It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
Second Life

Second Life

Summary

A gripping, addictive thriller from the bestselling author of BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP.

‘Simultaneously believable and terrifying...An edgy, disturbing read.’ Observer

She loves her husband.
She’s obsessed by a stranger.

She’s a devoted mother.
She’s prepared to lose everything.

She knows what she's doing.
She’s out of control.

She’s innocent.
She’s guilty as sin.

She’s living two lives.
She might lose both.

‘A Fatal Attraction for the digital age, but with a crucial twist . . . Watson is a master at turning the screw.’ Evening Standard

‘A gripping read - deftly plotted, with convincing characters and an unsettling premise that builds to a truly disturbing conclusion. Second Life is ample proof that Watson is no mere one-hit wonder.’ Independent

‘Taut and twisty, it'll keep you up all night’ Glamour

‘This dark, tense, psychological thriller will keep you up all night’ Fabulous magazine, Sun on Sunday

‘Tension-driven...packed with suspense and surprises’ Woman & Home

READERS LOVE SECOND LIFE:

‘More twists and turns than a roller coaster’

‘Thought I had it all worked out but I didn't see the final twist coming!

‘Reserve a weekend for it as you won't want to put it down until the very end

‘Thought provoking, thrilling and at times frightening’

‘Fantastic, gripping and thrilling

‘I just didn't want it to end. Superb!’

‘I twice forgot to get off my bus, I was so engrossed

Reviews

  • A Fatal Attraction for the digital age, but with a crucial twist . . . Watson is a master at turning the screw.
    Evening Standard

About the author

S J Watson

S J Watson was born in the Midlands, lives in London and worked in the NHS for a number of years.
In 2009 Watson was accepted into the first Faber Academy
‘Writing a Novel’ course, a programme that covers all aspects of the novel-writing process. Before I Go To Sleep is the result.
Before I Go To Sleep has become a phenomenal international success, sold in 44 territories around the world. It is a New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, and won both the Crime Writers’ Association Award for Best Debut Novel and the Galaxy National Book Award for Crime Thriller of the Year. Before I Go To Sleep is now a major movie starring
Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong and directed by Rowan Joffe.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more