‘C. L. Taylor’s writing is like a lid being screwed down. Tighter and tighter it gets, and you know at some point the drama will just explode.’ Jeremy Vine
C.L. Taylor is the nine times Sunday Times bestselling author of ten gripping stand-alone psychological thrillers: THE ACCIDENT, THE LIE, THE MISSING, THE ESCAPE, THE FEAR, SLEEP, STRANGERS, HER LAST HOLIDAY, THE GUILTY COUPLE and her newest book, EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE, published on 28th March 2024.
Her books have sold over two million copies in the UK alone, and hit the number one spots on Amazon Kindle, Audible, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play. They have been translated into over 30 languages, been selected twice for the Richard and Judy Book Club (SLEEP and THE GUILTY COUPLE) and optioned for television.
THE ESCAPE won the Dead Good Books ‘Hidden Depths’ award for the Most Unreliable Narrator and SLEEP won a Capital Crime Readers’ Award. In 2021 CL Taylor was shortlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library award.
She has also written two Young Adult thrillers, THE TREATMENT and THE ISLAND. The Island won the Portsmouth Book Award (Longer Novel) 2022 and the Warwickshire Year 9 Book Awards 2021.
New for 2024
EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
The only way to stop a stalker is to become one yourself…
Your new obsession starts here. Get hooked by C.L. Taylor’s next impossible-to-put-down thriller. Published in hardback, ebook and audio on 28th March 2024. Find out more about the book!
Available now – TELL THEM NO LIES
Writing under her full name Cally Taylor, Tell Them No Lies is a collection of gripping, humorous, disturbing and devious crime short stories, available to buy on Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Amazon.au, Amazon.de and on other international Amazon sites.
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About C.L. Taylor
Cally Taylor was born in Worcester and spent her early years living in various army camps in the UK and Germany. She studied Psychology at the University of Northumbria and went on forge a career in instructional design and e-Learning before leaving to write full time in 2014.
She started writing short stories in 2005 and was published widely in literary and women’s magazines. She also won several short story competitions. In 2009 and 2011 her romantic comedy novels (as Cally Taylor) were published by Orion and translated into fourteen languages. HEAVEN CAN WAIT was a bestseller in Hungary and China and HOME FOR CHRISTMAS was made into a feature film by JumpStart Productions. Whilst on maternity leave with her son Cally had an idea for a psychological thriller and turned to crime.
She lives in Bristol with her partner and young son.
Want to be the first to know when CL Taylor has a new book out? Join the FREE CL Taylor Readers’ Club and receive THE LODGER, a gripping 9,000 word ebook for free.
Or get in touch:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/callytaylor
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/callytaylorauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cltaylorauthor
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/CLTaylorAuthor
I am obsessed. There are only two authors I follow and read everything of, you are one of them. The way your words flow onto paper it’s amazing. I get so drawn in and have to finish as soon as I can. I read The Lie in 8 hours on a trip back from vacation. Hands down the best!
Thank you, Chelbie, your comment made me smile, what a lovely thing to read. I’m honoured to be one of the two authors you follow. Who’s the other one out of curiosity? So glad you enjoyed The Lie. I think you’ll like my second YA thriller when it comes out next year as there are some similarities.
Just finished Sleep and it was excellent. I had to keep reading but felt sad knowing it was going to end.
I have read all your books and you just keep getting better and better.
Thank you, Hazel. That’s such a lovely and encouraging message to read. I’m so glad you enjoyed Sleep. All the best, Cally.
When people think I’ve published a book. I look forward to reading Sleep.
Cheers
Coreen L Taylor
Excellent initials, Coreen! All the best, Cally.
I’ve just discovered you and your great writing in Missing. looking forward to reading the rest of your books
Dear Cally,
When people think I’ve published a book 😂.
Looks like I need to read Sleep, looking forward to some Easter holiday reading.
Cheers
Coreen L Taylor
I hope you enjoy it! All the best, the other CL Taylor.
Hi Cally, I got Sleep at Nottingham Waterstones for your book signing – just read it in 2 days – it’s brilliant. I think it might be my favourite! I love all your books and just wanted to say well done on another awesome novel!! ❤
Looking forward to hearing more news from the book club, and reading The Lodger! 👍😊
All the best,
Claire x
Hi Claire, thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a message. I’m so glad you enjoyed Sleep and thank you again for coming to my Nottingham event. Chuffed to hear that Sleep might be your favourite and thanks for joining the CL Taylor Book Club. All the best, Cally
I have just finished ‘The Treatment’ …..although it is an interesting novel, I feel it’s content is not as gripping as all the others I have read. I think I’ve read them all!!!
I have now joined your book club, and look forward to reading your next novel.
Thank you for such brilliant reads!!
Thanks Andrea. Young adult books aren’t for everyone but I’m glad you enjoyed my other books. All the best, Cally.
I came across your books in a charity shop one day and omg! I read the 3 books that i purchased (The Accident, The Lie & The Escape) within just over a week. I am gripped with your novels. I immediately googled you and discovered your other novels.
I was running around like a mad man on my lunch break from work to go purchase ‘Sleep’ and you’ve done it again. WOW!
I have signed up to your fan club and cannot wait to receive ‘The Lodger’
Best Wishes,
Andy
Hi Andy, I’m really chuffed that you rushed out to buy Sleep after discovering my other books and that you enjoyed them all! I really appreciate you taking the time to send me a message. Comments like yours spur me on to make the next book as good as I can! All the best, Cally.
I bought all your books Cally and I enjoyed them all 😊 You’re a very talented and very good Author 😊 I just finished reading SLEEP, its really amazing! I love it! Can’t wait for your next book 😊😊
All the best,
Reechie
Hello Reechie, thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a message and for your kind words. So glad you enjoyed Sleep. All the best, Cally.
You are honestly the only author who manages to keep me guessing all the way through the book. Incredible reading- loves getting lost in your books.
Thank you, Hannah, that’s so nice to hear!
Just finished sleep wow it was amazing I’ve loved all your books and enjoy passing them on to my friends please keep writing look forward to the next 1 I need to sleep now thanks again xx Barbara
Thank you, Barbara, that made me smile. So glad you enjoyed Sleep and thank you for recommending my books to your friend. Have a lovely snooze! All the best, Cally
Just finished sleep it was amazing I’ve loved all your books and enjoy passing them on to all my friends please keep on writing look forward to the next 1. I need to sleep now cheers Barbara xx
I have read all of your books, currently reading Sleep, problem is I bought it for holiday which is not for 3 weeks and I’m almost finished, who is your favourite author? I need a book for my holiday
Hi Jo, so glad you enjoyed Sleep. If you like my books I think you will enjoy books by Lucy Clarke, Tammy Cohen, CJ Cooke, Nuala Ellwood, Phoebe Morgan, Claire Allen and Mark Edwards, all of whom I rate.
Great, i’ll stock up! Back to chapter 45! 👏🏻👍
Thanks for the recommendations almost finished You let me in, Lucy Clarke it’s very good x
Oh good. So glad you’re enjoying it.
I recently had to go to hospital with heart problems and took you novel ‘Sleep’ with me as I knew I would have plenty of time to read it. I got to page 234 where it mentions H M Prison New Hall in Wakefield, which I found was interesting as I live in Wakefield. Then further down you mentioned Pinderfields Hospital, yes, you have guessed it! I was sitting in my hospital bed In ‘Pinderfields’!!
I would like to congratulate you on the ‘Sleep’ kept me guessing til the end and even I got it wrong! Can’t wait until the next novel.
Oh wow, what are the chances?! That’s incredible. So sorry to hear about the heart problems. Hope all is sorted now. I’m so glad you enjoyed Sleep and it kept you entertained while you were in hospital. Thank you for your kind words. All the best, Cally.
Absolutely love your books and cant put them down. Cant wait for The Lodger. Keep writing.
Thank you, Beryl. So happy to hear that.
Thank you for signing Sleep at Harrogate
Just finished reading Sleep. Hooked all the way through! Didn’t see the twist at the end. Totally thought it was Joe! I’m half way through a Billingham book (you’ve been my sneeky read on the side, that I couldn’t put down!) then I’m all yours again.
Just amazing.
That’s wonderful, Caroline. Your comment made me smile. Thank you.
Hi Cally!
I’ve been meaning to congratulate you on your wonderful novel Sleep, and thank you for the signed copy that I purchased from Max Minerva’s. What an amazing book! I could literally feel myself being drawn into the thrilling and mysterious atmosphere that you create through your words. It really kept me on the edge till the last page! Quite simply you are a brilliant author and your work keeps going from strength to strength. I am so privileged to be a part of your writing journey as a reader and see your amazing talent and passion displayed so evidently in every page I turn. I look forward to your next YA novel and all of your upcoming work!
All the very best from Australia! 🙂
Hello Alicia, what an amazing comment. Thank you so much for taking the time to get in touch and for saying such lovely things about Sleep. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Two books out next year – the new young adult thriller (The Island) and a mystery novel called Strangers. I hope you enjoy them! All the best, Cally.
I have read all of your books except “The Treatment” which I have. I was wondering if there are other authors with similar writing style as you that I could read. Thanks
Hello Keith. I’m so glad you enjoy my books. The authors I enjoy, who I think have a similar writing style to me, are Mark Edwards (Here To Stay), Lucy Clarke (You Let Me In) and Lisa Jewell (Then She Was Gone). I hope that helps.
Hi there. I have just read your book Fear which I enjoyed lots. My mum who died this year was born in Worcestershire and reading the names Malvern, Ledbury Powick etc was very moving. In your acknowledgements you mentioned a Guin Hall. Mum’s best friend had this name. She was from Bromyard. I thought this quiet amazing. Love your books. X
Hello Anne, I am so sorry to hear about your mum. I was born in Worcester, went to school in Malvern and my parents live near Bromyard so it’s a part of the country I know very well. Guin Hall isn’t from Bromyard but it’s lovely that her name, and the places in the book made you think about your mum. Thanks so much for taking the time to get in touch. All the best, Cally.
Brilliant book – kept me enthralled from start to finish. Keep up with your remarkable work.
Thank you, Lindsey. So glad you enjoyed it.
Just finished reading Sleep brilliant.. I couldn’t put it down.
Really pleased you enjoyed it, Tonya.
Your writing results in me starting the book and can’t put it down till I have finished it ! The twists and turns keep me hooked and can’t wait till the next one . I am a avid reader since childhood and will be 63 next month and I admire the skill to be able to write brilliant books and would never have a Kindle !!!
Got sleep for Christmas and absolutely loved it, funnily enough I’ve got insomnia, probably how I read it so quickly lol x
Hello Fiona, I’m so glad you enjoyed Sleep. Sorry to hear about the insomnia! (the Calms app is good for that, and a misting of lavender on your pillow).
Just finished Sleep. I was riveted! Finished it in a day! I have read all of your books, but I think Sleep is my favourite. Being retired I read a lot and am quite choosy! Looking forward to the next one. Thanks for writing excellent books……
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment, Mavis. I’m so pleased that you enjoy my books and thrilled that Sleep is your favourite. I hope you enjoy Strangers in April. All the best, Cally
I have seven of your books lined up on my bookshelf and can’t wait to add Strangers in April. They are my favourite go-to read when I need a pick me up. Thank you.
That’s so lovely to hear. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a message. I hope you enjoy Strangers.
Hi Cally!
SO EXCITED for your new book Strangers!! Whoa hoo!! (Sorry…just a bit enthusiastic!) I’ve just seen it advertised in one of our catalogues in Australia available to purchase on Thursday (…which I hope is accurate because I don’t think it’s even ‘officially’ out in the UK yet). It looks to be such an amazing novel. You never your readers! I count down the days for your book releases, they are all such first-class thrillers. Honestly, you are such a talented and wonderful author (not to mention gorgeous!). Will remain a ‘Fan for life’! I’m not surprised you have other crime novelists who love your work too because you are extremely gifted in your ability to grab the reader and immerse them in the world, characters and emotional environment that you create. Congratulations on all you have achieved in your writing career and life so far! (and on your engagement too!)
All the very best, Alicia
Hello, Alicia. Thank you so much for taking the time to send me a message. It really brightened my day. I’m thrilled that you enjoy my books and hope you enjoy Strangers. All the best, Cally.
*I just realised I left out the word “you never ‘disappoint’ your readers” in my previous message. Silly me! I know I will love Strangers and I’m looking forward to 2021 for your next YA novel too. I appreciate having your books to keep me going and I look forward to reading and re-reading them especially with the confinements imposed with the current health situation around the world. I also just wanted to thank you and say how much I appreciate your replies. Can’t say many authors especially of your calibre would personally respond to each comment. That means a lot. Take care during this time and stay healthy and safe. Best, Alicia
Picked up “The Lie in our local charity shop and read it in one take. Absolutely brilliant. Have now purchased the lot and have loved each and everyone of them. Please keep writing.
Hi Cally
I am sorry that I’m inundating your comments page with my comments! I just really wanted you to know how much I enjoyed Strangers! I’d have to say it is one of my favourites. I loved that it was told from different perspectives and how well you created such a tense and thriller-esque atmosphere! I was hooked from the first page. The unity of the characters when their lives collided and their varying personalities and backgrounds made for such riveting and compelling reading. Your writing never disappoints. I found out you wrote a couple of other titles under your full name too which I think I may have to check out too! (Heaven can wait and Home for Christmas). Thank you again for sharing your literacy prowess with readers such as myself.
With warmest wishes, Alicia
Thank you, Alica, great to hear from you again. I’m so glad you enjoyed Strangers. Thanks for the lovely things you said about it. Cally.
Hi Cally
I’ve only recently discovered your writings (well actually I listen to audiobooks) . I’m thoroughly enjoying them! As an Honorary Bristolian myself it’s been a real treat to hear the accent and to be able to visualise the locations with the Bristol based stories. Your stories have me gripped right from the start, I intend to work my way through the rest of your novels in the next few months.
Thank you for making lockdown bearable.
Veronica
Hello, Veronica, thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a message and for your kind words about my books. I’m really glad they’ve helped get you through lockdown. I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks too whilst walking the dog around the same parks over and over again! All the best, Cally
C L Taylor is my favourite author, I have read all her books and all are so gripping! Keep it up! Looking forward to the next one next month!
Thanks Lauren, I’m so touched to hear that. I hope you enjoy Her Last Holiday. Cally
One of my favourite authors!! I adore all Cally’s books and get so excited when a new one is coming out!! Truly amazing stories with memorable characters xx
Hi Kerry Flo! Nice to see you on my website! Thank you for your lovely words.
Love Lucy Clarke books and having read them all picked up the escape in a charity shop .couldn’t put it down and now just finished sleep.fabulous twist which I didn’t see coming. Keep writing please x
Thanks for leaving me a message, Elspeth. I love Lucy’s books and am glad you have discovered mine too! So pleased that you’re enjoying them. Cally
Tahank you! I really enyojed your book Armastus jõulukingiks -so they translated it in Estonia. (Home for Christmas- 2011). All the best from Estonia.
That’s lovely to hear. So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to drop me a message.
Wow! Just wow! There are not many books that I can demolish in 2 days, however, these books are immense! Thank you so so much for bringing my love of reading back. Thank you so much!
Hi Lorna, thanks so much for your message. I’m really touched that my books brought your love of reading back. I hope you enjoy whatever you read next. Cally