What Happened That Summer: BRAND NEW from Laura Pearson, author of the bestselling sensation The Last List of Mabel Beaumont

A completely unforgettable story from the No.1 bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont – perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Colleen Hoover, and Gabrielle Zevin. 🎢💔🎤 You think you know what happened that day… But what if you’re wrong?

Everyone who was around in the 1990s remembers where they were when they heard that AJ Silver had died. In the summer of ’96, there was no avoiding the story that America's biggest teen pop sensation had plunged to his death on a rollercoaster at a family-run amusement park in rural England.

Now, 27 years have passed, and – even if you’re too young to recall the event – you’ve probably heard AJ Silver's songs topping the charts again. So what better time to take a forensic look at what happened that summer?

I’ve spent hundreds of hours interviewing everyone who was there that fateful day: workers, friends, family… the people who gained from his death, and the people who lost everything.

But you’re going to want to pay attention. Because I’ve found out a secret. One you’re all going to want to know… Perhaps it wasn’t such an accident after all?

A truly unique and unforgettable story, set in 1990s Los Angeles and rural England, with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. You’ll be gripped! Order now! Readers love What Happened That Summer: ‘I loved this! Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid will devour it, then want to start it all over again, just like I did. Laura Pearson’s best one yet, and that’s saying something!’ Kate Storey, author of The Memory Library

‘A masterclass in storytelling. The mystery is utterly addictive, the love story so tender and exquisitely drawn it makes your heart ache, and all set against a glorious backdrop of 90s nostalgia. I ADORED it. Laura Pearson is a must-read author for me and this is her best book yet.’ Clare Leslie Hall, author of Broken Country

‘I devoured What Happened That Summer. It’s a gripping, heartfelt read with compelling characters and a story full of emotional depth and nostalgic charm. I was genuinely sad to turn the last page!’ Emily Freud, author of What She Left Behind

‘Definitely my favourite book of the year BY A MILE!!! One of those I wish I could go back and read again for the first time. If I didn’t have to go to work, I would not have put it down. And the twist at the end!!! Didn’t see it coming at all. I know I have used way too many exclamation marks in this review but I can’t stop!! An absolute triumph of a novel in every way. 5 stars plus a cherry on top!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What can I say, other than… WOW! As a fan of Laura’s, this is unlike any other book she has written, and completely blew me away. I devoured every page, was completely invested in the characters and was stunned by the ending. If you read one book next year – make it this one – you won’t regret it!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book was so amazing I couldn’t put it down!!… The kind of book that will stay with you forever; one you will read over and over again, so you could pore over every detail just one more time!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2026 Boldwood Books (Audiobook): 9781836034810

Release date

Audiobook: 3 January 2026