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50 pages 1 hour read

The Girl Before

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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JP Delaney

The Girl Before

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Girl Before by JP Delaney follows Emma and Jane, two women who sequentially live in the minimalist One Folgate Street, designed by the enigmatic architect Edward Monkford. As Jane uncovers the mystery surrounding Emma's death, she discovers unsettling secrets about Edward and the house's technology, leading to a suspenseful revelation.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.8

203,127 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Girl Before by JP Delaney offers an engaging psychological thriller with a compelling narrative structure alternating between two female protagonists. Positive reviews highlight the gripping plot and well-crafted suspense. However, some critics note that character development feels shallow and certain plot twists are predictable, which may detract from overall immersion.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Girl Before?

A reader who enjoys psychological thrillers with architectural intrigue and complex characters would be captivated by The Girl Before by JP Delaney. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train will find similarities in the suspenseful narrative and intricate plot twists.

3.8

203,127 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Emma Matthews

A central character and narrator who is deeply involved with the novel's core events, experiencing and navigating complex personal relationships and challenges.

A composed and organized woman who engages with the previous tenant's mysterious past while dealing with personal trauma and new beginnings.

A successful architect known for his charming demeanor and disciplined lifestyle, intertwined with both Emma and Jane through personal and professional connections.

A magazine writer with a brash workplace environment, whose complicated relationship with Emma reveals different aspects of his character.

A well-meaning police officer involved in Emma’s case, who strives to assist and understand the full scope of events.

Emma’s therapist, offering guidance on her personal issues and relationships, although limited by Emma’s disclosures.

A coworker of Emma's and Simon's friend, who is briefly involved in events impacting Emma's narrative.

The doctor connected to Jane’s medical experiences, providing care and accountability in challenging circumstances.

The individual accused of robbing Emma, involved in key events that spark significant developments in the story.

The technological system within One Folgate Street that interacts with characters, contributing to the novel's unfolding mysteries.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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