Alys, Always, By Harriet Lane

Driving back to London on a bleak midwinter evening, Frances Thorpe, a young newspaper sub, comes upon a car that's flipped over on its side. The police arrive and later the driver, Alys Kyte, dies from her injuries.

The accident brings Frances into contact with Alys's husband Laurence, a celebrated novelist.

Inveigling herself into the Kyte's tasteful Highgate home, Frances starts to make the most of her new connections. But what is it our heroine is really after?

Spot on social satire, chilling psychodrama and terrific writing – Lane knows of whereof she speaks.