As far as days to die were concerned, the longest day of the yer was as good a day as any. (excerpt from Into the Darkest Corner)Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes
Harper Paperbacks, 2013
Crime Fiction; 432 pgs
This is one of those books that I knew I would love as soon as I began reading, one that would linger with me even when I wasn't reading it. Elizabeth Haynes eases into her narrative, a story alternating between the past and present, introducing us to Catherine Bailey, a young woman is haunted by her past. An intense and abusive relationship has left her wounded and alone. She's begun a new life for herself, completely leaving behind her old one, but is constantly looking over her shoulder. Cathy's new neighbor, Stuart, reaches out to her, but Cathy isn't sure she wants to open up to him, much less trust him. And then she receives news that upends her new life, sending her into a panic and wondering if her fears will once again become reality.
Her ex-boyfriend, Lee, was extremely charming and handsome. It is no wonder Catherine fell for him initially. It's the usual story in that sense. Mr. Charmer wins the woman's heart and she overlooks the warning signs, too swayed by the attention and love he offers her. But then the mind games begin, slight ones at first--the kind you wonder if you are just imagining. It soon became clear he was extremely controlling--and yet on the outside, he appeared to be the most attentive boyfriend. All her friends thought so. She was lucky, they told her. She didn't feel she could turn to them for help as a result.
Elizabeth Haynes takes on the difficult topic of domestic violence in her novel. She does an excellent job of putting into words the breakdown of a person's confidence and the doubts that enter her mind as well as the guilt and desire to be loved even by the person who is hurting her. Catherine did want out, and acknowledges that escape isn't as easy always just a matter of walking out the door and never looking back. It can be much more complicated than that. Especially with someone like Lee. Even I was afraid of Lee.
Into the Darkest Corner can easily be described as a psychological thriller, but it really is more than that. It is also the story of a woman regaining control of her life and overcoming her mental illness. Cathy had to dig deep inside herself to find the strength she needed to work towards healing her mental wounds. I thought Haynes did a marvelous job of documenting one person's difficult journey toward recovery, the ups and downs. The details were true to real life.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book--and how much it disturbed me. I found myself double checking the locks on my own doors. I look forward to reading more by Elizabeth Haynes in the future. She has a gift for characterization and weaving together an unforgettable story.
Rating: 
(Very Good +)
(Very Good +)
To learn more about Elizabeth Haynes and her books, please visit the author's website.
I hope you will check out what others had to say about Into the Darkest Corner on the TLC Book Tours route!
Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of book purchased by myself.
© 2013, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Sounds like a really intense read. Great review!
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Eustacia - It was! I really enjoyed the book.
DeleteThis book sounds great! Thanks for the lovely review, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteMelody - It was a good one! I think you'd like it.
DeleteOh wow, glad to see how much you liked this one as I do have a copy.
ReplyDeleteDiane - I hope you will like it when you get to it!
DeleteOoooh great review! Domestic violence is such a tough issue for authors to tackle well, but it sounds like Haynes did a good job here. I'll check this one out!
ReplyDeleteKelly - It really is. I think the author did a good job capturing the emotional side of it for the victim. I hope you like the book if you do read it!
DeleteWowee! This sounds like one of those books you can't put down - the kind I read even as I walk around the house.
ReplyDeleteKathy - It was very hard to put this one down, and if I could have avoided it, I would have! :-)
DeleteOooh, sounds like a good one! I don't think I'd heard of this before now. It's hard for me to find a good thrilling book that I like but this one sounds like it would work. Great review!
ReplyDeleteJennifer - You might like this one. It wasn't your typical thriller in some respects and I really like the author's attention to detail in regards to the main character.
DeleteI didn't read your review because I hope to be reading it within the next couple months. I'll be back, though. I'm so giddy to see a 4.5/5! :)
ReplyDeleteJoy - I completely understand! I look forward to reading your thoughts on it! Although I'll be biting my nails as I wait. What if you hate it?!
DeleteThis is one that I have been wanting to read, and hearing that you felt that it was a solid and believable read is just the push I need to go out and order it now. Thanks for the great review on this one today. I need to read this one soon!
ReplyDeleteHeather - Do read it! I'd love your take on it.
DeleteI do want to read this one. I like a main character that I can root for, can't resist a psychological thriller, and don't mind if the books scares me a bit! Sounds like a keeper!
ReplyDeleteKathleen - This is one of those books I didn't expect to scare me so much. It all came about so subtly. I think it's definitely worth reading!
DeleteSounds like my kind of read, thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteTracy - It was really good!
DeleteThink I'll add this one to my list!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I hope you will like it if you do read it. It's such a good book.
DeleteI really enjoyed this book. I haven't written a review yet but I'm getting there. If you think you were checking your locks while reading this book you should have listened to it like I did. Lol. Oh my goodness my heart was pounding more than once. I thought it was great!
ReplyDeleteDarlene - I am glad you liked it too! I look forward to reading your review when you get to it. I bet the audio was great! I can see how it might be even more disturbing.
DeleteSounds good and creepy … maybe it will be one of my RIP books.
ReplyDeleteJenners - It would be perfect for RIP.
DeleteI thought that book was so intense and creepy! Oh my goodness! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed it as much as I did. I'm eager to read more by this author as well! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteSamantha - I thought so too! It's not a book I will soon forget.
DeleteIt really was one gripping thriller to read! I thought the author did a great job of writing the characters with complexity. It was a book that was hard to put down!
ReplyDeleteKay - It was! I am looking forward to the author's next book. I believe it comes out shortly.
DeleteI had no idea what this book was about. After reading your review, I'm going to research further but I already know I want to read this book. I'm glad you found Haynes writing about domestic violence and how the main character copes with her frightening ex - Lee solid and trustworthy. I already feel for Catherine and the torment she's experienced.
ReplyDeleteFantastic review, thank you!
Amy - It's definitely worth reading! I hope you get a chance to read it. Catherine is such a great character and the author does a good job putting the reader in her head.
DeleteIf this had you checking your locks then I must read it!!
ReplyDeleteStacy - Hurry! Well, hurry when you have a moment to read. I know it's hard with a little one.
DeleteI'd definitely be locking my doors after reading this book too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour.
Heather - Me too!
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