Twenty years after fleeing her abusive ex-lover, Naomi has inherited Mill End - their isolated retreat in North Devon. But she is shocked to find that someone else is already in residence - an unwelcome bête noir from her past.

As her former tormentor continues to exert his control from beyond the grave, Naomi is left reeling from a succession of disturbing memories and events, while she struggles to reconnect with the present. Is it solitude she needs? Or friendship?

And why is she so unsettled to discover that local artist, Meghan, has taken possession of a chair from Mill End, a chair that Naomi remembers painting herself?

"Painting that chair had been thrilling. The first scarlet brushful gave her goosebumps. If only she'd known then what the chair would be used for."