The Invitation — Sue Butler

It is February 1967 and five teenagers discover that the same man has sexually abused them all, and is still abusing one of them. Confrontation leads to his accidental death and the secret disposal of his body by the victims. His disappearance largely unnoticed, life carries on for the five until, sixteen years later, each of them receives an invitation to his funeral. This story re-connects the friendships and re-ignites the fear. Together, as thirty-somethings, they endeavour to unravel the why, how and motive behind the invitation. Their quest begins in the glorious south coastal city of Portsmouth and takes them northward to the beautiful Northumbrian terrain of Corbridge and Hexham to culminate in the shocking climax and eventual explanation.