Devil's Breath - Elaine Dacey

Devil's Breath is a thrilling novel set in the hallowed halls of Oxford University and the genteel spa town of Cheltenham, during the 1970s, where there's plenty of evil brewing.

In Oxford, Professor Stellar is experimenting on volunteers who believe they are taking part in medical research. The truth is far more sinister, as Stellar is entangled in a web of mind-bending drugs and Soviet spies. Enforcing the experiments is the brilliant and beautiful psychopath, Cassandra Hyde, who is forever plotting to defeat anyone who gets in her way.

Rory Simmons, a physics post-graduate, is determined to stop Stellar's work before it destroys his friend Will, who is already hooked on the experimental drug known as Devil's Breath. When the drama spills into Cheltenham, Rory takes a teaching post there, in a last-ditch attempt to pull his friend back from the edge. However, the incredibly handsome and intelligent Rory, is seen as proud and arrogant by the savvy school staff, especially by Kate, a young biology teacher. And all the while, Cassandra, Rory's nemesis, remains close, manipulating people and orchestrating events from the shadows.

This is a gripping story, where the powers of love and loyalty are pitted against the forces of darkness and deception, with intriguing, and often unexpected, results.

'An exciting novel and a real page-turner'

Berlie Doherty, novelist, poet, playwright and twice winner of the Carnegie Medal

'Cassandra is a rare instance of an anti-hero we can actually root for'

Tim Winrow, literary editor