LUCY DAWSON When Alice meets Gretchen for the first time, it feels a bit like falling in love. Lifes got a bit boringly grown-up of late: weekends at weddings and baby-showers, celebrating friends transitions to a life she isnt quite up for yet, and, at home, a sweet-and-stable boyfriend she suspects shes outgrown. Gretchen Bartholomew, with her air of impulsiveness and intuitive style, is that rarest of things: a proper, new friend who knows how to have fun. Even the added complication of Gretchens gorgeous brother, Bailey, might actually be just what Alice needs. Before she knows whats hit her, Alices brilliant new best friend is turning her world upside down. But Gretchen has a dark secret, which - like a time bomb ticking in her hand - wont stay hidden for ever. The explosion may teach them both more than they ever wanted to know about how female friendships can go wrong.