Behind Closed Doors, A Psychological Thriller by B.A. Paris #BehindClosedDoors

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I have always loved to read. My Mom instilled a value for reading in me as a very young child. I was reading on my own at age 4, choosing books years beyond my age. As a young teen, when I used to leave the house to work my newspaper route I used to bring a paperback with me. I could frequently be found sitting on the side of the road, taking a break and reading instead of moving on to another street. While I do love to read, I don’t take the time to do so as often as I can or should. I’ve been dealing with a bit of stress and depression lately and one of the things recommended is taking time for myself. So, I promised myself earlier this week that I would read more, even if I have to put 15 minute blocks for it on my calendar. And last night I made good on my promise.
Last night was a great night for reading, as it was gloomy and stormy. I love to curl up on the couch with a good book, but there’s something about doing so in yucky weather that just feels right. So, I settled in on the couch with Behind Closed Doors, due out on August 9. While the book is due to be released shortly here in the United States, it’s already been released in the UK, where it has already become the #1 book in the UK. The movie rights have already been sold.
Before I tell you about the book, let me share a little about the author. B. A. Paris grew up in England but has spent most of her adult life in France. She has worked both in finance and as a teacher and has five daughters. Behind Closed Doors is her first novel.
Now on to Behind Closed Doors. The cover asks the question, “The perfect marriage? Or the perfect lie?” Whose marriage are they referring to? That of Jack and Grace.
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.

Thrillers are amongst my favorite books to read. I enjoy the suspense and intrigue of the genre. Behind Closed Doors falls into this classification. I don’t want to give everything about the story away, so I am going to share my thoughts on it as best I can while trying to minimize the amount of spoilers.
Chapters begin with the label past or present. There have been occasions where I read a book and really struggled with shifts in time. I am pleased to say that was not the case with this book. Each chapter was written in a way that the changes between past and present were very smooth and made complete sense. Some folks confuse the label thriller with the label horror. While Behind Closed Doors certainly may bring horrific images to mind if you’re paying attention, there is no real blood and gore such as that which you find in a horror book. This thriller is about evil, and reminds us that sometimes things (and people) are not what they seem, and that what’s pretty on the outside is not necessarily pretty on the inside.
Each chapter in the book opens present day, where we get a glimpse at a dinner party. Jack and Grace, the prefect couple, are hosting the gathering in their perfect, beautiful home. We start to learn how the relationship between Jack and Grace, now married one year, got its start. We also learn that Grace has a sister named Millie, a young woman with Down syndrome. Millie currently lives at her school but will be coming to live with Grace and Jack permanently soon. The evening goes perfectly, the type of evening every hostess wishes for. Or so it seems.
In time we learn that Grace’s parents did not really want children, and they really didn’t want a child with special needs such as Millie. Grace fought to keep Millie in her life and has made sure she is properly cared for for years. One would think that any man willing to live with and help care for a person with special needs from outside of their own family is remarkable. Have that man be a very successful attorney who has never lost a case and he’s even more remarkable. Jack is remarkable. He is a remarkable liar, and he is remarkably adept at convincing people that his lies are truths. Grace is an intelligent and capable woman and he even manages to convince a number of people she’s mentally unstable!
Now as I mentioned, I really don’t want to give to much away. But I will tell you this. Jack is really looking forward to Millie coming to live in the house. And it’s not because he’s a nice man. It’s not because he loves his wife and wants to make her happy. It’s because he has special plans for her. It’s because he is truly evil.

I must admit I was a tad concerned when I realized that a person with Down syndrome would be a part of the story. In her own way, Millie is an integral and very key part of the story. I was so pleased with the way her character was handled that when I wasn’t gasping at Jack’s behavior I was audibly cheering for Millie’s. I won’t share the whole page or even the context, but page 229 had a key moment I did not see coming at all.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Behind Closed Doors. The author put the writing and chapters together in such a way that everything is cohesive. The storyline progression leads the reader from one chapter to another effortlessly, to the point where the reader won’t want to put it down until they’ve reached the conclusion. I enjoyed the book so much that I read the whole thing in one sitting. I finished at about 2am and before heading to bed a few minutes later had decided I want to read it again. If you enjoy psychological thrillers this is a must read.
You can pre-order Behind Closed Doors on Amazon today, it will be on shelves for sale on August 9.
Want to chat about the book, and even have an opportunity to chat with the author? Be sure to join the SheSpeaks’ #BehindClosedDoors Twitter Party on August 9 at 2pm ET. Participants will have the chance to win Behind Closed Doors prize packs and chat with the author & other book lovers about summer reading and the book of course! Participants must RSVP for the Twitter party at bit.ly/2aNwFru to be eligible to win.
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