The Sinner by Petra Hammesfahr

The Sinner

Petra Hammesfahr

Why does Cora Bender knife to death a complete stranger on the beach in front of her husband and small child and many other witnesses? Knowing she is guilty, she tells her story - a farrago of lies. The local Police Chief is determined to find out the truth and delves into her very disturbed past. A real page-turner, with an excellent twist - not a comfortable read!

Extract
Her first thrust caught him in the neck. He gave a startled cry and swung round, grabbed her wrist and held it for a moment or two, staring at her. Then he let go and merely went on staring. He muttered something she didn't catch, the music was too loud. That was it! That was the tune in her head, the prelude to madness. It rang over the trampled grass, over the horrified faces of those around her. The second thrust caught him in the side of the throat. He stared at her wide-eyed but made no sound, just clutched his neck with one hand and gazed into her eyes. The blood spurted between his fingers, red as the little plastic fish.
Parallels
  • Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith
  • The Red Room by Nicci French
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Violence
Explicit sexual content