It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
The Heatwave

The Heatwave

Summary

THE PERFECT SUMMER READ AND RICHARD & JUDY PICK FROM THE AUTHOR OF SUMMER FEVER

'The only book you need this summer. Gripping and full of thrills' 5***** READER REVIEW

'A tense psychological drama. Terrific summer escapism' DAILY MAIL

'Sultry, atmospheric and unsettling - a book to lose yourself in this summer' ERIN KELLY
________

Sylvie hasn't been back to her crumbling French family home in years. Not since the tragic death of her eldest daughter Elodie.

Every corner of the old house is haunted by memories of her - memories she has tried to forget.

But as the summer heat rises, a long-buried family secret is about to come to light.

Because there's something Sylvie's been hiding about what really happened to Elodie that summer.

And it could change everything . . .
________

'A sultry, gorgeously written and hugely atmospheric thriller with a dark, compelling mystery at its heart' LUCY FOLEY

'Perfect page-turner of a thriller'
Red

'Atmospheric and unsettling . . . suspenseful drama'
Good Housekeeping

'Must read book of the summer'
Culture Fly

'Chilling, addictive and had me on the edge of my seat' 5***** Reader Review

'Welcome to Provence for a holiday stay you will not forget in a hurry!'
5***** Reader Review

Praise for Kate Riordan

'Rich and atmospheric'
Rachel Hore

'The perfect summer read'
Rachel Rhys

'Had me absolutely gripped'
Louise Candlish

Reviews

  • A tense psychological drama that brilliantly evokes its South of France setting. Terrific summer escapism
    Daily Mail

About the author

Kate Riordan

Kate Riordan is a writer and journalist. She is an avid reader of Daphne du Maurier and Agatha Christie, both of whom have influenced her writing. She lives in the Cotswolds, where she writes full-time. Her previous novels include The Girl In The Photograph, The Shadow Hour, The Stranger and The Heatwave, which was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Summer Fever is her fifth novel.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more