Picture a British storyteller who spun a claustrophobic tale of betrayal on the high seas—meet Egan Hughes! Born in North Devon and now crafting her gripping thrillers from England’s South Coast, Hughes has emerged as a fresh voice in psychological suspense. Her debut novel, The One That Got Away, hooked readers with its twisty plot and chilling exploration of coercive control, earning a spot on bestseller lists and a nomination for the CWA New Blood Dagger Award.
With a knack for blending sun-soaked settings with dark secrets, Hughes draws you into worlds where trust is a luxury and danger lurks in every shadow. Let’s dive into her journey, from her coastal roots to her rise as a thriller maestro!
The Making of Egan Hughes
Egan Hughes grew up in Southsea, Hampshire, after her early years in North Devon, surrounded by the rugged beauty of England’s coastline. This maritime influence would later shape her writing, particularly her vivid depictions of life on the water. A freelance copyeditor by trade, Hughes honed her storytelling skills in marketing before turning to fiction. Her love for psychological suspense, inspired by the darker corners of human relationships, fueled her leap into novel-writing. An early version of her debut was shortlisted for the First Novel Prize and the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller Competition, signaling her potential as a literary force.
Egan Hughes’s Unforgettable Stories
Hughes’s debut, The One That Got Away (2020), is a masterclass in tension. Set partly on a yacht sailing the Mediterranean, it follows Mia, a woman escaping her controlling ex-husband, Rob, only to face suspicion when he’s found dead. Inspired by Hughes’s own time living on a boat, the novel’s claustrophobic setting amplifies its themes of trauma and revenge. Readers praised its unpredictable twists, with one calling it “a summer must-read” for its gripping pace.
Her second novel, Leave the Lights On, shifts to a tech-driven nightmare. A couple moves into a ‘smart home’—Joe’s dream, but Lauren’s dread. As strange incidents escalate, Hughes weaves a chilling tale of vulnerability in a hyper-connected world. Both works showcase her signature style: intricate plots, flawed characters, and a knack for turning idyllic settings into psychological traps. Her stories resonate with fans of The Holiday and The Woman in Cabin Ten, blending glamour with dread.
Hughes’s ability to craft unreliable narrators and shocking reveals keeps readers guessing. Her Mediterranean-inspired settings, from stormy seas to French canals, add a cinematic quality, making her books as transportive as they are unsettling.
Why Egan Hughes Matters
Egan Hughes is carving a niche in psychological suspense by tackling timely themes like coercive control and technology’s double-edged sword. Her focus on female protagonists—complex, resilient, and often caught in impossible situations—strikes a chord with readers seeking modern, female-led thrillers. Her debut’s critical acclaim and award nominations highlight her as a rising star, while her growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next twisty tale.
By transforming everyday settings into stages for suspense, Hughes reminds us that danger can hide in plain sight. Her work not only entertains but also sparks conversations about trust, autonomy, and survival in today’s world.
- Born: North Devon, UK
- Key Works: The One That Got Away, Leave the Lights On
- Awards: Shortlisted for CWA New Blood Dagger, First Novel Prize, Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller
Snag The One That Got Away and dive into Egan Hughes’s thrilling world of secrets and suspense—you won’t surface until the final twist!