Back in December of 2017, I had the pleasure of reviewing The Woman in the Window, by A.J. Finn. As the long awaited movie is being released in May, with the amazing Amy Adams playing the lead, I’ve decided to repost my old review in hopes of convincing any of you who haven’t read this twisty mystery, into giving it a try. At the end of the review I’ve included the trailer as well.
Thanks to Edelweiss and William Morrow for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: January 2nd, 2018
448 Pages
Synopsis: 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 neighbors. When the Russells move in, Anna is 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?
The Woman in the Window is a debut novel that’s been buzzed about for months. There’s even a movie in the works already. In cases like this I’ve found more often than not that the book just can’t live up to all the hype. However, in this instance, it actually does.
For Hitchcock fans you might have thought reading the synopsis that it sounds like the classic Rear Window. And you’d be absolutely right. Only in this case instead of the lead character being laid up with a broken leg like Jimmy Stewart, Dr. Anna Fox has severe agoraphobia which keeps her trapped in her three story New York brownstone. She’s completely alone except for her tenant Daniel, who lives in the basement, her psychiatrist, and her physical therapist. She has a husband and daughter but they’re separated, although they talk everyday. Her days for the last ten months, for the most part consist of taking pills to control her anxiety and depression, and drinking too much wine. She also loves watching old black and white movies (mainly Hitchcock), and watching her neighbors through her Nikon camera. When she witnesses an attack in her neighbors house across the street, no one believes her. The neighbors deny anything happened and the police find her not to be credible. Soon even Anna begins to question herself.
Anna is one of the most complex characters I’ve come across this year. She was a successful psychologist herself until an unknown trauma destroyed her life ten months previously. I had already begun to guess what happened long before the trauma that put her in this state was revealed, but the heartbreaking details still managed to shock me. I found myself frustrated by her drinking and pill popping while at the same time sympathizing with the pain she was in. And once Anna witnesses this crime across the street, well that just adds a whole new level to her suffering. But what I loved the most about her was by the end of the book she was a much stronger woman than she gave herself credit for. To be honest, if I had gone through what she does, I’m not sure I would be able to persevere.
The beginning of the story is a little slow, but as it progresses and you get to know Anna and the other characters that are introduced, the pace picks up. I don’t think I’d call this a thriller but more a simmering suspense. The twist at the end did catch me completely unaware.
In my humble opinion, The Woman in the Window stands out from the other books that have come out in the wake of novels like Gone Girl and Girl on the Train. There’s a claustrophobic, noirish atmosphere introduced from the first chapter, and that, coupled with the two puzzles: what happened to Anna ten months ago, and has she now indeed witnessed an unspeakable crime, kept me feverishly turning the pages in search of the answers.
I highly recommend this for fans of slow burning suspense, sketchy characters, and twisty plots. I guarantee that by the time you’re at the halfway point you’re going to have a difficult time putting this down. I also promise that Dr. Anna Fox will stay in your mind weeks after you’ve finished the book.
Fanna said:
Ooo~ Definitely going to my TBR! I’ve heard so much about this book and I guess it actually deserves all those good reviews. Plus, there’s a movie already in the making? God, I need to get on with this then before the movie comes out, haha 😀 Loved the review ❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Fanna! This was a tough one to review without giving away any spoilers. You should definitely pick this up. I don’t think you’ll be sorry!😊
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shalini said:
Fabulous review.. This book goes on my TBR list now…
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it.😊
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raistlin0903 said:
I had already added this one to my TBR list (I think I saw that you were reading it on Goodreads). I love Hitchcock like stories and this one sounds really very cool. As always your review only makes me want to read this one even more. Next year I’m going to make it a priority to read more books (an early New Year’s Resolution I guess lol😂😂).
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I think this book has your name all over it Michel!🤗
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raistlin0903 said:
I definitely think so too: looking forward to hopefully reading it at some point next year 😀
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I agree with you Michel about the Hitchcock like stories! Kim just has the greates reviews!😗📚 *happy dance*
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raistlin0903 said:
She certainly does Dani. I have added so much books to my Good read to read list because of her terrific reviews. But there is this other great girl that I know. I think she goes by the name of Dani, and has some amazing reviews too. That, and she herself is pretty amazing as well 😘😘
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Aww your too sweet to me!!😄 Yeah I told Carrie @ Carrie’s Book Reviews that I need to make a shelf dedicated to Kim’s and her reviews and recommendations! If only if I could figure all this stuff out!
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raistlin0903 said:
Haha, really no problem 😊😊 I wish I was a tech wizard as well, but I’m glad I can find the on/off swith at times for my iPad lol 😂😂 If you figure it out let me know: I want to dedicate a shelf to you and Kim both ❤️
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I will let you know if I find out and how sweet!💖💖💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Aww Shucks!🤗🤗🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
😗🤗😗🤗😗🤗
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
🤗🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
🤗😗🤗😗
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Carrie said:
Not sure how I missed this one but definitely adding it to my list. Lovely review yet again Kim! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie. I really think you’ll like this one.😊
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Carrie said:
Looks like I would, not sure why I passed it by.
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beetleypete said:
Sounds good, Kim. But could I get ‘Rear Window’ and ‘Copycat’ out of my head long enough to appreciate it? If you say it’s worth reading, that’s good enough for me.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you definitely could Pete. Anna and the circumstances she finds herself in wind up being quite unique.😊
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Richard said:
This looks very interesting Kim, thanks for recommendation!
I’m currently planning my reading challenge for next year, I will try and sneak it in somewhere 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s great Richard. You have to let me know what you think if you read it.😊
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fragglerocking said:
On my TBR thanks!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!🤗
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Jay said:
This sounds a LOT like the girl on the train and even seems similarly titled to evoke exactly that connection.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It sort of has the same template, but between the MCs back history and the puzzle of what really happened at the neighbors house, makes this story different than the others. Plus, I really wound up like Anna.😊
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Michelle Morrison said:
This sounds like an excellent book, I’ll check it out when I get a chance. I can understand that people do dumb things when they’re dealing with trauma or pain, but when it gets right down to it, there are other options other than pill popping and drinking. I do realize it may not be that cut and dry for someone dealing with stuff, but it frustrates me too.
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
Great Review, Kim!
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Beware Of The Reader said:
WOW fantastic review Kim! As good or even more than Gone Girl and the Girl on the Train? That’s something!
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
This suspenseful book sounds so good Book Diva!!!❤📚 I don’t know why I missed this one too! WordPress is out to get me!! This was a fantastic review and makes me want to check NetGalley but I might be too late! This sounds like my kind of book. I do like a smooth slow burning suspense most of the time where it gets crazy and twisty in the end. I don’t know how I missed this one on NetGalley!😊 Anywho, you had such a great review and I am definitely making sure this is on my TBR list now. I hope you are doing well Kim! Don’t forget how much of a Diva you are!🤗 Book sisters ninja style!!!❤❤❤ Yay!!!💖💖💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Its not just you Dani. WP has been very glitchy lately. I think you would like this book. I was approved for it through Edelweiss so it may still be available for requests.🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Thanks so much for letting me know sweetheart!!!💖😄 I will definitely check it out!😊 I should have paid attention it said Edelweiss instead of NetGalley! *slaps forehead* hehe.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
xoxo
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Again, that cover is so cool!! And this sounds so fantastic!! Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you! The cover does really pull you in.😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome 😊
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lostartofreadingblog said:
oooooo I’m a huge fan of the psychological aspects, the mind is a scary place haha. Great review!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you! I’d love to know what you think if you read it.😊
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Absolutely love the sound of the “noirish atmosphere”. We need more of those! Amazing review, Kim. I’ll have to keep this title in mind now. 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’d like this Lashaan.😊
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Diana said:
I have been seeing this one around but like you, I was a bit hesitant especially due to all the hype. Definitely adding it to my TBR now. Great review.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I think you’ll like this Diana.😊
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Betthauser said:
I couldn’t put this book down! Took only two days for me to read. I fell in love with all the other books from this author and was sure I shouldnt skip this one. Great author who has a great way of making the reader sympathize with the storyline and a need to know how everything ends up..I am now a fan! I likewise recommend to check out https://bit.ly/2t1kwEO STEPHANIE Carrol . Thank you PS: I appreciate this site.
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Shalini said:
I haven’t read this book. And now I wanna
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You have to read this ASAP Shalini. I guarantee 100% you’re going to like it.
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Anushka Anand said:
Great review!! I read this on in October and LOVED IT! I did NOT see that plot twist coming! I’m excited to see how the movie turns out. And oh, Happy new year in advance!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Anushka. I love the casting for this, especially Amy Adams. Happy New Year!
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Margie said:
Kim, I have read this book and loved it. I can’t wait to see the movie. Amy Adams is a wonderful actress! Great review! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Margie. I absolutely love her.😊
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Yesha - Books, Teacup, and Reviews said:
I have this book on my shelf and i plan to read it in 2020. great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Yesha! I know you’re going to enjoy it.
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Beware Of The Reader said:
I really hope the movie will do the book justice Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
The trailer looks good!🤞
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The Cozy Pages said:
Hmmm… tempting tempting 😉
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2020, Kim.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Nina! You should definitely check it out. Happy New Year!🥂
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Halbarbera said:
Will check it out as soon as I can!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome!👏🏻
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