I didn't enjoy this book very much so I'd prefer not to say anything negative.

A chilling and psychologically dark Fifties tale of suspense of jealousy and murder, that is trademark Frederic Dard from stsart to finish. His depiction of the naivety and gaucheness of Louise, is never less than perfectly realised, as she inveigles herself in the life of the glamorous but tormented couple, the Roolands. In a relatively short novel, Dard ratchets up both the suspense, and depth of character with some lighter vignettes featuring Louise’s awful relatives too. You know you are being led on a path of self destruction from early on, and as you view the self combustion of the characters, you almost feel guilty for watching. Wasn’t entirely convinced by the abruptness, and rather unfinished feel of the ending, but time spent with Dard is never entirely wasted, as the rest of this dark tale testifies. Recommended.

As with all good noir fiction, this tale is told in first person narrative by Louise, a 17yo French girl, unhappy with her own mundane life, envies a wealthy American couple in the area, and inserts herself into their lives. And until the final twist at the end, you are never quite sure in which direction you are being led.

Although I did enjoy the book, I kept feeling as if something was missing.