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Keep Your Friends Close

£9.99

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?

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ISBN: 9780241712788 Category: Children's - Young Readers Tags: Children's / Teenage fiction: Horror & ghost stories, chillers, Children's / Teenage fiction: School stories, Children's / Teenage fiction: Thrillers, Children's / Teenage personal & social issues: death & bereavement
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Description

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. Don’t miss out on the limited edition in-world sprayed edge!

‘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

Read a sample here

Additional information

Weight 0.267 kg
Dimensions 19.7 × 12.9 × 2.3 cm
Author

Murphy, Cynthia

Publisher

Penguin Books

Imprint

Penguin Books

Cover

Paperback

Pages

376

Language

English

Edition

Paperback original

Dewey

823.92 (edition:23)

Readership

Children – juvenile / Code: J

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Nov 20



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As part of our Connection Counts campaign this November, bookseller Lydia would like to recommend Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet. 🌟

Rilke’s letters, written to a young military cadet looking to establish a career in poetry, are like spiritual sustenance. His advice on creative solitude is relevant to this day. His writing on loneliness manages to both validate the feeling and fortify against despair. This is a must read for anyone in need of some connection and consolation in a difficult age. 🌷

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Nov 19



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THIS WEEKEND!! 📚❄️

We are very excited to be hosting the Northodox Winter Book Fair on Saturday (22nd).*

From 11am-3pm your favourite northern based publishers will be showing their wares in our gorgeous listed backroom - it's an event that's not to be missed!

Ticket link in our bio - So why not get prepared for christmas or treat yourself to a gift this Saturday! 

*This is an externally managed event; please contact Northodox Press if you would like to discuss details/attendance.

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Nov 17



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December 2nd - 8th is Grief Awareness Week, so on Monday 1st December we will have Greater Manchester Bereavement Service hosting a coffee morning from 10am - 12pm. 

Grief affects us all at some point in our lives. Anyone is welcome to attend - whether you are impacted by a loss yourself, supporting someone close to you, or hoping to learn more as a professional.

Please register for free on Eventbrite, using the link in our bio 💚

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Nov 16



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This month we’re highlighting the importance of connection with our ‘Connections Count’ campaign. HOBAF is all about connection, with our mission statement being to tackle social isolation and loneliness. Our bookworms will be highlighting books about connection all through November, as well as hosting our Coffee & Connections campaign to bring people together.

In Tawada's trilogy, Hiruko searches for someone who speaks her native language in a world where her country has ceased to exist. As her search brings new friends into her life, we examine what it means to belong, to feel at home, and whether our roots are truly all that ground us. Scattered All Over the Earth was released in 2023, and 2025 sees part two and three of the series released to UK audiences and available to pick up in-store now ⭐🌄

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Nov 15



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ITS PARTY TIME! 🥳🎈🎉

December 7th is our little bookworms party 11-12:30pm!

We will be discussing our most recent read, Spirit Warriors and then throwing ourself into some end of year fun! There will games, treats and even some origami! 

Link in our bio to book!

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Nov 14



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Its just about that time of year again... 🎄🎅

Looking for a bookish way to celebrate advent this year? We have the perfect selection! 

From chapter a day romances, to chocolate gruffalo's and traditonal christmas stories, celebrate advent season the best way there is - by curling up with a good book!


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