You and Me by Nicola Rayner

I was in a bit of dilemma midweek. I'd finished a great book and was looking for something new to start that would draw me in quickly. I was suffering from what's known as a book hangover and was finding it hard to engage with something new.  I picked up several books and began reading, but nothing grabbed me. That was until I read the opening chapters of the latest book by Nicola Rayner, You and Me.  

Now here was something I could get behind. Those first two chapters suddenly became half the book, and within 48 hours, I'd finished it. This was a real page-turner. It was totally compelling yet an uncomfortable read at times.

We find out right from the off that Fran, the main character, is stalking someone. It turns out to be Charles, an old school friend who Fran has been obsessing over for years. Hmmm, that's a little uncomfortable, yet during the unravelling of this tale, it's hard not to have sympathy for Fran once we find out what she's endured. 

I won't spoil the plot as this one twists and turns like a twisty turny thing, and Rayner continually plays with the reader and makes us question who are the good guys and who are the villains. And just when you think you can trust someone, well, I'll let you read it and figure that out for yourself.

I do like reading crime books. Often hidden amongst the thrill of it all, are some strong societal messages, and this one had me feeling all sorts of emotions from Rayner's plot that involve bullying, abuse, childlessness, obsession, closed circles, power and in particular entitlement and how that plays out and impacts on the lives of others. The discomfort of not fitting in and being on the outside is also very well done.

This one is on the shelves of your local bookshop now, or wherever else you may buy books as it was published on the 1st October. But beware if you buy it, you can forget any household obligations you had down to sort because once you start this one, you definitely won't want to stop.

Thanks to Nicola Rayner, Avon UK Books and NetGalley for sharing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.