Isolated Ruth Parker is overlooked by her mother and is taken under her aunt’s wing, who guides and moulds through her teenage and university years. But when Ruth finds a locked room in the attic of her aunt’s house, it opens a whole can of worms.

I found this gothic inspired family drama quite a slow burner but enjoyable nevertheless. It draws you in gradually, the tension builds up gently and it ends with a dramatic finish. I loved the style of writing, it has an insidious almost sinister atmosphere to it. A sort of Daphne du Maurier meets Diane Setterfield type of feel. I thought the characters were well drawn, I could picture them easily. I liked Ruth even if she did make some rather rash decisions sometimes An engaging and compelling read about secrets and how they can reverberate through the years and then come back to haunt you! ( )