This is one of the very best thrillers that I have read. An elderly resident of a nursing home, Stella, is befriended by Genevieve,her special carer. Gradually Stella unfolds her story which in parts is sad, ordinary, suspenseful and terrible. At the same time as Genevieve is hearing Stella's story, she is, in part, re-enacting the same story with her secret lover, Ned.
Stella's lover, Alan, is married to a b-grade movie actress from the 40's whose role playing and drama queen dramatics alienate both her husband and her friends. Stella and Alan continue their love affair for 10 years until circumstances force their hands and their affair takes a new direction. As usual, Barbara Vine inserts the stinger in the tail of the story--a really good read.