‘They had a secret, the two of them, and there was no better way to start a friendship than with a secret.’
When Hen and Lloyd move into their new house in West Dartford, Mass., they’re relieved to meet, at their first block party, the only other seemingly-childless couple in their neighborhood, Matthew and Mira Dolamore. Turns out they live in the Dutch Colonial immediately next door.
When they’re invited over for dinner, however, things take a sinister turn when Hen thinks she sees something suspicious in Matthew’s study. Could this charming, mild-mannered College Professor really be hiding a dark secret, one that only Hen, whose been battling her own problems with depression and medication, could know about? Lloyd certainly doesn’t seem to believe her, and so, forced together, Hen and Matthew start to form an unlikely bond. But who, if anyone, is really in danger?
I love Peter Swanson’s characters. They are so beautifully drawn, full of layers and always highly intriguing.
So it is here, with our main pair Hen and Matthew who form a kimd of twisted bond after she decides he’s a murderer. So the scene is set for a lyrical, literary cat and mouse chase as Hen determines to get someone to believe her and Matthew tries to avoid being scrutinised too closely..
There are lots of little twisted nuances as you read and the author keeps you guessing as to the eventual “winner”. There’s an exploration of mental health which is quite matter of fact, especially in the way Hen views her issues. It is clever and extremely engaging.
I loved it. Nobody does a plot quite like Peter Swanson. Roll on more is what I say.
Recommended.
You can purchase Before She Knew Him (Faber) Here
Happy Reading!
