From the Bookshelf of Around The World…

[close] The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney
4★

Please make a list of every possession you consider essential to your life. The request seems odd, even intrusive—and for the two women who answer, the consequences are devastating.

EMMA
Reeling from a traumatic break-in, Emma wants a new place to live. But none of the apartments she sees are affordable or feel safe. Until One Folgate Street. The house is an architectural masterpiece: a minimalist design of pale stone, plate glass, and soaring ceilings. But there are rules. The enigmatic architect who designed the house retains full control: no books, no throw pillows, no photos or clutter or personal effects of any kind. The space is intended to transform its occupant—and it does.

JANE
After a personal tragedy, Jane needs a fresh start. When she finds One Folgate Street she is instantly drawn to the space—and to its aloof but seductive creator. Moving in, Jane soon learns about the untimely death of the home’s previous tenant, a woman similar to Jane in age and appearance. As Jane tries to untangle truth from lies, she unwittingly follows the same patterns, makes the same choices, crosses paths with the same people, and experiences the same terror, as the girl before.

The back and forth chapters between the two women was a bit confusing to begin with and as a result I didn't realize which one was the "Girl Before". I do have to admit that the alternating viewpoints made for a fascinating read. The entire idea of a house that has the power to alter people's lives was unique. Is the idea a little far-fetched? Yes. Are the characters a bit odd even before their experience with the house? Yes. Are Edwards "rules" over the top and a bit redundant? Yes. In spite of this I found it a very entertaining story. Good one for anyone that is looking for something a bit different.