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Dr John Falconer, recently appointed partner to old Cornwallis, is invited to a garden party at the seat of the local lord of the manor. Arranged as a 21st birthday for the eldest daughter Beatrice, he is introduced to her sisters Marion, Helen, and the youngest, 17 year old Rosie, who takes it upon herself to conduct him around the extensive grounds of the house. In a moment of indiscretion, she lets slip her true feelings about Beatrice who she says has always been over-possessive about Pine Hurst, and since the death of their mother, has become insufferably dominating. She now rules her father and the servants with an iron hand and Rosie could see no end to the tyranny since no man had so far shown any willingness to marry Beatrice who glories in being the mistress of the house and never dreams of leaving. But when the girls' father dies unexpectedly, their security is threatened, and Beatrice must lay plans to protect this most prized possession. First published as The Obsession in 1995, the novel is one of Cookson's most unusual novels, powerfully portraying a woman dangerously driven by desire and ambition. 430pp, paperback.