Heather Darwent author page

Heather Darwent biography

Heather Darwent is a British author of psychological thrillers and literary suspense fiction. Originally from Yorkshire, she studied History of Art at the University of Edinburgh, where she completed an MA. Her professional background includes working in advertising and for a technology start-up. She is represented by literary agent Emily Glenister at DHH Literary Agency.

Her debut novel, The Things We Do to Our Friends, was published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in January 2023. The novel became a Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller. Set in Edinburgh, it follows Clare, a university student attempting to conceal her past, who becomes involved with a wealthy and exclusive group of friends led by the charismatic Tabitha. The psychological thriller explores ambition, privilege, manipulation and the consequences of obsessive friendships.

The Things We Do to Our Friends was shortlisted for the 2023 Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year. It was also longlisted for the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award in 2024. The novel was subsequently published in paperback by Penguin in January 2024.

Darwent’s second novel, A Sharp Scratch, was published by Viking in May 2025. It follows Betsy, a woman struggling with chronic illness and the expectations imposed by contemporary wellness culture. After being offered a place at Carn, an unconventional luxury retreat promising healing, Betsy becomes involved in a programme governed by increasingly demanding rules. The novel examines psychological manipulation, personal vulnerability and the commercialisation of wellbeing.

Both novels are published for adult readers, although their psychological suspense and dark academia elements may also interest older readers. A Sharp Scratch was released in a UK Penguin paperback edition on 19 March 2026.