A young mother is accused of attempting to poison her own child. Ellie is secretive and challenging - she's had a troubled life - but does that mean she's capable of murder? Criminal defence lawyer Sarah Kellerman is tasked with proving Ellie's innocence. But Sarah's desperate pursuit of the truth will draw her and her five-year-old son into unimaginable danger... Unsettling and compulsive, In the Blood is a chilling study of class, motherhood and power from a new star in crime fiction. “A tense legal thriller set against the pressures of single motherhood, In the Blood is deeply authentic, tightly plotted and beautifully written. I can't wait for the next in the series” ―Harriet Tyce “Full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing. I couldn't put it down” ―Jessica Jarlvi “This creeping disquieting story, complete with a bitter courtroom drama and strong female protagonist, had me guessing until the rollercoaster end. A thoroughly satisfying addition to the genre” ―Lesley Thomson “If you loved Apple Tree Yard , you'll love In the Blood . Totally gripping and compelling... Perfectly crafted'” ―Sarah Flint “A cracking story which pulls you in and simply doesn't let you go... The plotting is superb'” ― The Bookbag “Beautifully written scenes that really immerse you into the action both in and out of the courtroom. The finale is clever – in fact the whole novel is gorgeously plotted... An absolute perfect storm for me... I was riveted'” ―Liz Barnsley, Goodreads Reviewer “Criminal defence lawyer Ruth Mancini has written a chilling study of class, motherhood and power” ― The Law Society Gazette “Chilling and compulsive” ― Candis “A deftly plotted story that is always absorbing” ― Law Society Gazette. Ruth Mancini is a criminal defence lawyer, author and freelance writer. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children. In the Blood , her first thriller featuring Sarah Kellerman, is also published by Head of Zeus.@RuthMancini1 facebook.com/ruth.mancini.author