'A modern spin on a folk tale where the improbable can happen ... deftly spun ... the twists are lovely; dark and deep' The Times 'Golding folds together a folklore-inspired plot with the modern twists and tension of a police procedural novel to create a bitingly unnerving story' Adele Parks, Platinum 'Sewing together the many threads of the case, there is the added folklore that seeps into an atmospheric, mysterious and horror-struck storyline. Powerful imagery and captivating characters, this a grabbing book' Magic Radio Book Club 'The most original book you'll read this year ... Full of twists, turns and atmosphere, make sure you don't accidentally stay up all night devouring it' Crime Monthly * * * When a small child is found wandering alone, the local shopkeepers call the authorities immediately. Twenty minutes later, the girl's mother turns up, panicked and distraught. It doesn't take long to clear things up, and mother and daughter are soon reunited and sent on their way. Miles away, the body of a man is discovered, floating in a bathtub, but the most surprising discovery of all is that he isn't dead. Despite his injuries, he is very much alive. Two seemingly unrelated events. But as DS Harper begins to investigate, disturbing connections between the two incidents start to surface, and suddenly it's not clear where the danger truly lies. Harper must find out, and quickly. Because someone, or something, is closing in and she needs to uncover the truth before it's too late... Weaving together the trademark folklore inspiration that readers loved in Little Darlings, with the procedural narrative force of a brilliant mystery, this is the excellent and unnerving new novel from Melanie Golding. * * * Readers are captivated by The Replacement! 'A book with so many twists and unexpected outcomes. So unusual but totally gripping. I wanted the book to last forever' NetGalley reviewer, 'This book is brilliant . . . I love psychological thrillers and stories with myths and folklore [and Melanie] blends the two together [to] create the perfect book in my eyes' NetGalley reviewer,

'Atmospheric and very creepy' The Guardian 'Goosebump-inducing...Unforgettable' Woman & Home 'Unforgettable...One suspects that the real sorceress here is Golding, whose writing has given a voice to every wronged mother' The New York Times 'Chilling story...stunning' Clare Mackintosh 'Taps into every woman's fear that she will not be believed' Mel McGrath, author of The Guilty Party * * * * THE TWINS ARE CRYING. THE TWINS ARE HUNGRY. LAUREN IS CRYING. LAUREN IS EXHAUSTED. Behind the hospital curtain, someone is waiting . . . A terrifying encounter in the middle of the night leaves Lauren convinced someone is trying to steal her new-born twins. Desperate with fear, she locks herself and her sons in the bathroom until the police arrive. When DS Joanna Harper picks up the list of reported overnight incidents, she expects the usual calls from drunks and wrong numbers. But then a report of an attempted abduction catches her eye. The only thing is that it was flagged as a false alarm just fifteen minutes later. But Harper chooses to investigate anyway. There's nothing on the CCTV, and yet Lauren claims that the woman is still after her children. No one will listen to Lauren - except Harper. And now Harper must ask herself, is Lauren mad, or does she see something no one else can? * * * * Readers can't stop raving about Little Darlings: 'Every mother will see themselves in Lauren...taut with suspense' 'You just need to read it and let the creepiness and uneasiness set in' 'A disturbing and spine-chilling tale...This tale will keep readers on the edge of their seat' 'A unique, haunting story that stays with you long after finishing it'