This is an auction for THE GUILTY ONE by Lisa Ballantyne.

“A child-on-child murder drives Ballantyne’s searing debut . A scalding exploration of childhood violence, adult refusal to forgive, and redemptive love.”

• a *** starred *** review in Publishers Weekly (US)

“One of the most readable, emotionally intense novels of the year. By the end of the first chapter, you will be comprehensively on the hook.”

• Richard and Judy's Book Club, Autumn 2012 Pick

"London criminal solicitor Daniel Hunter feels a certain affinity for client Sebastian Croll, an 11-year-old charged with murdering 8-year-old Ben Stokes, his neighbour and playmate, in a nearby playground. Just as Hunter gets Sebastian’s case, he receives a last communication from Minnie Flynn, the adoptive mother from whom he became estranged years earlier, causing him to relive memories of his own difficult childhood, during which he was separated from his beloved, drug-addict mother. The chapters alternate between Hunter’s youth and the strong forensic and circumstantial case against Sebastian, who’s considered precocious yet “unsettling” even by his own defence team as he maintains his innocence and as his own troubled home life comes to light. This is a sensitive and insightful narrative that gradually builds suspense during Sebastian’s trial and Hunter’s revelations. Truth is revealed in the final pages, but Ballantyne leaves it to the reader to determine just where the guilt lies. An accomplished first novel and a good bet for book groups."

• Booklist (US)

Very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Large format (trade) paperback 2012.

454 pages.

Very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95 (ordinary post) or $6.40 (tracked mail). If you are on rural delivery and want tracked mail, the shipping cost will be $8.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston ?North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.