Book Review for Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

SYNOPSIS:

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance. You might not want to like them, but you do.

You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realise Jack and Grace are never apart.

Some might call this true love. Others might ask why Grace never answers the phone. Or how she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. And why there are bars on one of the bedroom windows.

Sometimes, the perfect marriage is the perfect lie.

MY RATING: 4.5/5 stars

GENRE: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Crime

Behind Closed Doors by B.A Paris is a story of a husband and wife, with a seemingly perfect and absolutely covetous lifestyle. Based on the synopsis, we immediately learn that this perfect marriage is not at all what it seems like.

I rarely read thriller novels (in fact I think I've probably read 5-6 thrillers my entire life), however I couldn't put this book down. It was fast paced, beautifully written and had my heart racing throughout waiting for the other shoe to drop. It's an emotional read, and while there are some thrillers (eg. Gone Girl) that don't reveal their cards too early, and we are unsure who is actually the villain of the story, this book lays out all of its cards almost immediately. We know who the villain is, and you are supposed to feel a visceral hatred towards Jake within the first few chapters of the novel. There is absolutely zero redeeming qualities about Jake, and the plan that he had for Grace and her sister Millie is downright triggering.

One thing about this book is it does not ride on its suspense. There is virtually zero suspense in this book and even from the blurb we are meant to be wary and know that the marriage between Jake and Grace isn't your typical marriage. It's not like Gone girl or Before You Go to Sleep (another thriller novel that I recently read) in the sense that it doesn't hide anything from you since the beginning. It's mainly an action, fast paced, heart pounding read, and I felt like it strongly delivered on all those aspects. It started a little slowly for me (as all books usually feel) but as soon as I reached the point where the book really starts in on its plot, I stayed up all night finishing the book and was almost disappointed when it ended. I stayed up all night thinking about it even much after I was finished with it. I just felt such anger and disgust for Jake's character and would fight him if I had the chance. I felt empathy and sadness for Grace and Millie's situation and would protect them if I had the chance. Grace was a smart character and you couldn't help for root for her and her sister Millie.

I truly loved the book and felt like it would be a heart pounding read for those who want to start getting into emotional thrillers that surround marriage and relationships. I can't wait to give more recommendations on books similar to this one.

“I don't suppose I could have a whiskey instead of the wine, could I?"

"Whiskey?"

"Yes"

"I didn't know you drank whiskey."

"And I didn't know you were a psychopath. Just bring me a whiskey”

- Behind Closed Doors

Find me on goodreads at: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/66237311-ayesha