3.5* ( )

I usually love Nicci French books and this one started off well. However about two-thirds in it descended into a a big of a quagmire for me and I didn't enjoy the ending. It almost became a non-ending. It also took a long while to get to the ending and this should have happened sooner in my opinion as it dragged on to no real purpose. ( )

Samantha who is a single mother to a five year old daughter, is a doctor and has accepted a new job in a small town outside London. Her boyfriend Danny is very much in the picture. The book begins with violent murders in that town which dramatically impacts Samantha when she is persuaded to take into her home a young woman who suffered greatly from the murders. As a result her life is spun out of control in many ways. I really enjoyed this book (though I read it on vacation when my concentration is at its max) but there were a couple of troubling loose ends to the plot. When I finished it, just as my vacation ended, I felt adrift and disappointed. I think the later books by this offer are better because she is clearly a good writer. ( )

If this would have been my first Nicci French book, I most likely would never have picked up another. Good thing I've read others before. This book left a lot to be desired. ( )

Not a bad read, nice and quick with short chapters but I found it all a bit 'twee' with the mother instict a main part of what should have been an excellent murder mystery. The actual murder plot was intriguing with a few clever twists.

The murder of a wealthy couple and the attempted murder of their daughter is thought to be the actions of an animal rights group but all is not what it seems when a psychologist (Sam) reluctantly takes in the daughter to protect her from any further attacks and to help with her recovery. The whole situation changes Sam's life forever and doesn't come to the usual satisfying conclusion. ( )