Hidden away in an Oxford back street is a crumbling Georgian mansion, unknown to any but the few who possess a key to its unassuming front gate. Its owner is the mercurial, charismatic Mark Winters, whose rackety trust-fund upbringing has left him as troubled and unpredictable as he is wildly promiscuous.

Mark gathers around him an impressionable group of students: glamorous Emmanuella, who always has a new boyfriend in tow; Franny and Simon, best friends and occasional lovers; musician Jess, whose calm exterior hides passionate depths. And James, already damaged by Oxford and looking for a group to belong to.

For a time they live in a charmed world of learning and parties and love affairs. But university is no grounding for adult life, and when, years later, tragedy strikes they are entirely unprepared.

Sending to someone from the 2022 uk birthday group. Happy birthday 🥳

Thank you for sending this and all the other bits. I'm feeling very spoiled :)

Loved this! I've read a couple by this author and enjoyed them. I only discovered her because she writes the stories for Zombies Run which is a running App!

Popping in the Random Book Box

Had to re-jiggle the bookbox and this has found it’s way back into my possession 😂

Putting into the already crossed bookbox

Taken from the already crossed bookbox. Thank you!

I have read other books by this author, and I find it refreshing how different each one is. Having said that I couldn't finish this one. Not because of the writing but because of the characters. The selfishness, arrogance and sense of entitlement of Mark in particular made me feel sick. I couldn't understand why any of the others were friends with him. I think my strong reaction is probably exacerbated by the current Westminster situation where we seem to have politicians who show these characteristics.

Set free in the Little Free Library which was looking VERY bare. Happy reading!