"An amazing memoir of a mother's struggle to get help for her son."

Surely motherhood shouldn’t be THIS hard.

When the thin blue line showed in the window of the pregnancy test, Sarah was beside herself with joy and excitement.

But even whilst expecting Tom, she knew he was going to be VERY active. From having what felt like a football team inside her, she went to having a baby who slept fitfully, to a destructive and explosive toddler, to an overactive young boy who was always in trouble at school.

In her own words, she dragged him to every professional known to man with her food and behaviour diaries, hoping for diagnosis or support, but was only ever to be met with judgment and blame. This ‘blame the parents’ mentality extended into other circles Sarah was involved with, mums at the school gate, friends, strangers, even family.

As the years passed, the Tom’s conduct, and its effects on others, particularly Sarah, became more and more out of control. And then it all hit rock bottom.

This is a memoir about parenting that examines being failed by ‘the system.’ It is a true story of survival but most importantly, it is a story about a mother’s enduring love.

Don’t Call me Mum reads like having a coffee with a friend. You will find yourself saying ‘and then what happened? And what did you do next?'

Find out what other readers are saying about 'Don't Call me Mum:'

"I felt every bit of the author's pain as she lives in a state of alert for sixteen years. Extremely thought provoking."

"I couldn’t put this book down although reading it was an emotional rollercoaster. Best book in a long time."

"A must read for every parent struggling with a delinquent child regardless of whether they are diagnosed with an official medical condition or not."

"A brilliantly written and addictive read. I need to let my nails grow back....eek! Very much recommended."

She wants to forget her past. He wants to control her present. And her future.

When university lecturer, Nicola, meets Hugh, she knows immediately that getting over her father’s suicide, and being dumped by her former long-term partner are events she can now recover from.

But to the exclusion of all others, Hugh swiftly assumes control over Nicola’s life. Even when caution is urged by everyone around her, it doesn’t stop Nicola rushing headlong into a marriage that grants Hugh access to her money, her home, her heart, and then her mind.

Will anyone be able to drag Nicola out of her husband’s shadow before she fades into it completely?

Find out what other readers are saying about 'In His Shadow.'

"I loved this book! I was shouting at both characters for different reasons! When you can see what is happening and can't do anything to help it drives you crazy!"

"This is a such a dark, domestic thriller even by Maria Frankland’s high standard of dark, domestic thrillers."

"Maria Frankland delivers yet again, this was an addictive domestic thriller with twists and turns. I just had to finish it within one afternoon as I really wanted to see where it went, just loved it."

"Oh wow, what a read. This has to be one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read. The plot was brilliant." (Goodreads Reviewer)

What’s the worst thing that could happen at a hen party?

The ten women gathered in Dublin for Caitlyn’s hen party mostly don’t want to be there, including Caitlyn herself.

It’s apparent from the moment they gather that the pre-existing dynamics are only going to result in the darkest repercussions.

As the drink flows, inevitable bad feeling erupts, and long-held resentments begin to unravel.

But no one could have predicted a killing amongst them. Or could they?

What readers are saying about The Hen Party:

"I've read all of Maria's books. Like all the others this one did not disappoint! Absolutely recommend all of this author's books if you love a gritty gripping read."

"First time reading anything from this author, def won't be the last! This book kept me guessing all the way through, I thought keeping track of the characters would be tough but the way Maria writes it was so easy. 5⭐"

"Thoroughly enjoyed this book, different people & backgrounds brought together for a hen weekend. With a great twist at end."

"Maria Frankland has an uncanny knack for misdirection. You think you know the culprit, only for that twist..."

Can Lauren get to the truth without risking her own ‘accident?’

Lauren’s world revolves around her family, her wedding plans, and her blossoming career as a journalist.

One story is of particular interest to her. The death toll in the River Alder has entered double figures and is steadily rising. The coincidences amongst the women falling to their deaths are too blatant to disregard.

However, they are being disregarded. And her sergeant fiancé, Mark, is part of the investigative team. He is torn between Lauren’s crusade and keeping himself out of the firing line with his superiors.

Until something happens which makes him wish he’d listened to Lauren sooner…

Find out what readers are saying about 'The Yorkshire Dipper:"

"As it's most basic, it's a whodunnit but that would be doing it an injustice. It's a look into how ordinary people are affected by the very worst you can imagine happening to you."

"This should be made into a BBC drama! Superb! Finally got back into reading mode, and what a belter to start with!
Absolutely shocked mid-way - didn’t see that coming! If you love gritty domestic drama, add this to your TBR list!"

"This was "unputadownable," I read it in one hit ! Beautifully written and really gripping."

"This book has many depths and I will have you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend!"

She’s been left for dead. Whilst her little girl watched…

When Paul alerts the emergency services to his badly-injured wife, Michelle, he's immediately suspected of being her attacker. He is arrested and a fight for his own survival ensues.

He claims to have been a victim of his wife’s abuse. But who will believe him?

As his defence is mounted and the family’s story is told, it seems Paul isn’t the only person who might have wished Michelle dead…

Only one person has the answers. And she’s not saying a word.

Here's what readers are saying about 'The Man Behind Closed Doors:'

"A well-written, excellent read, which I couldn't put down, covering the distressing subject of domestic violence from a man's perspective. Complete with an unexpected twist at the end."

"This is the first book I've read by this author, and now I want to read them all!"

"This is a riveting read that has kept me enthralled over the two days it has taken me to read it. I had vivid pictures throughout...almost like watching as events unfolded..I felt I was present."

The darkest secrets can be hiding in families

When Heidi hears the news that a prisoner has escaped, she instinctively knows who it is, even before the name is revealed.

Twelve years have elapsed since her own escape, time enough for her family to move, recover and start to live again.

As a manhunt ensues for the escapee, it seems history is repeating itself as a series of killings work their way up the East Coast towards Heidi’s new home-town. As she watches and waits, and the killings close in, she knows he’s coming back. For her.

Not only has she her own terror to cope with, but also the responsibility of keeping her cousin Alysha and younger brother Harry from getting out of their depth and caught up in something they can’t get out of.

"This is one of those books that you think "I'll just read one more chapter" and before you know it you've finished the book. It deserves every one of its 5 stars."

Can you call yourself a victim if you've managed to escape?

Find out what other readers are saying about 'Drowned Voices."

"This is a book you’ll definitely want to to read; fast-paced, suspenseful to the end and full of the wonderful plot twists we’ve come to expect from this brilliant author!"

"This is the best book I have read in long time and I would highly recommend it."

"The first book in this series “The Yorkshire Dipper” was fresh and exciting, wondering “whodunnit” from a solid cast of characters with different motivations for their behaviour. The story continues with more manipulation, justification, fear and terror! A real page turner setting the reader up for an exciting wait for the third instalment! I cannot wait!!"

"Read this book in one sitting, the characters are superbly written and the story is very fast moving! Brilliant read!'"
The sunniest days can yield the darkest news

After years of problem drinking, Fiona is getting her life back on track. She can deal with whatever problems life might throw at her without her former ‘crutch.’

But problems have a nasty habit of raining down all at once.

The greatest threat to her new-found sobriety comes in the shape of two police officers with dreadful news to impart.

As the aftermath of this news escalates, Fiona finds herself not only having to deal with losing her husband Rob, but also with the threat of losing her son, home, money and freedom.

There are several people with cause to have run Rob off the road as he cycled, but Fiona is considered to have had the most motive and is therefore the main suspect. The evidence against her is stacking up, she has no alibi, and no answers to the questions being asked.

For the only person with the answers is dead.

Here's what readers have said about Hit and Run:

"I loved the writing style, especially at the end of each chapter when you get to hear the thoughts of the killer, a little hint of who it may be. Don't be deceived.....it really could be anyone! Plenty of dark secrets, greed and deceit."

"I NEEDED to know who murdered Rob, once I started reading I only stopped to sleep, I picked it up again and couldn't stop till the very end!"

"Fiona's ongoing battle with alcohol is brilliantly described to the point where I wanted a drink just reading about her longing."

"Wow just wow! This is a well executed, razor taut thriller/mystery."

Anna Hardaker is following you…

‘That’s the lad whose mum’s just died,’ everyone says when they see me. Then there’s the usual sayings, ‘I’m so sorry,’ and ‘if there’s anything I can do to help…’

And yeah, there is.

They could find out who’s sending messages from your social media profile. If I believed in that sort of thing, I’d suspect you of trying to tell us all something. Make out like your fall wasn’t an accident, after all.

But you’re dead. So it can’t be you.

It’s freaking me out. It’s freaking everyone out. And I’m certainly finding out what people really thought of you. And me.

People told me that your funeral would help with ‘closure.’ But it hasn’t.

And as the days after your death turn to weeks, questions are being asked that no one has the answers to…

Find out what other readers are saying about 'The Last Cuckoo.'

"The author did a wonderful job of creating characters that seemingly come alive. The plot maintained my interest from the offset and kept me guessing."

"Read in a day, couldn't put it down. Brilliant ending which I didn't see coming."

"It's a fascinating set up as Jamie has to deal with betrayal, jealousy, greed and bitchiness from various family members as the dark side of human nature shows its ugly head."

"A brilliant plot with a hell of a twist."

Kerry lives a perfect life. But behind closed doors, she’s fighting to hang onto it, at any cost.

Kerry focus is on fitting in. Of being ‘one of the in crowd.’ Her world is full of discussions about conservatories, holidays and the best restaurants, until it moves to not knowing where her husband, Ed, is, or whether he’ll ever come back home to her.

Ed is fighting his own battle, torn between wanting to be around for his two sons, and needing to acknowledge who he really is. The suspicious death of local man, Russ, is the catalyst to Ed realising he can no longer live a lie.

When Kerry accepts that nothing she can do will ever save her marriage, the gloves come off between the pair. But they’re not the only opponents in the ring.

As the situation becomes darker and more toxic, the ultimate price has yet to be paid...

Find out what other readers are saying about 'Left Hanging.'

"One of the best books I have read in ages. Had it all, love, hate, tension, remorse, sadness and justification. Loved every minute of reading it."

"Superb storytelling!! This is crying out to be made into a BBC drama!"

"There was an actual gasp out loud moment which blindsided me."

"Wow - this is quite the story, this author knows how to keep you entranced. Page after page you hold your breath, always wondering what next..."

Christmas can be the darkest and most dangerous time of all

Things can’t get much worse for Neil. He’s already losing the fight with drinking and depression, and has also lost the argument for where he and his wife Sacha are going to spend Christmas this year.

Due to illness, it’s going to be Sacha’s father’s last Christmas, and her mother wants the family all together. This includes Neil’s two brothers-in-law, and there’s no love lost between any of them, or between Sacha and one of her two sisters.

Three days in a confined space and an excess of alcohol intensifies several long-held resentments within the family.

Being in one another’s company is intolerable, and it’s apparent that Sacha’s father might not be the only family member ‘celebrating’ his final Christmas.

Find out what readers are saying about 'Last Christmas:'

"If you want to get to bed on time, do not make this your bedtime reading. This book had me reading and reading and reading."

"I got the ending so so wrong, I would've never have guessed for it to turn out the way it did. A very captivating story line."

"There was enough suspense to keep me intrigued and there was a lovely, unexpected little twist at the very end. My first book by Maria Frankland but it certainly won't be my last."

She wants to be with you. She wants to be you.

Lou has known Donna for years. They've been through thick and thin, yet the rougher the time, the tighter their bond.

Some friendships stand the test of time but this one is tested far beyond that when Donna grows increasingly jealous of every aspect of Lou's settled life whilst her own spirals out of control.

All Donna wants is what Lou's got. Surely that isn't too much to ask?