If you are looking for a mystery that will keep you up way past your bedtime, then look no further than The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley. Ever since I won an Instagram contest for her breakout hit, The Guest List, back in 2021, I have been a huge fan of her writing style. Foley has a unique way of delivering high-stakes tension, and her latest “locked-room” mystery set in the heart of France definitely does not disappoint readers.
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The Mystery of No. 12 Rue des Amants
In The Paris Apartment, Lucy Foley introduces us to Jess, a young woman who is broke, alone, and desperately needing a fresh start. She decides to crash with her half-brother, Ben, in his swanky Parisian flat. However, when Jess arrives, the apartment is empty, and Ben is nowhere to be found.
The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess realizes that his “luxury” lifestyle was built on some very dark foundations. The building is filled with an eclectic bunch of neighbors, and none of them seem happy to see her. In fact, from the moment Jess steps into the building, you get the sense that she is an intruder in a very private, very dangerous world.
Secrets Behind Closed Doors
The real magic of the book is the cast of characters Jess encounters. These neighbors are an eclectic, chilly bunch, and Foley does a brilliant job of making you suspicious of absolutely everyone.
You have the socialite, who seems to have the “perfect” Parisian life on the surface, but you can quickly tell her world is crumbling behind closed doors. Then there’s the “nice guy” who lives nearby—he’s helpful to Jess, but in a way that makes you wonder if he’s being kind or just incredibly observant of her every move. Adding to the tension is the neighbor struggling with alcoholism who has a volatile temper, and a girl who can seem constantly on the verge of a breakdown.
Presiding over it all is the concierge, the classic “eyes and ears” of the building who definitely knows more than she’s letting on. As Jess digs into Ben’s life, you realize that none of these people are actually “neighborly.” They are all protecting their own secrets, and they clearly see Jess as a threat to the quiet, dark peace they’ve built at No. 12 Rue des Amants. It creates this amazing, claustrophobic feeling where you’re constantly trying to figure out who is a friend and who is a predator.
A Quick and Thrilling Read
One of the reasons I love sharing reviews on my blog is that I’m always looking for ways to help you find that perfect “mental escape.” This book is an incredibly quick read. The chapters are short and punchy, shifting perspectives between the different residents, which makes the mystery feeling more like a puzzle you are solving in the present time.
Foley masterfully swaps the romantic “City of Light” image for something much more claustrophobic and gritty. You can feel the shadows in the hallways of No. 12 Rue des Amants, making it the perfect atmosphere for a weekend “digital detox.”
My Honest Verdict
As someone who gets the opportunity to review many books, I can safely say that The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley lives up to the hype. It’s a sensational mix of suspense and atmospheric storytelling. Whether you are a longtime fan of her work or just looking for a new author to get acquainted with, this is a title you don’t want to miss. Check this mystery thriller out!
Thanks to HarperCollins for this #gifted book for this review.
