For book club this month I’ve chosen the intensely thrilling The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn. When I first read the blurb I immediately thought of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window. I knew that if it was written well it would be a page-turner and I wasn’t disappointed! If you love your thrillers then this is a must-read!

The Plot

What did she see?

Anna Fox is the focus of this story. She hasn’t left her house for 10 months, too terrified to step outside. We learn that she suffers from agoraphobia (fear of crowded spaces), brought on by a traumatic incident, which means she can’t leave her house without having a panic attack. She also regularly mixes her medication with wine, against her doctor’s recommendation which poses the question – what happened 10 months ago?

To pass the time she watches her neighbours through her bedroom window, curious as to how they live their lives and what secrets they may be hiding. When a new family, the Russells, move into the house across the street, Anna is instantly drawn to them.

One evening a scream fills the silence and Anna rushes to the window, witnessing something horrifying, or so she thinks. Torn between trying to uncover what just happened and not being able to leave the house, Anna gets stuck. Is she able to uncover the truth and will anyone even believe her?  

The chapters are short which makes it an easy read and I found myself reading “just one more chapter” a lot. I definitely had a few late nights because I couldn’t put it down!

What’s more, the screen rights were sold before the book even hit the shelves so that’s saying something! The film, currently in post-production, is due to be released later this year with Amy Adams, Gary Oldman and Julianne Moore taking lead roles. It’s thought to be in the same realm as Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train so if they are anything to go by, this is going to be a great film!

What are people saying?

If I haven’t managed to convince you to add this one to your reading list, then here’s what some of the professionals have to say.

‘Astounding. Thrilling. Amazing’

Gillian Flynn

‘A dark, twisty confection’

Ruth Ware

‘One of those rare books that really is unputdownable’

Stephen King

Enjoy reading and let me know what you think in my comments section below! I’d love to hear if you found it as gripping as I did, your thoughts on the characters and most importantly whether you guessed the plot or it had you guessing until the end!

February Book Pick: Tell Me a Secret by Jane Fallon

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