Within the first ten pages you come to know that Alicia Berenson, an artist, is found trying to kill herself next to her murdered husband. She doesn’t say a word after that event; her only communication is a single painting with the word Alcestis—a reference to one of Euripides lesser known tragedies. Alicia is eventually convicted and sentenced to time at a secure psychiatric facility. The book is narrated by Theo Faber, a psychiatrist who claims to have a special interest in this case and particularly suited to treating her. He finds himself treating Alicia, six years after the murder. Theo’s narrative of this treatment alternates with entries from Alicia’s diary which indicates she was devoted to her husband.  

Murder, Psychotherapy, and the Greek tragedy Alcestis form the backdrop against which this thriller is set. Agatha Christie, Alice Miller (The drama of being a child) and Stephen Fry (Mythos) have admittedly been Mr. Michaelides’ influences for this book.