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Tuesday, January 2, 2018

REVIEW: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn @ajfinnbooks @wmmorrowbooks #allthebookreviews

The Woman in the Window
by A.J. Finn

🔥 HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY! ðŸ”¥

Thanks so much to William Morrow books for these copies in return for our honest review.  Already in development for film, this is that subtle psychological thriller you've been waiting for. So excited that Jessica and I got to read this for #allthebookreviews!  This should definitely be on your TBR!


Publisher:  William Morrow Books
Published:  January 2, 2018
Pages: 448
Genres:  Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Hardcover
Standalone

Goodreads Synopsis:

What did she see?
It’s been ten long months since Anna Fox last left her home. Ten months during which she has haunted the rooms of her old New York house like a ghost, lost in her memories, too terrified to step outside.
Anna’s lifeline to the real world is her window, where she sits day after day, watching her neighbours. When the Russells move in, Anna is instantly drawn to them. A picture-perfect family of three, they are an echo of the life that was once hers.
But one evening, a frenzied scream rips across the silence, and Anna witnesses something no one was supposed to see. Now she must do everything she can to uncover the truth about what really happened. But even if she does, will anyone believe her? And can she even trust herself?
My Review:



An agoraphobic, Anna is an alcoholic and pill popper who hasn't left her home in ten months. She fills her time looking into the windows of the homes across the street from her, playing chess on her computer and being an online therapist to those with similar issues that she has. The best therapists are those who have been through it themselves as patients can relate better and see that there is hope to get better. Not sure that if you're still going through the motions, it's the best thing to be doing. Unfortunately this does happen and while the empathy can be there, it could be disastrous for both sides.


This story is told strictly through Anna's eyes. She lives home alone, pining for her family with her only outside contact for the most part being her tenant downstairs and her therapist that comes by once in a while. Each section of the book is split per day starting on October 24th through November 15th. Each chapter within these sections are short making it a fast read .. and you WANT to keep turning the pages. Although a fast read, I felt it is moderately paced as we really get inside Anna's mind. I can't tell if she's crazy or if what's really happening IS happening or just in her mind. The beginning may feel a little slow but it's a testament to how the author builds the story from day to day.

The author gives you slight clues throughout the book, really building the suspense. I caught onto the clues so when things came to light I wasn't all that shocked. However, I LOVED the subtle way the author took to get you there. Nothing felt rushed or done as shock value. This book is proof that a psychological thriller doesn't need to be out of left field twisty to keep your attention.

I am not surprised in the slightest that this is already slated for motion picture development. I will certainly be on the look out for his next book.


Jessica's Review:




I'm sure you've seen this one all over Bookstagram and Goodreads getting all kinds of hype, and I definitely understand why! A great way to kick off 2018 - THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW by A.J. Finn is a fantastic debut. 

Anna Fox hasn't left her house in 10 months - she spends her time drinking and popping pills as she wanders the halls of her home. She is terrified to step outside because her agoraphobia controls her life. She has two connections to the outside world - her computer and her window. 

When the Russell family moves in on her street, Anna becomes intrigued with them. They seem to be the picture perfect family. One night Anna hears a blood curdling scream and races to her window. She witnesses something she never should have. Now, she must figure out what happened, but can she trust her own mind?

This thriller is told through Anna's eyes and the story spans less than a month. The chapters are short, which keeps you flying through the book. I've always loved this when it comes to the thriller and psychological suspense genres. As the book progressed you truly don't know if Anna is going insane or if these events are actually happening. 

Overall, this novel is constantly building the suspense. A.J. Finn weaves the story and really pulls the readers into Anna's mind and her daily life. This doesn't move at a break-neck pace, but the story is incredibly addictive and engaging. If you want an unreliable narrator with the subtle twists to build the suspense, then THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW needs to be on your 2018 TBR.


I give this 5/5 stars!

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