Description

Book Synopsis

Jen has finally got her daughter home.
But why does fifteen-year-old Lana still feel lost?


When Lana goes missing for four desperate days and returns refusing to speak of what happened, Jen fears the very worst. She thinks she''s failed as a mother, that her daughter is beyond reach and that she must do something - anything - to bring her back.

The family returns to London where everyone but Jen seems happy to carry on as normal. Jen''s husband Hugh thinks she''s going crazy - and their eldest daughter Meg is tired of Lana getting all the attention. But Jen knows Lana has changed, and can''t understand why.

Does the answer lie in those four missing days?
And how can Jen find out?

''As gripping as Elizabeth is Missing'' Elle

''Utterly compelling'' Rosamund Lupton


''[A] satisfying, cathartic mystery'' Jenny Colgan


''A compelling modern family drama with witty and wonderful characters. Ut

Trade Review
Courageous...intriguing...entertaining * Observer *
As gripping as its predecessor * Elle *
A compelling modern family drama with witty and wonderful characters. Utter bliss. -- Nina Stibbe
Gripping, deeply affecting * Irish Times *
A beautiful exploration of mental health and love * Stylist *
Utterly compelling and insightful, I was drawn into this family in crisis from the first chapter of this unflinchingly honest and beautifully written novel -- Rosamund Lupton, bestselling author of 'Sister'
I adored the forensic detail of Healey's writing and the wry, sharp take on millenial family life * Daily Mail *
A fast-paced, gripping read * Closer *
Oozing with tension and written with captivating brilliance * Heat *
At once an absorbing thriller and a beautifully observed study of the relationship between mother and teenage daughter * Refinery29 *
I don't know anyone else who writes like this. Emma Healey's voice soars, sings and startles as she takes you right under the skin of her characters. She 'magics' the ordinary into the extraordinary and, just as impressively, transposes the extraordinary to the ordinary. Unforgettable. -- Jane Corry, bestselling author of 'My Husband's Wife'
This novel is a beautiful and rare thing - a page turning thriller with all the pain, warmth and humour of authentic family life portrayed. I absolutely loved it. -- Kate Hamer, author of 'The Girl in the Red Coat'
Healey is a natural story-teller -- Claire Fuller, author of 'Our Endless Numbered Days'

Whistle in the Dark

    Product form

    £8.54

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 11 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Emma Healey

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Whistle in the Dark by Emma Healey

      Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 10/01/2019
      ISBN13: 9780241327654, 978-0241327654
      ISBN10: 0241327652

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Jen has finally got her daughter home.
      But why does fifteen-year-old Lana still feel lost?


      When Lana goes missing for four desperate days and returns refusing to speak of what happened, Jen fears the very worst. She thinks she''s failed as a mother, that her daughter is beyond reach and that she must do something - anything - to bring her back.

      The family returns to London where everyone but Jen seems happy to carry on as normal. Jen''s husband Hugh thinks she''s going crazy - and their eldest daughter Meg is tired of Lana getting all the attention. But Jen knows Lana has changed, and can''t understand why.

      Does the answer lie in those four missing days?
      And how can Jen find out?

      ''As gripping as Elizabeth is Missing'' Elle

      ''Utterly compelling'' Rosamund Lupton


      ''[A] satisfying, cathartic mystery'' Jenny Colgan


      ''A compelling modern family drama with witty and wonderful characters. Ut

      Trade Review
      Courageous...intriguing...entertaining * Observer *
      As gripping as its predecessor * Elle *
      A compelling modern family drama with witty and wonderful characters. Utter bliss. -- Nina Stibbe
      Gripping, deeply affecting * Irish Times *
      A beautiful exploration of mental health and love * Stylist *
      Utterly compelling and insightful, I was drawn into this family in crisis from the first chapter of this unflinchingly honest and beautifully written novel -- Rosamund Lupton, bestselling author of 'Sister'
      I adored the forensic detail of Healey's writing and the wry, sharp take on millenial family life * Daily Mail *
      A fast-paced, gripping read * Closer *
      Oozing with tension and written with captivating brilliance * Heat *
      At once an absorbing thriller and a beautifully observed study of the relationship between mother and teenage daughter * Refinery29 *
      I don't know anyone else who writes like this. Emma Healey's voice soars, sings and startles as she takes you right under the skin of her characters. She 'magics' the ordinary into the extraordinary and, just as impressively, transposes the extraordinary to the ordinary. Unforgettable. -- Jane Corry, bestselling author of 'My Husband's Wife'
      This novel is a beautiful and rare thing - a page turning thriller with all the pain, warmth and humour of authentic family life portrayed. I absolutely loved it. -- Kate Hamer, author of 'The Girl in the Red Coat'
      Healey is a natural story-teller -- Claire Fuller, author of 'Our Endless Numbered Days'

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account