The Recently Read posts are not typical book reviews. As a writer, I do not believe I should be reviewing the hard work of other writers. These posts are simply books I have recently read and enjoyed and will share with you. They will not always be crime books as I am trying to widen my reading selection. I hope you enjoy some of these with me.
Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes
Catherine has been enjoying single life for long enough to know a good catch when she sees one. Gorgeous, charismatic and spontaneous, Lee seems almost too perfect to be true. But there is a dark side to him and his erratic, controlling and sometimes frightening behaviour means that Catherine is increasingly isolated. Driven into the darkest corner of her world, she plans a meticulous escape. Four years later, struggling to overcome her demons, Catherine dares to believe she might be safe from harm. Until one phone call changes everything…
My Thoughts;
I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to read this book, when everyone else I know read it last year. Now after reading it, I’m even more mystified why it has taken me so long. Into the Darkest Corner has to rank in the top five books I’ve read so far this year. It is absolutely brilliant.
It’s not a fast paced crime novel, as in there isn’t a race against time to save the world or even to save a person, what there is though, is a very gripping and very real, tension filled growth in fear, and an understanding of how relationships can progress from first meeting to terror. I could not stop reading this novel. I devoured it in two days, but the majority of it was done on the second day when I refused to put it down. Luckily I wasn’t at work or there may have been issues!
Haynes weaves two time strands together effortlessly as she explores how a destructive, controlling and violent relationship came to be and the after-effects of that. The beginning slow undercurrent of manipulation at the start of the relationship between Catherine and Lee is difficult at times to read, but it is compulsive because at the same time, the second time strand shows you Catherine as she battles against the effect. The ending is both magnificent and creepy. It is a must read.
I like how you describe the ending but I’m still not sure it is the book for me. I find myself yearning for books that are falsely full of sweetness and light and have very little suffering in them – the book versions of animated films I guess. That probably says a lot about my state of mind at the moment….I just don’t seem to have staying power for anything dark or literary lately and find myself reading a lot of chicklit and (young) YA..
I don’t think you would enjoy this book Denyse. It is a little dark.
I read this last year – it literally made me jump at shadows when I was reading it – what a great psychological thriller. My best read last year.
It really is great! I haven’t read Human Remains yet, but it is now on my list of books to read 🙂
PS – Have you read Human Remains – her next book – I want to know if this is as good?
Rebecca – Haynes certainly knows how to write a gripping psychological novel. You’ve outlined the novel’s appeal really well herre.
Thanks Margot. I need to read her other one now. So many books…
I haven’t read this one either, Rebecca, but that’s no surprise as I’m usually behind the curve. Just bought it for my upcoming hols. Thanks for the recommendation:))
I hope you enjoy it Jane. Have a wonderful holiday. You deserve it! X
It sounds great – I just put it on my TBR list.
I can see that pile toppling Dianne! 😉
I just LOVE it that I now have a kindle 😀 When we moved in November I bought ten boxes of books with me (yes – TEN) LOL 😀
Things are definitely easier with a kindle! 🙂
OK, it’s on my to-read list.
I hope you enjoy it. Let me know!
Glad you enjoyed it….I LOVED it 🙂
I’ve not read her 3rd one yet (Human Remains) but I did enjoy the 2nd (Revenge of the Tide).
Xx