When picking up a Laura Lipman novel, one does not expect a Stephen Kingesque horror story. That is what we get. Despite it being engaging and well-written, I was a bit shocked by the plot and escalating violence. I speak as a fan of all her previous novels, especially Lady in the Lake, and the Tess Monaghan series.

Gerry Andersen, a famous and respected author, is bedridden and dependent on “‘the kindness of strangers” or in his case assorted women. Obviously, Gerry has made years of bad decisions and something from his past is coming back to haunt him.

At many points, one must suspend disbelief and buy into Gerry’s utter helplessness. Lipman manages to pull it all together at the close, but really hard to find closure for the reader because of the multiplicity of unlikely events.

So, I was ambivalent about this book. Yes, I was engaged and intrigued but not especially happy to have read this.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.