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Before Us
Packed full of breathtaking twists, the BRAND NEW totally addictive psychological suspense from international bestselling author Jane E. James.
The house was meant to be a fresh start.
But from the moment we arrived at 13 Rutland Terrace, something felt wrong.
My daughter refuses to go near the cellar. The dog won't stop barking. And then I found the photo — a family just like ours. Only the woman in it looks terrified.
They lived here before us.
Now I can’t stop thinking about her.
Because this house is keeping secrets.
And my husband . . . isn’t who he used to be.
This chilling, twist-filled psychological thriller is perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, B.A. Paris, K.L. Slater, Lisa Jewell and Shalini Boland.
READERS LOVE JANE E. JAMES’ TENSE AND TWISTING
‘A page-turner full of twists you won’t see coming.’ New York Times-bestselling author STEENA HOLMES
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘OMG! THE TWISTS! I actually froze when the first big twist hit, totally stunned. From then, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster as the shocking truth unravelled.’ Sharon V.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘So many great twists and turns that you wouldn’t expect.’ Destiny W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A brilliant read . . . tight and twisty.’ Kathryn D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fabulous read . . . Twists and turns galore kept me reading well into the night.’ Debra G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This deliciously twisty story kept me up late at night desperate to know the outcome.’ Michelle C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a fantastic thriller! There were so many twists and turns I didn’t know how it was going to end and wow, what a jaw-dropping ending it was! . . . I absolutely loved it!’ Robert B.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I LOVED this one . . . I just couldn’t put it down.’ Louise P.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Woah! This is one crazy ride! A truly unique book that will stay in my memory . . . Such a good read.’ Morag M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The ending is an absolutely huge twist that I really didn’t see coming . . . A brilliant read.’ Linda
The house was meant to be a fresh start.
But from the moment we arrived at 13 Rutland Terrace, something felt wrong.
My daughter refuses to go near the cellar. The dog won't stop barking. And then I found the photo — a family just like ours. Only the woman in it looks terrified.
They lived here before us.
Now I can’t stop thinking about her.
Because this house is keeping secrets.
And my husband . . . isn’t who he used to be.
This chilling, twist-filled psychological thriller is perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, B.A. Paris, K.L. Slater, Lisa Jewell and Shalini Boland.
READERS LOVE JANE E. JAMES’ TENSE AND TWISTING
‘A page-turner full of twists you won’t see coming.’ New York Times-bestselling author STEENA HOLMES
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘OMG! THE TWISTS! I actually froze when the first big twist hit, totally stunned. From then, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster as the shocking truth unravelled.’ Sharon V.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘So many great twists and turns that you wouldn’t expect.’ Destiny W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A brilliant read . . . tight and twisty.’ Kathryn D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fabulous read . . . Twists and turns galore kept me reading well into the night.’ Debra G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This deliciously twisty story kept me up late at night desperate to know the outcome.’ Michelle C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a fantastic thriller! There were so many twists and turns I didn’t know how it was going to end and wow, what a jaw-dropping ending it was! . . . I absolutely loved it!’ Robert B.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I LOVED this one . . . I just couldn’t put it down.’ Louise P.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Woah! This is one crazy ride! A truly unique book that will stay in my memory . . . Such a good read.’ Morag M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The ending is an absolutely huge twist that I really didn’t see coming . . . A brilliant read.’ Linda
266 pages, Paperback
Published October 30, 2025
419 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Jane E. James
18 books254 followersBest selling author, Jane E James creates chilling reads that appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, mysteries and dark fiction. Jane loves to weave tense and haunting tales that stay in the reader's mind. All her books are standalone novels.
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
November 10, 2025
It’s the stellar characterizations, brilliant narration, and emotionally jolting twists that set this book apart.
The book unfolds from the POVs of two female protagonists with philandering husbands.
Who is the unreliable narrator?
Who lives and who dies?
Both women were deeply flawed, complex, and refreshingly human—each carrying secrets and pain that shaped their decisions.
Through shifting perspectives and unreliable narration, readers are kept guessing from start to finish.
Twists were plentiful, impactful, unpredictable, and gasp-worthy.
This is NOT a typical "Who lived in this house before me?" book.
I dare you to guess the ending!
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Sarah Kants and Gabrielle Nellis-Pain.
Both narrators gave Oscar-worthy performances.
This was an Audible Plus freebie and a surprise 5-star read.
All the stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 15, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
The ending kinda ruined it for me.
It was well written and I enjoyed up until the last part when it became more than obvious that the fragile Rachel, was not that innocent and harmless. Which in itself was annoying because she's been posing as the victim the entire book, to come out as a shrewd, sharp person in the end. Well if you are so smart and courageous, why don;t you leave your husband instead of acting as this defenceless being who will be killed any moment now?
And then the history completely repeats itself?? Nope.
The ending kinda ruined it for me.
It was well written and I enjoyed up until the last part when it became more than obvious that the fragile Rachel, was not that innocent and harmless. Which in itself was annoying because she's been posing as the victim the entire book, to come out as a shrewd, sharp person in the end. Well if you are so smart and courageous, why don;t you leave your husband instead of acting as this defenceless being who will be killed any moment now?
And then the history completely repeats itself?? Nope.
December 3, 2025
There wasn't one likeable character in this book, they all made completely insane choices at every possible turn.
ok no, the dog was fine
ok no, the dog was fine
November 22, 2025
Lucy, one of the main characters is a complete idiot. She continues to let the men in her life walk all over her, yet she gives them the benefit of the doubt every time. Example: She's sexually assaulted by her father-in-law, but he suffers no consequences. Even her husband does nothing about it, and she doesn't press the issue.
Once she finally realizes her current cheating husband is an ass, she goes straight into the arms of another, more dangerous, cheating ass. This, despite numerous, glaring red flags and warning signs. Why would someone who claims to "put her children first", escape from one unloving household, to an even more dangerous household? She makes so many idiot moves, that it's difficult to care what happens to her in the end.
I gave an extra star for the excellent audible narration.
Once she finally realizes her current cheating husband is an ass, she goes straight into the arms of another, more dangerous, cheating ass. This, despite numerous, glaring red flags and warning signs. Why would someone who claims to "put her children first", escape from one unloving household, to an even more dangerous household? She makes so many idiot moves, that it's difficult to care what happens to her in the end.
I gave an extra star for the excellent audible narration.
October 19, 2025
Lucy, Matt, and their two children move into what Matt calls his dream home, but while he sees it as a fresh start, Lucy feels nothing but dread. Strange occurrences and an overwhelming sense of discomfort begin to settle over her. When she discovers an old family magnet hidden under the fridge—a smiling couple and a woman whose expression unsettles her—she can’t shake the feeling that something terrible happened here. Who were they? Why did they leave? And why does that woman’s face haunt her so much?
Lucy then stumbles upon an old diary belonging to someone named Rachel. Could she be the woman from the magnet? As Lucy reads more, pieces of a disturbing past begin to surface, and her unease grows into something darker.
The more Lucy questions Matt about the house and his obsession with staying, the more desperate and controlling he becomes. She’s ready to leave and start over, but Matt is determined—almost alarmingly so—that this is their permanent home. The question quickly shifts from What happened in this house? to How far will Matt go to keep them there?
A tense and atmospheric read that builds psychological tension with every chapter.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Lucy then stumbles upon an old diary belonging to someone named Rachel. Could she be the woman from the magnet? As Lucy reads more, pieces of a disturbing past begin to surface, and her unease grows into something darker.
The more Lucy questions Matt about the house and his obsession with staying, the more desperate and controlling he becomes. She’s ready to leave and start over, but Matt is determined—almost alarmingly so—that this is their permanent home. The question quickly shifts from What happened in this house? to How far will Matt go to keep them there?
A tense and atmospheric read that builds psychological tension with every chapter.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
October 27, 2025
This psychological thriller delivered everything I crave in the genre: untrustworthy characters, buried secrets, and wild twists that completely blindsided me. I genuinely could not put this one down! It ticked every single box and I absolutely LOVED it.
Lucy and Matt move with their two children into a home that feels too grand for their modest life. When Lucy discovers a photo magnet left behind of the previous family, her curiosity spirals into obsession. Finding Rachel’s old diary unlocks secrets that should have stayed buried, revealing shocking truths that are far more disturbing than she EVER imagined.
The story alternates between Lucy in the present and Rachel in the past, with each chapter tightening the tension inside the walls of 13 Rutland Terrace.
This is a suspenseful, addictive read that masterfully builds paranoia and dread as the puzzle pieces lock into place and kept me guessing until the very last page!
Lucy and Matt move with their two children into a home that feels too grand for their modest life. When Lucy discovers a photo magnet left behind of the previous family, her curiosity spirals into obsession. Finding Rachel’s old diary unlocks secrets that should have stayed buried, revealing shocking truths that are far more disturbing than she EVER imagined.
The story alternates between Lucy in the present and Rachel in the past, with each chapter tightening the tension inside the walls of 13 Rutland Terrace.
This is a suspenseful, addictive read that masterfully builds paranoia and dread as the puzzle pieces lock into place and kept me guessing until the very last page!
November 5, 2025
3 stars for me.
Lucy move in to her new house with her husband Matt to start a new life.She find diary of previous owner Rachel,and the more she read the more she wants to know what happened to her.What Lucy didn't expect that there are some secrets that she better leave alone.
Will Lucy get her answers?
It was a quick and tension filled thriller.From past POV Rachel and present Lucy,I got to know both characters,and there is a lot they share.Overall I enjoyed the story,just getting tired of cheating in thrillers,there seem to be a pattern,and I feel like I read similiar books few days ago.I guess I was waiting for something unique.
Thank you Joffe books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Lucy move in to her new house with her husband Matt to start a new life.She find diary of previous owner Rachel,and the more she read the more she wants to know what happened to her.What Lucy didn't expect that there are some secrets that she better leave alone.
Will Lucy get her answers?
It was a quick and tension filled thriller.From past POV Rachel and present Lucy,I got to know both characters,and there is a lot they share.Overall I enjoyed the story,just getting tired of cheating in thrillers,there seem to be a pattern,and I feel like I read similiar books few days ago.I guess I was waiting for something unique.
Thank you Joffe books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
November 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advanced copy of this book.
This book was a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing, unfolding at a steady, medium pace.
I was captivated by the two narrators, Rachel and Lucy. The story does a great job of highlighting the unsettling similarities in their circumstances, which immediately pulled me in.
What really kept me hooked were the smaller, secondary twists I didn't see coming. The author plants several surprising reveals along the way that genuinely caught me off guard and added new layers to the story.
I have enjoyed several other books from this author and 'Before Us' is no exception.
#BeforeUs #NetGalley
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/be...
This book was a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing, unfolding at a steady, medium pace.
I was captivated by the two narrators, Rachel and Lucy. The story does a great job of highlighting the unsettling similarities in their circumstances, which immediately pulled me in.
What really kept me hooked were the smaller, secondary twists I didn't see coming. The author plants several surprising reveals along the way that genuinely caught me off guard and added new layers to the story.
I have enjoyed several other books from this author and 'Before Us' is no exception.
#BeforeUs #NetGalley
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/be...
December 29, 2025
WHEN STEROTYPICAL THINKING REPLACE STORY-TELLING
BORING, the story lacks emotion, the dialogue is dumb, the characters lack wisdom, especially the female. Actually, according to this book — Men = manipulate, Women = weak and always emotionally vulnerable. The author forgets the timeline, characters get forgotten, and it has a predictable twist which my “completionist” ass was determined to go through.
BORING, the story lacks emotion, the dialogue is dumb, the characters lack wisdom, especially the female. Actually, according to this book — Men = manipulate, Women = weak and always emotionally vulnerable. The author forgets the timeline, characters get forgotten, and it has a predictable twist which my “completionist” ass was determined to go through.
December 24, 2025
Unlikeable, unrealistic characters with dumb dialogue and inconsistent plotlines. The author abandons her own story whenever it’s convenient. The relationships don’t feel written by someone who understands human relationships, romantic or otherwise. Chapters start mid-scene with no context. A cringe-inducing car crash I couldn’t stop reading, even though I wanted to.
November 13, 2025
Men are evil
October 26, 2025
In this tense and twisty thriller, we meet Lucy who desperately seeks a fresh start in her new home, recovering from her husband's infidelity, but an immediate sense of foreboding takes hold.
When she finds the diary of the previous occupant, Rachel, Lucy feels a deep connection to the woman's fractured life.
Desperate to uncover Rachel’s fate, Lucy is drawn into a past that mirrors her own pain.
The book gradually builds darkness and suspense as Lucy's life begins to fall apart and the two worlds dangerously collide.
The ending, with a totally unexpected twist will have you doubting yourself and wondering what you've just read. Stunning!
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
When she finds the diary of the previous occupant, Rachel, Lucy feels a deep connection to the woman's fractured life.
Desperate to uncover Rachel’s fate, Lucy is drawn into a past that mirrors her own pain.
The book gradually builds darkness and suspense as Lucy's life begins to fall apart and the two worlds dangerously collide.
The ending, with a totally unexpected twist will have you doubting yourself and wondering what you've just read. Stunning!
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
October 30, 2025
Fascinating book.
Well done Jane E. James
Well done Jane E. James
November 24, 2025
3.75 listened via audiobook finished in one day,
I think might have dragged if I’d read but actually really enjoyed
I think might have dragged if I’d read but actually really enjoyed
December 12, 2025
I kind of enjoyed this book but wasn’t one of the best I’ve listened to. The ending came up with some good twists though.
December 28, 2025
“Breathtaking twists” for me was more like sighs and rolling my eyes at these annoying characters.
October 18, 2025
Mixed feelings on this one.
Here, the author gives us a double dose of gasjighting and coercive control. The first, the " then" chapters take place in a townhouse in a small commuter town. The second, the "now" chapters take place two years later on, in the present day, in the same house, where history seems to be repeating. The book has a very clever storyline and is well written with a clever twist at the end.
However, the problem for me is that the chapters alternate between then and now, and with the similarity of the to storyline, I found that I had to keep going back to check which period it was in. This was frustrating and broke my concentration. Sadly, I was left dissatisfied despite the very good basic plot.
Here, the author gives us a double dose of gasjighting and coercive control. The first, the " then" chapters take place in a townhouse in a small commuter town. The second, the "now" chapters take place two years later on, in the present day, in the same house, where history seems to be repeating. The book has a very clever storyline and is well written with a clever twist at the end.
However, the problem for me is that the chapters alternate between then and now, and with the similarity of the to storyline, I found that I had to keep going back to check which period it was in. This was frustrating and broke my concentration. Sadly, I was left dissatisfied despite the very good basic plot.
December 28, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded to 4, though I wish Goodreads really had half stars, because I had a hard time deciding where to put it between three and four since I firmly believe it’s a 3.5-star read.
This book is told along two timelines: “Then,” in which we see married couple Rachel and Adie’s marriage falling apart. Rachel is convinced Adie is gaslighting her into believing she is crazy: getting a doctor to prescribe her antipsychotic pills without her knowledge and getting a court to grant him permanent POA over her (I’m guessing it’s like a conservatorship) in order for him to get his hands on her multi-million dollar inheritance. But she has stashed it in inaccessible accounts without his knowledge. She documents all of this, including his installing his newest mistress as the family nanny in a journal and hides it in their home.
“Now:” Lucy and Matt buy the home after Rachel dies in an accident in the home (not a spoiler, we know this early on) and Lucy finds the journal. Matt is also a loser cheater, so she relates to Rachel, and is determined to find out what happened to her, even if it means putting herself in danger.
The premise seems very promising and the story really delivers with great suspense and some really clever twists, especially toward the end of the book, when the reveals start coming fast and furious. There were some things I didn’t see coming at all, because I really wouldn’t have even thought about it, do the author really blew my mind there. Kudos for that!
And the very end was great. If the whole book had been like the last two chapters, it would have been five stars, no problem.
But I did guess “the big reveal,” which was pretty obvious once it came down to it, which was a bit of a bummer, though I’ll admit that I did hang in there to make sure I was right. I mean, there’s always a chance in books like these that anything can happen and I would be wrong…..but I wasn’t. Oh well.
Also, one thing that took the book down a little for me was that the female characters were pushovers. They stayed or entered into terrible relationships with no redeeming qualities because the men were handsome or said “Sorry,” once. I was really put off by that. They were both cheated on and mistreated, but kept going back or just seeking out more validation from other toxic men. Not a good look.
Also, the emphasis on Lucy’s weight was off-putting.
So, overall, I liked the book, but I think it could be improved in some ways. Maybe you’ll think differently.
This book is told along two timelines: “Then,” in which we see married couple Rachel and Adie’s marriage falling apart. Rachel is convinced Adie is gaslighting her into believing she is crazy: getting a doctor to prescribe her antipsychotic pills without her knowledge and getting a court to grant him permanent POA over her (I’m guessing it’s like a conservatorship) in order for him to get his hands on her multi-million dollar inheritance. But she has stashed it in inaccessible accounts without his knowledge. She documents all of this, including his installing his newest mistress as the family nanny in a journal and hides it in their home.
“Now:” Lucy and Matt buy the home after Rachel dies in an accident in the home (not a spoiler, we know this early on) and Lucy finds the journal. Matt is also a loser cheater, so she relates to Rachel, and is determined to find out what happened to her, even if it means putting herself in danger.
The premise seems very promising and the story really delivers with great suspense and some really clever twists, especially toward the end of the book, when the reveals start coming fast and furious. There were some things I didn’t see coming at all, because I really wouldn’t have even thought about it, do the author really blew my mind there. Kudos for that!
And the very end was great. If the whole book had been like the last two chapters, it would have been five stars, no problem.
But I did guess “the big reveal,” which was pretty obvious once it came down to it, which was a bit of a bummer, though I’ll admit that I did hang in there to make sure I was right. I mean, there’s always a chance in books like these that anything can happen and I would be wrong…..but I wasn’t. Oh well.
Also, one thing that took the book down a little for me was that the female characters were pushovers. They stayed or entered into terrible relationships with no redeeming qualities because the men were handsome or said “Sorry,” once. I was really put off by that. They were both cheated on and mistreated, but kept going back or just seeking out more validation from other toxic men. Not a good look.
Also, the emphasis on Lucy’s weight was off-putting.
So, overall, I liked the book, but I think it could be improved in some ways. Maybe you’ll think differently.
October 30, 2025
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Before Us is a beautifully twisted psychological thriller that had me hooked from beginning to end. The premise itself is fascinating: two couples - Rachel and Adie (then) and Lucy and Matt (now) - who, years apart, both end up living in the same stunning house. On the surface, their stories seem separate, but when Lucy stumbles upon Rachel’s journal, the lines between past and present begin to blur in ways that are unsettling, emotional, and impossible to put down.
What Jane E. James does brilliantly is build characters that are equally captivating and flawed. I found myself second-guessing everyone (Rachel, Adie, Lucy, and Matt) because the narrative constantly plays with the idea of truth versus perception. Who is lying? Who is hiding something? Who can be trusted? That lingering uncertainty is what drove me to keep turning the pages.
The novel thrives on tension and atmosphere. There’s an undercurrent of unease in every chapter, from whispered suspicions of betrayal to darker threads of death, grief, and fractured realities. The house itself feels like a silent witness to everything. Almost like a character in its own right, carrying secrets from one couple to the next.
And then come the final chapters: absolutely explosive. The twists pile up one after another, with revelations that genuinely left me reeling. Just when I thought I had pieced things together, Jane E. James pulled the rug out from under me again. It’s that rare ending that is both shocking and satisfying, making me want to reread parts just to catch the clues I might have missed.
Before Us is not just a story of two couples, but a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. Intrigue, betrayal, mystery, and raw emotion are woven together seamlessly, delivering one of the most gripping reading experiences I’ve had this year. Without a doubt, this is going straight onto my list of 2025 favourites.
Before Us is a beautifully twisted psychological thriller that had me hooked from beginning to end. The premise itself is fascinating: two couples - Rachel and Adie (then) and Lucy and Matt (now) - who, years apart, both end up living in the same stunning house. On the surface, their stories seem separate, but when Lucy stumbles upon Rachel’s journal, the lines between past and present begin to blur in ways that are unsettling, emotional, and impossible to put down.
What Jane E. James does brilliantly is build characters that are equally captivating and flawed. I found myself second-guessing everyone (Rachel, Adie, Lucy, and Matt) because the narrative constantly plays with the idea of truth versus perception. Who is lying? Who is hiding something? Who can be trusted? That lingering uncertainty is what drove me to keep turning the pages.
The novel thrives on tension and atmosphere. There’s an undercurrent of unease in every chapter, from whispered suspicions of betrayal to darker threads of death, grief, and fractured realities. The house itself feels like a silent witness to everything. Almost like a character in its own right, carrying secrets from one couple to the next.
And then come the final chapters: absolutely explosive. The twists pile up one after another, with revelations that genuinely left me reeling. Just when I thought I had pieced things together, Jane E. James pulled the rug out from under me again. It’s that rare ending that is both shocking and satisfying, making me want to reread parts just to catch the clues I might have missed.
Before Us is not just a story of two couples, but a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. Intrigue, betrayal, mystery, and raw emotion are woven together seamlessly, delivering one of the most gripping reading experiences I’ve had this year. Without a doubt, this is going straight onto my list of 2025 favourites.
November 19, 2025
“A dark world of secrets and lies”
Jane E. James is quite the wordsmith and I’ve collected an impressive selection of her audiobooks over the years. “Before Us” is narrated by the phenomenal Sarah Mantis and Gabrielle Nellis-Pain and their skills go above and beyond. This British mystery is a spellbinding treat. Listen intently and be sure to hear every word, for fear of missing a vital clue. James’ writing is atmospheric, drawing me into the eerie world of a couple's perfect new home, where secrets hide around every corner. Mantis and Nellis-Pain's narration is pitch-perfect, bringing the twists and turns to life with their exquisite vocal talent. I was desperate to unravel the mystery. The clever time-jumps and brilliantly woven plot kept me guessing until the shocker of an end, which I never saw coming. As the couple uncovers more clues, the tension builds, and I found myself questioning everything. “Trust no one, especially not the people you love...” The writing is evocative, the characters are complex and the setting is creepy and atmospheric. For those who are fans of British mysteries, you'll love this. It's a gripping, unsettling thriller that's kept me up into the early-morning hours. With its excellent narration and clever plotting, “Before Us” is uniquely riveting. James, Mantis and Nellis-Pain are precisely matched and I hope for more with this outstanding trio. Don't miss this Audible Plus gem, though it is also well worth a cherished credit. Epic, indeed!
🎙️✍️💥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥✍️🎙️
Jane E. James is quite the wordsmith and I’ve collected an impressive selection of her audiobooks over the years. “Before Us” is narrated by the phenomenal Sarah Mantis and Gabrielle Nellis-Pain and their skills go above and beyond. This British mystery is a spellbinding treat. Listen intently and be sure to hear every word, for fear of missing a vital clue. James’ writing is atmospheric, drawing me into the eerie world of a couple's perfect new home, where secrets hide around every corner. Mantis and Nellis-Pain's narration is pitch-perfect, bringing the twists and turns to life with their exquisite vocal talent. I was desperate to unravel the mystery. The clever time-jumps and brilliantly woven plot kept me guessing until the shocker of an end, which I never saw coming. As the couple uncovers more clues, the tension builds, and I found myself questioning everything. “Trust no one, especially not the people you love...” The writing is evocative, the characters are complex and the setting is creepy and atmospheric. For those who are fans of British mysteries, you'll love this. It's a gripping, unsettling thriller that's kept me up into the early-morning hours. With its excellent narration and clever plotting, “Before Us” is uniquely riveting. James, Mantis and Nellis-Pain are precisely matched and I hope for more with this outstanding trio. Don't miss this Audible Plus gem, though it is also well worth a cherished credit. Epic, indeed!
🎙️✍️💥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥✍️🎙️
November 28, 2025
Jane E. James’s Before Us is a psychological thriller that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. This book is a masterclass in pacing, delivering crazy twists and turns that will have you second-guessing everything you thought you knew. I found myself tearing through the pages, desperate to uncover the truth hidden beneath the layers of deception.
The novel’s most compelling element is the intense uncertainty surrounding the protagonist, Rachel. The narrative expertly makes you question how close to reality Rachel really is. Is she a reliable narrator, or is she spiraling? This ambiguity is deeply unnerving and keeps the tension dialed up high throughout the story.
However, where the book delivers in thrills, it slightly falters in character decision-making. Frankly, Lucy's choices are incredibly frustrating. I simply cannot figure out why she would have gone to that man's house to check him out; that just seemed dumb, especially if she suspected he was dangerous. Furthermore, the way she allows herself to get into the highly perilous situation she ends up in is baffling. I feel like she should have made better choices, and this lack of self-preservation instinct made the reading experience very frustrating at times.
Despite the protagonist’s questionable judgment, the sheer propulsion of the plot and the clever, unexpected reveals make Before Us an absolute must-read for thriller fans. It’s a captivating story that will keep you guessing and arguing with the characters until the final, shocking conclusion.
The novel’s most compelling element is the intense uncertainty surrounding the protagonist, Rachel. The narrative expertly makes you question how close to reality Rachel really is. Is she a reliable narrator, or is she spiraling? This ambiguity is deeply unnerving and keeps the tension dialed up high throughout the story.
However, where the book delivers in thrills, it slightly falters in character decision-making. Frankly, Lucy's choices are incredibly frustrating. I simply cannot figure out why she would have gone to that man's house to check him out; that just seemed dumb, especially if she suspected he was dangerous. Furthermore, the way she allows herself to get into the highly perilous situation she ends up in is baffling. I feel like she should have made better choices, and this lack of self-preservation instinct made the reading experience very frustrating at times.
Despite the protagonist’s questionable judgment, the sheer propulsion of the plot and the clever, unexpected reveals make Before Us an absolute must-read for thriller fans. It’s a captivating story that will keep you guessing and arguing with the characters until the final, shocking conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
I’ve read a fair few of Jane’s books now and I have to say, she really does know how to write a story and to keep her readers engaged and captivated throughout, not to mention having them sitting on the edge of their seats in eager anticipation of what will happen next, well it sure did for me anyhow.
This story was a rollercoaster and it turned me upside down a few times let me tell you. The story was brilliantly written, with some interesting characters, although a couple of them were somewhat disturbing. As for the story itself, numerous times I tried to figure out what was going on, to work out who was lying and who was telling the truth, but never did guess right, so the story certainly keeps you guessing. There were plenty of twists and turns in this story.
This story won’t be for everyone, I almost didn’t think it was for me at some point but still I kept coming back to those pages for more. It was addictive in that I needed to know how it would all end. The conclusion/ ending was somewhat of a surprise, certainly didn’t end how I expected and I’m still not sure how I feel about that lols.
If you like thrillers that are somewhat dark and disturbing or that you leave you speechless, then I highly recommend you give this story a go.
This story was a rollercoaster and it turned me upside down a few times let me tell you. The story was brilliantly written, with some interesting characters, although a couple of them were somewhat disturbing. As for the story itself, numerous times I tried to figure out what was going on, to work out who was lying and who was telling the truth, but never did guess right, so the story certainly keeps you guessing. There were plenty of twists and turns in this story.
This story won’t be for everyone, I almost didn’t think it was for me at some point but still I kept coming back to those pages for more. It was addictive in that I needed to know how it would all end. The conclusion/ ending was somewhat of a surprise, certainly didn’t end how I expected and I’m still not sure how I feel about that lols.
If you like thrillers that are somewhat dark and disturbing or that you leave you speechless, then I highly recommend you give this story a go.
October 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC read. This was my 1st read by Jane E. James.
If you are looking for a psychological thriller that leaves you with an erie feeling then you need to pick this book up.
Lucy, Matt, and thier two children move into Matt's dream home. While it's his dream home its causeing nothing but nightmares for the rest of his family. Lucy starts to understand why she feels so haunted on this home when she finds a magnet under the fridge of a family. What happened to them? Was this thier home? If so why did they leave? Something about the women's face in the picture makes Lucy feel fear and concern. What is her story?
Lucy comes across a diary of a mystery woman who goes by the name of Rachel. Is this the woman on the magnet?
Lucy continues to confront her husband with questions as to why he loves this home so much. She wants nothing more to leave and start new but Matt is insistent that this is the home for him and his family. He will stop at nothing to make sure this is where they stay. How far will he go to stay in this home?
If you are looking for a psychological thriller that leaves you with an erie feeling then you need to pick this book up.
Lucy, Matt, and thier two children move into Matt's dream home. While it's his dream home its causeing nothing but nightmares for the rest of his family. Lucy starts to understand why she feels so haunted on this home when she finds a magnet under the fridge of a family. What happened to them? Was this thier home? If so why did they leave? Something about the women's face in the picture makes Lucy feel fear and concern. What is her story?
Lucy comes across a diary of a mystery woman who goes by the name of Rachel. Is this the woman on the magnet?
Lucy continues to confront her husband with questions as to why he loves this home so much. She wants nothing more to leave and start new but Matt is insistent that this is the home for him and his family. He will stop at nothing to make sure this is where they stay. How far will he go to stay in this home?
October 30, 2025
An Intriguing and Unsettling Thriller
Right from the first page, Before Us had me hooked. The clever structure — alternating chapters between the two main characters — makes for a gripping and immersive read. Although Rachel’s story precedes Lucy’s, the way their lives gradually intertwine is both remarkable and haunting.
While I had a sense of where the story might lead, the how of it all completely took me by surprise. Jane E. James explores the terrifying reality of a coercive relationship — something that happens far too often — with subtlety and realism. It’s fascinating, and at times deeply unsettling, how convincingly the author blurs the line between truth and manipulation, leaving the reader unsure of who to believe.
The ending delivers a powerful twist that brings the story full circle, leaving a lasting impression. I also appreciated the author’s notes at the end, which shed unexpected light on what inspired the story — something I didn’t see coming.
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a complex, thought-provoking psychological thriller. Thank you to Joffe Books for this fantastic read.
Right from the first page, Before Us had me hooked. The clever structure — alternating chapters between the two main characters — makes for a gripping and immersive read. Although Rachel’s story precedes Lucy’s, the way their lives gradually intertwine is both remarkable and haunting.
While I had a sense of where the story might lead, the how of it all completely took me by surprise. Jane E. James explores the terrifying reality of a coercive relationship — something that happens far too often — with subtlety and realism. It’s fascinating, and at times deeply unsettling, how convincingly the author blurs the line between truth and manipulation, leaving the reader unsure of who to believe.
The ending delivers a powerful twist that brings the story full circle, leaving a lasting impression. I also appreciated the author’s notes at the end, which shed unexpected light on what inspired the story — something I didn’t see coming.
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a complex, thought-provoking psychological thriller. Thank you to Joffe Books for this fantastic read.
October 30, 2025
3.75 Stars
This book started rough, however I was quickly gripped in the story line. I like books that mess with your head and by the end I could see myself thinking like one of the characters. All the characters in the book has flaws and I did not care for any of them very much, however I liked the story arcs and saw some twists coming, while a few left me saying wow! I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoyed Verity by Colleen Hoover.
*I was provided an Ebook Arc by Netgalley and Joffe publishing.
This book started rough, however I was quickly gripped in the story line. I like books that mess with your head and by the end I could see myself thinking like one of the characters. All the characters in the book has flaws and I did not care for any of them very much, however I liked the story arcs and saw some twists coming, while a few left me saying wow! I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoyed Verity by Colleen Hoover.
*I was provided an Ebook Arc by Netgalley and Joffe publishing.
December 13, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 3✨
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• dual timelines
• messy marriages
• unreliable narrators
• past & present connection
• diary secrets
• psychological tension
• slow burn mystery
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
The story follows two women living in the same house in different timelines and their lives slowly begin to mirror each other. Rachel’s chapters show a woman drowning inside her own marriage while Lucy’s chapters build this quiet tension as she tries to understand what really happened before her family moved in.
And honestly, I have to say this in between… truth is I didn’t fully understand the story the way I wanted to, maybe because I’ve been reading psychological thrillers back to back and my brain is just tired from all the twists.
Still, I liked the chilling vibe and the way the past kept slipping into the present. The diary parts were addictive and the atmosphere felt dark in a soft, unsettling way. But some moments felt confusing and the characters were hard to trust, which made the reading experience a little messy for me.
Soft 3 stars from me because it gave me mood, tension and that slightly haunted feeling even when the characters were not easy to love.
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• dual timelines
• messy marriages
• unreliable narrators
• past & present connection
• diary secrets
• psychological tension
• slow burn mystery
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
The story follows two women living in the same house in different timelines and their lives slowly begin to mirror each other. Rachel’s chapters show a woman drowning inside her own marriage while Lucy’s chapters build this quiet tension as she tries to understand what really happened before her family moved in.
And honestly, I have to say this in between… truth is I didn’t fully understand the story the way I wanted to, maybe because I’ve been reading psychological thrillers back to back and my brain is just tired from all the twists.
Still, I liked the chilling vibe and the way the past kept slipping into the present. The diary parts were addictive and the atmosphere felt dark in a soft, unsettling way. But some moments felt confusing and the characters were hard to trust, which made the reading experience a little messy for me.
Soft 3 stars from me because it gave me mood, tension and that slightly haunted feeling even when the characters were not easy to love.
October 19, 2025
En la majestuosa pero inquietante casa número 13 de Rutland Terrace se entrelazan dos historias.
Rachel parece tenerlo todo: un marido exitoso, hijos ejemplares y una vida privilegiada. Sin embargo, bajo la fachada perfecta laten secretos, miedos y un matrimonio que se desmorona entre traiciones y sospechas mortales.
Años después, Lucy y su familia se mudan a la misma casa buscando un nuevo comienzo. Lo que encuentran es un hogar lleno de ecos del pasado, tensiones en su matrimonio y un aire sombrío que la hace dudar de todo, incluso de sí misma.
El destino de ambas mujeres queda ligado por las paredes de la casa, hasta desvelar un giro inesperado que lo cambia todo.
__
Me hubiera gustado que L, en lugar de dejar que ese personaje intentara m..., ideara un plan para cambiar la situación y fuera ella quien se quedara con todo, en vez de quedarse simplemente esperando su final.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Rachel parece tenerlo todo: un marido exitoso, hijos ejemplares y una vida privilegiada. Sin embargo, bajo la fachada perfecta laten secretos, miedos y un matrimonio que se desmorona entre traiciones y sospechas mortales.
Años después, Lucy y su familia se mudan a la misma casa buscando un nuevo comienzo. Lo que encuentran es un hogar lleno de ecos del pasado, tensiones en su matrimonio y un aire sombrío que la hace dudar de todo, incluso de sí misma.
El destino de ambas mujeres queda ligado por las paredes de la casa, hasta desvelar un giro inesperado que lo cambia todo.
__
Me hubiera gustado que L, en lugar de dejar que ese personaje intentara m..., ideara un plan para cambiar la situación y fuera ella quien se quedara con todo, en vez de quedarse simplemente esperando su final.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 29, 2025
The house was meant to be a fresh start. But from the moment we arrived at 13 Rutland Terrace, something felt wrong. My daughter refuses to go near the cellar. The dog won't stop barking. And then, I find the photo - a family just like ours. Only the woman in it looks terrified. They lived there before us. Now I can't help thinking about her. Because this house is keeping secrets. And my husband.... isn't who he used to be.
Lucy, Matt and their two children have just moved into their new home. But when Lucy discovers an old fridge magnet hidden under the fridge - a smiling couple and a woman whose expression makes her feel uneasy. Lucy feels that something awful happened in this house.
The story unfolds at a steady pace. The story is told from Lucy and Rachel's perspectives. Filled with suspense, this is quite a dark read. I was guessing all the way.
Published 6th November 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JofeeBooks and the author #JaneEJames for my ARC of #BeforeUs in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy, Matt and their two children have just moved into their new home. But when Lucy discovers an old fridge magnet hidden under the fridge - a smiling couple and a woman whose expression makes her feel uneasy. Lucy feels that something awful happened in this house.
The story unfolds at a steady pace. The story is told from Lucy and Rachel's perspectives. Filled with suspense, this is quite a dark read. I was guessing all the way.
Published 6th November 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JofeeBooks and the author #JaneEJames for my ARC of #BeforeUs in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2025
Before Us is an absolutely gripping psychological drama that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The story revolves around one house and two families — Rachel and Adie with their children Archie and Beatrice, and Lucy and Matt with their children Jack and Sophie.
On the surface, Rachel seems to have the perfect life, but beneath it all lies a dark truth: an abusive husband determined to make her look unstable so he can gain control of her inheritance. Years later, Lucy and her family move into the same house. From the moment they arrive, Lucy senses something unsettling — a lingering bad energy tied to the home’s past. When she discovers Rachel’s diary, she begins to unravel the heartbreaking and shocking events that once took place there, and the more she learns, the more it affects her own life.
The story alternates beautifully between the two families, exploring relationships, secrets, and the darker sides of love and control. It’s fascinating to see how the lives of these woman intertwine. A book you must read!
On the surface, Rachel seems to have the perfect life, but beneath it all lies a dark truth: an abusive husband determined to make her look unstable so he can gain control of her inheritance. Years later, Lucy and her family move into the same house. From the moment they arrive, Lucy senses something unsettling — a lingering bad energy tied to the home’s past. When she discovers Rachel’s diary, she begins to unravel the heartbreaking and shocking events that once took place there, and the more she learns, the more it affects her own life.
The story alternates beautifully between the two families, exploring relationships, secrets, and the darker sides of love and control. It’s fascinating to see how the lives of these woman intertwine. A book you must read!
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