After the national election, I was in desperate need of some real escapist fiction. I wanted something that would drag me in to the story, keep me guessing, hold me MESMERIZED for at least a couple of days — you know the kind of book I mean! So, thanks to Carina UK and NetGalley, I had a copy of this new title from Lisa Hall (provided in exchange for my honest review).

The premise is that Stephanie and Mark have moved to a new home for  “fresh start” (at first we aren’t sure why they need one). They have an adorable little boy named Henry and Steph is pregnant with their second child. The new neighbors include Laurence, the man next door (for whom Steph feels instant attraction), and Lila, the pretty woman across the way who wants to befriend Steph (and possibly replace Tessa, Steph’s long-time BFF who has moved to New York. I was drawn into the story immediately, especially as the reader is quickly provided references to why a new start is needed, as well as what the “thing” was that happened to Steph when she was a teenager, which has left deep psychological scars. Also, what’s up with Mark being gone so much? Is it really work? And who is the mystery man seen over and over in Lila’s house? And who is leaving creepy “gifts” on Steph’s front porch?

Steph is being encouraged to keep seeing her shrink — in fact, it feels almost like Mark is bullying her. Is there some reason he is so controlling? So, there are lots of components to the “keep me guessing” part! And yes I was pretty mesmerized for a day and a half, while I kept reading (and, thank you very much, during that time I hardly thought about the election at all). But — and here is the hard part: how to say what I really think without spoiling anything for someone else. I think I just have to say it, I HATED the ending. Maybe that was the goal of this author….or maybe the idea of a sequel is so strong, it had to end as it did? Whatever the motivation, bottom line is I enjoyed the experience of reading it….and I HATED the ending. So, four stars.