Behind a Closed Door

by J.D. Barker
Published by Hampton Creek Press Genres: Fiction, Horror, suspense
Format: ARC, eBook
three-half-stars

“Sugar and Spice and all things nice…”

Not so much!

This one is a little different from the author’s previous books. Abby and Brendan Hollander have decided to see a therapist to work on some of the issues in their marriage. When their therapist suggested an app titled Sugar & Spice, they decided to give it a try. It will bring a little heat, sizzle, and steam back to their marriage. Things start interesting enough but soon the app is giving them more twisted and dangerous things to do.

Initially, I wondered is Barker veering off into S&M territory? Is this his foray into erotica? Not so fast! There are many layers to this story. We have our main characters – Abby and Brendan Hollander and their friends. But there is also Romeo and Juliet who are killing people that an unnamed person (on a phone) is instructing them to do so. There is a lot more at play in this book than I initially thought there was. A lot of dangerous and sinister things are at play!

J.D. Barker’s books are original and unique. They are also well written and well thought out. I had no idea where this book was going or how everything was connected. When everything came together, I had several “aha” moments and thought very clever and well played, Barker, well played.

For me this was a mixed bag. There were parts that I thought were absolutely brilliant and other parts where my attention waivered a little. But overall, I enjoyed this unique book and appreciated the author’s note at the end of the book where he shares what inspired him to write this book. It was extremely relevant and timely.

Original, dark, well written, thought provoking, and captivating.

Thank you to Hampton Creek Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

three-half-stars

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