French is one of the new breed of women writing psychological thrillers, of whom Minette Walters is probably top of the class. This one sees Doctor Samantha, specialising in post-traumatic stress disorder, moving to the Essex coast with her small daughter Elsie and being asked to look after Fiona, who barely survived a savage attack that left both of her parents dead. Of course taking in Fiona also means taking on board her attendant troubles, and soon Doctor Sam needs more than her stethoscope to protect her from the things that begin going bump in the night. A nice shivery feel to this one, so it is not recommended for late-night reading.