Gritty, Twisted, and Disturbing.
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
Genre: Thriller
ISBN-10:
1250132363
ISBN-13:
978-1250132369
Setting: Modern day London, England (United Kingdom)
Summary: When Grace met Jack, he was the epitome of his last
name, Angel. He was a successful lawyer of battered women, charming, and most
importantly, kind to Grace’s special sister Millie. Jack and Grace were seen by
all as “the perfect pair”, but, in private, their relationship was far from
perfect. Jack thrives on the fear of people. Grace, fallen for his façade,
becomes nothing more than his pet, but not because she wants to, but because
she wants to save Millie. The weird part is, the end of this book will have you
saying, “I like you Jack, but I don’t like George Clooney”.
Three Read-a-likes:
1.) The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
2.) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
3.) Room by Emma Donoghue
Elements of Thriller
Fast Pace: This story jumps back and forth from past to
present with every chapter. Its irregular timeline always leaves you wanting to
get back to the present, but not wanting to miss what the past reveals.
Frame: Jack is a divorce attorney that focuses on cases of
battered women, therefore legal jargon is present, but not overwhelming.
Storyline: Grace is under the threat of psychological abuse
to fulfill Jacks every expectation. Grace must be perfect as not to raise
suspicion about what is really happening behind closed doors.
Characterization: Before Grace met Jack, she was an
independent woman, determined to be the support system her sister Millie
needed. After marrying Jack, Grace sees his true colors, but is trapped by all
the secret tricks Jack played during their courtship. Grace is only reminded of
her strength by her sister Millie and is determined to gain her freedom back.
Tone: The tone of the book is startling. Paris is able to
take something beautiful, like love and marriage, and flip it into a cruel
binding imprisonment. Jack’s persona gives off chills when he is present. Every
sentence he speaks is more horrifying than the next. It’s quite dark and
disturbing.
Style: Paris’s style for this book is rather lax, making it
even more a page turner. Legal terms are used but nothing too difficult to
understand. However, if one doesn’t understand it, Jack gets pleasure out of
explaining how screwed Grace really is. So, legal jargon is explained by Jack
and a very informal, creepy, type of way.
Appeal: Jack is the most interesting part of the novel
because he is so cunningly perfect. You hang on his every word only to be
appalled by what he said and asking “Why?”. Jack Angel was a legendary lawyer.
Lawyers are personified as cunning and charming, great lawyers are convincing
and respectable, but legendary lawyers are the ones that can turn every
argument into their favor. Jack was so convinced he had the perfect plan that
there was no way a woman tricked into marrying him could beat him at his own game.
However, Jack underestimated the love Grace had for her sister Millie and the
will to do anything to protect her. Especially from Jack.
Hey Sydney! You've done a wonderful job of introducing this novel without giving away any spoilers! I am so intrigued by Jack and his relationship with Grace. I also need to know why I won't like George Clooney, haha! I am definitely going to add this to my to-read list! Very nice work.
ReplyDeleteOh, and the title was the cherry on top! :)
DeleteHi Kelley,
DeleteThank you! It was very difficult to explain parts of it without giving it away. The other summaries I have read of this book don't really grasp the whole picture of the book. They focus on Jack and Grace being the "perfect couple" but that is just a very small part to the whole story. Its much deeper then that.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteYour George Clooney comment definitely piqued my curiosity!
The complexity of the characters and plot appeal to me, but "creepy Jack" makes me nervous. You may have convinced a reluctant Thriller reader to give this a try!
Nicely done!
This book sounds excellent! You did a wonderful job with the characteristics and appeals! Also, of describing a complex plot without giving anything away (which can be hard to do in this genre!). Full points!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I'd feel about George Clooney but I do already dislike Jack. Great annotation! I don't think I'd personally read--the mix of divorce lawyers and creepy men are not for me--, but it's definitely worth remembering for my patrons!
ReplyDelete