Book Summary and Reviews of The Girl Before by JP Delaney

Reader Reviews

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Dorothy L. (Manalapan, NJ)

A Very Good Read
I was intrigued by this book from the opening page. I kept wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I think there were similarities with Fifty Shades of Grey with the controlling characters of Christian and Edward and their manipulation of women. But I think it was a better book in terms of writing and development. I think it is important to read it consistently and over a short period of time because if you don't, it is confusing when you resume reading after a gap. I liked the ending and I would definitely recommend this book.

Carole P. (Framingham, MA)

The Girl Before
The premise of this book is a bit creepy. Two woman, two different times. Connected by a mysterious building and their desires to create new lives for themselves. When applying for an unusual apartment they are asked to do one thing. " Please make a list of every possession you consider essential to your life." Because if you are the lucky applicant that is all you may bring with you. You have a list of many things you may not do. If you don't agree, you don't get the apartment.
This premise sounded unusual and a bit creepy. It is , but not in the way I imagined. The writing is good, the two women interesting. However, the real story was really not about the living space. It is about the women. It is a very unusual book and I do recommend it. Not so much a thriller or mystery, but very suspenseful.

Carol G. (Little Egg Harbor, NJ)

The Girl Before
Fast pace reading and very hard to put down. Love psychological thrillers and the end was not disappointing. Unexpected twists made the story even more compelling. One would be remiss not to read this book. Looking forward to more books by this author.

Mary S. (Bow, NH)

If you want a suspenseful, page-turner book, look no further.
Two women's lives share the same path without them knowing each other. Sounds tricky to write so the reader can follow, but the author makes it easy. Plus, along the way, the author throws in quirks and unexpected turns in the plot so you have to keep reading to find out what happens. Such a crazy premise: the house - whose design is so minimalist that it would seem uncomfortable to live in - is the glue that binds all together and somehow it works. If you like the suspense/mystery genre you should read this book.

Susan L. (Alexandria, VA)

The Girl Before Surprises
There is a reason this book went to auction and had its movie rights snapped up by Ron Howard. It is beautifully written, tautly paced and full of intrigue. It hooked me on page one and kept me guessing, incorrectly, until the end. Wonderful thriller with an architectural setting. I highly recommend it.

Jane D. (Cincinnati, OH)

The Girl Before -
Do not start this book unless you can read thru it fairly quickly. There are two reasons for this - # 1 it is a compelling and disturbing read and you won't be able to put it down and # 2 the author tells two parallel stories at the same time by alternating short chapters that are titled Emma ( the girl before ) and Jane - the women at the center of this psychological thriller. This novel is full of twists all the way to the end and you will be worn out when you finish it. Be prepared for a novel that is raw, cruel, devious, heartbreaking - you won't be able to put it down. And the movie rights have been sold to Ron Howard - this was mentioned in large print on the inside of the book jacket! Reminds one Gone Girl and other similar novels.

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