The Truth About Celia Frost

Paula Rawsthorne

Paula Rawsthorne is an exciting new talent in YA fiction. The Truth About Celia Frost, her first novel, is a gripping, entertaining and thought-provoking thriller. Her talent for writing has already seen her become an award winner - one of her first stories won the BBC Get Writing competition and was read by Bill Nighy on Radio 4, and the opening chapters of The Truth About Celia Frost led to her becoming a winner of Undiscovered Voices 2010.

Awards

Winner Brilliant Book Award
An annual award voted for by students at Key Stage 3 in schools across Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City and Derbyshire. The award promotes reading for pleasure and raises awareness of children’s literature, promoting excellence as well as popularity.

Winner - Sefton Super Reads Award 2012
Organised by school librarians and Sefton Council's library service, the award highlights recently published fiction aimed at secondary school pupils. High school students across the Sefton borough read and reviewed the six titles on the shortlist, and then voted for their favourite.

Winner - Leeds Book Award 2012
Entirely decided by readers, the Leeds Book Award is judged by pupils across Leeds who vote for their favourite books in three age categories. The Truth About Celia Frost was awarded the prize for the 11-14 year old category at a ceremony attended by over 250 young readers.

Shortlisted - East Midlands Book Award
The East Midlands Book Award is an independent, annual award with the aim of promoting writers who live in the East Midlands, to raise the profile of the thriving literary scene in the region, and to reward exceptional work.

Longlisted - Southern Schools Book Award
Selected by librarians, teachers and pupils all the books on the longlist for the Southern Schools Books Award will be read and reviewed by pupils across the southern counties. Designed to promote lively book dicussions amongst young people, the award links pupils across the region through the judging process.

Longlisted - The Branford Boase Award 2012
Set up to reward the most promising new writers and their editors, as well as to reward excellence in writing and in publishing, the Branford Boase award is made annually to the most promising book for seven year-olds and upwards by a first time novelist.

Shortlisted - St. Helen's Book Awards

Press & Blog Reviews

From the very beginning I was hooked on Paula Rawsthorne's writing style and use of language. The story of Celia Frost is just astonishing. Celia suffers from haemophilia and is attacked and cut in a knife crime....however Celia heals normally. This was a perfect book to come back to reality from vampires, werewolves and angels. If Paula continues to write like this she has a glittering writing career ahead!
Rob Welton, Jarrold's Books

Paula's debut novel is absolutely amazing. I read this book in a matter of hours and loved every page. It is a cleverly sophisticated, fast paced and engaging thriller which had more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. I was hooked from page one and couldn't bear to put it down as I needed to know what happened next. It was an utter pleasure to read and I can't wait to see what Paula writes next...this book was definitely one of the best books I have read in a while. An engaging and totally absorbing read which is welcome change from all the paranormal and dystopian YA titles that seem to be everywhere at the moment. I would thoroughly recommend it.
The Overflowing Library

An engaging thriller... After being told by her mother that she has a life-threatening illness, Celia has lived cautiously, protected by an obsessive mother. As she approaches adolescence she questions her mother's control over her. Sustained by her friendship with a boy who becomes her first real friend - and unwittingly helped along by the rotund and seedy detective on her trail - Celia discovers all, as her story comes to a nail-biting and thought-provoking conclusion.
The Bookseller

The Truth About Celia Frost is an amazing debut teen thriller. Planted firmly in the here and now of grotty high rise housing and dodgy scientific experiments, the plot twists and turns as Celia gradually begins to uncover the truth about herself - every time I thought I'd guessed Celia's history something would happen that made me re-think it all. Fast-paced and chilling, yet so believable, I found it very difficult to stop reading once I'd started, particularly as the book neared its nail-biting finish. An excellent book for teens looking for something other than paranormal romance.
Our Book Reviews Online

I loved it. It was brilliant. I found it hard to put this book down and I was dying to know what was going to happen.
Maeve, 14

A gripping psychological thriller, mixing issues of ethics with a poignant coming-of-age story.
The Bookseller

An engaging thriller with twists and turns to keep every reader hooked.
We Love This Book

A page-turning thriller that's impossible to put down.
LoveReading4Kids

A very suspenseful and thrilling read. Discovering the truth about Celia was definitely an exciting, as well as a shocking journey that made me think about certain ethical issues. Reading about the person trying to find Celia was very intense... There is a shocking mystery, and a very intense atmosphere.
The Bookette

This debut novel is sure to engage young teens with its gripping storyline and feisty heroine. It's refreshing to read a gritty, realistic story for Young Adults with not a vampire or dystopian landscape within spitting distance. The many twists and turns in the plot will keep readers captivated until the very last page - highly recommended for young fans of fast-paced, realistic narratives.
Book Rabbit

The Truth About Celia Frost is a great thriller from a debut author, and should put Paula Rawsthorne firmly on the map as a bright new talent in teen fiction.
Notes from the Bookshelf

I cannot tell you how brilliant this novel is. Celia Frost is so brave and so loyal. The story concludes with lots of action, and the writer has written it so well that you feel like you’re in the story yourself. I recommend this to everyone – it is FABULOUS. 1000/10!
The Mile Long Bookshelf

Mixed in with the cast of believable and complex characters is a compelling plot line. The opening scenes are genuinely intriguing as we wonder what the secret is about Celia's condition and what her mother is trying to hide. This intrigue leads to a page-turning read and with the introduction of a shifty, unscrupulous private eye and his unknown employer the tension mounts and the mystery deepens.
Tall Tales and Short Stories

A fantastic read...so different from anything I've read before, realistically portrayed and believable, thought proving and gripping. I read it in one day, I just had to know what was going on and Rawsthorne's writing was just so compelling. This is a fresh and exciting new addition to Young Adult fiction and I'm excited to see what the author comes up with next.
Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

In the riveting The Truth About Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne, Celia has a medical condition but all is definitely not as it seems, and the story races off into a world of unscrupulous doctors, a ruthless private detective who finally finds his inner decency, and Celia's beautifully evoked, troubled but determined mother.
The Independent

A stunning psychological thriller for young adults.
BookTime

A gritty, fast-paced thriller brimming with plot twists, Paula Rawsthorne’s The Truth about Celia Frost is an impressive debut that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!
Daisy Chain Book Reviews

Like no other book I have read before. The Truth About Celia Frost is something different, compelling and a thrilling read...I was unable to put this down. The beginning of the book hooks the reader from the start and you are unable to let go.
Susan K. Mann Book Reviews

A fast-paced, quick read. Engaging and thrilling from page one up to the end, with twists and turns happening so often readers wouldn't know what hit them by the time they finish. It's a breath of fresh air, something new to look forward to aside from the usual dystopian and paranormal books coming out these days. A gripping debut for Paula Rawsthorne which I definitely recommend to everyone!
Amaterasu Reads

Paula Rawsthorne’s excellent debut is original and gripping and the tension is palpable throughout...As well as being a compulsive thriller, this novel is also a skilful coming-of-age novel.Both parts of the story build to a thoroughly satisfying climax and resolution, with final twists to surprise.
Books for Keeps

A journey into danger, deceit and hidden secrets with the added bonus of more twists and turns than a game of snakes and ladders. Billed as a thriller, The Truth about Celia Frost offers so much more than just a regulation adventure. Imaginative, socially aware and thought-provoking, the clever story is guaranteed to get the grey matter moving. An impressive debut from a writer not afraid to confront controversial issues.
The Lancashire Evening Post

It’s not often I pick up a book for young adults that is darkly funny, compelling to read and narrated with a fresh voice... A brave debut novel, Paula Rawsthorne has had the courage and skill to write a story that can’t easily be labelled and deserves to do very well. I’m very much looking forward to her follow-up.
Armadillo

[The Truth About Celia Frost] lives up (if not exceeds!) expectations. The plot does some major twisting and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next plot twist to come around the corner and I can honestly say I didn’t see any of them coming and the major plot twists are pretty epic. It goes without saying that the writing is captivating, compelling and so utterly un-put-downable. I’m surprised that Paula is a debut novelist – I really can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. So, if that wasn’t clear enough, I loved The Truth About Celia Frost in just about every single imaginable way – I just couldn’t fault it! I don’t say this often but if you haven’t already go off and buy it … now! Why are you still here?
Books for Teens

A great book for kids of both gender who want a fast paced book that will ask them to think a bit about some of the big issues facing us...a superb debut novel and leaves me wondering what Paula might come up with next.
J E Towey

This novel is really compelling – you keep reading and reading and reading. Even if you have better things to do, you keep reading the story because you just have to know what happens to the characters. The Truth About Celia Frost is amazing. The plot is so unique and every emotion is contained in this story. Happiness, love, fright, heartbreak, anger, freedom: it's all in there.
The Guardian

A fast-paced thriller with an original storyline.
Sugarscape

A fast paced contemporary young adult novel written with such skill and ease, I have no hesitation recommending it to readers who would like something different, meatier and with a hint of Kelley Armstrong's YA series, sans the supernatural elements.
My Favourite Books

This is a Young Adult thriller with a steady stream of twists....The story is as much a coming-of-age as it is suspenseful. Celia’s faltering, painful journey to independence is beautifully captured, backing up the thrills with honesty and depth.
Left Lion

If I could say only one thing about The Truth About Celia Frost, it would be that I have honestly never read a book like it before. It has a brilliantly unique plot and concept, and I couldn't see half the twists coming. Just the whole idea of the book is so incredibly different and kind of refreshing.
Cicely Loves Books

It's like, The Truth About Celia Frost has a bomb slowing ticking away somewhere in the background, and when it finally goes off, you'll get the shock of your life. This is a thought-provoking, fast-paced, thriller bursting with lies. I know I'll be watching out for a certain author!
Love Reading x

One of the most gripping page turners I've read for quite a while...Nothing is quite what it seems in this well-plotted, fast paced and exciting novel...an astonishing debut.
The School Librarian

A book full of plot twists. Every time I thought I had just gotten everything figured out and knew what was going to come next everything was tipped back upside down...Every different twist worked so well and kept me on my toes. I fully recommended this book...really go buy it now! I will be plugging this book for months because I was not expecting this at all, and they are my favorite types of reads!
Steffikins blog

It kept me on a constant cliff-hanger, I was reading in the car on the way home from my holiday and I was getting more and more car-sick, but I couldn't bear putting this book down!...Usually when I read amazing books like this one, I wish there was a second book but this time for The truth about Celia Frost, I don't. I don't know how someone could come up with an equally brilliant sequel that doesn't take away from this books amazing story-line. I loved this book so much and REALLY enjoyed reading it!
Page turner blog

Paula Rawsthorne is a debut author- and if her first book is a sign of things to come I hope she keeps on writing. The Truth About Celia Frost is an intriguing novel about a girl with a major medical problem and how she discovers her own and her mother’s secrets. Do read it!
Library Adam's blog

An electrifying story.
The Independent

The Truth about Celia Frost is utterly captivating. It traps you within its pages and won’t let you go until you have read it cover-to –cover. A must read ...five stars!
Notes of No Other Purpose blog

The story is fast paced, has some fantastic twists and was so good that I finished it in one sitting. The Truth About Celia Frost is a fantastic debut and I’m excited to see what Paula Rawsthorne comes up with next.
Feeling Fictional blog

As well as being an exciting thriller, this book also really makes you question what is morally right and wrong... I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books [by Paula Rawsthorne] because I get a sneaky feeling they'll be as unputdownable as The Truth About Celia Frost.
Mad House Family Reviews

Fast and fun.
Philip Ardagh, The Guardian

Reader Reviews

Do you agree or disagree with the reviews below? Why not write your own?

See more readers' reviews at Goodreads.com.

'The Truth About Celia Frost'
Awesome book! I've recommended to all of my friends and I am so glad I came across it! I couldn't put it down, I was just too intrigued, too curious to find out what happened next! Probably one of the best books I've read in ages! I loved every tiny bit of it, up to the last detail! Hoping Paula Rawsthorne writes more books, because was definitely a great read! :)
Olivia-Kate, 20th June 2012

thrilling
I found this book by my friend swapping it with me. At first not knowing the author I was slightly concerned about not knowing what to expect, after reading the first chapter I was hooked, this book is excellent. After starting the book I just couldn't put it down. It was fabulous and I can truly recommend it. I would also recommend Paula Rawsthorne - she is an excellent writer. The plot was fabulous and the way she kept switching from character to character was amazing. For £6.99 the book is totally worth it.
georgina, 21st December 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
I absolutely loved this book!!!!!!! It was amazing and so different to some typical teen books. It kept me wondering what was going to happen til the very end and I read it very quickly. Definitely one of my favourite books!!!
Rachel, 25th October 2011

Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book and have since bought three more copies for friends and younger members of my family!! The story of Celia really had me gripped and I honestly couldn't put it down. Highly recommended and roll on Paula's next novel.
Lynn Bushell, 19th September 2011

The truth about this book
Too absolutely brilliant for words to describe. It's one of those rare books that you wish just never ended and you could continue living in the world of Celia Frost. The story line is completely believable and possible which always adds a special something to books like these. You have horror, suspense, twists, friendship, lies and a little romance. One of my absolute favourite books and I just wished I had read it sooner but I was lucky enough for my book to be signed so now it's just extra special and fantastic. A perfect book for almost any age.
Maria, 17th September 2011

"The Truth about Celia Frost"
This was an astounding read, once I picked it up and read the first chapter I realised it really was one of those unputdownable books! I loved the relationship between Celia and Sol - it wasn't a boyfriend and girlfriend thing, they were just very good friends. I loved the adventures they had at the abandoned quarry, but was truly afraid for them when one of the gangs on the Bluebell estate attacked them. The part that really gripped me was when Private Investigator Frankie Byrne is on a frantic man hunt for Celia and her mother Janice Frost. At points you start to speculate about what will happen then it compels you to read on. Often how you thought the story would continue is totally different to how it actually does. I loved this story and I hope Paula Rawsthorne writes another book about Celia and Sol.
Bethan Lisles, 12th September 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
I got this book only two weeks ago and, one day, when I decided to read it I literally couldn't put it down. I read it all in a day!! It's a great story - like nothing I'd ever read before. It's a real page turner, every new page reveals a new, unexpected problem or adventure and with such an unexpected ending - no-one would guess the truth about Celia Frost.
Poppy Cook, 28th August 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
What an amazing book! It was so detailed and well thought out- I admire Rawsthorne so much for this. The character of Sol was a great a idea, he made the story all the more intriguing. I'm going to recommend this book to all of my friends and family- anyone would be a sucker to miss out on a book like this!
Kamara Samuels, 22nd August 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
What an exciting and novel book this is, the plot is unusual and unpredictable. Never a dull moment. It also contains some important moral issues that are very relevant today, but the storyline is excellent and although I am an adult I did not put it down until the very surprising end!!
Vikki Martin, 15th August 2011

The Truth about Celia Frost
Amazing book, couldn't put it down, fascinating, unexpected ending. Celia was wonderful and Sol was such a great character. Have sent copies to my grandchildren who I am sure will love it. I agree with other reviewers, it would make a great film. Keep it up Paula, well done, can't wait for your next book.
Mary Murray, 14th August 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
I am a 14 year girl and I thought this book was amazing. It was so unlike anything I have read before. The story twists and turns, every page reveals something new and unexpected. I would recommend this book to all teen readers who enjoy a good story and a fast paced thriller. But it is more than that; some of the issues in this novel have made me think, long after I finished the book. I give this book ten out of ten!
Georgie James, 4th August 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
I think this book is was amazing! I couldn't put it down. It has a great story-line, and it's a real page-turner. I think it would make a great film, and i would definitely buy a sequel! Overall i really enjoyed it, mainly because it's full of suspense.
Izzy Chapman, 25th July 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
I thought it was a brilliant book and i really enjoyed it, great characters, and a plot that has more twists than a curly-wurly. Worth reading - ideal holiday reading. :)
bob Hannigan, 22nd July 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
Paula's debut novel is fantastic. Fast paced, suspenseful and intriguing, it had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. The truth about Celia lives up to the anticipation. It would make a great movie too, with a thumping soundtrack! Keep writing Paula - can't wait for the next one!
Susan Anderson, 10th July 2011

The Truth About Celia Frost
When I read the first chapter online I HAD to find out what happened next! I finished the book in about 2 days because I couldn't put it down! Paula's book is AMAZING and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who likes a book full of suspense, great characters and a good twist!
Katherine Devaney, 10th July 2011

Extras

• A Q&A session with author Paula Rawsthorne in Books for Keeps
  Find out what part of The Truth About Celia Frost was the hardest to write, whether there will be a sequel and more.
• An interview with Paula Rawsthorne
  Find out more about the author at Tall Tales and Short Stories blog.
• Another interview with Paula Rawsthorne
  Paula talks to Daisy Chain Book Reviews Blog Read about her path to publication and The Truth About Celia Frost.
• Follow The Truth About Celia Frost on Twitter
  For the latest news and reviews.
• If you are older than 13, follow The Truth About Celia Frost on Facebook
  Post your comments and reviews.
• Listen to 'The Soundtrack to My Life' by Janice Frost
  Celia's mum, Janice, names her favourite songs.
• The Truth About Celia Frost eCards
  Spread the word with Celia Frost eCards to send to your friends!
• Watch the video trailer for The Truth About Celia Frost
  Watch on YouTube and share with your friends.