by Nina Bawden
First published 1977
Nina Bawden brings her sharp eye for human nature to this mystery that showcases her talent for psychological observation. The story unfolds through carefully drawn characters whose motivations and secrets drive the plot forward. Bawden built her reputation on mysteries that dig beneath the surface of ordinary people, revealing the complexities that make them tick. Her ability to capture the subtle details of personality and behavior transforms what could be a simple puzzle into something richer. The mystery elements serve the larger purpose of exploring how people react under pressure and what they reveal about themselves in crisis. This novel demonstrates why Bawden earned recognition early in her writing career for her skill at combining compelling plots with genuine insight into character.
Genres: literary-fiction, mystery, contemporary, psychological-thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: character-driven, unreliable-narrator
Period: 20th-Century
320 pages · Hardcover · C Chivers