The Intruder

Book excerpt: New York Times Bestseller: A lawyer is tormented by a destitute, emotionally unstable man—until one shocking moment changes everything: “A great plot.” —Los Angeles Times Jacob Schiff has a good career, a beautiful home in New York City, and a loving family. John Gates has none of those things. A psychiatric patient with a traumatic past, John received professional treatment from Jacob’s wife, with little success. Now, he’s following her and lingering near the Schiffs’s front door, menacing and harassing them at every opportunity—convinced that what Jacob has rightfully belongs to him instead. But Jacob Schiff has endured some brutal experiences too, and he has an angry streak. When, in desperation, he decides to take action to protect himself and his loved ones, the encounter takes a turn he didn’t predict, and everything he was trying to save may be utterly destroyed. From the Edgar Award–winning author of Slow Motion Riot and Sunrise Highway, this “gripping” novel “develops into a raw-nerved courtroom thriller . . . a harrowing, compelling read” (The New York Times). “More than a story about a man protecting his family. It’s about a man losing faith—in love, God, and humanity—and the possibility of regaining it.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “The Intruder is un-putdownable.” —Stephen King “A disturbing, cathartic climax.” —Entertainment Weekly “Irresistible.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review “A tour de force.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review