Title: The Woman Outside My Door by Rachel Ryan
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Suspense
Length: 287 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
From an unforgettable new voice in suspense fiction, The Woman Outside My Door is a thrilling page-turner about a young mother who can’t shake the feeling that her son’s “imaginary” friend is putting him in very real danger, and she will stop at nothing to keep him safe—perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Mary Kubica.
All children have imaginary friends, Georgina tells herself. It’s perfectly normal, and they all grow out of it in the end. But when her seven-year-old son, Cody, tells her about New Granny, the new friend he’s met in the park, Georgina is instantly suspicious. Something—call it maternal instinct—tells her he isn’t making it up.
But maybe Georgina is losing her mind. It wouldn’t be the first time, after all. And with her own mother’s recent death leaving her bereft and trying to cope with life as a busy working mom, it’s no wonder she’s feeling paranoid that Cody has invented a “New Granny” to replace his beloved grandmother.
Her husband, Bren, becomes the voice of reason, assuring Georgina that it’s just a game, the product of their son’s overactive imagination. But what if Cody’s imaginary friend is not so imaginary after all?
Review:
The Woman Outside My Door by Rachel Ryan is a suspenseful domestic mystery.
Georgina is still mourning the death of her beloved mom when her seven year old son Cody begins talking about New Granny. Georgina’s husband Bren is certain New Granny is an imaginary friend that is helping their son cope with his grief. Georgina wants to believe Bren’s explanation but she cannot shake off the feeling New Granny is real. Even after a few unexpected discoveries and unexplained phone calls, Cody insists he made up New Granny. Is Cody lying to them? Or is there a malevolent person threatening their son?
Georgina is stressed as she attempts to juggle work, university and home life. She is exhausted and worried about Cody and she is angry with Bren for not taking her concerns more seriously. Georgina is also struggling with getting her marriage back on track but she is finding it difficult to prioritize their relationship. She is not exactly open to some of Bren’s suggestions but she decides to give his advice a chance. But following an absolutely stunning discovery, Georgina does not know what or who to believe. Is she misinterpreting her recent findings?
Cody is an energetic young boy with an active imagination. He and his grandmother were close so he misses her very much. Initially open to discussing New Granny, he eventually becomes furtive and unwilling to talk about her with Georgina or Bren. Is Bren correct in his assumption that New Granny is nothing to be concerned about?
The Woman Outside My Door is a fast-paced and engrossing domestic mystery. Georgina’s doubts and suspicions ring true as she tries to make sense of Cody’s new “friend”. Bren’s comments and behavior add tension to the unfolding story. With unanticipated and jaw-dropping plot twists, Rachel Ryan brings this spectacular mystery to an action-packed, dramatic conclusions. A riveting debut I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to fans of the genre.
