A. J. Finn’s debut novel begins with an ominous epigram: “I have a feeling that inside you somewhere, there’s something nobody knows about.” This is a line from the 1943 classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller, Shadow of a Doubt, and THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW, in more ways than one, pays homage to the venerable master of suspense.

Anna Fox is a recently separated woman living alone in her restored Harlem brownstone. She used to have a thriving child psychology practice until a year or so ago, but now is a confirmed agoraphobic, petrified to go outside or let the outside world come in, aside from the rare exceptions of her soon-to-be ex-husband, Ed; her eight-year-old daughter, Olivia; and her tenant, Dave, who occupies the basement apartment. She spends her days counseling other agoraphobics online, watching old black and white movies, and drinking wine. Hers is a small, highly ordered life. Until the Russells move in.

Anna watches as this new family moves into the brownstone across the way: a busy husband, an attractive wife and their teenage son. Observing this family makes Anna pine for her own. Ed and Olivia moved out about a year ago. One night, Anna witnesses what seems to be the aftermath of a violent attack over at the Russells’ place. Did she really just see what she thinks she did? Is she in danger? Very quickly, her ordered world completely crumbles underneath her.

Finn captures his audience from the first sentence and doesn’t let go until he’s finished his winding tale of suspense that will ensnare avid readers of Patricia Highsmith, Tana French and Gillian Flynn, and, most certainly, Alfred Hitchcock fans. But in addition to the carefully plotted suspense, Finn makes you genuinely feel for the characters. Despite her complicated problems, Anna is quite likable. You root for her and desperately hope that she can overcome her paralyzing phobia and debilitating drinking problem, and put her life back together. You also feel for Ed and Olivia, and understand where they’re coming from. These are relatable characters placed in an unimaginably horrific situation.