This novel tells the story of Kerstin, Swedish young nurse of 24 years who has been engaged for a year in a mansion lost in the depths of the English countryside. At the request of Mrs. Cosway (tyrannical wife of 79 years), Kerstin has to look after his son John supposedly schizophrenic. In addition to that, three of the daughters of Mrs. Cosway live in this house. There Ella (37 years), Winefred (42) and Ida (48 years). All three are single and live a little life under the yoke of their mother. The fourth Zhorah daughter, widow and rich just from time to time at the mansion and despises this family. Gradually Kristin finds himself plunged into a heavy atmosphere, made of non-words, little secret, meanness, jealousy and hatred, and it will all end very badly. Ruth Rendell as in most of his novels gives us a great analysis of behavior and human nature. She knows skillfully penetrate the torments of the human soul. This book that I absolutely loved the books made me think of Brontee sisters or Daphne du Maurier.