Traumatised by the murder of her mother, a young woman discovers her rescuer may have a dark past of his own. A terrifyingly vivid portrayal of the murderous impulses hiding in the squalor of North London, form the world's best living crime writer and author of bestselling psychological thrillers including Thirteen Steps Down. A terrifyingly vivid portrayal of the murderous impulses hiding in the squalor of North London from multi-million copy and SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author Ruth Rendell. Readers of PD James, Ann Cleeves and Donna Leon will be hooked... 'Rendell weaves the interlocking desires into a frightening tapestry of warped minds . . . A tale as chilling as any Rendell has written' -- The Times 'Masterfully spooky. Don't read this alone' -- Red 'A top-notch thriller that will, I promise, have you nibbling your nails' -- Daily Mail 'Goodness me! This was good. Masterful plotting. Never a dull page. Fabulous characterisations...' -- ***** Reader review 'This book is a masterpiece of intrigue' -- ***** Reader review 'I couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 'One of the most amazing books I have ever read' -- ***** Reader review **************************************************************** In traditional fairy tales the handsome prince rescues the beautiful princess from her wicked stepmother, and the couple live happily ever after. Teddy Brex emerges from a loveless, isolated childhood as a handsome but autistic young man. Francine Hill, emotionally and mentally scarred by the murder of her mother, grows into a beautiful young woman, who must endure the over-protectiveness of an increasingly obsessive stepmother. Teddy Brex does ride to her rescue, but he is a man who has already committed two murders. In Rendell's dark criminal London, can anyone be trusted? It's a world in which innocent dreams can turn into the most terrible living nightmares...