Book summary

This disturbing psychological thriller won the 2003 Silver Dagger from the Crime Writers' Association of Great Britain. Lonely spinster Jean, a career house-sitter, settles into a final long-term assignment before her agency forces her to retire, leaving Jean with nowhere to go, nothing to do, and no one to turn to. The sad desperation of her circumstances inspires her to invite Michael, an ex-thief, and Steph, a pregnant woman running from a brutal boyfriend, to live with her at the isolated, prosperous home and pose as her son and daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, their masquerade as the house's genuine residents can't last, and the charade's collapse has devastating effects for everyone involved.

Media reviews

"Intriguing interior narrative....A grim, courageous work that crosses into dark, interior regions American readers rarely dare to tread."