Description

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“Shocking, disturbing, and utterly original.” —Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author

This “haunting and poignant tale, one that won’t be easy to forget any time soon” (Mystery and Suspense Magazine), follows an enigmatic woman confronting her unknown past—from internationally bestselling author Liz Nugent.

Reclusive Sally Diamond is thrust into the media spotlight when she tries to incinerate her dead father, causing widespread outrage. Now she’s the center of attention, not only from hungry reporters and police detectives, but also a sinister voice from a past she does not remember. As she begins to discover the repressed memories of her horrific early childhood, Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, big decisions, and learning that people don’t always mean what they say.

But who is the man observing Sally from the other side of the world, and why does he call her Mary? And why does her new neighbor seem to be obsessed with her? Sally’s trust issues are about to be severely challenged in this “truly incredible reading experience” (Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

About the Author

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Liz Nugent has worked in Irish film, theater, and television for most of her adult life. She is an award-winning writer of radio and television drama and has written critically acclaimed short stories both for children and adults, as well as the bestselling novels Unraveling Oliver, Lying in Wait, and Little Cruelties. She lives in Dublin and has won four Irish Book Awards, as well as the James Joyce Medal for Literature. Visit her at LizNugent.com or follow her on Twitter at @LizzieNugent.

Praise For…

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Praise for Strange Sally Diamond:

"One of the year’s boldest and most original offerings, Nugent’s off-kilter latest grabs hold and won’t let go."
- Publishers Weekly Best Mystery/Thriller Books of 2023

"Dark, compelling, and deeply moving." 
- Ruth Ware, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The It Girl and The Woman in Cabin 10

"The best book I've read this year. A truly incredible reading experience." 
- Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Then She Was Gone and Watching You

"Shocking, disturbing and utterly original, Strange Sally Diamond will grip you from first page to last." 
- Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train

"Jaw-droppingly clever. I'm completely in awe of Liz Nugent's writing. One of the best books I've read in a long, long time. I can't stop thinking about it!"
- Lucy Foley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Apartment

“It’s both heartbreaking and it’ll make you laugh.”
- Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hold Tight, Six Years, and The Match

“Liz Nugent has created a dark, twisted, gripping, intriguing, heart-stopping tale full of characters who, despite the horrors they inflict, are victims in their own right.”
- Sinéad Moriarty, bestselling author of Yours, Mine, Ours 

“A brilliant book! Liz Nugent has outdone herself with this one.” 
- Shari Lapena, New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door

“A terrific read.” 
- Anthony Horowitz, New York Times bestselling author of Magpie Murders

“Twisted and twisty, dark and gripping, no one is going to forget Sally Diamond in a hurry!" 
- Graham Norton, New York Times bestselling author of Holding

“Liz Nugent dares to go where many won’t. This is wickedly dark territory. And yet amidst the darkness, she allows a light to glimmer—that of a diamond. Sally Diamond, to be precise.” 
- Sarah Winman, internationally bestselling author of Still Life

“Nugent fashions an unforgettable protagonist in Sally, and never loses sight of her characters’ fundamental humanity, even as she piles on twists and steers the narrative into exceptional darkness. Inventive, addictive, and bold, this deserves a wide audience.” 
- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Nugent writes relatable, imperfect characters… This well-written, engaging novel isn’t for the light of heart, but it will find a home with readers who thrive on intricate plotlines and character development.” 
- Booklist

"Sally is an appealing character—strange, yes, but also engagingly literal. Nugent hits exactly the right tone of empathy and optimism."
- Kirkus
 
"This is exquisite storytelling, harnessing a full palette of emotions. Darkness and humour, hope and despair. Sublime." 
- Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine 

“Nugent weaves a master tale of depravity, trauma, and mental health.”
- Library Journal

“[A] riveting mystery, with puzzles piling up... Nugent's spectacular novel gives us both despair and hope.”
- Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Tense and suspenseful and often creepy, Liz Nugent has delivered a haunting and poignant tale, one that won’t be easy to forget any time soon." 
- Mystery & Suspense

"There’s the usual trademark Liz Nugent disturbing content, but with a heart-felt dose of humanity to balance things out."
- Crime Reads Most Anticipated Crime Fiction of Summer 2024

"Compelling . . . [U]nforgettable characters, the prose is crisp and there’s real wit in the pages."
- Globe & Mail Ten Thrillers for the Heat of Summer

“Nugent pens a thrilling, utterly immersive mystery that, paired with Sally’s unique, unforgettable voice, makes it a true winner. . . Nugent is at the top of her game here, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.”
- BookReporter

“[C]reepy, absorbing and, yes, funny and sweet . . . Block out plenty of time for this one, because once I started listening, I didn’t want to stop.” 
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch (audiobook review)