A little while ago I saw this writer’s duo on TikTok and they had written a new book called Scandal, this was the second book written and published by this duo and the big plus? They are sisters. I’m talking about Kelly and Kristina Mancaruso.

This book is a thriller and involves a celebrity couple and a crime that happened five years prior, a cold case now actually until it isn’t. Let’s dive in this amazing yet completely bonkers story.

Charlie is in the pub nursing a drink while half watching the Nottingham football game, while every single person’s focus is on the TV; hers wander to the door where someone just walked through. The girl looks terrified and it looks like she’s covered in blood, a murderer? But her psychologist brain reels it in, seeing the fear in the girl’s eyes; a victim then. Closing the gap between them ever so slowly she whispers to the girl that it’s okay, she’s safe now. That’s when she notices a tattoo on the girl’s wrist, three butterflies which could only mean one thing. This girl is actually Emma Macy who was presumed dead after a horrid scene where Emma’s friend, Leila was killed and Kaleigh was the sole survivor.

Charlie knows not to take on any new cases since her caseload is already overflowing but when the detective calls her and asks her to take this case since Emma already knows her and maybe has become trauma bonded. Emma hasn’t spoken to anyone yet, not even her parents and has a haunted yet vacant look. Charlie knows she shouldn’t but she can’t let it go.

Kaleigh can’t believe Emma turned up after five years, her best friend who she and the entire world thought dead is actually alive? It was Emma’s birthday they were celebrating five years ago when tragedy struck. Kaleigh can’t wrap her head around it because Emma looked dead when she ran, but her body was never found. Tabloids would have a field day now Kaleigh is married to Emma’s ex and is pregnant with their second child. Question is, will he stay now that Emma, his first love is back?

Harry’s dad Robbie and mom Lorraine talked Harry and Kaleigh out of going to the hospital as a couple, yes, they could go together but they can’t show affection. Just go as Emma’s friends. Yet, Emma saw right through the façade and told the psychologist Charlie later that Kaleigh did it. Charlie believed Emma immediately and played it along to the police. Harry is Nottingham’s star player but soon the scrutiny his family is going through is too much to bear. When Kaleigh went to see Emma by herself the paparazzi photographed her having a nervous breakdown because Emma wouldn’t see her.

Kaleigh was at the height of everything, loving live and getting brand deals, her own maternity line and everything has gone to shit when Emma resurfaced. Even a PR lady couldn’t handle all of the negativity. Days are going by slowly when your cooped up in your house, even though it’s enormous and you’re used to going about, having friends to socialize with – but then again, only in the heat of things will you know who your real friends are.

One morning, Emma’s body is found by Kaleigh in Emma’s backyard. It’s the shock of it all that makes Kaleigh move. If the police can’t find who did this, it’s time someone with unlimited funds starts looking into things and what she finds isn’t pretty.

Who actually did the crime 5 years ago – and now because Emma was killed the same way as Leila was. I really didn’t see the ending coming which is why I’m giving this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars! Loved it.