Summary of the Book
In traditional fairy tales the handsome prince rescues the beautiful princess form her wicked stepmother, and they live happily ever after.
But in Ruth Rendell's dark and damaged contemporary universe, innocent dreams can turn into the most terrible nightmares.
Teddy Brex emerges form a loveless, isolated childhood as a handsome but autistic young man. Francine Hill, traumatised by the murder of her mother, grows into a beautiful young women, who must endure the over protectiveness of an increasingly obsessive stepmother.
Teddy Brex does ride to her rescue, but he is a man who has already committed murder.. twice.