Review: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Title: The Woman in the Window

Author: A.J. Finn

Published: January 2018, William Morrow

Format: ARC Paperback, 448 pages

Source: Publisher

Summary: 

What did she see?

It’s
been ten long months since Anna Fox last left her home. Ten months
during which she has haunted the rooms of her old New York house like a
ghost, lost in her memories, too terrified to step outside.

Anna’s
lifeline to the real world is her window, where she sits day after day,
watching her neighbours. When the Russells move in, Anna is instantly
drawn to them. A picture-perfect family of three, they are an echo of
the life that was once hers.

But one evening, a frenzied scream
rips across the silence, and Anna witnesses something no one was
supposed to see. Now she must do everything she can to uncover the truth
about what really happened. But even if she does, will anyone believe
her? And can she even trust herself?

My thoughts: I picked this gem up last Spring at BookExpo – it was one of the books that was highlighted at the Adult Editor’s Buzz Session and one that I was really looking forward to reading. What I found most intriguing about this author – he works in publishing himself and no one knew he was writing this book until it was ready to go out into the world. I find that so cool! 

Anyway…this book is crazy good – it hooked me right from the beginning and kept me engaged and captivated all the way through. I was a little wary, I admit, going into the book with all the hype about it, but I have to say, I was riveted by the story line and found myself shocked a number of times by the twists that popped up. This is good stuff and I wanted more!!! 

I think what I enjoyed most is that Anna, while definitely an unreliable narrator, is also endearing. I loved her and wanted her to step outside of herself to get better. She truly is a damaged soul and I felt for her…it’s hard not too with all that is going on – mostly due to her own actions. It’s hard when no one believes her. She is such a well-developed character and I loved getting inside her head…hearing her thoughts, seeing her actions. This all made her that much more real and that much more endearing and memorable as a character. She will be one that I will not be forgetting anytime soon!

This book is an addictive read…it will get under your skin and pull you in. While it does start off a bit slow, it gradually builds as the story progresses until the final moment when you reach the dazzling conclusion. And, along the way there are these little reveals that had me gasping out loud. This book is exactly the type of read I love – a thrilling, engaging psychological thriller and I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author!!!