Better Left Buried (27 page)

I pull away, biting my lip, blinking hard. I know he's right. I know I have to get on with my life.

But I never wanted more to be wrong.

I turn back, unable to meet his gaze. “Are you ever going to tell me why you call me Chicory?” I try for a smile, but don't quite make it.

He reaches out and puts his forefinger under the tip of my chin, forcing me to look up at him. “Eyes as blue as a chicory flower, and…”

He hesitates for a moment.

“And what?”

“…something of an acquired taste.”

He grins, using his thumbs to wipe away the dampness from my cheeks. Pulls me to him in a hug so tight I can barely breathe.

Then releases me.

“I saw a restaurant right outside town on the way here. How about I take you there and treat you to a proper breakfast?”

I look at him, take a deep breath of the cool morning air, and finally manage to return his smile.

And realize, for the first time in a very long time, that I'm absolutely starving.

Many, many thanks to Sarah Stewart and her tireless editing of
Better Left Buried
– I bow to your persistence and dedication. Thanks also to everyone else at Usborne who contributed their time and encouragement – Rebecca Hill, Anne Finnis and Becky Walker. Also many thanks to my publicists Amy Dobson and Megan Graham, who have done their utmost to spread the word.

A special thanks to my agent, Jo Williamson, and for my beta readers, particularly the wonderful Wendy Storer. Also to everyone at YAT and Book Frisbees for their invaluable advice and support – you know who you are.

Thanks again, Chris Murray and Marie Adams for helping me keep my life in order. And an honorary mention for Stanley and Mrs Perkins, the best things on four legs.

Above all, much gratitude to James, chief beta, cook and crisis manager. Just couldn't do this without you.

Emma Haughton worked as a freelance journalist, writing features for a wide variety of newspapers and glossy magazines, before becoming an author. A mother of four, she now lives and writes fiction in Dorset.
Better Left Buried
is her second novel.

If you've enjoyed Sarah's journey, and would like to see pictures of the Swedish island or hear the pieces she sang, please follow the links at

Three years ago, thirteen-year-old Danny Geller vanished without trace.

His family and friends are still hanging on to every last shred of hope. Not knowing if he's alive or dead, their world is shrouded in shadows, secrets and suspicions.

This is the story of what happens when hope comes back to haunt you. When your desperation is used against you. When you search for the truth – but are too scared to accept the reality staring you in the face.

Because sometimes perhaps it's better to live in the dark.

“The novel bravely explores how it feels for those who are left when they simply don't know what happened.”
The Independent on Sunday's “Best books for children this Christmas”

“Perfect for anyone who enjoyed
Girl, Missing
by Sophie McKenzie.”
Daisy Chain Book Reviews

“A beautifully paced thriller which grips from its intriguing start to its unexpected and electrifying finish. An impressive and intelligent YA debut…”
Lancashire Evening Post

“Well-written and incredibly gripping.”
theguardian.com Children's Book Reviews

“A must-read for fans of a good thriller.”
Book Angel

“A fabulously addictive read that I just couldn't put down.”
Snuggling on the Sofa

NOMINATED FOR THE 2015 CARNEGIE MEDAL

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Better Left Buried
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This ebook edition first published in the UK in 2015 by Usborne Publishing Ltd., Usborne House, 83-85 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8RT, England.
www.usborne.com

Copyright © Emma Haughton 2015

The right of Emma Haughton to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

Cover photography © zgj23/Shutterstock

The name Usborne and the devices
are Trade Marks of Usborne Publishing Ltd.

All rights reserved. This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or used in any way except as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or loaned or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author's and publisher's rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ePub ISBN 9781409591368

Batch no. 03155-02