The Children's Secret: The pageturning new novel from the highly acclaimed author of What Milo Saw

Review A dark, taut, and increasingly tense page-turner, The Children's Secret is the best kind of suspense story, one that makes the reader think as well as feel -- DJ Palmer, USA Today bestselling author Monroe stokes the fires so effectively as racism, snobbery, and old grudges fly around decorous Middlebrook with the fury of the woes released from Pandora's box ― Kirkus As the story unfolds through multiple points of view, Monroe holds a magnifying glass to gun ownership, the claustrophobia of a close-knit community, and deep-seated cultural biases. Timely and thought-provoking -- Paula Treick DeBoard, author of The Drowning Girls The Children's Secret has it all: part mystery and part thriller and completely engrossing. It peels back the layers of a tragedy showcasing how powerful secrets can be. This is not an ordinary whodunit - it's gripping and relevant and thought-provoking - and you won't be able to put it down -- Alexandra Burt, author of 'Remember Mia' Product Description The brand new novel from Virginia Macgregor, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS ASKING. BUT THEY'RE NOT TELLING . . . At a children's party . . . Nothing ever happens in a sleepy American town like Middlebrook. Until the shocking events of one hot Saturday afternoon when, at a back-to-school party, nine children sneak off to a barn. And one child is shot by another. In the media storm that sweeps the nation . . . The press are asking questions. About the type of parents who let their children play unsupervised in a house with guns. About how damaged a child must be to commit this kind of atrocity. In the ensuing police investigation . . . Two questions are the most urgent, and the most baffling. Of the nine children who were present in that barn, which one actually pulled the trigger? And why are the others staying silent? Incredibly gripping and gorgeously written, this is a spellbinding novel that asks how far we'll go to protect our children, and how we can come together when so much divides us. Why do readers LOVE Virginia Macgregor? 'I defy you not to fall in love . . . a future classic' Clare Mackintosh 'Will delight you but break your heart several times over' Sun 'I couldn't put this insightful, compelling novel down' Woman & Home 'Might restore your faith in human nature' Bella 'Deeply satisfying' Sarra Manning, Red 'Sharp, funny and hugely moving . . . a must read' Fabulous 'Warm, wise and insightful' Good Housekeeping 'Beautifully written and thought-provoking, this is a brilliant read' Sun 'This wonderful story will tear at your heart.' My Weekly 'Brilliant!' Heat 'A poignant and very clever read' Company 'A truly heart-warming story of family, love and loyalty' Daily Express 'An astonishingly brilliant novel' Australian Women's Weekly 'A touching look at the meaning of motherhood' Good Housekeeping 'A challenging and moving story about the power of love' Image 'Absolutely delightful . . . Everyone should read this book!' Novelicious 'Written with plenty of heart' Sunday Mirror 'An emotional and powerful family drama' Heat 'So engaging and powerful' Press Association 'Layered and lyrical' Irish Independent Book Description THE SLAP meets BIG LITTLE LIES - secrets are uncovered and lives unravelled in this superbly suspenseful, beautifully told novel about the fallout in a small town after a gun is fired at a children's party. About the Author Virginia Macgregor is the author of five acclaimed novels for adults, including What Milo Saw and The Return of Norah Wells. She has also written two novels for young adults: Wishbones and As Far as the Stars. Her work has been translated into over a dozen languages. Virginia moved from England to New Hampshire in 2016, where she now lives with her husband and three children. Keep in touch with Virginia on Twitter (@virginiawrites), Instagram (@virginiamacgregorauthor), Facebook (@virginiamacgregorauthor) or via her website www.virginiamacgregor.com.