If There Be Thorns

The third entry in V.C. Andrews’ popular series, which started with “Flowers in the Attic,” is “If There Be Thorns.” It centers on Christopher and Cathy Dollanganger, who live as husband and wife with Cathy’s two sons, unaware of their parents’ incestuous past. The arrival of a mysterious woman next door, who befriends the younger son, Bart, triggers a peculiar change in him, leading to confrontational behavior towards Cathy and Christopher. The situation escalates when Christopher uncovers that their enigmatic neighbor is actually his mother, Corrine Dollanganger, bringing the family’s long-buried secrets to light in a tragic conclusion.