**You should leave the past in the past … or should you? A vividly told, jaw-droppingly twisty and wholly engaging story about the consequences of discovering the truth. For readers of Sally Hepworth, Nicola Moriarty and Adele Parks.** **SHORTLISTED FOR THE NED KELLY AWARD FOR BEST DEBUT CRIME FICTION 2023** **SHORTLISTED FOR THE DANGER AWARDS DEBUT FICTION 2024** After a humiliating public scandal, Olivia is hiding from the press in a remote Tasmanian house when an unknown man knocks on her door, seeking Pippa, a woman who once lived there. His father, Jeremy, has died, leaving behind a letter for this mysterious woman. Olivia wants to help, but can she risk revealing her own sordid past? Thirty years earlier, bohemian wild-child Pippa and her best friend Jeremy spend a perfect summer in the house. Pippa falls deeply in love with local boy Leo, and they begin to plan a life of adventure together, much to the displeasure of his conservative and controlling family. One night Leo leaves the house to confront his parents … and is never seen again. As Olivia is drawn into solving the mystery, the unexpected and tragic story of Pippa, Jeremy and Leo is slowly uncovered. At the same time, a path to reclaiming her own life opens, if only she has the courage to take it. *PRAISE:* **’** Debut novelist Jo Dixon delivers on every front with this impossible to second-guess thriller…’ – *Australian Women’s Weekly* ‘This intriguing, decades-long mystery combines endearing but flawed characters, deadly secrets, and a deliciously twisty plot’ – Sarah Barrie, author of *Unforgiven* ‘A page-turning debut with a genuinely satisfying ending.’ – Kelli Hawkins, author of *Other People’s Houses* ‘A compelling mystery filled with vivid characters, a gorgeous setting, and twists in its tail. A great read which explores public versus private lives and where running away can’t erase the truth.’ – R.W.R McDonald, author of *The Nancys* ‘ *The House of Now and Then* is a compelling mix of mystery, love and intrigue. I devoured it in one sitting. A brilliant debut from a writer to watch.’ – Mary-Lou Stephens, author of *The Last of the Apple Blossom* ‘An absorbing, character-driven mystery with a finely drawn sense of place that builds to a twist-filled and wholly satisfying conclusion.’ – Dinuka Mckenzie, author of *The Torrent*