Claudie Blakley reads Ruth Rendell's thriller.

Mary Jago's troubles begin when partner Alastair beats her up for making an anonymous donation of her bone marrow. She flees to house-sit a Georgian mansion in London's Regents Park, apparently safe at last but where she is lonely and her only company is the departing occupants' dog, a shih-tzu called Gushi.

Against her grandmother's advice Mary plans to meet the recipient of her bone marrow, a young man from a local housing estate called Leo Nash. Other characters include: Leslie Bean, a 70 year old dog-walker, who comes twice a day to take Gushi out along with five other dogs; Roman Ashton, who takes to the streets after his wife and children die in a devastating traffic accident; and Hob, a drug addict and part time hit man.

In this opening episode, Mary flees to the apparent tranquillity of Charlotte Cottage - an opulent house which belongs to friends of her grandmother. Once there, she writes a letter to the recipient of her bone marrow, Leo Nash, whom she wants to meet.

Meanwhile, in the park nearby, local drug addict Hob pays for his next hit by beating up a victim for his dealer.

Producer: Hilary Dunn

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Loftus Audio. Show less