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Behind Closed Doors

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Through reflection we experience her history with Michael and why she was attracted to him. We witness a scene that makes it clear what’s been happening and throughout the story snippets are shared. It’s not until near the end when Luce is talking to Ingrid do we find out the true extent. I was crying. Not only because of what was being shared but also the unexpected unity. It’s such a powerful scene. When Lucy Palmer's marriage to Michael ends suddenly, it turns her world upside down. As secrets start to unravel, Lucy leaves London and goes home to live with her elderly parents in the Chilterns. It allows her to look after her parents and to get her head together. Once inside their imposing doors, sternly guarded by porters, members find themselves immersed in quaint, centuries-old traditions that are indebted in equal parts to Oxbridge colleges and Alice in Wonderland. Many boast coffee rooms that do not (primarily) serve coffee, smoking rooms in which you cannot smoke and, in one case, a silence room that had to be scrapped because members refused to be quiet in it. At least one club allowed its clientele to veto prospective new members with a ballot paper containing three options: 'Yes', 'No' and 'Good God, no'

There is not as much focus on romance in Behind Closed Doors as there usually is in novels by this writer, but that’s fine as this is such and interesting and absorbing story. Told entirely from Lucy’s point of view, with enough humour to lighten the dark subject matter, we are with her all the way as she contemplates how (and with whom) she wants to live the rest of her life. Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed. But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing. Where she left the car; if she took her pills; even the alarm code.And let me just say that little Millie, she's brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Millie has it figured out and now all Grace has to do is find a way to execute the plan. But in Grace's world there is nothing easy to execute. Prisoners in a jail have it easier than Grace! For me, there is no doubt that Catherine Alliott is an accomplished and skilful writer. The cleverly constructed plot, well-drawn characters, relatable themes, and easy-to-read and intelligent prose make for an enjoyable and compelling read. I finished Behind Closed Doors with a happy heart. On the surface Lucy Palmer seems to have it all – two lovely grown-up children, a career as a crime novelist, marriage to a well-known theatre critic and a beautiful house in the city. However, appearances can be deceptive as not all abuse is visible on the outside. For years she suffered her husband Michael’s controlling behaviour – he made it impossible for her to just walk away – but now, due to unforeseen circumstances, she can take charge of her own life.

A psychological thriller about a sociopath who initially personifies the perfect husband only to reveal the true monster within. This book is heartbreaking and traumatic and I was appalled at the lengths he went to to satisfy his perverted fantasies. It’s Livia’s 40th birthday, and her husband Adam is throwing her the party of a lifetime to make up for the wedding they never had. Everyone she loves will be there, except her daughter Marnie, who’s studying abroad. But Livia is secretly glad Marnie won’t be there. Normally, when a sub-genre becomes mega popular and tons of books flood the market trying to cash in on the trend, I burn out on it fast. But, I have always loved a good mind game, a dark, tense psychological thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. So, I am loving all these new novels of suspense, and I love the new talent bursting out into the forefront, which is long overdue.As usual, her main character is lovable, contemporary and someone I can relate to (appart from the rich alcoholic parents and arsehole husband that is) The man comes across as a psychopath and paedophile. The mother, unable to cope and apparently wiling to pander to her husband. Perhaps she really loved him - who knows, not that that would excuse her part in the tragedy of her children's early life.

Its strong, its solid, no flaws, the pitch the power and pace is just right for any reading to be pulled along its path. From the outside, anyone would think that Lucy Palmer has it all: loving children, a dashing husband and a gorgeous home. Unlike some of other books of this genre, this book is quite graphic in places and does not make for easy reading. The author is the mother of a popular soap actress, although this is quite irrelevant to the story and her famous daughter only makes an appearance towards the end of the book - how the writer can be seen as 'cashing in' on having a famous relative is beyond me, as they don't even share the same last name. Today, B.A. Paris lives in Hampshire with her husband and continues to write psychological thrillers. They have 5 children together. Whilst the start of the story dealt with some heavy topics, as the story progressed the clouds started to part and the sunshine shone through, in the form of Lucy’s parents! I found myself giggling at their funny ways, raucous parties and candid nature. Their neighbours were very funny and they just reminded me of a group of teenagers! I also appreciated the quieter moments where Lucy’s parents showed their appreciation for her help. It must of been hard for them to lose some of that independence and accept that whilst they were capable of looking after themselves they did need someone to give them a helping hand.On the inside, her husband is a controlling bully who manipulates and belittles Lucy and her career whilst flaunting his many affairs in front of her with little respect for everyone concerned. Lucy has been made to feel worthless and almost as though she deserves the way her husband treats her. When her marriage ends suddenly, she has the chance to start afresh and find the Lucy that has been buried for too long along with some much needed happiness and joy. Even after a couple of abusive relationships when she was in her teens, and beyond, she comes through and eventually smiled in the face of adversity.

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