Book Review Wednesday: The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

The Guest List by Lucy Foley made such a splash when it was released in 2020 and I loved it, even though it was met with mixed reviews. When The Paris Apartment was announced as Foley's next book I was over the moon. I have a renewed love and obsession with Paris and add a little thriller/mystery with Foley's eccentric, intertwined characters and I knew it was going to be good.

I had no idea how good it was going to be.

This is definitely one of my favorite thrillers of the year; Foley's writing felt familiar, like being wrapped in a warm blanket but faced with a new story. It did take me a little while to read I think only because I have been distracted and not reading as fast as I usually do, but I really enjoyed it.  It was an excellent, twisty novel and in my opinion, better than The Guest List.

Let's get into the review! 

Publisher's Summary

Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better in Paris. Only when she shows up – to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? – he’s not there.

The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.

The socialite – The nice guy – The alcoholic – The girl on the verge – The concierge

Everyone's a neighbor. Everyone's a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling.

My Thoughts

A lot of non-US thrillers take place in England so I was really excited to read one centered in Paris. There was so much of the French language woven throughout the book and Paris sights, it was really wonderful... you felt like you were there. 

There were also a lot of characters and that made it a bit confusing but once you got everyone down pat it became even more interesting. There were a ton of unreliable narrators but strangely enough, they were all likable. 

Throughout the book, there were multiple plot points that twisted and turned into each other, making for an unexpected and intense finale. I was stunned, jaw hanging open at multiple points in the book because I had no idea that any of it was coming. It was truly unexpected, held close to the chest, and well planned. It was intricate, detailed, and secretive in all the best ways. 

In my opinion, the writing in The Paris Apartment was very unique; it was very literature-like without being overly done or too complicated. Sometimes I hate when books are trying to be something they're not, or are too wordy for no reason. This was the perfect marriage of the two without trying too hard. 

As I said before, The Paris Apartment was worlds better than The Guest List; it was more well thought out, less predictable, and more well written. I loved this book so much and if you enjoy mysteries with secrets, murder, and love Paris, you will enjoy this book. If you didn't like The Guest List, give Lucy Foley another shot with The Paris Apartment! 

xoxo

B