It was supposed to be a special road trip for newly pregnant Jacy and her husband Jed. Their destination was the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where Jed's father had a cottage in the woods.  Upon arrival, Jacy felt comfortable, Her father-in-law, Dr. Ash, was charming and welcoming. The property caretaker, Mrs. Brandt, not so much. When she spoke at all, her words were cryptic.

Gradually, the mood of the trip begins to change.  Jacy suffers a pregnancy complication and it seems to be at the root of this, but as the story moves along we learn there is much more going on.  Jacy's questions about Jed's dead mother are met with vague and puzzling answers. As Jacy's movements are restricted, fear and dread set in. Jed begins to turn into what might be a former version of himself, one that is a stranger to Jacy. 

BEWARE THE WOMAN by Megan Abbott is an expertly-paced psychological thriller that has a strong dose of horror. The characters are a mixed lot.  Some are eccentric and worrisome.  Others are outright terrifying.  Jacy is a well-presented protagonist who finds herself trapped in a situation she never could have imagined. Totally unprepared for a rapidly worsening situation and desperate to protect her unborn child, help comes from an unexpected source.  Can she trust the source?

I found BEWARE THE WOMAN to be a fascinating story.  Filled with suspense, secrets and a shocking revelation, readers will be engrossed from start to finish.  Highly recommended.