Behind Closed Doors (2016 original; edició 2019)

Never heard of B.A. Paris. Not sure why I've led with that, but she's written a riveting book with Closed Doors. It's scary. Coincidentally, the term "coercive control" is currently in the news - it's to be recognised as a federal crime - it already is a crime in some (Australian) states.

What can unlock a sociopath? what can release them from their demon? The poor abused woman in this story isn't in a position to research that - far from it - but I did find myself wondering it.

Grace and Jack - he gets his kicks out of rendering her powerless. It's very much psychological abuse, only some physical, like depriving her of food. It's weird how he seems to get his (sexual?) high from punishments.

His incredibly smooth exterior was so seductive and so 100% false - could anyone have picked up on what he was really like? Grace berates herself for not being more thorough - careful - as to who he was before her marriage. I think the thing she needs to berate herself more for is how much time was wasted because she didn't appreciate just how dangerous he was - despite the evidence right in front of her. It's as if she was struck dumb and couldn't think. Like when she was at the Thailand hotel the first time, and instead of leaving with her purse and passport immediately, she went up to her room, showered and packed her port - and of course, she'd lost her chance to escape!

It showed how much we need to look out for each other - especially women. Not that the women in her circle seemed as if they would be effective by trying anything to help Grace.

I would be very curious to know how Jack saw his ending. Did he accept it as karma? or remain blinded by anger? Given that he was so thorough, it's a wonder he didn't have some measure in place that would allow him to get out of the red room. ( )

Jack and Grace appear to have a perfect life. They even have the photos to prove it. After a whirlwind romance they have settled into a beautiful house, perfectly landscaped and very private. Jack has even offered to have Grace's sister come and live with them after she leaves school.

Just don't look in the basement.
From all outward appearances Grace has everything a woman could possibly want. Yet in her private thoughts Grace wonders how Jack can appear so normal and thinks "there should be something -pointed ears or a pair of horns-- to warn people of his evilness"

Only Grace knows what goes on behind closed doors, and what she will ultimately have to do to protect herself and her sister.

The thing that strikes me the most about this compelling psychological thriller is the pervasive feeling of foreboding that struck me almost immediately, and intensified through out the story. I am most impressed that the author was able to make me feel so uneasy and to keep up that intensity all the way to the end.

I received an advance copy for review ( )

Great Thriller. I enjoyed it very much. Very exciting. ( )

Jack and Grace are newlyweds. Jack is a lawyer and Grace stays home. In fact, she is always home. She never goes out without Jack. She never meets with friends without him. What is going on behind closed doors is what this book is all about ( )

The book was written well enough, but the plot was so disturbing I barely made it through the audiobook. The resolution is unbelievable, as is the entire premise. ( )