Erin's Book #49: Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen

This is a tough book. Beautifully written, but tough subject matter. Frances Benedetto, fed up with being battered by her cop husband Bobby, takes her young son Robert and disappears, leaving behind her Brooklyn home and starting a new life as Beth Crenshaw in a small Florida town. She uses a program akin to Witness Protection, but specializing in abused wives. As Beth and Robert adjust to their new lives, they live in fear that Bobby will find them.

Beth is a strong woman, stronger than Frances. After being beaten for years, she finally leaves for her son's sake. But Bobby's shadow hangs over every page. Even as Robert makes friends and takes up sports, and Beth starts a new relationship and job, you just sense that Bobby is out there looking for her, wanting his revenge.

I won't spoil the ending, but I will say it was somewhat shocking to me. I'm curious to read more by Quindlen, and I have a feeling this one won't leave me very easily.