Into the Darkest Corner

By: Elizabeth Haynes

Narrated by: David Thorpe, Karen Cass

Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2011

WINNER OF AMAZON RISING STARS 2011

AMAZON EDITORS' CHOICE BEST CRIME NOVEL OF 2011

LONGLISTED FOR CWA JOHN CREASEY (NEW BLOOD) DAGGER 2011

Catherine has been enjoying the single life for long enough to know a good catch when she sees one. Gorgeous, charismatic, spontaneous – Lee seems almost too perfect to be true. And her friends clearly agree, as each in turn falls under his spell.

But there is a darker side to Lee. His erratic, controlling and sometimes frightening behaviour means that Catherine is increasingly isolated. Driven into the darkest corner of her world, and trusting no one, she plans a meticulous escape. Four years later, struggling to overcome her demons, Catherine dares to believe she might be safe from harm. Until one phone call changes everything.

This is an edgy and powerful first novel, utterly convincing in its portrayal of obsession, and a tour de force of suspense.

©2012 Elizabeth Haynes (P)2012 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"Check the locks on your doors and windows and surrender to this obsessive thriller." (Karin Slaughter)

“This intense, gripping account of domestic violence and its aftermath is utterly unputdownable. A stunning debut.” (SJ Watson)

“From its uncompromising prologue - a young woman being bludgeoned to death in a ditch - Haynes's powerful account of domestic violence is disquieting, yet unsensationalist. This is a gripping book on a topic which can never be highlighted enough.” ( Guardian)

“A very impressive first novel. The pain and frustration of OCD is brilliantly evoked and I winced every time Cathy embarked on yet another ritual. The contrast between Cathy's two lives is cleverly drawn and the hesitancy in her new relationship is very believable. This is a fantastic personal read with plenty for a reading group to discuss.” ( NewBooks Magazine)

“Within ten minutes I couldn't put it down. I've always said that I would never be caught in an abusive relationship, as I'd be out of it at the first sign of a problem but after reading this book I realised that it really isn't that simple. There's a superb picture of the burdens of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). It's not enough to check once that the door is firmly locked. What if you didn't lock it properly? There's real dramatic tension in this book and when I got to the end the first thing that I did was to turn back to the beginning again.” ( The Bookbag)

“A tense and thought-provoking début novel with dark moments. Its portrayal of obsession is one that will send a shiver down your spine and you'll hope that you are never in that position. But don't look for a "pat" ending - it seems that things never end the way one hopes! This début novel by a police intelligence analyst is certainly well worth the read.” ( Shotsmag)

“Our South coast-based book group had been starved of a good book for a month or two, so it was with some excitement that we stumbled across the buzz on Twitter about Elizabeth Haynes' compelling debut novel Into the Darkest Corner. Thankfully starvation swiftly changed to gluttony when we got our hands on the book, as this is a compulsive thriller with sufficient twists and plot turns to keep the most action-avaricious of readers satisfied.” ( Bookgroup.info)

Loved!!

I really enjoyed the book. The book kept my interest throughout would highly recommend. The Narrators were also very good.

To longl:

This book could have uset a good editor. Shortened Ana still made the point. Tedious.

Excellent!!

What made the experience of listening to Into the Darkest Corner the most enjoyable?

This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! Wondering will she get this problem under control, will she ever be free, is he going to come back for her? It really opened my eyes to what the after math of something like this can do to someone.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Her checking the doors, windows, drawers everything she checked on a continuous basis, you felt so sorry for her. I knew there was a reason for the checking but didn't know the extent of it and you just cant stop listening.

Have you listened to any of David Thorpe and Karen Cass ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me thankful for the people in my life.

Great Listen!

I love a long listen I can settle in with. The story was a good one with interesting detail. I tend to like darker stories. I'm in for another.

Wow!!

I think this is the greatest book I've listen to this year!
Can't wait for my next read. :)

Narrated story adds so much to story

The time jump format was confusing for a while but it did help the unfolding of the story. The narration is in, what I assume, is its original English form, while the printed book has adjusted words. I loved hearing the narrator. Her reading performance added so much to the story.

gripping thriller

Would you listen to Into the Darkest Corner again? Why?

this is a fantastic thriller and a depressing but all too true insight into relationships and the mindgames played around domestic violence by both men and women.
I really enjoyed the narration as i lived in Lancaster for 2 years, i now live in Canada and the accents bought back many happy memories.
I would recommend this book to everyone but would add that any women who was struggling to come to terms with an abusive relationship or rape may find it upsetting if their was head was not quite in the right place. I can say this as i am very fortunate in never having experienced domestic violence ( i have had many crap relationships like everyone else!) but luckily avoided being raped a few years ago and know how peoples opinions (especially womens) press coverage, interviews with the police and court cases can really mess with your head and effect your self esteme
I hope this wasnt a spoiler, i dont usually write reviews and i really cant be bothered to correct grammar or spelling today but I did really enjoy this book and i could identify with some of the thinking of the main character as i experienced similar stuff myself after my near miss.I've come to terms with what happened to me, but still feel the need to put my two pennies in when people (both men and women) start giving opinnions on how people should react, and start giving blame to women who find themselves in situations which result in rape.
I found the book very entertaining and had to keep listening till the final chapters due to the excellent writing, plot and fantastic way in which the author portrayed a very grim story line.

What other book might you compare Into the Darkest Corner to and why?

cant think of one right now

What about David Thorpe and Karen Cass ’s performance did you like?

excellent- very good accents

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

when cathy was no longer afraid of her vile ex boyfriend!

Can you just...

The narrator is okay. The biggest problem I had was how she ad libs words and phrases instead of or in (unnecessary) addition to using the author’s exact words. You can also be treated to an ugly throat clearing sound that wasn’t edited out...

Down the rabbit hole

That's how I would describe this book especially the way the author jumps back and forth between past and present. The main character Catherine has been a free spirit with a few quirky hangups all of her life. Then she meets Lee, a handsome charming controlling undercover cop and psychopath. He slowly isolates her from all her friends, then plunges her into a nightmare of abuse and near death. He's put on trial and goes to jail but she is the true prisoner. Trapped in a world she can only cope with through severe OCD measures Cathy finally meet someone who can understand her; Stewart. Slowly Stewart who is also counselor begins to break down the strong steep walls she's built around herself. He introduces her to a friend, a clinical psychologist, who begins to help her find other coping measures to break away from her OCD. And - of course - right when she's making real progress Lee gets out of jail. At first it seems he's going about his own life, then signs start appearing. Small signs only Cathy would notice seem inconsequential to everyone else . As she believe the nightmare is starting over again Stewart gives her a glimmer of hope by believing her. Along with the detective from the 1st case, they work with her; finding out Lee reallyis coming for revenge. The last few chapters are a world wind of nailbiting tension that leave you breathless by the end of the book. This author is wonderful and I look forward to hearing more for work.

Disappointed

I kept waiting and waiting for something more to come of this book. It was very predictable and I truly don't understand all the rave reviews.

Not saying it was bad.. it was just ok.