Based on a True Story

A celebrated children’s author contends with ghosts from her past in this enthralling thriller from Vaughan (Reputation). Dame Eleanor Kingman writes a popular series about a mother fox and her cubs; the books, their licensed merchandise, and a splashy Netflix deal have made Eleanor fabulously wealthy. For her 70th birthday, more than 100 guests are scheduled to descend on her Cornwall estate to drink champagne and celebrate her success, and a film crew has been hired to capture the proceedings for a documentary on Eleanor’s life. Shortly before the big day, Eleanor receives threatening emails hinting that the sender knows an explosive secret that could shatter her reputation. A shocking death during the party foments questions about who is targeting Eleanor, and whether they plan to take more lives. Vaughan elegantly toys with readers’ expectations as she parcels out details about Eleanor’s family and relationships and explores themes of class, power, and the magpie-like nature of authorship. The result is a canny, suspenseful tale with more on its mind than entertainment. (June)