In the book the author examines powerful aspects of the human psyche that involve several highly topical contemporary issues. Although fiction, it was inspired, in part, by true events and abnormal behaviour in so-called normal people based on delusions (false beliefs). Through the actions of various role players, themes that are explored include the meaning of love, gender-based violence in the name of love, morbid jealousy and stalking. The story unfolds after prominent clinical psychologist and academic (Sydney Shepherd, the protagonist) accepts as patients a married couple (Mr and Mrs Willoughby, the antagonists) who are referred to him by a medical colleague for psychotherapy. On the surface they give the impression of self-styled charitable and well-respected members of their sub-urban community, but behind the scenes they are highly troubled individuals who harbour and act on dark personal secrets. The sinister consequences culminate in Sydney being stalked, a dramatically revealing court case, a psychotic breakdown and ultimate near-murder. Behind the suspense lies Sydney’s struggles with the tragic loss of his own love. After much soul searching, he becomes involved in another relationship with Nina Sherradon that fails because she unwittingly falls victim to Sydney’s stalker, resulting in a fateful cycle of anxiety, mistrust and infidelity. Driven by internal torment and its attendant complexities, Sydney seeks answers to elusive existential questions and in vain efforts tries to find a modicum of solace by immersing himself deeper into his chosen profession of helping others and treating a variety of psychologically disturbed people. However, eventually he accepts that to be normal requires facing graphic unfiltered realities and through a long-standing very supportive friendship with insightful June Kent, he manages to gain perspective and closure that promise hope for the future.