Review: Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes

This isn't the cover from my Kindle
edition, but is a much better
representation of the book

When I finished reading this book (at 5am in the morning mind you), I immediately wanted to give it 51/2 stars, that's how good it is.

Into the Darkest Corner is the debut novel from Elizabeth Haynes.  She has worked in the UK as a Police Intelligence Analyst and is now an accomplished author with four books to her name.

In this one, Catherine is the protagonist and the novel is divided into two perspectives: Catherine's life a few years ago, partying with friends and falling in love with a handsome man called Lee, and Catherine now, living in fear with severe OCD and trying to recover from an abusive relationship.

It's hard to believe Into The Darkest Corner is a debut novel, it's expertly written and Haynes does a marvellous job creating tension and building up to the climax of revealing exactly what happened to Catherine.

The steps Lee takes to subdue and control Catherine - and later to scare her - are incredibly clever and creepy, and I began to understand Catherine's obsession with checking doors, locks and windows.  Her OCD is a great part of the book, and an aspect of the main character's personality I found thoroughly fascinating.

With such an engaging plot, I was a little concerned that the ending might not be a satisfying one, but I needn't have worried.  Haynes gives the reader an ending that lives up to the rest of the book, and one that had me spooked.  It was brilliant!

I recommend Into The Darkest Corner to all readers who enjoy a psychological thriller and a good scare.  A warning though: you will be compelled to continue reading long after your 'bed-time' and may end up checking your locks more than once.

My rating = *****

Carpe Librum!