After a drama degree at Bristol University, Julia Crouch spent ten years devising, directing and writing for the theatre. During this time she had twelve plays produced, co-founded Bristol's Public Parts Theatre Company and spent two years on the IBA Regional Theatre Director Scheme. Three children later, she had somehow become an award winning graphic/website designer and illustrator. An MA in Sequential Illustration led her back home to writing. Since then, she has produced three illustrated children's books and many short stories for adults. She lives in Brighton with her husband, the actor and playwright Tim Crouch, and those three children. CUCKOO is her first novel. For more information about Julia Crouch please visit her blog at www.juliacrouch.co.uk. Forthcoming Publication: CUCKOO, Headline, (3 March 2011): A dark, juicy, deliciously unsettling, read-it-in-one-sitting psychological drama.
Rose has it all - the gorgeous children, the husband, the beautiful home. But then her best friend Polly comes to stay. Very soon, Rose's cosy world starts to fall apart at the seams - her baby falls dangerously ill, her husband is distracted - is Polly behind it all? It appears that once you invite Polly into your home, it's very difficult to get her out again...
Reviews:
“A gripping read. Fluently written with mounting suspense and foreboding. Very good on the uncertainties and vulnerability of marriage, motherhood and friendship” Cath Staincliffe, author of the acclaimed Sal Kilkenny mysteries and creator of ITV’s BLUE MURDER.
'Seriously sinister – it will make you think again about every close friendship you've ever had.' Jane Casey, bestselling author of THE MISSING
"A riveting and spooky story that keeps your eyes locked on the page, and leaves you feeling shaken and out of sorts. ***** " Heat. CUCKOO was number 1 on their book chart and number 4 on their Hot List of general things.
"Very enjoyable: expertly paced and cleverly amibuous." The Daily Telelgraph
"Crouch...deftley avoids the obvious and builds up a very convincing air of menace in her extrememely well-described portrait of familiy life." Daily Mail "A gripping and thrilling debut - you really don't want it to end." The Sun "The characters [are] flawed and repellent but also endearing and recognisable, they make the shocking climax hauntingly believable." Stylist
"This book got under my skin...great characterisation... Julia Crouch isn't the next Sophie Hannah. Julia Crouch is the new Julia Crouch." www.highheelsandbookdeals.blogspot.com
"Cleverly structured and hugely entertaining, this colourful and energetic novel has a dark side; it's exteremely readable but it covers some complex territory...an utterly gripping read." Sydney Morning Herald | 
