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Cover of The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

Is "The Paris Apartment" Worth Reading?

by Lucy Foley · 2022 · 379 pages

A missing woman, suspicious neighbors, and dark secrets turn a Parisian apartment building into a claustrophobic thriller.

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Lucy Foley delivers another ensemble mystery that will satisfy fans of twisty, character-driven thrillers, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of her breakout hit 'The Guest List.' The story follows Jess, a young woman who arrives at her half-brother Ben's Paris apartment only to find him missing and the building's residents acting suspiciously evasive about his whereabouts.

Foley employs her signature multi-POV structure, rotating between Jess and various residents including the prickly concierge Mimi, wealthy Sophie, and mysterious Nick. The Parisian setting is atmospheric and well-rendered, with the apartment building itself becoming almost a character—its elegant facade hiding seedier secrets within.

Foley excels at creating an claustrophobic sense of unease as Jess investigates, and the class tensions between characters feel authentic and add depth to the mystery. The pacing builds steadily toward revelations about Ben's journalism work and the residents' interconnected secrets.

However, some plot threads feel underdeveloped, and a few character motivations strain credibility in the final act. Jess herself can be frustratingly passive at times, making questionable decisions that feel more plot-driven than character-driven. The resolution ties together multiple storylines but some readers may find certain reveals feel rushed or convenient.

This book works best for readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with multiple suspects, unreliable narrators, and European settings. Fans of Ruth Ware, Tana French's atmospheric approach, or anyone who loved 'The Guest List' will likely find plenty to enjoy here. However, readers seeking fast-paced action thrillers or those who prefer single-POV narratives might find the structure and pacing frustrating. The book also requires patience with red herrings and misdirection that don't always pay off satisfyingly. Overall, it's a solid addition to the domestic thriller genre that showcases Foley's strengths in atmosphere and character ensemble work, even if it doesn't break significant new ground.

That's the general verdict — find out if The Paris Apartment matches YOUR taste.

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