Edith’s Diary was published in 1977 and is billed a psychological thriller. You may be familiar with the author Patricia Highsmith, who published 22 novels, including The Talented Mr. Ripley and Strangers on a Train.

There is no crime that occurs, well maybe but it’s hard to prove and there’s no real evidence. The true crime is that Edith has to raise a selfish, drip of a son on her own because her husband runs off with his secretary. Not only does he leave Edith to the parenting, he also leaves his bedridden uncle in her care. What a guy.

Overall I kept expecting more. I thought there would be some psychological twist at the end, or that the crimes would be bigger (not the small slights and misdemeanours). This is a sad story about a woman who doesn’t give up but doesn’t give herself a chance either.

If you enjoyed The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn, then give this one a go.