In the back of the book Lippman explains that this book is loosely based on a true crime. That crime was about a man who was put to death for raping and killing numerous victims. He did not kill one of his victims. Lippman decides to approach this book from the point of view of the victim who didn't get killed. In the book that is the character Elizabeth Lerner. She was a young teenager when she was abducted and held for weeks by her captor, Walter. After that experience she chose to shorten her name to Eliza and she is married to Peter Benedict. They had been living in England with their two kids when Peter's job brought them back close to where Eliza grew up. Life is a bit of a struggle at the moment. The kids' adjustment back to American culture, 8 year-old Albie's nightmares, and 13 year-old Iso's new attitude have all contributed to a stressful period of time. And then Eliza receives a letter and a picture of her and Peter, torn from a magazine. The letter is from Walter who is soon to be executed. Of the picture he says "I'd know you anywhere".
That is the background for this book. The book goes back and forth between the present and Eliza's past. It was a fascinating story and kept me guessing to the end. If you like suspense, check this out!
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