Two lost toddlers--one dead and one gone missing; two very different mothers--one bereft, one oddly unconcerned. A host of secondary characters, all with secrets, suspicions, and personal agendas, some with moral dilemmas, some devoid of any moral sense. It's a typical Rendell stew, and no one dare try to predict how the flavors will blend. Not my favorite Rendell, but an absorbing page-turner as usual with her. ( )

gave me nightmares. ( )

This is one of Ruth Rendell's better works. I love how characters are introduced who seemingly have no relationship to other characters then all plotlines are brought together seamlessly and effortlessly. What do a daughter's grief, her mother's madness, an unfit mother and a kidnapping all have in common? Benet has suffered though her mother's mania all her life and just when she finally is at peace her mother turns her world upside down again.
Great read! ( )

RR has done it again. I loved how the sub-plots came together letting the reader predict just enough to feel good, but still be surprised. I think I always wanted Jay to be able to stay with Benet and not have to go back to that sadistic bitch Carol, even though I felt sorry for the unfair treatment of her boyfriend, Barry. The scene where he’s attacked and beaten by those “bikers”, is riveting. I felt so outraged at the injustice. In the end when Benet has to give up her love for Ian, I don’t feel the sacrifice is too great, after all, how close can they be when they haven’t really shared anything.