‘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
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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/CLTaylorAuthor
Hi , just finished reading ‘ the Fear ‘ absolutely blown away by the ending, did not see that coming. Read all your books up to date I think ‘ the Fear ‘ was my favourite. Waiting on tenterhooks for your next one.
Many thanks
Julie Ashton
Thank you, Julie. I am so pleased that you enjoyed The Fear. I hope you enjoy Sleep too!
I’ve read most of your books, I’ve never been so absorbed and captivated by each of your books. They have been unputdownable and addictive to read.
Keep up the good work. I wish your the best for your future I’m sure you will write more engrossing stories.
Thank you
Thank you, Zarina. That’s very kind.
I’ve read most of your books, I’ve never been so absorbed and captivated by each of your books. They have been unputdownable and addictive to read.
Keep up the good work. I wish your the best for your future I’m sure you will write more engrossing stories.
Thank you
Thank you so much for making reading enjoyable and easy. As a busy working Mum, generally it’s so much easier to switch off in front of a tv at the end of the day. I was never the best at reading whilst growing up and I often find getting into a book a chore. Your books grip me from the first page and I can’t wait to pick them up. I read ‘The Accident’ in a day (which may be normal for other people, but a record for me. I actually continued reading it whilst walking, to pick up my car from its MOT, two villages away. I literally couldn’t put it down! Well done on your amazing creative writing skills and thank you again,
Wendy
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a message, Wendy. I really appreciate it. I am honoured that you choose to read my books rather than watch tv as I totally understand that busy mum level of tiredness! I hope you continue to enjoy my books. All the best, Cally x
Absolutely amazing books! I’m half way through ‘the fear’ and can’t put it down! You’re a superb author!
Anna
Thank you, Anna. That means a lot.
Dear Cally. For the first time I’ve just read one of your books – The Missing. I found it completely riveting. I love your writing skills, your emotional intelligence and your wisdom. Two passages in particular really spoke to me and I’m going to write them down. ‘We all have secrets, most are guilty, a few are wretched and some are too precious to share’. Then – happiness is in the here and now…..cherish every moment’ etc. Thinking about the whole secret thing, I see that its possible to waste your life agonising over whether or not you should share a particular secret or whether you would feel nothing but a sense of being diminished, of self betrayal. Once its out, its out, can change lives – yours and others. So many brilliant novels are built around secrets of different kinds. Maybe you could write us another novel with another take on the subject and call it The Secret? I’d be queueing up at the bookshop to read it. All the best, Cally and congratulations on being so good at your job.
Wow, thank you, Liz. What an incredible comment. Thank you. I’m very touched that you picked up on the little bits of philosophising in The Missing. I am sure I’ll explore secrets and their power and ability to wreck devastation in another of my novels one day. Take care and thanks again for taking the time to leave me a message. Cally.
Can’t wait to read The Lodger!just love your books,all such gripping reads!thankyou.
I hope you enjoy it, Sally. Thanks for your kind words about my books.
I have read all of your books and did I read somewhere you were bring out a new book this May? or was I just hoping you were so I could take it on holiday with me!!
Sorry Gail, the next book is ‘Sleep’ and it’s not out until 10th January.
Oh dear, what am I to do!! I will put the date in my diary so I don’t forget. Thank you for letting me know, can’t wait til January!
I’ve finally caught up, and finished all your books so far.
I’ve loved every one of them so far.
I am really looking forward to your next one.
Keep them coming. Your writing is amazing. Thank you.
Cheers Nik, so glad you’re enjoying my books.
I’ve got all your books and very enjoyable it’s a skill trying to work out the physiology on how did it . Just got back reading in the last mth after mam died aged 94. The lie was hard going but got there in the end with missing very enjoyable but once the what app txt appeared I realised billy was in touch with [spoiler removed]. The fear reminder me off a real life case many yrs ago was that based on the story line. Did you base norton house in the treatment on Prudhoe Hospital as both in Northumberland as in the book the character Lacey is at drew school but then she turns up at norton house but how did she get sent there as nothing in book to say. But overall the books are excellent and page turners it’s hard to not sneak a look at the end so look forward to the next book.
Hi Barry, thanks so much for taking the time to get in touch. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Grief is so hard. Thank you for your kind words about my books, well done for guessing who dunnit in The Missing (I have hidden your spoiler in case it spoils another reader’s enjoyment). To answer your questions the hospital building in The Treatment was completely fictional but I based it on the derelict Barnes hospital near Manchester. Regarding Lacey, I didn’t mention why she ended up at Norton House but she was excluded from school (as a bully I’m sure she did something pretty awful). You are right, part of the inspiration for The Fear was the Jeremy Forrest case from a few years ago. I hope you continue to enjoy my books. All the best, Cally.
Have just finished reading my first book by you, “The Escape” and thoroughly enjoyed it. Shall definitely be reading more. However, was intrigued by the fact that you mentioned Malpas in Cheshire as I went to the senior school there and my sister lives there, so I know it well. It’s such an insignificant little place that I can’t help thinking you must know someone who either originated from there or who lives in the area?
Thanks for your kind words, Barbara. So glad you enjoyed The Escape. I lived in Chester as a student twenty-odd years ago but never visited Malpas. I looked it up on Right Move though, to see if my character could afford a house there.
Just finished reading The Fear. Another brilliant read. I have read all of your books and I’m looking forward to the next one. Brilliant author.
Thanks Jess. Very kind.
I have just finished reading The Fear. It was the first of your books that I have read and today I’m heading out to find some more! I live in Worcester and grew up in Malvern so recognised all the different references to the local area. I studied education studies at Worcester uni a few years ago and know of Wendy Messenger, who you mentioned in the book. I have also spent a lot of time in Priory park so I could really picture the final dramatic scene! Loved it! Keep up the great work xx
Hi Rosie, wow, I had to grin when I read that you know Wendy Messenger. What are the chances?! I do hope the owners of Priory Park don’t hate me for setting that scene there! I am so glad you enjoyed The Fear. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a message. Cally.
I had to find your website to write a comment. I’ve never read any of your books until recently when I purchased The Fear. It was amazing I couldn’t put it down. And the twist at the end, wow!! I’m purchasing more books on amazon now. Such a great author you deserve all the credit.
Hello Savannah, lovely to hear from you. I am so glad you enjoyed The Fear. I hope you enjoy my other books as much. All the best, Cally.
Just thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Fear’
Brilliant
Thank you
Very happy to hear that, Karen. So glad you enjoyed it.
Love love love your books. X
Thanks Michelle, very happy to hear that!
Started reading ‘The missing’ on holiday and could not put it down finished it in a day. Currently reading ‘the escape’ and can’t put it down either! Your books are honestly amazing, you are a very talented writer! Can not wait to read more of them!
What a lovely thing to say. Your message just gave me such a boost. Thanks for taking the time to leave me a message, Courtney.
The Fear was chosen as our latest Book Club read. I couldn’t put it down and read it over two days (but only because I started reading it late in the day). I’ve already told the others how gripping it is. We’re meeting again in September so I’ll try to update you on the feedback. I’m looking forward to discussing the questions from the back of the book with the group, and of course the book in general. Rollocking good read!
Hi Julie, lovely to hear from you. I’m thrilled that The Fear was chosen by your book club and that you enjoyed it so much. I hope it results in some lively discussion!
Love all your books… Cant wait till the next one!
Thanks Claire, really happy to hear that!
Loved the book fear. Absolutely gripping. Can you explain the ending please in the the Mavis chapter thanks
Hi Christine, thanks for your question. I have emailed you an explanation. All the best, Cally
Hi! I l have just finished the Fear as well and absolutely loved it! But I was wondering about that ending as well…may I know the explanation as well?? Thank you!
I’ll email you.
Glad to hear a new book is on the way. Just read the last 3 on holiday and have run out.
Love that each of your books is so captivating and I don’t read as much as I should nowadays. Can’t put yours down.
Thank you, Lisa. That’s a lovely thing to hear. So glad you enjoy my books and hope you’ll enjoy Sleep too!
I’ve just finished The Treatment. What an amazing read, couldn’t put it down. Fab work xx
Thanks Kristina, so pleased to hear that!
Just getting into The Escape, so far so cool. I really love ALL of your books! Really amazing work, really. Keep it up 🙂
Greetings from the Czech Republic!
Hi Thomas! Lovely to hear from you. I am so glad you’re enjoying the Czech version of The Escape. I love my Czech publisher Domino – they have published all my books so far!
The escape was an amazing book which i totally loved.
Found it hard reading at the end thromy tears but what a great read.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you, Stephen. I’m very touched by your comment.
Love reading your book the fear and the missing, couldn’t put them down, really had me gripped from page 1 .can’t wait to read the other books.
Thank you for taking the time to drop me a message, Hazra. I’m so glad you enjoyed The Missing and The Fear.
Literally down to your last 3 books The Missing, The Fear and The Escape. I’ve never been so gribbed to books where I’ve sat up all night till early hours finishing Then off. It was the not knowing what happens that was bugging me. Can’t wait for more of your books. I’ve now got my friend hooked on your books. Keep up the good work.
Hi Jenna, your message made me smile. Thank you! So glad you are enjoying my books. Thanks so much for recommending them to your friends.
Hello, having just read “The Fear”, I would just like to let you know the book is great. It kept me hooked and it made my break time during work a lot better. I’ll look forward to reading more of your books in the future.
Hi Raymond, thanks so much for taking the time to drop me a message. I am so glad you enjoyed The Fear and that it entertained you during your work breaks. That’s lovely to hear. All the best, Cally.
I love your books and I’m looking forward to reading this article. I’ve saved it so I can read in peace.
Hope you find it useful.
I’m sure it will be x
Hi, and thankyou for “The Fear”which I have just finished. I couldn’t put it down, and loved it. I will look forward to choosing another one of yours and look forward to The Lodger. 😀 Many thanks again!!
X
Hi Mandy, lovely to hear from you. So glad you enjoyed The Fear.
I’ve just finished reading The Fear – first book of yours that I’ve read. Wow, powerful stuff – how have I missed reading any of your books? Will now definitely be on the look out for your other books.
Thank you, Maureen. I’m thrilled to hear that. I hope you enjoy my other books.
OMG I am almost at the end of The Missing and have every member of the family and neighbours as suspects. After reading the Fear I also couldn’t put down, I knew I could not be without one of your books. They are AMAZING!!.. have already ordered The Lie and excited to know I have so many to catch up on. Thankyou so much and please don’t stop your fantastic writing😀
Oh, what a lovely comment, Mandy. Thank you so much, you just made me smile. I am currently sitting in my study at 19:12 on a Sunday evening trying to hit my word count for today and your comment was a lovely boost!
Hello, it’s been weeks since I subscribed to the book club but have not received the copy of The Lodge. I am in love with your writing! Keep those books coming!
Hello. Sorry to hear you haven’t received your confirmation email and link to download The Lodger. If you give me the email address you used to register I’ll look into it.
One thing I always look forward to at the end of the day is getting into bed with a really good book and believe me yours did not disappoint! I borrowed The Fear two days ago from the library thinking I had a week or so to enjoy it , and here I am finished it in 2 days , it was THAT GOOD ….now what ?🤔🙂 x
Your message made me laugh, Jo. Thank you! I guess you need to go back to the library and get another of my books! All the best, Cally. P.S. Thanks for supporting your local library.
Hi. Have read alot of your books that i have really enjoyed. But can you explain the Mavis chapter at the end of The Fear, i feel that i may have miss understood the twist at the end, if it was a twist of course.
** Spoiler for The Fear *”
Hi Gillian, the twist at the end is that Mike is a serial killer of young women. When he failed to kill Lou in France he set off killing women that looked like her (once released from prison), and Chloe would have been his next victim if Lou hadn’t saved her.
Thank you for your prompt reply. Oh ok, i wasn’t sure if Louise was who she said she was and that he’d killed her and she was in the van. Thanks for clarifying the end.
Just finished ‘The Escape’….what a fab read, starting it this morning and just finished it, could’t put it down at all, the kids got sausages and chips for dinner which isn’t great at Christmas but wasn’t able to put it down!!! Thoroughly enjoyable Regards Caroline
That made me grin, Caroline! I’m so glad you enjoyed The Escape (and that the kids were fed!)
I would love the free book
Great! Just join the CL Taylor Book Club and make sure you click the confirmation email and it will be emailed to you.
I’ve read every single book so far. It’s a very hard decision but my favourite, at the moment, has to be ‘The Fear’. I was blown away once I had made the connection with Wendy’s character. I can happily say you never fail to intruige me. What another fantastically gripping story !!!
Thank you, Niamh. What a lovely comment. I’m so glad you’re enjoying my books. The Fear is definitely one of my favorites, not least because Wendy was so much fun to write.
I’ve read all your books absolutely brilliant can’t wait for sleep
Thank you, Julie. I’m so pleased that you enjoy them. I hope you like Sleep too!
I never normally read, but during time over Christmas I found myself looking for a book to pass the time. I am so glad I did!! I started reading ‘ The lie’ and literally couldn’t put the book down!. I finally have found an author that grips me from the first page untill the very last. So excited to read your other books. The hard decision is deciding what one to read next! Any suggestions?
Hello Fay, thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a message. I am so glad you enjoyed The Lie and that it kept you gripped. I’d recommend The Fear next. All the best, Cally
Hi Cally! I’m a new fan of yours (from Australia) and I wanted to applaud you for your young adult novel ‘The Treatment’ which is the first of your books I read! I could not put it down! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent as an author with readers like myself. I was honestly gripped from the first page and I LOVED Drew as the protagonist with her fighting spirit and fierce determination. Honestly I did not want it to end! I hope you continue to write YA books! Since then I have purchased three other books of yours (The Fear, The Escape and The Accident) and cannot wait to start reading them. Will DEFINITELY remain a fan and life-long follower of your work. You have such a gift for writing!!
Hi Alicia, what an amazing message to wake up to. I’m so glad you enjoyed The Treatment. I absolutely loved writing it and didn’t want to leave Drew, Mouse and Mason’s world. I’ve written the first draft of a new YA thriller (a standalone) but haven’t been given a date for publication yet – maybe 2020 or 2021. In the meantime I hope you enjoy my other books. All the best, Cally.
Just read The Missing. What a gripping compelling story.
I became involved right from the onset. Full of emotions that swept through me as the reader. And characters you could empathise with. I became totally absorbed. And so many twists. I could not decide who ‘did it’. But on the revelation of Billy’s end, all fell into place. All characters odd/suspicious behaviour made sense.
Thank you
Fiona
Thank you, Fiona. Your message made me smile. I am so glad you enjoyed The Missing and that I managed to keep the ‘bad guy’ from you!
Hi again Cally!
Sorry to bombard your site with yet another message, but I had to commend you on the three books of yours I read after The Treatment (…on that note I am SUPER EXCITED to hear you are writing another novel for young adults!!). I finished The Fear, The Escape and The Accident, all of which were amazing! They have the same edgy, gripping suspense that I loved in The Treatment and I came away thinking what an absolute pleasure it is to read the works of such an amazing author. You really are brilliant! I will definitely be getting The Missing and The Lie and really looking forward to Sleep once it is released in April (I think I will have to get a copy signed by you…it would be an honour to have)! Congratulations on all you have achieved so far as an author, you have so much to be proud of!
What a wonderful message, Alicia. Don’t ever apologise for getting in touch. It’s messages like yours that spurn me on when I’m having a tough writing day! I am so glad you enjoyed The Fear, The Accident and The Escape and are looking forward to reading more of my books. Yes, in 2020 I’ll have two books out – a new adult book (probably in March or April) and my second young adult thriller in June. I finished the first draft of the Young Adult thriller and just need to tweak a few things before I deliver it to my editor and I’m 12,000 words into the first draft of the next adult book. I hope you enjoy Sleep – if you order a personalised signed copy from Max Minerva’s you will make me, and an independent bookshop owner, very happy! Thanks again for your message, Cally.
I’ve just finished The Fear in less than 2 days, it was brilliant! A really gripping story which I just couldn’t stop reading! I can’t wait for my next one!
Thank you, Alison. So happy to hear that.
Is your book “The Lodger” out to purchase I thought I saw it on Amazon to purchase but then then when I went back a couple days later I couldn’t see it any more. I’m only asking incase I don’t win the competition so I can purchase it.
Hi Lisa, The Lodger isn’t available to buy but it’s free to everyone who joins the CL Taylor Book Club so you’ll receive a link to download a copy, regardless of whether you win the competition or not. Do make sure you click on the email that arrives confirming that you signed up to it though or the email with the link won’t be delivered (sometimes the confirmation email ends up in junk boxes so you might have to look for it).
Only recently started reading your books. I’m currently reading The Escape, it’s such a page turner. I also really enjoyed the fear, again another page turner. I was hooked from the off.
Thanks Angie, I’m so happy that you discovered my books and are enjoying them. Cally
I’ve read a few of your books, would love to enter the competition, but when I click on the link it says its not available.
Try this: http://www.callytaylor.co.uk/cltaylorbookclub.html
Love your books and I would love to win the Sleep book package. Look forward to your newsletters..xx
Thanks Viv!
Hii Taylor,
Actually I haven’t raed any of your novels uptill now but I am really excited to read your work.
I have already ordered 2 of your books, The Missing and The Accident, and am hoping to order more as soon as possible, meaning to say when I have some money in my wallet again.
And yes I will also be ordering Sleep when it’s released cause the title has just taken my mind.
Keep writing.
❤️
Arushi Chauhan,
India
Thank you, Arushi. I hope you enjoy my books.
This is random but I still think about The Lie and the characters from it. Such an incredible book x
Thanks Jase, really happy to hear that. The Lie is a lot of my readers favourite book.
I’ve read all your books and they never disappoint. Only downside is the book ending. I feel lost after!!
I just tried to join unfortunately it’s coming up with mail chimp x
Hello, yes Mailchimp is the company I use to send out my newsletters.
I managed to pick up a copy of sleep from Aberdeen airport and I’m fixed to it. I absolutely love it. Will have to pick up the rest of your books now
Hello Daniel, I am so thrilled to receive your message as it’s the first one about Sleep (it’s published in 4th April and is in the airports early). I am so pleased you’re enjoying it and hope you like my other books too. All the best, Cally
Dear C.L,
I loved with all my strength the book “The Farce”. It made me shiver and not that it was a bad thing, it was great to feel the suspensions, a little indignation about the manipulative way of Isaac and Leanne, and much to Emma or Jane, she went through so much, she went so strong and I put myself in her place and I think I could not have gone through all that she went through. I had never read such a book, a psychological thriller and it was an extraordinary experience and I thank you for writing this wonderful and precious book. I really want to read your other books. I’m your new Brazilian fan.
With love, Izadora.
Hello Izadora, thank you so much for taking the time to send me a message. I’m so pleased you enjoyed The Lie. Your reaction to it means a lot to me. All the best, Cally.