A dark, frenetic psychological thriller, The Breakdown is an emotional rollercoaster. B.A. Paris won critical acclaim from her best selling book Behind Close Doors, and returns with this thriller set in the British countryside. Cass leads a normal life as a teacher, living with her husband Matthew. She cares deeply for her friends and her family. She has given much of her time to care for her late-mother who was struck down with early onset dementia. Before the murder that turns everything upside down, life was on the up. Cass returned to work after the loss of her mother, and married Matthew. But she always worried about the risk of early onset dementia striking her down before her time.

In the run up to the murder, Cass had been forgetting things. Nothing of consequence, nothing worse than the sort of things any of us might forget on a day to day basis. But as the darkness brought on by the murder threatens to envelope her, she begins to forget more and more, each forgotten item or act become slowly more ominous. She begins to worry that dementia is making its presence known. But as events progress, not everything is quite what it seems.

Nothing is obvious as the tension mounts throughout the book, and that’s what makes it such a fantastic read. The fear and confusion worsen as Cass spirals into an ever deepening sense of paranoia and terror at the prospect of dementia while still in her thirties. So sure that her forgetfulness is entirely down to the condition, she cannot begin to conceive of any other possible outcomes. Something is amiss, but the book is so well written that for the majority of the story neither Cass nor the reader can explain the goings on with any real certainty.

B.A. Paris keeps the tension bubbling just beneath the surface the whole way through the story. Twists and turns abound, without feeling silly or over board. All too often the outcome in a whodunnit style story can be seen very early on. I found that The Breakdown kept you guessing along with Cass until she solves the mystery surrounding her deteriorating memory and the murder of an innocent young woman.

Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read an advance copy of The Unbreakable by BA Paris. I was very excited to get my hands on a copy of this novel as her debut Behind Closed Doors was one of my favourites last year. However I have to admit I was a tad disappointed. We were introduced to couple Cass & Matthew who live in a quiet suburban end house beside a wood and quiet quickly in the novel the incident of her stopping near the wood on her way home from a night out when she saw someone needed help. After she learned that the lady she hadn't helped had been murdered she went completely downhill from there and fell apart. We met her friend Rachel and we soon learned that Cass had been left a substantial amount of money by her mum. I felt the storyline was very predictable and I had quessed very early on what was happening. Whilst I read the book in 2 days I had hoped that there would be a twist in the end but sadly no. I would recommend this book certainly as I love this author but maybe not with as much enthusiasm as I did her debut.....

I absolutely loved Behind Closed Doors, this author's debut book, when I read it last year so I was very excited to see what she had in store next. Could it stand up to her wonderful debut? Believe me, the bar was set very high so it would have to be something special to just level with it. Well, I have to say that this book exceeded all my expectations and then some! It was even more tightly plotted and, towards the end, as things were starting to come clear, it was a book that I wanted to finish but, at the same time, I desperately wanted to cling on to it because I really didn't want it to be over.
Cass makes one little mistake. Despite promising her husband she wouldn't, she takes the short cut home after a night out. On that road, near to her house, she sees a car parked up with a woman inside. She has heard all the tales of bait attacks so instead of approaching the woman she parks up in front, assuming that the woman will flash her if she needs help. When this doesn't happen, Cass drives on home, intending to call someone when she gets there. Circumstances contrive so she fails to do this and she is devastated when, next day, she finds out that the woman had been murdered. Having already lied to her husband, she can't tell anyone she was on that road that night so keeps this secret. As new information comes out about who the woman was, Cass starts to panic. The stress of this coupled with the fact that she can't talk to anyone about her "involvement", Cass starts to unwind. She forgets things, she misplaces things, items arrive that she can't remember ordering, she gets silent calls and has that niggling feeling she is being watched. Wracked with guilt she assumes she is having a breakdown or early onset dementia like her mother had, but could there be more to it? Did the murderer see her? Is her life in danger? Is she next?
Wow! That was all I could muster when I finished this book. As already mentioned, I loved the author's debut book so I knew what I could be letting myself into, reading this one. I have to say that, although very intricate, the plotting is extremely tight and very well crafted. I read a lot of this type of book and I am well versed in the psychological aspects of what authors can serve up but I was completely blown out of the water as I started the reveal. And scared, very scared. As I always say, the scariest psychological thrillers are the ones that feature "normal" people. I can't expand on that here as to do so would probably contain spoilers and that would be very wrong. Yes, the whole premise of this book appears to be centred on that one mistake but that is only the outer layer of the onion. Peel away at that and there are a whole other set of layers contained within. Each one revealing more until, eventually, we get to the core. As I read, I formed my own ideas about what and who and why but, yep, wrong every time. I may have scored two from three with one person but that bigger picture was always just out of reach.
Characterisation was brilliant. Although I did spend a lot of time shouting at Cass to just tell someone, I do understand why she couldn't/wouldn't and, at the end of the day, it all made sense as to why she did what she did. Other characters were just as well drawn and, within the story line, completely congruent. Well, its a psychological thriller so we always have secrets and lies and all that stuff to wade through to see people as they really are.
Pacing was perfect, especially as we approached the finishing straight. And then, once all was revealed and I had remembered that breathing was a necessary function, I felt emotionally drained. I think I was put through the wringer along with the characters at times. Certainly felt like that as I turned the final page. But even though I was spent, I was satisfied. Very satisfied.
I know it is early days yet and I have already read some cracking books this year and know that there are more in the pipeline for me to enjoy but I have the sneaky feeling that this one will end up in my top ten for 2017. The only question I have outstanding is "how on earth will the author follow this?"

My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt that the characters were well drawn out and were inter-weaved seamlessly into each others lives.

I requested this book as i find the very idea of the sub-genre 'domestic noir' interesting - it is a sub-genre that has exploded in recent years, yet has been around for years, for example Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca.

In my work my focus is on classic literature, however my students preferences lie in modern writings. I certainly will be recommending that my students buy this book for outside reading. I struggle sometimes to 'hook' them, but I think this book will allow them expand their thinking of common themes that cross decades of writing.

This was amazing. Another engaging addition to the thriller genre. I thoroughly enjoyed Behind closed bpdoors and Paris has kept that moment up. Engaging, thrilling, and so suspenseful . I loved it.

Another great thriller from B A Paris.
Driving home from a party on a dark night of torrential rain, happily married woman, Cass, sees a car parked in a layby with a single woman inside. Has she broken down? Does she need help? Or is it a trap to make passers-by stop? Cass parks in front of the car – willing the woman to approach her. No movement – so Cass drives off as she needs to get out of this terrible weather, and home to her husband. Once home, she is distracted by a phone call, and forgets to let anyone know what she has seen. Next morning, the woman is found dead. Cass having forgotten to call the police when she got home turns out to be just one of the many things she forgets over the following weeks. Her mind is deteriorating, and she fears that she has early onset dementia, like her mother. Despite the unstinting support from her husband and friends, Cass believes she is going mad. Guilt and paranoia take over. Who killed the woman, and is he now after Cass?
The initial scene of the drive home is so well done, that you can almost feel the rain hammering down on the car. Along with Cass you peer through the curtain of water and fear an accident in the appalling conditions. The relentless pace and stress does not let up until she gets home, and her phone rings. Sudden peace and relief – as though the phone ringing has cancelled out the rain, the panic, the urgency. Of course, the respite is only for the remainder of the night.
The mystery really starts with the title – does it refer to Cass’s mental breakdown, or is it the assumed breakdown of the woman’s car in the woods, which triggered Cass’s descent into incipient dementia.
The pace ratchets up again, slowly at first and then with increasing speed. Cass’s forgetfulness and fear of losing her mind is overwhelming. As the reader, you start to question your own memory – what would (could) you do in such circumstances?
Nothing is clear until close to the end of the book. Then after the big revelation (did not see that coming!), there is another even more brutal twist.
The book keeps a stranglehold on your attention throughout, and the ending is as much a surprise as a relief that the emotional turmoil in your own mind (not to mention Cass’s) is at an end.

Wow B. A. Paris has just knocked  Hitchcock off the poll position for the best suspense classic with this novel. So get everything around you that you will need for the next 5 hours or so as you won't want to move once you open this book!  Like all great suspense stories it has to start with the mother of all thunder storms, night time, and a woman on her own in a car, so should she take the long route home with more traffic or the short cut through the woods? No choice really, but what would you do if you saw a car pulled up with a woman in it, Is she in trouble or broken down? would you stop?
This isn't a book of car chases but it kicks your adrenaline  into action just the same. Cass's Mum had died only a couple of years before, which was a blessing due to the dementia which she had developed, but now Cass, still only a young woman, was displaying early signs of it too. This is certainly a look over your shoulder kind of book with every creak from upstairs meaning something completely different to you while you are  reading this. Before you finish it wont be just Cass that suffers from paranoia! Petrified, feeling guilty and doubting her own sanity Cass turns to the people that care for her in her life for support and help. 
 This is a perfect read for anyone that enjoys a psychological thriller. I am left buzzing after reading this. Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Stories for an ARC of this book which I have chosen to review

Unputdownable. I can’t remember the last time I read a book this quickly.

Fast paced and gripping, once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I will admit to a little bit of frustration with the main character and having a fair idea how it would all end but I really enjoyed it and got completely swept up in the story.

This was actually my first book by this author but I don’t think it’ll be my last. I’d heard a lot of good things about her previous book, Behind Closed Doors, but I hadn’t yet managed to get around to reading it (so many books so little time). I have to say despite some wariness due to the level of hype around it this didn’t disappoint. I wouldn’t rate it as an all time favourite, or even a particularly stand out read but it’s fast paced, exciting and addictive reading.

The story which centers primarily around someone seemingly losing their mind is fascinating to read and as it’s all told from their pov you can feel their frustration and confusion. While this was the highlight of the story however, it was also it’s biggest flaw for me. I hate to say it but I just really didn’t like main character Cass. Not that there was anything particularly bad about her, she was just a bit wet. She’s so passive and emotional in the story I ended up getting very frustrated with her. If I could have reached into the pages, given her a shake and told her to get a grip I would have. I felt like she over reacted a lot of the time and didn’t really take any action or make decisions. I wanted to see her stand up for herself and take control, although I suspect there wouldn’t have been much of a story if she had.

With the focus very much on Cass and her downward spiral, there aren’t many secondary characters which for me (with the memory of a goldfish) is a good thing. New husband Mathew, and best friend Rachel are probably the only ones who have a substantial part to play and even at that they’re viewed through Cass’s eyes so it’s difficult to work out their true motivations and character. Something which works very well in keeping you guessing.

Despite a few niggles therefore, I did really enjoy the story. I flew through the whole thing in a few hours desperate to know whether Cass was losing her mind or if the murderer was out to get her.

The writing and pacing is pretty much spot on and the author does know how to create tension and a truly gripping story. I did think the ending was a little too quick and easy but there was a little surprise that I wasn’t expecting.

Overall a good read and definitely a book I’d recommend if you like a fast paced thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all views are my own. The Breakdown is due for release on 9th February in the UK

I was excited to read this second instalment from B A Paris. This is a gripping psychological thriller, not as intense a behind closed doors but very good all the same.

Cass takes a shortcut driving home in the torrential rain, against husband Matthews advice. Where she comes across a car parked in the layby. She wants to stop but think that it might be a trap so she drives on. Only to find out the next day that the woman in the car was murdered.

With her guilt of not stopping and she thinks the murderer is out to get her. Cass starts suffering from stress and because her mother suffered from dementia. Husband Matthews thinks she is suffering from early onset dementia.

I liked this very much. I didnt think it was intense as the first novel but it didn't needn't be. I thought the story was very cleverly written. My only gripe was the ending was a bit predictable and I guessed the ending

I really enjoyed 'Behind Closed Doors', mainly because everything that happened felt like it really could happen, so I was excited to see whether Paris' next novel would match it for me.
What I loved was there was no preamble, you are thrown straight into the story – Cass driving down the road she shouldn't and passing the car of the woman who is later discovered murdered. Initially this had me hooked. Cass is understandably wracked with guilt and, being a teacher starting the six weeks holiday, with little else to distract her she becomes intently focused on it and it really starts to play with her mind.
Whilst reading the book however, I became increasingly annoyed by Cass. I'm not really sure why, maybe I'm just getting a bit tired of the 'unreliable narrator' trend, but by the time I was 60 per cent of the way through (thanks Kindle) I was ready to think she was really suffering from a breakdown (and yes I love the pun of the title: car breakdown and mental breakdown. Hats off for that one!). But then subtle hints were dropped and I began suspecting every character mentioned of playing with Cass. I was not however ready for the twist, which I loved, and how it was played out via text messages.
Do I love it as much as 'Behind Closed Doors'? Maybe not, but only because the events of 'The Breakdown' would require much more planning and orchestration to occur in real life, and that was the true horror of the former for me. That being said, 'The Breakdown' combined psychological thriller and murder mystery artfully and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My second by this author and the best imo. Loved this book and read in two sittings only interrupted by sleep . Keeps you guessing till the end with lots of turns along the way . Easy 5 stars .. thanks to netgalley and the publishers for my arc which I have chosen to review

This is without a doubt a 5 star read. And I want to rave about how well Paris has written certain aspects of the story but I cant because its a huge spoiler, one that I discovered just as I was sitting down to read the book and it was constantly there in the back of my head so I was waiting for it... and I refuse to spoil anyone else's enjoyment. So no spoilers from me.

This is my first time reading a book by BA Paris, but after devouring The Breakdown in one day I think its safe to say I shall be reading her other book Behind Closed Doors. The Breakdown was such an easy book to sit down and read. Even with Cass being an unreliable narrator, sometimes if not done well it can have a jarring effect on the flow, but thankfully that is not the case here. And to be honest I think Cass's inability to trust herself makes the book all the more interesting. Because we only ever get Cass's POV you never really know who is telling the truth and therefore who we can trust. Which all makes for fantastic reading.
I cant recommend this book enough.

If you thought B.A. Paris couldn't top Behind Closed Doors, then you need to think again. This book is absolute genius! Proper edge of your seat, stomach clenching stuff. So full of intrigue and deceipt. It's brilliant!

Wow another fab book by B A Paris, just wish I could give it 20 stars!! Loved the twists at the end I did not see them coming. This is a great book, well written and very addictive I didn't want to put it down.
A killer is on the loose, Jane knew the female who was murdered and is then convinced the killer is out to get her too. Strange things keep happening. Husband Matthew is very supportive when she also starts to show signs of early onset dementia.
Read this book you won't be disappointed.

Compelling story with a real twist.

I enjoyed this book and read it in a couple of sitting. It built up the suspense very well although I felt that the core twist to the story was telegraphed a bit too early and I felt sure I knew what was going on.

My expectations were high after behind closed doors and I was so excited to read the breakdown....I don't think it started with as much promise or drama but it was an amazing read and a book I devoured in 24 hours!!! A very well written book with the twists and turns and emotional drama which kept me hooked! Would def recommend!!!!

I read this over a couple of nights, it kept my interest and i was compelled to find out what would happen. As psychological thrillers go it has a good story line picking up on the effect of guilt, the fears faced around illness and a dose of threat. The story is told from Cass's perspective. Cass fails to stop and help a fellow motorist who gets murdered shortly afterwards. At the mercy of a failing memory Cass then begins to receive menacing phone calls, she is guilt ridden from her failure to assist the victim and it appears that she may indeed be the next victim. During the middle of the book, whilst I had sympathy with the daily issues that Cass was facing, I did begin to lose some patience waiting for the story to move on. It did then move on, but at such a speed that the ending felt a little abrupt and rushed. Notwithstanding that, it was an enjoyable read that kept me turning pages. I didn't guess the whole of the end which is a real plus.

This is a compelling read. It is an unusual story with every element exploited to the full. It may centre on a murder but it is far superior to traditional murder stories. The lead character appears to have psychological problems and these are described in a very convincing way. Few readers are likely to guess the outcome of the story. It is also well written with very credible characters.

A slow burner for me. Cass is a sympathetic by slightly irritating character in the beginning of this story, very fragile and susceptible to intimidation and manipulation, but from about a third of the way in I was hooked! My feelings did a complete 180 and I was right there with her, willing her to overcome her fears and beat these people who are harassing her!
Not a thriller as such but a great mystery something that hit very, very close to home.
Would recommend to everyone.
Will post review on my blog, on amazon and on twitter nearer to the release date.