So the idea behind this prompt is that you find two cities that are paired as twin cities or sister cities and read a book set in each. Since 9 April 1956 Rome and Paris have been exclusively and reciprocally twinned with each other, following the motto: “Only Paris is worthy of Rome; only Rome is worthy of Paris.” So up first is Lucy Foley’s new thriller, The Paris Apartment.

What it’s about?

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 from 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 neighbours 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 neighbour. Everyone’s a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling.

What I think:

Lucy Foley is so good at writing twisty thrillers full of unlikeable characters.

All of the characters in this book are flawed – selfish, spiteful, manipulative and privileged.

Jess goes to stay with her half-brother. The siblings have little in common, but share a traumatic childhood. When she arrives he is not there to let into the flat and it soon becomes clear he has disappeared.

Jess starts to investigate and soon meets the other tenants of the appartment building. Unfriendly and suspicious of Jess, no one is answering her questions and it soon becomes clear that there are dark secrets hidden behind their doors.

The more Jess investigates, the more it appears that journalist Ben may have uncovered something that has put him in danger. And jess may be in danger too.

I won’t say more as too many details will spoil this. This is dark and twisty read. It’s unclear which characters you can trust. I was a little disappointed with the ending which felt a little rushed after all the build up. But this was a compelling and atmospheric read.

Thank you to Netgalley for a gifted advanced copy of The Paris Apartment.