Picture a Yorkshire-born storyteller who spun a tale of toxic friendships and dark secrets in the misty streets of Edinburgh—meet Heather Darwent! Her debut novel, The Things We Do to Our Friends, has taken the literary world by storm, blending suspense with the haunting allure of dark academia. With a knack for crafting complex characters and twisty narratives, Darwent has quickly become a must-read author for thriller fans.
Now based just outside Edinburgh, Darwent’s journey from art history student to international bestseller is as captivating as her prose. Her work, lauded for its atmospheric settings and psychological depth, invites readers into a world where ambition and obsession collide with devastating consequences. Ready to dive into her story?
The Making of Heather Darwent
Born and raised in Yorkshire, Heather Darwent grew up with a love for stories, penning tales as a child before life took her to Scotland. At the University of Edinburgh, she studied History of Art, soaking in the city’s moody charm—cobblestone alleys, foggy nights, and hidden histories—that would later inspire her writing. After dabbling in copywriting and working in a startup, Darwent rediscovered her passion for fiction through online creative writing courses, which sparked the creation of her debut novel.
Her time at Edinburgh, including late nights working in a cocktail bar, shaped her perspective on power dynamics and privilege, themes that permeate her work. Darwent’s ability to draw from personal experiences while crafting entirely fictional worlds sets her apart as a fresh voice in contemporary fiction.
Heather Darwent’s Unforgettable Stories
Darwent’s debut, The Things We Do to Our Friends (2023), is a Sunday Times bestseller that plunges readers into the life of Clare, a student with a dark past who gets entangled with a clique of dangerously ambitious friends. Set against Edinburgh’s gothic backdrop, the novel explores toxic friendships, feminist revenge, and the cost of belonging. Critics have praised its “startlingly lovely” prose and compared it to Donna Tartt’s The Secret History for its dark academia vibes.
Her second novel, A Sharp Scratch (2024), continues her exploration of psychological suspense, delving into themes of betrayal and identity. While less is known about this newer work, early reviews highlight Darwent’s knack for creating flawed, fascinating characters and unpredictable plots. Her writing style—dense, atmospheric, and rich with twists—captures the allure of gothic settings and the complexities of human nature.
Darwent’s stories stand out for their focus on female friendships, often tinged with manipulation and power struggles. Her characters, though often unlikeable, are meticulously crafted, drawing readers into their morally gray worlds. Whether it’s a mold-infested French estate or a sordid hunting party, Darwent’s settings are as vivid as her narratives, making each page a sensory experience.
Why Heather Darwent Matters
Heather Darwent has carved a niche in the thriller genre, bringing fresh energy to dark academia with her feminist lens and psychological insight. Her debut’s success, earning nominations for literary awards and international acclaim, signals her potential as a leading voice in suspense fiction. By tackling themes like ambition, privilege, and the darker side of human connection, Darwent resonates with readers who crave stories that challenge and unsettle.
Her impact extends beyond her books, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace their unique experiences. Living near Edinburgh, Darwent continues to draw from her surroundings, promising more tales that blend beauty with menace. As she works on her next project, fans eagerly await what this rising star will conjure next.
- Born: Yorkshire, England
- Key Works: The Things We Do to Our Friends (2023), A Sharp Scratch (2024)
- Notable: Sunday Times bestseller, compared to Donna Tartt
Ready to get lost in a world of gothic intrigue and twisted friendships? Snag The Things We Do to Our Friends and dive into Heather Darwent’s thrilling universe!