Jessica seems to have it all. A loving partner, a successful business and life is treating her well. However, her past is more complictated, but it seems she has risen above it. Part of that past is the boy she fell in love with when she was 14 years old. Thomas disappeared one day and was never found again. His brother's boat was found scuppered and Thomas is presumed drowned. Jessica has never forgotten him and is haunted by his disappearance, particularly as she was the last person to see him alive. Then, covered it dirt and blood, he arrived at ther mother's caravan park pleading with Jessica to hide him.

Then Libby turns up in her life and, mysteriously, Libby seems to be whispering and conspiring with Jacques, Jessica's husband. Libby keeps asking loaded questions about Jessica's past which arouses more suspicion. Is she more than she seems?

This dark story moves between the past and the present, charting the last few weeks before Thomas's disappearance and the ghastly hold his evil father had over him. The dirt and the blood? There has also been a murder back then... a man who had attacked Jessica has been killed. Was it Thomas? Local gossip says it was, but Jessica has never been convinced and Jessica has a sneaking suspicion that Thomas is still alive.

This is a fast paced and compelling thriller which doesn't let up. An enjoyable read. ( )