I really can't agree with those reviwers who criticise this book because I loved it, even to the point of rushing home from work just to read a few more chapters! I have not, however, read the author's first novel, 'After You'd Gone' (which I understand is really good) and so perhaps, because I did not subconciously compare it with this one, I enjoyed for itself. I found the story not to be haunting in a creepy sort of way, but in the sense that it evoked the atmosphere of a love that lingers and refuses to leave, even after one of the lovers has left. Lily moves in with Marcus, who is boyish and irresistable, but he is still deeply affected by the break-up of his 5-year relationship with Sinead. Although Lily and Marcus become lovers, Lily cannot escape the presence of Sinead in the converted warehouse she shares with Marcus. Sinead's presence is so overpowering that Lily is able to 'see' her and smell her perfume, which makes Lily too nervous to be in the place alone. Although Marcus seems sincere, Lily finds that he is still obsessed by Sinead and constantly phones her, asking her to come back. Unable to stand the uncertainty, Lily tracks Sinead down and begs her to tell the truth about why she left Marcus. Upon hearing Sinead's story, Lily begins to see Marcus in a different light, until she is forced to face the truth about their own relationship. This is a story of love, betrayal, friendship and trust and (unlike a previous reviewer) I found the ending to be perfectly clear and also very satisfying. In all, I found this novel to be very tender and thought-provoking and it lingered in my mind for a long time after I had finished it.
