The Ugly Truth: An addictive and original thriller about the dark side of fame, with an ending you won't see coming

Description

Everyone's telling a different story. Who do you believe? The debut book club thriller from an exciting, original voice in fiction. A page-turning, can't-look-away story about the dark side of celebrity culture - sure to be the most talked-about thriller of 2023. Melanie Lange has disappeared. Her father, Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic. Her ex-husband, Finn, and best friend, Nell, say she has been kidnapped. The media will say whichever gets them the most views. But whose side are you on? #SaveMelanie #HelpPeter Gripping, shocking and original, THE UGLY TRUTH explores the influence of the press and social media on public opinion and in private lives. It reminds us of the people behind the headlines, and how difficult it can be to separate fact from fiction.

L.C. North studied psychology at university before pursuing a career in Public Relations. Her first book club thriller - The Ugly Truth - combines her love of psychology and her fascination with the celebrities in the public eye. L.C. North is currently working on her second novel, and when she's not writing, she co-hosts the crime thriller podcast, In Suspense. L.C. North lives on the Suffolk borders with her family. L.C. North is the pen name of Lauren North. Readers can follow her on Twitter @Lauren_C_North and Facebook @LaurenNorthAuthor.

A whipsmart and ingenious thriller for our times. Compellingly narrated in snippets of mixed media, The Ugly Truth homes in on our toxic addiction to celebrity. It is a tour de force! * Lesley Kara, bestselling author of THE RUMOUR * Original, timely, thought-provoking and an absolutely brilliant read. * B. A. Paris, author of BEHIND CLOSED DOORS * Totally fresh and very clever. A very enjoyable piece of fiction that made me reassess my own views and prejudices about people in the public eye. * Emily Edwards, author of THE HERD * #FreeBritney meets The Appeal in this addictively unique thriller. Get ready to be utterly hooked. North is one of my all-time favourite writers. * Jack Jordan, author of DO NO HARM * The Ugly Truth is a beautifully crafted, and sharply observed novel. It makes for an incredibly powerful and heart-breaking read. I inhaled it. * Liv Matthews, author of THE TWINS * A brilliantly constructed and compelling glimpse into the darkest reaches of celebrity, and a forensic study of how the solar flare of fame can blind everyone to the truth. Highly recommended. * Fiona Cummins, author of RATTLE * One of the cleverest and most thought-provoking books I've read in a long time, with an absolute sucker-punch of an ending that really unsettled me. * Charlotte Duckworth, author of THE SANCTUARY * Fresh, surprising and very astute on what it's like to live in the public eye. * Laura Marshall, bestselling author of FRIEND REQUEST * Riveting, thought-provoking and heart-breaking in equal measure. So inventive and original, and the characterisation was incredible. * Catherine Cooper, author of THE CHALET * L. C. North brilliantly combines delicious, page-turning entertainment with dark themes. * Emma Curtis, author of INVITE ME IN * The Ugly Truth is a thought-provoking indictment of modern fame which shines a light in the darkest of places and asks all the right questions. Propulsive reading. Loved it. * Amanda Reynolds, author of CLOSE TO ME * Provides a disturbing insight into how the media treats women. A truly five-star read. * Nikki Smith, author of LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO * A timely and compelling look at celebrity culture wrapped up in a dark, twisty tale! * Louise Mumford, author of THE SAFE HOUSE * A rollercoaster ride, thought-provoking, addictive, and satisfying. Highly recommend. * Louise Swanson, author of END OF STORY * Fascinating morally grey characters, toxic families and an amazing critique on the callous nature of the media. Loved it. * Heather Darwent, author of THE THINGS WE DO TO OUR FRIENDS * A damning, tragic modern day story told in a unique and thoroughly entertaining way. It holds a mirror up to our dog-eat-dog media and the price we all pay for using real lives as entertainment. * Cesca Major, author of MAYBE NEXT TIME * A startling thriller with a sharp edge. Fast and compelling, it leaves you gasping for breath. * Daily Mail *