Not what I have come to expect when I pick up a Jane Green novel. No connection to the characters or with the story.

Swept off her feet by charismatic author Ted Chapman, Grace, a cookbook editor who loves cooking has discovered over her married life that her marriage and Ted are not quite the idyll she imagined but living with a famous author, everyone expects her life to be perfect and Grace makes a good appearance of it being so but only she knows what her life is really about.
When Ted's assistant leaves it is just one more added pressure for Grace, until Beth walks into their lives.  Beth is perfect; organised, highly efficient, sympathetic, and can do everything and more.  But then, things start to happen, little mistakes which turn into bigger upsets, things going missing and before long Grace is losing credibility with people she has known for years and what's more the things that Grace is doing, she can't remember doing.  As Grace's paranoia grows, the fear of a lifelong secret she hates to confront is brought to the fore;  Grace must gather all her courage and strength and face her fears and suspicions to conquer the rot that has started ruining her life and take control once more.
This book had me gripped, there was a psycholgical tension to it that kept me turning the pages in aghast horror at what was going on.  It really resonated that 'this' happens and it is scary and wrecks lives (but obviously I am not going to say what THIS is!)
 For me, this was easily one of Jane Green's best books.  Jane Green has a knack for showcasing her characters faults and weaknesses with realism but also empathy and throughout this book she depicts a rounded picture of how Grace has ended up in her present position, showing the vulnerability and kindness and the effects that fear and guilt can have on a person; but strengths as well as weaknesses are just as big a part of any character and as the story progresses so the character of Grace strengthens and grows.
Her characterisation of Beth is subtle and all the more convincing because of it, she is right up there with Mrs Danvers and the nanny from The Hand that Rocks the Cradle!
Altogether, I really enjoyed the book, it was easy to get into, enthralling and did justice to all the issues it raises and the characters.

I've read previous books by this author before and I've got to admit that although I enjoyed this read it wasn't one of my favourites from this author. 

Grace is married to Ted a famous novelist and they've got a grown up daughter. When Teds long term assistant Ellen leaves then in enters Beth the new fabulous assistant. But is she as fabulous as she seems??

Things start happening that messes with Graces head. I so wanted to shake her and tell her to open her eyes. I guess it's true life as most of us don't see what's happening under our noses a lot of time.

Will look forward to reading more from this author.

3.5 stars.