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The Woman Outside My Door
“Expect a few chills to run down your spine as you work your way through this sharp debut” ( CrimeReads ) about a young mother who can’t shake the feeling that her son’s imaginary friend is putting him in very real danger—perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Mary Kubica.
All children have imaginary friends, Georgina tells herself. It’s perfectly normal, and they all grow out of it in the end. But when her seven-year-old son, Cody, tells her about New Granny, the friend he’s met in the park, Georgina is instantly suspicious. Something—call it maternal instinct—tells her he isn’t making it up.
Still, maybe Georgina is losing her mind. It wouldn’t be the first time, after all. And with her own mother’s recent death leaving her feeling bereft and overwhelmed as a busy working mom, it’s no wonder she’s feeling paranoid that Cody has invented a “New Granny” to replace his beloved grandmother. Her husband assures Georgina that it’s just a game, the product of their son’s overactive imagination.
But what if Cody’s imaginary friend isn’t so imaginary after all?
“Packed with jaw-dropping moments, The Woman Outside My Door is a twisty thriller with hidden depths” (Robyn Harding, internationally bestselling author of The Party ) that will keep you guessing until the shocking last page.
All children have imaginary friends, Georgina tells herself. It’s perfectly normal, and they all grow out of it in the end. But when her seven-year-old son, Cody, tells her about New Granny, the friend he’s met in the park, Georgina is instantly suspicious. Something—call it maternal instinct—tells her he isn’t making it up.
Still, maybe Georgina is losing her mind. It wouldn’t be the first time, after all. And with her own mother’s recent death leaving her feeling bereft and overwhelmed as a busy working mom, it’s no wonder she’s feeling paranoid that Cody has invented a “New Granny” to replace his beloved grandmother. Her husband assures Georgina that it’s just a game, the product of their son’s overactive imagination.
But what if Cody’s imaginary friend isn’t so imaginary after all?
“Packed with jaw-dropping moments, The Woman Outside My Door is a twisty thriller with hidden depths” (Robyn Harding, internationally bestselling author of The Party ) that will keep you guessing until the shocking last page.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
364 people are currently reading
17657 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ryan
2 books372 followersRachel Ryan was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. She can usually be found writing in coffee shops, hanging around libraries, or walking the streets of Dublin, making up stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,506 reviews
September 29, 2020
Cleverly Plotted
3.5 stars
The Woman Outside My Door is a psychological thriller about a mother who is concerned about her son’s new imaginary friend, “New Granny.” Is her son in danger, or is she losing her grasp on reality?
When Georgina’s 7-year-old son starts talking about his new imaginary friend, “New Granny,” she begins to worry. While Georgina expresses her concerns and begins to grow fearful for Cody’s safety, those around her question her behavior. Something sinister is going on, and all is not what it seems.
Told from Georgina’s POV, she is an unreliable narrator. This book had me constantly questioning if she was losing her mind or just dumb and gullible. The first half of the book had me constantly rolling my eyes at her. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was wrong about Georgina’s character; she is actually much smarter than she seems!
This is a quick, easy read. It’s packed with tension and kept me turning the pages. The writing is a bit repetitive, and at times, a little gimmicky. I also thought that everything ends a little too neatly. However, this is a solid debut thriller, and I look forward to reading more by Rachel Ryan in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
The Woman Outside My Door is a psychological thriller about a mother who is concerned about her son’s new imaginary friend, “New Granny.” Is her son in danger, or is she losing her grasp on reality?
When Georgina’s 7-year-old son starts talking about his new imaginary friend, “New Granny,” she begins to worry. While Georgina expresses her concerns and begins to grow fearful for Cody’s safety, those around her question her behavior. Something sinister is going on, and all is not what it seems.
Told from Georgina’s POV, she is an unreliable narrator. This book had me constantly questioning if she was losing her mind or just dumb and gullible. The first half of the book had me constantly rolling my eyes at her. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was wrong about Georgina’s character; she is actually much smarter than she seems!
This is a quick, easy read. It’s packed with tension and kept me turning the pages. The writing is a bit repetitive, and at times, a little gimmicky. I also thought that everything ends a little too neatly. However, this is a solid debut thriller, and I look forward to reading more by Rachel Ryan in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2020
Okay. Another limbo reading for me. Firstly I love Sandra Brown and I enjoyed most of her action packed/ romantic suspense novels. I thought this book was written under her pseudonym name Rachel Rayne. Thankfully one of my Goodreads friends corrected me. This book belongs a debut Irish author with same pseudonym name . (Yeap, I should have figured out before. My bad🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️)
It dances between mystery/ psychological thriller genres but unfortunately the MCs’ dysfunctional marriage and communication problems took too much place at the story and their arguments turned into something repetitive without any solution.
Normally this book is about Georgina and Bren’s son Cody’s imaginary old lady friend who gives him chocolates, telling him she wants to be her new grandma.
Georgina gets suspicious, searching clues as her husband Bren tells her this is only their son’s coping mechanism to deal with his grief. Georgina recently lost her mother and she has more trouble to concentrate on her own grief as she also tries to face her marriage problems.
Cody acts strange, talks on the phone with his imaginary friends and all their neighbors start acting like creeps. And Georgina thinks that somebody following her with his/her car, watching their house.
This mysterious parts are good but I wish there were more because the couple problems overshadowed those exciting parts.
There is a pattern between marriage couple;
Georgina found out her husband Bren kissed his ex at a special friends union when he was drunk. Georgina cannot move on because she cannot absorb the cheating and cannot forgive him but also she mentally hurts herself instead of confronting him. She gives him silent treatment. They argue. She finally starts talking to him. Then she finds another fact , asks her husband, he confesses, more silent treatment. They argue, more cold shoulder. It goes on and on!
I thought that Georgina’s mental state may be connected to a childhood drama. That would be more logical so we can think she is inaccurate narrator and we may have suspicions about her moves. But grief and the other psychological breakdown she has gotten through for a few years back didn’t seem like proper explanation for me. She’s not delusional woman. She is just sensitive and she bottles up her feelings instead of showing her anger, resentment. This doesn’t make her mentally disturbed.
Last third was so much better, action packed and the emotional angst part about couple finally ended at those part ( thankfully)
And the final twist, revelations were also satisfying.
I give last third of the book: four stars
And I give 2.5 stars to the rest of it.
Average: 3.25!
It was okay reading. Definitely not bad and boring ( if you exclude couple’s lack of communication) but I was expected a little more from this brilliant author.
It’s still easy, fast pacing, riveting reading and it’s still good choice for spending your time with a mysterious page turner. I recommended it to author’s fans and thriller lovers.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this fast paced ARC with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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It dances between mystery/ psychological thriller genres but unfortunately the MCs’ dysfunctional marriage and communication problems took too much place at the story and their arguments turned into something repetitive without any solution.
Normally this book is about Georgina and Bren’s son Cody’s imaginary old lady friend who gives him chocolates, telling him she wants to be her new grandma.
Georgina gets suspicious, searching clues as her husband Bren tells her this is only their son’s coping mechanism to deal with his grief. Georgina recently lost her mother and she has more trouble to concentrate on her own grief as she also tries to face her marriage problems.
Cody acts strange, talks on the phone with his imaginary friends and all their neighbors start acting like creeps. And Georgina thinks that somebody following her with his/her car, watching their house.
This mysterious parts are good but I wish there were more because the couple problems overshadowed those exciting parts.
There is a pattern between marriage couple;
Georgina found out her husband Bren kissed his ex at a special friends union when he was drunk. Georgina cannot move on because she cannot absorb the cheating and cannot forgive him but also she mentally hurts herself instead of confronting him. She gives him silent treatment. They argue. She finally starts talking to him. Then she finds another fact , asks her husband, he confesses, more silent treatment. They argue, more cold shoulder. It goes on and on!
I thought that Georgina’s mental state may be connected to a childhood drama. That would be more logical so we can think she is inaccurate narrator and we may have suspicions about her moves. But grief and the other psychological breakdown she has gotten through for a few years back didn’t seem like proper explanation for me. She’s not delusional woman. She is just sensitive and she bottles up her feelings instead of showing her anger, resentment. This doesn’t make her mentally disturbed.
Last third was so much better, action packed and the emotional angst part about couple finally ended at those part ( thankfully)
And the final twist, revelations were also satisfying.
I give last third of the book: four stars
And I give 2.5 stars to the rest of it.
Average: 3.25!
It was okay reading. Definitely not bad and boring ( if you exclude couple’s lack of communication) but I was expected a little more from this brilliant author.
It’s still easy, fast pacing, riveting reading and it’s still good choice for spending your time with a mysterious page turner. I recommended it to author’s fans and thriller lovers.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this fast paced ARC with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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January 5, 2021
I couldn’t resist the captivating cover and an invitation from the Publisher to read this DEBUT novel from Irish author Rachel Ryan and I am so glad I did!
She is a new voice in the DOMESTIC SUSPENSE genre, who I will be keeping my eye on.
Seven year old, Cody has made a new friend in the park, and he calls her “NEW GRANNY”.
“Chocolate is the prize for boys who win the game”
His mom Georgina is NOT convinced that she is just an imaginary friend, invented because he is mourning the recent loss of his grandmother Rose.
Call it MOTHER’s INTUITION.
But, Dad, Bren thinks it’s a perfectly normal way for a young boy to cope and that Georgina is overreacting.
His lack of support is not helping their already troubled marriage.
HAS
SOMEONE followed Georgina home?
SOMEONE been watching the house?
SOMEONE been looking in the window?
SOMEONE been at the door?
Or is Georgina the one with the overactive imagination?
The words and behavior of Bren and each of the neighbors will be questioned until the truth is revealed.
This book has been called perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, and while the characters are not as quirky, I do think that her fans WILL also enjoy the engaging style and unrelenting suspense of this author’s work as well.
I know that I did!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank you to the Publisher for my gifted copy!
It was a pleasure to provide a candid review!
She is a new voice in the DOMESTIC SUSPENSE genre, who I will be keeping my eye on.
Seven year old, Cody has made a new friend in the park, and he calls her “NEW GRANNY”.
“Chocolate is the prize for boys who win the game”
His mom Georgina is NOT convinced that she is just an imaginary friend, invented because he is mourning the recent loss of his grandmother Rose.
Call it MOTHER’s INTUITION.
But, Dad, Bren thinks it’s a perfectly normal way for a young boy to cope and that Georgina is overreacting.
His lack of support is not helping their already troubled marriage.
HAS
SOMEONE followed Georgina home?
SOMEONE been watching the house?
SOMEONE been looking in the window?
SOMEONE been at the door?
Or is Georgina the one with the overactive imagination?
The words and behavior of Bren and each of the neighbors will be questioned until the truth is revealed.
This book has been called perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, and while the characters are not as quirky, I do think that her fans WILL also enjoy the engaging style and unrelenting suspense of this author’s work as well.
I know that I did!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank you to the Publisher for my gifted copy!
It was a pleasure to provide a candid review!
March 3, 2023
This is a psychological thriller. This book did not have a ton of twist and turns, but the big twist and turn at the end was so big and good. This book had me guessing who and what is going to happen the whole book. Not many thrillers does that to me anymore because I have read so many thrillers. All the characters in this book had personalist of their own, and I loved that. I think if you love psychological thrillers I think you will love this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Gallery Books) or author (Rachel Ryan) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 28, 2021
What would you do if your 7-year old child walked up to you in the park with a lollipop in their mouth that you didn’t give them? Furthermore, when asked, they tell you an old lady in the bushes who says she wants to be their “New Granny” gave it to them?
Eeek! It’s the stuff of parents’ nightmares, and that’s the creepy, unnerving scenario that confronts our protagonist, Georgina when the story opens. It definitely pulled me right in and set my hopes high for the rest of the book. This is a very respectable debut effort by Irish author Rachel Ryan, and I think she’s got a lot of the right ideas and writing skill to keep writing good books for years to come.
That said, there are some things I thought could have been better. Let’s start with the good stuff first though:
It’s a great premise. Georgina has recently lost her mother, Rose, and her son, Cody, is missing his grandmother. Is he creating an imaginary “New Granny” to help his grief over losing her? Her husband, Bren, thinks so, and he’s quick to dismiss Georgina’s concerns as overreacting or mental instability, which she’d previously experienced after Cody’s birth. Is she losing her mind again? It’s the classic unreliable narrator trope.
It has a solid plot. Yes, some of it may be a little far-fetched, but at least it’s in the realm of possibility, which is more than I can say for many thrillers. I can’t say much without spoilers, but it highlights a very real and sad aspect of Ireland’s history, where the story is set, which allows insight and sympathy for the characters involved and their motivations.
It has tight, short chapters. Most chapters are 3-5 pages, so the story moves along quickly, which keeps the atmosphere of suspense going nicely.
Where it fell a little short for me:
An unnecessary secondary storyline. The story of Bren’s philandering never felt necessary or fully integrated into the plot and pulled attention away from the best part of the story which was “New Granny”. After that strong opening, it felt like the story shifted for awhile to Bren and Georgina’s relationship, and frankly it was pretty boring. I wanted more “New Granny” creepiness and less of their marital issues.
The ending was good, but could’ve been great. It had a measure of excitement and peril, but ultimately it felt a little rushed. After building up this creepy mysterious “New Granny” the whole book, I would’ve liked more … something!
It’s truly a solid effort, and I liked it overall. I’ll be interested to see what Rachel Ryan writes in the future!
★★★ ½ (rounded to 4)
Eeek! It’s the stuff of parents’ nightmares, and that’s the creepy, unnerving scenario that confronts our protagonist, Georgina when the story opens. It definitely pulled me right in and set my hopes high for the rest of the book. This is a very respectable debut effort by Irish author Rachel Ryan, and I think she’s got a lot of the right ideas and writing skill to keep writing good books for years to come.
That said, there are some things I thought could have been better. Let’s start with the good stuff first though:
It’s a great premise. Georgina has recently lost her mother, Rose, and her son, Cody, is missing his grandmother. Is he creating an imaginary “New Granny” to help his grief over losing her? Her husband, Bren, thinks so, and he’s quick to dismiss Georgina’s concerns as overreacting or mental instability, which she’d previously experienced after Cody’s birth. Is she losing her mind again? It’s the classic unreliable narrator trope.
It has a solid plot. Yes, some of it may be a little far-fetched, but at least it’s in the realm of possibility, which is more than I can say for many thrillers. I can’t say much without spoilers, but it highlights a very real and sad aspect of Ireland’s history, where the story is set, which allows insight and sympathy for the characters involved and their motivations.
It has tight, short chapters. Most chapters are 3-5 pages, so the story moves along quickly, which keeps the atmosphere of suspense going nicely.
Where it fell a little short for me:
An unnecessary secondary storyline. The story of Bren’s philandering never felt necessary or fully integrated into the plot and pulled attention away from the best part of the story which was “New Granny”. After that strong opening, it felt like the story shifted for awhile to Bren and Georgina’s relationship, and frankly it was pretty boring. I wanted more “New Granny” creepiness and less of their marital issues.
The ending was good, but could’ve been great. It had a measure of excitement and peril, but ultimately it felt a little rushed. After building up this creepy mysterious “New Granny” the whole book, I would’ve liked more … something!
It’s truly a solid effort, and I liked it overall. I’ll be interested to see what Rachel Ryan writes in the future!
★★★ ½ (rounded to 4)
December 27, 2020
3.5 stars
A Child with an imaginary friend...Imagine that!
But what if you have doubts, what if there is something a little off about your child's imaginary friend, what if "New Granny" is real, what if????
Seven-year-old Cody has been having conversations and receiving gifts from his "New Granny". Is his imaginary Granny the result of his young mind attempting to cope with the recent death of his grandmother? Or is someone really talking to Cody and giving him treats?
Georgina is worried for her son. She KNOWS that New Granny is real, even if her husband, Bren does not believe her. Bren believes their son when he says he made New Granny up. Grieving the loss of her mother, Georgina is also reeling from Bren's confession.
But what if she is wrong? What if New Granny is really an imaginary friend? What if????
You will have to read to find out!
This proved to be fast read which had me guessing, incorrectly, as to what was going on. My initial theory was so far off base and I do not think anyone will see the revelation coming. I thought the author did a great job showing Georgina's fear and concern for her son.
This was an enjoyable book which shows a woman coping with grief, while balancing work, family life and studying. When her son begins talking to his imaginary friend, we see her question many things as those in her life begin to question her sanity. There are a couple of subplots going on in this book as well, I felt many where cleverly used to throw the reader off and to cast doubt.
Entertaining, a tense whodunit which does not disappoint.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Child with an imaginary friend...Imagine that!
But what if you have doubts, what if there is something a little off about your child's imaginary friend, what if "New Granny" is real, what if????
Seven-year-old Cody has been having conversations and receiving gifts from his "New Granny". Is his imaginary Granny the result of his young mind attempting to cope with the recent death of his grandmother? Or is someone really talking to Cody and giving him treats?
Georgina is worried for her son. She KNOWS that New Granny is real, even if her husband, Bren does not believe her. Bren believes their son when he says he made New Granny up. Grieving the loss of her mother, Georgina is also reeling from Bren's confession.
But what if she is wrong? What if New Granny is really an imaginary friend? What if????
You will have to read to find out!
This proved to be fast read which had me guessing, incorrectly, as to what was going on. My initial theory was so far off base and I do not think anyone will see the revelation coming. I thought the author did a great job showing Georgina's fear and concern for her son.
This was an enjoyable book which shows a woman coping with grief, while balancing work, family life and studying. When her son begins talking to his imaginary friend, we see her question many things as those in her life begin to question her sanity. There are a couple of subplots going on in this book as well, I felt many where cleverly used to throw the reader off and to cast doubt.
Entertaining, a tense whodunit which does not disappoint.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 6, 2020
THE WOMAN OUTSIDE MY DOOR is a psychological thriller and the debut novel of Rachel Ryan. From the first page to the dramatic ending, I couldn’t stop reading.
Georgina is the protagonist in this unforgettable story. She and Bren have a seven year old son, Cody. When she finds that Cody has some chocolate, he tells her that New Granny gave it to him. Then she finds him talking on the phone. Is it New Granny or a school mate? Bren thinks it’s just a game where Cody is dealing with the grief of recently losing his grandmother, but Georgina isn’t sure. What is real and what is her imagination? Is New Granny an imaginary friend or is something else happening? Is Cody in danger? Bren starts to question Georgina’s behavior and thinks she is being irrational. Is Georgina being paranoid? Is she having an emotional breakdown?
Georgina was a flawed protagonist, lacking confidence and having trouble communicating with her family. Despite getting aggravated at her several times, I continued to root for her. Her goals were clear and her motivations seemed believable. Her character felt realistic in the sense that she is struggling with work-life balance and wants to protect her child. Many of the secondary characters enhanced the story, but they were not always likeable nor did they have the depth that I would have liked. However, the characters acted or reacted to events in a plausible and believable way.
The internal and external conflicts arose out of characterization and circumstance rather than feeling contrived or forced. The stakes were extremely high and so was the tension, making this a page-turner. There were a couple of plot twists that were believable, but unexpected. Most of the subplots tied together well, but there was one that was not resolved to my satisfaction. The prose flowed well and the emotions of the characters came through vividly. One downside is that the premise did not totally avoid clichés as it related to the relationship between Georgina and Bren. Also, the revelations in the last part of the book would have benefited from a little more development. Themes include child safety, family dynamics, infidelity, secrets, lack of communication, mental health, stress, grief and much more.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, chilling, unsettling and definitely somewhat creepy thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. It had a good pace from scene to scene and had a dramatic ending that caught me by surprise. What an amazing debut novel! I’m looking forward to Ryan’s next novel. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, then I recommend you check out this one.
Thanks to Gallery Books and Rachel Ryan for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 05, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Georgina is the protagonist in this unforgettable story. She and Bren have a seven year old son, Cody. When she finds that Cody has some chocolate, he tells her that New Granny gave it to him. Then she finds him talking on the phone. Is it New Granny or a school mate? Bren thinks it’s just a game where Cody is dealing with the grief of recently losing his grandmother, but Georgina isn’t sure. What is real and what is her imagination? Is New Granny an imaginary friend or is something else happening? Is Cody in danger? Bren starts to question Georgina’s behavior and thinks she is being irrational. Is Georgina being paranoid? Is she having an emotional breakdown?
Georgina was a flawed protagonist, lacking confidence and having trouble communicating with her family. Despite getting aggravated at her several times, I continued to root for her. Her goals were clear and her motivations seemed believable. Her character felt realistic in the sense that she is struggling with work-life balance and wants to protect her child. Many of the secondary characters enhanced the story, but they were not always likeable nor did they have the depth that I would have liked. However, the characters acted or reacted to events in a plausible and believable way.
The internal and external conflicts arose out of characterization and circumstance rather than feeling contrived or forced. The stakes were extremely high and so was the tension, making this a page-turner. There were a couple of plot twists that were believable, but unexpected. Most of the subplots tied together well, but there was one that was not resolved to my satisfaction. The prose flowed well and the emotions of the characters came through vividly. One downside is that the premise did not totally avoid clichés as it related to the relationship between Georgina and Bren. Also, the revelations in the last part of the book would have benefited from a little more development. Themes include child safety, family dynamics, infidelity, secrets, lack of communication, mental health, stress, grief and much more.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, chilling, unsettling and definitely somewhat creepy thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. It had a good pace from scene to scene and had a dramatic ending that caught me by surprise. What an amazing debut novel! I’m looking forward to Ryan’s next novel. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, then I recommend you check out this one.
Thanks to Gallery Books and Rachel Ryan for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 05, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
May 28, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for my ARC. This was a fast paced thriller that I really enjoyed. Georgina’s son Cody, is visited by “New Granny.” He claims at first that she is real and gives him candy and plays games with him. He quickly changes his tune, and says it was all something he made up. Georgina is sure this person is real and dangerous. Her husband, Bren, is not so easily convinced. Georgina’s challenge to prove to Bren that she is right about this new threat was compelling and suspenseful. The conclusion was satisfying and surprising. I recommend this perfectly paced thriller and am looking forward to reading future books by Rachel Ryan. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 8, 2021
I really enjoyed The Woman Outside My Door. It is a mix of suspenseful thriller and personal drama. Georgina is grieving her mother and worried about her father. There is suspense throughout the book while Georgina tries to figure out if New Granny is Cody’s imaginary friend or a real person. The reader wonders throughout the book if Georgina is going crazy or if strange things are actually happening. Many of the surprises in The Woman Outside the Door were predictable but I still enjoyed figuring out what was going on. There were a few surprises I didn’t see coming. The story was interesting and all of the characters seemed questionable and untrustworthy.
Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for The Woman Outside My Door.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for The Woman Outside My Door.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
February 20, 2022
I was so lucky to have won a copy of The Woman Outside My Door by Rachel Ryan in a goodreads give away. The cover of this book was my initial draw. It was creepy and intense and very well done. The Woman Outside My Door was Rachel Ryan’s debut novel. It was suspenseful, tense and fast paced. The chapters were short and therefore encouraged my to read on. Set in Dublin, Ireland in 2014, The Woman Outside My Door, was able to put a clever spin on every mother’s worst nightmare. It was well written and had me sitting at the edge of my seat for most of the book.
Georgina and Bren were happily married, or were they? They were the parents of one seven year old inquisitive and sometimes defiant little boy named Cody. Georgina held down a job at a bookstore, was taking college classes to finish her degree and was a good mother to Cody. Bren sometimes argued with Georgina that she was taking on too much. Georgina knew she could juggle it all and do it well…that was until the day she took Cody and two of his friends to the park and he emerged sucking on a lollipop that he hadn’t previously had. When Georgina questioned him about the lollipop, Cody told her that an old lady who claimed to his “new granny” gave it to him. Georgina’s mother, Cody’s grandmother, had recently passed away and Georgina knew that Cody missed her a lot but this invention of an imaginary grandmother sent shivers down Georgina’s spine. Georgina didn’t see anyone near by that resembled an older lady. Was making up an imaginary person just Cody’s way of coping with his grandmother’s death? When Georgina finally got home she told Bren all about what had happened. He didn’t seem concerned and contributed it to a seven year old’s way of coping with the loss of his grandmother. Over the course of the next several weeks, “new granny” kept finding her way into Cody’s life. Georgina became increasingly concerned. Her “mother’s instinct” kept warning her that this was not something to ignore. At the same time, Georgina and Bren started to experience trouble in their marriage. Bren had admitted to cheating on Georgina with an ex-girlfriend. How far would Georgina go to protect and save her son, her troubled marriage and her own sanity? Would she be able to untangle all the secrets that her son, husband and father were harboring and be able to decipher them in time to save her son and her marriage?
The premise for The Woman Outside My Door was clever and quite original. I didn’t see the ending coming but found it very satisfying. The characters were well developed and I became quite invested in them as the suspense built. There were twists along the way and most of my guesses were far from accurate. The Woman Outside My Door was about family, motherly love, motherhood, secrets and grief. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what Rachel Ryan writes next. I highly recommend this book.
Georgina and Bren were happily married, or were they? They were the parents of one seven year old inquisitive and sometimes defiant little boy named Cody. Georgina held down a job at a bookstore, was taking college classes to finish her degree and was a good mother to Cody. Bren sometimes argued with Georgina that she was taking on too much. Georgina knew she could juggle it all and do it well…that was until the day she took Cody and two of his friends to the park and he emerged sucking on a lollipop that he hadn’t previously had. When Georgina questioned him about the lollipop, Cody told her that an old lady who claimed to his “new granny” gave it to him. Georgina’s mother, Cody’s grandmother, had recently passed away and Georgina knew that Cody missed her a lot but this invention of an imaginary grandmother sent shivers down Georgina’s spine. Georgina didn’t see anyone near by that resembled an older lady. Was making up an imaginary person just Cody’s way of coping with his grandmother’s death? When Georgina finally got home she told Bren all about what had happened. He didn’t seem concerned and contributed it to a seven year old’s way of coping with the loss of his grandmother. Over the course of the next several weeks, “new granny” kept finding her way into Cody’s life. Georgina became increasingly concerned. Her “mother’s instinct” kept warning her that this was not something to ignore. At the same time, Georgina and Bren started to experience trouble in their marriage. Bren had admitted to cheating on Georgina with an ex-girlfriend. How far would Georgina go to protect and save her son, her troubled marriage and her own sanity? Would she be able to untangle all the secrets that her son, husband and father were harboring and be able to decipher them in time to save her son and her marriage?
The premise for The Woman Outside My Door was clever and quite original. I didn’t see the ending coming but found it very satisfying. The characters were well developed and I became quite invested in them as the suspense built. There were twists along the way and most of my guesses were far from accurate. The Woman Outside My Door was about family, motherly love, motherhood, secrets and grief. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what Rachel Ryan writes next. I highly recommend this book.
December 16, 2020
This book was a solid psychological thriller, or domestic suspense novel, or whatever you want to call it. I had a fun time reading it because it held my interest from start to finish. That might seem like a minor thing but I've really been struggling with my reading concentration levels during this crazy year. I'm always happy to stumble upon a page turner like this one.
Georgina's seven year old son, Cody, says he met a new friend at the park. He calls her New Granny. Hmm... Georgina's mother recently passed away, did Cody make up an imaginary friend to take her place? But the more Cody talks about this New Granny, Georgina starts believing him and becomes concerned for Cody's safety as that's pretty creepy someone keeps approaching her son when she is not around. As anyone knows, a good mother will go to great lengths to protect her child.
There's just something about the whole "is this person off their rocker or are they truly in danger" premise that sucks me in every time. As a reader it's like you feel protective of the characters and need to make sure they are okay so you gotta keep reading to find out. And that's what made this a fun read as the author played right into that natural curiosity I have when it comes to these types of stories.
Towards the end there's a bit of a creative tangent which I sorta liked and I sorta did not like. Maybe the best way to put it is the payout isn't super satisfying but yet points should be awarded because I doubt any reader will be able to predict with 100% accuracy every single detail of how it all plays out.
For me this fits my definition of weekend read in that it's not taxing on the brain and it's entertaining. An impressive debut novel and I'll be on the lookout for more books by Rachel Ryan.
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing be with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Georgina's seven year old son, Cody, says he met a new friend at the park. He calls her New Granny. Hmm... Georgina's mother recently passed away, did Cody make up an imaginary friend to take her place? But the more Cody talks about this New Granny, Georgina starts believing him and becomes concerned for Cody's safety as that's pretty creepy someone keeps approaching her son when she is not around. As anyone knows, a good mother will go to great lengths to protect her child.
There's just something about the whole "is this person off their rocker or are they truly in danger" premise that sucks me in every time. As a reader it's like you feel protective of the characters and need to make sure they are okay so you gotta keep reading to find out. And that's what made this a fun read as the author played right into that natural curiosity I have when it comes to these types of stories.
Towards the end there's a bit of a creative tangent which I sorta liked and I sorta did not like. Maybe the best way to put it is the payout isn't super satisfying but yet points should be awarded because I doubt any reader will be able to predict with 100% accuracy every single detail of how it all plays out.
For me this fits my definition of weekend read in that it's not taxing on the brain and it's entertaining. An impressive debut novel and I'll be on the lookout for more books by Rachel Ryan.
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing be with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
January 7, 2021
The Woman Outside My Door by Rachel Ryan is a suspenseful thriller.
Georgina’s seven year old son, Cody, met a new friend at the park he calls New Granny. Cody had imaginary friends in the past. Bren, Georgina’s husband, is confident New Granny is a new imaginary friend. Georgina and Bren are having marital problems which make it hard for Georgina to trust Bren. Georgina’s mother died recently. She is grieving and wondering if Cody is grieving by inventing a new imaginary friend. Is New Granny Cody’s imaginary friend or who is Cody’s new friend?
I really enjoyed The Woman Outside My Door. It is a mix of suspenseful thriller and personal drama. Georgina is grieving her mother and worried about her father. There is suspense throughout the book while Georgina tries to figure out if New Granny is Cody’s imaginary friend or a real person. The reader wonders throughout the book if Georgina is going crazy or if strange things are actually happening. Many of the surprises in The Woman Outside the Door were predictable but I still enjoyed figuring out what was going on. There were a few surprises I didn’t see coming. The story was interesting and all of the characters seemed questionable and untrustworthy.
Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for The Woman Outside My Door.
Georgina’s seven year old son, Cody, met a new friend at the park he calls New Granny. Cody had imaginary friends in the past. Bren, Georgina’s husband, is confident New Granny is a new imaginary friend. Georgina and Bren are having marital problems which make it hard for Georgina to trust Bren. Georgina’s mother died recently. She is grieving and wondering if Cody is grieving by inventing a new imaginary friend. Is New Granny Cody’s imaginary friend or who is Cody’s new friend?
I really enjoyed The Woman Outside My Door. It is a mix of suspenseful thriller and personal drama. Georgina is grieving her mother and worried about her father. There is suspense throughout the book while Georgina tries to figure out if New Granny is Cody’s imaginary friend or a real person. The reader wonders throughout the book if Georgina is going crazy or if strange things are actually happening. Many of the surprises in The Woman Outside the Door were predictable but I still enjoyed figuring out what was going on. There were a few surprises I didn’t see coming. The story was interesting and all of the characters seemed questionable and untrustworthy.
Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for The Woman Outside My Door.
September 15, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this intense psychological thriller. Rachel Ryan has crafted a gripping, mystery and shows talent in maintaining suspense, and in keeping the reader baffled about what is really going on. There is some heart-pounding, tension-filled action near the end.
Georgina has had an emotional breakdown several years earlier when her mother died and she learned her husband, Bren, may have been unfaithful. There was also some postpartum depression. I felt I should have been more sympathetic to her growing instability and paranoia, but I didn't find her particularly likeable. The motives and behaviour of some of the characters did not seem reasonable to me. The author's skill in maintaining suspense kept me with the story until the end. It was a quick read with good, plain, direct writing and without embellishments.
Georgina's seven-year-old son, Cody, claims he met a New Granny while playing in the park. He talks to her on the phone and receives loving messages from her. His mother fears the mysterious woman wishes Cody harm and is watching the house. She is compelled to prove that New Granny really exists and to put an end to this inappropriate connection. Her husband, Bren, is the voice of reason, saying that is not unusual for a child to have an imaginary friend and this is his way of coping with the death of his real grandmother. As Georgina's paranoia grows, Bren advises her to see a psychiatrist. She believes he may be plotting to leave her and is making it appear she is insane in order to get custody of Cody.
I believe Rachel Ryan is a name to watch in her stories of family drama and psychological suspense.
Georgina has had an emotional breakdown several years earlier when her mother died and she learned her husband, Bren, may have been unfaithful. There was also some postpartum depression. I felt I should have been more sympathetic to her growing instability and paranoia, but I didn't find her particularly likeable. The motives and behaviour of some of the characters did not seem reasonable to me. The author's skill in maintaining suspense kept me with the story until the end. It was a quick read with good, plain, direct writing and without embellishments.
Georgina's seven-year-old son, Cody, claims he met a New Granny while playing in the park. He talks to her on the phone and receives loving messages from her. His mother fears the mysterious woman wishes Cody harm and is watching the house. She is compelled to prove that New Granny really exists and to put an end to this inappropriate connection. Her husband, Bren, is the voice of reason, saying that is not unusual for a child to have an imaginary friend and this is his way of coping with the death of his real grandmother. As Georgina's paranoia grows, Bren advises her to see a psychiatrist. She believes he may be plotting to leave her and is making it appear she is insane in order to get custody of Cody.
I believe Rachel Ryan is a name to watch in her stories of family drama and psychological suspense.
November 29, 2021
Beware of stranger danger!
Georgina’s seven year old son Cody has a new friend named “New Granny.” Is she real or pretend? Georgina must hurry up and figure out if Cody is in danger. Who is his new friend and what does she want?
The Woman Outside My Door is a super fast read. The short chapters really amped up the tension and the suspense kept me flipping the pages. There are many suspects and motives as well as an unreliable narrator. As thrillers go, this one had me on the edge of my seat!
This was a 4-5 star read for me all the way up until the final reveal. Unfortunately, I felt the twist came out of nowhere and didn’t really make sense. I also found it difficult to believe that a seven year old boy would really be able to keep his new friend’s identity a secret for so long, even under the many serious threats his parents made. However, while I don’t typically love reading books about small kids being put in this kind of danger, it was just the right amount of scary for me.
I am very impressed that this is a debut thriller for Rachel Ryan and am definitely interested in finding out what she will come up with next!
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Georgina’s seven year old son Cody has a new friend named “New Granny.” Is she real or pretend? Georgina must hurry up and figure out if Cody is in danger. Who is his new friend and what does she want?
The Woman Outside My Door is a super fast read. The short chapters really amped up the tension and the suspense kept me flipping the pages. There are many suspects and motives as well as an unreliable narrator. As thrillers go, this one had me on the edge of my seat!
This was a 4-5 star read for me all the way up until the final reveal. Unfortunately, I felt the twist came out of nowhere and didn’t really make sense. I also found it difficult to believe that a seven year old boy would really be able to keep his new friend’s identity a secret for so long, even under the many serious threats his parents made. However, while I don’t typically love reading books about small kids being put in this kind of danger, it was just the right amount of scary for me.
I am very impressed that this is a debut thriller for Rachel Ryan and am definitely interested in finding out what she will come up with next!
3.5/5 stars rounded up
October 29, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: November 24, 2020
When Georgina’s mother passes away, her entire life changes. Struggling to deal with the grief, as well as working to save a failing marriage, Georgina tries to focus her energy on her young son, Cody. Georgina begins to see a dark figure watching her from the shadows, and when her son starts receiving phone calls from someone calling herself “Granny”, Georgina is instantly on alarm. Georgina’s husband thinks that “Granny” is simply an imaginary friend Cody created to help him deal with his real grandmother’s grief. But Georgina can’t shake the feeling that she, and her son, are being watched, even though her husband and friends continue to insist she’s simply “stressed out”. Desperate to keep her son safe, Georgina sets out to find out the truth about “Granny”, and defend her family.
“The Woman Outside My Door” is a debut novel by Irish author Rachel Ryan. I was floored and blown away to find out that this psychologically twisted and suspenseful novel was a debut; Ryan writes as if she has many novels under her belt. There is a creativity to the plot, a connected flow to the story, and well-developed characters, all wrapped into a tightly-wound, suspenseful package.
This novel is definitely a “who dunnit”, and although there are many possibilities, I never saw the ending coming. Although unpredictable, the ending itself was a little far-fetched and overly dramatic, but it was definitely unexpected.
I thoroughly enjoyed Georgina as a character. As she struggles with her own grief, and her husband’s infidelity, she is made to feel “crazy” by the rest of the world (including her husband) for voicing her very real concerns and fears. Those in her immediate circle “swoop in to save the day”, suggesting spa days and therapists, when there is a real danger in Georgina’s life. It will hit home with most women, and I believe most mothers, whose feelings have been downplayed and whose actions have been deemed to be “overdramatic”.
This was a novel that was hard to put down. I made frequent guesses as to the ending throughout the story and I was desperate to find out if I was right (I was not), and was a little disappointed when this novel came to an end. Whatever Rachel Ryan did in her past, she has found her calling as an author. Please, Ms. Ryan, give me more!
Expected publication date: November 24, 2020
When Georgina’s mother passes away, her entire life changes. Struggling to deal with the grief, as well as working to save a failing marriage, Georgina tries to focus her energy on her young son, Cody. Georgina begins to see a dark figure watching her from the shadows, and when her son starts receiving phone calls from someone calling herself “Granny”, Georgina is instantly on alarm. Georgina’s husband thinks that “Granny” is simply an imaginary friend Cody created to help him deal with his real grandmother’s grief. But Georgina can’t shake the feeling that she, and her son, are being watched, even though her husband and friends continue to insist she’s simply “stressed out”. Desperate to keep her son safe, Georgina sets out to find out the truth about “Granny”, and defend her family.
“The Woman Outside My Door” is a debut novel by Irish author Rachel Ryan. I was floored and blown away to find out that this psychologically twisted and suspenseful novel was a debut; Ryan writes as if she has many novels under her belt. There is a creativity to the plot, a connected flow to the story, and well-developed characters, all wrapped into a tightly-wound, suspenseful package.
This novel is definitely a “who dunnit”, and although there are many possibilities, I never saw the ending coming. Although unpredictable, the ending itself was a little far-fetched and overly dramatic, but it was definitely unexpected.
I thoroughly enjoyed Georgina as a character. As she struggles with her own grief, and her husband’s infidelity, she is made to feel “crazy” by the rest of the world (including her husband) for voicing her very real concerns and fears. Those in her immediate circle “swoop in to save the day”, suggesting spa days and therapists, when there is a real danger in Georgina’s life. It will hit home with most women, and I believe most mothers, whose feelings have been downplayed and whose actions have been deemed to be “overdramatic”.
This was a novel that was hard to put down. I made frequent guesses as to the ending throughout the story and I was desperate to find out if I was right (I was not), and was a little disappointed when this novel came to an end. Whatever Rachel Ryan did in her past, she has found her calling as an author. Please, Ms. Ryan, give me more!
February 26, 2021
Georgina is a happy but overly stressed mother of seven-year old Cody while she is working part-time and also continuing her studies to get her art degree. Out of the blue one day Cody tells her about his new friend who he called Granny and Georgina is beside herself since Cody's grandmother had recently passed away and she thought this was odd behavior to have as an imaginary friend. As the days go on Georgina feels she is being watched and Cody's behavior worsens about his (New Granny) and she believes that someone is stalking and grooming her little boy but everyone else thinks she making mountains out of mole hills and then her own behavior starts getting out of control causing some rifts in her marriage. Could Georgina be having a mental breakdown due to losing her own beloved mother not that long ago or is there an imaginary friend that is harmless and normal for a young child to have or is there something else sinister happening that could have a devastating outcome if not uncovered before it is too late.
This was an enjoyable and fast paced domestic thriller that had some exciting moments and kept me continually guessing throughout the story. A nicely written book without any graphic violence or language and suitable for all readers.
I want to thank the publisher "Gallery Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone!
I have give this story 3 1/2 Mysterious 🌟🌟🌟🌠 Stars
This was an enjoyable and fast paced domestic thriller that had some exciting moments and kept me continually guessing throughout the story. A nicely written book without any graphic violence or language and suitable for all readers.
I want to thank the publisher "Gallery Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone!
I have give this story 3 1/2 Mysterious 🌟🌟🌟🌠 Stars
November 22, 2020
Tense, ominous, and clever!
The Woman Outside My Door is a suspenseful, psychological thriller that introduces us to Georgina, a young wife struggling with the loss of her mother who becomes even more unhinged when her seven-year-old-son appears to have a new imaginary friend that phones him and gives him treats.
The writing is crisp and edgy. The characters are vulnerable, unreliable, and distressed. And the plot unfolds subtly into an eerie tale of secrets, obsession, heartache, shame, loneliness, deception, familial drama, and utter desperation.
Overall, The Woman Outside My Door is a crafty, engaging, sinister tale by Ryan that kept me engaged from the very first page and is without a doubt an exceptionally promising debut.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Woman Outside My Door is a suspenseful, psychological thriller that introduces us to Georgina, a young wife struggling with the loss of her mother who becomes even more unhinged when her seven-year-old-son appears to have a new imaginary friend that phones him and gives him treats.
The writing is crisp and edgy. The characters are vulnerable, unreliable, and distressed. And the plot unfolds subtly into an eerie tale of secrets, obsession, heartache, shame, loneliness, deception, familial drama, and utter desperation.
Overall, The Woman Outside My Door is a crafty, engaging, sinister tale by Ryan that kept me engaged from the very first page and is without a doubt an exceptionally promising debut.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
One trippy book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When you read as many books as I do you kind of find the layouts of the genres to be very similar. You can actually break the book into pieces and know when to expect certain things to happen in the story.
This new author dismantled that structure just a bit with this fresh story. It’s a haunting look at dealing with grief and healing through loss.
Ryan takes a reasonable explanation for a child losing a grandparent and turns that into something that could be much more sinister. But maybe Georgina is making it up. After all, she’s very stressed and is not always in her right mind.
The author has inserted ample opportunities to sprinkle reasonable and unreasonable situations coupled with that “what-if” doubt throughout the story to throw us off the path. I wanted to really like her husband, Bren, and while he seems supportive, there are other little shades of gaslighting that show up unexpectedly.
While Ryan could’ve gone down the traditional route, the author spins us with interesting situations that seem a bit out there in a normal family structure.
The Woman at My Door is a haunting and frightful story that honestly isn’t that far-fetched. With imaginative spins and theories, Ryan ramps up the story with each page turn.
Ryan is a fresh new voice in the suspense thriller genre. She will be one author that you want to watch.
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-woman-ou...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When you read as many books as I do you kind of find the layouts of the genres to be very similar. You can actually break the book into pieces and know when to expect certain things to happen in the story.
This new author dismantled that structure just a bit with this fresh story. It’s a haunting look at dealing with grief and healing through loss.
Ryan takes a reasonable explanation for a child losing a grandparent and turns that into something that could be much more sinister. But maybe Georgina is making it up. After all, she’s very stressed and is not always in her right mind.
The author has inserted ample opportunities to sprinkle reasonable and unreasonable situations coupled with that “what-if” doubt throughout the story to throw us off the path. I wanted to really like her husband, Bren, and while he seems supportive, there are other little shades of gaslighting that show up unexpectedly.
While Ryan could’ve gone down the traditional route, the author spins us with interesting situations that seem a bit out there in a normal family structure.
The Woman at My Door is a haunting and frightful story that honestly isn’t that far-fetched. With imaginative spins and theories, Ryan ramps up the story with each page turn.
Ryan is a fresh new voice in the suspense thriller genre. She will be one author that you want to watch.
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-woman-ou...
September 25, 2020
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well done for a debut thriller! Plenty of red herrings and very likeable characters. The plot twist was a doozie, and I liked how the author wove a major black mark in Ireland's history into this story. A few of the characters needed fleshing out, but I suspect this author will be able to breathe fuller life into all of her characters as she gains experience. The writing was smooth and addictive - a great read overall.
I realized that I don't dare go into any more details about this story without major spoilers, so I'm just going to say: a highly recommended first effort!
Well done for a debut thriller! Plenty of red herrings and very likeable characters. The plot twist was a doozie, and I liked how the author wove a major black mark in Ireland's history into this story. A few of the characters needed fleshing out, but I suspect this author will be able to breathe fuller life into all of her characters as she gains experience. The writing was smooth and addictive - a great read overall.
I realized that I don't dare go into any more details about this story without major spoilers, so I'm just going to say: a highly recommended first effort!
March 19, 2023
Story 3.75 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Alana Kerr Collins
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Alana Kerr Collins
October 13, 2020
You could read this entire review, but there's no need to waste your precious time on anything other than the pages of this refreshingly satisfying book. To put it bluntly: Yes. It is everything you've been looking for in a mystery/thriller. Go ahead and press that buy button. You won't regret it.
My five-star reviews, though rare, are often the most difficult to write. What can I really offer you other than to repetitively profess my love for said five-star book until it physically exhausts you and then eagerly push the nearest copy into your waiting hands? Not much, if we're honest, but I can try.
The Woman Outside My Door is as near perfect as a modern thriller can be. I questioned everything—all the time. I had theories—none of them were right. I could stay up all night reading it—and nearly did. Rachel Ryan puts you into the mind of her character; you feel her anxiety as she feels it, her tension as it builds, the pain of her discoveries as they come to light.
In addition, The Woman Outside My Door performed all of my most favorite tropes to their paragon. It's tempting to list them here, but I must reign my fingers in as I type for fear of inadvertently spoiling something for you.
Buy it. Read it. Send it to a friend. And buckle up, cause it's a fun ride.
My five-star reviews, though rare, are often the most difficult to write. What can I really offer you other than to repetitively profess my love for said five-star book until it physically exhausts you and then eagerly push the nearest copy into your waiting hands? Not much, if we're honest, but I can try.
The Woman Outside My Door is as near perfect as a modern thriller can be. I questioned everything—all the time. I had theories—none of them were right. I could stay up all night reading it—and nearly did. Rachel Ryan puts you into the mind of her character; you feel her anxiety as she feels it, her tension as it builds, the pain of her discoveries as they come to light.
In addition, The Woman Outside My Door performed all of my most favorite tropes to their paragon. It's tempting to list them here, but I must reign my fingers in as I type for fear of inadvertently spoiling something for you.
Buy it. Read it. Send it to a friend. And buckle up, cause it's a fun ride.
June 12, 2021
Georgina “Georgie” and Bren seem to be living the good life with their son Cody. That is until her mother, Rose, passes away leaving her father in shambles and her in utter disbelief. As the family tries to pick up the pieces and get back on track, Georgie’s father starts to show signs of Alzheimers as well as Cody has made a new friend.
An old woman that asks him to call her “New Granny” always seems to be around slipping Cody notes or sweet treats when no one is looking. At first Georgina thinks he could be making up an imaginary friend to replace the grandmother that he adored, or even her mother come back as a ghost. But then, she realizes that the hair color, the personality, the tricks she’s playing are all wrong. But, Cody refuses to come clean about who she is.
“Chocolate is the prize for boys who win the game. What game and who is playing it? How could she protect Cody if she didn’t know what she was protecting him from?”
But then Georgie begins to see someone hiding behind the bushes, she spies feet beneath the other side of her car and shadows in the dark. Her mental health has not always been the best, so she is hoping that she’s not going back to the dark place that she’s been before. But, what is a girl to do when no one believes the things that she’s saying and Cody denies denies denies.
“The shadows. The clock. The stuffed toy.”
“I’ve had episodes in the past where my mental health was bad. Like, very bad. I don’t want to go back there. I don’t want to admit it might be happening again.”
What would you do if your son was talking to a mystery woman and when you picked up the phone they went silent?
This book was a bit odd. It was super fast paced and kept me intrigued but where the author chose to go with the ending was a rushed and too far fetched in my opinion. Also, there were a lot of added characters that weren’t necessary to further the plot along.
I did however learn what a “trickle truth” was, a term that I had never heard before. If you haven’t either, look it up AFTER the book is over.
3 ⭐️.
An old woman that asks him to call her “New Granny” always seems to be around slipping Cody notes or sweet treats when no one is looking. At first Georgina thinks he could be making up an imaginary friend to replace the grandmother that he adored, or even her mother come back as a ghost. But then, she realizes that the hair color, the personality, the tricks she’s playing are all wrong. But, Cody refuses to come clean about who she is.
“Chocolate is the prize for boys who win the game. What game and who is playing it? How could she protect Cody if she didn’t know what she was protecting him from?”
But then Georgie begins to see someone hiding behind the bushes, she spies feet beneath the other side of her car and shadows in the dark. Her mental health has not always been the best, so she is hoping that she’s not going back to the dark place that she’s been before. But, what is a girl to do when no one believes the things that she’s saying and Cody denies denies denies.
“The shadows. The clock. The stuffed toy.”
“I’ve had episodes in the past where my mental health was bad. Like, very bad. I don’t want to go back there. I don’t want to admit it might be happening again.”
What would you do if your son was talking to a mystery woman and when you picked up the phone they went silent?
This book was a bit odd. It was super fast paced and kept me intrigued but where the author chose to go with the ending was a rushed and too far fetched in my opinion. Also, there were a lot of added characters that weren’t necessary to further the plot along.
I did however learn what a “trickle truth” was, a term that I had never heard before. If you haven’t either, look it up AFTER the book is over.
3 ⭐️.
October 26, 2020
This was such a stellar debut!
Twisty, suspenseful and captivating!
A bit of a slow start but once things started picking up I couldn't put this down. I NEEDED to know who "The Woman Outside My Door" was ...
"New Granny" Cody's imaginary friend has Georgina on high alert. Strange events and questionable comments made by Georgina's 7 year old son have her questioning just how pretend his friend really is.
This book had me suspecting SO MANY characters! It was so well done. The ending was extremely satisfying... didn't see that coming at all.
Huge thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for my review copy!
Twisty, suspenseful and captivating!
A bit of a slow start but once things started picking up I couldn't put this down. I NEEDED to know who "The Woman Outside My Door" was ...
"New Granny" Cody's imaginary friend has Georgina on high alert. Strange events and questionable comments made by Georgina's 7 year old son have her questioning just how pretend his friend really is.
This book had me suspecting SO MANY characters! It was so well done. The ending was extremely satisfying... didn't see that coming at all.
Huge thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for my review copy!
November 10, 2020
4+ Yep a Great psychological thriller read!
When 7-year Cody and his friends are playing outside and called in, it takes Cody longer than the others. His mother states she will come and get him if he doesn’t come out of the bushes. He appears with candy and says “an old lady” gave to him. Mom doesn’t see anyone and believes Cody took the candy and is ‘telling a story’. Soon mom finds Cody talking on the phone which is something he often did with his Granny, however Granny died 6 months ago. Cody is talking to “New Granny”!
Does Cody have an imaginary friend as it is not unusual for young children to have imaginary friends or is Georgina Cody’s mom still experience her own grief and is paranoid and over reacting?
Awww the situation soon develops into something fast paced and heart pounding.
This is Ms. Ryan debut novel and I certainly look forward to her next story.
BTW: When I started to read this I wanted to know more about this author. I checked author’s info. but Goodreads had nothing. I Googled and got that Rachel Ryan is a pen name of Sandra Brown.
I read the author’s info at the end of the novel. This Rachel Ryan is from Dublin and can found hanging out writing in coffee shops in Dublin!
Want to thank NetGalley and Gallery for this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 5, 2021.
When 7-year Cody and his friends are playing outside and called in, it takes Cody longer than the others. His mother states she will come and get him if he doesn’t come out of the bushes. He appears with candy and says “an old lady” gave to him. Mom doesn’t see anyone and believes Cody took the candy and is ‘telling a story’. Soon mom finds Cody talking on the phone which is something he often did with his Granny, however Granny died 6 months ago. Cody is talking to “New Granny”!
Does Cody have an imaginary friend as it is not unusual for young children to have imaginary friends or is Georgina Cody’s mom still experience her own grief and is paranoid and over reacting?
Awww the situation soon develops into something fast paced and heart pounding.
This is Ms. Ryan debut novel and I certainly look forward to her next story.
BTW: When I started to read this I wanted to know more about this author. I checked author’s info. but Goodreads had nothing. I Googled and got that Rachel Ryan is a pen name of Sandra Brown.
I read the author’s info at the end of the novel. This Rachel Ryan is from Dublin and can found hanging out writing in coffee shops in Dublin!
Want to thank NetGalley and Gallery for this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 5, 2021.
February 12, 2023
Like the romance genre, the “domestic crime thriller” seems to appeal to women readers and appears to have a majority of women writing them. I have no actual data to support these statements. It is all my observation. If anyone has actual data to contradict or confirm these statements, I am perfectly amenable to hearing them.
The “domestic crime thriller” generally (again, based on nothing but my own observation) involves: a woman in a domestic setting, more often than not a white well-to-do suburban housewife/mother; said woman witnessing or experiencing something (an immoral or illicit activity) that very few other people—- including spouses, siblings, parents, best friends, police, etc.—-are not witnessing or experiencing, making the said woman question the validity of what she has seen or heard as well as her own sanity; said woman ultimately having to take matters into her own hands, often at odds with social mores and the law, and often to save the life (or lives) of a loved one from the villainous hands of an unseen foe.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that these books are found prominently in drug store paperback racks, which is where I buy them, often one or two per week. They are kind of addictive, which is why I am not surprised they are so popular.
Rachel Ryan’s novel “The Woman Outside My Door” is a run-of-the-mill domestic crime thriller. It is also her debut novel.
The story: Georgina just recently lost her mom. At about the same time, her husband confessed to her that he committed an extramarital impropriety. All of this was happening while she was taking a graduate course and raising a young boy. Needless to say, she has been going through a lot.
One day, after spending a day in the park, her son, Cody, tells her that he met a nice old lady that gave her candy and told him that she was his “new granny”. Justifiably freaked out, she does some snooping. Nobody else in the park saw anyone. At several different times, she catches Cody talking on the phone, or at least appearing to have a conversation, with “new granny”. Her husband, Bren, attributes it to a perfectly normal “imaginary friend”, which is, she learns, often common in young children as a way to deal with the death of a loved one.
Georgina doesn’t buy it. Her motherly instincts are telling her that something nefarious is going on. Of course, as it turns out, she is right, but by the time other people start believing her, it may be too late.
For a short novel, and one that really doesn’t do anything new or different in the genre, “TWOMD” is still a taut, suspenseful thrill ride, one that never really lets up. It should also be noted that the novel is set in suburban Dublin, Ireland, and a major plot point hinges on understanding a little of the history and culture of Ireland. Thankfully, Ryan does a very decent job of explaining without inundating us with lots of exposition.
Ryan is a decent writer, and if her first novel is any indication of things to come, she is definitely a crime thriller writer to keep an eye on.
The “domestic crime thriller” generally (again, based on nothing but my own observation) involves: a woman in a domestic setting, more often than not a white well-to-do suburban housewife/mother; said woman witnessing or experiencing something (an immoral or illicit activity) that very few other people—- including spouses, siblings, parents, best friends, police, etc.—-are not witnessing or experiencing, making the said woman question the validity of what she has seen or heard as well as her own sanity; said woman ultimately having to take matters into her own hands, often at odds with social mores and the law, and often to save the life (or lives) of a loved one from the villainous hands of an unseen foe.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that these books are found prominently in drug store paperback racks, which is where I buy them, often one or two per week. They are kind of addictive, which is why I am not surprised they are so popular.
Rachel Ryan’s novel “The Woman Outside My Door” is a run-of-the-mill domestic crime thriller. It is also her debut novel.
The story: Georgina just recently lost her mom. At about the same time, her husband confessed to her that he committed an extramarital impropriety. All of this was happening while she was taking a graduate course and raising a young boy. Needless to say, she has been going through a lot.
One day, after spending a day in the park, her son, Cody, tells her that he met a nice old lady that gave her candy and told him that she was his “new granny”. Justifiably freaked out, she does some snooping. Nobody else in the park saw anyone. At several different times, she catches Cody talking on the phone, or at least appearing to have a conversation, with “new granny”. Her husband, Bren, attributes it to a perfectly normal “imaginary friend”, which is, she learns, often common in young children as a way to deal with the death of a loved one.
Georgina doesn’t buy it. Her motherly instincts are telling her that something nefarious is going on. Of course, as it turns out, she is right, but by the time other people start believing her, it may be too late.
For a short novel, and one that really doesn’t do anything new or different in the genre, “TWOMD” is still a taut, suspenseful thrill ride, one that never really lets up. It should also be noted that the novel is set in suburban Dublin, Ireland, and a major plot point hinges on understanding a little of the history and culture of Ireland. Thankfully, Ryan does a very decent job of explaining without inundating us with lots of exposition.
Ryan is a decent writer, and if her first novel is any indication of things to come, she is definitely a crime thriller writer to keep an eye on.
January 13, 2021
3.5 stars, pretty good and a fast read but I was hoping the mystery was going to be a lot more sinister.
January 15, 2021
3.5 rounded up since this is a debut!! More thoughts to come.
January 5, 2021
4.25/5
Initial Thoughts - Fast paced + tense + mysterious
If you read a lot of thrillers, you will figure out “the woman” at around 85%, but it doesn’t diminish the interest you’ll have to read it through!! Considering this is a debut, deserves to be appreciated 👏
Final thoughts - My first read of 2021 and I wasn’t disappointed. 4.25/5 ⭐️
Georgina, Bren & Cody - a small family of three live in Dublin, Ireland. On the outside, they may seem perfect, but they all have their secrets. Georgina is devastated and is dealing with the death of her mother in the best way; Bren is a cheating husband; Cody like all children is playful, but has an “imaginary” grandmother who gives him sweets and mysteriously talks to him on the phone.
Is the grandmother really imaginary? Is the only question I had throughout the book. The author’s debut writing is so fantastic, she had me framing theories with ghosts and serial killers!! She made me not trust anyone, even Georgina at times! There are some intense scenes and I felt cold every-time Georgina got spooked. The one character that grew on me was Bren, I hated him at first. I thought he was responsible for all the bad things that was happening, but he kind of “proved” his innocence; which I liked. The ending gathered all the loose ends together in a heartbreaking way by adding a bit of family history. Overall an entertaining thriller you wouldn’t want to miss.
CW - kidnap, mental health, miscarriage, abuse, breaking of planters.
Thank you Gallery & Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest opinion. Find me on Instagram @monikas.bookblog
Initial Thoughts - Fast paced + tense + mysterious
If you read a lot of thrillers, you will figure out “the woman” at around 85%, but it doesn’t diminish the interest you’ll have to read it through!! Considering this is a debut, deserves to be appreciated 👏
Final thoughts - My first read of 2021 and I wasn’t disappointed. 4.25/5 ⭐️
Georgina, Bren & Cody - a small family of three live in Dublin, Ireland. On the outside, they may seem perfect, but they all have their secrets. Georgina is devastated and is dealing with the death of her mother in the best way; Bren is a cheating husband; Cody like all children is playful, but has an “imaginary” grandmother who gives him sweets and mysteriously talks to him on the phone.
Is the grandmother really imaginary? Is the only question I had throughout the book. The author’s debut writing is so fantastic, she had me framing theories with ghosts and serial killers!! She made me not trust anyone, even Georgina at times! There are some intense scenes and I felt cold every-time Georgina got spooked. The one character that grew on me was Bren, I hated him at first. I thought he was responsible for all the bad things that was happening, but he kind of “proved” his innocence; which I liked. The ending gathered all the loose ends together in a heartbreaking way by adding a bit of family history. Overall an entertaining thriller you wouldn’t want to miss.
CW - kidnap, mental health, miscarriage, abuse, breaking of planters.
Thank you Gallery & Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest opinion. Find me on Instagram @monikas.bookblog
October 13, 2021
Very quick read, the story moves forward at a deliberate pace and doesn't waste too much time dwelling on the side storylines. I appreciated how the author didn't linger too long in any one theory, and that some of the more annoying explanations for what was happening with Cody weren't given too much time.
Straightforward domestic thriller about a young seven-year-old boy who claims to be receiving gifts and visits from "New Granny" shortly after his beloved grandmother passes away. His parents are baffled, then a bit afraid because then Cody says he made it all up, but there are some mysterious occurrences that continue.
Definitely recommended for those who like a good fast paced thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Straightforward domestic thriller about a young seven-year-old boy who claims to be receiving gifts and visits from "New Granny" shortly after his beloved grandmother passes away. His parents are baffled, then a bit afraid because then Cody says he made it all up, but there are some mysterious occurrences that continue.
Definitely recommended for those who like a good fast paced thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
November 20, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book via netgalley!
This book brings you on twists and turns...and just when you think you have it figured it out....you don’t! what does a person do when everyone around her thinks she is crazy...when her mom instinct tells her otherwise....when her son’s life is on the line....family secrets eventually catch up to those involved!
This book brings you on twists and turns...and just when you think you have it figured it out....you don’t! what does a person do when everyone around her thinks she is crazy...when her mom instinct tells her otherwise....when her son’s life is on the line....family secrets eventually catch up to those involved!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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