Behind Her Eyes

November 28, 2016
British author Pinborough (Murder) effectively shifts perspectives between two complex characters in this twisty psychological thriller set in North London. Louise Barnsley is chagrined to learn that the hunky man who kissed her in a bar turns out to be her new, married boss, therapist David Martin. Louise and David agree that the flirtation would be just a onetime thing, but their interactions become more complicated when David’s gorgeous wife, Adele, bumps into Louise and cultivates her friendship. Sections set in different time frames provide an ominous backdrop for the triangle, with references to dirt under fingernails and things having been done “that could not be undone.” Despite her deepening bond with Adele, Louise is unable to successfully repress her attraction to David, even as he shows sides of his personality that disturb her. Pinborough will keep even veteran genre readers guessing about which members of the trio, if any, are providing trustworthy accounts of their pasts and presents. Agent: Veronique Baxter, David Higham Associates (U.K.).

The four narrators tell the story of Louise, a divorced mom and part-time secretary who finally connects with someone--who turns out to be her new married boss. This twist is just the first in surprise revelations, one after another. The narrators use consistent pacing and build on the puzzling questions and tense atmosphere surrounding the marriage of Louise's boss, David, and his wife, Adele. All four narrators smoothly transition between the complex characters and the dark side of this contemporary love triangle. As Louise's sense of disorientation and dread build, listeners will be hooked on both plot and performance. S.C.A. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

January 1, 2017

Pinborough's debut novel will almost inevitably be compared to recent popular mysteries, but this intriguingly opaque work with a satisfyingly shocking ending easily stands on its own. Louise, a single mom and part-time secretary, meets and kisses a man at a London bar, only to discover the next day that he's David, her new boss and a married man. Adele, his beautiful wife, is so friendly toward Louise when they bump into each other on the street that their friendship is almost inevitable. Louise initially tries to keep her distance from both of them but finds the persistence of such attractive and posh people flattering. She is disturbed and perplexed by Adele and David's marriage, but the nature of her relationships with the spouses limits what she can do or say to gain clarity. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that David's and Adele's history, divulged through flashbacks, is the key to understanding everything that is happening in their present. The journey toward these revelations is an engrossing one, and narrators Anna Bentinck, Josie Dunn, Bea Holland, and Huw Parmenter do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. VERDICT Recommended for all general fiction collections.--Nicole Williams, Englewood, NJ

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