anatomy of a scandal

“This engrossing psych-thriller-cum-courtroom-drama makes some pertinent observations about sex, power and entitlement, and makes for a particularly timely read in the wake of the #MeToo movement.”
— THE GUARDIAN

“The much discussed ‘marriage thriller’ is still going strong if Sarah Vaughan’s Anatomy of a Scandal – the first of this year’s hyped psychological thrillers – is anything to go by...but Vaughan’s take on the classic formula is both meatier and timelier than previous incarnations...Reminiscent of Elizabeth Day’s...The Party...[and] Louise Doughty’s Apple Tree Yard...it’s well written, pacy, and full of twists and turns.”
— THE INDEPENDENT

“Impressive...This clever plot raises many issues of the moment.”
— THE TIMES

“Themes of harassment and privilege are at the heart of this gripping tale of dark goings-on at Westminster...page-turning...deft...timely.”
— THE OBSERVER

“In Sarah Vaughan’s impressive Anatomy of a Scandal, the three main characters are all expressively drawn. The novel makes some provocative points...No doubt in the current MeToo climate...there will be a slew of books in which the subject is central. Few, however, are likely to have the rigour and intelligence of Vaughan’s novel.”
— THE FINANCIAL TIMES

“Brilliant. Not only a gripping courtroom drama but also a serious and timely look at issues of rape and consent, guilt and innocence. Highly recommended.”
— NICOLA STURGEON, FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND

“India Loves: Anatomy of a Scandal. This week’s grip lit. I read it until 2am. It’s so good and so forensic and AUTHENTIC.”
— INDIA KNIGHT

“A strong choice for book clubs...savvy, propulsive courtroom drama.”
— KIRKUS REVIEWS (STARRED REVIEW)

“Vaughan weaves together a juicy courtroom drama set among the British elite....This exceptional novel marks the perfect nerve-wracking start to the new year in books.”
— ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY (US)

“Skilfully interweaving the story of the unfolding scandal, Vaughan gradually reveals just how shockingly high the stakes are...Sinewy, engrossing, twist-filled.”
— PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (STARRED REVIEW)

“Vaughan offers gripping insight into a political scandal’s hidden machinations and the tension between justice and privilege...Absorbing, polished.”
— BOOKLIST (STARRED REVIEW)

“A nuanced storyline perfectly in tune with our #MeToo times”
— PEOPLE MAGAZINE

“Vaughan’s storytelling is not only masterful, but its themes will linger in the mind, long after it’s been put down.”
— PRESS ASSOCATION

“Allegations of sexual scandal in Westminster could hardly be more timely...and this engrossing tale feels completely authentic....Written by a former political journalist, it’s full of brilliantly realised characters and crackling dialogue. If there’s any justice it will top bestseller lists.”
— THE SUNDAY MIRROR

“January sees a load of gripping books hit the shelves and this taut, dark read is one of 2018’s big hitters...Part courtroom drama, part domestic noir, it’s not to be missed.”
— THE SUN, FABULOUS MAGAZINE

“Told from multiple viewpoints, with meticulously researched courtroom detail, characters so well-defined they walk off the page and a cracking twist, this compelling courtroom drama lives up to its pre-publication buzz.”
— WOMAN AND HOME

“An eerily timely and much-hyped page-turner about Sophie - wife of James, a Westminster figure accused of a terrible crime - and Kate, the barrister prosecuting him. Deep, dark and full of drama.”
— RED

“A sex pest in Westminster is the timely premise for Anatomy of a Scandal...Vaughan drip-feeds revelations while exploring the power and privilege of the political elite.”
— GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

“There are scandals and secrets aplenty in this electrifying read.”
— PRIMA

“Sarah Vaughan takes us into the dark recesses of what goes on in the corridors of power when a privileged man feels it is his right to take what he wants from a woman. This skilfully written story is set to be the blockbuster of the year, rivalling Apple Tree Yard in twists and tension. I couldn’t put it down.”
— MY WEEKLY

“One of those rare novels that rides a zeitgeist with perfect timing...sensational, slickly-written, whip-smart. Deftly depicting the dark underbelly of privilege and power at work in our political system, Vaughan’s gripping novel will have you hooked from the first page. If you loved Apple Tree Yard and Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, make this your must-read not just for this month, but this year.”
— TRIPLEMELT

“Standout among the packed playing field of cerebral whodunnits this thriller season is Anatomy of a Scandal. It’s a brilliant read that is both quintessentially British (it evokes the terse skill of PD James) and on-point with a plot that tackles sexual predation, victim shaming and coercive control. The elegant plot twists and turns but it’s the gender and sexual politics that make this thriller such a compelling read. Exploring notions of consent, public personas, insidious abuse and predators’ reliance on shame, Vaughan has tapped right into the zeitgeist.”
— EMERALD STREET

“A timely thriller about marriage, but also about power, who wields it, and how that affects who we believe.”
— STYLIST MAGAZINE (10 MUST READS)

“Brilliant. A plot that is so deftly constructed you’ll feel as if you’re on a rollercoaster with a blindfold. It’s an absolute masterpiece - prepare to be very impressed.”
— HEAT

“A lot of reviews claim that a novel had them “hooked from the start” - but with this story, it’s painfully true....The thorny issue of consent is tackled sensitively, while exploring the consequences of the case on both women and the past demons it exposes.”
— GRAZIA

“People are calling this the new Apple Tree Yard, but I’d beg to differ – fast, pacy and with enough twists and turns to keep you gripped right to the end, I’d argue it’s infinitely better.”
— THE POOL

“Gripping. A savage indictment of class, privilege and toxic masculinity in Britain ... Almost impossible to put down.”
— LOUISE O'NEILL

“One of the best books you’ll read this year.”
— CLOSER

“Once the trial starts, you could not have prised the book from my hands for love or money.”
— SUNDAY EXPRESS

“Sarah Vaughan’s novel is one of elite privilege, consent and revenge and it is a non-stop page turner… Don’t start reading if you plan on leaving the house or having anything important to do. Nothing else will happen until you’ve finished it.”
— DOMESTIC SLUTTERY

“Engaging and timely… an intriguing dissection of class and privilege.”
— DAILY EXPRESS

“Part psychological thriller, part courtroom drama, this gripping novel is.. eloquently written...astutely observed..The cleverly plotted narrative unfolds to reveal shocking truths...masterfully weaving together several lives before a big showdown. A twisted political love story full of menace and intrigue, with its highly topical subject matter it is one of this year’s must-reads. ”
— THE LADY

“As the MeToo movement continues to swell, so Vaughan’s book feels like a companion piece to that raw anger; a clear-eyed look at the way in which society continues to indulge certain people...It is also a biting indictment of entitlement....Vaughan’s real interest lies in the way in which those born to great privilege can blithely gambol through life uncaring of the way in which their actions hurt others...Complicated and intriguing. Read it before the TV companies come calling. ”
— THE I NEWSPAPER