Hurting Distance

Shadows of a Broken Heart

In Hurting Distance, Sophie Hannah crafts a gripping tableau of obsession and secrets, set against the windswept Yorkshire moors. First published by Hodder in 2009, this psychological thriller follows Dr. Elisabeth Barnes, a gifted child psychologist, whose idyllic life spirals into chaos when she receives a cryptic letter suggesting someone is watching her every move. Hannah’s evocative prose immerses readers in a world where the line between protector and predator blurs, and every whispered conversation carries the weight of betrayal. As the chill of suspicion seeps into Barnes’s home, the reader is drawn into a labyrinth of half-truths and concealed histories.

Unraveling Truths in the Dead of Night

Hannah masterfully ratchets up the tension with a cast of compelling characters: the enigmatic neighbor with a troubled past, the estranged sister harboring long-buried resentment, and the detective whose own demons threaten to compromise the investigation. Each revelation crashes like a wave, leaving Elisabeth—and the reader—struggling to keep their heads above water. Against the backdrop of rain-lashed streets and dimly lit corridors, the puzzle pieces shift with every page turn, challenging assumptions and exposing the fragility of trust. Hurting Distance is a study of how far we might go to protect those we love, even as our own vulnerabilities threaten to undo us.

The Calculus of Betrayal and Redemption

More than a tale of suspense, Hurting Distance delves into the psychology of fear, exploring how grief and guilt can warp perception. Sophie Hannah weaves philosophical reflections on memory and loss into the heart of the narrative, inviting readers to question the stories we tell ourselves and the truths we refuse to confront. This Hodder edition’s haunting cover art and precise, unflinching narrative ensure its place as a modern classic of the genre, perfect for fans of cerebral thrillers and atmospheric mysteries.

. Author’s description: Sophie Hannah is a British novelist and poet renowned for her intricate plotting and acute psychological insights. Her work, including bestsellers such as The Other Half Lives and The Carrier, has earned her international acclaim for reinventing the art of the psychological thriller.