Bookrate

The safest suburbs often hold the deepest secrets. Such is the case for Essie, a mother of two. In a moment of maternal despair she once made a terrible mistake, one she will always regret. Essie has since recovered, but she fears what may still lurk inside her. Her neighbours in Pleasant Court have their own issues. Driven and energetic, Ange appears to have everything under control, except perhaps her husband. The ever-practical, intellectual Fran can’t stop running. For exercise, or something else? One hot February day during an unprecedented Melbourne heatwave, a new neighbour arrives. Isabelle is single and childless, when everyone else is married, with kids. She is renting, when everyone else owns. Isabelle’s job is mysterious and vague. Strangest of all, Isabelle is very interested in her new neighbours. Too interested, some might say. It soon starts to become clear that Isabelle’s choice of neighbourhood was no accident. And that her presence might bring even more secrets to light.