Controlled Explosions — Claire McGowan

Paula Maguire, forensic psychologist on the Irish border, returns as a teenager in this exclusive digital short story from Claire McGowan. If you love the Paula Maguire series, or are yet to meet the infamous psychologist, you'll be gripped...

1998 and future forensic psychologist Paula Maguire is still in school, being taunted by bullies. In particular one girl, whose family has paramilitary links, is calling her a rat. Even though Paula might not know why her mother went missing five years before, she's sure she's no traitor's daughter.

But words are nothing compared to what her policeman father, PJ, is dealing with. The hot summer is simmering with violence and the entire force is focused on finding a bomber leaving devices on the routes of Orange parades.

When PJ is injured at the scene of a crime, Paula is shocked to find herself next in the perpetrator's crosshairs. The threats at school don't feel so empty now, but what connection could there be?

As the possibility of first love appears, will Paula be able to find out in time to save herself and follow her heart?

What readers are saying about Controlled Explosions:

'A beautifully rendered novella set way before the series began. I was completely hooked'

'Fast-paced and exciting'

'A great peek into the history of Paula - our favourite psychologist! All very fascinating - I just love the setting'