One Bad Apple

Welcome to Aberfal Boys High School. Independent jewel of academic and sporting excellence in the South-west -- until the headmaster is murdered in his study. And now the Year Seven School Mums' WhatsApp Group really do have something to talk about...

Clare Withoutani: OMG have you heard about Newhall?!!!
Becky Rupertsmum: Helen-Louise just texted. Can't believe it.
Asha: Not heard anything. What's happened?
Pam Geoffreysmum: What's he done this time? They're going co-ed, aren't they? I knew this would happen.
Clare Withoutani: Can't believe it, Becky. I'm in shock.
Pam Geoffreysmum: Are we going co-ed?
Becky Rupertsmum: No, Pam. Newhall died.
Pam Geoffreysmum: Oh GOD. Seriously??!! Can't believe it. So sad. He'll be such a loss to the school. The boys will be devastated. Will the school be offering grief counselling?
Rose Oliversmum: Anyone know what pages they're meant to do for chemistry? Ollie's homework diary says 'do questions 1-4' but no page numbers!

As the resulting police investigation reveals more and more of Aberfal's long-hidden secrets the list of suspects who wanted the headmaster dead grows by the day. And far from being a glittering jewel of exclusivity and excellence, it would appear Aberfal Boys High School is rotten to its core...

'A superb mystery with perfectly drawn characters, plenty of twists and turns, and a suffocating school experience that ultimately, even inevitably leads to murder' Katy Watson, author of The Three Dahlias

'I loved it! Throw a murder into the politics of the school gates and the parents WhatsApp groups and you have a witty, insightful and thoroughly entertaining murder mystery. Bravo Jo Jakeman!' Jo Callaghan

'Loved this; a fun and twisty mystery peopled by characters you'll recognise if you've ever been part of a parents WhatsApp group!' Laura Marshall

'Absolutely loved this witty, wicked and cleverly plotted story, with its sharply-drawn characters and skewering of privilege and class. At its heart, though, ONE BAD APPLE is a classic murder mystery - and one that will keep you guessing to the very end' Caz Frear