Debut crime novelist, Carl, struggling to make ends meet, bitterly regrets accepting the first person to apply to rent the top part of his house.

Dermot has proven to be a slippery and manipulative tenant, making much of his knowledge that Carl sold slimming pills to a friend who subsequently died.

Indeed, Dermot has now stopped paying rent altogether.

Almost broke, Carl reluctantly faces the prospect of having to confess all to Nicola, his girlfriend...

Ruth Rendell's final novel is a dark and atmospheric tale of psychological suspense.

Abridged by Robin Brooks.

Read by Patricia Hodge.

Producer: Kirsteen Cameron.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015. Show less