Creepy and mesmerizing, this suspenseful novel gives the reader a taste of the horrors of domestic abuse. In typical fashion the main character, Catherine, falls for a dashing and exciting lover--Lee. He is somewhat mysterious but at first that only adds to his charm. However he begins to do odd things like break into her apartment when she isn't there. The interesting thing about this novel is that at the same time as we are getting this backstory, we are also hearing from present day Catherine, who is suffering from the after effects of this relationship--the main one being that she has OCD and can barely leave her flat. She does have a job but has to check the apartment and her doors multiple times before she can leave and when she returns. I found the details about her OCD somewhat fascinating, however this part of the novel does get repetitive (that's kind of the point). Anyway, as the reader learns more and more about what a manipulative creep Lee is from the chapters set in the past, it also begins to become apparent that Lee is going to make a reappearance into Catherine's life in her present day. However, in the past she was alone and weak--in the present she gains an ally in in the form of a handsome new neighbor named Stuart. Stuart helps her get treatment for her OCD and believes in her ability to overcome her past. But will it be enough when Lee comes calling?
This book truly had me on pins and needles as I wondered how it was all going to play out. Lee's ability to manipulate Catherine's friends was maddening and Catherine was definitely backed into a corner with few options. I did have a few quibbles, especially with how perfect Stuart and how conveniently he was placed into her life--that part did not come across as totally believable. I did appreciate how it ended, however. I recommend this on ror those times that you are in the mood for a book that will send shivers up your spine and keep you in suspense.