A Crooked Tree by Una Mannion

The novel revolves around the Gallagher family, who are struggling to cope with the recent death of their father,  and their divorced mother's secret relationship. One night, during a heated argument, the mother orders 12-year-old, Ellen, out of the car on a dark road , expecting said daughter to walk some miles home. This impulsive act leads to a traumatic event covered up by a secret between the daughters, which leads to potentially devastating consequences.  A beautifully written coming of age story, set in juxtaposition with the ever-present tension and dread of the aforementioned secret leading to a likely horrible outcome.  5/5