Originally Published: October 1, 2011

By: Liane Moriarty

When something that sounds like a plot of a movie becomes your life, it’s hard not to be intrigued, no matter how crazy it is.

Ellen O’Farrell is a hypnotherapist who is pretty happy with her life, except her lack of luck in love. When she meets Patrick, she is excited about his prospects. Even when he tells her his ex-girlfriend is stalking him, it’s a bit exciting. What Ellen doesn’t know is that she’s already met this woman.

Saskia – Patrick’s ex-girlfriend – continually becomes more interesting as you learn about her relationship with Patrick and his son. She becomes sympathetic and you’ll root for her by the end even though you know she needs help.

As in her other novels, Moriarty writes intricate female characters from different walks of life with well fleshed out backgrounds.

Final say: Hypnotizing. ★★★★☆