Penance

Using witness accounts, interviews and correspondence as part of the narrative, Clark’s cleverly constructed novel delves into the shocking murder of a 16-year-old in a sleepy seaside town, exploring just how slippery the quest for truth can become.

Longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize 2024

'Do you know what happened already? Did you know her? Did you see it on the internet? Did you listen to a podcast? Did the hosts make jokes? Did you see the pictures of the body? Did you look for them?'

It's been nearly a decade since the horrifying murder of sixteen-year-old Joan Wilson rocked the small seaside town of Crow-on-Sea. Based on hours of interviews with witnesses and family members, and even correspondence with the killers themselves, journalist Alec Z. Carelli has constructed what he claims is the 'definitive account' of the crime. It's a riveting snapshot of lives scarred by tragedy, and a town left in turmoil.

The only question is: how much of Carelli's story is true?