The Accident by C.L. Taylor

Another one of those parental fears is explored in this psychological thriller.  A mother tries to explore why her teenage daughter deliberately ran in front of a bus, an action which led her to slipping into a coma. Using her diary entries, the mother retraces her daughter's steps and wonders what secrets the girl is keeping.

It is set in Brighton, East Sussex. Her hunt for answers takes her deep into a dark reality of gaslighting and hidden diaries. The coastal city backdrop - with its distinct beachside lanes, piers, and sea-facing neighbourhoods - serves as the perfect backdrop for a dark domestic noir mystery.

​This is a fast paced read, written in the present but also including flashbacks to the mother's past as well and the story is told from her perspective in the first person.  Easy to read, modern and familiar. At times it is quite chilling, at times a bit contrived but it is a fast read, with fluid writing so it's easy to follow. If the reader doesn't overthink the plot this makes the book a good thriller. Kept my attention anyway.

---

Published by Harpercollins on 10 April 2014.

​

Rugged Coastline: Islands and Maritime Tales