Synopsis
Enter the world of One Folgate Street and discover perfection… but can you pay the price?
Jane stumbles on the rental opportunity of a lifetime. The chance to live in an ultra-minimalist house designed by an enigmatic architect, on condition she abides by a list of exacting rules. But when she discovers the previous tenant, Emma, met a mysterious death there, Jane starts to wonder if her own story will be a re-run of the girl before.
Review
Imagine a house that doesn’t need a key; where everything is automatic and set to suit your preferences. One Folgate Street was built envisioning the future of minimalist living and kitted with the latest technology throughout.
In exchange for the affordable rent the tenants must abide to the hundreds of relentless rules set by the architect, Edward Monkford. No pets, no curtains, no rugs, no books(!) to name a few.
The Girl Before tells the stories of Emma and Jane, constantly flicking between the two.
Emma, the girl before, and her boyfriend Simon were on the lookout for a new flat following a break in, where Emma was attacked. (… or was she?)
Jane was on the hunt for a new beginning after losing her baby. Her narrative takes place roughly three years after Emma’s, and is eerily similar to the girl before from the moment her application is approved.
What exactly happened to Emma? Who was responsible for her death and why? Is Jane also in danger? Who’s lying?
Opinion
Obsession type thrillers are right up my street, and JP Delaney delivered this one with ease.
Found the book difficult to put down and it kept me guessing from start to finish.
4.5 out of 5 stars and a round of applause from me.
