The Girl on the Landing

By Paul Torday (Hachette New Zealand, RRP $38.99)

Elizabeth and Michael's marriage is passionless, they seem to stay together because it's too much effort to do otherwise, besides he is steady and dependable and is rather well off.

Elizabeth works as a real estate reviewer for a fashionable London magazine, with a bitchy boss and very little job security. Michael is not employed, but has a flat in central London and an estate in the Scottish Highlands he inherited from his parents. He is also a member of an exclusive gentleman's club in Mayfair where he is the membership secretary, when he's not up in Scotland managing the estate.

All terribly upper class and it's no wonder Elizabeth is bored. However, accompanying Michael on a tiresome visit to Ireland to play golf with other members of his club triggers a change in her husband's behaviour.

He's become much more fun and while she delights in the change, she's determined to find out why.

Written in their two voices, this book explores the theme of identity and love, but it is also a thriller. Who is the girl on the landing and what does she want?

Michael's past is threatening to destroy everything and everyone he has ever loved.

A well-crafted story by a very talented writer that you won't forget in a hurry.

- © Fairfax NZ News