Ronnie Sidney is a perfect child. The illegitimate son of a wartime romance, he gives his mother the unconditional love she so craves. In his mother''s eyes Ronnie is faultless: a ray of sunshine in her grey life. But as cracks begin to creep into Ronnie''s facade of youthful charm, a very different character starts to emerge.

For Susan Ramsey, life is easy. Cherished by her parents, she knows nothing of hardship or misery. Until a sudden tragedy thrusts her into a dark and disturbing world.

When Susan and Ronnie meet, the attraction is instant. Each recognises in the other a long-awaited soul mate. Finally, Ronnie feels able to remove his mask of perfection - with consequences more dreadful than either could possibly have foreseen . . .

With its compelling exploration of psychological power games and emotional violence, Apple of My Eye is the mesmerising third novel from the bestselling author of The Wishing Game and The Puppet Show.

Praise for Patrick Redmond:

''An intense, gripping read'' Heat
''Brilliantly drawn characters'' Crime Time
''Keeps the tension going right until the last page'' Joanne Harris

Ronnie Sidney is a perfect child. The illegitimate son of a wartime romance, he gives his mother the unconditional love she so craves. In his mother''s eyes Ronnie is faultless: a ray of sunshine in her grey life. But as cracks begin to creep into Ronnie''s facade of youthful charm, a very different character starts to emerge.

For Susan Ramsey, life is easy. Cherished by her parents, she knows nothing of hardship or misery. Until a sudden tragedy thrusts her into a dark and disturbing world.

When Susan and Ronnie meet, the attraction is instant. Each recognises in the other a long-awaited soul mate. Finally, Ronnie feels able to remove his mask of perfection - with consequences more dreadful than either could possibly have foreseen . . .

With its compelling exploration of psychological power games and emotional violence, Apple of My Eye is the mesmerising third novel from the bestselling author of The Wishing Game and The Puppet Show.

Praise for Patrick Redmond:

''An intense, gripping read'' Heat
''Brilliantly drawn characters'' Crime Time
''Keeps the tension going right until the last page'' Joanne Harris