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The Sixth Window

Page 36

by Rachel Abbott


  As always, I have been given guidance in all things procedural from my wonderful police advisor, Mark Gray – an ex detective chief inspector who regularly puts me straight when I stray too far from reality. I can’t thank him enough for his speedy and comprehensive responses to my sometimes bizarre questions.

  My early readers have, as ever, been vigilant in spotting plot lines that may not be as clear as I thought they were, and have chipped in with all kinds of helpful suggestions. In particular I would like to thank Barbara, Andria, Emily, Ruth, Kath and Judith. Your feedback really helped with the fine-tuning.

  What I occasionally refer to as “Team Abbott” – in other words the small, but highly prized, group of people who help me to keep my head above water when I’m drowning in marketing, administration and the need to come up with ideas for blog posts – has grown a little this year. Tish McPhilemy not only takes on a huge proportion of the tedious, but essential, aspects of running a business – a job for which she is massively overqualified – but she also inspires me and best of all, makes me laugh out loud. Alexandra Amor is a bit too far away in Canada to join in the general hilarity, but she is rock-solid, utterly reliable and understands how to edit a website and a newsletter, thank goodness. On top of that, she’s a pleasure to work with. Thank you both.

  The past twelve months wouldn’t have been the same without the immense support from my amazing publicist Maura Brickell. Her innovative ideas and endless enthusiasm are inspiring (and she makes me laugh too!).

  Each time I write these acknowledgements I believe I’m going to have to thank a new and different jacket designer. But each time I’m wrong – because Alan Carpenter, who has designed every jacket since my very first, has managed somehow to find time to produce the jacket for this book, which I have to say is one of the best. He knows how much I appreciate him by now.

  And where would I be without my agent, Lizzy Kremer? I know how lucky I am to have her behind me, pushing me to be the best I can be, and it’s so reassuring to feel that she is always there, offering support and guidance. The whole team at David Higham Associates are a joy to work with, particularly the multi-talented Harriet Moore, and it’s hard to believe that my books – thanks to the foreign rights team – are now available in twenty languages!

  I am blessed with great editors too. Clare Bowron gives incisive editorial feedback, and somehow manages to spot the small things that have been niggling me but I haven’t been quite sure about. Hugh Davis – an excellent copy-editor – is both thorough and efficient. I always know my books are in good hands with him.

  Last but not least, I have to thank John for coping with me when I am so involved in my fictitious life that I pay scant attention to my real life. I cannot imagine for a moment what it must be like living with a writer – especially one who spends her time burrowing under the surface of twisted minds!

  It’s been a terrific team effort, and I continue to count myself lucky to be surrounded by the best group of professionals, friends and family there is.

  KILL ME AGAIN

  When your life is a lie, who can you trust?

  When Maggie Taylor accepts a new job in Manchester, she is sure it is the right move for her family. The children have settled well, although her husband, Duncan, doesn’t appear to be so convinced.

  But nothing prepares her for the shock of coming home from work one night to find that Duncan has disappeared, leaving their young children alone. His phone is dead, and she has no idea where he has gone, or why. And then she discovers she’s not the only one looking for him.

  When a woman who looks just like Maggie is brutally murdered and DCI Tom Douglas is brought in to investigate, Maggie realises how little she knows about Duncan’s past. Is he the man she loves? Who is he running from?

  She doesn’t have long to decide whether to trust him or betray him. Because one thing has been made clear to Maggie – another woman will die soon, and it might be her.

  Praise for Kill Me Again

  ‘A properly addictive, leave-the-light-on thriller.’

  Red Magazine

  ‘This fast paced thriller will have you racing right through to its shocking conclusion.’

  Closer Magazine

  ‘Kill Me Again by Rachel Abbott is almost unbearably tense, with a killer twist.’

  Good Housekeeping

  Buy Kill Me Again from Amazon

  Other Novels by Rachel Abbott

  ONLY THE INNOCENT

  A man is dead. The killer is a woman. But what secrets lie beneath the surface – so dark that a man has to die?

  “This is an absolutely stunning debut novel from a writer with a gift for telling a tale. I can’t wait for more.”

  THE BACK ROAD

  A girl lies close to death in a dark, deserted lane. A driver drags her body to the side of the road. A shadowy figure hides in the trees, watching and waiting.

  “A clever psychological crime and mystery novel.”

  SLEEP TIGHT

  How far would you go to hold on to the people you love? Sleep tight – if you can. You never know who’s watching.

  “Just when you think you’ve got it sussed, you’ll find yourself screeching in frustration at your foolishness.”

  STRANGER CHILD

  One dark secret. One act of revenge.

  They say you should never trust a stranger. Maybe they’re right.

  "Absorbing, complex and brilliantly planned, I loved this book. 10/10."

  - Novelicious

  NOWHERE CHILD

  Someone is looking for Tasha. But does she want to be found?

  A standalone novella featuring the same characters as Stranger Child.

  “The tension mounts to a high level as the hunted Tash desperately tries to avoid being captured.”

  – Cleo Loves Books

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  CONTENTS

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Chapter 66

  Chapter 67

  Chapter 68

  Chapter 69

  Chapter 70

  Chapter 71

  Chapter 72

  Chapter 73

  Chapter 74

  Chapter 75

  Chapter 76

  Ch
apter 77

  Chapter 78

  Chapter 79

  Chapter 80

  Chapter 81

  Chapter 82

  Chapter 83

  Chapter 84

  Chapter 85

  Chapter 86

  Chapter 87

  Chapter 88

  A Letter To My Readers

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Preview: KILL ME AGAIN

  Other Novels by Rachel Abbott

 

 

 


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