We were not far into this book when, as readers, we were asking ourselves many questions. What is the main character, Maria, doing and why?

To add to the atmosphere, the descriptions of the remote village of Winsford on Exmoor in the dark days of winter are used to great effect by the author.

The other main character is Martin, an author, who is caught up in a scandal. It is decided that it is best for him to flee Stockholm and write a book disclosing dark events from years before. This also builds up throughout the story, adding more questions.

We agreed that Martin was most unlikeable, but we had a measure of sympathy for Maria. Tempered by what was revealed!

This is a story conjuring up a gambit of emotions within Maria - betrayal, deceit, revenge and paranoia to name but a few. It is a book worth reading in our opinion as it keeps you guessing to the end.