THOSE WE LEFT BEHIND

When 12-year-old Ciaran Devine confessed to murdering his foster father it sent shock waves through the nation.

DCI Serena Flanagan, then an ambitious Detective Sergeant, took Ciaran's confession after days spent earning his trust. He hasn’t forgotten the kindness she showed him – in fact, she hasn't left his thoughts in the seven years he’s been locked away.

Probation officer Paula Cunningham, now tasked with helping Ciaran re-enter society, suspects there was more to this case than the police uncovered. Ciaran’s confession saved his brother Thomas from a far lengthier sentence, and Cunningham can see the unnatural hold Thomas still has over his vulnerable younger brother.

When she brings her fears to DCI Flanagan, the years of lies begin to unravel, setting a deadly chain of events in motion.

"[A] searing, deeply affecting psychological thriller. Neville demonstrates once again that he’s a literary force to be reckoned with." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Deeply chilling, but full of tenderness, this multi-stranded story is utterly compelling. The best book yet from a hugely talented writer." - Sunday Mirror