The story concerns a young mother who has lost her husband and son in a car crash and the guilt and self-reproach she has to go through as a consequence of her loss.

Julia Piper lives alone in her London apartment after having lost her son and husband in a car crash.

Julia makes a living as a cleaning lady and one of her clients is Sylvester Wykes, publisher and divorcee.

When they eventually meet, Sylvester immediately is fascinated by the young and unapproachable woman.

Ever since the funeral she has been terrorized by a stranger who keeps following her and makes phone calls late at night, pushing her closer to the edge.