The Drownings

'Breathtaking... dark academia at its most compelling' ERIN KELLY'An extraordinary story of female power, rage and oppression' KATIE BISHOP'Barkworth is excruciatingly good' OBSERVERThese waters became wild centuries before this university was dreamed of.

Leysham has always been a dangerous place for women . . . Serena arrives on campus reeling from the injury that destroyed her champion swimming career.

She is lost until she meets Jane, an enigmatic tutor obsessed with the historic witch trials that took place in Leysham's freezing waters. When several young women are assaulted, the university's shadowy legacy becomes inescapable.

Those in power turn a blind eye, but Jane urges Serena and her friends to rise up.

As their anger builds into an inferno of female rage, Serena takes matters into her own hands. Leysham has reawakened something within her, a dark, impossible power.

In the waters, she can see what must be done - and the sacrifice it will demand. From the author of Heatstroke, an intoxicatingly atmospheric new novel about competition, obsession and influence - for readers of The Things We Do to Our Friends, Weyward and Promising Young Woman. Praise for Hazel Barkworth: 'Stylish and sensual' Kiran Millwood Hargrave'Utterly immersive' Clare Mackintosh'A sultry, stifling debut exploring power, consent and womanhood' Cosmopolitan'Barkworth has a pin-sharp eye for detail . . . it's propulsive, though-provoking and atmospheric' Daily Mail