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Before Us
As soon as we open the door to our beautiful new home, I sense their presence . . . the couple who lived here before us.
They’ve left things behind, as if on purpose, for us to find. First, there is the mysterious diary that ends too abruptly, followed by pictures of a couple in their thirties, just like us. Tired-looking parents with two small children. Who are they?
They’ve left things behind, as if on purpose, for us to find. First, there is the mysterious diary that ends too abruptly, followed by pictures of a couple in their thirties, just like us. Tired-looking parents with two small children. Who are they?
Audible Audio
Published November 6, 2025
542 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Jane E. James
18 books264 followersInternational best 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 202 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.
January 29, 2026
This one hooked me from the beginning & kept my interest! The alternating points of view worked well with this story, Lucy in the now as she investigates Rachel’s diary, and Rachel in the then through her diary entries. Following Lucy as she essentially went on a real life scavenger hunt after reading Rachel’s diary was intriguing… and honestly nerve wracking. I found myself genuinely worried about her safety more than once. That back and forth added so much tension and I loved piecing the story together as the timelines intertwined.
The narration was solid and really enhanced the story, making it easy to stay immersed and connected to both Lucy and Rachel. And the twists? Whew. Let’s just say the web was definitely weaving. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another layer was revealed, keeping me on edge right up until the end. Overall, this was a gripping, well narrated audiobook with strong suspense and good storytelling. If you enjoy dual timelines, diary driven mysteries, and twists that sneak up on you, this one is worth the listen.
The narration was solid and really enhanced the story, making it easy to stay immersed and connected to both Lucy and Rachel. And the twists? Whew. Let’s just say the web was definitely weaving. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another layer was revealed, keeping me on edge right up until the end. Overall, this was a gripping, well narrated audiobook with strong suspense and good storytelling. If you enjoy dual timelines, diary driven mysteries, and twists that sneak up on you, this one is worth the listen.
December 28, 2025
“Breathtaking twists” for me was more like sighs and rolling my eyes at these annoying characters.
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.
January 6, 2026
I hated every single character in this book, I have a headache from listening to it, and I don’t want to leave a real review, as that would indicate that this is deserving of one.
0.7 🌟
0.7 🌟
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!
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 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...
January 12, 2026
Well that was the twisty book that just kept on twisting until it spit you out. All twisted and sh☆t. Gotta love a good twisted quickie like that. I swear I thought I had it figured out and then what bam I was dead wrong twice. Some parts were drawn out a bit and some characters in my opinion were un-needed but otherwise a wild ride.
November 13, 2025
Men are evil
January 14, 2026
That was uhhhhh not good. The “twists” weren’t really shocking at all. Tony was Matt the whole time??? Who could’ve possibly seen that coming! Oh wait. I did. Like from very early on. And what the fuck was Lucy doing going and getting with Adi afterwords. Like we knew Rachel was crazy. But that’s because every other chapters from Rachel’s perspective. And it’s not like it was what her diary said. There were a few times that showed the info Lucy had from the diary was lacking from what happened in Rachel chapters. So how’d she just decide that Adi was actually a good guy, despite all the evidence against him? And what a surprise that Adi is actually a bad guy. 😱😱😱. Who could’ve ever seen that coming. But yeah this boon was not great.
I was gonna give it two stars, but when I tried to think why I’d give it two stars instead of one, I couldn’t think of anything.
Rip my audible recommendations. Now it thinks I want to listen to this type of half baked story.
I was gonna give it two stars, but when I tried to think why I’d give it two stars instead of one, I couldn’t think of anything.
Rip my audible recommendations. Now it thinks I want to listen to this type of half baked story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
January 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed Before Us by Jane E. James and found it to be a compelling and thoughtful read from start to finish. The concept immediately drew me in, and the characters felt well-developed, believable, and emotionally grounded. The pacing was strong throughout, keeping the story moving without ever feeling rushed, and the dialogue felt natural and realistic. The structure of alternating chapters between the past and the present took a little time to adjust to at first, but once I settled into the rhythm, it became one of the book’s greatest strengths. It added depth and tension, gradually revealing key details in a way that kept me engaged and eager to keep turning the pages.
One aspect I especially appreciated was the author’s attention to small, specific details. These moments—such as the recurring references to food and recipes involving roasted potatoes—added warmth and authenticity to the story, making it feel lived-in and real. Those details enhanced the emotional impact and helped the characters feel even more human.
Overall, this was an entertaining, immersive, and satisfying read. I highly recommend Before Us to fans of The Girl on the Train and to readers who enjoy layered narratives that unfold gradually. This is an easy 5-star read for me.
I really enjoyed Before Us by Jane E. James and found it to be a compelling and thoughtful read from start to finish. The concept immediately drew me in, and the characters felt well-developed, believable, and emotionally grounded. The pacing was strong throughout, keeping the story moving without ever feeling rushed, and the dialogue felt natural and realistic. The structure of alternating chapters between the past and the present took a little time to adjust to at first, but once I settled into the rhythm, it became one of the book’s greatest strengths. It added depth and tension, gradually revealing key details in a way that kept me engaged and eager to keep turning the pages.
One aspect I especially appreciated was the author’s attention to small, specific details. These moments—such as the recurring references to food and recipes involving roasted potatoes—added warmth and authenticity to the story, making it feel lived-in and real. Those details enhanced the emotional impact and helped the characters feel even more human.
Overall, this was an entertaining, immersive, and satisfying read. I highly recommend Before Us to fans of The Girl on the Train and to readers who enjoy layered narratives that unfold gradually. This is an easy 5-star read for me.
January 22, 2026
This was entertaining and suspenseful! Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger and you saying “just one more chapter”! You can guess one of the twists if you pay close attention but it’s hard to know who’s lying and who’s telling the truth. Great audiobook that is free with audible membership.
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.
January 6, 2026
Edge of your seat til the end... Great book and plot twist!
January 15, 2026
Nice easy thriller. Obviously far-fetched in places but still enjoyable.
January 30, 2026
This book felt like every other “family before us”-themed thriller.
The characters were poorly written, especially Rachel — the author tried to make her a sharp but insane woman, and her “big” plot twist as a delusional manipulator just didn’t work. I also hated how the husbands were written, and the random neighbor woman subplot was left unfinished and didn’t make any sense.
The dog was cool.
The characters were poorly written, especially Rachel — the author tried to make her a sharp but insane woman, and her “big” plot twist as a delusional manipulator just didn’t work. I also hated how the husbands were written, and the random neighbor woman subplot was left unfinished and didn’t make any sense.
The dog was cool.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
Probably more of a 3.5
A twisty tale of ridiculous life choices
A twisty tale of ridiculous life choices
December 6, 2025
Before Us
I thought this book sounded good from the description. I read almost half and never got any of what had been described. I'm so bored with it and giving up. Recommend getting a sample before purchasing.
I thought this book sounded good from the description. I read almost half and never got any of what had been described. I'm so bored with it and giving up. Recommend getting a sample before purchasing.
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 13, 2025
I think the author is trying to be Freda McFadden but she just isn't. Yes, there's a twist at the end...more than one in fact...it was not as riveting as I'd expected.
When Lucy and Matt move into their new home, Lucy finds the diary of the former owner, Rachel. She feels compelled to untangle the mystery of Rachel's death. Murder or suicide? Do not peak ahead to the final chapter.
When Lucy and Matt move into their new home, Lucy finds the diary of the former owner, Rachel. She feels compelled to untangle the mystery of Rachel's death. Murder or suicide? Do not peak ahead to the final chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews