29 May 2014

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!

Would you like to comment?

  1. I haven't read this one yet, though I have read two others from her. This one seems to be the most popular

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  2. Thanks Shelleyrae, it certainly does. I'm looking forward to reading Human Remains next.

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  3. This is probably my favourite by this author and I want to shout it out from the roof tops. Only problem is this novel may contain too many triggers for some people.

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  4. Thanks Michael, I agree. It was definitely dark and thoroughly gripping. I'm going to read Human Remains by her next, and if it's anywhere near as good as this one I'll join you on the rooftops.

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  6. I loved this too. Great review, and I agree that the OCD is an interesting part of the novel.
    Have you read Killing Me Softly by Nicci French? I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Into the Darkest Corner.

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  7. Hi, thanks for your comment. I haven't read Killing Me Softly by Nicci French, but I'm off to check it out, thanks so much for the recommendation :-)

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  8. Haynes is a master at building tension to unbearable heights, and her thorough and thoughtful exploration of the psychological fallout of abuse adds a unique layer to the story.Into the Darkest Corner is a terrifying thriller.

    Marlene
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  9. I agree Marlene, it was an absolutely terrifying thriller. I'll never forget the cutlery drawer!

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Thanks for your comment, Carpe Librum!