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Behind
Closed Doors - B.A. Paris
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Pages: 352
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Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
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Language: English
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ISBN: 978-1250121004
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Synopsis: "The perfect marriage or the perfect lie?" Jack and Grace seem to be the perfect
couple, but things are not always as they seem.
Grace is a lovely,
elegant woman who is caregiver to her younger sister, Millie, who has Down’s
Syndrome. Millie is currently in a special school, but since she will soon be
18 years old, she will need to leave the school for a permanent home, of
course to live with Grace. Jack is very
successful lawyer, never having lost a case protecting battered women. He is charming, affectionate and totally accepting
of Millie and her relationship with Grace. Though Grace initially had qualms about
beginning a relationship, Jack seemed so perfect. He was not only handsome and charming, but
loving and caring. Grace falls quickly
for Jack, and agrees to marry him, and that is when the nightmare truly
begins.
Behind Closed Doors is a fantastic psychological thriller. The
characters are very well-developed and the reader can easily identify with
them. Combined with numerous plot
twists and turns, the reader will be on the edge of their seat.
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Elements of
Thriller Genre
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Pace: The story moves at a rapid
pace and is driven by the danger felt by Grace. The story builds in intensity and leaves
the reader wanting to know what will happen next.
Setting: The story is told primarily
from the beautiful home of Grace and Jack.
But as the reader learns, a beautiful home can be just a façade with
horrors to be found around every corner.
Tone/Mood: The tone of the story is dark
and is dominated by danger, fear, and good triumphing over evil.
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Story Line: This story has a provocative story line, with several social and
moral issues contained within. It is
very detailed and intricate and there is a consistent element of danger.
Characterization: The characters are well
developed and easily to identify with.
The antagonist is very well portrayed as an evil, sadistic monster,
but the portrayal is not over the top.
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Read-a-Likes
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The
Couple Next Door
Shari Lapena
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I See
You
Clare Mackintosh
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When She
Was Bad
Tammy Cohen
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Melanie,
ReplyDeleteYour introductory description of Behind Closed Doors seemed so ....peaceful... until the very end, "..that is when the nightmare truly begins." I thought at first it might be a thriller that I could enjoy, but...seems the storyline turns quickly into one of fear and unrest. Does this book focuses on Grace's fear and, perhaps her anticipation of danger? Would you classify it as a psychological thriller?
Thank you.
I would definitely classify it as a psychological thriller. The storyline does turn very dark and there were moments that were hard for me to read, but overall an excellent book.
DeleteMelanie,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was first reading your synopsis, I wondered why it was under the category of thriller. It seemed like a somewhat normal storyline, with a girl falling in love with a guy, in addition to her relationship with her sister. After Grace agrees to marry Jack, things take a turn for the worse. I had the same kind of feeling while reading Gone Girl. It's interesting to discover a different side to a character, where they are not putting on a show but being themselves. It makes me want to read more about Jack's character and if he is really sincere.
Just thinking about the audience for this genre, as I don't identify as a thriller fan...Your description of this book is intriguing, which surprises me, as it falls into a category that I almost never read. I wonder, given my own personal dislike of stories that put vulnerable characters at risk of violence (children, people with disabilities, special needs) if that would be a turn off for reader's with similar dislikes? Having said that, fans of "woman in peril is resourceful and survives" would no doubt like this title a lot!
ReplyDeleteIf you dislike stories that put the vulnerable at risk, this is definitely not the book for you. There were a few times in the book that it was hard to read, but overall the story was great.
DeleteHi! This class is making my "to be read" list grow and grow! Your description of the book piqued my interest, as I enjoy reading suspense and thrillers. You say that this book delves into social and moral issues, and I think that helps the reader have empathy (or apathy) for the characters, and it makes you think. This sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good point, April! It's safe for you to read!
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I like how you grab our interest right off the bat with the first line in your synopsis where you warn us that "things are not always as they seem."
ReplyDeleteI like to mix things up when I read. I love all sorts of genres and a fast-paced read like this (with twists and turns) is a fun diversion from some of the drier stuff I pick up. I also like books set in England like this one.
There have been several intriguing psychological thrillers on the best-seller lists lately. This may sound silly, but it's kind of refreshing that this one doesn't have the word "girl" or the word "woman" in the title. (Although I did enjoy both Gone Girl and The Woman in Cabin 10!)
Thanks for your annotation!
Fantastic annotation! You did a great job outlining the appeals and summarizing it! You made this book sound very exciting and I may have to add it to my tbr pile! Great job!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am delighted that you chose an author I have never heard of before! At least for my patrons, this is not a name anyone has ever asked for, but I have PLENTY of patrons who have read every thriller out there, and I am sometimes at a loss. This annotation makes ME want to read this book. I am really looking forward to doing more research so I am recommend this to patrons. I'm especially intrigued that one of the characters has a disability. I work for a program where all of the patrons have some sort of physical, visual, or mental handicap that prevents them from reading traditional books, and many of my patrons are always looking for books that feature characters with disabilities. I'm not sure if you chose this book because of that, but in my line of work, its a hot commodity, so thank you!
ReplyDelete