THE GLOBAL BESTSELLER • Soon to be a BBC One and HBO Max limited four-part series, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw (The Morning Show; Misbehaviour) and multiple Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy-nominated actor David Oyelowo (Selma; Les Misérables) “A pitch-perfect novel of psychological suspense” (Lee Child) that spins one woman’s seemingly good fortune, and another woman’s mysterious fate, through a … woman’s mysterious fate, through a kaleidoscope of duplicity, death, and deception
Please make a list of every possession you consider essential to your life.
The request seems odd, even intrusive—and for the two women who answer, the consequences are devastating.
EMMA
Reeling from a traumatic break-in, Emma wants a new place to live. But none of the apartments she sees are affordable or feel safe. Until One Folgate Street. The house is an architectural masterpiece: a minimalist design of pale stone, plate glass, and soaring ceilings. But there are rules. The enigmatic architect who designed the house retains full control: no books, no throw pillows, no photos or clutter or personal effects of any kind. The space is intended to transform its occupant—and it does.
JANE
After a personal tragedy, Jane needs a fresh start. When she finds One Folgate Street she is instantly drawn to the space—and to its aloof but seductive creator. Moving in, Jane soon learns about the untimely death of the home’s previous tenant, a woman similar to Jane in age and appearance. As Jane tries to untangle truth from lies, she unwittingly follows the same patterns, makes the same choices, crosses paths with the same people, and experiences the same terror, as the girl before.
Praise for The Girl Before
“Dazzling, startling, and above all cunning—a pitch-perfect novel of psychological suspense.”—Lee Child
“The Girl Before generates a fast pace. . . . [J. P.] Delaney intersperses ethics questions on stand-alone pages throughout the book. . . . The single most ingenious touch is that we’re not provided either woman’s answers.”—The New York Times
“J. P. Delaney builds the suspense.”—Vanity Fair
“Immediate guarantee: You will not be able to put this book down. . . . Fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train will realize that there’s not only more where that came from, but it’s also more thrilling.”—American Booksellers Association
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LOVED this book except wish the ending was a little better
Strange story line. The male character has no redeeming characteristics and I have no idea what these two women saw in him. Even the house was creepy. I don’t know why I finished it.
It was ok…the back and forth of the characters really made me have to pay attention. It was a bit unrealistic, the wealthy architect wanting to have sex with the chosen tenants. I finished it, but it was painful.
Very unique situation, unusual characters, and unexpected plot turns. Compelling snd stays in my mind. I read it as audio book, and the presentation was well done. There is sex, handled well, and raw language that seems realistic. I can’t say it is enjoyable but it is intriguing and unforgettable.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the surprise ending !
This book was captivating the whole way through, but the ending was anticlimactic and disappointing.
I liked the beginning, the idea that it was birthing, and then I was pretty much just grossed out for all the middle, and then I liked the end and all the “revealing” and the tail-end was pretty good too. I will not watch the movie. And in case you’re interested, no, I didn’t rant and rave and ooh and ahh about “Girl on the Train.” It was worse than this, actually, and just plain gross. I hope I stop wasting my time. I just…It’s hard to give up on stuff you’ve started. I’m a finisher. So I read the whole thing.
A real page turner!
This was our Book Club selection for November. I didn’t like this book when I read it; I couldn’t identify with any of the characters. But after our Club discussion, it became more interesting to me. Obviously, I’m not a minimalist.
I received this book through NetGalley but finished it in audio form. I love hearing audiobooks with accents, and this one was just as amazing. The story line was Intriguing, suspenseful, exciting and so much more. The characters were interesting to say the least, they left you on the edge of your seat. When you thought one idea of how the story was going to go the author sent you on a twist you don’t expect, I loved it.
I really enjoyed this book but I can understand why many people will not. Emma and her boyfriend Simon had a home invasion. Unfortunately, Emma was left to face the perpetrators on her own. Afterwards, she decides she can no longer stay at their current residence and seeks out a new place to live. Jane has suffered a tremendous loss when her pregnancy resulted in a stillborn. Looking for a fresh start, Jane looks for a new home. Enter 1 Folgate Street. This home is like no other. The man who created the home has a lengthy list of rules and the application procedure is daunting. Tenants must agree to stipulations such as no unnecessary furniture or belongings, permission for the house to measure and record bioinformatics of the tenants, and to be open to tourist visits. The idea behind the home is that it removes chaos and unnecessary burdens from modern life and allows the tenant to live more freely. The restrictions are great but the new found freedom that goes with it is greater.
I loved the stylistic presentation of this story. It is told in two alternating formats: “Emma:Then” and “Jane:Now”. The two stories are tied together as Jane is trying to discover more about Emma’s experiences while she lived at the house. Over time, I think it is inevitable that the reader question the reliability of both narrators. How did each of their traumatic experiences alter their behaviors? I have read several reviews where people are annoyed or bothered by the dominating/submissive relationships both women become involved in. I’m not so sure it’s that far-fetched. Trauma has the ability to drastically alter behavior.
As for the story itself, I didn’t think the ending was that big of a surprise but I liked the overall plot and several of the included twists. In addition, I liked the questions posed between narratives asking what the applicants (and the reader) would do in hypothetical situations. In addition, I found it interesting that the most profound part of the book stemmed from a page with a mere two words on it.
Overall I would recommend this book. If you have an objection to strong sexual situations or prefer not to read about relationships where physical and psychological abuse occur then I would suggest a strong pass on this one however.
Book was good except for the ending.
Did not see that ending coming! always love when a book can do that
Thr end was total not expected. The characters situations were reflective of true life circumstances.
I enjoyed the twists and turns.
Enjoyed this. Back and forth of past and present easy to follow and great format.
Loved this book
Good read but the ending (Jane’s ending) was a let down.
I really enjoyed this book as it kept me guessing until the end, unlike most mysteries.
This was a bit unusual and somewhat out there but kept my interest. As things progressed we learn more and more about the characters and it keeps our interest. I like the way the chapters alternated between the women. I sent this to my daughter also. Good read.