The Cuckoo Sister: An absolutely gripping psychological thriller from Alison Stockham for 2023

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Since its foundation in 2010, the Prize has been a starting point in numerous entrants’ success stories giving them the platform to launch successful and ongoing careers as novelists, including: However, the most disappointing feature is that there is no medical, social services or legal intervention. A new mother disappears without trace, her phone found in the street, and the police only manage to find a couple of cctv images and give in? No news coverage, even locally? A bit unrealistic in Britain I think. Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott Swan Song (2016 shortlist), longlisted for the Women's Prize, was published by HarperCollins is currently being adapted for TV. The main question here is, where does Rose draw the line? As time goes on and Maggie is not found, Stephen and Rose settle into what Rose perceives as her perfect life. The life she feels she deserves. But when Maggie is found, everything is thrown into chaos.

A brilliant concept delivered with real emotional depth and clout. I felt for each and every character in this story of family, guilt and deepest desires’ Gytha Lodge, author of Little Sister, Lie Beside Me, Watching From The Dark& She Lies in Wait She needs to heal and get her head straight and I think it was untreated extreme postnatal depression. She needed support but no one seemed to grasp the seriousness of what was going on. She writes to the family frequently but why are they all acting like Maggie has not been in touch? A handsome husband and two adorable children, Emily and Elliot. But what Rose doesn’t see is that Maggie is struggling. An emotional and relatable story.' Louise Douglas, author of The Room in the Attic and The Lost Notebook Now going into its thirteenth year, the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize has developed a reputation for attracting first-class writing talent. Judges are seeking entries that combine literary merit with 'unputdownability’, and it has been a catalyst for numerous literary careers.Sarah Brooks' novel (winner 2019) The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands was signed by W&N and will be published in summer 2024 UK. Rights have sold in 10 territories worldwide.

Stephen and sister Rose are left to cope with life after Maggie. In contrast to her sister, Rose is a single with her own flat and a good job. She also loves kids and is a good organiser. At times she has envied her sister and longed for family life. Now, despite, the trauma surrounding Maggie’s departure, she has an opportunity to have just that. Everything begins slowly. Stephen offers to financially support her if she gives up her job to become a full time carer to Emily and Elliot. This she does and begins to enjoy this new lifestyle. Her skills soon have the family home well organised. The children gradually beginning to stop asking where their mother is.

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I can't help feeling that this debut author has been let down by her editing and marketing support teams. There are some good ideas in this book that had the potential to be moulded into a decent novel, but ultimately, execution, fell well short of the mark. Beautifully poignant and utterly compelling.' Alex Stone, author of The Perfect Daughter and The Other Girlfriend The pressure results in Maggie leaving and her younger sister Rose, who’s always envied Maggie’s seemingly perfect life, steps in to help. An emotional and relatable story.’ Louise Douglas, author of The Room in the Attic and The Lost Notebook Beautifully written, interesting & completely gripping . . . This is definitely one that would be perfect for book clubs’ Little Miss Book Lover 87