We were always The Four. From our very first day at High Realms. The four scholarship pupils. Outsiders in a world of power and privilege. It would have made our lives a lot easier if Marta had simply pushed Genevieve out of our bedroom window that day. Certainly, it would have been tragic. She would have died instantly. But Marta didn't push her then, or - if you choose to believe me - at any other time. If she had, all of what we went through would not have happened. I've told this story as clearly as I could - as rationally as I've been able, in the circumstances, to achieve. I don't regret what we did. And I would do it all again.
'Haunting and tragic, a tale revealing the ugliness of adolescence - and humanity' Cecelia Ahern
'A dark, compelling and beguiling novel of revenge, guilt and love - Ellie Keel is a dazzling new voice' Kate Mosse
'This is The Secret History for millennials' Daisy Goodwin
*The breathtaking new novel from the bestselling author of Girl A*
Marty told the reporters that she saw it happen. She saw the gunman enter the hall. She saw her mother die trying to protect them all. That's the version of Day One Marty wishes was true. But strange inconsistencies in her story begin to surface. Details that don't add up. Questions she can't answer. The story ignites. Amidst the media frenzy, conspiracy theorists become obsessed with exposing what really happened. And at the epicentre of it all is a small community changed forever. Survivors crushed by guilt. Families torn in half. Outsiders consumed by the hunt for truth. Each has their own version of Day One. Each must grapple with this tragedy, even as fanatics question whether it ever really happened at all. But what did Marty really see? And why would she lie?
As events spiral out of control, the true story is revealed, piece by shocking piece. Day One is an unflinching and heart-breaking exploration of our obsession with tragedy - and what it really means to live it.
'I couldn't put this down... layered, frightening, moving.' Stacey Halls
'DAY ONE is a devastating, beautiful novel written with such skill, grace and compassion that I couldn't stop reading through the tears' Jennifer Saint