Sweetpea Series 4 Book Set By C. J. Skuse Sweetpea In Bloom, Dead Head & Thorn in my Side

Sweetpea Series is a four-book collection by C. J. Skuse, comprising Sweetpea, In Bloom, Dead Head and Thorn in My Side. The series centres on Rhiannon Lewis, portrayed as an ordinary “girl next door” whose outward routine conceals a private life that sharply contradicts appearances.

Across the four novels, Rhiannon moves from protecting her secret to confronting the fallout from what she has done. The collection follows her efforts to preserve a sense of normality while managing relationships, public attention and significant changes, including leaving the UK and later keeping a lower profile during the pandemic.

Included titles

• Sweetpea
• In Bloom
• Dead Head
• Thorn in My Side

Key details

• Four-book set
• Written by C. J. Skuse
• Follows the character Rhiannon Lewis
• Includes Sweetpea, In Bloom, Dead Head and Thorn in My Side

Synopses

Sweetpea

Rhiannon recounts returning to killing after three years, and the surprising calm that comes afterwards. She presents herself as an average woman with a boyfriend and a small dog, while keeping her secret hidden. She also reflects on a childhood shaped by a famous crime, and the sense that life has become normal as attention fades.

In Bloom

Rhiannon frames her cheating fiancé, Craig, for a violent killing spree she carried out. Although she remains free, she is pregnant with her ex-lover’s child and considers what she has done. As she weighs up continuing with her kill lists, an inner voice pushes her to stop.

Dead Head

After confessing to her murders, Rhiannon becomes known as the “Sweetpea killer” and feels unsettled by her notoriety. She leaves the UK on a cruise ship to start again, but finds change difficult while confined on board with other passengers and children.

Thorn in My Side

Rhiannon believes she has finally reached stability. During the pandemic, she keeps a much lower profile and builds a life with her fiancé, Rafael, and his family. For once, she feels surrounded by people who love her for who she is, or who they think she is.