Claustrophobia, sexual obsession and paranoia are the linchpins of Visman's atmospheric U.S. debut (after Sex Education
, published in the U.K.). Neurotic narrator Stella never leaves the perfectly organized, tightly controlled world of her London flat: her massage therapy clients come to her, as does her lover, Ivan. "No stories from the past. No unnecessary anecdotes. No questions" are the rules Ivan accepts when he moves in, but when Stella notices the initials "S.L." on Ivan's ID bracelet (a gift from a long ago girlfriend), she breaks her own rules to interrogate him. Her fixation on the ex mushrooms into an odd, thrilling sexual game with Ivan, and the mystery also intensifies Stella's compulsive behaviors. Her narrow horizons also include inquisitive neighbor Catrina, and Stella's sister, Skye, who agrees to tail Ivan around the city. Though Visman adeptly evokes Stella's airless world, all of the moodiness doesn't add up to much. The sexual shenanigans are likely to produce giggles, and when the shady connections between some of the principals are exposed they strain credibility. Visman does turn out some sharp prose while keeping readers guessing, but Stella is too grating to hold readers' sympathy, even when she deserves it. (June)
