Jaclyn’s Review: The Girl Before by JP Delaney

The Girl Before
written by JP Delaney
published by Ballantine Books, 2017

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Apple Books, Target, Walmart, Kobo, Book Depository, Goodreads

Did I enjoy this book? OK, so I went through a phase where it seemed like I read nothing but psychological thrillers. By the time I got to this book, I was tiring of the genre. This book kept me guessing and turning the pages, so I did enjoy it. I didn’t care for the ending, though I did think it was appropriate for the story. I enjoyed the alternating points of view and felt compelled to finish this book. I found it difficult to believe that the real estate market could be so bad, and these women in such a dire financial position, that they would be forced to accept such strange conditions for renting property from this architect. I accept that you have to accept some unbelievable things when reading a work of fiction, otherwise how could we read stories about magic or fairies? I try not to get too worked up over these details, but I can understand how some readers would get hung up on this with this particular book. Overall, it was a good, not great, psychological thriller.

Would I recommend it? If you like this genre, I thought this was a good book and would recommend it. If you are new to the genre, this is probably not the best introduction. I gave it 5 stars because I couldn’t put it down, so if you are looking for a captivating book, go for it!
 

 

About the book – from Goodreads: Please make a list of every possession you consider essential to your life.

The request seems odd, even intrusive – and for the two women who answer, the consequences are devastating.

Emma

Reeling from a traumatic break-in, Emma wants a new place to live. But none of the apartments she sees are affordable or feel safe. Until One Folgate Street. The house is an architectural masterpiece: a minimalist design of pale stone, plate glass, and soaring ceilings. But there are rules. The enigmatic architect who designed the house retains full control: no books, no throw pillows, no photos or clutter or personal effects of any kind. The space is intended to transform its occupant – and it does.

Jane

After a personal tragedy, Jane needs a fresh start. When she finds One Folgate Street, she is instantly drawn to the space – and to its aloof but seductive creator. Moving in, Jane soon learns about the untimely death of the home’s previous tenant, a woman similar to Jane in age and appearance. As Jane tries to untangle truth from lies, she unwittingly follows the same patterns, makes the same choices, crosses paths with the same people, and experiences the same terror as the girl before.

 

 
 

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** This post first appeared on Every Free Chance Books (everyfreechance.com) on January 21, 2020.