Bad Blood: the biggest debut of 2025 - an explosive psychological crime thriller with a triple twist

Hodder's 2025 crime launch title - a debut from a well-connected agent and writer, Sarah Hornsley. When young lawyer Justine Stone's ex-boyfriend is accused of a brutal double murder, she is forced to return to her home town to investigate.

'Incredibly gripping. A triumph' - Claire Douglas, #1 bestselling author of THE COUPLE AT NO. 9

What would you do if your childhood sweetheart was accused of murder?

Justine Stone left her hometown in Essex eighteen years ago, and she hasn't looked back since. Married to Noah, with a beautiful house and a high-flying career as a barrister, she rarely thinks about her ex-boyfriend, Jake.

Until she's given her first murder case, and sees his face staring up at her, charged with a horrific double murder.

The Jake that Justine loved would never have hurt anyone. But as evidence begins to come to light, Justine has to face up to the fact that perhaps she never really knew Jake at all. And as the past begins to merge with the present, Justine's life that she's worked so hard to create begins to fall apart.

You can run from your secrets. But they'll always catch up with you.