A BUDDING author has published her first thriller thanks to a Christmas gift from her family.

Plume Academy student Molly Lacey, from Maldon, has released debut novel To Those Who Lied, aged just 16.

The book, which is self-published through Authorhouse UK, was an early Christmas present from her family.

It charts the tale of a teenage assassin in search of redemption following the murder of her best friends.

The book follows Elizabeth Penhallow and Alia Locke, who share a deep hatred of one another.

When their feud leads to danger and the death of many, Elizabeth joins forces with a brave young police officer, hoping to take down the highly charged and emotionally damaged Alia before anyone else gets hurt.

However, their journey becomes even more complicated when secrets of the past start to unravel.

A-level student Molly started the book when she was just 13.

She said: “To Those Who Lied is a suspense novel that tackles the line between being a good or a bad person.

“It challenges the reader to look beyond the stereotypes and to keep an open mind.”

Molly’s future career interests include criminal psychology and she already has a second novel in mind.

To Those Who Lied is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.