Heart-Shaped Bruise

Story

Emily Koll is at Archway Young Offender’s Institution awaiting trial. Everyone thinks they know her story, saying she’s evil, or they knew something wasn’t right about her. She’s going to tell her side of the story for the first time, in a moving tale of how far a person will go to get revenge.

Why we chose it

A tightly plotted young adult thriller full of twists as the story is gradually pieced together in Emily’s own words. A sometimes shocking but compelling exploration of identity and revenge.

Where it came from

Tanya Byrne worked for BBC radio for eight years before writing her debut novel. At first she thought of writing about a girl who had to join the witness protection scheme but when she added Emily to the story, Emily’s point of view felt more compelling.

Where it went next

Heart Shaped Bruise was very well received. It was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger prize , and longlisted for the Branford Boase Award. Tanya Byrne was also on the shortlist for New Writer of the Year at the National Book Awards.

Associated stories

Tanya Byrne has also written other YA novels, including Follow Me Down and For Holly.