As always, I have been given guidance in all things procedural from my wonderful police advisor, Mark Gray – an ex detective chief inspector who regularly puts me straight when I stray too far from reality. I can’t thank him enough for his speedy and comprehensive responses to my sometimes bizarre questions.
My early readers have, as ever, been vigilant in spotting plot lines that may not be as clear as I thought they were, and have chipped in with all kinds of helpful suggestions. In particular I would like to thank Barbara, Andria, Emily, Ruth, Kath and Judith. Your feedback really helped with the fine-tuning.
What I occasionally refer to as “Team Abbott” – in other words the small, but highly prized, group of people who help me to keep my head above water when I’m drowning in marketing, administration and the need to come up with ideas for blog posts – has grown a little this year. Tish McPhilemy not only takes on a huge proportion of the tedious, but essential, aspects of running a business – a job for which she is massively overqualified – but she also inspires me and best of all, makes me laugh out loud. Alexandra Amor is a bit too far away in Canada to join in the general hilarity, but she is rock-solid, utterly reliable and understands how to edit a website and a newsletter, thank goodness. On top of that, she’s a pleasure to work with. Thank you both.
The past twelve months wouldn’t have been the same without the immense support from my amazing publicist Maura Brickell. Her innovative ideas and endless enthusiasm are inspiring (and she makes me laugh too!).
Each time I write these acknowledgements I believe I’m going to have to thank a new and different jacket designer. But each time I’m wrong – because Alan Carpenter, who has designed every jacket since my very first, has managed somehow to find time to produce the jacket for this book, which I have to say is one of the best. He knows how much I appreciate him by now.
And where would I be without my agent, Lizzy Kremer? I know how lucky I am to have her behind me, pushing me to be the best I can be, and it’s so reassuring to feel that she is always there, offering support and guidance. The whole team at David Higham Associates are a joy to work with, particularly the multi-talented Harriet Moore, and it’s hard to believe that my books – thanks to the foreign rights team – are now available in twenty languages!
I am blessed with great editors too. Clare Bowron gives incisive editorial feedback, and somehow manages to spot the small things that have been niggling me but I haven’t been quite sure about. Hugh Davis – an excellent copy-editor – is both thorough and efficient. I always know my books are in good hands with him.
Last but not least, I have to thank John for coping with me when I am so involved in my fictitious life that I pay scant attention to my real life. I cannot imagine for a moment what it must be like living with a writer – especially one who spends her time burrowing under the surface of twisted minds!
It’s been a terrific team effort, and I continue to count myself lucky to be surrounded by the best group of professionals, friends and family there is.
KILL ME AGAIN
When your life is a lie, who can you trust?
When Maggie Taylor accepts a new job in Manchester, she is sure it is the right move for her family. The children have settled well, although her husband, Duncan, doesn’t appear to be so convinced.
But nothing prepares her for the shock of coming home from work one night to find that Duncan has disappeared, leaving their young children alone. His phone is dead, and she has no idea where he has gone, or why. And then she discovers she’s not the only one looking for him.
When a woman who looks just like Maggie is brutally murdered and DCI Tom Douglas is brought in to investigate, Maggie realises how little she knows about Duncan’s past. Is he the man she loves? Who is he running from?
She doesn’t have long to decide whether to trust him or betray him. Because one thing has been made clear to Maggie – another woman will die soon, and it might be her.
Praise for Kill Me Again
‘A properly addictive, leave-the-light-on thriller.’
Red Magazine
‘This fast paced thriller will have you racing right through to its shocking conclusion.’
Closer Magazine
‘Kill Me Again by Rachel Abbott is almost unbearably tense, with a killer twist.’
Good Housekeeping
Buy Kill Me Again from Amazon
Other Novels by Rachel Abbott
ONLY THE INNOCENT
A man is dead. The killer is a woman. But what secrets lie beneath the surface – so dark that a man has to die?
“This is an absolutely stunning debut novel from a writer with a gift for telling a tale. I can’t wait for more.”
THE BACK ROAD
A girl lies close to death in a dark, deserted lane. A driver drags her body to the side of the road. A shadowy figure hides in the trees, watching and waiting.
“A clever psychological crime and mystery novel.”
SLEEP TIGHT
How far would you go to hold on to the people you love? Sleep tight – if you can. You never know who’s watching.
“Just when you think you’ve got it sussed, you’ll find yourself screeching in frustration at your foolishness.”
STRANGER CHILD
One dark secret. One act of revenge.
They say you should never trust a stranger. Maybe they’re right.
"Absorbing, complex and brilliantly planned, I loved this book. 10/10."
- Novelicious
NOWHERE CHILD
Someone is looking for Tasha. But does she want to be found?
A standalone novella featuring the same characters as Stranger Child.
“The tension mounts to a high level as the hunted Tash desperately tries to avoid being captured.”
– Cleo Loves Books
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Ch
apter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Chapter 83
Chapter 84
Chapter 85
Chapter 86
Chapter 87
Chapter 88
A Letter To My Readers
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Preview: KILL ME AGAIN
Other Novels by Rachel Abbott
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