Cynthia Murphy – författare

From the bestselling author of BookTok sensation Win Lose Kill Die and ‘CEO of Plot Twists’ comes an explosive dark academia thriller, perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus, Holly Jackson and Mean Girls. ‘A thriller author to watch!’ Karen M. McManus, international bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying'An intensely readable dark academia thriller, ideal for fans of Holly Jackson.' The Guardian Chloe Roberts is on top of the world at Morton Academy. She’s a shoo-in for Head Girl and the lead spot in the school’s secret society: Jewel and Bone. But then her best friend, Nikhita Patel, betrays her, and life comes crashing down.Things take a darker turn when Chloe stumbles upon the Book of Crime and Punishment – a record of every misdeed committed by Morton students and the fitting penalty. And it’s not long before entries in the book start to match up with murders of Jewel and Bone members. Anyone could be a suspect.Can Chloe get to the bottom of this twisted game before she’s next on the killer’s hit list . . . ?PRAISE FOR KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE:‘Bold, thrilling, and wickedly addictive. Your next obsession.’ Karen M. McManus, author of One of Us is Lying‘An intricately crafted YA thriller that I cannot wait to read again.’ Bill Wood, author of Let’s Split Up‘A taut and twisty read that takes no prisoners. This captivatingly murderous book will keep you up all night and leave you unsure who you can trust.’ Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First‘Taut, vicious and edge-of-your-seat thrilling, the queen of YA slashers has created another darkly delicious tale. You won't be able to put it down!’ Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen‘Chloe Roberts is an ambitious, brilliantly flawed protagonist who fights her way out of the darkest places.’ Sue Wallman, author of I Know You Did It‘Twists, turns and heartstopping tension, Cynthia Murphy is a thriller author at the top of her game.’ Benjamin Dean, author of How to Die Famous‘Delicious 90s Scream vibes, a vicious teen secret society and bodies piling up around every corner . . . This is Cynthia Murphy at her absolute best.’ Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake‘Dark, viciously fun and dangerously addictive. Cynthia Murphy writes academia like it’s a blood sport – get ready to play.’ Josh Silver, author of HappyHead ‘Mean Girls meets The Secret History – the perfect blend of 90s nostalgia and twisty, compelling murder mystery.’ Laura Wood, author of The Agency for Scandal‘An engrossing and cut-throat thriller where mean-girl antics, shifting alliances and a growing web of secrets keep the tension sky-high. Twisty and unputdownable.’ Channelle Desamours, author of Needy Little Things

From best-loved YA thriller author, Cynthia Murphy, comesan explosive new mystery!True-Crime obsessed Paige, and her family, move across the Atlanticto her father's eerie hometown, and it's not long before sheuncovers the town's dark history - a string of unsolved murdersand disappearances in the 90s.And then notes start appearing at their dilapidated old home,about the secrets the house is keeping. The clues lead Paige to adiary concealed in the walls that belonged to one of the missinggirls. Could this be the key to solving a quarter-of-a-century mystery,or will this make Paige the next target?!"The CEO of Plot Twists" - BookTok From thriller-horror YA queen, Cynthia Murphy, authorof Last One To Die and TIKTOK MADE ME BUY IT Win LoseKill Die, and The Midnight Game comes her fourthnail-biting novel about True Crime.Perfect for fans of Karen McManus, Kathryn Foxfield andshows like Stranger Things.This pacy thriller will keep you awake and guessing untilthe very last page.

Bestselling YA horror writer Cynthia Murphy crafts a spine-chilling thriller about a summer camp gone deathly wrong.When an American-style residential camp is set up in the grounds of an English stately home, the teenage camp counsellors are looking forward to a fun summer of activities.But right from the outset, things don’t feel quite right at Camp Miller. Rumours circulate of a tragedy that took place in the grounds and there are unexplained sightings of a ghostly presence.Then the incidents begin – a near-drowning out on the lake, a fatal fall from a cliff-face … Are these tragic accidents or is there something more sinister going on at Camp Killer?

From the bestselling author of BookTok sensation Win Lose Kill Die and CEO of Plot Twists comes an explosive dark academia thriller, perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus, Holly Jackson and Mean Girls. A thriller author to watch! Karen M. McManus, international bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying'An intensely readable dark academia thriller, ideal for fans of Holly Jackson.' The Guardian Chloe Roberts is on top of the world at Morton Academy. She s a shoo-in for Head Girl and the lead spot in the school s secret society: Jewel and Bone. But then her best friend, Nikhita Patel, betrays her, and life comes crashing down.Things take a darker turn when Chloe stumbles upon the Book of Crime and Punishment a record of every misdeed committed by Morton students and the fitting penalty. And it s not long before entries in the book start to match up with murders of Jewel and Bone members. Anyone could be a suspect.Can Chloe get to the bottom of this twisted game before she s next on the killer s hit list . . . ?PRAISE FOR KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE: Bold, thrilling, and wickedly addictive. Your next obsession. Karen M. McManus, author of One of Us is Lying An intricately crafted YA thriller that I cannot wait to read again. Bill Wood, author of Let s Split Up A taut and twisty read that takes no prisoners. This captivatingly murderous book will keep you up all night and leave you unsure who you can trust. Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First Taut, vicious and edge-of-your-seat thrilling, the queen of YA slashers has created another darkly delicious tale. You won't be able to put it down! Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen Chloe Roberts is an ambitious, brilliantly flawed protagonist who fights her way out of the darkest places. Sue Wallman, author of I Know You Did It Twists, turns and heartstopping tension, Cynthia Murphy is a thriller author at the top of her game. Benjamin Dean, author of How to Die Famous Delicious 90s Scream vibes, a vicious teen secret society and bodies piling up around every corner . . . This is Cynthia Murphy at her absolute best. Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake Dark, viciously fun and dangerously addictive. Cynthia Murphy writes academia like it s a blood sport get ready to play. Josh Silver, author of HappyHead Mean Girls meets The Secret History the perfect blend of 90s nostalgia and twisty, compelling murder mystery. Laura Wood, author of The Agency for Scandal An engrossing and cut-throat thriller where mean-girl antics, shifting alliances and a growing web of secrets keep the tension sky-high. Twisty and unputdownable. Channelle Desamours, author of Needy Little Things

Murder is an art . . . and she's the next masterpiece.From the bestselling author of Win Lose Kill Die and Keep Your Friends Close comes an addictive killer-thriller with a horror twist, following an aspiring crime journalist s investigation into a case of copycat murders seemingly connected to a cursed painting. Perfect for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes The Naturals series and Bill Wood's Let's Split Up.Don't miss out on the limited edition pink sprayed edge! A thriller author to watch! Karen M. McManus, international bestselling author of One of Us Is LyingWhen aspiring crime journalist Fliss Keller uncovers a disturbing self-portrait of a man at an estate sale, her Art History professor dad buys it, despite how unsettled Fliss feels. The portrait has been lost for decades and completes a set of four existing paintings of women by the same artist already hanging in the town s gallery.That evening, the portrait falls to the floor, revealing paperwork inside the frame that suggests the artist was a serial killer and that the women depicted were his victims. Despite her alarm, Fliss vows to investigate and uncover the truth.But when a series of gruesome murders rock the community, and some think the resurrection of the self-portrait has unleashed a curse, Fliss knows better than to believe them. There are shocking similarities between the poses of the modern-day murders and the painted women, and she s sure there s a copycat killer on the loose.Racing against time, can Fliss unravel the clues before she becomes the murderer's next muse?PRAISE FOR PAINT ME LIKE YOUR DEAD GIRLS: A wickedly brilliant masterpiece from the queen of YA thrillers. Deliciously dark and addictive, this is Cynthia Murphy s best and scariest book yet. Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First Dark and unsettling, Murphy delivers an original, suspenseful thriller driven by richly drawn characters, where the horrors of the past refuse to stay buried. Perfect for fans of twisty crime! Jennifer Pearson, author of Drop Dead Famous A delicious mystery full of clever twists and shocking turns.' Jessica Goodman, author of They Wish They Were Us I couldn t put it down. A really original concept and such a fun read. Kelly McCaughrain, author of Just Another Dead Boy Sharp, thrilling and darkly riveting. Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls kept me on the edge of my seat! Alexis Henderson, author of When I Was Death'Slick and twisted. A pulse-pounding thriller that held me captive all the way to the blistering finale! Prepare for a one-sit read. Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake A propulsive thriller that s both wickedly funny and deviously dark' Veronica Bane, author of Difficult Girls'Dark, thrilling and so creepy. An enthralling world of art, obsession and murder' Amy McCaw, author of Mina and the UndeadPRAISE FOR CYNTHIA MURPHY: Bold, thrilling, and wickedly addictive. Your next obsession. Karen M. McManus, author of One of Us is Lying An intricately crafted YA thriller that I cannot wait to read again. Bill Wood, author of Let s Split Up Twists, turns and heartstopping tension, Cynthia Murphy is a thriller author at the top of her game. Benjamin Dean, author of How to Die Famous

Murder is an art . . . and she's the next masterpiece.From the bestselling author of Win Lose Kill Die and Keep Your Friends Close comes an addictive killer-thriller with a horror twist, following an aspiring crime journalist’s investigation into a case of copycat murders seemingly connected to a ‘cursed’ painting. Perfect for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ The Naturals series and Bill Wood's Let's Split Up.Don't miss out on the limited edition pink sprayed edge!‘A thriller author to watch!’ Karen M. McManus, international bestselling author of One of Us Is LyingWhen aspiring crime journalist Fliss Keller uncovers a disturbing self-portrait of a man at an estate sale, her Art History professor dad buys it, despite how unsettled Fliss feels. The portrait has been lost for decades and completes a set of four existing paintings of women by the same artist already hanging in the town’s gallery.That evening, the portrait falls to the floor, revealing paperwork inside the frame that suggests the artist was a serial killer and that the women depicted were his victims. Despite her alarm, Fliss vows to investigate and uncover the truth.But when a series of gruesome murders rock the community, and some think the resurrection of the self-portrait has unleashed a curse, Fliss knows better than to believe them. There are shocking similarities between the poses of the modern-day murders and the painted women, and she’s sure there’s a copycat killer on the loose.Racing against time, can Fliss unravel the clues before she becomes the murderer's next muse?PRAISE FOR PAINT ME LIKE YOUR DEAD GIRLS:‘A wickedly brilliant masterpiece from the queen of YA thrillers. Deliciously dark and addictive, this is Cynthia Murphy’s best – and scariest – book yet.’ Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First‘Dark and unsettling, Murphy delivers an original, suspenseful thriller driven by richly drawn characters, where the horrors of the past refuse to stay buried. Perfect for fans of twisty crime!’ Jennifer Pearson, author of Drop Dead Famous‘A delicious mystery full of clever twists and shocking turns.' Jessica Goodman, author of They Wish They Were Us‘I couldn’t put it down. A really original concept and such a fun read.’ Kelly McCaughrain, author of Just Another Dead Boy‘Sharp, thrilling and darkly riveting. Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls kept me on the edge of my seat!’ Alexis Henderson, author of When I Was Death'Slick and twisted. A pulse-pounding thriller that held me captive all the way to the blistering finale! Prepare for a one-sit read.’ Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake‘A propulsive thriller that’s both wickedly funny and deviously dark' Veronica Bane, author of Difficult Girls'Dark, thrilling and so creepy. An enthralling world of art, obsession and murder' Amy McCaw, author of Mina and the UndeadPRAISE FOR CYNTHIA MURPHY:‘Bold, thrilling, and wickedly addictive. Your next obsession.’ Karen M. McManus, author of One of Us is Lying‘An intricately crafted YA thriller that I cannot wait to read again.’ Bill Wood, author of Let’s Split Up‘Twists, turns and heartstopping tension, Cynthia Murphy is a thriller author at the top of her game.’ Benjamin Dean, author of How to Die Famous

Brought to you by Penguin.From the bestselling author of BookTok sensation Win Lose Kill Die and 'CEO of Plot Twists' comes an explosive dark academia thriller, perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus, Holly Jackson and Mean Girls. Chloe Roberts is on top of the world at Morton Academy. She's a shoo-in for Head Girl and the lead spot in the school's secret society: Jewel and Bone. But then her best friend, Nikhita Patel, betrays her, and life comes crashing down.Things take a darker turn when Chloe stumbles upon the Book of Crime and Punishment - a record of every misdeed committed by Morton students and the fitting penalty. And it's not long before entries in the book start to match up with murders of Jewel and Bone members. Anyone could be a suspect.Can Chloe get to the bottom of this twisted game before she's next on the killer's hit list . . . ?'A thriller author to watch!' Karen M. McManus, international bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying'An intensely readable dark academia thriller, ideal for fans of Holly Jackson.' The Guardian(c) Cynthia Murphy 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

An explosive dark academia thriller set in the world of the BookTok sensation Win Lose Kill Die, where secret societies and lethal ambition run the show. "A thriller author to watch!"—Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is LyingChloe Roberts is on top of the world. After a stellar first year at the prestigious Morton Academy, she’s a shoo-in for Head Girl and a coveted position in the school’s secret society, Jewel and Bone. But her dreams are shattered when her best friend, Nikhita Patel, unfairly snatches the top spot—and steals Chloe's boyfriend at the same time. Heartbroken and humiliated, Chloe discovers a shocking truth: Jewel and Bone isn’t as secret as she thought. The rest of the school despises the Jewels, and there’s even a “Book of Crime and Punishment” cataloging their misdeeds. Things take a very dark turn when the names in the book start to correlate with murders of Jewel and Bone members on campus. Suddenly, anyone could be a suspect.And now, Chloe must navigate a web of lies and deceit to get to the bottom of this twisted game before she’s next on the kill list.Keep Your Friends Close is a gripping thriller that explores the dark side of ambition, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to claim what’s theirs.

An addictive killer-thriller following an aspiring crime journalist’s investigation into a case that blurs the line between art and life—perfect for fans of Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.When aspiring crime journalist Fliss Keller attends an estate sale and uncovers a disturbing painting by a mysterious artist, she wants nothing to do with it. Unfortunately for her, her Art History professor dad buys it immediately. The portrait has been lost for decades and completes a set of four existing paintings of women by the same artist already hanging in the town’s gallery.But when a series of gruesome crimes rock the community and her father's gallery becomes the epicenter of a deadly game, Fliss discovers that the paintings may hold the key to a killer's identity.Haunted by the specter of a serial killer, Fliss races against time to solve the mystery before it claims another victim. In a world where every brushstroke hides a sinister secret, can she unravel the clues before she becomes a killer's muse?

One of Us is Lying meets ThisLie Will Kill You but with a chilling supernatural twistthat will keep you guessing until the very end . . .'Chilling, funny and gripping' EmilyBarr, author of The Truth and Lies of Ella Black'A supernatural terror-fest!' Kat Ellis,author of Harrow Lake'Point Horrorfor a new generation' Kathryn Foxfield, authorof Good Girls Die FirstYoung, brunettewomen are being attacked in London.16-year-old,Irish-born Niamh has just arrived for a summer of freedom,and quickly discovers that the girls being attacked look frighteninglysimilar to her. But Niamh is determined not to let her feardestroy her Summer. But can her new friends be trusted? Willshe be able to stay ahead of the attacker?Or will she benext?Packed with voice-driven whodunit storytelling,and a retro slasher-movie feel reminiscent of cult classics Screamand Urban Legend, this dark, pacy, and irresistibly-creepydebut really has something for everybody!

The explosive YA thriller, with over 5 million TikTokviews and counting... From the author of Last One To Die.The students at Morton Academy are high-achievers, selected basedon academic excellence. So when a series of murders target theschool's brightest and best, the pressure is on. Someone is determinedto stop at nothing to clear their path to the top. But whois it? And can they be stopped? A high-school slasher with a lethal twist, perfectfor fans of Karen McManus, Holly Jackson and GossipGirl.Have you read Cynthia Murphy's thrilling debut LastOne to Die?Cynthia's new novel, The Midnight Game, is out now.

Rules of The Midnight Game:Do not turn on the lights.Donot go to sleep.Do notleave the building.When a group who have met on a creepy Deddit thread decide tomeet in real life, they only have one plan in mind: they are goingto summon the Midnight Man.And once you start the Midnight Game, you must finish it - there'sno other way out!Six strangers. One night. But how many survivors? From thriller-horror YA queen, Cynthia Murphy, author of LastOne To Die and TIKTOK MADE ME BUY IT Win Lose KillDie, comes her third nail-biting novel about CreepyPasta.Perfect for fans of Karen McManus, Kathryn Foxfield andslasher horror movies like Candyman.With six-character points-of-view, Deddit threads, newspaperarticles and DMs, this pacy thriller will keep you awake and guessinguntil the very last page.  Praise for Midnight Game:"If Karen McManus and Stephen King wrote a book together,this would be it!" Instagram review"The CEO of plot twists" BookTok community"Terrifying and mesmerising" Rosie Talbot, authorof Sixteen Souls"So deliciously creepy and atmospheric!" AmyMcCaw, author of Mina and the Undead series

A chilling, thrilling collection of 13 haunting tales.Perfect for every YA reader!From supernatural thrillers to contemporary horror, creepy ancientlegends to murders gone wrong - this insatiable anthology isimpossible to put down, and even more difficult to forget.From some of the most celebrated authors writing in thisspace, this must-have collection will keep you awake at nightand inhabit your darkest dreams. Stories from bestselling authors Melinda Salisbury, Cynthia Murphy,Kathryn Foxfield and Louie Stowell (and many more).Co-curated by Amy McCaw and Mia Kuzniar, this anthology has astory for every reader out there. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Wednesday,and all things scary! Featuring stories from: Amy McCaw, Maria Kuzniar,Kat Dunn, Kat Ellis, Rachel Faturoti, Kathryn Foxfield, Dawn Kurtagich,Amy McCulloch, Cynthia Murphy, Melinda Salisbury, Louie Stowell,Rosie Talbot, Mary Watson.

Bestselling YA horror writer Cynthia Murphy crafts a spine-chilling thriller about a summer camp gone deathly wrong. When an American-style residential camp is set up in the grounds of an English stately home, the teenage camp counsellors are looking forward to a fun summer of activities.But right from the outset, things don’t feel quite right at Camp Miller. Rumours circulate of a tragedy that took place in the grounds and there are unexplained sightings of a ghostly presence.Then the incidents begin – a near-drowning out on the lake, a fatal fall from a cliff-face … Are these tragic accidents or is there something more sinister going on at Camp Killer? Particularly suitable for readers aged 13+ with a reading age of 8.