A psychological thriller that completely holds the reader from the very first paragraph to the end.
The Girl Before by JP Delaney has an intriguing beginning that focuses on two separate central characters, cleverly set between ‘Then’ which is Emma’s story and ‘Now’ which belongs to Jane. Although they are two very different individuals the setting is eerily the same for each. It is a believable but somewhat bizarre scenario with a rental property at One Folgate Street at its core.
Delaney draws the reader in and establishes our sympathy and empathy for both Emma, who has been traumatised by a break-in to her and Simon’s residence, and for Jane who has recently lost a child at almost full term. The author’s description of the latter is heart-wrenching and thought provoking. For example, “After I had given birth, or given death, or whatever it should be called – everything was strangely peaceful”.
They are both in need of somewhere spiritually and physically safe to rent and cannot believe their luck in finding architect, Edward Monkford’s, minimalistic, technological pristine home at Folate Street that somehow is beautiful with an aura of peace. Of course, there are strings attached such as the weird application form which is so clearly a psychological assessment, that most people do not pass. However, they both, at different times, pass the initial process and meet the great Edward Monkford in person for a final interview before moving in.
Initially, I thought I may get confused between the two characters with the continual swapping of stories but the author has created a clear delineation between the two so that the reader has no problem in leaving the book and picking it up again in this fascinating read. Not that I ever wanted to put the book down but hunger and sleep can divert one.
As Emma’s story (Then), unfolds the reader begins to see her in a different light and for Jane (Now), curiosity to find out more about Emma’s mysterious and inexplicable death leads her to seek out Emma’s psychotherapist, Carol Younson. In this scene, Delaney drip feeds the reader more disturbing information and confirms the similarity in facial appearance between Emma and Jane. Is Jane in danger? (The reader knows she is but to Jane at this stage it is “ludicrous”).
The history of the house, even before either moved in, is yet another twist and question mark that hovers over Edward and his weird obsessive behaviour. Both Emma and Jane find him intriguing and captivating. However, Edward is not the only individual who is obsessive. There are so many other neurotic, fixated or compulsive characters that add to the interest and complexity of this tale.
This is a psychological mystery at its best, both inexplicable and twisted. Just who is the psychopath? Is there one? Who is deranged? Who is in control? Who has blood on their hands? Will Jane survive?
I loved the convincing role of the police and also the medical practitioners that bring an element of reality and ‘normalcy’ to this otherwise riveting psychological tale.
The end is appropriate and an extra play on “the girl before” that give the words a different meaning.
The Girl Before by J P Delaney (published by Hachette Australia) is available now. Click here to learn more.