Day One

*The breathtaking new novel from the bestselling author of Girl A*

Stonesmere will never be the same again…

A village hall, a primary school play, a beautiful Lake District town. Into this idyllic scene steps a lone gunman whose actions set off a train of events that will have devastating consequences for the close-knit community of Stonesmere.

At the epicentre of the tragedy is Marty, daughter of the teacher who dies trying to protect her pupils. What did she see? How is she involved?

In the weeks and months following the killings, conspiracy theorists start questioning what happened. For outsider Trent Casey, the truther movement offers him a chance to step into the spotlight to expose the ‘sham’ of the killings.

Marty’s and Trent’s lives will become entwined as events spiral out of control. The true story is gradually revealed, but at what cost to those caught up in the maelstrom…

Day One is a tender, heartbreaking novel about community, tragedy, and the lasting power of love from the bestselling author of Girl A.

*Praise for GIRL A*

‘Sensational’ RICHARD OSMAN

‘Pitch-perfect’ THE NEW YORK TIMES

‘A masterpiece’ LOUISE O’NEILL

‘Fantastic’ PAULA HAWKINS

Reviews

‘What a shining talent Abigail Dean is! DAY ONE is riveting, original and sensitively spun’
Victoria Selman

‘Gripping and beautifully written DAY ONE confronts the darkest parts of human nature with guts and grace. I loved it.’
Emilia Hart

‘A gripping examination of a community devastated … A chilling, thought-provoking read. Brilliant.’
Shari Lapena

‘Superb! DAY ONE is what brilliant thriller writing is all about: living, breathing characters, a nonstop plot … the tale will stay with you long after you read the final page.’
Jeffery Deaver

‘DAY ONE is a devastating, beautiful novel written with such skill, grace and compassion that I couldn't stop reading through the tears … a novel you will read in one sitting but that will linger in your mind for much longer’
Jennifer Saint

‘DAY ONE is a phenomenal, stunningly intelligent thriller… It is at once empathic and uncompromising. No one writes darkness like Abigail Dean’
Clémence Michallon

‘Accomplished, heartbreaking and utterly absorbing. DAY ONE is a riveting read'
Kate Gray

‘A stunning and masterful mystery. A beautifully observed portrait of unthinkable tragedy and the remnants of love, hope and despair that remain. Abigail Dean is a rare and very special storyteller.’
Chris Whitaker

‘Heartfelt and sympathetic even where the characters are deeply flawed. A masterpiece.’
Catherine Cooper