I had the pleasure of reading The Things We Do To Our Friends last year and it has proudly sat on my shelf ever since. No word is wasted in this fabulous debut. The idea is original and the plot dazzles along at pace. It’s hard to say what my favourite thing is about this outstanding novel, but the foundation of female friendship is always something I love reading about.

I’m also Scottish and I loved reading a book set in Edinburgh. This dark novel is impossible to put down and will no doubt be the most talked about novel of 2023. Get your hands on your copy now or miss out on a dazzling new voice in fiction. With this novel Heather Darwent has cemented her place as one of the best writers of her generation.

 What is the cost of an extraordinary life if others have to pay?

 

Clare arrives at the University of Edinburgh with a secret. This is her chance for a blank slate – to finally become who she was meant to be.

 

And then she meets Tabitha.

 

Tabitha is charismatic, beautiful and intimidatingly rich. Soon Clare is sucked into her enigmatic circle of friends and their dizzying world of champagne on rooftops and summers in France.

 

Her new life has begun.

 

Then Tabitha reveals the little project they’re working on, a project they need Clare’s help with. And Clare can’t say no.

 

Because they know what she did . . .

 

Heather Darwent is based just outside of Edinburgh. Originally from Yorkshire, she came to Scotland to study History of Art at the University of Edinburgh, like her character Clare, and ended up never quite leaving. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading chaotic non-fiction about Silicon Valley and swimming in the sea . . . or being unbearably boring in conversation about swimming in the sea. The Things We Do To Our Friends is her debut novel.

The Things We Do To Our Friends is available here.