Hidden Toxins

HelenLarder graduated with Distinction from the M.A. novel writing course at MMU.Diva Press published her adult novel, Treasureand her YA novel, Anarchy waspublished by Onlywomen press. She was commissioned by Pavilion Press to write abook for health care and education professionals, called, UnderstandingAutism; Postcards from Aspie World,(written with her daughter, who has autism) and with Manchester and SalfordUniversities. Mslexia magazine haspublished three of her pieces of writing. Her script, 'Around Again', won acompetition and three of her short stories have been included inanthologies. She is part of the LGBT+community and shares her world with her civil partner and their daughter.

"Compelling Storyline. Really enjoyed this story and felt like I had met a whole new cast of characters whose lives are so very different from my own. The plot was compelling and fast paced and at the end ....well I didn't want it to end....I wanted to know more about these new friends of mine, which is always the sign of a good read." Amazon review"Gripping, gritty, edge-of-the seatthriller, with vivid unforgettable characters. I loved it!"Cathy Cassidy"Larder's writing is pacy, full of energy.Her characters have an authenticity that is compelling."Jane McNulty, BBC Scriptwriter, Eastenders"Wonderfully written, dark and gritty thriller. I'm not good with writing things but I Bought this as a whim, and it's set up north where I live so thought why not. Worth it. Finished it in a few days. The characters are diverse, believable and have depth. I recommend it to all those who enjoy a good page turner."Waterstones customer review"Power, corruption and lies, 6 likeable young people put themselves on the line to expose the dark underbelly active in their midst. A real page-turner, full of twists and shocks with believable characters- I loved this book and so will teens/young people of all ages!" Waterstones customer review"Gripping thriller for older teens. I just finished reading this fantastic book,. Wow, what a nail-biting thriller! I loved it and I'm sure most teenagers will too. Recommended for Xmas reading for adults and of course for any teenager of - I'm guessing - about 15 and upwards - it;s sure to be a hit.Katherine Langrish, Waterstones customer review"This novel draws you in from the beginning and sustains the suspense to the very end. The interplay between the teenage characters is convincing as they experience powerful emotions and encounter shocking dangers in our contemporary adult society. The title is well chosen."Amazon review"Thrilling. Beautifully observed story about teenage life, adventure, and suspense."Amazon review"An excellent story for all ages. This is a story with characters which will stay with you after the book has finished. It has an excellent and complex plot with many thought-provoking storylines."Amazon review"This is a great book, especially for my teen daughter. Well written."Amazon review"Hidden Toxins is a fast moving progressive thriller that refuses to treat teenagers as anything less powerful than perceptive change makers. The story plunges into corporate cover ups and digital forensics. The teens drive the investigation with such refreshing intelligence that navigates a complex operation with emotional depth. The cost of truth is challenging but the teens hit it off with emotional resilience. Such an excellent read."Amazon review"Read in a week. Loved it. I think this is one of the best books I've ever read and has a really unique and interesting plot."14 year old reviewer, Amazon'A thrilling ride. An exciting addition to the Young Adult Fiction genre. Hidden Toxins is a fast-paced, roller-coaster ride of a book. A tense thriller filled with character that today's young teens will relate to.'Amazon review'Exciting and fascinating story. I really enjoyed this book, so many twists and turns in the plot. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next!'Amazon review"Great read for young adults! This is a fast-paced contemporary thriller written to appeal to young adult readers and it certainly delivers on a clever plot, believable characters and the complex world of relationship issues. A great read!"Amazon review"Teens navigating a shady modern world. A fast paced thriller with interesting characters. I enjoyed it and will share it with my grandson."Amazon review"To be devoured in one session . What an incredible and fast paced book. It's so well written by the author and I simply love her use of 'internal musings' - You warm to the characters throughout the read. I'd highly recommend purchasing this book - it's compulsive reading."Waterstones review"Engaging and exciting. This book is beautifully written and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout."Amazon review"Great book! Couldn't put it down! Loved the main characters and twisting plot."Amazon review"Great read. Really fun and fast-paced read. It's full of twists and keeps you guessing, with characters that feel real and easy to root for. Definitely one of those books that's hard to put down!"Amazon review“Brilliant book, couldn't put it down! Kept reading through the night. Loved Sorrel and Cedar as characters and enjoyed the various twists and turns!"Waterstone review May 2026