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The Girl in the Window: A Novel of Psychological Suspense
From the bestselling author of the Reed Ferguson mystery series and the Dewey Webb historical mystery series comes an enthralling story of psychological suspense.
Five days a week, Amber watches from her window as her handsome neighbor Caleb leaves for work. In the midst of a bitter divorce, Amber longs for the seemingly perfect life Caleb and his wife Erin have.
“I’d kill for that kind of life,” Amber says.
But would she?
Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl.
What readers are saying:
"Girl in the Window echoes psychological thrillers like Girl on the Train, which I am a true fan of. I loved the suspense Ms. Pawlish creates from a slow build to a fast paced shocking ending I didn't see coming." MagnoliaBelle
"I love all Renee's books but for some reason this was my favorite. I got hooked right from the start and read it all the way through!" Jean
"If you like suspense with twists and turns in the plot, you will love this book. Did not see the ultimate outcome if this story. You will not be disappointed by this book." M.
"I found this psychological suspense novel intriguing and hard to put down before the end." E.L.
If you like private investigators, try the Reed Ferguson mystery series and the Dewey Webb historical mystery series, also by Renée Pawlish.
Five days a week, Amber watches from her window as her handsome neighbor Caleb leaves for work. In the midst of a bitter divorce, Amber longs for the seemingly perfect life Caleb and his wife Erin have.
“I’d kill for that kind of life,” Amber says.
But would she?
Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl.
What readers are saying:
"Girl in the Window echoes psychological thrillers like Girl on the Train, which I am a true fan of. I loved the suspense Ms. Pawlish creates from a slow build to a fast paced shocking ending I didn't see coming." MagnoliaBelle
"I love all Renee's books but for some reason this was my favorite. I got hooked right from the start and read it all the way through!" Jean
"If you like suspense with twists and turns in the plot, you will love this book. Did not see the ultimate outcome if this story. You will not be disappointed by this book." M.
"I found this psychological suspense novel intriguing and hard to put down before the end." E.L.
If you like private investigators, try the Reed Ferguson mystery series and the Dewey Webb historical mystery series, also by Renée Pawlish.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2017
1582 people are currently reading
2306 people want to read
About the author
Renee Pawlish
113 books346 followersFrom the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 209 reviews
March 2, 2018
This book referred to many familiar places in the Denver, Colorado, area, and I initially enjoyed knowing the streets where action was taking place. But then the story started to become strangely claustrophobic as the protagonist stood, day and night, at the front window of her lovely home in her lovely neighborhood, closely monitoring the comings and goings of all her lovely neighbors. If I had the time or motivation, I would go back through the book and count how many times she picked up a coffee mug, set down a coffee mug, poured herself more coffee, let her coffee get cold and emptied her coffee mug in the sink. I'd wager it was upwards of fifty times. That wasn't the most annoying thing, though. The interaction of the lovely neighbors was reminiscent of high school, in which popular girls formed alliances with each other and fought with and gossiped about others, while their popular boyfriends cheated on them with their friends. The women all had names like Tiffany and Amber and they didn't have jobs but played lots of tennis and did a lot of shopping. The story's mystery was solved by the reclusive main character who came out of her house long enough to ask awkward questions of everyone. Once she had done that, she would go home and retell herself everything that had already been said. Some of the prose was shocking to me in its banality and other things just made no particular sense. "Everything about her, from her ruffled shirt, to her pinched brow, and the gleam in her eyes, said crazy." (Yep, nothin' says crazy like a ruffled shirt.)
I recommend this book to anyone who loved high school and wishes they could go back and murder somebody.
I recommend this book to anyone who loved high school and wishes they could go back and murder somebody.
June 4, 2018
Oh dear this was not good at all. The plot was a bit basic, The scenarios not believable, I mean Amber goes to the health club for the first time in months and lo and behold she talks to one person the whole time and of course they had info on Erin. Then she turns up at Starbucks and surprise surprise the waitress was able to identify Erin in a photo and then describe her argument with someone. Then she always seemed to get a parking spot right out the front of where she needed to be to follow someone. This book would be good for a light read if you were travelling as you'd be more than happy to leave the book behind after you'd read it!
July 15, 2017
Not Up to Reed Ferguson's Par
I can imagine authors might get tired of writing a series, may want to stretch their wings, play in different neighborhoods, see the world through the eyes of different characters. I know Renée Pawlish has several different series's, though I'm mostly familiar with her Reed Ferguson detective series. It's fun, with likable characters, and situations that always get dangerous, but our heroes always come out okay in the end.
I decided to try The Girl in the Window because I'd enjoyed the Reed Ferguson series, and figured I would be in for something of the same quality.
I really hate writing negative reviews, but I didn't feel that this book lived up to my expectations. I found the protagonist annoying and unsympathetic (probably because I can't stand *myself* when I'm as unmotivated and passive as she is for the first half of the book!), the story felt boggy, and the characters felt a bit two-dimensional. Also, the protagonist was just plain stupid, putting herself in potentially life threatening situations without a thought. It's hard to identify with someone that idiotic.
It was fine for a quick read -- I didn't give up on the book and pick up something else -- but nothing to write home about.
I look forward to the next Reed Ferguson mystery, if there is another one!
I can imagine authors might get tired of writing a series, may want to stretch their wings, play in different neighborhoods, see the world through the eyes of different characters. I know Renée Pawlish has several different series's, though I'm mostly familiar with her Reed Ferguson detective series. It's fun, with likable characters, and situations that always get dangerous, but our heroes always come out okay in the end.
I decided to try The Girl in the Window because I'd enjoyed the Reed Ferguson series, and figured I would be in for something of the same quality.
I really hate writing negative reviews, but I didn't feel that this book lived up to my expectations. I found the protagonist annoying and unsympathetic (probably because I can't stand *myself* when I'm as unmotivated and passive as she is for the first half of the book!), the story felt boggy, and the characters felt a bit two-dimensional. Also, the protagonist was just plain stupid, putting herself in potentially life threatening situations without a thought. It's hard to identify with someone that idiotic.
It was fine for a quick read -- I didn't give up on the book and pick up something else -- but nothing to write home about.
I look forward to the next Reed Ferguson mystery, if there is another one!
July 20, 2017
A little simplistic, but interesting
This is a murder mystery set in an upscale neighborhood. I don't rehash plots like everyone else, I just give my honest review. The title refers to Amber, an almost divorcee who spends her day doing the same thing over and over. Frankly, it became quite repetitive and unnecessary to read the same thing over and over. Every day she sat staring out the front window, she ate a sandwich standing at her kitchen counter staring at her backyard in need of serious care, she couldn't sleep, she stood and stared out her bedroom window. We get it, now move on. The story itself is a bit simplistic, but it has a satisfying ending and does not leave you hanging.
This is a murder mystery set in an upscale neighborhood. I don't rehash plots like everyone else, I just give my honest review. The title refers to Amber, an almost divorcee who spends her day doing the same thing over and over. Frankly, it became quite repetitive and unnecessary to read the same thing over and over. Every day she sat staring out the front window, she ate a sandwich standing at her kitchen counter staring at her backyard in need of serious care, she couldn't sleep, she stood and stared out her bedroom window. We get it, now move on. The story itself is a bit simplistic, but it has a satisfying ending and does not leave you hanging.
May 17, 2018
2.5. This isn't what I would classify as a psychological thriller, more a straight up murder mystery/armchair detective book disguised as a psychological thriller. The only thing in common with books like GG and GOTT are unlikeable main characters, and in the case of GOTT, women who need to get over it, and get a life.
Blurb is accurate. Amber is in a funk as she delays her divorce from her (loser) husband. She obsesses over her next door neighbor, Caleb, and his "perfect" wife and life. The wife is murdered, and Amber becomes a suspect due to the well-known fact she had a crush on Caleb. The rest of the book is her chasing down the truth.
On the plus side, it's a fast, easy read and it kept my attention. While not great, it didn't linger in any place for too long so you don't dwell on what's lacking in this book.
However, ultimately it wasn't much better than a Lifetime drama. Amber was pathetic, knew it, but didn't seem to care. She was obtuse and bulldozed her way to the truth w/out any thought to the consequences of her actions. She lacked common sense, and her crush on Caleb was childish. She often made a fool of herself, but didn't seem to care too much to stop.
The mystery itself was straight out of a detective book: introduce a cast of characters, and then move the story forward by revealing info about each that gives them motive, until it's whittled down enough the killer finally reveals thee selves. No real twists because if you have read even a few mysteries, you could guess, or at least suspect, the actual killer.
Average book, not bad if you're looking for something mindless.
Blurb is accurate. Amber is in a funk as she delays her divorce from her (loser) husband. She obsesses over her next door neighbor, Caleb, and his "perfect" wife and life. The wife is murdered, and Amber becomes a suspect due to the well-known fact she had a crush on Caleb. The rest of the book is her chasing down the truth.
On the plus side, it's a fast, easy read and it kept my attention. While not great, it didn't linger in any place for too long so you don't dwell on what's lacking in this book.
However, ultimately it wasn't much better than a Lifetime drama. Amber was pathetic, knew it, but didn't seem to care. She was obtuse and bulldozed her way to the truth w/out any thought to the consequences of her actions. She lacked common sense, and her crush on Caleb was childish. She often made a fool of herself, but didn't seem to care too much to stop.
The mystery itself was straight out of a detective book: introduce a cast of characters, and then move the story forward by revealing info about each that gives them motive, until it's whittled down enough the killer finally reveals thee selves. No real twists because if you have read even a few mysteries, you could guess, or at least suspect, the actual killer.
Average book, not bad if you're looking for something mindless.
July 23, 2017
The Girl In the Window by Renee Pawlish
Another well written, fast paced mystery from Renee Pawlish.
Pawlish’s character development is superb. I move, live and listen with her characters, get stressed when they are distressed. The main character in this one is a lonesome, sad, obsessed person and yet one feels that she could overcome that with some help and I want to help her. The plot in this story, as in most of her stories, leads me to think that any one of those involved in the murder is the culprit. I mentally build the case for one and then another and another to be the perpetrator. In the end, Pawlish surprises me and I have been caught, once again, unaware of the real murderer.
Although fast paced, simple and easy to read, her writing is never simplistic. There is much going on several levels in this story; being easy to read only enhanced my ability to climb in the character’s skin and become one with them.
If you follow Renee Pawlish’s mysteries, you will love this one. If not a regular reader of her works, you are likely to be very soon!
Review by Fritzi Redgrave
Another well written, fast paced mystery from Renee Pawlish.
Pawlish’s character development is superb. I move, live and listen with her characters, get stressed when they are distressed. The main character in this one is a lonesome, sad, obsessed person and yet one feels that she could overcome that with some help and I want to help her. The plot in this story, as in most of her stories, leads me to think that any one of those involved in the murder is the culprit. I mentally build the case for one and then another and another to be the perpetrator. In the end, Pawlish surprises me and I have been caught, once again, unaware of the real murderer.
Although fast paced, simple and easy to read, her writing is never simplistic. There is much going on several levels in this story; being easy to read only enhanced my ability to climb in the character’s skin and become one with them.
If you follow Renee Pawlish’s mysteries, you will love this one. If not a regular reader of her works, you are likely to be very soon!
Review by Fritzi Redgrave
July 10, 2017
Amber Aldridge days dreams about her neighbors husband, Caleb McCormick. After all, her own husband Rick left her six months ago. Amber watches Caleb come and go to work every day from her window. Caleb is married to Erin, and Erin doesn't like Amber watching her husband. Then one day, Caleb doesn't go anywhere. Amber finds out from the only neighbor that likes her, Kayla, that Erin was killed. Everyone in the neighborhood is pointing their finger at Amber, because everyone knows how she feels about Caleb. Amber feels she must prove her innocence, so she starts digging into the activities of those in her neighborhood. The more she digs, the more things are brought to light that she never even suspected. You won't see the ending coming-----SURPRISE!
August 26, 2017
Watta screwed neighbourhood! When everything looked too good to be true... Who are you kidding? Amber was so brave, confronting everyone who seemed to be the killer. Lawd! Glad it was over.
October 12, 2017
Vakitsizlikten, yogunluktan bu kadar uzun surdu bitmesi yoksa cok kisa kitap.
Bu kitaptaki Amber gibi obsesif karakterleri okumayi seviyorum. Kendime hakim olmasam donusebilecegim kisiyi gosteriyor bana. Saka saka o kadar da degil. Ama yakin.
Yazari ilk kez okudum. Amazon’da rekor satislari varmis filan. Enteresan. Hic oyle rekor kiracak bir yanini goremedim. Temiz, akici, anlasilir yaziyor ama dahasi yok. Bu kadar iste ya 3 yildiz verdigim bi kitap icin cok bile konustum.
Aaa seyi unutmadan ismi the girl bilmem ne olan kitaplardan bu 9. okudugummus. Baska isim koyun kitaplariniza artik. Piyasa kizdan gecilmez oldu.
Bu kitaptaki Amber gibi obsesif karakterleri okumayi seviyorum. Kendime hakim olmasam donusebilecegim kisiyi gosteriyor bana. Saka saka o kadar da degil. Ama yakin.
Yazari ilk kez okudum. Amazon’da rekor satislari varmis filan. Enteresan. Hic oyle rekor kiracak bir yanini goremedim. Temiz, akici, anlasilir yaziyor ama dahasi yok. Bu kadar iste ya 3 yildiz verdigim bi kitap icin cok bile konustum.
Aaa seyi unutmadan ismi the girl bilmem ne olan kitaplardan bu 9. okudugummus. Baska isim koyun kitaplariniza artik. Piyasa kizdan gecilmez oldu.
September 4, 2017
Easy and enjoyable read
Finished it in a few hours. Cohesive and smooth plot. Fast paced without being rushed. Held my interest until the end. Simple and enjoyable read.
Finished it in a few hours. Cohesive and smooth plot. Fast paced without being rushed. Held my interest until the end. Simple and enjoyable read.
June 6, 2019
It was a good book, but kind of short. I think there could have been more to it. It reminded me of The Girl on the Train. Overall it is still a good book.
July 13, 2024
This was a really fast read. I finished it in just a few hours.
That being said, I feel like this story definitely had promise. A woman stares out her window, keeping a watchful eye over the neighborhood. More specifically of one particular man in the neighborhood. She watches him leave for work every morning, wishing she had the picture perfect life he and his wife share. She'd kill for a life like that. Or would she?
The whole investigation was wild. In what world would police openly share whatever the heck they wanted about an active murder investigation. Also, why would some random woman be allowed to muck up the investigation on her own form of vigilante justice? Another thing, if i have to hear one more time about the divorce papers that she refused to sign I might scream.
The pacing of this story was super weird and it kind of felt like there was a lot going on but not a lot happening. Overall, it was an entertaining, head scratching read. It's not one I would really recommend though.
That being said, I feel like this story definitely had promise. A woman stares out her window, keeping a watchful eye over the neighborhood. More specifically of one particular man in the neighborhood. She watches him leave for work every morning, wishing she had the picture perfect life he and his wife share. She'd kill for a life like that. Or would she?
The whole investigation was wild. In what world would police openly share whatever the heck they wanted about an active murder investigation. Also, why would some random woman be allowed to muck up the investigation on her own form of vigilante justice? Another thing, if i have to hear one more time about the divorce papers that she refused to sign I might scream.
The pacing of this story was super weird and it kind of felt like there was a lot going on but not a lot happening. Overall, it was an entertaining, head scratching read. It's not one I would really recommend though.
June 23, 2025
Where is the character development? Why on earth would Caleb divulge all this information to the creepy neighbor woman whom he barely knows who watches him religiously through her window? Waste of time. DNF.
February 24, 2019
This is a great quick read(it took ,e a while due to just being too busy lol) it’s keeps you guessing.
August 25, 2017
Quick and fun read. A little simple but enjoyable. Nice murder mystery type.
February 1, 2018
Amber stands at her front window watching her neighbors, she is not liked by most and truthfully she is not a likable character. Her life is floundering, her husband wants a divorce and she quit her job. There is a murder which reveals affairs and much more as Amber works to help to put all the pieces together.
Her character is somewhat redeeming at the end but not much.
Her character is somewhat redeeming at the end but not much.
August 16, 2017
Held my attention when it was longer. Like the author will read more book
The book held my attention will be reading more books by author. If you might recommend more along the same line
The book held my attention will be reading more books by author. If you might recommend more along the same line
August 6, 2017
This books is like a treasure hunt
The book kept you engaged. You kept thing you knew who the killer was but so many twists and turn. Like a treasure hunt just kept getting clues.
I didn't think her character Amber was realistic in doing things could have been so dangerous, especially when attorney told her not too.
Over all a good read.
The book kept you engaged. You kept thing you knew who the killer was but so many twists and turn. Like a treasure hunt just kept getting clues.
I didn't think her character Amber was realistic in doing things could have been so dangerous, especially when attorney told her not too.
Over all a good read.
March 9, 2021
Probably one of the most enticing books I've ever read. It's confusing if you don't think about what's going on, but I think that's what makes it interesting. The way the author writes this book forces readers to take a step back from reality and practice seeing things from the characters' point of view. HIGHLY recommend.
July 16, 2017
Through A Glass Darkly
Amber is depressed and living life through her window. Her neighbors seem to have everything, the perfect marriage, and the perfect life. She watches her neighbour, Callum from her window as she imagines life with him Amber is in the middle of a divorce, but will not sign the papers.
There is a murder and Amber is one of the main suspects, especially since, it was Callum's wife who died. She sets about trying to solve the case, thinking that her estranged husband, Rick, could be the killer.
I liked the characters and the way that the plot had unexpected twist and turns.
I was given the book by the author, but I am giving a honest review. I loved this book.
Amber is depressed and living life through her window. Her neighbors seem to have everything, the perfect marriage, and the perfect life. She watches her neighbour, Callum from her window as she imagines life with him Amber is in the middle of a divorce, but will not sign the papers.
There is a murder and Amber is one of the main suspects, especially since, it was Callum's wife who died. She sets about trying to solve the case, thinking that her estranged husband, Rick, could be the killer.
I liked the characters and the way that the plot had unexpected twist and turns.
I was given the book by the author, but I am giving a honest review. I loved this book.
July 19, 2017
Murder Mystery
Amber often looked out her window, watching her neighbors and envying them their perfect lives. But things are not always as they appear. When a neighbor is found murdered in a bad part of town near a seedy motel, Amber becomes a suspect. Everyone knew she lusted after the dead woman's husband. But would she kill to make her daydreams a reality? Amber swears she's innocent and decides to do some sleuthing to find the real killer.
Well written mystery with fairly mild profanity and a minimum of sex. Five stars!
Amber often looked out her window, watching her neighbors and envying them their perfect lives. But things are not always as they appear. When a neighbor is found murdered in a bad part of town near a seedy motel, Amber becomes a suspect. Everyone knew she lusted after the dead woman's husband. But would she kill to make her daydreams a reality? Amber swears she's innocent and decides to do some sleuthing to find the real killer.
Well written mystery with fairly mild profanity and a minimum of sex. Five stars!
October 12, 2018
OK, I'm an idiot. I THOUGHT I had downloaded the raved about Woman in the Window and kept reading this thing waiting for it to be good and it never did. It wasn't until I was done that I realized my error. This book is really not good. There is no way someone too scared to sign her own divorce papers from her cheating husband would be brave enough to do some of the things that she did. The premise is just bad but it could have been good--I mean, the twist on who the killer is and why is good and the sole reason this got one star. Don't bother.
July 18, 2017
The lady has serious writing chops
I absolutely recommend her Dewey Webb novels which are a throwback to gritty noir,. More recently based reed ferguson novels are a good read as well. I was apprehensive about this departure from her genre, but she pulled of a well developed plot, complete with a well developed protagonist and nice twists. Kudos! How can I not give positive review to a book that kept me reading until 4 a.m.?
I absolutely recommend her Dewey Webb novels which are a throwback to gritty noir,. More recently based reed ferguson novels are a good read as well. I was apprehensive about this departure from her genre, but she pulled of a well developed plot, complete with a well developed protagonist and nice twists. Kudos! How can I not give positive review to a book that kept me reading until 4 a.m.?
July 19, 2017
Window watching, WOW!!!!!
30 stars!!!!!!!
I could not put this book down, I finished it in a day an a half. There was so much going on I couldn't sleep, I had to fall asleep and the kindle hit the floor. That's where I found it the next morning and picked it up and continue where I left off.
Renee I am in awe of this book, and there are places like this for real.
You have to read this book. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!! I promise you. WOW!!!!!!
30 stars!!!!!!!
I could not put this book down, I finished it in a day an a half. There was so much going on I couldn't sleep, I had to fall asleep and the kindle hit the floor. That's where I found it the next morning and picked it up and continue where I left off.
Renee I am in awe of this book, and there are places like this for real.
You have to read this book. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!! I promise you. WOW!!!!!!
July 10, 2017
I enjoy murder books. I love Ms Pawlish's Reed Ferguson and Dewy Webb series. But this thriller/suspense book wasn't my favorite. It was well written and full of surprises. However it made me nervous reading it, because I am not really a suspense fan. I found the characters interesting and the story well written, just not a favorite for me.
July 18, 2017
Not her best work
I give every author praise for stepping outside their genre, and Ms Pawlish deserves that here. For me, the angst of her protagonist just seemed wooden and neurotic. I will keep reading her work, but pass on any further of this series.
I give every author praise for stepping outside their genre, and Ms Pawlish deserves that here. For me, the angst of her protagonist just seemed wooden and neurotic. I will keep reading her work, but pass on any further of this series.
July 9, 2017
new character for Ms Pawlish. beginni g of new series?
Again, hard to put down!
Again, hard to put down!
July 18, 2018
A "Rear Window" style novel. What is it with all these "Girl" in the title mysteries?
Amber, the appropriately named Girl of the title is stuck. Her husband has left her and wants a divorce. She has a crush on her neighbor 's husband Caleb, and craves the life she imagines her neighbors have. Erin, Caleb's wife, and her neighborhood friends Tiffany and others, have perfect loving marriages, love in beautiful homes, drive luxury cars, don't work, and spend their days at the club, or golfing, or doing other fun things in which Amber is never included. Amber spends her days staring out the window at her neighbors ' comings and goings, drinks too much coffee, and can't bring herself to sign her divorce papers.
Then one morning, Erin is found dead, in an alley outside a seedy motel. Amber finds out the police consider her a suspect, so she begins to investigate on her own. Did Caleb kill his cheating wife? Or maybe it was Amber's soon to be ex husband? Or someone else? Whodunit??
While the story was interesting and suspenseful, it wasn't really twisty. My biggest problem with the book: I found it hard to believe that Amber was always ahead of the police, following people around, doing her own investigation, and repeatedly just confronting people she suspected, like, " Hi. I'm pretty sure you were having an affair with Erin. Where were you the night She died? Did you kilI her? No? OK, then, bye. " Not too subtle.
Overall, "The Girl in the Window" was pretty entertaining, a quick and enjoyable read, but it's definitely not in the same mystery league as " Gone, Girl" or "Girl on the Train." Or " Rear Window, either.
Amber, the appropriately named Girl of the title is stuck. Her husband has left her and wants a divorce. She has a crush on her neighbor 's husband Caleb, and craves the life she imagines her neighbors have. Erin, Caleb's wife, and her neighborhood friends Tiffany and others, have perfect loving marriages, love in beautiful homes, drive luxury cars, don't work, and spend their days at the club, or golfing, or doing other fun things in which Amber is never included. Amber spends her days staring out the window at her neighbors ' comings and goings, drinks too much coffee, and can't bring herself to sign her divorce papers.
Then one morning, Erin is found dead, in an alley outside a seedy motel. Amber finds out the police consider her a suspect, so she begins to investigate on her own. Did Caleb kill his cheating wife? Or maybe it was Amber's soon to be ex husband? Or someone else? Whodunit??
While the story was interesting and suspenseful, it wasn't really twisty. My biggest problem with the book: I found it hard to believe that Amber was always ahead of the police, following people around, doing her own investigation, and repeatedly just confronting people she suspected, like, " Hi. I'm pretty sure you were having an affair with Erin. Where were you the night She died? Did you kilI her? No? OK, then, bye. " Not too subtle.
Overall, "The Girl in the Window" was pretty entertaining, a quick and enjoyable read, but it's definitely not in the same mystery league as " Gone, Girl" or "Girl on the Train." Or " Rear Window, either.
October 1, 2019
The nosey neighbour.
Sadly, I never really engaged with this book. The main character was going through a divorce and was obviously depressed, but she spent her days peering out of her window at the characters who lived near-by, and poking her nose into everybody's business. I just couldn't like her. In fact there wasn't a single character who I could say I actually liked.
Amber hasn't been in the neighbourhood for long but her marriage has broken up and she's alone in the large, luxurious house, amongst people who mostly despise her. It's known that she lusts after another woman's husband and this is hardly going to make her popular. When that woman is found dead, Amber immediately becomes a suspect and uses this as an excuse to be even more infuriating and intrusive.
I assumed that this was the author's first novel, but in fact she has written two mystery series, so I don't feel too bad about being honest. There was no subtlety to the plot and Amber was nosing around well before she had the valid reason of protecting herself from being a suspect.
The narration by Jennifer Blom was fine, a bit slow, but I could have sped it up if I'd chosen to.
2.5 stars.
Sadly, I never really engaged with this book. The main character was going through a divorce and was obviously depressed, but she spent her days peering out of her window at the characters who lived near-by, and poking her nose into everybody's business. I just couldn't like her. In fact there wasn't a single character who I could say I actually liked.
Amber hasn't been in the neighbourhood for long but her marriage has broken up and she's alone in the large, luxurious house, amongst people who mostly despise her. It's known that she lusts after another woman's husband and this is hardly going to make her popular. When that woman is found dead, Amber immediately becomes a suspect and uses this as an excuse to be even more infuriating and intrusive.
I assumed that this was the author's first novel, but in fact she has written two mystery series, so I don't feel too bad about being honest. There was no subtlety to the plot and Amber was nosing around well before she had the valid reason of protecting herself from being a suspect.
The narration by Jennifer Blom was fine, a bit slow, but I could have sped it up if I'd chosen to.
2.5 stars.
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