This was an exhilarating thriller that kept me guessing about the Bartholomew's secrets until the very end.  The gothic edge successfully gave the premises and its residents a foreboding air that lingered throughout the book. I was gripped by Jules' determination and haunted perspective from a lifetime of learning to expect the worst. She was not a perfect investigator, yet her poor decisions made her seem more down-to-earth and realistic. Once I was engaged in the novel I was glued to the pages, and read until the very end. By now I've read all but one of Sager's novels, and this one makes it into my favorites. Definitely recommended for readers looking for a fast-paced and atmospheric thriller.