What Happened That Summer: BRAND NEW from Laura Pearson, author of the NUMBER ONE 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 remembers where they were when they heard that AJ Silver had died. In summer 1996, 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 remember 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 with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. You’ll be gripped! Order now! Readers love Laura Pearson: ‘I loved everything about this captivating, fresh and thoroughly entertaining book. Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid will devour What Happened That Summer, then want to start it all over again, just like I did. Laura Pearson’s best one yet, and that’s saying something!’ Bestselling author, Kate Storey

‘Warm, wise and deeply insightful, I adored every page.’ No.1 bestselling author, Shari Low

‘Gorgeous… Tender and beautiful… As hopeful as it is heart-breaking… I loved it.’ Amy Beashel, author

‘Captured my heart. It’s a tender and uplifting read… Leaves you feeling warm, hopeful, and satisfied.’ Lisa Timoney, author

‘Heartbreaking, uplifting, eye opening… Such a beautiful story.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Will break and melt your heart in equal measure. A genuinely stunning read!… Absolutely EXQUISITE… A powerful story about friendship, found family, lost love, identity, self-acceptance and living life authentically and to its fullest… A beautiful story that will never leave me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow… amazing… Straight away it captures your heart, it is so beautifully written and impossible to put down… It feels so real… it stays with you.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely loved this book. One of the most enjoyable that I have read this year. It is heartbreaking, beautiful and totally uplifting… A really life affirming read.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2026 Boldwood Books (Ebook): 9781836034872

Release date

Ebook: 3 January 2026