Child psychologist Caitlin Lupo has a history of psychotic behavior associated with her long-ago pregnancy with her daughter, Freya. Despite her fear of a repeat psychosis, Cat would like another child. But her husband, Tom, is reluctant.

An early-morning visit by the police throws Cat’s life into turmoil. Ruby Winter, a child about the same age as Freya, has lost her mother in a tragic accident and has asked to be taken to her father’s home. And so Cat discovers that her husband been unfaithful and has a child from that relationship.

Soon after Ruby arrives, strange occurrences begin taking place and somehow Tom manages to twist everything so that it appears as if Cat has had a psychotic relapse and is responsible for them. He’s adamant in his refusal to consider counseling for Ruby even though it is becoming increasingly apparent that the girl would benefit from this.

It’s not long before Cat finds herself out of her home and legally forbidden to see her daughter. But she’s certain there’s something not quite right about Ruby . . . and that her daughter is in danger. Can Cat find the answers and save her child before tragedy strikes again?

The story, told from Cat’s perspective, tends to unfold through narrative rather than through action. Readers are sure to struggle with the woman’s questionable choices and her failure to question all the obvious lies. Readers will find her continual failure to recognize the manipulation directed at her to be extremely frustrating.

Despite the intriguing premise and some unexpected twists as the story unfolds, none of the major characters in this exceedingly dysfunctional family [except Freya] are particularly likable. Although Ruby, annoyingly referred to throughout the narrative as “Ruby Winter” [as if the reader wouldn’t know who she was without the inclusion of her surname] is malevolent and creepy, the ending is somewhat predictable.

All in all, it’s an interesting take on the often-used gaslighting gambit. ( )

Can a child be truly evil? Are they born that way or does it develop through their childhood?
Cat is a neuro-psychiatrist and studies children with extensive behavioural issues. When her husband Tom’s unknown love child is sent to live with Cat, Tom and their daughter Freya, it’s difficult enough to accept this child she never knew about but is there something wrong with Ruby?
Circumstances and events are disturbing Cat and she’s concerned about Ruby being around Freya and the affect it is having. Tom is not supportive and won’t listen to her. He thinks she is crazy and soon manipulates everyone into thinking she’s the violent and crazy one and she soon finds herself out of the home and away from the daughter she needs to protect.
Is there more to this that what she knows? Was Lilly’s death a tragic accident or was there something more? And why has Tom turned into someone she doesn’t even know?
Cat is left on the outside, and since no one is listening, she does some detective work on her own even at the risk of losing her daughter.
I would give this a 3 1/2. Not an edge of your seat thriller but still a great story and easy read. A couple coincidences I didn’t really find plausible but didn’t take it away from the story. I will be looking for more from this author. ( )