i am also really pleased with the ending. it does end rather abruptly, but everything is tied up, so i didnt mind it. it doesnt happen often that i am satisfied with a conclusion to a mystery/thriller, so i am marking this one as a win. Lucy Palmer had it all. A successful career writing cosy mysteries, a theatre-critic husband, a large house in a desirable area of London and two well-adjusted children. But behind the facade lies something sinister, jealousy, controlling behaviour, multiple affairs, psychological abuse, threats and fear. In the book in the picture section there is a picture of one of the kids baby son sitting with his grandparents the ones that abused the kids in this book. Why is this....Why would you take your child if you were abused so severly to see the people who had abused you?? I never understood how people do that. What is all forgiven when you are grown up? I really want to know. Behind Closed Doors is an edge of your seat, frustratingly WILD ride. I really enjoyed this, y'all!!! Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.

I have read and loved all Catherine Alliott’s books, and this is one of her best. The title is very apt, referring as it does to both Lucy’s life and that of her parents. The serious subjects dealt with in Behind Closed Doors are handled with sensitivity and empathy, and are a reminder that not all suffering can be seen with the naked eye. this book is perfect proof as to why i think people who get married to someone they have known less than six months are completely out of their minds. The pace never lets up. Okay, actually it did get a tiny bit slow in the middle, but it could have just been my discomfort (super nail-biting unchiness) that made me want it to go faster so I could see what happened. I’ve never been so impatient. The beginning and ending were just scrumptious. I fear I have made this sound gloomy, and it really isn't. Sure, some glimpses into Lucy's life feel a little close to the bone, but despite everything Lucy has a loving sister, parents, children, and friends. Her husband and his snobby friends might have looked down on her novels but they paid the bills on the house Michael bought with an inheritance.I loved that Behind Closed doors really is thought provoking, it made me as a reader think of what I would do in Lucy's position, and I completely changed my opinion of her as a character the more I read her story. The revelation that the Tory MP Chris Pincher disgraced himself in the Carlton Club – that bastion of Conservative exclusivity – has shone the spotlight on the secretive world of London members’ clubs. Anyone who has walked past the hulking Victorian edifices of privilege that lurk in St James’ Street and Pall Mall will have their own opinions about the desirability of our elected representatives spending their leisure time drinking and dining among their peers in them. Some might call this true love. Others might ask why Grace never answers the phone. Or how she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. And why there are bars on one of the bedroom windows. If you can dig deep and find it in you to curb your need for concrete common sense and logic for the sake of some truly fun fiction, then you, my friend, are the perfect prospect for Behind Closed Doors. It is an extremely emotional read with potential triggers*. I can't remember the last time a book made me feel such an all-consuming, visceral hatred for a character. I could feel my emotions bubbling up from the pit of my stomach; I could feel my heart pounding with fury and fear. Because this is a truly frightening book, a disturbing book. Scarier than any horror with demons and monsters.

Jenny, I hope you will get to read this. This is the first book written by you that I have read and I am looking forward to read Silent sisters. You have been an inspiration to me as a Social worker and I must say I felt like ripping that book apart out of anger and agony was when the NSPCC man would come talk to your mum and dad and never have some private time with the children and listen to their side of the story. The worst of it is when you tried to ask him if you can talk to him and he led you to where your parents were and said you got something to talk about. I could only imagine how your dad was looking at you. Personally, I also feared him through the whole read. He had such power that controlled your mum, not even being able to leave this abusive relationship. Let me not think of how she said she doesn't want a divorce after taking that bold step to go to court because I will get mad at her just like Laurence did and swore never to step foot in that house.You were a strong girl and you are a strong woman Jenny. I am so inspired. Laurence was a good brother to you and Kim, and I loved his brave character of taking all the blame and getting all the beatings just to cover you up. That is called love. How I also thought you could end up with John because he seemed like a caring man, but I am also happy you found your soulmate because you deserve the best. You have had a tough life and I am glad that your very beautiful daughter Martine brought you happiness. I would like to comment more about many things, about Carole,the late Chris, Kim, your mum and dad, but let me stop there. As the truth of their marriage begins to unravel, Lucy leaves their house to go and care for her parents in the countryside, giving her time to reflect on her life and the decisions she's made. This book was like Lucy, as it held so many secrets, stories and emotions that made me gasp. I raged and laughed at times as I touched base with parts of this story and nodded along with fully understanding. Some incredible characters hang on to memories of their pasts while making many more of them while they can. I envied Lucy for having parents while at the same time wanting to become like them in a few years. Today, B.A. Paris lives in Hampshire with her husband and continues to write psychological thrillers. They have 5 children together. 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)This is not an upsetting brutal man in the full sense of the word as in beatings, so don't be mislead that this may turn your stomach, because it won't. But when her marriage to Michael comes to an abrupt and unexpected end, her life is turned upside down in a flash. This author’s writing is so simple and straightforward, but her storytelling is potent, as is her ability to construct a tension-filled plot.