The Dilemma: A Novel

B.A. Paris

Jun 2020 · Sold by St. Martin's Press

About this ebook

A woman's birthday party takes a dark turn in a poignant, heart-stopping new novel from the reigning queen of suspense, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, and Bring Me Back.

“A heartbreaking page-turner that will have you up at night reading just one more chapter.” —Catherine Steadman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water

“The phenomenal B.A. Paris has done it again! I devoured The Dilemma in one sitting—it grabbed me from the very first page and wouldn’t let go until I’d finished. Secrets, guilt, shame and heartbreak—this story has it all in spades.”—Sandie Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Other Woman

Knowing the truth will destroy her. Keeping it secret will destroy him.

It’s Livia’s 40th birthday, and her husband Adam is throwing her the party of a lifetime to make up for the wedding they never had. Everyone she loves will be there, except her daughter Marnie, who’s studying abroad. But Livia is secretly glad Marnie won’t be there.

Livia has recently uncovered a secret about their daughter which, if revealed, will shake the foundation of their family to its core. She needs to tell Adam, but she’s waiting until the party is over so they can have this last happy time together.

Adam, meanwhile, has his own surprise for Livia: he’s arranged for Marnie to secretly fly back for the party. But before Marnie arrives, Adam hears some terrible news. Now he too is faced with a dilemma: Does he share what he's learned with his wife? Is hiding the truth the same as telling a lie? And how far are Adam and Livia willing to go to protect the ones they love—and give each other a last few hours of happiness?

Ratings and reviews

Livia is planning a big blow-out for her 40th birthday. Feeling somewhat cheated out of a huge wedding many years ago, this party will make up for it. The only person who will not be attending is her daughter, Marnie. And she's made it plain to her daughter that she is not to attend. Livia has a secret ... one she plans on telling her husband, Adam, after the party is over. Adam does everything he can to make this party a perfect time for his wife. But during the party he learns something that will change their lives forever ... and he makes the decision to keep it secret from his wife .. until the party is over. Great character development kept me glued to the story. It's a real page turner with enough suspense to keep the tension high. This is well written with a theme of love, loss, friendship and family. Haven't most of us been guilty at one point or another to keep something secret from a loved one? Is there ever a 'good' time to share? This is classified as a thriller. While I wouldn't call it a thriller, it nonetheless held my attention from start to finish. I couldn't wait to see what the secrets were .... and how it would all end. Many thanks to the author / St Martin's Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE DILEMMA. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

The Dilemma by B. A. Paris is Contemporary Suspense Thriller Fiction. B.A. Paris never fails to impress me because I never know what to expect. Her latest book is a thriller but as usual a unique story. I could not stop reading this on the edge, what is going to happen next book. At times you want to shout at the characters but at the same time you completely understand their heart wrenching dilemma. Another must read winner for Ms.Paris. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

I was really disappointed there wasn't some kind of twist at the end. All the drama lead up to nothing. The whole birthday party was a real stretch too.

About the author

B.A. PARIS is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, Bring Me Back, The Dilemma, and The Therapist. Having lived in France for many years, she and her husband now live in the UK. She has worked both in finance and as a teacher, and she has five daughters. The Dilemma is her fourth novel.