Sphere is home to some of the world's best-loved authors and books, ranging from Jenny Colgan and Carole Matthews to Mark Billingham, Val McDermid and even Gwyneth Paltrow. She’s dressed conservatively (for her) in a deep purple maxi dress and tan suede boots, her pink-streaked chestnut brown curls tamed into submission in a knot at the nape of her neck, a hammered silver pendant hanging almost to her waist. You are in for a twisty tale when you reach for this one – everyone is lying to Liz and trying to put all the pieces together will keep you deeply engrossed in this book. During a weekend away at luxurious Villa Rosa on the Amalfi Coast, 45-year-old Liz’s husband Andrew vanishes, presumed to have drowned in a tragic accident.

Andrew was one of the guests, he and his wife Liz joined the others for a few days of relaxation, sunshine, good food and lots to drink.He’s not only Andrew’s friend, he’s mine too, and I’ll be forever thankful for the energy he’s putting in to make this an OK day for my children, a day which is so difficult for him personally.

Once, years ago, drunk and uncertain of Andrew following an argument at a party, I’d asked Owen if he thought Andrew really loved me. A dark-haired young woman I don’t recognise sits in the final row, stifling tears, rummaging in her bag for a tissue. I must have been asked it hundreds of times over the last three months and each time I’ve been at a loss as to how to answer.I usually fall back on cliches such as “as well as can be expected”, which I think is what they want to hear. Briefly, in the past; Liz and Andrew were invited to a weekend villa in Italy to celebrate the birthday of Todd, the boyfriend of the soon to be divorced Saffie (from Owen who is not there but is Andrews best friend). Liz's husband, Andrew, disappeared, presumed drowned, on a holiday with a group of friends to the Amalfi coast. There is also some deep seated white entitlement and racism going on in the background of a few scenes. I should’ve given up but skim read the last few chapters, where rather than a “twist”, it just got ridiculous.