Book Review: The Prisoner by B.A. Paris
By Diana Tramontano
New York Times bestselling author B.A. Paris, known for her breakout psychological thriller Behind Closed Doors, brings us a new scintillating novel, The Prisoner. Following the lone protagonist, Amelie, we jump back and forth in time with the hopes of unraveling the mystery. After Amelie settles in London, she quickly falls under the influence of billionaire Ned Hawthorne. On a last-minute trip to Las Vegas, Amelie makes the decision to marry Ned with the hope that it will change her future for the better. This seemingly advantageous decision does change her future forever, but not in the way she thought it would.
Just as quickly as she agrees to this glamorous lifestyle, Amelie notices things aren’t quite as they seem, and deep secrets bubble to the surface. In the blink of an eye, Amelie wakes up in a pitch black-room, not knowing where she is or what has happened. As she lies there day after day, her fear grows: fear of what might happen if she never escapes, but even worse, what might happen if she does.
This thrilling novel was filled with short chapters, cliff hangers, and twists no one would see coming. I love the way Paris gives the reader hints of truth as she slowly unravels this story that is filled with secrets and lies. Through Amelie, we watch an initially timid and dependent young woman grow into someone with immeasurable strength, bravery, and independence. Once afraid of everything and everyone, Amelia learns to stand up for herself and seek truth buried in the secrets that surround her. Amelia simultaneously grapples with the loss of loved ones and profound loneliness. Though she craves stability, Amelie can’t let go of the past without finding justice for those lost at the hands of her husband. In this story of grief, deception, terror, and loneliness, a young woman finds strength in forgiveness and confidence in the wake of betrayal.
Book News! B.A. Paris's THE QUARRY, about a house guest who brings deadly disruption to the lives of three couples, went to St. Martin’s in a two-book deal. Out next fall!
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Diana Tramontano is a graduate of The College of William & Mary, where she competed on the Division 1 swim team, and the post-grad publishing course at Columbia University. She is a consulting editor for Zibby Mag and the associate publicist at Zibby Books. She lives in New York City. Follow her Instagram account for more book reviews and recommendations: @99livesofabookgirl
