14 November 2022

This book was first published in 2017, so this is not a new one. I see there is even a TV series based on this story too (no I have not seen it.) I was completely intrigued by this book. I ended up with a copy of this book after confusing the author with someone else, and then I discovered JP Delaney is a pseudonym – it’s all a little confusing and rather irrelevant. What you need to know is this book is an explosive, gripping read that is guaranteed to keep you engrossed from start to end.

JP Delaney tells this story from Emma and Jane’s perspective, and the two women are in different timelines. You move from chapter to chapter either “then” with Emma or “now” with Jane. This keeps you curious and gripped as the various pieces of the story fit together. I loved how he combines the then and now, keeping you just a little in the dark, and making the book an intriguing read.

Emma is determined to move after her current apartment was broken into while she was at home. She is traumatised and scared. Her boyfriend is doing everything he can, but their budget is not suited to the high-security Emma is looking for. As a last hope, the real estate agents tell them about One Folgate Street. This property is within their budget and has all the security Emma craves, but there is a catch. This property comes with a long list of rules and a very difficult landlord. Walking into the property Emma is immediately at ease and determined to do whatever she must to ensure that she gets to move into this property.

Years later Jane is in a similar situation, she had a stillbirth and she is struggling from day to day. One Folgate Street, with its unusual rules, seems to be exactly what she needs in her life. The provides a calm Jane has never felt before – and the landlord is extremely attractive. When Jane becomes involved with the aloof, yet charming Edward Monkford who designed the house that has captivated her things start to change. Soon Jane discovers that she looks like Emma, the previous tenant, who died in suspicious circumstances. Eager to untangle the truth from the lies, Jane finds herself surrounded by the same people as Emma, and soon she faces the same terrors Emma lived with.

This book was a brilliantly creative tale that had me racing to the end. I loved how I managed to lose all track of time while engrossed in this story. I cannot wait to spend more time with this author’s work.

Edward Monkford is painted in a very bad light. This man had my blood boiling the minute he was introduced. Nothing about this man sits well and the more you learn about him the more you are left disliking him. However, you need to remember that the story is told from Emma and Jane’s perspective and there is more to this man than you might think.

Emma is introduced as a vulnerable, damaged woman. Her life is a mess and she is insecure. Appearances can be deceiving and you can expect a lot more from this woman as the pages turn.

Jane seems a little weak. I was not convinced if I liked her or not, yet her determination to find the truth about Emma leaves you intrigued by her. She has suffered a terrible loss and you are convinced that she will never manage to put her life back together, and then she surprises you.

This is an unusual tale which you are either going to love or hate. For me, this is a definite addition to my loved list. I enjoyed every second I spend lost in this story.

Psychological thriller fans will love this book. It is fast-paced, gripping and full of twists and turns. I highly recommend you give this book a try. It’s a brilliant read. I wish I read this one sooner.