GREENWICH PARK

KATHERINE FAULKNER

RAVEN BOOKS, RRP $30

Pregnant Helen is not looking for a new friend when she encounters fellow mum-to-be Rachel at an antenatal class. But suddenly Rachel seems to be everywhere that lonely Helen goes – and she knows all sorts of details about Helen’s privileged life, family and close circle of friends. Helen also can’t be sure she ever let those details slip. Welcome to a gripping and unnerving psychological thriller as brash Rachel moves into Helen’s life lock, stock and barrel. It all seems too easy and convenient. But full-on Rachel brings baggage, secrets and lies sure to entangle the seemingly charmed life of Helen, her distracted husband Daniel, brothers Rory and Charlie and frosty sister-in-law Serena. You just want to yell at Helen to take a step back and lock her doors, but she’s no match for Rachel, who’s on a definite personal mission. Katherine Faulkner’s impressive debut novel will keep you guessing right until the end trying to work out who’s up to no good and who’s in danger.

CARINE BRUCE VERDICT: Perfect thriller