A Cage in Search of a Bird

Anyone observing Laura and C would think they're best friends. They've known each other since high school, they work together, and they even dress alike. Only Laura knows the truth: C is stalking her. She takes over Laura's projects at work, follows her outside the office, and pretends to be Laura on Facebook. Laura believes these are signs of De Cl%C3%A9rambault syndrome, a disease causing those affected to irrationally pursue the object of their desire, even when that person is not in love with them. She researches historical cases of the disease and arrives at a startling conclusion: the obsession will only end if one of them dies. Noiville's (Attachment) Hitchcock-style psychological thriller will satisfy even the most ardent suspense fan. Readers' only complaint will be the brevity of the story: the plot jumps headlong into C's obsession with little backstory and continues at a breakneck speed until the abrupt conclusion. But those looking for a gripping read will not be disappointed. (Sept.)