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Betty B. (Irving, TX)
Psychological Mystery That Won't Disappoint
Just know that when you start this book you will not want to put it down until you read the last page. The format, alternating chapters between Emma, the girl before, and Jane, the girl after, allows the story to move forward so that we quickly learn that One Folgate Street, an architectural masterpiece and its rules for tenants, is a main character in this story. Emma wanted to feel safe in her new home...Jane wanted a fresh start after a personal tragedy. This book will keep you "spinning through a kaleidoscope of duplicity, dearth, and deception"...as the publisher notes. I can't wait to see the movie which
…more is bound to come. (less)An intense psychological thriller and page turner. I read this entire book on two airplane flights in one day. I could not put it down. It was well written, and the characters were developed through short chapters alternating between two women. It was a clever way to tell their stories. There were unexpected plot twists. What is the truth and what are the lies? I was actually sad to finish the book. I have already recommended it to many people and cannot wait to see the movie. There is much to discuss and it would be a good choice for a book club. Would you agree to live in such an austere home with so many
…more rules? What kind of person would stay? Which of our treasured possessions are actually essential to our lives? This made me also think about my own life and clutter, both physical and emotional. Would a change to this type of environment transform us? (less)The back & forth confused me at first. I gave it another try from the beginning then it started to make sense. A house that is very futuristic offers lots of mysterious situations.
Is it the house or a person causing these deaths. It kept me guessing till the end. Power, jealousy, fear & weakness these traits are paramount throughout this novel.
Susan R. (Julian, NC)
The Girl Before
The Girl Before is an exciting, psychological thriller that keeps you turning pages until the end. Two women, at different times, are looking for an apartment and One Folgate Street looks like a dream come true..except for the pages and pages of requirements that they have to agree to. They both decide that they MUST live there and this is the story of what went on in the house.
What I Liked about this book:
-The plot was full of twists and turns and kept you eagerly reading to see what was going to happen next.
-The story is told in alternating chapters by the two women. Emma is the past resident of the house and
…more Jane is the current resident. It was a great way to present the story.
-The ending was a real surprise but it was plausible - I realized that I had missed some clues along the way.
What I didn't Like
- There was too much unneeded sex.
-I am so tired of book titles with the word GIRLS in them when the characters are actually WOMEN.
Overall, I thought it was a great read and I definitely enjoyed it. (less)As others have noted, this novel seems to be headed in one direction, but then smoothly morphs into something else. For me, it started as a bit of a contrived setting for two women to be sexually enthralled by the same man. The narrators, Jane (now) and Emma (then) are chosen to reside in this auto-magical house that was designed by a remote yet attractive architect, Edward. I wasn't so drawn in to the enigma of the house and actually stopped after a couple of chapters. Fortunately, the abundance of good reviews and the hints of change to come were enough to get me back into the story. Delaney ultimately is
…more successful at creating a confounding mystery through the alternating viewpoints of Jane and Emma - who may or may not be reliable. The resolution is unexpectedly sweet and well worth the ride. (less)Welcome to One Folgate Street, the perfect rental opportunity for the select few....minimalist living in a luxurious, technologically advanced home, but with an extensive pre-assessment questionaire and a long list of rules that must be followed. Two women, Emma and Jane, are selected and the story unfolds through their alternating narrations. The author's style of writing and the quick, short chapters moving back and forth between the two women make this a fast paced book. It was suspenseful with twists and turns, and it is easy to see why the movie rights to this book have already been scooped up by Universal
…more Studios. For fans of thrillers, this had deception, betrayal, intrigue, duplicity, obsessiveness and perfection...all of which contributes to keeping the reader uncomfortable and trying to guess what the outcome will be. In spite of a host of unlikeable characters and an ending that left me a bit unsatisfied, this was a fresh, unique story that will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers. (less)I love the alternating POV of Emma and Jane! The concept of the house as a part in the mystery was intriguing and delightfully creepy. The male character, Edward, was a bit thin and as persona I am tired of in my reading, however, if enjoyed the other characters and their paths. I recommend!
Elizabeth L. (Salem, OR)
Good Fast Read
This is a well written addition to the unreliable narrator, "girl" in the title genre.
I really enjoyed the way this book combined the idea of how our environment influences mood and behavior with the connected house. I can see how the latter could make you feel spied upon and vulnerable even in what should be your place of refuge. Luckily One Folgate Street wasn't quite to the level of Hal in 2001: A Space Odyssey!
