"Behind Closed Doors" by B.A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted reality of domestic abuse. The story centres on Jack and Grace Angel, a couple who appear to have the perfect life. Jack is a handsome and successful lawyer, while Grace is elegant, beautiful, and skilled in the kitchen. They are the epitome of a perfect couple, admired by their friends and neighbours for their charm and seemingly idyllic life.
However, beneath this flawless exterior lies a sinister truth. Jack's charm and success mask his controlling and abusive nature. Grace, despite her outward elegance and grace, is a prisoner in her own home, subjected to Jack's manipulative and terrifying control. The couple's life is meticulously controlled by Jack, who uses psychological manipulation, isolation, and intimidation to keep Grace in line. He forbids her from leaving the house without his permission, monitors her every move, and uses their social gatherings to maintain the illusion of a perfect marriage.
The novel's tension is amplified by its dual timeline structure, alternating between the past and the present. This approach gradually unveils the extent of Jack's cruelty and Grace's desperate struggle for freedom. Initially, the reader sees Grace's life before her marriage to Jack, highlighting her innocence and her deep love for her sister Millie, who has Down's syndrome. Jack's charm and apparent kindness, especially towards Millie, quickly win Grace over, leading to their swift marriage. The honeymoon in Thailand, however, marks the beginning of Jack's abuse, as he traps Grace in their hotel room, revealing his true, terrifying nature.
As the story unfolds, the contrast between Grace's public persona and her private torment becomes starkly clear. She continues to host elaborate dinner parties, hiding her suffering behind a façade of perfection. Her life is a constant battle against Jack's control, her every action dictated by his whims and demands. Despite her fear and isolation, Grace's love for Millie fuels her resolve to escape.
The suspense builds to a thrilling climax during one of their dinner parties, where Grace takes a daring step to reclaim her life. She drugs Jack and locks him in the basement, using the opportunity to contact the authorities and expose the truth about his abusive behaviour. Jack's arrest shocks their social circle, who had been deceived by his charming exterior.