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Before You Knew: A Psychological Thriller of Deception and Betrayal
What if they're all telling the truth?
Mark White has worked hard to rebuild his life.
After an error of judgment cost him his career, he’s carved out a quiet existence in his village. A small handyman business. A wife who stood by him. A fresh start.
Then bestselling author Paul Higgs moves in next door.
Paul is charming. Successful. Everything Mark used to be. And he’s oddly interested in Mark’s life—asking questions about his marriage, the breakdown Mark thought he’d left behind and even offering to help their daughter with her career.
Soon, Mark’s carefully rebuilt life begins to crumble. Clients cancel without explanation. His friends grow distant. His wife spends more time away. Equipment mysteriously breaks down.
The coincidences are too perfect. Paul knows too much.
But when Mark tries to expose the truth, no one believes him. They think he’s paranoid. Delusional. Having another episode.
And Mark Paul is systematically destroying him.
Trust no one. Question everything. Especially yourself.
Buy now to discover how Mark completely unravels.
A psychological thriller for readers of Freida McFadden, B.A. Paris, Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena and Daniel Hurst.
-----------------------------------
Praise for Jack Stainton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Where has THIS author been hiding?"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This kept me reading into the night. I simply couldn’t stop."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "One of those books you can't put down because it is so mind grabbing but you don't want it to end."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "YES!!!! What a FANTASTIC author!!"
Mark White has worked hard to rebuild his life.
After an error of judgment cost him his career, he’s carved out a quiet existence in his village. A small handyman business. A wife who stood by him. A fresh start.
Then bestselling author Paul Higgs moves in next door.
Paul is charming. Successful. Everything Mark used to be. And he’s oddly interested in Mark’s life—asking questions about his marriage, the breakdown Mark thought he’d left behind and even offering to help their daughter with her career.
Soon, Mark’s carefully rebuilt life begins to crumble. Clients cancel without explanation. His friends grow distant. His wife spends more time away. Equipment mysteriously breaks down.
The coincidences are too perfect. Paul knows too much.
But when Mark tries to expose the truth, no one believes him. They think he’s paranoid. Delusional. Having another episode.
And Mark Paul is systematically destroying him.
Trust no one. Question everything. Especially yourself.
Buy now to discover how Mark completely unravels.
A psychological thriller for readers of Freida McFadden, B.A. Paris, Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena and Daniel Hurst.
-----------------------------------
Praise for Jack Stainton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Where has THIS author been hiding?"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This kept me reading into the night. I simply couldn’t stop."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "One of those books you can't put down because it is so mind grabbing but you don't want it to end."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "YES!!!! What a FANTASTIC author!!"
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
About the author
Jack Stainton
48 books95 followersJack Stainton is a writer of everyday psychological thrillers. Stories which could happen to anybody at any time.
After thirty years working as a professional consultant, he has now put pen to paper to realise a lifetime ambition.
His debut novel, ‘A GUEST TO DIE FOR’ was released in September 2020.
The second novel, 'YOU'RE FAMILY NOW' is available now in eBook and print.
Jack loves to hear from readers and always responds. Contact him directly in any of the following ways:
Email: info@jackstainton.com
Twitter: @jack_stainton
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jackstaintonbooks
After thirty years working as a professional consultant, he has now put pen to paper to realise a lifetime ambition.
His debut novel, ‘A GUEST TO DIE FOR’ was released in September 2020.
The second novel, 'YOU'RE FAMILY NOW' is available now in eBook and print.
Jack loves to hear from readers and always responds. Contact him directly in any of the following ways:
Email: info@jackstainton.com
Twitter: @jack_stainton
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jackstaintonbooks
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 5, 2026
Well Jack Stainton definitely knows how to keep us clued to his books. This one is absolutely amazing and so many twists with the characters and storyline kept you totally hooked. Another brilliant book that has to be read 📚 x
April 5, 2026
Gripping thriller, fast paced story.
A story told from the point of view of Mark after Paul moves to the village just down the road. Things take a downward spiral and you have absolutely no idea who to trust. Multiple plot twists will have you not able to put this down!
A story told from the point of view of Mark after Paul moves to the village just down the road. Things take a downward spiral and you have absolutely no idea who to trust. Multiple plot twists will have you not able to put this down!
April 6, 2026
Jack Stainton never disappoints. A few twists towards the end I didn't see coming.
April 9, 2026
Great Twist!
Finished in one night. Truly enjoyed the way this book was written i read MANY psycho thrillers and this had me guessing which hard to do. The ending was great.
Finished in one night. Truly enjoyed the way this book was written i read MANY psycho thrillers and this had me guessing which hard to do. The ending was great.
April 20, 2026
Decent, didn’t guess the twist. Felt sorry for the main character.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews