The Lighthouse — Bill Pronzini

Anticipating a peaceful and relaxing year in which to write and illustrate a book, college professor Jan Ryerson and his artist wife Alix move to the isolated Cape Despair Lighthouse on a desolate stretch of Oregon coast. But their well-laid plans are twisted awry shortly after their arrival.

Jan experiences several terrifying blackouts, but conceals them from his wife, fearing that she will leave him if she realizes that he will soon be blind. The villagers, suspicious of the couple from the start, become increasingly hostile and resentful, and when the murdered body of a young woman is discovered, are quick to blame the stranger in town, Jan.

Strange events soon turn life at the lighthouse into a horrifying trap. Alix is haunted by doubts of Jan's sanity, and the residents of town increase their hostile actions, seeking revenge for the murder. Jan and Alix are terrorized by an unknown enemy and separated from each other by the gulf of mistrust within the isolated and dreary location. Another murder brings a chilling and suspenseful confrontation, when the truth of Cape Despair must be revealed.