Before We Met

Lucie Whitehouse

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"Before We Met" by Lucie Whitehouse is a psychological thriller that follows the life of Hannah, who goes to the airport to collect her husband Mark as arranged, but he is not there. This event leads Hannah to question her trust in everything and changes her perception of everyone she knows. As she delves deeper into her husband's disappearance, she uncovers secrets that challenge the foundation of her marriage and her life. Full of twists and turns, lies, and cover-ups, the story keeps readers engaged as they follow Hannah's journey to discover the truth even if it threatens to unravel everything she holds dear.

Hannah's relationship with Mark, her struggles with trust and commitment, and the uncovering of secrets from her husband's past drive the narrative forward in this fast-paced domestic thriller. alternates between the present and the past, revealing how suspicion and doubt can lead to paranoia as Hannah navigates through a web of deception and uncertainty. Despite the predictable elements, the story maintains a level of suspense and tension that keeps readers invested until the end, where unexpected revelations challenge Hannah's understanding of her marriage and her own identity.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Hannah and Mark, are layered and complex, contributing to the story's exploration of trust and uncertainty.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is fast-paced and engaging, utilizing alternating timelines to unfold the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features unexpected twists while exploring themes of trust and secrecy within a marriage, especially highlighted by the scenario of a husband's mysterious absence.

Setting:

The setting primarily takes place in London, providing a backdrop that contrasts urban life with character experiences from New York.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow but accelerates significantly, particularly in the latter half, often fluctuating between slow and fast.

The rain was beating down, and out here, where the carriageway was exposed, the wind buffeted Hannah’s old VW as if it were trying to push it off the road. Usually on a Heathrow run she watched the pl...

Notes:

The novel begins with Hannah waiting for her husband Mark at Heathrow, but he doesn't show up, creating immediate tension.

Hannah is portrayed as a reliable narrator, revealing her insecurities and past experiences to the reader.

There is a strong element of psychological exploration, particularly on the themes of trust and doubt in relationships.

Mark's character is introduced long after Hannah, influencing the reader's perception of him before he actually appears in the story.

Hannah gives up her successful job in New York to move to London with Mark, highlighting her sacrifices for love.

The story alternates between past and present, revealing Hannah's journey and her struggle to understand Mark's secrets.

The narrative builds suspense as Hannah investigates Mark's life, uncovering discrepancies that challenge her perception of him.

Readers noted the plot's predictability but still found the reading experience engaging due to its fast pace and emotional depth.

Lucie Whitehouse is compared to other psychological thriller authors, suggesting she fits into a popular genre currently prevalent in publishing.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content that may trigger discussions around trust issues, psychological manipulation, and themes of infidelity.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in the story, with the dynamics of Hannah and Mark's marriage serving as a central focus.

From The Publisher:

A Richard & Judy Summer Book Club pick

A whirlwind romance. A perfect marriage.

Hannah Reilly has seized her chance at happiness. Until the day her husband fails to come home . . .

And can you ever really know what happened before you met?

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
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Reader Stats (4):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (2)

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Before We Met?

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