Barbara Vine Books

A new novel from Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell's alter ego) is always a reason to celebrate, and this exceptional psychological thriller showcases her mastery in drawing readers into an unfamiliar world. It explores the roots of obsession through the history of a young woman whose love of heights is marked by tragedy, guilt, and exile from her family home. Clodagh Brown, frightened by enclosed spaces yet passionate about climbing, faces the aftermath of her high school sweetheart's death. Living in the basement of a relative's home in Maida Vale, London, she meets peers who share her psychological quirks and introduce her to the steep rooftops of their neighborhood. Clodagh falls for Silver, a young man whose top-floor apartment is home to a diverse group of individuals. Their youthful idealism often clashes with conventional values and legal norms. As Clodagh and Silver navigate their relationship, their friends provide a rich tapestry of lives and personas—from Liv, the Swedish au pair who climbs rooftops but fears what lies below, to Jonny, whose need to dominate leads to shocking consequences. When the climbers discover a couple hiding with their adopted son from authorities, Vine's ability to shift pace while maintaining story and character shines. The novel is an acutely drawn, immensely satisfying read.

When Sandor snatched little Joe from the path of a London Tube train, he was quick to make clear the terms of the rescue. 'I saved your life,' he told the homeless youngster, 'so your life belongs to me now'. Sandor began to tell him a fairy-tale: an ageing prince, a kidnapped princess chained by one ankle, a missed rendezvous.

A love affair is flourishing between Ivor Tesham and Hebe Furnal. What excitement Hebe lacks at home is compensated for by the well-bred and attractive Tesham. On the eve of her twenty-eighth birthday, Tesham decides to give Hebe a present to remember: something far more memorable than the costly string of pearls he's already lavished upon her.

Kerstin Kvist enters crumbling Lydstep Old Hall to live with the Cosways, and to act as nurse to John: a grown man fed drugs by his family to control his lunatic episodes. Kerstin is determined to help John, however there are others in the family who are equally as determined that John remain isolated.

'In a masterly and hypnotic synthesis of past, present and terrifying future, Vine casts a stone into her dark pond and lets the ripples spread . . . she has created a work that is both compelling and disturbing'. Sunday Times. 'This is the third psychological thriller by Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine and when I say it surpasses the first two that's really saying something . . . Vine has not only produced a quietly smouldering suspense novel but also presents an accurately atmospheric portrayal of London in the heady 60's. Literally unputdownable'. Time Out.