Teddy Brex emerges from a loveless, isolated childhood as a handsome but autistic young man. Francine Hill, traumatised by the murder of her mother, grows into a beautiful young woman, who must endure the protectiveness of an obsessive stepmother. Teddy Brex does ride to her rescue, but he is a man who has already committed two murder... twice.



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
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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...