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Behind Closed Doors [Sample]
A sneak peek at the first five chapters of B.A. Paris’s Behind Closed Doors, the instant New York Times and Sunday Times debut psychological thriller.
The perfect marriage? Or the perfect lie?
Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.
But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.
Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.
Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.
“A hair-raising debut, both unsettling and addictive… A chilling thriller that will keep you reading long into the night.” ― Mary Kubica, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Good Girl
“This is one readers won’t be able to put down.” ― Booklist (starred review)
"A can’t-put-down psychological thriller.” ― Library Journal (starred review)
“This debut is guaranteed to haunt you… Warning: brace yourself.” ― Bustle
“The sense of believably and terror that engulfs Behind Closed Doors doesn't waver.” ― The Associated Press, picked up by The Washington Post
“This was one of the best and most terrifying psychological thrillers I have ever read.” ― San Francisco Book Review
The perfect marriage? Or the perfect lie?
Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.
But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.
Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.
Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.
“A hair-raising debut, both unsettling and addictive… A chilling thriller that will keep you reading long into the night.” ― Mary Kubica, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Good Girl
“This is one readers won’t be able to put down.” ― Booklist (starred review)
"A can’t-put-down psychological thriller.” ― Library Journal (starred review)
“This debut is guaranteed to haunt you… Warning: brace yourself.” ― Bustle
“The sense of believably and terror that engulfs Behind Closed Doors doesn't waver.” ― The Associated Press, picked up by The Washington Post
“This was one of the best and most terrifying psychological thrillers I have ever read.” ― San Francisco Book Review
- GenresThriller
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2016
About the author
B.A. Paris
22 books24.5k followersB.A. Paris is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of eight novels including the word-of-mouth hit, Behind Closed Doors, and her latest psychological thriller, When I Kill You.
Over nine million editions of her work have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 41 languages. Her novel, The Breakdown, has been adapted for film under the title Blackwater Lane.
Before becoming an author, B.A. Paris, who spent most of her adult life living in France, worked in finance as a trader before retraining as an English teacher. Today, she writes from her cottage in Hampshire, England.
Sign up to her newsletter at www.baparis.com or follow her on Instagram @baparisauthor
Over nine million editions of her work have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 41 languages. Her novel, The Breakdown, has been adapted for film under the title Blackwater Lane.
Before becoming an author, B.A. Paris, who spent most of her adult life living in France, worked in finance as a trader before retraining as an English teacher. Today, she writes from her cottage in Hampshire, England.
Sign up to her newsletter at www.baparis.com or follow her on Instagram @baparisauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 27, 2016
Everyone loves a good psychopath story right? I started this in an airport as were seriously delayed. It was totally un-put-down able. I wasn't able to finish until the next day but I read the last part twice, just for enjoyment.. I did not rate higher than a 4 because I reserve 5s for my absolute top reads, but it is worth the ride!
January 24, 2023
The first 50 pages in, and the author decides to have the villain sit down and spell out his entire backstory and have this long (kind of cheesy) monologue about what his plans are and his motives. WHAT! Who thought that was a good idea, and me being optimistic I thought hmm okay there must be more right? Something... more... more than a bad man who has evil plans, well there wasn't. The rest of the book was just more predictable evil-ness. And badly written - one dimensional characters from that point on. Didn't finish the book, got too bored but really sad because I had higher hopes.
July 29, 2023
The perfect husband and doting wife… but it seems to good to be true… because it is. Definitely made me think about some of the “perfect” marriages I see in the world and how you never know what’s happening… behind closed doors. Enjoy!
September 5, 2022
Page Turner!! I couldn't put it down.. really great book!
August 6, 2023
I honestly love a good psychopath book and this one really nailed it. Couldn’t put it down!
October 25, 2021
I found this book gripping. Quiet scary to think how easy it could be for a person to get trapped into a awful relationship like this. The book wasn't explicit in detail of what he does, so it's not to graphic in those part, but you still get the sense of the terrifying (mental) situation she is in.
I started to think how I would get out, if I was in her shoes.
The way it ended was unbelievable, but still a good story.I feel there could have been some twists or shocker bits, but there wasn't any really. Quiet a steady paced book.
However it has been a very long time since I have read a thriller book, so it was a good introduction back in to them, so I definitely be picking up another in the near future.
I started to think how I would get out, if I was in her shoes.
The way it ended was unbelievable, but still a good story.I feel there could have been some twists or shocker bits, but there wasn't any really. Quiet a steady paced book.
However it has been a very long time since I have read a thriller book, so it was a good introduction back in to them, so I definitely be picking up another in the near future.
September 8, 2017
i mean, i can't complain too much because i finished the whole thing BUT omg predictable as hell! not only that, but that ending was a bit ridic. obviously, when he went out of town i would imagine that he did some horrid HOSTEL status things, no need to even tell me but i would have appreciated a little more detail. it all seemed too well orchestrated. like okay yes he may have maybe gotten away with it but really? she cared for her sister for so long and all of a sudden she is out of resources? if this were a horror movie, it would be a terrible, boring, ugh type of horror movie.
August 1, 2022
Decent short story, wished the author included more details during the thriller scenes, was a little predictable at times and cliché. someone mentioned that this resembled a "90's lifetime movie" and I couldn't agree anymore.
December 30, 2016
A unique book. Just wonderful.
March 24, 2019
This was way too upsetting to consider finishing.
January 13, 2022
I really struggled with this book.
September 25, 2018
Behind Closed Doors
I hear quite a bit about this book, so thought I'd give the free 5-Chapter sampler a go and have to say I never continued on.
I found it rather boring with all the detail about how they were so perfect, their lives being intertwine so much that she couldn't go anywhere or do anything with anyone else. I found it all too much and could have been told in a couple of pages. But the absolute worst for me was the wedding—seriously! I don't think so. That was it for me. I couldn't read anymore. Sad really because I had high hopes for this one!
I hear quite a bit about this book, so thought I'd give the free 5-Chapter sampler a go and have to say I never continued on.
I found it rather boring with all the detail about how they were so perfect, their lives being intertwine so much that she couldn't go anywhere or do anything with anyone else. I found it all too much and could have been told in a couple of pages. But the absolute worst for me was the wedding—seriously! I don't think so. That was it for me. I couldn't read anymore. Sad really because I had high hopes for this one!
July 11, 2019
Bought this at the airport and couldn’t stop reading it. A great psychological reader that is written really well getting inside the protagonists head. The antagonist husband was a little unrealistic but this is what makes it a good read. Not exactly a 5 but up there. I’ve also bought another two A.B. Paris books, the Breakdown which has hooked me straight away and Bring me Back which is next for me...
August 19, 2024
This was actually a good read.. about a seemingly “perfect couple “ that seems to have it all and more.. when really, well… just read the book. Kept me in suspense and was not what I expected.. but I truly believe there are many psychopaths out there in this world-I DO believe this could ABSOLUTELY be happening (& worse) in relationships. In fact, I know it is. Read the pages after you’re done also!
August 3, 2023
Such a good book! Well written! That damn Jack he seemed like a perfect guy until they got married, but i know he seemed to good to be true snd sure enough..... I was so happy when she out smarted him! When she got in the car with his friend to drive her to the air port without him /When she went to Thailand alone I know her plan had worked, but it was still interesting to read the rest!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2020
Easy but suspenseful read! Finished it less than 48 hours and it was great to have “can’t put
It down” book to fall in to.
Recommend if you are looking to escape for a few days or weekend. The writing kept you easily engaged and the story moves quickly. Great thriller.
It down” book to fall in to.
Recommend if you are looking to escape for a few days or weekend. The writing kept you easily engaged and the story moves quickly. Great thriller.
July 31, 2023
Great psychological thriller. I can’t deny it was a great book. Read in one day. Just not my favorite because it was a dark and disturbing book for me. I would have enjoyed a bit more at the end also.
August 2, 2023
I listened to the audiobook while I was traveling and I felt that there should of been something more. It was kind of repetitive and predictable but the ending was great and I would still recommend it because I didn’t want to put it down!
February 15, 2017
VERY repetitive...story doesn't expand and then climaxes and ends. Ok for a quick read but don't expect much.
August 8, 2017
Although this book engaged me I always knew how it would end.
October 23, 2017
Creepy and exciting thriller. Everyone thinks Jack is the perfect husband. They have no idea how wrong they are.
January 2, 2018
loved it. couldn't put it down.
January 7, 2018
This story was a bit more far fetched then I usually read. Hard to believe these twists and turns.
January 25, 2018
Great quick read-close to a 5 star!
October 7, 2018
A very creepy if unrealistic thriller that was hard to put down
January 13, 2019
Great so far. I just picked up my library request so I can finish the book.
February 13, 2019
A true psychological thriller in every sense and a very unique read. I've never read a thriller like it, through the eyes of the tormentor!
June 21, 2019
Keeps your attention that's for sure!
Really enjoyed this book. Quick read. Keeps your attention. Loved the ending and how her friend was finally able to help her.
Really enjoyed this book. Quick read. Keeps your attention. Loved the ending and how her friend was finally able to help her.
July 12, 2019
this was a great book great plot great twist and an ending that will blow your mind!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews