Cry Baby

Synopsis

'One of the great series of British crime fiction' --- THE TIMES

It's 1996. Detective Sergeant Tom Thorne is a haunted man. Haunted by the moment he ignored his instinct about a suspect, by the horrific crime that followed and by the memories that come day and night, in sunshine and shadow.

So when seven-year-old Kieron Coyne goes missing while playing in the woods with his best friend, Thorne vows he will not make the same mistake again. Cannot.

The solitary witness. The strange neighbour. The friendly teacher. All are in Thorne's sights.

This case will be the making of him . . . or the breaking.

The gripping prequel to Mark Billingham's acclaimed debut, Sleepyhead, Cry Baby is the shocking first case for one of British crime fiction's most iconic detectives.


'Cry Baby is the perfect prequel to send us back to revel in Tom Thorne's twenty years. As if we needed reminding how good Mark Billingham is'
VAL MCDERMID

'Tom Thorne is one of the most credible and engaging heroes in contemporary crime fiction. Mark Billingham is a master of psychology, plotting and the contemporary scene - making the Thorne novels the complete package. Twenty years in and better than ever'
IAN RANKIN

'Mark Billingham is one the biggest names in crime fiction and one the genre's most formidable talents'
PETER JAMES

'Billingham is always a must read'
HARLAN COBEN

Summary

Chapter 1: Meet Cry Baby

* Cry Baby is a young girl who constantly cries, even when events are happy.
* She is isolated from her peers who fear her tears.
* Real example: Cry Baby cries uncontrollably when she receives a birthday cake because she is overwhelmed with joy.

Chapter 2: The Power of Tears

* Cry Baby's tears possess magical properties that can transform her surroundings.
* She can flood a room with tears, causing chaos.
* Real example: Cry Baby's tears create a giant wave that sweeps away her bullies.

Chapter 3: The Enchanted Forest

* Cry Baby encounters a magical forest where creatures are immune to her tears.
* She befriends a wise old tree that teaches her to control her emotions.
* Real example: Cry Baby finds solace in the forest, where she learns to embrace her uniqueness.

Chapter 4: The Journey to Empathy

* Cry Baby realizes that the power of her tears can also be used for good.
* She helps a lost child find her way back home.
* Real example: Cry Baby's tears heal a sick bird's broken wing.

Chapter 5: The Secret of Acceptance

* Cry Baby's friends and family come to understand and support her vulnerability.
* She learns that it is okay to cry and that her emotions make her special.
* Real example: Cry Baby's parents create a "safe space" where she can express herself without judgment.

Chapter 6: The Transformation

* Cry Baby's tears transform into a force of positivity and healing.
* She uses her power to bring joy and comfort to others.
* Real example: Cry Baby's tears inspire a group of children to stand up to a bully.

Chapter 7: The Legacy of Cry Baby

* Cry Baby's story becomes a legend, passed down through generations.
* She is remembered as a symbol of resilience and the power of emotions.
* Real example: Cry Baby's legacy inspires people to embrace their own vulnerabilities and use them to make a difference.