Domestic noir at its insidious, menacing best-this tale of twisted family ties and intricate revenge from a wonderfully perceptive writer (The Haphazardous Hippo).

When Holly is bequeathed a large but derelict house, she wants to share her good fortune. So she gets in touch with former boyfriend Ray, a builder who can project-manage the renovation in exchange for the basement flat. The spacious middle floor would make a glorious studio space-perfect for her friend and first love, Spencer. And before Holly knows it, the upper floor is let to soon-to-be ex-husband James, who's on a path of reinvention from city highflyer to osteopath. What could possibly go wrong?

But no good deed goes unpunished, and soon the house is riddled with tension, rivalry, and petty spitefulness. And as Holly is beset with migraines, nausea, and spiralling self-doubt, even the house itself seems to be turning against her. But for someone, everything is going to plan . . .

Praise for Jane Lythell

The author's real skill is her ability to invent memorable original characters. -Daily Mail

One of my favourite go-to authors. -Books of All Kinds