Behind the Door

by M.S. Berry

While finishing her PhD on folklore and fairy tales Anna takes a last-minute house sitting job in a sleepy town in England. In return for free room and board, she is asked to work at the landlord’s odd bookstore and take care of his two black cats. The only thing he’s asked her not to do is to open the locked door of a room on the second floor. A mysterious pacing man in the field outside the house, a clingy new boyfriend, and creepy sounds in the night make Anna suspect that something isn’t quite right here. After her visiting sister suddenly disappears, Anna discovers life in this bucolic village isn’t all it’s chalked up to be. A psychological twist on the Bluebeard Tale, Behind the Door is fraught with suspense and fear. Will Anna and her sister make it through this disturbing summer?

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was kind of freaky. No real ending, but the reader doesn't really expect it. I did enjoy the book, the writing was done well and the storyline - although a little repetitive - was good. I liked the integrity of the main character. The missing sister caught me - completely unexpected. A good, quick read.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads win! Thank you!

The "book blurb" for Behind the Door made it sound as if this would be a very interesting read and I was excited to have won it. To me, it was not suspenseful at all and, sadly, just didn't live up to my expectations.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliant. Keeps you guessing throughout. Creepy af. Wished it wouldn’t end. 📚❤️