Twenty five years ago, Louisa won a scholarship to the elite Catholic Temple House boarding school, run by nuns. She and another student Victoria formed strong friendships with the bohemian art teacher Mr Lavelle. One day, though, Louisa and Mr Lavelle just vanished. What became of them? Fast forward to the present day, and a journalist is now investigating whether they ran off together, or whether tragedy struck. As she interviews witnesses, the true story slowly unravels. The result is a gripping analysis of social classes, romantic obsessions and friendship cliques. The dark tone (and creep setting of the sinister school) are a perfect match of the tale. And the achievement is even more impressive when you bear in mind that this is the author’s debut novel – definitely one to watch out for in the future!