OK. In the first two chapters Beth goes speed dating, goes on an actual date and gets sexually assaulted; and that’s the happy part. Author Katherine Black goes on to plumb the depths of derangement in a cycle of psychotic behaviour from an antagonist who even Dante would have a problem placing in his Inferno; and that’s if Lucifer didn’t batten down the hatches and bolt all the doors and windows before turning off the lights and pretending he wasn’t home.

No-one gets out of this unscathed, including this reader; speaking of whom, on second thoughts the wrist thing would be too messy, and I’ve seen enough blood for one book. I’m off to play some Leonard Cohen instead; even he couldn’t want it darker than Leverage.

The plot takes the reader down a chillingly dark path of mental instability and extreme actions. The characters are credible and the main character’s descent into realms of a personal hell is told in a manner that makes each step plausible. The author pulls no punches in this tale that could have come straight from the front pages. The action is fast, brutal and unpredictable, the delving into motives and personalities fascinating. The writing is excellent. On the whole, a book highly recommended to anybody who likes shocks and suspense.