Susan Lewis - Author
About the Author
Susan Lewis is the internationally bestselling author of over forty books across the genres of family drama, thriller, suspense and crime. She is also the author of Just One More Day and One Day at a Time, the moving memoirs of her childhood in Bristol during the 1960s. Following periods of living in Los Angeles and the South of France, she currently lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, James and mischievous dogs, Coco and Lulu.
Author photo © Anthony Thompson
Featured books by Susan Lewis
The Lost Hours
Don't miss the gripping new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author! A perfect marriage... Golden couple Annie and David Crayce have it all. A loving marriage, three beautiful children and a thriving family business. Life couldn't be better. Until the unthinkable happens... A perfect crime? A piece of damning DNA evidence has arisen, placing David as the prime suspect of a murder committed twenty-years ago. Annie is sure her David is innocent. But if he isn't guilty, then either his father or brother must be. As the police investigate the cold case, so does Annie. Trawling through her old diaries, she begins desperately looking for answers. But it all comes down to a few lost hours she can't solve. And Annie begins to doubt the one person she thought she knew best... Her husband.
Forgive Me
An emotionally powerful and riveting family drama, combining razor-sharp suspense and the meaning of forgiveness. Claudia Winters, along with her mother and daughter, leave their old life far behind them but as they begin to settle into a new community, the past isn’t as far away as they had hoped. Susan Lewis has written over 40 novels, they are always so readable, she really is the most wonderfully consistent writer. If you have read any of her previous books, you will rediscover a couple of your favourite characters have returned. The joy here though, is that if this your first foray, there is no need to feel disconcerted as you need no prior knowledge. I simply allowed myself to fall into pages and the main storyline swirled beautifully around Claudia, Marcy, and Jasmine. Occasional letters appeared through the novel and sliced through the harmony that was beginning to build. Not knowing when the letters were written ensured that tension increased and remained as the tale developed. As information was released, my thoughts turned in a new direction and the meaning of the title became clear. Full of love and compassion, Forgive Me is a thoughtfully observed and truly satisfying novel.
My Lies, Your Lies
A dramatic yet entirely believable and oh so readable cross-generational family drama. As her husband walks out, ghost writer Joely enters recluse Freda’s life to help her right a wrong. The latest Susan Lewis novel means it’s time to settle back and let yourself disappear into the pages. The prologue and first chapter set a trap for my interest and caught it as surely as could be. We start in the present day with Joely, then another story emerges, a memoir that is being written by Joely and Freda. I really did feel as though I was reading two separate books, and as the tales began to entwine, the mystery started to slowly reveal itself. As always, the intrigue, emotions, and revelations are all beautifully handled. By the way, there is a lovely link to Andee for those of you, who like me, have read The Detective Andee Lawrence Series. My Lies, Your Lies is a tale that opens up to reveal a riveting, satisfying and convincing tale.
One Minute Later
You think your life is perfect. You think your secrets are safe. You think it'll always be this way. But your life can change in a heartbeat. With a high-flying job, a beautiful apartment and friends whose lives are as happy as her own, Vivienne Shager is living the dream. Then, on the afternoon of Vivi's twenty-seventh birthday, one catastrophic minute changes everything. Forced to move back to the small seaside town where she grew up, Vivi remembers the reasons she left. The secrets, lies and questions that now must be answered before it's too late. But the answers lie in thirty years in the past... Shelley Raynor's family home, Deerwood Farm, has always been a special place until darkness strikes at its heart. When Vivi's and Shelley's worlds begin to entwine, it only takes a moment for the truth to unravel all of their lives. Brilliantly emotional, suspenseful and page-turning, One Minute Later is the stunning new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author, Susan Lewis.
You Said Forever
A gripping, emotional and tension-filled family drama. Charlotte and Anthony live and work on an artisan vineyard in New Zealand with their three children. They may be in paradise, yet the actions of eight year old Chloe begin to seriously affect the lives of the rest of the family, how can they deal with the trauma of the past? This is the third novel in the series, after ‘No Child of Mine’ and ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ however I do believe it could be read as a perfectly captivating standalone. We witness both Charlotte and Anthony’s thoughts and feelings, yet it is as Chloe talks in the first person, that the tale really nudges into chilling and disquieting life. Susan Lewis makes this story feel real, she handles the uncomfortable and alarming with compassion, offering no judgement, yet allowing the reader to consider, to feel and emote. ‘You Said Forever’ tugs at heartstrings, pushes you to face your disbelief, and yet is filled with warmth and hope too, creating a remarkably compelling read. ~ Liz Robinson
The Moment She Left
February 2017 Book of the Month. Another completely captivating, and tension filled dramatic tale from Susan Lewis. I look forward to each new book and have to say, I think this just might be my favourite to date. The rather wonderful Andrea Lawrence (from previous novels) investigates a missing young woman. As Andee faces difficulties in her own life, she sets out to find answers for a grieving family. If you haven't read ‘Behind Closed Doors’ or ‘The Girl Who Came Back’, don't worry, as I do feel this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. Susan Lewis writes beautifully fully realised characters, flaws and strengths sit side by side, creating people you feel you know. Information is slowly revealed and connections begin to create zip wires of tension skimming through the pages. ‘The Moment She Left’ is expressive and emotional, and yet a terrifically readable, entertaining tale. ~ Liz Robinson
The Girl Who Came Back
‘The Girl Who Came Back’ has a prologue that sends a chill flowing from the pages up into your fingertips, it sends a clear message, this is going to be an unsettling and riveting read. Jules’s life was altered forever by Amelia, Amelia is being released early from prison and rumours suggest she is coming back to the Exmoor town where Jules lives. Jules revisits memories throughout the book, there are no date headings explaining the transitions, they aren't needed, as the time frames change you are immediately placed in the moment. The unmistakable tone of Susan Lewis weaves through this story, she cleverly builds the tension, slowly releasing information, leaving you craving more, yet still completely wrapped up in the storyline. As the ominous events unfold, a feeling of dread floats freely, waiting, restless. This is a captivating family drama, it sets you thinking about justice… can it ever truly be served? ~ Liz Robinson
No Place to Hide
Overflowing with suspense, this is a dramatic and gripping family tale. Justine attempts to start a brand new life in the USA and bury all evidence of her old one in England, however fate isn't prepared to hold her hand. The story varies between the present and the past, eighteen years previously gradually moves forward in time to meet the present day. Susan Lewis knows exactly how to march the tension levels to an almost unbearable level, she also knows exactly when to release them in order to run riot across the page. ‘No Place to Hide’ effectively presents a family like any other and then proves that nightmare scenarios can ignore boundaries, rampage through respectability and tear apart happiness. Steeped in heartache, torment and grief, there is an undeniable tenderness and consideration that sits alongside these difficult emotions, making this a wonderfully compelling read. ~ Liz Robinson March 2016 Book of the Month.
Too Close to Home
August 2015 Book of the Month. A page-turner of a family drama that twists and wrenches at your heart strings. The author sets in motion a series of harrowing events and allows the reader glimpses and flashes of knowledge and understanding long before the mum of the family, Jenna. The tension and suspense increases dramatically, there are times of frustration, of almost wanting to shout a warning as the ominous clouds gather threateningly. Susan Lewis successfully brings this family to life, you find yourself along side them, berating a decision made, wryly smiling at a teenagers comeback or clucking over them when the going gets really tough. The subject matter is on occasion difficult to read, however there is an empathy and compassion that protectively hovers over proceedings and offers a sanctuary. ‘Too Close To Home’ is touching, emotional and completely captivating, as the last page is turned, a sense of contemplation and reflection lies in wait. ~ Liz Robinson
Behind Closed Doors
The powerful new novel about how life can change course in a heartbeat. From the Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author of Never Say Goodbye. When fourteen-year-old Sophie Monroe suddenly vanishes one night it looks at first as though she's run away from home. Her computer and mobile phone have gone, and she's taken a bag full of clothes. As the police investigation unfolds a wealth of secrets from the surrounding community start coming to light. And it seems everyone has something to hide. For Detective Sergeant Andrea Lawrence, the case is a painful reminder of the tragedy that tore her family apart over twenty years ago. She is convinced there is more to Sophie's disappearance than teenage rebellion. Sometimes the truth is closer than you think.
Just One More Day
The story of the author’s mother dying of breast cancer in the 60s and how the attitudes of the period demanded that the whole nasty business be kept quiet especially hidden from the children. It’s a very difficult subject, handled in a warm and interesting manner which cannot help but be immensely sad.
Never Say Goodbye
This is a compelling and deeply moving novel of friendship, family and the power of love, from the Sunday Times top ten bestseller. How would you cope with the threat of losing someone you love? Josie Clark is a loving wife and mother. She and her husband Jeff don't have much and it's often difficult to make ends meet. But Josie will do anything to protect her family and keep them safe. Bel Monkton is a successful property developer, living in a beautiful house by the sea. She seems to have everything going for her, but she's lonely. And she's let the shadows from her past cloud her future. Josie's life couldn't be more different to Bel's. But three years ago, tragedy tore Bel's life in two. Now it's happening to Josie. And faced with uncertainty and heartbreak, they come to treasure their growing friendship.
Truth About You
This is the powerful new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Don't Let Me Go. Lainey Hollingsworth has spent her whole life on the outside of a secret. Her mother would never discuss the reasons she abandoned Italy when Lainey was a new born, nor has she ever stayed in touch with the family she left behind. Now Lainey's mother is dead, taking the secret with her, and leaving Lainey free to find out about her roots. Her husband, Tom, appears supportive, until he hits her with a bombshell that shatters the very foundations of their marriage. Another secret Lainey never knew anything about. Shaken, but more determined than ever to find out who she really is, Lainey takes her children to Umbria in search of answers. What she finds in the sleepy, sunbaked village of her birth turns her world inside out.
Don't Let Me Go
Charlotte Nicholls has a secret that haunts her. She and three-year-old Chloe have left their home and friends, and are now building a new life for themselves elsewhere. All Charlotte wants to do is to forget the past, to blot out what went before, and to look only to the future. At last she and Chloe feel safe. Then, suddenly, their nightmare returns, and Charlotte finds she has no power to prevent what comes next ...
No Child of Mine
What if you knew a child was in danger - and no one believed you? Alex Lake's day job is all about helping people, especially children. She cares about them passionately and does everything in her power to rescue them from those who mean them harm. When the case of three-year-old Ottilie Wade comes to her attention, Alex feels an overpowering need to make a real difference in the little girl's life, but no one is prepared to believe that Ottilie is in danger. In the end, Alex makes a decision that has consequences that no one, least of all Alex, could have foreseen.
Hornbeam Tree
British romantic suspense par excellence. She mixes human relationships, the highs and lows of different loves, a terrorist plot which is quite frightening and lots of drama, together in an explosive cocktail. Warning, have Kleenexes to hand by the end. She is a highly competent, dramatic author with lots of backlist to get hooked into.Comparison: Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Sidney Sheldon.Similar this month: None, but try Nicholas Sparks, Sarah Rayne.
Other books by Susan Lewis
Who's Lying Now?
Don't miss the captivating new page-turner from Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis. Pre-order now! You think you're safe. You think you know your neighbours. But can you ever really know who's telling the truth? Jeannie Symonds is a force to be reckoned with - an eccentric, award-winning publisher, spending lockdown with her husband in a house near Kesterly-on-Sea. She seems to have it all: a high-flying career, a happy marriage, a niece she adores. And then one day, she vanishes. Cara Jakes is a new trainee investigator - young, intelligent and eager to prove herself. When she teams up with detective Andee Lawrence to look into the disappearance, she is determined to find out what has really happened to Jeannie. Cara begins to question the residents of this close-knit community, sure that someone has a secret to hide. But how can she separate the truth from the lies?
I Have Something to Tell You
Don't miss the captivating new book from Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis! High-flying lawyer Jessica Wells has it all. A successful career, loving husband Tom and a family she adores. But one case - and one client - will put all that at risk. Edward Blake. An ordinary life turned upside down - or a man who quietly watched television while his wife was murdered upstairs? With more questions than answers and a case too knotted to unravel, Jessica suspects he's protecting someone. Then she comes home one day and her husband utters the words no one ever wants to hear. Sit down ... I have something to tell you Now Jessica must fight not only for the man she defends, but for the man she thought she trusted with her life - her husband. Look out for the latest thrilling book from the Sunday Times bestselling author - available to pre-order now!
The Lost Hours
Drama and tension sit centre stage in this striking novel where family members are suddenly pitted against each other. Recent DNA evidence means one of three related men sit as prime suspect for a murder that occurred 20 years previously, formerly classed as among the great and good of Exmoor, suspicion now reigns supreme. Susan Lewis writes books that you can just throw yourself into and completely let go. Fascinating and thought-provoking, this novel crosses genres, yet family and friends are very much at the heart of the storyline. Susan Lewis sets the scene with care and attention, revealing the detail of the main characters lives from work to home, through to their relationships. This is a group of people who seemingly have it all. Annie sits centre stage, and we witness her life as it implodes. With a large cast including a policing team, and the past making an appearance, suspense and anticipation increases through to the dramatic conclusion. A favourite character of mine from past novels makes an appearance, and I’m sure Susan Lewis fans will be pleased to see her. The Lost Hours is a satisfying and lively family drama, perfect for those who like a few twists and turns along the way.
My Lies, Your Lies
Don't miss the new book from the Sunday Times bestseller, Susan Lewis - available to buy now! 'A compelling, timely mystery' bestselling author, Lisa Ballantyne 'You'll be surprised and captivated right to the end!' Irish Times bestselling author, Carmel Harrington One life destroyed by a lie. Freda has never shared her history with anyone before. But now she's ready to tell the story that has haunted her for forty years - about a 15-year-old girl falling madly in love with her teacher. One life destroyed by the truth. Hired by Freda, Joely is there to help uncover what really happened - but as the story starts to unravel, it will end in a way she could never have imagined. Uncovering the secrets of the past comes at a deadly price ...
Home Truths
How far would you go to keep your family safe? The gripping new page-turner from the Sunday Times bestselling author of One Minute Later Angie Watts used to have everything. A new home. A beloved husband. Three adored children. But Angie's happy life is shattered when her son Liam falls in with the wrong crowd. And after her son's bad choices lead to the murder of her husband, it's up to Angie to hold what's left of her family together. Her son is missing. Her daughter is looking for help in dangerous places. And Angie is fighting just to keep a roof over their heads. But Angie is a mother. And a mother does anything to protect her children - even when the world is falling apart... If home is where the heart is, what happens when it breaks?
The Secret Keeper
FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOME TRUTHS AND ONE MINUTE LATER You never forget your first love. 18 years ago, Olivia learned to live without Sean Kenyon. She moved on, building a life with her husband Richmond and their two children in the picturesque town Kesterley-on-Sea. But when Sean unexpectedly appears on Olivia's doorstep, her world is turned upside down once more. As old feelings resurface, and new truths come to light, Olivia finds herself questioning everything. Is her husband really the person she thought he was? The past and present collide, and Olivia must uncover the truth before it's too late. But if everyone is keeping secrets, how will she know who to trust?
Secret Keeper
Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Secret Keeper by Susan Lewis, read by Candida Gubbins.You never forget your first love. 18 years ago, Olivia learned to live without Sean Kenyon.She moved on, building a life with her husband Richmond and their two children in the picturesque town Kesterley-on-Sea.But when Sean unexpectedly appears on Olivia's doorstep, her world is turned upside down once more.As old feelings resurface, and new truths come to light, Olivia finds herself questioning everything.Is her husband really the person she thought he was?The past and present collide, and Olivia must uncover the truth before it's too late.But if everyone is keeping secrets, how will she know who to trust?
Believe In Me
Do you believe in second chances? Leanne and her family have many issues, but they're still family. Their crazy but idyllic home in the rural hamlet of Ash Morley is a place where friends can drop in at will, and outsiders whose lives have been shattered can find shelter. When the opportunity arises to foster a child, ten-year-old Daniel Marks, Leanne is quick to open her doors. But her generosity is about to be put to the ultimate test. Because Daniel's father is in prison for a gruesome murder. Everyone deserves a place to call home, and a family to care for them, but will Ash Morley still be safe once Daniel enters their lives? _________________________ Praise for Susan Lewis 'A master storyteller' Diane Chamberlain 'Utterly compelling' The Sun 'Spellbinding' Daily Mail
Believe In Me
Random House presents the audiobook edition of Believe In Me by Susan Lewis, read by Julia Franklin. Leanne and her teenage daughter Abby have recently been forced to move from London back to Kesterley-on-Sea, to Ash Morley Farm where Leanne grew up. Leanne's husband Jack, Abby's father, killed himself over a year ago, and the pair are still reeling from the shock waves caused by the tragedy.Also living at Ash Morley farm is Leanne's mother Wilkie, who is a rock for everyone, and family friend Klaudia and her two children. Klaudia has to face the backlash of xenophobic feeling post the Brexit vote, and is on tenterhooks to hear whether she and her children will be sent home to Poland. Hoping to move forward and mend the wounds her family has suffered, Leanne decides to foster a child. And when she's told that Daniel's father is in prison for murder, she hardly bats an eyelid. But as Daniel becomes integrated into the family, Leanne starts asking herself questions about his father's conviction. Is he really guilty? With the help of friend and ex detective Andee Lawrence, Leanne sets out to right the wrongs of the past.
Hiding in Plain Sight
**A Sunday Times TOP TEN BESTSELLER** THE FOURTH BOOK IN THE ANDEE LAWRENCE SERIES The SHOCKING new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis. You might forgive, but can you forget? 'A master storyteller' Diane Chamberlain ********* Andee Lawrence is in heaven. Well, the South of France to be exact. Ex-detective Andee has swapped freelance investigation and a broken marriage, for two months in Provence, renovating a beautiful villa with the new man in her life. Pottering around a small picturesque town on an early summer's day, she is at peace. But her world is about to be shattered. 'Remember me?' Two words spoken by a woman from the back of a car that say so much yet reveal so little. As the car drives away Andee is left reeling, overwhelmed by shock, confusion, self-doubt and mounting trepidation. Almost thirty years ago, fourteen year old Penny had disappeared from her family's life, never to be heard from again. It is the missing child case that has haunted Andee her whole life; And now Penny - Andee's sister - is back. The question is: why?
You Said Forever
Random House presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of You Said Forever by Susan Lewis, read by Julia Franklin. The compelling new novel from the Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author of No Child of Mine and Don't Let Me Go.Charlotte Goodman is living the dream.Surrounded by family, friends and a stunning vineyard overlooking the ocean, it would be difficult for anyone to believe that she has a troubled past. However, haunted by the theft of a young girl, Charlotte begins to realise the enormity of something she did many years ago, and soon finds herself having to make the most harrowing decision any woman would ever have to face.
Stories of Support
An inspirational collection of true stories, introduced and edited by Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis and published in support of Breast Cancer Care.All of us face challenges in our lives and when things get really difficult we often need someone to help us through. That someone can be the person closest to us, or someone we least expected, or even, in some cases, a total stranger.The Stories of Support campaign was set up for people to share their story of how someone helped them, in order to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Care. In Susan Lewis s novel, Never Say Goodbye, two strangers are brought together by tragedy and the bond that develops between them profoundly changes both their lives. Through Stories of Support Susan wanted to acknowledge the remarkable people who have given their support to friends, family, colleagues or the community. The five women who wrote the stories in this collection were selected by Susan Lewis because of their moving accounts of the exceptional support they have experienced from selfless friends and family through the most difficult of times. With an introduction from Susan Lewis, Shelley, Kate, Julie, Jane and Jeanette show the restorative power of love and friendship in a collection of stories they hope will inspire many others. Includes the first chapter of Never Say Goodbye.
Losing You
Lauren Scott is bright, talented and beautiful. At eighteen, she is the most precious gift in the world to her mother, and has a dazzling career ahead of her. Oliver Lomax is a young man full of promise, despite the shadow his own, deeply troubled, mother casts over him. Then one fateful night, Oliver makes a decision that tears their worlds apart. Until then, Lauren and Oliver had never met, but now they become so closely bound together that their families are forced to confront truths they hoped they'd never have to face, secrets they'd never even imagined...
Susan Lewis Bundle: Missing/ The Mill House
This special 2-for-1 edition features Missing and The Mill House two powerful and emotionally engaging novels from the Sunday Times bestseller. MissingIt's an early autumn day like any other as Miles Avery drives his wife, Jacqueline, to the station. Nothing remarkable crops up in conversation, nor do either of them appear anything other than their normal selves. At the station, Jacqueline gets out, takes an overnight bag from the back seat, then turns towards the platforms. This is the last anyone sees of her.Three weeks later, Miles calls the police. Enquiries are made, but there is no evidence of her boarding a train, or even entering the station. Very soon the finger of suspicion starts to turn towards Miles, and as dark secrets from the past begin to merge with those of the present, the great love he has been trying to protect is not only revealed but thrown into terrible jeopardy.The Mill HouseJulia Thayne is a valued and loving wife, a successful mother and a beautiful woman. She is everything most other women strive to be. But beneath the surface is a terrible secret that threatens to tear her perfect world apart. Joshua is Julia's husband a dynamic, devastatingly handsome man with great style, charisma and humour. He is utterly devoted to his wife and children, but as the ghosts of Julia's past begin to move into their marriage, he finds himself losing the struggle to keep them together. Then two telephone calls change everything.Julia moves from London to a remote mill house in Cornwall, determined to break free from the past and save her fractured relationship with Josh. But it is here that she makes her own fatal mistake, and once more her marriage is rocked to its very foundation.
No Turning Back
Eva Montgomery is at the peak of her career when she is viciously attacked by a stalker. While still traumatised, she makes the biggest mistake of her life - one she can never turn back from. Sixteen years later, Eva has managed to rebuild her life in a way that seemed impossible after the attack. Her home in Dorset, high on the cliffs overlooking the sea, is as elegant as she is, but bears none of the scars. To an outsider, her world seems perfect in every way. Then the past invades the present - with shattering consequences. Hurt, frightened and confused, Eva struggles desperately to put right the terrible mistake she made sixteen years ago and finally break free from a past that nearly destroyed her.
One Day at a Time
She was only nine when her world fell apart. The struggle to understand took a lifetime. In 1960s Bristol, Susan's family was like any other with its joys and frustrations, and fierce loyalties. Then tragedy struck and left a legacy that was to last a lifetime. Susan was only nine when her mother died. A year later she was sent away to school. She didn't want to go, and didn't understand why she had to. In her struggle to cope with an uncertain world - a world where nothing seemed to make sense any more - she pushed away the one person she loved best, her father. It wasn't until adulthood beckoned that she realised that, in order to turn their relationship around, she had to learn to love - and trust - again.