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The Centre
Be your best self, even if it kills you.
Sisters Annie and Clover have always been close. So when Annie turns up, heartbroken and jobless on Clover's doorstep, she happily takes her in.
Sunny, optimistic Clover is living her best life on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. She’s attending workshops at the Centre for Personal Excellence, lead by the beautiful and elusive Lumelia, a wellness influencer and personal transformation guru. The Centre seems to have everyone under its spell, except for Annie, who can’t afford to invest in its programs. As Annie’s trying to get back on her feet, Clover is sinking further and further into her new-found self-development community.
Annie’s attempts to pull her sister away from the allure of the Centre and its devoted followers only push Clover deeper, and Annie realises that the Centre may be hiding some very dark secrets.
Is the Centre what finally breaks the sisters apart, or can Annie save Clover before it’s too late? It’s fast becoming a matter of life or death.
‘A gripping, utterly immersive novel that pulls readers into a darkening vortex of lies, manipulation, and coercive control. With a striking setting and vividly drawn characters, Tunnicliffe captures the unsettling intimacy of power and vulnerability with piercing insight. A compulsive read.’ ROSE CARLYLE, author of No One Will Know and The Girl in the Mirror
‘An addictive, thoughtful novel about how the human quest for belonging and self-improvement can make us vulnerable to modern wellness shamans and the agony of trying to protect a loved one who has fallen into the vortex. Another beautifully observed and wildly entertaining novel from Hannah Tunnicliffe.’ RACHEL PARIS, author of See How They Fall
Sisters Annie and Clover have always been close. So when Annie turns up, heartbroken and jobless on Clover's doorstep, she happily takes her in.
Sunny, optimistic Clover is living her best life on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. She’s attending workshops at the Centre for Personal Excellence, lead by the beautiful and elusive Lumelia, a wellness influencer and personal transformation guru. The Centre seems to have everyone under its spell, except for Annie, who can’t afford to invest in its programs. As Annie’s trying to get back on her feet, Clover is sinking further and further into her new-found self-development community.
Annie’s attempts to pull her sister away from the allure of the Centre and its devoted followers only push Clover deeper, and Annie realises that the Centre may be hiding some very dark secrets.
Is the Centre what finally breaks the sisters apart, or can Annie save Clover before it’s too late? It’s fast becoming a matter of life or death.
‘A gripping, utterly immersive novel that pulls readers into a darkening vortex of lies, manipulation, and coercive control. With a striking setting and vividly drawn characters, Tunnicliffe captures the unsettling intimacy of power and vulnerability with piercing insight. A compulsive read.’ ROSE CARLYLE, author of No One Will Know and The Girl in the Mirror
‘An addictive, thoughtful novel about how the human quest for belonging and self-improvement can make us vulnerable to modern wellness shamans and the agony of trying to protect a loved one who has fallen into the vortex. Another beautifully observed and wildly entertaining novel from Hannah Tunnicliffe.’ RACHEL PARIS, author of See How They Fall
Audible Audio
Published November 3, 2026
About the author
Hannah Tunnicliffe
22 books153 followersHannah Tunnicliffe is the author of several books for kids and adults including The Pool, The Colour of Tea, Season of Salt and Honey, A French Wedding and the trilingual picture book, Marjory and the Mouse. She is the co-creator of the Detective Stanley series published by Flying Eye Books. Her work has featured in the New York Times Book Review and she is the founder and host of the body acceptance podcast, Bod Almighty. She is an eating disorder survivor, career and youth counsellor and holds a degree in social sciences and psychology.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 2, 2026
Strap in for mysterious, cult-y, suspenseful drama
Having lost their parents at a very young age Annie and her sister Clover have endured pain to last a lifetime
Now adults, Clover is a teacher and Annie a journalist who has been out of work for over a year, and recently broke up with her boyfriend, turns up on Clover’s doorstep looking for support and a place to stay. Clover is the stable one, and Annie just hasn’t seemed to find her place
Clover has been attending classes at ‘the Centre’ a wellness and support centre. At first it appears to seem genuine but the more time Clover spends there, the further away she seems.
Annie is convinced there is something not genuine about the Centres leaders, but can she prove anything before Clover falls deeper into their spell?
I ate this book up!! The suspense built from the first chapter, the dual POVs paint many many questions as you try to unpack the secrets and unanswered questions
Not only are you suss on the present but Annie & Clover’s past hangs over and there Lumelia , the gorgeous influencer who has banned together for the ultimate colab with The Centre. She has an unnerving mystery about her .. or is she just an unreliable narrator?
Hannah is definitely an auto buy author for me and I am a sucker for a cult drama so I jumped when I heard this was releasing! So so good! Perfect holiday reading. A Highly recommend 🤩
Having lost their parents at a very young age Annie and her sister Clover have endured pain to last a lifetime
Now adults, Clover is a teacher and Annie a journalist who has been out of work for over a year, and recently broke up with her boyfriend, turns up on Clover’s doorstep looking for support and a place to stay. Clover is the stable one, and Annie just hasn’t seemed to find her place
Clover has been attending classes at ‘the Centre’ a wellness and support centre. At first it appears to seem genuine but the more time Clover spends there, the further away she seems.
Annie is convinced there is something not genuine about the Centres leaders, but can she prove anything before Clover falls deeper into their spell?
I ate this book up!! The suspense built from the first chapter, the dual POVs paint many many questions as you try to unpack the secrets and unanswered questions
Not only are you suss on the present but Annie & Clover’s past hangs over and there Lumelia , the gorgeous influencer who has banned together for the ultimate colab with The Centre. She has an unnerving mystery about her .. or is she just an unreliable narrator?
Hannah is definitely an auto buy author for me and I am a sucker for a cult drama so I jumped when I heard this was releasing! So so good! Perfect holiday reading. A Highly recommend 🤩
October 25, 2026
What a riveting psychological page turner! I was totally pulled into the plot from the first page. The prologue opens with a vivid beach scene where the senses are heightened by the textures, smells, visuals and touch described. We feel the cold air, the chilled sand and ocean waves on the character’s skin. She is in a pensive state but a metallic smell of blood on the seaweed quickens her mind (and ours). There is a hint of something wrong and as expected the scene shifts and unfolds to provide a surprise event. A body is discovered by the lady named Maya. This is just the start of an addictive and unsettling read on a fascinating topic: the nature of cults.
The novel is told from two points of view. One by Annie (sister to Clover) and Lumelia, a wellness influencer. We get quite a broad account of what is going on in the lives of these two who observe The Centre. One perspective of someone living on the inside and one person on the outside of it. Things aren’t as they seem and that applies not only to this place but also to some of its residents.
Annie and Clover have always been close but this new wellness venture that Clover becomes involved in, takes over her life slowly and deceptively. Annie can see this and panics, trying to alert her sister of the dangers of control she observes. But as Clover falls deeper into the well of this cult, stranger and stranger the information becomes as we peer deeper into its leadership. Its members are beguiled and are willing to do most anything to appease the leaders. Lines are crossed and we cringe as we read about their activities. Annie may be more sensitive to danger, due to her own life experiences. One might think her personal troubles might make her see more issues than what’s there. For when she turns up at her sister’s place, after losing her job, and becoming separated from her partner, she is quite heartbroken. Although she attempts to conceal her pain, sister Clover is able to read her, just as Annie is able to read her sister. They are close, connected and in tune with each other. There are some stunning poetic passages and one is in the first chapter. Annie describes Clover inside her mother before she was born:
‘My sister opens her hand for me like a flower, her eyes moving beneath their translucent lids. She is small but strong, fragile and vital. Her hair floats, fine and golden, while her lashes lie against her cheeks. I know it is impossible, this memory, but it remains, like a tiny, pumping heart. Cicadas sing, my mother snores, and sleep tugs me by the ankles into a place of dreaming. But in the moment before I drift off, I sense my sister within my mother and I know her. And she knows me.’
This strong connection shows us how difficult it becomes for Annie when her sister is cut off from her by the cult members. Her desperation to save her increases to a frenzy for she sensing Clover is in life threatening trouble. And right she is.
Clover’s personality is quite different from her sister’s. ‘She believes in Hope with a capital H.’ She is full of sayings she has picked up such as ‘When life hands you lemons.. and What doesn’t kill you.’ Her honest, trusting, naïve heart, could cause her to miss the bad things that might try to ensnare her. And although her sweet sunny attitude will win her many friends, it could also make her a target for scammers or cultish enterprises. And as we see, it does. The Centre will lead her down a dangerous path, stripping her of her individuality. Unscrupulous shysters taken advantage of her gullibility.
As we see with Clover, cults make you dependent on them, can separate you from your real family, cut you off from the real world. as they create or envelope you in their womb-like environment of false platitudes, promises and ulterior-motive support. While slowly taking away your freedom, you become connected to their umbilical cord and are fed only what they want you to receive.
I found Lumelia’s chapters very interesting. She is the eyes providing some unspeakable activities in The Centre. Her purpose in this story is a great one but I cannot reveal it. I picked up on a number of the bread crumbs that were dropped along the way of her maddening journey. I guessed where her path might lead. But it was still a fascinating process to follow. And I can say her purpose in this whole nightmare is quite different than you think.
The tension level is high throughout the novel—particularly when Annie is trying to free her sister. She goes constantly to The Centre only to be turned away. What unfolds is some shocking activity in this cult like community on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Annie’s mission to save her sister then becomes more urgent as she uncovers a web of lies, intimidating control, and a murder. What will happen to her sister who is now caught in the grips of a cult? Read it and see.
This is a well written literary psychological domestic thriller that will keep you in suspense to the end. I greatly enjoyed The Centre, recognised the Cult patterns and activities and shuddered at the reality. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ultimo Press for the review copy.
The novel is told from two points of view. One by Annie (sister to Clover) and Lumelia, a wellness influencer. We get quite a broad account of what is going on in the lives of these two who observe The Centre. One perspective of someone living on the inside and one person on the outside of it. Things aren’t as they seem and that applies not only to this place but also to some of its residents.
Annie and Clover have always been close but this new wellness venture that Clover becomes involved in, takes over her life slowly and deceptively. Annie can see this and panics, trying to alert her sister of the dangers of control she observes. But as Clover falls deeper into the well of this cult, stranger and stranger the information becomes as we peer deeper into its leadership. Its members are beguiled and are willing to do most anything to appease the leaders. Lines are crossed and we cringe as we read about their activities. Annie may be more sensitive to danger, due to her own life experiences. One might think her personal troubles might make her see more issues than what’s there. For when she turns up at her sister’s place, after losing her job, and becoming separated from her partner, she is quite heartbroken. Although she attempts to conceal her pain, sister Clover is able to read her, just as Annie is able to read her sister. They are close, connected and in tune with each other. There are some stunning poetic passages and one is in the first chapter. Annie describes Clover inside her mother before she was born:
‘My sister opens her hand for me like a flower, her eyes moving beneath their translucent lids. She is small but strong, fragile and vital. Her hair floats, fine and golden, while her lashes lie against her cheeks. I know it is impossible, this memory, but it remains, like a tiny, pumping heart. Cicadas sing, my mother snores, and sleep tugs me by the ankles into a place of dreaming. But in the moment before I drift off, I sense my sister within my mother and I know her. And she knows me.’
This strong connection shows us how difficult it becomes for Annie when her sister is cut off from her by the cult members. Her desperation to save her increases to a frenzy for she sensing Clover is in life threatening trouble. And right she is.
Clover’s personality is quite different from her sister’s. ‘She believes in Hope with a capital H.’ She is full of sayings she has picked up such as ‘When life hands you lemons.. and What doesn’t kill you.’ Her honest, trusting, naïve heart, could cause her to miss the bad things that might try to ensnare her. And although her sweet sunny attitude will win her many friends, it could also make her a target for scammers or cultish enterprises. And as we see, it does. The Centre will lead her down a dangerous path, stripping her of her individuality. Unscrupulous shysters taken advantage of her gullibility.
As we see with Clover, cults make you dependent on them, can separate you from your real family, cut you off from the real world. as they create or envelope you in their womb-like environment of false platitudes, promises and ulterior-motive support. While slowly taking away your freedom, you become connected to their umbilical cord and are fed only what they want you to receive.
I found Lumelia’s chapters very interesting. She is the eyes providing some unspeakable activities in The Centre. Her purpose in this story is a great one but I cannot reveal it. I picked up on a number of the bread crumbs that were dropped along the way of her maddening journey. I guessed where her path might lead. But it was still a fascinating process to follow. And I can say her purpose in this whole nightmare is quite different than you think.
The tension level is high throughout the novel—particularly when Annie is trying to free her sister. She goes constantly to The Centre only to be turned away. What unfolds is some shocking activity in this cult like community on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Annie’s mission to save her sister then becomes more urgent as she uncovers a web of lies, intimidating control, and a murder. What will happen to her sister who is now caught in the grips of a cult? Read it and see.
This is a well written literary psychological domestic thriller that will keep you in suspense to the end. I greatly enjoyed The Centre, recognised the Cult patterns and activities and shuddered at the reality. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ultimo Press for the review copy.
October 31, 2026
3.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Vibe check: Cultish Vibes, Wild Wellness, Toxic Relationships
full review ⬇️
Having really enjoyed Hannah’s previous novel The Pool, I was excited to pick this one up. While her fantastic writing style was definitely still there, the actual storyline didn't quite grab me in the same way.
The story follows a woman drawn into the strange and unsettling world of a wellness focused organisation, where the promise of transformation and belonging starts to blur the lines between marketing, manipulation and something much more sinister.
I found the storyline intriguing, particularly the exploration of the crazy world of health marketing. Hannah really made me question just how much people are willing to believe when something is packaged and sold in the right way.
I struggled a little with the pacing and balance of detail. Some scenes felt like they were glossed over just when I wanted more information, while other sections seemed to drag on a little longer than necessary. I was interested in where the story was heading, but didn't always feel completely invested in getting there, particularly with so many toxic relationships that I didn’t want to continue. Disclaimer though, I’m not always a big fan of ‘cult’ based stories and this veered well into that territory.
Overall, I still really enjoyed Hannah's writing and the ideas of dark manipulation behind this one.
A big thank you to Ultimo Press for sharing this sneak peek read with me.
Vibe check: Cultish Vibes, Wild Wellness, Toxic Relationships
full review ⬇️
Having really enjoyed Hannah’s previous novel The Pool, I was excited to pick this one up. While her fantastic writing style was definitely still there, the actual storyline didn't quite grab me in the same way.
The story follows a woman drawn into the strange and unsettling world of a wellness focused organisation, where the promise of transformation and belonging starts to blur the lines between marketing, manipulation and something much more sinister.
I found the storyline intriguing, particularly the exploration of the crazy world of health marketing. Hannah really made me question just how much people are willing to believe when something is packaged and sold in the right way.
I struggled a little with the pacing and balance of detail. Some scenes felt like they were glossed over just when I wanted more information, while other sections seemed to drag on a little longer than necessary. I was interested in where the story was heading, but didn't always feel completely invested in getting there, particularly with so many toxic relationships that I didn’t want to continue. Disclaimer though, I’m not always a big fan of ‘cult’ based stories and this veered well into that territory.
Overall, I still really enjoyed Hannah's writing and the ideas of dark manipulation behind this one.
A big thank you to Ultimo Press for sharing this sneak peek read with me.
October 24, 2026
Sisters Annie and Clover have always been close, so when Annie is dumped and kicked out by her ex she moves in with Clover. Clover is living her best life, attending sessions at the Centre for Personal Excellence led by charismatic Nico and Portia. The Centre also has influencer Lumelia on board to drive membership. Annie attends a session with Clover but she’s jobless so doesn’t have the money to pay for further courses, but she’s just happy her sister is happy. But as Clover spends more time at the Centre, she pulls away from Annie, and Annie starts to feel there’s something dark lurking underneath the surface.
I love anything even remotely to do with cults, and this was an immersive novel full of lies, coercive control and it had me on the edge the whole way through. Wellness is such a big part of modern day culture, and it’s so scary to think there are people out there who will pray on the vulnerable only to satisfy their own wants. I really felt for Annie, as she tried to protect her little sister as she was manipulated into the Centre. Reading from both Annie’s POV and that of influencer Lumelia was really interesting - a perspective from the outside looking in and the inside looking out. The side characters also added an interesting take and my heart was in my throat the closer to the end I got. This was compulsively readable, and I highly you get your hands on it in November!!!
I love anything even remotely to do with cults, and this was an immersive novel full of lies, coercive control and it had me on the edge the whole way through. Wellness is such a big part of modern day culture, and it’s so scary to think there are people out there who will pray on the vulnerable only to satisfy their own wants. I really felt for Annie, as she tried to protect her little sister as she was manipulated into the Centre. Reading from both Annie’s POV and that of influencer Lumelia was really interesting - a perspective from the outside looking in and the inside looking out. The side characters also added an interesting take and my heart was in my throat the closer to the end I got. This was compulsively readable, and I highly you get your hands on it in November!!!
September 27, 2026
The Centre by Hannah Tunnicliffe is a gripping, utterly immersive novel that pulls readers into a darkening vortex of lies, manipulation, and coercive control. With a striking setting and vividly drawn characters, Tunnicliffe captures the unsettling intimacy of power and vulnerability with piercing insight. A compulsive read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Superb!
Review of advance copy
Interesting premise, decent execution - didn’t give me quite as much as I want from a cult novel but it was still a good read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews