished . . . arresting * The Times *
Taut, compelling, powerful and devastatingly relevant. A sensational debut * Louise O'Neill, bestselling author of IDOL *

ISBN: 9781787637375

Dimensions: 241mm x 162mm x 35mm

Weight: 616g

400 pages