The Girl in the Window
- Judith D Collins
- Nov 6
- 5 min read
By: A.J. McDine
Narrators: Tamsin Kennard, Stephanie Cannon
ISBN: 9781805502937
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: 11/07/225
Format:e-book & audio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
She looks just like me.
But can I trust her?
Alana: She’s outside my house again. She must think I haven’t seen her, that I don’t notice her watching me. I’m shocked by how similar we look. I have no idea why she’s here. But her arrival could change everything.
Laura: I stare at her through the window. She looks exactly like me, except her make up is flawless, her hair is perfect and she’s wearing expensive clothes. I know it’s crazy, but I have to find out who she is. I visited this windswept Cornish village when I was a child, does she have a connection to my past?
Then I notice the man gripping her arm too tightly and the frightened expression on her face.
And as I get closer to the girl in the window, I realise the truth about her perfect life is more dangerous than I could ever have imagined…
From bestselling author AJ McDine, The Girl in the Window is a suspenseful psychological thriller – full of secrets and lies – where nothing is as it seems. Perfect for fans of Claire Douglas, Freida McFadden and Ruth Ware.
My Review
A.J. McDine's latest atmospheric, intense, and riveting thriller, THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW, expertly weaves doppelgängers into a narrative that heightens psychological tension, propelling a plot filled with confusion, manipulation, and an exploration of identity and hidden truths, where appearances can be deceiving and nothing is as it appears.
About...
LAURA:
Following a breakup, Laura embarks on a journey to a seaside village in Cornwall (that was supposed to be a romantic getaway with Vinnie), but now, solo, to Gull Cottage, an area that holds childhood memories. While there, she encounters a woman who looks strikingly like her. This doppelgänger, Alana, is the enigmatic "girl in the window," drawing Laura in despite the mystery surrounding her. Unlike Laura, Alana seems to lead an enviable life of wealth and success.
ALANA:
Alana, once a talented designer, now a housewife, resides in a breathtaking cliff-top mansion with her affluent and seemingly successful photographer husband, embodying the life Laura has always desired. Yet, behind the façade of perfection lies a darker reality. Is Alana in peril? Is she trapped in a controlling marriage, a prisoner in her own home?
This stark contrast to Laura’s recently unravelled life only deepens the intrigue. However, the idyllic exterior hides a troubling truth.
Laura's perspective shifts dramatically when she observes a man gripping Alana's arm with alarming force, revealing a look of fear on Alana's face. This unsettling moment raises Laura's suspicions and hints that Alana's "perfect life" is anything but.
As Laura delves deeper into Alana's world, she uncovers secrets that are "more dangerous than she ever imagined." The suspense escalates, leading both women toward a fateful confrontation where not everyone will emerge unscathed.
My Thoughts...
THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW will captivate you from the very first page to the explosive conclusion, leaving you spellbound, trying to solve the mystery.
Atmospheric Setting:
The picturesque yet eerie landscape of Cornwall serves as the perfect backdrop for this doppelgänger tale, evoking a sense of mystery, gothic unease, duality, and isolation.
Cornwall's rugged coastline, bleak moors, and ancient stone formations create a naturally atmospheric setting that amplifies feelings of mystery and psychological suspense. The geographical isolation heightens the tension between Laura and Alana, instilling a sense of claustrophobia. In this close-knit community, outsiders are met with suspicion, and long-held secrets are fiercely guarded, further blurring the lines between past and present.
Stunning Metaphors:
The tempestuous Cornish weather—stormy seas, ominous skies, and crashing waves—mirrors the emotional turmoil and inner conflict of the characters. This gothic tradition of landscapes reflecting mood heightens the sense of impending doom and psychological strife, revealing hidden truths and past traumas.
Dual Narratives:
The twisty plot unfolds through the alternating perspectives of Laura and Alana, revealing a narrative rich with deadly secrets that challenge the illusion of a perfect life. These contrasting viewpoints add layers of intrigue, diving deep into themes of mistaken identity, paranoia, and a series of shocking twists, with the connection between the two women serving as the heart of the mystery.
Three Parts:
The characters’ histories are skillfully unveiled through dual narratives divided into three parts. The first part establishes suspense with Laura's arrival and her connection to Alana. The second part explores Alana's backstory, shedding light on her current predicament. The final section intertwines both perspectives as the intense climax unfolds, culminating in a major twist that ties all loose ends together, leaving readers with a shocking realization.
The truth proves to be more perilous than anticipated, as the story escalates into a gripping sequence of events that ultimately delivers a jaw-dropping twist. The connection between Laura and Alana's pasts is pivotal to the mystery. The climax resolves the identity enigma, culminating in a revelation that upends everything readers thought they understood.
Crafted with precision, this uncertainty generates high-octane suspense, prompting readers to constantly question what is real and what is merely a fabrication of a troubled mind.
In Summary:
The doppelgänger theme in THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW transcends mere plot device; it forms the foundation of the novel's structure and psychological impact, blurring the boundaries of reality and keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final pages—making this an unputdownable thriller.
I also enjoyed the Author's Note and the inspiration behind the book (always a treat)!
The Audiobook...
I had the pleasure of both reading the book and listening to the audiobook, narrated by the talented duo Tamsin Kennard and Stephanie Cannon. Their exceptional pacing and emotional depth brought the story to life, enhancing the suspense and intensity, while perfectly capturing the atmospheric gloom, fear, and claustrophobia. I wholeheartedly recommend the audiobook—it’s an engrossing listening experience.
If you haven't yet explored this author’s work, I strongly suggest diving into this title and her entire backlist.
Recommendations...
If you're a fan of McDine or enjoy the works of authors Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, Alice Feeney, Carol Goodman, and Lucy Foley, you're in for a treat! These authors excel at crafting isolated settings, featuring a limited cast of characters, and weaving unexpected twists that explore the mental and emotional complexities of flawed and unreliable female narrators navigating high-stakes situations.
Special thanks to Bookouture and Bookouture Audio/Hachette UK for providing an advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub date: Nov 7, 2025
About the Author
A J McDine is the author of twisty, character-driven psychological thrillers that explore secrets, lies and the dark side of relationships.
Before turning to fiction, she worked as a journalist and police press officer in Kent, where she lives with her husband, fellow thriller writer A J Wills, their two sons and three rescue cats.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book, attempting a 5K, or gazing out of the window thinking up new ways to get her characters into (and out of) trouble.
Click the 'Follow’ button to hear about new releases, or connect with her on Instagram @ajmcdineauthor or Facebook at A J McDine - thriller author. WEBSITE
