My Review:
If you are looking for an addictive quick read with brief chapters, interesting characters and psychological suspense, The Woman In the Window is for you!
Dr. Anna Fox is trapped in her home. Not literally…she is agoraphobic, presumably triggered by a tragic event. Her child psychologist medical practice has ended due to her being unable to leave her house, so she spends much of her time on the computer watching horror movies, consulting lonely people with problems in chat groups and playing chess. When she is not online she spies on her neighbors, peering through her camera lens and out the window. Throughout her waking hours Anna consumes wine like water and pops pills for her ailments.
The story consists of Anna and her neighbors; amongst them are Ethan, a homeschooled teenage boy who seems lonely and depressed, Alistair, Ethan’s father who believes Anna is delusional, and Jane, Ethan’s mother who pays Anna a visit to play chess and drink wine. We meet, Anna’s support system; Dr. Fielding and physical therapist Nina, both who make house calls, and Anna’s ex-husband Ed and their young daughter Olivia. Anna also has an elusive, odd tenant, David, who lives in her basement.
The story is told my Anna, and her suspicions about the neighbors grow when she hears screams and sees something devastating our her window, but when the authorities are called in, proof is unattainable and Anna’s fear to leave the safe haven of her home is only one of the setbacks. Her state of mind is questionable and nobody’s stories line up, but the truth lies amongst the chaos. Manipulation and illusions drive this twisted mystery and kept me second guessing right up until the end.
This was a true page turner with multiple surprises, mysterious characters, and eye opening reveals that caused me to reevaluate what I thought I knew every step of the way. A most enjoyable read, narrated by a woman, and written by a man. The Woman in the Window has been compared to Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and Rear Window, and it will be hitting the big screen starring Amy Adams as Anna, releasing in 2019.
About the Author:
A.J. Finn, pseudonym for Daniel Mallory, has written for numerous publications, including the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and the Times Literary Supplement(UK). A native of New York, Finn lived in England for ten years as a book editor before returning to New York City.
Here is my photo of author A.J. Finn at the East Hampton Library Author Night this past summer:
Hi Jen,
Can you please add my Dad to you Book Nation?
Thank you!
Normsagel@gmail.com
Will do! Thanks so much 🙂
I could use a quick read. I just hope it get’s in depth enough to carry the suspense! I am reading a great suspenseful romance right now by Marlene Bell, marlenembell.com for her info. She’s got a female lead that is like Jessica Fletcher mixed with Indiana Jones. She’s a great character. The story is intense, has it all!
The characters are definitely developed enough and more gets revealed as you go on. It was very quick and enjoyable! Will check out Marlene Bell. Thanks so much!
Loooovvveeedddd this book!!!