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3 dark stars

This is my first read by Abigail Dean, and I must admit I struggled with it.

Edward and Isabel are a couple that can’t seem to stay away from each other, but I’m not sure they are happy together either. They eventually marry, and Edward wants to start a family. Written from dual viewpoints, we get to read the thoughts of Isabel and Edward.

In a dark part of the book, we learn about the South London Invader, a man who is breaking into homes and terrorizing victims. He evolves from attacking single women to attacking couples and then later to killing. If this is triggering for you, be warned that the violence is fully described.

There is a detective, Etta, who commits herself to catching the Invader, and she is a character I rooted for in the book.

The Invader breaks into Isabel and Edward’s house on a summer evening. We later get the full description, and it is harrowing. They each deal with it in different ways but don’t fully work through the trauma. It is no wonder this tears apart their relationship and, eventually, their marriage. I believe that is what the title refers to, but it could also be interpreted differently.

The South London Invader is eventually caught and on trial, and much of the book deals with the impact statements from those he attacked. This is dark content, indeed. Isabel and Edward support each other during the trial.

This one provoked many thoughts in me, but I didn’t warm to the characters. Other readers have rated it very highly, so you might like it.

This was a buddy read with Jayme and Mary Beth. Be sure to read their reviews.

My thanks to Penguin Group/Viking for the opportunity to review and honestly review this one. It is scheduled to be released on 4.15.2025.