Behind Closed Doors

When did you first begin to suspect that something about Jack and Grace’s marriage was off?

Did you ever think that Grace might be an unreliable narrator and that she might be making everything up? If so, at what point in the story?

Jack’s true nature and intentions are revealed early on. Did you find this effective? Did you think it lessened or heightened the suspense?

Our understanding of Jack’s character changes considerably over the course of the book. Were you at all duped by him, in the beginning? Or did he seem too good to be true? Do you think it’s possible to hide your real self so well from everyone around you?

How did Jack’s backstory affect your feelings about his character, if at all?

We’ve all wondered at some point what might be going on behind closed doors in lives of our friends, coworkers, and neighbours. Have you ever been in Esther’s position, where you thought something wasn’t quite right? Did you find her actions believable? Why or why not?

None of Jack and Grace’s other friends or colleagues seem to think anything is wrong, and everyone Grace tries to reach out to readily believes Jack’s explanations. Do you think that is because we are inclined to see the best in people? Or to believe men over women? Or perhaps to believe the least extreme situation?

What do you think of Millie's role in the story? Did you find her character effective?