The Cottage

At the start of this twisty thriller from Shamus Award winner Judson (Avenged), widow Kate Burke wakes up one night to see two people near the empty cottage on her property in Westport, Conn. After Kate discovers the cottage was broken into, she decides to rent it to a man recommended to her by Westport’s police chief, in hope of discouraging vandals. But incidents of vandalism continue, escalating Kate’s fears for herself and her 12-year-old twins. When Kate’s neighbor who helps look after the twins goes back to work, she reluctantly invites her estranged sister, Rebecca, to move in with her and the children. The tension rises as Kate begins receiving cryptic text messages and photos indicating that someone is spying on her. Assisting local law enforcement in their efforts to uncover the harasser is former police chief Leo Burke, the father of Kate’s police officer husband, who was shot in a purported “attempted robbery gone wrong” two years earlier. Building to an explosive conclusion, this white-knuckled ride consistently entertains. Agent: Scott Miller, Trident Media Group. (Nov.)