Into The Darkest Corner
Elizabeth Haynes
William Morrow Paperbacks
June 5,2012
416 pages
Amazon | BN
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4/5 Books
Catherine Bailey has been enjoying the single life long enough to know a catch when she sees one. Gorgeous, charismatic and spontaneous, Lee seems almost too perfect to be true. And her friends clearly agree, as each in turn falls under his spell.
But what begins as flattering attentiveness and passionate sex turns into raging jealousy, and Catherine soon learns there is a darker side to Lee. His increasingly erratic, controlling behavior becomes frightening, but no one believes her when she shares her fears. Increasingly isolated and driven into the darkest corner of her world, a desperate Catherine plans a meticulous escape.
Four years later, Lee is behind bars and Catherine—now Cathy—compulsively checks the locks and doors in her apartment, trusting no one. But when an attractive upstairs neighbor, Stuart, comes into her life, Cathy dares to hope that happiness and love may still be possible . . . until she receives a phone call informing her of Lee’s impending release. Soon after, Cathy thinks she catches a glimpse of the former best friend who testified against her in the trial; she begins to return home to find objects subtly rearranged in her apartment, one of Lee’s old tricks. Convinced she is back in her former lover’s sights, Cathy prepares to wrestle with the demons of her past for the last time.
Utterly convincing in its portrayal of obsession, Into the Darkest corner is an ingeniously structured and plotted tour de force of suspense that marks the arrival of a major new talent.
About The Author:
ELIZABETH HAYNES is a police intelligence analyst. She started writing fiction in 2006 with the annual challenge of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and the encouragement of the creative writing courses at West Dean College. She lives in a village near Maidstone, Kent, with her husband and son.
Connect With The Author:
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My Review:
I both loved and disliked this book. I loved the way the author created this debut, using complexity and thrilling twists. What I disliked about this novel was the way it was told. It moved back and forth between different time lines and sometimes, I was left a little confused. But, that being said, it didn’t take away from the captivating characters that pull you to the heart of the story. Despite the altering time line, I was swept to the center of the story and often found myself looking at life through Catherine Bailey’s eyes. It was a truly chilling experience.
Catherine Bailey has met a man that she could fall for. He’s charming and totally catches her eye. But, as their relationship progresses to more than just sparks flying and passion, Catherine begins seeing a side of Lee that she never wants to witness again. A side that leaves her absolutely torn apart. A side that would make any normal woman want to curl into a ball in a corner and rock away the pain like a baby. The side that Catherine sees leaves her desperate for any kind of escape, one that will keep her alive and not at the hands of the darker Lee.
After Lee is arrested, she gets that second chance at a new life, but this one has her obsessing. She’s not the carefree single woman anymore. She’s suffered turmoil that is leaving her checking every single lock until it becomes her sole goal in life: staying safe. But, then Lee is released from jail, things start happening around her, and she fears that, despite the attentions of a handsome new man that truly cares and shows her a better side of life, that Lee has returned to show her that she is his no matter what.
With chilling twists, and gut-wrenching turns, this story is not a light read. It will leave you passionately despising the likes of a man like Lee and wanting to reach out and protect Catherine. A debut novel worthy of 4 Books, this an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave your mind reeling! I definitely recommend this book to everyone out there who loves mystery, suspense, look-over-your-shoulder awesomeness. Definitely not recommended for those who want a light read. Fantastic job, Ms. Haynes! I’m looking forward to the next book!
Good review! This sounds like an excellent debut thriller/suspense book.
Just another reason why a properly placed bullet can solve a multitude of problems! Great review. I appreciate your honesty, and thank you for sharing!
I’m glad that you enjoyed the story even if the format didn’t quite work for you. Thanks for being on the tour!