Too Close

Have read a fair few of Norman's books over the years and Too Close is easily at the top of the ladder quality wise. Norman has the ability to write masterpieces when she puts her mind to it (she's also written a few pretty average novels during her career to be honest) and Too Close can be called nothing but a masterpiece. If you liked Too Close then also check out her other edge of your seat thrillers also in this book's high quality league Guilt and Twisted Minds. In Too Close when Nick Miller moved with his parents into his new house back in 1976 like any red blooded male he noticed his beautiful next door neighbour Holly. A few years younger than Nick, Holly had recently lost her older brother Eric who drowned in front of her. Nick soon became Eric's substitute in every way bringing Holly out of her shell and embracing life once again. As they grew older Nick becomes interested in Holly in the way every teenage boy his age does, she notices this, encourages this and seduces him. Wrapped around her finger Nick does whatever she asks and takes the fall for every wrong thing she does so as far as everyone knows she's still a sweet little angel. When Holly's parents catch them together Nick knows he's lucky to avoid rape charges due to Holly's age and settles in his mind that its time to move on. Holly doesn't see it that way though and keeps reappearing throughout his life destroying any relationship he ever has and getting him into more and more trouble with the authorities. He knows she is obsessed with him and after taking drastic action is sure she's out of his life forever. Nick has a new wife Nina, baby and what he thinks is the perfect life. Holly however knows Nick is destined to be with her and will stop at nothing to make him hers. A very, very good read!