It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. Katy Mahood writes with confidence, clarity and sensitivity. She examines love. death, possessiveness, confusion and hope with a clear eye and a tender touch.

Looking at how lives intertwine, even when we don't realise how our actions affect others and the results of those actions many years down the line could be an exercise in trivia but the gentle style of the writing makes everything important.

Don't expect twists and turns and sudden moments of excitement. This book is not at all in that mould. Do expect subtle writing that will have you engaged in the lives of the characters and have them stay with you long after you have finished reading the book. ( )