"You can never tell which one's the bad apple, can you?"

Aberfal High. A sort-after independent school for boys that offers only the highest quality education to the best students. It’s a school parents dream of sending their sons to. Until the day when their Headteacher is found murdered in his office. Rumours swirl and the Year Seven Mums’ WhatsApp Group is brimming with gossip and speculation. Who killed Mr. Newhall?

Tense, twisty and wickedly funny, One Bad Apple was a riveting thriller that exposes the dark secrets lurking in the halls of an eminent boys high school. Skillfully written, cleverly plotted, insightful and Jo Jakeman uses mixed media to tell the story from multiple points of view. The complex characters are ones we will all recognise, especially those of us who’ve braved the gauntlett of the school run and playground politics. Piece by piece she unveils the anxiety, secrets and tensions bubbling beneath the shiny veneer of the perfect lives of the teachers, parents and students of Aberfal High. I was in her thrall, devouring almost all of this book in just one sitting, unable to turn away from the drama and chaos that was unfolding. There was an abundance of suspects and my suspicion vacillated between a couple of them, but I was floored when all was revealed. I fell for all of the red herrings and am still trying to figure out how I missed the signs. Well played, Ms. Jakeman.

So, if you’re looking for an original, funny and riveting thriller that will keep you turning the pages, this is the book for you.