Into the darkest corner is a stunning debut novel that deserves our time and attention – I wish I could summon the emotion this book created with every thriller I read.
Upon meeting someone new, Cathy is encouraged to confront the trauma she has suffered, she finds unexpected happiness, with which comes the possibility of normal life. But, is she really ready? is she really safe? and will she ever escape her past?
First time author Elizabeth Haynes has chosen to tell Cathy’s story using alternating narratives, this forces us to see the differences between our characters past and future. Firstly, Catherine in 2003, living a carefree partying life and then Cathy in 2007 crippled by fear which is compounded by OCD.
This device is unusual and I must admit it took me a few chapters to even realize that I was reading about the same woman! After that light bulb moment I found it engaging; I had a pretty good idea where the 2003’s story line was going and found that writing, whilst satisfying, was no where near as compelling as the 2007 chapters, they were, to coin a phrase, unputdownable.
Haynes’ portrayal of obsession is utterly convincing, I completely detested Lee from page one, and there were times the book was thrown in frustration. . . . Into the darkest corner is a harrowing psychological thriller, an emotional read that will stay with you long after you put it down. So; go and pick it up.