A few years back I read the first chapter of a really good book that I never had the chance to finish. I'm now trying to track it down and would appreciate any suggestions as to its title and author.

Here's what I remember.

It began with a first person, male, protagonist who was watching a girl. He knew a lot about the girl, but she was unaware of him. It was really creepy, and I think he abducted her later. There also might have been alternate chapters that told her side of the events.

It was pre-2003, and I had the feeling the author was male (though I'm not definate). It is a well known book (except by me) and ranks up there with Perfume. In fact, I'd convinced myself it was called Perfume until I actually read that and realised it wasn't the book I was looking for.

I hope someone can help me. I think that if you've read it, some of that would ring a bell. I know I would recognise it in the first paragraph if I found it again.

Thanks in advance, anyone who can help,

Louise x

Could it be The Collector, by John Fowles?

Vasily