Title: Behind the Gates
Author: Eva Gray
First published April 22, 2011
240 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780545317016 (ISBN10: 0545317010)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
In a dystopian world, survival is key for four girls who find themselves at a boarding school. Louisa and Maddie are thrilled to be together, but they must disguise themselves as twins.
At Country Manor School, they meet their new roommates, athletic yet snobbish Rosie, and conspiratorial Evelyn. Maddie seems different, and Louisa wonders if something is wrong.
Despite their differences, they must rely on each other to navigate through the school’s survival classes and the dangerous outside world. As they uncover secrets about the school, they question if they are truly safe, or if their lives are in danger.
Eva Gray’s Behind the Gates is a gripping tale of friendship, survival, and uncovering the truth.
Editoral Review
Behind the Gates Review:
Eva Gray’s debut novel, Behind the Gates, is a testament to the enduring allure of the psychological thriller. Released on April 22, 2011, the book weaves together elements of suspense, mystery, and intrigue that keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout.
Although the author’s style may be familiar to fans of this genre, Gray infuses her writing with nuance and complexity that elevate the story to new heights. The plot follows Sarah, a young woman who moves into a picturesque gated community with her husband, Alan.
The couple is immediately welcomed into the fold of their wealthy neighbors, but Sarah soon realizes that something is not quite right. As she delves deeper into the community’s secrets, she uncovers a web of deception and danger that threatens to consume everything she holds dear.
Gray’s character development is the book’s strength, as she portrays Sarah with a deft hand that is both empathetic and relatable. She captures the inner turmoil of someone who is struggling to reconcile their own perceptions of the world with the reality they encounter, and readers will find themselves rooting for Sarah from beginning to end.
The setting of the gated community is also expertly rendered, with Gray using the bland uniformity of the neighborhood to great effect. Her descriptions of the community’s gardens and manicured lawns create a façade of idyllic tranquility that belies the darkness that lies beneath.
At times, the book’s pacing slows down, and there are areas where the plot lags. However, these moments are few and far between, and the characters are well-drawn enough to keep readers engaged even when the storyline slows.
In terms of themes, Behind the Gates explores issues of class and privilege, and Gray adds a layer of subtext that speaks to the perennial cultural issues surrounding economic inequality. The plot is also tantalizingly relevant to present-day issues, as it touches on themes of isolation, control, and the dangers of submission to authority.
Overall, Behind the Gates is an intelligent, well-crafted thriller that deserves to be on the bookshelf of anyone who loves a good mystery. Gray’s writing is engaging and her storytelling abilities are top-notch, making for a genuinely satisfying reading experience.
For fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train, Behind the Gates is a must-read. It receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and it is undoubtedly a book that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
