The Last Trace

WHAT IF YOU'RE SCARED YOU COMMITTED A CRIME BUT CAN'T REMEMBER?

Family. It means everything to Sheridan. She has missed having her brother around. At last, Lachy is back in Australia, and Sheridan can't wait to spend the Easter holidays all together in the mountains with their kids.

But, on Good Friday, something devastating happens that rips their two families apart, and now she can't imagine ever forgiving him.

Lachy knows he's not coping, but his sister doesn't have the full story. And, terrifyingly, nor does he. There are some critical gaps in his memory. How is he connected to a missing woman, a hit-and-run, and a request for DNA?

To untangle the truth, Lachy must decide who he can trust. His sister? His friends? Even himself?

The Last Trace is a gripping thriller about siblings and secrets, and the traces we can never erase.

'Petronella McGovern's band of clever, family-centric thrillers just got even better. The Last Trace grabbed me from the first sentence and didn't let me go. Highly recommend.' — Pip Drysdale, author of The Next Girl

'Part family drama, part high concept thriller = 100% compelling. A highly original mystery peppered with family secrets and truths. Petronella has created her own genre and never fails to impress. The Last Trace is the perfect book to curl up with. Prepare to be hooked!' — Sarah Bailey, author of Body of Lies and The Housemate

'Emotionally charged and wholly compelling, The Last Trace is a brilliantly twisty tale about the slipperiness of memory and how our past is never truly buried. Strap in and enjoy the ride because you never quite know where this story will take you.' — Anna Downes, author of Red River Road and The Safe Place

'Two stories about different worlds collide in The Last Trace, an enthralling, brilliantly plotted novel of suspense. With contemporary themes, rich characters and an ending that I can't stop thinking about, Petronella McGovern has written one of the best books of the year.' — JP Pomare, author of The Wrong Woman

'Well done to Petronella McGovern on another binge-worthy read. I loved the way several mysteries ultimately tied together - a DNA test, a series of murdered women, and a major player with frightening blackouts. There were heart-racing moments as I tried to figure it all out. A clever and compulsive novel, The Last Trace covers a number of meaty themes with accuracy and sensitivity. It had me completely hooked.' — Ali Lowe, author of The School Run and The Running Club

'What first appears to be a contemporary family tale unfolds into a fascinating murder mystery. Petronella deftly explores how the mistakes of past generations reverberate through the lives and actions of their children and grandchildren, and weaves together a modern criminal investigation and a cold case. The Last Trace is an intriguing tale of mistakes, redemption, and the futility of trying to outrun your past.' — Genevieve Gannon, author of The Mothers

'Tightly plotted, atmospheric and poignant – Petronella McGovern has done it again.' — Charity Norman, author of Remember Me

'Petronella McGovern's unerring knack of dissecting and upending families and friendships is cleverly showcased in The Last Trace, a compelling tale of secrets and lies, memory and fear, deceit and redemption.' — Suzanne Leal, author of The Watchful Wife

'McGovern's books take us to people and places we know, the characters ringing so true. And the books are addictive, leaving you guessing to the very end and wanting more.' — Canberra Times

'A textured psychological thriller that encompasses voices of truth, lies, deceit, deception and benevolence, The Liars is a first rate read that I mightily recommend.' — Mrs B's Book Reviews on The Liars