From behind the curtains, Sarah spotted the man coming out of the house, followed by the woman. It would be strange seeing people in the property. She wondered how much it would change their lives. For now, she would bide her time and hopefully get to know them better. She needed to gain their trust.

When I met Richard, I fell for him instantly. He was able to give me everything I had always wanted: the dream house, security and above all, love like I’d never known. We lived a quiet life in the middle of nowhere; we didn’t need anyone else.

So, when the empty house next door is sold, I am wary. Will our neighbours invade the perfect life Richard has built for us? As soon as I meet Juliette and Danny, I am reassured. Overwhelmed by grief after the death of their young daughter, they have moved in search of a quiet life and a chance to start again. Over dinner one evening, we hit it off instantly and I know they are just the neighbours we need.

All is well until Juliette spots a young girl in our garden. Richard convinces her that she is seeing things, that it’s the grief taking over. But Juliette won’t let it go. She is sure she saw a child. She believes that Richard is threatening her. She starts to think that I’m not safe.

I need to convince Juliette that she’s imagining it. I need to keep Richard happy. If I am to protect everything I have built for myself, she must never find out the truth.

That my perfect life is built on the deadliest lie.

A heart-stopping psychological thriller with a truly brilliant twist, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, T.M. Logan and K.L. Slater.

Readers love The Life She Wants:

‘Woah…. blown away by this one…This one left me guessing until the very end, and I loved it. The twists and turns were shocking yet realistic… I felt my own heart racing… Couldn’t read this one fast enough.’ Goodreads reviewer,

‘Kept me up well past my bedtime, I could not put it down. So many thrilling twists and turns… Just could not put it down… highly recommend. Phenomenal… I was blown away by this book!’ NetGalley reviewer,

‘May possibly be my favourite of Mel Sherratt’s books so far!… I was totally immersed after the very first chapter… This truly is one hell of a ride. Oh, and Mel, you owe me a night’s sleep, as I couldn’t stop reading until I’d finished!!’ Goodreads reviewer,

‘A totally gripping read that had me reading obsessively until it was finished. I couldn’t put it down it was so twisty and unpredictable. I loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer,

‘Oh my gosh. What a fabulous book. This had my heart racing.’ StefLoz Book Blog,