And so, as it turns out, I choose a book that is not on the pile (of my previous post) as my monthly prompt book--Planes, Trains and Automobiles. If I am quick (which might be wishful thinking) I might well squeeze in another book from that pile, but I decided I needed something suspenseful and Clare Mackintosh's I See You is set on the London Underground--trains! One of the blurb reads "a deliciously creepy tale of urban paranoia". Maybe a perfect summer read--when the sun is high in the sky and there is nothing to be afraid of?
So the premise is a woman commutes to and from her job by way of the Underground and happens to come across a grainy photo in a newspaper that looks uncannily just like her. It is attached to a website for one of those dating companies--FindTheOne.com. And while I have not quite gotten this far--on other days it is other women she spots in that same ad and frighteningly the next day the women turn up dead.
The story is told from several different perspectives--along with the woman, Zoe, there is a detective with a tragic past and the stalker/murderer. I like stories with multiple characters/plotlines as it makes for a more interesting story, though I must admit it can be uncomfortable being in the mind of a criminal. As a matter of fact my teaser comes from a section narrated by the stalker who happens to be watching a woman on the train . . .
"As the train takes the bend you let go of the ceiling strap and lean down for your handbag, still intent on your book. If I didn't know better I'd think you'd caught me looking and were moving your belongings out of view, but it isn't that. The bend in the track simply means it's nearly your stop."
"You're enjoying this book. Usually you'll stop reading much earlier than this when you reach the end of a chapter, and you slip between the pages the postcard you use as a bookmark. Today you're still reading even as the train pulls into the station. Even as you shoulder your way through to the door, saying 'excuse me' and 'sorry' a dozen times. You're still reading even as you walk towards the exit, your eyes flicking upward to make sure you don't bump into anyone."
"You're still reading."
"And I'm still watching."
Now that is just a little creepy. I hate to say how often I have done just that on the city bus. Of course I am not in London and hope no one is watching me! I suspect when it comes to readers it is not uncommon to be very absorbed in a story. Somehow, though, I fear it does not bode well for this woman.