THINGS WE NEED TO SAY

Annie Sinclair

RIGHTS AVAILABLE: All rights handled by the bks Agency

Blame yourself. Bury it in the past. Or do something.

When Ellie MacAllister accuses a seemingly charming man of rape, the only person who believes her is Reenie, her elderly mother. As Ellie tracks down his other victims to provide evidence for the police, Reenie pursues her own vision of justice. Haunted by childhood memories and her inability to protect Ellie, Reenie secretly resolves to expose Jason and get some justice for her daughter.

THINGS WE NEED TO SAY is about four women seeking healing and justice: Ellie, who doesn’t understand why her mother is so difficult; Reenie, a grieving widow tormented by the past; Jessie, a young single mum, too afraid to admit what happened to her; and Lauren, a therapist, who knows what she should do but can’t. The story has the same feminist edge and emotional pull of Anatomy of a Scandal, Keeper and Prima Facie, and will appeal to readers of these books. Its hard-won, uplifting ending also adds a sense of optimism many readers are currently seeking from fiction.

The story takes place in Annie Sinclair’s home town, Glasgow, and she was inspired to write THINGS WE NEED TO SAY by the experiences of her mother and grandmother. She has also drawn on her background in Criminal Law: a PhD in Sexual Consent and Rape and working as a Tutor in Criminal Evidence at Strathclyde University. This is her first novel. Annie aims to continue writing high quality commercial fiction with a crime/legal element, focussing on women’s experiences.