Review - Behind Closed Doors by B A Paris

Published - August 9, 2016

Book Summary

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.

Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.

Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.

From bestselling author B. A. Paris comes the gripping thriller and international phenomenon Behind Closed Doors.

My Review - 4 1/2 stars

The intensity in this book is non stop, shocking and many moments I realized I was holding my breath.  I am so impressed this is a debut, well done BA Paris.  I felt relieved at the end which isn't a good thing but my oh my, intense.  The summary says we all know a couple like Jack and Grace, I sure as hell hope not.  That thought is scary and very creepy, there are some things I will never overlook with friends now.  I will give a warning, this is probably the worst kind of mental manipulation abuse I have read, it can be very hard to read if you are not into emotional intense reads.  I found this harder to read them physical abuse.

I saw a free 5 chapter download and immediately started to read it.  I was hooked and then realized I had 6 weeks before it was released, I will never do that again.  I totally teased myself and I couldn't wait to find out what was behind closed doors.

I enjoyed the switch of chapters from Past to Present, this totally captured my attention and the best part is that the intensity never let go.  I would say this makes my favourite psychological thriller so far this year.  If you enjoyed Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes you will enjoy this one.

You know something is not right with this couple but you are unable to put your finger on it.  Jack is an affluent lawyer that falls in love with Grace and her sister Millie who has Downs syndrome.  The plan is for Millie to move in with them once they marry and she finishes school.  He is a complete gentleman to the outside world but no one can come between Grace and Millie.  Family 1st.

When everything - the loneliness, the boredom, the fear, the despair - got too much to bear, I closed my eyes and thought of Millie. Kindle 43%

I did think could this happen and you know what, I believe money talks and Jack being an affluent lawyer I am heartbroken to say yes it could.  Jack truly is the biggest cruelest arsehole I have read I think, and I enjoy this genre so I have read a lot.

'Fear' he whispered.  'There is nothing quite like it.  I love how it looks, I love how it feels, I love how it smells.  And I especially love the sound of it.'  Kindle 50%

Millie loved to read mysteries, especially Agatha Christie.  I loved Millie as a character which made me love Grace even more  These stories always work better with loving, alluring characters that you feel for.

I loved the ending of this book with the discussion between Grace and her friend Esther.  Intuition - follow it.

Waiting the 6 weeks was totally worth it, that intensity was unreal.  I was happy to breathe again at the end of the book.