Zillah & Me — Helen Dunmore

With Friends Like Zillah, Who Needs Enemies?
When Katie meets Zillah, she's pretty sure she hates her. Zillah is difficult and bad-tempered and makes it clear she doesn't want Katie for a friend. Well, that's fine by Katie. Just because she's new to town doesn't mean she's desperate.

But she is curious. Why is Zillah so angry all the time, and why does she always wear a dirty old diamond ring on a chain around her neck? Soon Katie discovers that Zillah has some deep, dark secrets . . . and will need a friend to help her sort it out.

Is Katie the friend she needs?