"Compelling action Sparks's fans clamor for his brand of love story, and, with the added punch of suspense, this one will be another bestseller." --Publishers Weekly

"Fans everywhere are familiar with Nicholas Sparks's poignant, emotionally driven novels Sparks's latest is proof that he's just as proficient writing suspensefut fiction as he is writing classic tearjerkers." --Romantic Times

"A thriller filled with suspense that will not allow you to put down the book. Nicholas Sparks with a new dimension You will not be disappointed."---ReviewingTheEvidence.com

From the author of some of the most memorable love stories of our time comes an explosive tale of betrayal and obsession-and a daring look into the darker realms of the heart.

Julie Barenson's young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died-a Great Dane puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years have passed. Still living in the small town of Swansboro, North Carolina, twenty-nine-year-old Julie is emotionally ready to make a commitment to someone again. But who? Should it be Richard Franklin, the handsome, sophisticated engineer who treats her like a queen? Or Mike Harris, the down-to-earth nice guy who was her husband's best friend? Choosing one of them should bring her more happiness than she's had in years. Instead, Julie is soon fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by a chilling deception and jealousy so poisonous that it has become a murderous desire...

Acknowledgments

Prologue Christmas Eve 1998

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

……

Chapter 42

Epilogue

Author's Note