Authentic…diverting debut—Daily Mail

Ruth Dugdall’s novels are intelligent and gripping, with a sophisticated psychological sensibility. She is a huge talent.—Sophie Hannah

A chilling tale of betrayal and obsession…keeps its secrets well—Publishers Weekly

Well plotted…The author understands how to build suspense and create atmosphere—Kirkus

Perfect for fans Ruth Ware, Elizabeth Haynes, Sharon Bolton, Erin Kelly, and Louise Doughty.

The Woman Before Me (Book 1) – May 2026

Rose Wilks’ life is shattered when her newborn baby is admitted to intensive care.

Emma Hatcher has all that Rose lacks. Effortless beauty. A loving husband. A healthy son. Until tragedy strikes and Rose is the only suspect. Now, after nearly five years in prison, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. Her probation officer Cate Austin must decide whether Rose is remorseful for her crime, or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own
judgement.

Where is the line between love and obsession? Can justice be served and, if so… by what means?

The Sacrificial Man (Book 2) – May 2026

Probation Officer Cate Austin faces the highest-profile case of her career. Alice Mariani is charged with assisted suicide, and Cate must recommend a sentence.

Alice insists her story is one of misinterpreted love. Who decides what is normal, and when does loyalty turn to obsession?

Investigating the loophole that lies between murder and euthanasia, Cate must determine the fate of the woman who agreed to comply with her lover’s final request.

Boy B (Book 3) – July 2026

A child is killed after falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only – their anonymity.

Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Boy B’s reintegration into society. But the general public’s anger is steadily growing as they question if the secret of his identity is one he actually deserves to keep.

Cate’s loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. Is a child is capable of premeditated murder? Or is there a greater evil at play?

Nowhere Girl (Book 4) – July 2026

Mother Missing (Book 5) – September 2026

His Forgotten Victim (Book 6) – March 2027