don't think I would ever have read a book by this author if a library patron had not strongly recommended it to me. The book was published in 1993 and the cover looked sad and wrinkled. It did not look at all inviting. However I thought I would try it and was very pleasantly surprised. The book deals with the problems that can be suddenly unleashed in an apparently idyllic family. Annabel Bateman, a barrister, is touched by grief after the death of her oldest and dearest friend, Oliver. At the same time she is briefed to defend a man accused of incest. This unleashes much censure from self-righteous colleagues, her feminist daughter and her husband who is hoping to be considered for election to a new university posting. He thinks his wife's involvement in such an unsavoury case could threaten his advancement. Annabel also has the mother-in-law from hell to contend with. She finds that the foundations of her once secure and happy life, are in turmoil. This is the first book by this author and it is magnificent. I can only compare her style and content to that of Joanna Trollope. She deals honestly with contemporary issues and her writing is intelligent and focused - I was enthralled until the very last page. The library holds many, more recent novels by this author. I look forward to reading more of them. The old adage is true. You really can't judge a book by its cover.