A child's unsettling claims threaten to unravel a seemingly perfect family life. Rachel finds her idyllic new life with her husband David and stepson Jamie in Cornwall shattered by Jamie's disturbing pronouncements. He claims to be haunted by his late mother and makes a chilling prediction: 'YOU WILL BE DEAD BY CHRISTMAS'. As Rachel's suspicions about her husband grow, she begins to fear that Jamie's words may hold a terrifying truth, setting the stage for a suspenseful confrontation as the deadline approaches.

The premise sets up a classic psychological thriller, focusing on suspense and domestic unease, reminiscent of Daphne Du Maurier. The narrative is likely to build tension through Rachel's growing paranoia and her investigation into the truth behind Jamie's claims. Readers can expect a focus on unreliable perceptions and the unraveling of a seemingly perfect facade. The author's previous success with 'The Ice Twins' suggests a strong market for this type of suspenseful, character-driven mystery.