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october_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This book is dark. It's terrifying and heartbreaking. I enjoyed this book, though I did feel vaguely unsettled laying down to sleep after I finished it. It's well written and the jumping back and forth through time left me feeling off kilter as I read it.
Possible spoilers in the edit
Edited to add: I've noticed people commenting on what kind of friends does she have that don't believe her and that this whole thing seems implausible. What was terrifying about this book is how plausible it really was. He was charming, had a good job, and was a remarkable actor. Her friends knew her as a party girl who never settled down. When she says she doesn't think it's working her friends encourage her to stay, and by the time it's really bad she's too frightened to go. This happens so much it's sort if a textbook example. Places like Shelterwings exist for this very reason. They have safe houses to hide these women and children, in extreme cases they change these women's names and move them as far away as they can. Domestic violence, stalkers, all of this is very real despite what you may want to believe. That's what made this so scary, how normal he seemed to everyone else.
Possible spoilers in the edit
Edited to add: I've noticed people commenting on what kind of friends does she have that don't believe her and that this whole thing seems implausible. What was terrifying about this book is how plausible it really was. He was charming, had a good job, and was a remarkable actor. Her friends knew her as a party girl who never settled down. When she says she doesn't think it's working her friends encourage her to stay, and by the time it's really bad she's too frightened to go. This happens so much it's sort if a textbook example. Places like Shelterwings exist for this very reason. They have safe houses to hide these women and children, in extreme cases they change these women's names and move them as far away as they can. Domestic violence, stalkers, all of this is very real despite what you may want to believe. That's what made this so scary, how normal he seemed to everyone else.
stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
4.0
There was a new realization that walking away wasn't a simple option after all. I'd tried it and made the mistake of inviting him back. Being still in love with him, the gentle, vulnerable part of it: it was also the dreadful fear of what he might do if I did anything to provoke him.
It wasn’t about walking away any more. It was about running.
It was about escape.
This story is told in two timelines set four years apart. In 2003 Catherine Bailey is a happy woman in her 20’s who’s living a normal life. She's busy partying and having fun, and has few problems.
Then she meets Lee, who appears to be everything she wants. He’s charismatic, funny and soon enough he’s head over heels in love with her.
But soon Lee starts showing up at her house at odd times, he decides what she wears and becomes more and more possessive.
In 2007, Catherine has changed her name and moved. She suffers from severe PTSD and OCD, spends hours checking her flat to make sure the door is locked and that no one can get in, or else she has a panic attack.
She is extremely isolated and has no friends.
In four years, Catherine's life was destroyed. All because of one person; Lee.
I recently read a quote that went something like ''Why do we ask women why they’re staying with their abusive husbands instead of asking the husbands why they abuse?’’
This rings so true and it’s very upsetting.
You see, when Catherine early on in their relationship tells her friends about how Lee is controlling and scares her, they all brush it off because it’s because he cares about her and she’s lucky to have a man who puts her first.
The abuse gets worse and worse. The things Lee does to her are disgusting, and it was hard to read.
Rape, beatings and locking her inside without food and water.
This kind of behavior is so often romanticized, and I felt terrified for Catherine. It made me angry, but I think her friends’ reaction was realistic, because it was ignorant.
I could rant forever about this, but I’ll keep it short: Society has this rule that women are not allowed to break men’s hearts, they’re not allowed to say no, to have their own free will. They get hate for doing what’s best for them and cutting toxic people out of their lives. That's why the ''sweet charismatic boyfriend'' - Lee, in this case - will always be easier for people to feel sorry for, and they blame the victim.
Enough about that, I just needed to say it. Feels like I’m stealing all the quotes from Tumblr posts now, but my point is that the feelings of men are seen as more important than women's safety, and it's disgusting.
Luckily I’ve never been in an abusive relationship, but this hit me hard and made me so angry.
There are moments where you’re just waiting for things to happen and then calm down, thinking the danger is gone but then a shocking twist is thrown in.
I’ve read a few books similar to this one, but they never managed to grip me like this. Haynes’s portrayal of Lee is both fascinating and grim.
You can see why Catherine likes him, why she holds onto him and accepts his apologies faster than her bruises fade.
He can be sweet and loving when he wants to, and thats what makes her go back.
Sometimes even I forgot that he was an antagonist, that he was a horrible abuser. The author fools us the same way Lee fools Catherine, and it’s so well done that it scared me.
I never thought I’d be so captivated by this story.
Elizabeth Haynes is a fantastic writer who lets you into the main character’s head and explores her deepest fear.
Into the darkest corner is the kind of book that makes you check the door twice and leave the lights on for longer than necessary.
It wasn’t about walking away any more. It was about running.
It was about escape.
This story is told in two timelines set four years apart. In 2003 Catherine Bailey is a happy woman in her 20’s who’s living a normal life. She's busy partying and having fun, and has few problems.
Then she meets Lee, who appears to be everything she wants. He’s charismatic, funny and soon enough he’s head over heels in love with her.
But soon Lee starts showing up at her house at odd times, he decides what she wears and becomes more and more possessive.
In 2007, Catherine has changed her name and moved. She suffers from severe PTSD and OCD, spends hours checking her flat to make sure the door is locked and that no one can get in, or else she has a panic attack.
She is extremely isolated and has no friends.
In four years, Catherine's life was destroyed. All because of one person; Lee.
I recently read a quote that went something like ''Why do we ask women why they’re staying with their abusive husbands instead of asking the husbands why they abuse?’’
This rings so true and it’s very upsetting.
You see, when Catherine early on in their relationship tells her friends about how Lee is controlling and scares her, they all brush it off because it’s because he cares about her and she’s lucky to have a man who puts her first.
The abuse gets worse and worse. The things Lee does to her are disgusting, and it was hard to read.
Rape, beatings and locking her inside without food and water.
This kind of behavior is so often romanticized, and I felt terrified for Catherine. It made me angry, but I think her friends’ reaction was realistic, because it was ignorant.
I could rant forever about this, but I’ll keep it short: Society has this rule that women are not allowed to break men’s hearts, they’re not allowed to say no, to have their own free will. They get hate for doing what’s best for them and cutting toxic people out of their lives. That's why the ''sweet charismatic boyfriend'' - Lee, in this case - will always be easier for people to feel sorry for, and they blame the victim.
Enough about that, I just needed to say it. Feels like I’m stealing all the quotes from Tumblr posts now, but my point is that the feelings of men are seen as more important than women's safety, and it's disgusting.
Luckily I’ve never been in an abusive relationship, but this hit me hard and made me so angry.
There are moments where you’re just waiting for things to happen and then calm down, thinking the danger is gone but then a shocking twist is thrown in.
I’ve read a few books similar to this one, but they never managed to grip me like this. Haynes’s portrayal of Lee is both fascinating and grim.
You can see why Catherine likes him, why she holds onto him and accepts his apologies faster than her bruises fade.
He can be sweet and loving when he wants to, and thats what makes her go back.
Sometimes even I forgot that he was an antagonist, that he was a horrible abuser. The author fools us the same way Lee fools Catherine, and it’s so well done that it scared me.
I never thought I’d be so captivated by this story.
Elizabeth Haynes is a fantastic writer who lets you into the main character’s head and explores her deepest fear.
Into the darkest corner is the kind of book that makes you check the door twice and leave the lights on for longer than necessary.
eduardtatomir's review against another edition
5.0
Easily the best book of the year.
This was probably the only book I have ever read to put the fear of God in me. I would tell my friends that this book would keep me up at night - hearing a noise in the other room or anything, really - and they would scoff and say, "they're just words." After a while, they're not just words. They begin to haunt you.
For a few chapters in the middle, my heart would start thumping in my throat, my fingers shaking as I turned the pages. This really is a thriller, and I say that because other 'thrillers' can't begin to do what this one did. It may sound silly, even to you (someone who hasn't read this book or someone who has and just wasn't affected the way I was), but I promise you this is a must read.
The first 100 pages with that constant checking of the front door one-two-three-four-five-six times and windows one-two-three-four-five-six times, even the one in the bathroom that didn't even open felt very tedious. I continued to read, knowing that there was a point to all this, but I just feel that the checking shouldn't have taken up so many pages.
The way Haynes wrote this, I congratulate her. This may be her first novel, but it is a god damn winner. They way she writes it, it makes me fearful. The way the story went was amazing and the way it all played out was beautiful. At one point, I didn't want to continue reading because 1) I was getting scared of what Lee was going to do and 2) I desperately wanted this to have a happy ending for Catherine and I was terrified that it was going to end well for Lee instead.
Actually, to tell you honest, I thought the ending was going to be that Catherine really was crazy, harmed herself and everything, and imagined it all with Lee. What an ending that would've been, a read mindfuck, but I'm satisfied with the way it ended. Bravo, Haynes. I will put you on watchlist and await your next thriller.
This was probably the only book I have ever read to put the fear of God in me. I would tell my friends that this book would keep me up at night - hearing a noise in the other room or anything, really - and they would scoff and say, "they're just words." After a while, they're not just words. They begin to haunt you.
For a few chapters in the middle, my heart would start thumping in my throat, my fingers shaking as I turned the pages. This really is a thriller, and I say that because other 'thrillers' can't begin to do what this one did. It may sound silly, even to you (someone who hasn't read this book or someone who has and just wasn't affected the way I was), but I promise you this is a must read.
The first 100 pages with that constant checking of the front door one-two-three-four-five-six times and windows one-two-three-four-five-six times, even the one in the bathroom that didn't even open felt very tedious. I continued to read, knowing that there was a point to all this, but I just feel that the checking shouldn't have taken up so many pages.
The way Haynes wrote this, I congratulate her. This may be her first novel, but it is a god damn winner. They way she writes it, it makes me fearful. The way the story went was amazing and the way it all played out was beautiful. At one point, I didn't want to continue reading because 1) I was getting scared of what Lee was going to do and 2) I desperately wanted this to have a happy ending for Catherine and I was terrified that it was going to end well for Lee instead.
Actually, to tell you honest, I thought the ending was going to be that Catherine really was crazy, harmed herself and everything, and imagined it all with Lee. What an ending that would've been, a read mindfuck, but I'm satisfied with the way it ended. Bravo, Haynes. I will put you on watchlist and await your next thriller.
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
A re-read for me, and this time on audiobook.
This had me glued to the sofa in 2012, I whipped through it in a couple of days, audiobooks that are paused let the tension fade away somewhat, but I knew what was coming and dreaded it just as much...
A story of obsession, control and domination - and recovery. A young woman lives two lives, in the present Cathy is nervous, with OCD and a fear of the outside world. In her previous life, interspersed with now, she was carefree, oblivious and loved her Lancashire life. As the timelines both move forward we find out what happened to Cathy, how a new boyfriend turned from 'hot' and dreamy new love to someone much more sinister - and how she is trying to move on now a few years later, but unable to.
I love the two stories moving forward together, feeding into each other, answering your questions as you go. I HATE Cathy's friends for how they act, how making sure she stays with her boyfriend because he's so wonderful, ignoring any qualms she has, keeping her unsure and unable to turn to anyone for support and guidance.
It is dark, with a lot of graphic/explicit sexual (and violent) scenes, appropriate to the story but not to everyone's taste. It is emotive, and will upset many readers. Though it could also help some for whom the issues might hit home.
Well read by the narrator, though the Lancashire accent kept making me think of Jane Horrocks!
Powerful and one of those short chapter 'just a little more before bed' books. Haynes' debut, and still, in my opinion, her best.
This had me glued to the sofa in 2012, I whipped through it in a couple of days, audiobooks that are paused let the tension fade away somewhat, but I knew what was coming and dreaded it just as much...
A story of obsession, control and domination - and recovery. A young woman lives two lives, in the present Cathy is nervous, with OCD and a fear of the outside world. In her previous life, interspersed with now, she was carefree, oblivious and loved her Lancashire life. As the timelines both move forward we find out what happened to Cathy, how a new boyfriend turned from 'hot' and dreamy new love to someone much more sinister - and how she is trying to move on now a few years later, but unable to.
I love the two stories moving forward together, feeding into each other, answering your questions as you go. I HATE Cathy's friends for how they act, how making sure she stays with her boyfriend because he's so wonderful, ignoring any qualms she has, keeping her unsure and unable to turn to anyone for support and guidance.
It is dark, with a lot of graphic/explicit sexual (and violent) scenes, appropriate to the story but not to everyone's taste. It is emotive, and will upset many readers. Though it could also help some for whom the issues might hit home.
Well read by the narrator, though the Lancashire accent kept making me think of Jane Horrocks!
Powerful and one of those short chapter 'just a little more before bed' books. Haynes' debut, and still, in my opinion, her best.
coralhaze's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence and Physical abuse
Minor: Miscarriage
horrorhussy's review
5.0
This book was intense, and insanely brutal!
It gave me the same feeling as We Need to Talk About Kevin, while reading I felt physically sick, but had to keep going, and really, Im glad I did, this is an amazing book.
Cathy is a young single girl in her 20s when she meets, what she thinks, is the catch of the century, Lee.
Lee soon charms all her friends and has every one believing she has made the catch of the century.
Four years later cathy is struggling to over come her demons, but feels she is getting better, until one phone call changes it all.
Into the darkest corner, switches from past to present in dairy entry format.
Future cathy has server OCD and Post traumatic stress disorder, and is struggling to take it one day at a time.
This books was incredible insightful into the life of someone dealing with a horrific past and how to brain tries to move on from such a thing.
be warned this book is not for the faint hearted, each new revelation about her past is more dark and brutal then the last.
Im really glad I read this book, even if in general I was horrified, its a great treatment of a very
sensitive topic!
4.5 stars
It gave me the same feeling as We Need to Talk About Kevin, while reading I felt physically sick, but had to keep going, and really, Im glad I did, this is an amazing book.
Cathy is a young single girl in her 20s when she meets, what she thinks, is the catch of the century, Lee.
Lee soon charms all her friends and has every one believing she has made the catch of the century.
Four years later cathy is struggling to over come her demons, but feels she is getting better, until one phone call changes it all.
Into the darkest corner, switches from past to present in dairy entry format.
Future cathy has server OCD and Post traumatic stress disorder, and is struggling to take it one day at a time.
This books was incredible insightful into the life of someone dealing with a horrific past and how to brain tries to move on from such a thing.
be warned this book is not for the faint hearted, each new revelation about her past is more dark and brutal then the last.
Im really glad I read this book, even if in general I was horrified, its a great treatment of a very
sensitive topic!
4.5 stars
simply_jaye_'s review
3.0
I loved this book. I just found the first half a bit repetitive, going over information we already knew but just in a slightly different context.
Although I did find a lot of the information relevant to the rest of the book and how understand how Cathy’s OCD presented.
Stuart was a lovely portrayal of a genuine loving partner who gave her space and time to come to terms with everything herself however I don’t like the fact that he was also a psychologist. Why could he just be a normal guy with a regular job that was just a nice guy? It made it seem like it was his career that made him act the way he did around her.
Although I did find a lot of the information relevant to the rest of the book and how understand how Cathy’s OCD presented.
Stuart was a lovely portrayal of a genuine loving partner who gave her space and time to come to terms with everything herself however I don’t like the fact that he was also a psychologist. Why could he just be a normal guy with a regular job that was just a nice guy? It made it seem like it was his career that made him act the way he did around her.
meeramira's review
4.0
Very well written. It was funny how the chapter would end and I'd release a breath I hadn't even realized I'd been holding in. Kept me very tense throughout, as a good thriller should!
Quick read too, makes it that much more of a satisfying read.
Quick read too, makes it that much more of a satisfying read.
sburke789's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75