Greenwich Park

November 1, 2021
Helen, the principal narrator of British journalist Faulkner’s well-paced debut, feels insecure among a circle of Cambridge University graduates that includes her architect husband, Daniel; Helen’s brother, Rory, who’s also Daniel’s business partner; Rory’s elegant wife, Serena; and Katie, an intrepid reporter. Helen’s belief that she’s not as glamorous or talented as the rest of her family and friends has been exacerbated by her being forced to take medical leave from her unrewarding office job to manage a high-risk pregnancy. When Daniel is too busy at work to join her at their prenatal class, Helen forges an unlikely friendship with another expectant mother, Rachel, who seems determined to break every prenatal rule in the book—and encourages Helen to do the same. Several supposed coincidental meetings allow Rachel to insinuate herself into Helen’s life, culminating in Rachel’s moving in with Helen and Daniel. When a court case Katie is covering suggests that Rachel isn’t who she seems to be, violence and tragedy ensue. Faulkner ratchets up the tension throughout with clever narrative shifts. Domestic thriller fans should take a look. Agent: Madeleine Milburn, Madeleine Milburn Ltd. (U.K.).