Lauren Henderson

Lauren Henderson was born and raised in London and worked there as a journalist, club bartender and various other poorly paid jobs before going to Tuscany on holiday, writing her first book and staying there for nine years. She now lives in London.

She has written seven crime novels featuring her feisty anti-heroine, Sam Jones: DEAD WHITE FEMALE, TOO MANY BLONDES, THE BLACK RUBBER DRESS, FREEZE MY MARGARITA, THE STRAWBERRY TATTOO, CHAINED! and PRETTY BOY, all published in the UK by Hutchinson. The last five have been published in the US by Crown.

She is also the author of three romantic comedies. The first of these, MY LURID PAST, was published by Little, Brown in 2002, DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT followed in 2003 and EXES ANONYMOUS in 2005. Her first novel for the teen market, KISS ME, KILL ME, was published in 2007.

When 16-year-old Scarlett Wakefield transfers from St Tabby’s to Wakefield Hall Collegiate, she is relieved that no-one knows her dark, haunting secret. A few months ago, Scarlett was invited to an elite party with a guest list full of the hottest names in British society, including Dan McAndrew. Before the party, Scarlett had only imagined what it would be like to have her first kiss with Dan, but on the penthouse terrace, Dan leaned in close and she no longer had to wonder. Their kiss was beautiful and perfect and magical, and then…. Dan McAndrew took his last breath as she held him in her arms.

No one knows how or why Dan died, and everyone at St Tabby’s believes Scarlett had something to do with it. But now that she’s safely hidden away at Wakefield Hall, Scarlett would rather forget that it ever happened. Only she can’t. Especially when she receives an anonymous note that will set her on the path to clearing her name and finding out what really happened to the first and last boy she kissed.

“Henderson knows how to work a murder mystery. Her pacing and exposition of clues are skilful, and intriguing secondary characters abound…An abrupt ending will leave readers gasping with anticipation for a sequel…” – Booklist

“…this author knows just how to time even the smallest revelations for maximum drama, and her mini-sleuth has a natural glamour and intelligence that Nancy Drew can only dream of. The audience will be riveted” – Publishers Weekly