I received this book as a Christmas present from my lovely friend Amy (@tale.at.a.time) and devoured it in 2 days. As far as thrillers go, this one is up there with the best of them.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I look around at everybody laughing and joking together and struggle to understand my life has become a living hell that nobody present could even begin to imagine.”

Synopsis

To the outside world, everything about Grace Angel is perfect: perfect house, perfect husband, even the perfect surname. She has regular holidays to Thailand and doesn’t even have to work. But what if that perfect life was actually the perfect lie?

A thriller like no other

I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll keep this review short. One of my favourite things about the overall story of this one was the pace. So many other thrillers build a gradual tension with lots of cliffhangers urging you to keep reading. Then suddenly there is a big rushed climax that in the last 10-15% and the book is over. Behind Closed Doors is different. The story builds all the way through right and you are kept guessing right until the very end. There is plenty of tension but the pace is slower and this is why the book grips you from the start and is so easy to blitz in one sitting.

“We go downstairs and in the hall, he takes my coat from the cupboard and holds it open while I slip my arms into it. In the drive outside, he holds the car door for me and waits until I’m in. As he closes it behind me, I can’t help thinking it’s a shame he’s such a sadistic bastard, because he has wonderful manners.” 

Terrifyingly real

Another thing I will say about this book is how realistic the topic was. I’m sure we all know a loved-up couple that seem perfect for each other, showcasing affection and practically joint at the hip. But what if that couple were putting on a huge show for their audience? This book explores a ‘perfect’ couple’s life away from public eyes. It is haunting to think that this work of fiction could be happening in a real life home.

“The door opens and he stands in the doorway, my handsome, psychopathic husband.” 

Overview

Genre: Thriller
Pages: 351 (paperback)
About the author: B.A Paris lives in France with her husband and 5 daughters. She has previously worked at a bank and as a teacher. According to a Goodreads Q&A, she got the idea for the book after she was suspicious about a friend’s marriage. Her imagination went into overdrive and voila! Behind Closed Doors was born.