The Crocodile Bird by Ruth Rendell

Isolated from the world by her mother’s control, Liza has lived her entire life within the walls of a remote gatekeeper’s lodge — until a shocking event drives her into the world she’s never known. As she begins to unravel the mysteries of her past, Ruth Rendell crafts a haunting and psychological tale of innocence, obsession, and moral awakening from one of the greatest masters of suspense.