Book Review: Behind Closed Doors

Book Name: Behind Closed Doors
Author: Jemimah Jonah

Publisher: Paper Towns

Genre: Crime Thriller

Behind Closed Doors, the first book in Maya Alexander Series by Jemimah Jonah is a suspenseful, and compelling novel.

Review

The story begins with a scream from the neighbourhood while Arjun was partying with his brother. Both were drunk and did not acknowledge the scream until there was a knock at their door. They found the elder son of their neighbour, his eyes bloodshot and his face fear-stricken. Arjun let him in, asking if everything was alright. What followed was a mystery waiting to unfold, three murders that led to chaos and the reopening of old case files. Lady detective Maya was assigned to the case along with sub-inspector Allen, and their investigation led them to a ten-year-old case file that brought up significant facts and previously unsolved cases.

The character development is smooth and detailed. Readers will fall in love with Maya for her determination, fierceness, and professional skill. Allen, on the other hand, would make a wonderful fictional boyfriend for many readers, his “green flag” behaviour stands out. From letting Maya lead without underestimating her because she is a woman, to supporting her at every step of the investigation, Allen sets a high standard for a partner.

Let’s not get into the romance angle and instead focus on the children of the murdered couple. Dinesh, the elder brother, is portrayed as someone who would do anything to protect his younger siblings. Abraham, a potential romantic interest for Maya, represents the kind of man still trapped in the delusion of a male-dominated world, one who expects women to behave a certain way, something Maya could never conform to.

The author’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging. Just when readers think they’ve identified the culprit, a plot twist is introduced to keep them on the edge of their seats. The blend of mystery and suspense keeps readers hooked. But this book is not just about solving murders. It’s about how the shadows of the past continue to haunt the present. The research is thorough, which makes the narrative stand out. To keep it real and immersive, the author includes actual case file excerpts from the old investigation, allowing readers to feel as if they’re solving the mystery alongside the protagonists. The way Maya and Allen connect the present triple murders with the serial killings from the past creates a clear, compelling narrative backed by evidence and logic.

Another unique element is the addition of deleted scenes at the end of the book, content that was edited out in the final draft. This gives readers insight into the collaborative process between the author and editor.

For those who love series-based books and fans of thrillers and murder mystery, this book in the series will make a great addition to their collection. It will leave them eager to crave for further books in the series.

Buy it from Amazon - Behind Closed Doors 

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