Behind Closed Doors
by Tara Taylor Quinn
Published by MIRA
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Reviewed by Cerri Ellis
A couple lay sleeping in their bed, blissfully unaware that their lives are about to take a scary and harrowing turn. Dragged from his bed half-asleep, Harry Kendall is brutally beaten, then strapped into a chair and forced to watch as two intruders rape his wife.
The horrors of that night will overshadow their lives and threaten their marriage as Harry blames himself for failing to protect the woman he loves. A whispered clue haunts Harry. Frustrated by the police’s slow progress on the case, he plays detective and unearths a vicious network of conspiracy, drugs, and prostitution.
Not familiar with any of author Quinn’s previous work, I looked forward to what I thought might be a spine-tingling suspense. Immediately I was thrust into a violent, graphic depiction of a brutal rape. To say I was unprepared would be an understatement. Nothing on the book’s back cover or in any of the press information hinted about rape or that the horrifying incident would be displayed in such graphic and disgusting detail–or that the rape encompassed the entire first chapter. I admit I debated even finishing this book.
The author does a fine job of defining her characters. Which makes it a shame that she wields them like weapons, manipulating a reader’s emotions at every turn until you become deadened to the pain. By the time I finished Behind Closed Doors, I felt drained, used up emotionally. I am unsure whether that was her intent.
While I know horrible crimes such as rape exist, I prefer not to read the vicious accounts detailed so thoroughly in a book I pick up for escapist pleasure. Nor do I like to be force-fed cue cards on how to feel. Perhaps I was unlucky enough to pick up this one particular book by Ms. Quinn. I might enjoy another of her offerings, but I’ll have to wait until I can build up my fortitude.
NOTE from Armchair Inteviews: If a reader is not familiar with Quinn’s work, they might be put off, or shocked. But millions of readers appreciate her, love her work. The reviewers response is strong, but this subject matter would bring out strong reactions in most people–and that’s what contributes to the compelling writing. People are touched, uncomfortable, thinking, etc.
Armchair Interview says: USA Today Best Selling Author, Tara Taylor Quinn is the author of 43 emotionally gripping, character driven stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat and on a psychological journey you won’t soon forget.
Author’s Web site: http://www.TaraTaylorQuinn.com