The dark, good-looking Guy is from a council flat. Leonora has a mews house in Holland Park, and her mother doesn't care for Guy - or the way he makes his money. His obsession with Leonora increases, even after they have grown apart, until eventually it creates in him a murderous madness.

Ruth Rendell, who also writes under the name of Barbara Vine, has won many awards, including the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger and two Edgars from the Mystery Writers of America. She has also won the Crime Writers' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger. In 1996 she was awarded the CBE and in 1997 became a Life Peer.

Dermot Crowley has appeared in many West End plays including the original production of Amadeus. Other theatre credits include Finbar in The Weir and Scenes from the Big Picture. His television work includes Spooks, Kingdom, New Tricks and Bleak House, while among his films are The Legend of Bagger Vance, Before You Go and Babel.