The Girl Before is due for release next month and was a thrilling read. Written by JP delaney (which is a pen name by the way), it's set in a house designed by renowned architect Edward Monkford.
The minimalist house at One Folgate Street is ahead of its time, monitoring the health and wellbeing of the occupant via the use of an electronic bracelet and a programme called Housekeeper.
To live there, tenants must sign a detailed contract and agree to comply with a tonne of rules specifying what they can and can't do in the house. No clutter and no books, for a start. (Are you kidding me? Obviously I couldn't live there). Oh, and they need to agree open the house up to architect students every once in a while.
Told from the point of view of two female tenants - Jane in the present and Emma in the past - the history of the house and the mysterious accidental death of Emma begin to unfold at a satisfying pace. The house provides a luxurious yet somewhat creepy big brother kind of setting and the portrayal of perfectionist/control freak architect was original.
The Girl Before is recommended for architects, interior designers and those who love a good thriller.
My rating = ****
Carpe Librum!
This sounds very cool, and, as you point out, a bit strange that books aren't allowed. I really like the premise, though, and will look forward to reading it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBooks aren't allowed because there's to be no clutter at all in the house. The architect expects the tenants to live there with minimal possessions, so the books are an extension of the theme. Hope you read it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one as well. I was a little disappointed in the ending and the way Jane was portrayed, but a good read overall!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it too Deborah. What do you think about the title having the word 'Girl' in it. I know a lot of readers are now steering clear of any book with 'girl' in the title, but it works for me. A better title though could have been 'One Folgate Street'.
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