Bring Me Back

British businessman Finn McQuaid lives with his girlfriend Ellen, trying to move forward from his past. Twelve years ago, his previous girlfriend Layla disappeared from a rest stop in France, leaving no trace behind. Strange events begin occurring that suggest Layla might still be alive. Russian nesting dolls start appearing - a significant object from Finn and Layla's relationship - and emails arrive hinting at her return. As Finn searches for answers about Layla's possible reappearance, he must confront buried secrets and navigate between his past and present relationships. The investigation forces him to question everything he thought he knew about that night in France. The novel explores themes of trust, memory, and the power of unresolved grief to shape the present. Through its psychological suspense elements, it raises questions about how well we can truly know those closest to us.

Readers describe this psychological thriller as fast-paced with an intriguing premise, though many express disappointment with the ending. Positive reviews highlight the author's ability to create tension and suspense through alternating timelines and perspectives. Several readers note they finished the book in one sitting due to the compelling first half. The Russian doll motif resonated with many readers as a unique element. Common criticisms focus on the implausible plot twists, particularly in the final third. Many readers found the resolution "far-fetched" and "eye-rolling." Multiple reviews mention that the characters lack depth and make unrealistic decisions. Some readers who enjoyed Paris's previous books, Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown, consider this her weakest work. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (86,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (3,800+ ratings) BookBrowse: 3/5 (reader reviews) LibraryThing: 3.3/5 (400+ ratings)

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen A narrative of mistaken identities and psychological manipulation unfolds as a woman becomes obsessed with her ex-husband's new fiancée.

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris A wife's perfect marriage masks the reality of control, deception, and psychological torment behind the façade of her elegant home.

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware A journalist witnesses a crime on a luxury cruise ship, but all evidence of the victim disappears, leaving her to question her sanity.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A criminal psychotherapist works to unravel the mystery of a woman who shot her husband and never spoke another word.

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney A woman lies in a coma, unable to move or speak, while trying to piece together the events that led to her condition through unreliable memories.

🔖 B.A. Paris wrote this psychological thriller while working as a trader in London, often drafting scenes during her lunch breaks. 🔖 The distinctive Russian doll motif in the novel was inspired by the author's own collection of matryoshka dolls, which she received as a gift during her travels. 🔖 The book reached #5 on the Sunday Times bestseller list and has been translated into more than 37 languages worldwide. 🔖 Many of the atmospheric scenes set in France were drawn from B.A. Paris's experience living there for several years, where she worked as a teacher. 🔖 The author completed the first draft of "Bring Me Back" in just six weeks, though the editing process took several additional months to perfect the intricate plot twists.