Dead to Me by Lesley Pearse is a heartfelt and dramatic historical novel about an unlikely friendship tested by life’s harshest turns. Set against the backdrop of pre-war Britain in 1935, the story follows Verity and Ruby — two girls from opposite worlds who find a rare connection on Hampstead Heath. Verity, polished and privileged, and Ruby, rough and streetwise, quickly become inseparable.
But as fate intervenes and their fortunes are reversed, the girls must navigate betrayal, heartbreak, and the upheaval of World War II. From the wilds of Devon to the shadows of a dangerous past, their bond is put to the ultimate test. When Verity’s actions threaten to tear their friendship apart forever, the question remains: can love and loyalty withstand the unforgivable?
Pearse delivers her signature blend of compelling characters, historical detail, and emotional drama in a tale of friendship, resilience, and redemption.
