Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes – Published by Myriad Editions in Paperback, February 2011. Also available for kindle

Catherine is happily single but when she meets Lee, he appears to be everything she has ever wanted in a man – gorgeous, caring and fun. Her friends think he’s amazing too. Catherine is concerned that Lee won’t tell her about his job but is too dazzled to care, until he starts to reveal a more controlling side to his character.

As his darker side takes over, Catherine becomes more and more powerless until she fears for her life. She can think only of escape.

This is one of the most intense and stunning books I have ever read. A story of domestic abuse which might so easily be true. Sometimes almost too painful to read and so realistic, it was easy to forget it was a work of fiction. To say more would be give away the ending. Moving, terrible and brilliant in turn.

If you are fleeing domestic violence and have not already obtained advice, please call the 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.