Out now with Next Chapter Publishing, the award-winning novel A Killer Among Friends is the second Jade Riley Mystery, although the books can be read in any order. Find it on Amazon US, Amazon AU or Books2read. If you can’t get hold of a copy, reach out via the contact page, and I’ll help to resolve it. I can post books to anyone in Australia.
Murder. Music. Company secrets.
Soon after journalist Jade returns from abroad to her hometown, Melbourne, her friend Nick is killed. She turns to their tight-knit circle for answers, only to uncover a web of lies.
Mounting evidence suggests her best friend Elena’s suicide three years earlier is connected to the case. Was it really murder?
As Jade closes in on the killer, she realizes the suspects are all people she loves … and her life will depend on knowing who she can trust.
Praise for A Killer Among Friends:
A Killer Among Friends received a Literary Titan Gold Award.
“…Barton’s ability to delve into her characters’ inner worlds makes even the smallest details feel consequential, compelling readers to scrutinize every interaction for signs of duplicity. The distinct and seemingly charming personalities of Jade’s friends make the truth harder to pin down, with the specter of a hidden predator lurking behind a facade of normalcy
…a quintessential thriller, replete with mystery, suspense, and a meticulously woven plot that invites readers to piece together clues and form their own theories. Barton’s dynamic narration shifts between characters’ perspectives and timelines, enriching the story’s complexity … Barton blurs the lines between innocence and guilt, ensuring that every character feels both suspicious and trustworthy in equal measure—a balancing act that keeps readers engrossed.”Literary Titan
“A compelling whodunnit. Jade is a complex, feisty character, battling her own demons and insecurities.”
Lisa Darcy, author of The Pact
“Who is telling the truth? A mystery within a mystery. Unreliable narrators, multiple plot twists, and a zingy pace.”
Bella Ellwood-Clayton/author of Weekend Friends
“A Killer Among Friends is as pacy and propulsive as the first Jade Riley mystery. Tension is sustained throughout, and the complexities of the story keep the reader guessing until the very end.”
Nadine Davidoff, Editor
“WOW! What an intricate plot and great characters. I literally couldn’t put it down. A gripping read with a cast of characters who are slippery and unreliable in their accounts of the events so that I was kept guessing as to who had done what and why—exactly what you want in a thriller!”
Sarah Bourne, author of Exile
“Trust no one. This is the underlying theme of Andrea Barton’s twisted tale of deceit, betrayal, and murder. As we are reeled into the story, she cleverly points the finger at everyone and yet at no one. When the killer is finally revealed, we’re struck with surprise and eventually a load of relief—not at all what we expected.”
Mike Paull, author of The Mouth Mechanic
“This wonderful mystery, very personal to Jade, is packed with action, complications, twists, and tension. The character-driven narrative is well written, with a clear structure and engaging pace.”
Sue Anderson, editor
“Another Jade Riley page-turner. I couldn’t stop reading to find out who the killer was! I love Jade’s friendship with Elena and her attachment to her friends. The climactic scenes are absolutely electric, building and maintaining tension to the end.”
Kate Murdock, author of The Orange Grove
“This is just as twisty, clever, and fast-paced as the last book. So many red herrings! I especially loved the musical references; Andrea must know as much about this as ballroom dancing!”
Diane Clarke, author of The Photograph
See the other Jade Riley Mysteries: The Godfather of Dance, The Man in the Dam and The Runaway Girl.
To find out more about Jade Riley, check out my blog post, Writing a Mystery: Introducing Jade Riley. More information about the series is in Writing a Mystery: Crafting a Series.