When Carl sells a box of slimming pills to his close friend Stacey, inadvertently causing her death, he sets in train a sequence of catastrophic events which begin with subterfuge, extend to lies, & culminate in murder. In Rendell`s dark & atmospheric tale of psychological suspense, we encounter mistaken identity, kidnap, blackmail, & a cast of characters who are so real that we come to know them better than we know ourselves. Infused with her distinctive blend of wry humour, acute observation & deep humanity, this is Rendell at her most memorable & best.