Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Alliott
Publisher: Penguin Michael Joseph UK
Publication Date 4 March 2021

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No Spoilers

I really enjoyed this book. I ripped through it in 2 days. I expected a fairly light hearted read but was surprised by the dark turns it took. Infidelity, a controlling husband, ageing, slightly dotty parents needing increasing care and support, Lucy is a likeable and believable character and the supporting cast are equally well drawn. I felt invested in the family and really wanted a satisfying conclusion for them all. Although I felt I could see where it was going, this did not detract at all from the read or the ending.

Highly recommended.

I’d like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for this advance digital copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Lucy Palmer had it all. A successful career writing cosy mysteries, a theatre-critic husband, a large house in a desirable area of London and two well-adjusted children. But behind the facade lies something sinister, jealousy, controlling behaviour, multiple affairs, psychological abuse, threats and fear.

Lucy's 80+ parents are no longer coping alone, drinking too much and not looking after themselves properly, something needs to be done.

Then Lucy's husband Michael dies suddenly and everything changes.

I fear I have made this sound gloomy, and it really isn't. Sure, some glimpses into Lucy's life feel a little close to the bone, but despite everything Lucy has a loving sister, parents, children, and friends.Her husband and his snobby friends might have looked down on her novels but they paid the bills on the house Michael bought with an inheritance.

I really enjoyed this, I didn't realise I had read and enjoyed another of Catherine Alliott's books before, that book was very different, albeit those characters also seemed to live in lovely, lovely houses LOL.

Thoroughly enjoyable and I could have carried on reading for 100s of pages more.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I've read a lot of Catherine Alliott's books, although not so recently, so I thought I knew what I was getting myself into with this one. Absolutely not so!

In this book, Lucy Palmer seems to have it all - a big house in London, a job writing cosy crime novels, a handsome husband and two grown-up children who are both successful in their own ways. However, this is all a facade and Lucy's marriage is about to end spectacularly and suddenly - and, when is does, she has some work to do in dealing with her past. Leaving London, she goes to care for her elderly and bordering-on-alcoholic parents in the country where she starts to rebuild her life.

This is an altogether darker story than I am used to from Alliott, both in the truth about Lucy's husband, Michael, and the events surrounding the end of the marriage. It also touches on some poignant issues, especially caring for elderly parents and ageing.

However, everything else I expected from Alliott is also there, so this slightly darker turn works well. It still has elements of humour - I really loved Lucy's parents and their hectic social life of boozy octogenarian parties, plus the sassy teenage twins who have much more of a finger on the pulse than the adults. There's also romantic strands to the story, although these aren't as central as I would have expected given what I've read of Alliott's writing previously. Instead, the love story is quite understated and works really well given Lucy's situation.

I really loved the family dynamic that is at the heart of this book. Lucy is at the centre of a supportive, if slightly eccentric, family network and this is one of the real strengths of the novel. There's the ageing parents, growing old disgracefully but still frail, Lucy's sister (Helena) who absolutely has control of everything except her own children, plus Lucy's children - the strong and reliable Imo and thoughtful, calm Ned. I especially liked the strong women in the novel - Helena and Imo being my favourites, although there are other surprisingly awesome women (and a few men!) along the way.

Although this was not what I wholly expected when I picked up this book, I'd recommend it. It is certainly less cosy than I was anticipating and includes some difficult issues, not least domestic abuse, but it is an immersive and engaging read. I genuinely struggled to put it down and loved the clever, understated explorations of relationships and dependencies between people.

A very engaging read. Could totally mentally see all the characters and could understand all the agonising Lucy, the main character, put herself through. Mentally cruelty by a spouse is so difficult to pinpoint, but just as harmful as physical in a marriage. How lucky Lucy was to be surrounded and supported by her parents, sister and children. The story also highlighted the challenges of children to look after their elderly parents!! But this was all written with good humour and whilst a little dark in places, this was not an "upsetting" read. Rather more about how other people see things and their reactions.

Catherine Alliott never disappoints and Behind Closed Doors is a absolute delight from start to finish. It is narrated by Lucy, who despite having recently escaped from a horrific marriage to a bullying manipulative husband, still manages to be strong, loving, funny and just generally fabulous. We happily journey with Lucy as she starts a new life in the country caring for her decrepit and dotty pleasure-loving elderly parents and we root for her as she gradually creates a well deserved brighter future for herself and her family.

This is great escapist fiction - Lucy and her family are frankly privileged, posh and relatively wealthy and at first sight they would all seem to lead ideal lives, but, as the title says, nobody knows what goes on Behind Closed Doors. A brilliant and very satisfying read.

Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK, to the wondrous Ms Alliott and to NetGalley for letting me read and review this terrific book.

Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Alliott is a marvellous psychological suspense that will have you glued from the start.
Catherine Alliott has created a perfect cast of eclectic characters. The leading lady really brought out the mothering instincts in me – she was kind and caring, recovering from years of domestic abuse.
Catherine Alliott has sensitively portrayed a damaged marriage with the husband and father wielding the psychological power. The fall-out of the abuse has far reaching victims. The reader witnesses how years of abuse have effects that blur the truth and the lies, so deep is the trauma.
We witness a dreadfully tormented soul who is wracked with guilt that is undeserved.
There is a loving extended family with grown up children who are very wise and also elderly parents who need help but are trying to remain independent. We see a life that is trying to balance all things.
Everyone carries scars. Some are physical. Others are hidden deep within. All need healing. Sometimes we just need someone to notice us and to care.
Behind Closed Doors was a cleverly constructed novel. It was definitely a chilling read at times as the reader witnessed the level of control exerted but we were powerless to stop it.
I was completely caught up in the action and read the book in just two sittings.
Behind Closed Doors is a marvellous but disturbing read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Behind Closed Doors is a very well written book that digs deep into the characters giving you a feeling that you really do know them.
Lucy appears to have everything, she is a novelist and is married to Michael, they have two grown up daughters. After a burglary goes horribly wrong, Michael is left dead leaving Lucy on her own. She thought she’d mastered the art of pretending her life was fantastic but it turns out she wasn’t quite as good as she thought. She goes to her parents house in the country to try and get over being in a coercive relationship but finds it is a lot harder than she thought. Being at her parents house though isn’t all it was meant to be as this throws up things she should have sorted years ago and having to face now. It is also a shock for her as her parents have aged a lot and can’t do as much round the house and seem to drink too much especially with their friends.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

As they say no one knows what happens behind closed doors. Looking at Lucy’s marriage from the outside it looks like she has it all, a lovely family, and a nice home in London. But as the title says things might not be quite so perfect behind closed doors. Lucy thinks that she’s hidden it well from her children and the rest of her family. After a burglary goes wrong and leaves Michael dead Lucy starts to realise that maybe her family knew more then she thought. After being in a coercive relationship does everything just settle down once it’s over? Unfortunately Lucy begins to realise that although Michael is no longer here, she is still suffering from the effects of living with a bully for so many years. Lucy starts to doubt her own sanity. A thought provoking read as people start to realise that being beaten isn’t the only way to suffer an abused relationship.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

We’ve all heard it said that “we never really know what goes on behind closed doors”.

It seems that for Lucy this is does apply. Anyone looking in would say she’s got everything, a loving husband, a career as a novelist and two successful children.

But, only two of those things are what she has, as her marriage ends and she finds her life thrown upside down.

So she flees to her parents house in the country, here, not only does she face up to her past mistakes, but there’s secrets she’s been keeping which she has to face.

Enjoyed It.

Wow what a fantastic and emotive book that was but at the same time very subtly done. Initially I wondered where the book was going to go as I was really getting into it, but then it totally changed direction. Again, that threw you but really its the same sort of story but just in a very different way. Then it goes and throws a 3rd curveball into the mix! Thankfully all 3 main storylines are really enjoyable to read in their own right and its a book I highly recommend to read.

Great example of what can be happening Behind Closed Doors, and sadly what is for many women, their very real experience.
Extremely well written, with such depth that you could totally feel how Lucy did, with her many questions, and confusion. Holding it together and being lost all at the same time.
Lucy is married to Michael, she is a writer, mother, sister and daughter to the most brilliant parents (loved their characters and their friends, very easy to imagine as I feel I have met them before!)
Recommended highly, its brilliant, really enjoyed reading it, just sad I've got to the end!!
Thank you NetGalley for the early read

I really enjoyed this book; I have read the author before and she always has a great turn of phrase. fun characters and a witty writing style, but this book took a more sinister turn as it explores emotional abuse and did so extremely well. I couldn't put the book down, very much enjoyed and would highly recommend. Thank you.

Well, it’s true that what seems to be perfect never is and this exactly the theme of this book. I found I had to keep reading ...just hoping things would resolve. Going back home to Mum and Dad was certainly an eye opener. How many parents behave like that when their family has left home?! A really enjoyable read.

Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Alliott a five-star read that will open many doors. This was deeper and more emotional than I was expecting, I was thinking it would be a light and fluffy romance, and it was in some ways, but when you come to Lucy and her relationship with her husband Michael and all I can say is thank goodness for that being over. But it was dealt with very well and showed us how not only Lucy was affected, and that felt real and made this a deeper and overall a better story. This was a great story about struggle and no matter what you face you can do anything. This is so much more than I expected when I picked it up.

The title says it all, because we never do know what goes on behind closed doors. Lucy is married to Michael. On the face of it, all is well. He and his sister were orphaned when they were children and as a result inherited wealth from their parent’s estate. Michael became a critic but frequented clubs and pubs far too frequently with his artistic friends, actors and journalists. Meanwhile Lucy developed her writing skills and became a popular author of a female detective series – and in doing so provided the much needed cash that their beautiful house required to maintain it. On the surface all is well: except, their children Ned and Imo avoid their father at all costs whilst maintaining a loving relationship with Lucy. Lucy’s sister doesn’t like Michael. Her parents do not care for Michael. And Lucy, Lucy is scared of Michael for he exerts coercive control over her. She is intimidated and manipulated. Michael dies.

Lucy decides to rent out her house and stay with her parents in their cottage. When she arrives at their home we are introduced to another set of closed doors. For they have aged and they appear to be coping well, but behind the doors Lucy discovers they are far from well. They do not eat properly, drink too much, cannot manage household chores, their health and hygiene is not good and they love to ‘entertain’ – drink with their friends.

I just loved this book. It does confront serious issues and the characters are great. I particularly loved the parents ramshackle lifestyle - humorous, but touchingly sad. My favourite part – Michael’s memorial service and the repercussions with her sister-in-law.

Great book, read it in one day (well half-the night to be honest).

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

Lucy Palmer seems to have it all, lovely home, two amazing children and a charming husband, Michael. Appearances however, can be deceptive.
When Michael dies suddenly Lucy finds herself trying to maintain the facade that her marriage was fine. She moves to her parents' rural farmhouse to get herself together, renting out her London home. Her elderly parents behave more lite unruly teenagers and Lucy has all on trying to keep them in check. Memories of her past with Michael keep surfacing and threaten to set back her tentative steps to build herself a new life. With her parents to care for and unhappy memories holding her back Lucy will need all her courage to let herself move forward.

I have read all of Catherine's books and always enjoy them. This one has taken a slightly darker turn than some of her other books but I really liked that. The subject of Lucy's abusive at the hands of her Husband, all Behind Closed Doors, was dealt with well and rings true with what is known of Controlling and Coercive relationships. It was good in the end that female solidarity came through, from an almost stranger, following their own abuse.

The subject of Lucy's parents was also handled well. They were struggling to see what they needed to do in order to help them continue with their own independence. With Lucy's help, they were able to see this and make the changes they needed. Some of the things that they got up to made me laugh to the point that you would think they were the children not the parents. A great read.

This was a real rollercoaster of a read. There’s plenty going on and I was desperately trying to read faster just to know what came next.
Beautifully written and completely captivating.

I have read all of Catherine Alliott's books and enjoyed them. Her plotlines seem to be getting more dark and intense, rather than easygoing and entertaining. I really enjoyed reading this book though. I found it emotional, very up and down with many twists. I was reading quite late at night, but I really wanted to finish reading it to find out what happened. It definitely kept me guessing until the end.
It was difficult to read about the abuse that Lucy suffered from her Husband Michael, and how it affected not only her, but her whole family too. I think that although it is an uncomfortable and distressing subject it was dealt with well. It highlights that not all abuse is physical, and how it can have far reaching consequences.
As the title suggests, appearances can be deceptive. Although things can look perfect on the outside, behind closed doors it can be anything but that. Looks and images can be deceptive. I feel that in a time where a lot of people seemingly have perfect lives on Social Media, it can be difficult to see what is going on behind closed doors.
There was also the subject of Lucy trying to help her aged Parents who refused to believe that there was anything wrong when they were actually struggling to keep their independence.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC. I look forward to reading Catherine Alliot's next book.

Slightly darker than normal for this author, it was still an interesting story, just not what I was expecting.
It's a difficult subject matter but the author handled it well and I enjoyed the twists and turns. I liked the character development of Lucy and her family, and although there were some minor issues, on the whole it was a good read.