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We Live Next Door
You think you know the people next door… What if they know you better?
I always dreamed of moving back home to Ridgeview Pines, with its white fences and sloping lawns. I wish it had happened under different circumstances, but now I’m here I feel safe and ready for a fresh start with my little family.
The first thing I do every morning is pick up my phone and check The Neighbor List—our local message board. Maybe the people next door know a little too much about where their neighbors are and what they’re doing, but it’s safer that way, isn’t it? And my husband—he wouldn’t dare sneak behind my back with so many eyes watching.
Just when I’m beginning to relax, a woman I’ve known since I was small is found dead on the white tiles of her bathroom floor. I watch messages of condolence flood my screen. No one else suspects a thing.
But I know that among all these friendly people, watching out for one another, someone knows more than they’re sharing. And I wonder—how far back do they remember, and who’s next?
An utterly gripping psychological thriller that will keep you up all night. Perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door, The Woman in the Window and Behind Closed Doors.
I always dreamed of moving back home to Ridgeview Pines, with its white fences and sloping lawns. I wish it had happened under different circumstances, but now I’m here I feel safe and ready for a fresh start with my little family.
The first thing I do every morning is pick up my phone and check The Neighbor List—our local message board. Maybe the people next door know a little too much about where their neighbors are and what they’re doing, but it’s safer that way, isn’t it? And my husband—he wouldn’t dare sneak behind my back with so many eyes watching.
Just when I’m beginning to relax, a woman I’ve known since I was small is found dead on the white tiles of her bathroom floor. I watch messages of condolence flood my screen. No one else suspects a thing.
But I know that among all these friendly people, watching out for one another, someone knows more than they’re sharing. And I wonder—how far back do they remember, and who’s next?
An utterly gripping psychological thriller that will keep you up all night. Perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door, The Woman in the Window and Behind Closed Doors.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2021
1281 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Laura Wolfe
12 books333 followersLaura Wolfe is an Amazon Charts bestselling author of dark and twisty psychological thriller and suspense novels. Her current and upcoming releases include THE FOSTER DAUGHTER, PROM QUEEN (2024 Silver Falchion Award Winner), THE IN-LAWS (2024 ITW Award Nominee), WE LIVE NEXT DOOR, THE GIRL BEFORE ME, HER BEST FRIEND'S LIE, SHE LIES ALONE, and TWO WIDOWS. The books in her YA mystery series and her adult suspense novel, TOP PRODUCER, have been shortlisted for multiple indie book awards. Laura is a lover of animals and nature. When she is not writing, she can be found hanging out with her husband and kids, growing vegetables in her garden, or spoiling her rescue dog. She enjoys living in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
October 6, 2021
Jessica Millstone reflects on her neighbours on Mapleview Lane and on growing up there as she takes her dog Roo for a late night stroll. What does Roo sense at Barbara Drapers house and what does the harsh, steely, disliked woman shout from her window? The next day Barbara is dead, assumed a tragic accident. Then a number of accidents befall Jessica’s three year old daughter Isabelle and she receives a number of threatening messages on the neighbourhood app. What is going on in this picture perfect place to live?
One thing is for sure, I wouldn’t want to live in that area!! I like the premise behind this book with unpleasant threats being made behind the anonymity of the app. It also captures the wise adage of ‘you can’t know what goes on behind closed doors’ with a number of surprising revelations coming to the fore. The author does a really good job of capturing the residents of the area, the writing is incisive and insightful. There’s a growing list of suspects, all of whom have things they want to keep hidden.
However, unfortunately I don’t enjoy this novel as much as other Laura Wolfe books I’ve read. There are certainly little hints of menace but the pace at times is just too slow with too much detail and repetition as Jessica’s thoughts go round and round. Whilst this is certainly realistic, many of us do it, however, it doesn’t make for riveting reading! Although I can totally understand why some people are targets in the events that occur, I don’t feel I can buy into Jessica or Isabelle being in that frame, it just seems a bit weak or unlikely when the truth is unveiled.
Overall, it’s a mixed bag of a read for me with some good parts and some I find tenuous. Other reviewers liked this more than I do so be sure to check out their thoughts too. I remain a fan of the authors books and look forward to seeing what she writes in future.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
One thing is for sure, I wouldn’t want to live in that area!! I like the premise behind this book with unpleasant threats being made behind the anonymity of the app. It also captures the wise adage of ‘you can’t know what goes on behind closed doors’ with a number of surprising revelations coming to the fore. The author does a really good job of capturing the residents of the area, the writing is incisive and insightful. There’s a growing list of suspects, all of whom have things they want to keep hidden.
However, unfortunately I don’t enjoy this novel as much as other Laura Wolfe books I’ve read. There are certainly little hints of menace but the pace at times is just too slow with too much detail and repetition as Jessica’s thoughts go round and round. Whilst this is certainly realistic, many of us do it, however, it doesn’t make for riveting reading! Although I can totally understand why some people are targets in the events that occur, I don’t feel I can buy into Jessica or Isabelle being in that frame, it just seems a bit weak or unlikely when the truth is unveiled.
Overall, it’s a mixed bag of a read for me with some good parts and some I find tenuous. Other reviewers liked this more than I do so be sure to check out their thoughts too. I remain a fan of the authors books and look forward to seeing what she writes in future.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 28, 2021
Enjoyable psycholgical thriller but with a good dose of ‘Whodunit’
The Drapers are the street oddities, Barbra forever causing trouble and writing nasties on the community forum and when she dies in an ‘accident’ it’s true to say no one is over fussed…..well one person is, Jessica, from 2 down, who saw something and wont let it drop
And so this fast paced yet relaxing story began, I say fast paced as so much happens to so many people in the street and yet say relaxing as the writing was well it was relaxing,not frantic or rushed but pulled you in, told the story well and made it a pleasure to get involved with
The story gave many red herrings and at one point I suspected everyone, exactly as the author intended
Well written and just a good solid book for which you can ask no more for than that 😊
9/10
5 Stars
The Drapers are the street oddities, Barbra forever causing trouble and writing nasties on the community forum and when she dies in an ‘accident’ it’s true to say no one is over fussed…..well one person is, Jessica, from 2 down, who saw something and wont let it drop
And so this fast paced yet relaxing story began, I say fast paced as so much happens to so many people in the street and yet say relaxing as the writing was well it was relaxing,not frantic or rushed but pulled you in, told the story well and made it a pleasure to get involved with
The story gave many red herrings and at one point I suspected everyone, exactly as the author intended
Well written and just a good solid book for which you can ask no more for than that 😊
9/10
5 Stars
December 6, 2021
2.5 ⭐
Small town and neighborhood murder mysteries are my favorites. I just love the idea of a community of people where no one really knows about the others as much as they think they do - such a great premise for a mystery.
This book started great and I really though I am going to love it. The narration was good and it quickly pulled me in.
But the more I got into the book, the less I believed the story. Someone dies and Jessica and others just start to jump to conclusions even though there was absolutely no reason to suspect a foul play. And that wasn't even the only way in which character's behavior fell short of convincing, just the most obvious one.
Though the story wasn't bad, there were too many far-fetched theories for my taste. The author sure struggled to make of it the most she could. But it just wasn't believable. Not the whole thing, but the way the characters handled it.
All in all, this was an ok book, but not one I’ll remember.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of We Live Next Door by Laura Wolfe in exchange for an honest review.
Small town and neighborhood murder mysteries are my favorites. I just love the idea of a community of people where no one really knows about the others as much as they think they do - such a great premise for a mystery.
This book started great and I really though I am going to love it. The narration was good and it quickly pulled me in.
But the more I got into the book, the less I believed the story. Someone dies and Jessica and others just start to jump to conclusions even though there was absolutely no reason to suspect a foul play. And that wasn't even the only way in which character's behavior fell short of convincing, just the most obvious one.
Though the story wasn't bad, there were too many far-fetched theories for my taste. The author sure struggled to make of it the most she could. But it just wasn't believable. Not the whole thing, but the way the characters handled it.
All in all, this was an ok book, but not one I’ll remember.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of We Live Next Door by Laura Wolfe in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2022
A psychological thriller that takes place in the fictional suburb of Detroit. Like most upper-middle-class suburbs, you get neighbours that are friendly, nosey and just downright rude. But when Jessica finds out one of her neighbours died, she struggles to see that it was an accident suspecting foul play.
The story follows Jessica as she tries to find out who the murderer is amongst her neighbours and tries to convince those around her that she isn’t crazy, but that there really is something sinister going on in the neighbourhood. While on the hunt for the truth she navigates family drama, motherhood, and friendship that takes a toll on her everyday life.
Wolfe created the perfect suburb and surroundings for readers to feel safe and yet get the feeling that something is off. While the book is definitely a slow burn the major twists caught me off guard, readers will never see them coming, making for a fun and entertaining read.
The characters are hard to love, especially Jessica’s husband and her best friend, their actions make them seem selfish and untrustworthy. While Jessica, the protagonist, is loveable she gives the reader the feeling that she is too gullible and trusting, making some of her choices a bit unbelievable or even nonsensical.
The ending was a complete shock which made the book all the better, but Idid struggle with how Wolfe wrapped up everything in a neat bow. It failed to feel realistic.
The overall plot is well written and an easy read making this book perfect for a chill afternoon or a lazy day at the beach. What this book lacks in thrilling moments it makes up for with mystery and intrigue.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
The story follows Jessica as she tries to find out who the murderer is amongst her neighbours and tries to convince those around her that she isn’t crazy, but that there really is something sinister going on in the neighbourhood. While on the hunt for the truth she navigates family drama, motherhood, and friendship that takes a toll on her everyday life.
Wolfe created the perfect suburb and surroundings for readers to feel safe and yet get the feeling that something is off. While the book is definitely a slow burn the major twists caught me off guard, readers will never see them coming, making for a fun and entertaining read.
The characters are hard to love, especially Jessica’s husband and her best friend, their actions make them seem selfish and untrustworthy. While Jessica, the protagonist, is loveable she gives the reader the feeling that she is too gullible and trusting, making some of her choices a bit unbelievable or even nonsensical.
The ending was a complete shock which made the book all the better, but Idid struggle with how Wolfe wrapped up everything in a neat bow. It failed to feel realistic.
The overall plot is well written and an easy read making this book perfect for a chill afternoon or a lazy day at the beach. What this book lacks in thrilling moments it makes up for with mystery and intrigue.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
October 23, 2021
Like always a huge thank you to the publisher Bookouture , the author Laura Wolf , and to NetGalley for the invite to join this blog tour as well as letting me read and review it. Now what can I say to make you want to pick this up either for yourself or for a friend to read, I could talk about how it takes place in what seems like a good and safe neighborhood, where everyone knows everyone, and that there's even a friendly neighborhood message broad that lets you known what is going on for that day , but we all know how dangerous those can be since anyone can make an account and send out messages , and you wouldn't even know if their friend or foe. I could also say that right from the very start of the book it was suspenseful,so much so that though out the story I was suspicious of just about everyone and everything that I was finding out. As for the characters themselves there was times that I didn't like the main character herself but then there was times I didn't even like her husband, but though out the story I actually started liking them, and a few others as well. Plus it was just the type of story that I needed right now, even though I've been reading ,I've been in a some what reading slump , which means I would read a few chapters then put the book down and finish it the next day or two, but this one , it wasn't like that , in fact I wanted to just keep reading because of all the stuff I was finding out with each turn of the page.
October 9, 2021
Domestic suspense is always hit or miss with me, but I'm glad to report this was a hit! WE LIVE NEXT DOOR had that Desperate Housewives vibes that made the story juicy and salacious but still believable. If you live in a neighborhood, you know they all have secrets...but it seems the more upscale and affluent neighborhoods have the best secrets--the ones worth killing over.
There's a lot going on in this book, but the main storyline centers around the death of Barbara Draper, the neighbor no one likes. She yells at dogs, leaves terrible reviews about local businesses, and is always posting complaints on the Neighbor app. So when she drowns in her bathtub, no one is grieving. No one even thinks her death is suspicious except for Jessica, who thinks she saw something the night Barbara died.
There is a huge twist at the halfway mark that will leave you reeling! If you love suspense and are secretly suspicious of your neighbors, especially the too perfect ones, this is definitely the book for you!
There's a lot going on in this book, but the main storyline centers around the death of Barbara Draper, the neighbor no one likes. She yells at dogs, leaves terrible reviews about local businesses, and is always posting complaints on the Neighbor app. So when she drowns in her bathtub, no one is grieving. No one even thinks her death is suspicious except for Jessica, who thinks she saw something the night Barbara died.
There is a huge twist at the halfway mark that will leave you reeling! If you love suspense and are secretly suspicious of your neighbors, especially the too perfect ones, this is definitely the book for you!
October 11, 2021
Thank you for reading We Live Next Door. I enjoyed writing this story of suburban secrets, which was loosely inspired by actual comments on my local Nextdoor app. I hope you enjoyed reading and that it keeps you guessing until the end!
October 11, 2021
I devoured this book! So many delicious secrets and twists and turns. I really coudn't put it down! I recommend this one to fans of psychological suspense.
dnf
March 25, 2024Gave up on 25-03-2024, at about 3h30m from the end.
The curse of the second book strikes me again.
I loved my first novel by Laura Wolfe, The In-Laws and I was so excited to read another of ther books. We Live Next Door sounded just another "my kind of" book but, as it happens often to me, the second book by an author was disappointing.
I didn't feel any simpathy or empathy towards the characters.
The plot about the death of the neighbor and that her son was convinced it wasn't an accident was intriguing but listening to Jessica thoughts was just boring. I just couldn't stand it anymore.
I will, however, try again with another novel by Laura Wolfe, Two Widows. Fingers crossed it will be better.
The curse of the second book strikes me again.
I loved my first novel by Laura Wolfe, The In-Laws and I was so excited to read another of ther books. We Live Next Door sounded just another "my kind of" book but, as it happens often to me, the second book by an author was disappointing.
I didn't feel any simpathy or empathy towards the characters.
The plot about the death of the neighbor and that her son was convinced it wasn't an accident was intriguing but listening to Jessica thoughts was just boring. I just couldn't stand it anymore.
I will, however, try again with another novel by Laura Wolfe, Two Widows. Fingers crossed it will be better.
October 7, 2021
You know their secrets. What if they know yours, too?
Laura Wolfe, if you have any more $40 accidental bottle of wine purchases lurking in the back of your fridge, this would be the time to crack it open! What a phenomenal psychological thriller! Your books keep getting better and better. For those of you who haven’t read a Laura Wolfe novel, what are you waiting for? Wolfe knows how to capture readers’ attention and hold it.
This five-star psychological thriller is set in a fictional suburb of Detroit and features secrets - those kept and those revealed. Jessica, Mark and 3-year-old Isabelle Millstone move to Jessica’s childhood home on 627 Mapleview Lane, in Ridgeview Pines. This suburb appears to have it all; white picket fences, manicured lawns, matching post-boxes with little red flags, and security in the form of The Neighbour List app.
Wolfe introduces her characters through Jessica while she’s out for a late-night walk with her dog, Roo, and lulls readers into a false sense of peace. The darkness, shadows, moonlight, and thick silence may have eased Jessica’s stress, but they’ve set the eerie scene for readers. Just as the walk is coming to an end, Roo’s muscles stiffen and his hackles are up, Wolfe has readers in the palm of her hand. From the moment the neighbour rattles the window glass, Wolfe manages to strategically leave readers just enough breadcrumbs to follow to keep them guessing! Who’s lurking in the shadows? Why did the neighbour scream? Is it murder? Homicide? Who’s the next target?
Those neighbours who seem to thrive on being difficult? We’ve all got them living on our street. Wolfe explores why those cantankerous and obnoxious people behave the way they do and examines some of the potential and long-lasting repercussions of their actions. She also investigates secrets and questions what kind of secrets are worth killing to protect. Wolfe uses The Neighbour List app to further her plot and character development. While it does help reduce crime, using the app comes at a price…..people’s lives are in the spotlight and secrets can be revealed.
I loved the cover and Barbara Draper’s character - they might be Wolfe’s best yet. I also appreciated the juxtaposition of the perfect neighbourhood with the ugliness of neighbours’ personalities. It helped to highlight the narrative and message.
“It must be nice to have such deep roots” takes on a whole new meaning when the next-door neighbour moves in.
If you like to read novels about deliciously dark secrets with plenty of twists and turns, you won’t want to miss this novel. ‘We Live Next Door’ will leave you wondering how well you really know your neighbours - especially that difficult one you love to hate. “Remember, remember the 5th of November” - the poignancy of the publication date is not lost on me!
I’m eagerly anticipating April 29th’s release of ‘The Girl Before Me’ and suggest that you put it on your radar, too.
I was gifted this advance copy by Laura Wolfe, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Laura Wolfe, if you have any more $40 accidental bottle of wine purchases lurking in the back of your fridge, this would be the time to crack it open! What a phenomenal psychological thriller! Your books keep getting better and better. For those of you who haven’t read a Laura Wolfe novel, what are you waiting for? Wolfe knows how to capture readers’ attention and hold it.
This five-star psychological thriller is set in a fictional suburb of Detroit and features secrets - those kept and those revealed. Jessica, Mark and 3-year-old Isabelle Millstone move to Jessica’s childhood home on 627 Mapleview Lane, in Ridgeview Pines. This suburb appears to have it all; white picket fences, manicured lawns, matching post-boxes with little red flags, and security in the form of The Neighbour List app.
Wolfe introduces her characters through Jessica while she’s out for a late-night walk with her dog, Roo, and lulls readers into a false sense of peace. The darkness, shadows, moonlight, and thick silence may have eased Jessica’s stress, but they’ve set the eerie scene for readers. Just as the walk is coming to an end, Roo’s muscles stiffen and his hackles are up, Wolfe has readers in the palm of her hand. From the moment the neighbour rattles the window glass, Wolfe manages to strategically leave readers just enough breadcrumbs to follow to keep them guessing! Who’s lurking in the shadows? Why did the neighbour scream? Is it murder? Homicide? Who’s the next target?
Those neighbours who seem to thrive on being difficult? We’ve all got them living on our street. Wolfe explores why those cantankerous and obnoxious people behave the way they do and examines some of the potential and long-lasting repercussions of their actions. She also investigates secrets and questions what kind of secrets are worth killing to protect. Wolfe uses The Neighbour List app to further her plot and character development. While it does help reduce crime, using the app comes at a price…..people’s lives are in the spotlight and secrets can be revealed.
I loved the cover and Barbara Draper’s character - they might be Wolfe’s best yet. I also appreciated the juxtaposition of the perfect neighbourhood with the ugliness of neighbours’ personalities. It helped to highlight the narrative and message.
“It must be nice to have such deep roots” takes on a whole new meaning when the next-door neighbour moves in.
If you like to read novels about deliciously dark secrets with plenty of twists and turns, you won’t want to miss this novel. ‘We Live Next Door’ will leave you wondering how well you really know your neighbours - especially that difficult one you love to hate. “Remember, remember the 5th of November” - the poignancy of the publication date is not lost on me!
I’m eagerly anticipating April 29th’s release of ‘The Girl Before Me’ and suggest that you put it on your radar, too.
I was gifted this advance copy by Laura Wolfe, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 14, 2021
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Jessica and her husband, Mark, recently purchased her childhood home from her mother. Jessica returns to her neighborhood to see many families still reside there and a few new faces, including Rick, who is flipping a house across the week. Jessica is out one night walking her dog, when she sees Barbara in a window almost appearing to scream. Jessica could not shake that experience and when she woke up the next day she learned that Barbara had died, but of a fall from hitting the bathtub.
We follow Jessica as she continues to investigate what happened that night as she did not believe a fall was to blame for Barbara's death. During this time, someone begins to leave mysterious notes threatening Jessica and her family. Meanwhile, her daughter, Isabelle, has had a rough go around with a few trips to the ER due to falls, cuts, etc while being watched by her grandmother. Jessica feels like she is going crazy, she knows her mother would not hurt her daughter, her husband wouldn't be having an affair with their realtor friend, but nothing is adding up. This one had me guessing as to who to blame up until the very end, I did not see that coming!
Jessica and her husband, Mark, recently purchased her childhood home from her mother. Jessica returns to her neighborhood to see many families still reside there and a few new faces, including Rick, who is flipping a house across the week. Jessica is out one night walking her dog, when she sees Barbara in a window almost appearing to scream. Jessica could not shake that experience and when she woke up the next day she learned that Barbara had died, but of a fall from hitting the bathtub.
We follow Jessica as she continues to investigate what happened that night as she did not believe a fall was to blame for Barbara's death. During this time, someone begins to leave mysterious notes threatening Jessica and her family. Meanwhile, her daughter, Isabelle, has had a rough go around with a few trips to the ER due to falls, cuts, etc while being watched by her grandmother. Jessica feels like she is going crazy, she knows her mother would not hurt her daughter, her husband wouldn't be having an affair with their realtor friend, but nothing is adding up. This one had me guessing as to who to blame up until the very end, I did not see that coming!
October 27, 2021
"There are few things more dangerous than knowing your neighbors' secrets." And we have an exciting, twisty domestic thriller with lots of twists and red-herrings! Laura Wolfe draws you in to the neighborhood and the peoples' lives that live there. There are murders, mysteries and lots of engaging happenings!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
October 18, 2021
Wow! This one pulled me in and didn't let me go until the end. The main character, Jessica, reminded me of another character with that first name - Jessica Fletcher of Murder She Wrote fame. Or even Miss Marple.
This Jessica is an amateur sleuth trying to put together the clues of a death the police say was accidental. But was it?
So many twists until the end.
Thanks, Bookouture and NetGalley, for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This Jessica is an amateur sleuth trying to put together the clues of a death the police say was accidental. But was it?
So many twists until the end.
Thanks, Bookouture and NetGalley, for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'We Live Next Door' by Laura Wolfe.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Laura Wolfe, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 5th November 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Her Best Friend's Lie' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door, The Woman in the Window and Behind Closed Doors.' I am a huge fan of 'Behind Closed Doors' and 'The Couple Next Door' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Laura and if this is half as good as 'Her Best Friend's Lie' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 39 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Detroit, Michigan, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Jess. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
'We Live Next Door' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Laura discusses/includes threats to a child.
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Laura Wolfe you are a writing legend!!!
This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all listening to Roo barking and feeling the sweat run down your back.
Another huge success by Laura!!! This book has got to be the most heart racing books I've read in a long time, if not ever!!! It had be hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliffhanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this yesterday afternoon and finished it at approx 2am, read it in one sitting and although I'm knackered today it was 1000000% worth it!!! I loved that you got to meet so many of the neighbours and that there was such a a mix of personalities and so many suspects!!! It keeps you constantly guessing who did what!! It really does make you think how life can change so quickly and different decisions can change a life. It also makes you think how looks can be deceiving. It is filled with friendship, romance, lies, murder, secrets, twists, turns and everything you could want from a psychological thriller along with some MASSIVE BOMBSHELLS which will leave you absolutely shocked!!! I for one was NOT expecting that at all!!! I also loved how the book ended. This book would make a fantastic movie!!
As previously mentioned there is such a large mix of characters which makes it a realistic neighbourhood setting. All the characters were strong and realistic as well as hiding their own secrets. I really liked Jess from the start and along with Bree, all the characters were realistic, well developed and had strong characteristics and personalities. I did absolutely NOT expect that humongous bombshell at all. What an absolute twist!!! I can hand on my heart say that I cannot remember when I was so gobsmacked by a book twist but Laura you have done just that!!! This book is rammed with suspense and tension and will keep you biting your nails, on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding while your flipping the pages because you just cant stop.
If you read one book on your life, make sure it is this!!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and Laura I really hope you are working on your next psychological thriller at this moment because this book will go far!!! A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on what promises to be a MASSIVE success!!!
Overall an absolutely heart racing, nail biting, unputdownable psychological thriller with a bomb shell you will not see coming!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'The Couple Next Door' , 'The Woman in the Window', 'Behind Closed Doors' and ANYONE AND EVERYONE LOOKING FOR AN EXPLOSIVE READ!!!
316 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'We Live Next Door' by Laura Wolfe.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Laura Wolfe, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 5th November 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Her Best Friend's Lie' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door, The Woman in the Window and Behind Closed Doors.' I am a huge fan of 'Behind Closed Doors' and 'The Couple Next Door' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Laura and if this is half as good as 'Her Best Friend's Lie' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 39 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Detroit, Michigan, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Jess. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
'We Live Next Door' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Laura discusses/includes threats to a child.
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Laura Wolfe you are a writing legend!!!
This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all listening to Roo barking and feeling the sweat run down your back.
Another huge success by Laura!!! This book has got to be the most heart racing books I've read in a long time, if not ever!!! It had be hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliffhanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this yesterday afternoon and finished it at approx 2am, read it in one sitting and although I'm knackered today it was 1000000% worth it!!! I loved that you got to meet so many of the neighbours and that there was such a a mix of personalities and so many suspects!!! It keeps you constantly guessing who did what!! It really does make you think how life can change so quickly and different decisions can change a life. It also makes you think how looks can be deceiving. It is filled with friendship, romance, lies, murder, secrets, twists, turns and everything you could want from a psychological thriller along with some MASSIVE BOMBSHELLS which will leave you absolutely shocked!!! I for one was NOT expecting that at all!!! I also loved how the book ended. This book would make a fantastic movie!!
As previously mentioned there is such a large mix of characters which makes it a realistic neighbourhood setting. All the characters were strong and realistic as well as hiding their own secrets. I really liked Jess from the start and along with Bree, all the characters were realistic, well developed and had strong characteristics and personalities. I did absolutely NOT expect that humongous bombshell at all. What an absolute twist!!! I can hand on my heart say that I cannot remember when I was so gobsmacked by a book twist but Laura you have done just that!!! This book is rammed with suspense and tension and will keep you biting your nails, on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding while your flipping the pages because you just cant stop.
If you read one book on your life, make sure it is this!!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and Laura I really hope you are working on your next psychological thriller at this moment because this book will go far!!! A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on what promises to be a MASSIVE success!!!
Overall an absolutely heart racing, nail biting, unputdownable psychological thriller with a bomb shell you will not see coming!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'The Couple Next Door' , 'The Woman in the Window', 'Behind Closed Doors' and ANYONE AND EVERYONE LOOKING FOR AN EXPLOSIVE READ!!!
316 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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November 2, 2021
I always enjoy a classic “who-done-it” book, and this one did not disappoint. From the beginning I narrowed it down to 3 people and I was correct about one of my choices. There was a twist in the end that I didn’t expect so that was a cool surprise. The story was easy to read and filled with suspense. I found myself relating to Jessica because I’m also a mom who recently moved to the south with my husband and toddler (2.5 year old). I understood Jessica second guessing her decisions as a mom, it happens often with parents lol. In all, very good read. I want to thank #netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
October 20, 2021
Whew! Loved this one!
Jessica & Mark moved into her mother’s old home with their daughter Isabelle. Nothing is better than the familiarity of the neighborhood. One night, one of her nastier neighbors dies suddenly & it sets off a chain of events (not to give away too much). Jessica can’t trust anyone. Even her husband & her best friend are hiding something from her. She starts getting threatening messages on her neighborhood app. Can she get to the bottom of it before it’s too late?
I found myself truly unable to put this book down. *she says as she types this review at 11:00pm on a work night* It was a great ride. Suspenseful, filled with red herrings, and truly had me guessing! I loved the character Jessica, she was smart & sensible.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick read, because you won’t want to put this one down!
October 7, 2021
Wow! FIVE STARS!!! I loved this book so much. Perfect for fans of domestic psychological thrillers. Set in a fictional Detroit suburb where nothing and no one is as it seems. The story starts with the main character, Jessica, taking her dog for a walk down her quiet suburban street at night. She encounters her ill-tempered neighbor, Barbara Draper, struggling to scream at her through the window, so Jessica runs home to avoid an encounter. The next morning, Barbara is found dead in her bathtub. As Jessica looks into her neighbor's suspicious death, she soon uncovers all sorts of scandals in her neighborhood and begins receiving threatening messages on the neighborhood app called The Neighbor List. Soon Jessica realizes she might be the next victim. EEK!
October 7, 2021
Excellent suspense! So many suburban secrets and unexpected turns. The characters were relatable and believable and the plot was thrilling and twisty. This might be my favorite Laura Wolfe novel yet!
November 11, 2021
So, who is the odd family on a street in the neighborhood in Ridgeview Pines? Well it might be pretty easy to figure that out by reading a message board called The Neighbor List. It is as compulsive as many social media outlets are and now that Jessica and her husband Mark have moved into the neighborhood, reading this message board daily becomes part of her everyday activities. One neighbor is Barbara Draper.
Jessica is quite pleased that she and her husband Mark have been able to buy her childhood home. Her neighbor Barbara has always been hated but it is shocking when she is found dead. After the obituary had been posted, the message board blows up. The comments were not kind. Jessica feels like she must find out what happened. Even so, Jessica realizes that her own thoughts are becoming disingenuous. Was it an accident or was it murder?
The police have determined that it was an accidental death but this is not what Jessica believes and she will do whatever she can to get to the bottom of what happened to Barbara. There are things about Jessica has noticed and bringing these things to the police brings no results. Meanwhile, Jessica begins to have serious problems. Not only did she already have problems with Mark, which seem to be increasing, disturbing messages directly towards her really become very unnerving. What is more is strange things begin happening every time her mother cares for their daughter Isabelle.
This thrilling book began with drama between Jessica and Mark but quickly became another scenario altogether. The tension never let up for one moment - whether it was the message board itself, Barbara’s son or various neighbors -Jessica finds herself completely invested as to what happened to her neighbor.
This is the perfect read if you looking for something that is really intense to capture your attention from the very start. Like a roller coaster with its twists and turns, this book is a perfect ride. More questions than answers are sure to keep any reader drawn to this well-written book by Laura Wolfe.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Jessica is quite pleased that she and her husband Mark have been able to buy her childhood home. Her neighbor Barbara has always been hated but it is shocking when she is found dead. After the obituary had been posted, the message board blows up. The comments were not kind. Jessica feels like she must find out what happened. Even so, Jessica realizes that her own thoughts are becoming disingenuous. Was it an accident or was it murder?
The police have determined that it was an accidental death but this is not what Jessica believes and she will do whatever she can to get to the bottom of what happened to Barbara. There are things about Jessica has noticed and bringing these things to the police brings no results. Meanwhile, Jessica begins to have serious problems. Not only did she already have problems with Mark, which seem to be increasing, disturbing messages directly towards her really become very unnerving. What is more is strange things begin happening every time her mother cares for their daughter Isabelle.
This thrilling book began with drama between Jessica and Mark but quickly became another scenario altogether. The tension never let up for one moment - whether it was the message board itself, Barbara’s son or various neighbors -Jessica finds herself completely invested as to what happened to her neighbor.
This is the perfect read if you looking for something that is really intense to capture your attention from the very start. Like a roller coaster with its twists and turns, this book is a perfect ride. More questions than answers are sure to keep any reader drawn to this well-written book by Laura Wolfe.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 10, 2021
This is the story of Jessica and Mark Millstone, who are raising their daughter, Isabelle, in the fancy Detroit suburb of Ridgeview Pines. They live in the house that Jessica grew up in; she stays at home with their toddler and he’s in finance. Her mom is close by (for better or worse) and they have a private neighborhood park where all the moms go to gossip while the kiddos play. Life is good, until…
One night, Jessica is walking the dog past her neighbor Barbara’s house, when she sees the cranky old woman in the window. It looks like she’s yelling something while trying to get the window open. Barbara is constantly yelling at people to get off her yard, clean up their dog’s poop, shut up their screaming kids, etc., and not wanting a confrontation, Jessica quickly heads home. The next morning, she finds out Barbara is dead, having apparently slipped in the bathtub not long after Jessica saw her in the window.
The police have called this an accidental death, but Jessica wonders if there is more to the story. Barbara’s son, Phil, seems to be a prime suspect, but so do many other people. Barbara wasn’t very popular, and she had issues with a lot of people in town. Jessica starts digging, and that makes someone very angry.
Soon, Jessica is getting anonymous threatening messages on Neighbor List (an app that is obviously and hilariously modeled after Nextdoor) and she feels like her daughter is in danger after several “accidents” that don’t make sense. But why would someone be going to these lengths to hurt her? Is there a killer in her own neighborhood?
I enjoyed the whole book, though I will say the ending was slightly weak and predictable. The characters were decent, it was relatively fast-paced and I really liked the story as a whole. Aside from the minorly lackluster ending, I found the book very entertaining and I loved the parts about the app - I actually wouldn’t have minded more of those. This gets a solid four stars from me.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Laura Wolfe and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
One night, Jessica is walking the dog past her neighbor Barbara’s house, when she sees the cranky old woman in the window. It looks like she’s yelling something while trying to get the window open. Barbara is constantly yelling at people to get off her yard, clean up their dog’s poop, shut up their screaming kids, etc., and not wanting a confrontation, Jessica quickly heads home. The next morning, she finds out Barbara is dead, having apparently slipped in the bathtub not long after Jessica saw her in the window.
The police have called this an accidental death, but Jessica wonders if there is more to the story. Barbara’s son, Phil, seems to be a prime suspect, but so do many other people. Barbara wasn’t very popular, and she had issues with a lot of people in town. Jessica starts digging, and that makes someone very angry.
Soon, Jessica is getting anonymous threatening messages on Neighbor List (an app that is obviously and hilariously modeled after Nextdoor) and she feels like her daughter is in danger after several “accidents” that don’t make sense. But why would someone be going to these lengths to hurt her? Is there a killer in her own neighborhood?
I enjoyed the whole book, though I will say the ending was slightly weak and predictable. The characters were decent, it was relatively fast-paced and I really liked the story as a whole. Aside from the minorly lackluster ending, I found the book very entertaining and I loved the parts about the app - I actually wouldn’t have minded more of those. This gets a solid four stars from me.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Laura Wolfe and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
November 5, 2021
‘We live next door’… This means you often only live a few meters from the people in the house next or in front of yours, but what do you know about them?
Not very much. You only know what they want to reveal and often you conclude things on what you see, but do you ever know someone really? Even the people you have known for years or live under the same roof often manage to surprise you after all this time. Some are pleasant revelations, others not so much.
Then of course there are the nosy ones and aren’t we lucky sometimes they are the way they are? They see, hear everything or want to delve into something until they know every last detail. Believe it or not they bring justice or force the police to dig deeper too.
Jess is like a dog with a bone and isn’t easily scared away. When it seems like her world is tumbling down and the danger is creeping closer to home, she is like a lioness. She fights with all she has in her. It seems like she is losing the battle until someone arrives to fight her corner…
The more I read, the more I got immersed in the story. It started like a soft breeze, but soon I found myself in a storm. I had not one single inkling what to expect, but I most certainly did not expect this ending. It was brilliant. 5 stars
Thank you, Laura Wolfe and Bookouture
Not very much. You only know what they want to reveal and often you conclude things on what you see, but do you ever know someone really? Even the people you have known for years or live under the same roof often manage to surprise you after all this time. Some are pleasant revelations, others not so much.
Then of course there are the nosy ones and aren’t we lucky sometimes they are the way they are? They see, hear everything or want to delve into something until they know every last detail. Believe it or not they bring justice or force the police to dig deeper too.
Jess is like a dog with a bone and isn’t easily scared away. When it seems like her world is tumbling down and the danger is creeping closer to home, she is like a lioness. She fights with all she has in her. It seems like she is losing the battle until someone arrives to fight her corner…
The more I read, the more I got immersed in the story. It started like a soft breeze, but soon I found myself in a storm. I had not one single inkling what to expect, but I most certainly did not expect this ending. It was brilliant. 5 stars
Thank you, Laura Wolfe and Bookouture
January 9, 2022
Another twisty read and dark secrets that span decades by Laura Wolfe that will have you thinking about how well you really know your family and friends and the people that live in your own neighbourhood!
After moving back to her childhood home with her husband Mark and daughter Isabelle after purchasing it from her mother, Jessica feels safe and ready for a fresh start with her family.
That is until one of the neighbours, Barbara Draper, the neighbourhood whiner is found dead on her bathroom floor. While it is ruled by authorities as an "accident", Jessica is not so sure! She saw something that night and won't let it go... and then the threatening messages begin. Maybe Jessica is on to something and it seems someone isn't happy about it!!
So many red herrings in this one and my mind was reeling with scenarios of whodunit?! While a particular neighbour did raise my suspicion more than others, I absolutely did not see that ending coming!
Thank you @netgalley and @bookouture for the eARC in return for an honest review.
After moving back to her childhood home with her husband Mark and daughter Isabelle after purchasing it from her mother, Jessica feels safe and ready for a fresh start with her family.
That is until one of the neighbours, Barbara Draper, the neighbourhood whiner is found dead on her bathroom floor. While it is ruled by authorities as an "accident", Jessica is not so sure! She saw something that night and won't let it go... and then the threatening messages begin. Maybe Jessica is on to something and it seems someone isn't happy about it!!
So many red herrings in this one and my mind was reeling with scenarios of whodunit?! While a particular neighbour did raise my suspicion more than others, I absolutely did not see that ending coming!
Thank you @netgalley and @bookouture for the eARC in return for an honest review.
April 18, 2022
I read A few pages of this book and I found it very boring and the storyline just didn't interest me. The characters were very dull.
November 15, 2021
This is the first book I've read by Laura Wolfe and I really enjoyed it. The main character in this psychological thriller/mystery won't give up until she gets to the truth of the suspicoius death of a neighbor. The deceased was a busybody who liked to stir up trouble, but Jessica feels the woman deserves justice. There are plenty of likely suspects in this twisty novel. There are some slow parts in the middle, but overall, the book is fast-paced, suspenseful, and fun to read. I really enjoyed the ending and would defintely read other books by this author.
November 5, 2021
Do you really know your neighbors? So many secrets! Jessica and Mark decide to buy Jessica’s childhood home in Ridgeview Pines. A few older neighbors still live there, one in particular that everyone hates, Barbara Draper, is found dead on the bathroom floor. Jessica becomes obsessed with her death, thinking it wasn’t an accident but a homicide. It gets twisty and suspenseful! Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.
November 11, 2021
First, I want to thank Laura Wolfe, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
We Live Next Door by Laura Wolfe is fast paced, thrilling, suspenseful, tragic, full of secrets and has a wicked twist!
Laura would like to dedicate this book to Lisa, her most treasured cousin and friend.
WOW! What a horrific way to die! Like the characters in the book I was in shock too! How can someone drown in the bathtub?! It is just crazy!! My heart went out to her son!
I loved how there was a mystery surrounding her death if it was an accident or something more. Oh the drama, secrets, and major revelations!
Izzabelle I adored so much in We Live Next Door! She was just the sweetest little thing ever who loved her Mummy and Gwamma so much! She was definitely one tough cookie.
Jessica was passionate about baking cakes and incorporating her love of art into it. She had a dream of designing cakes that showed off her own tattoo designs. I thought it was a very creative idea.
What set this book apart from the rest was it incorporated the chat feature called Neighbor List. Between the neighbors they discussed various topics that were happening around them. A lot of positive and negative topics are shown.
My face lit up and cried happy tears with the surprise ending. I didn’t in a million years see that coming at all!!
We Live Next Door by Laura Wolfe is fast paced, thrilling, suspenseful, tragic, full of secrets and has a wicked twist!
Laura would like to dedicate this book to Lisa, her most treasured cousin and friend.
WOW! What a horrific way to die! Like the characters in the book I was in shock too! How can someone drown in the bathtub?! It is just crazy!! My heart went out to her son!
I loved how there was a mystery surrounding her death if it was an accident or something more. Oh the drama, secrets, and major revelations!
Izzabelle I adored so much in We Live Next Door! She was just the sweetest little thing ever who loved her Mummy and Gwamma so much! She was definitely one tough cookie.
Jessica was passionate about baking cakes and incorporating her love of art into it. She had a dream of designing cakes that showed off her own tattoo designs. I thought it was a very creative idea.
What set this book apart from the rest was it incorporated the chat feature called Neighbor List. Between the neighbors they discussed various topics that were happening around them. A lot of positive and negative topics are shown.
My face lit up and cried happy tears with the surprise ending. I didn’t in a million years see that coming at all!!
November 8, 2021
***SPOILER ALERT - Do not read if you don't want to know what happens in this book. I WILL be talking about the ending!***
Okay. We Live Next Door was...it wasn't the worst book for the most part, but that ending was no. Not good. But before I get to that the rest of the story. First off the synopsis is not really accurate. Jessica has not always dreamed of moving back to her hometown where she grew up. She didn't check The Neighbor List first thing in the morning (or if she did it is not mentioned. The Neighbor List popped up between chapters but was barely mentioned that Jessica actually kept up on it except when she got the messages from it). There are not a ton of condolence messages after the lady everyone hated died. I mean she was the neighborhood curmudgeon. She complained about everything and made people's lives miserable. Most people were happy she was gone. When I went back and read the synopsis again it felt very misleading.
Okay so the actual story. Jessica moved back into the house she grew up in with her husband and daughter. Then her neighbor dies and she is sure that it was a murder not an accident like everyone else thinks. Why? I'm not really sure. She was walking her dog and something rattled in the bushes and she saw the lady in the window and that was enough to convince her of foul play! It just...I didn't really understand why Jessica was so convinced. And then we learn more things and she is convinced that another accidental death like 30 years early is too much of a coincidence for this death to be accidental too! I mean 2 accidental deaths 30 years apart is pretty suspicious....it was just kind of odd. And didn't really work for me. Of course the lady's son is an addict and everyone thinks he is weird so he obviously did it! Until he finds some evidence (which was a key to the park that only residents have and Jessica already knows that new guy doesn't have one and when she is all who is missing their key?!?! Whose could it be?!?! She never once thinks it could be new guy whom she knows does not have one...). The same day the son tells Jessica he found some evidence he is killed in a hit and run (which for some reason the cops want to rule a suicide? Not really sure why that makes sense...). So then it was like okay, yes, something is going on here. Or I could get behind Jessica thinking something was as finally there were things that weren't adding up.
All through this strange things are happening at home as well and Jessica's daughter keeps being injured in seemingly accidents. Which by the end were kind of obvious who was doing it (in the beginning I figured it was them as well, but by the end? Really obvious). And her husband Mark? Oh, he was horrible, but I think in the end I am supposed to think he is a good person somehow. Okay so here is one of my main issues with this book and why it has a one star rating - Mark. He was horrible and treated Jessica terribly. Towards the beginning of the book she shares that she was thinking about trying to open her own bakery and sell her cakes as she has some unique ideas and people would buy them. What does he say to this? Immediately is super condescending and puts her down and makes her feel stupid for even thinking about this. He tells her how he would never put their life savings or their daughter's college fund in jeopardy for such a dumb idea. I mean her baking is more of a hobby than a career. Who would even buy her cakes? No. Just forget about it. Then through the book Mark and Jessica's bestie Bree kept getting caught having dinner and stuff and every time they have lied about being together and then said that it was because Mark was helping Bree with her finances. Which the first time okay...but then why not lean into that and tell Jessica when you are meeting for financial reasons? Even if it is a lie stick with it! Don't keep sneaking behind Jessica's back and then when you are caught again be all it is the finances! Bree didn't want me to tell you even though you already know! It was so dumb. Plus Mark yells at Jessica a lot and puts her down and tries to make her feel stupid for even thinking or doing different things. He was not good. Then we get to the end and the big secret of why Mark and Bree were hanging out so much was revealed...because they were getting some retail space for Jessica's new bakery! So she can sell her cakes!! Hooray! See all that horrible yelling, the condescension, the making your wife feel like shit is worth it if you surprise her afterward with something she wanted. I mean swoon am I right? I just...it really feels like we are supposed to be happy for her and it was so sweet what Mark did for her but seriously fuck that guy. If this is what people think is sweet well...it just shows how much shit women will put up with and are conditioned to think is okay. He was a horrible husband. Treating your wife like crap and then giving her something nice is kind of what abusive assholes do, though Mark doesn't apologize for his awful behavior because I guess putting your wife down all the time is totes okay.
That and who did it was fairly obvious (it was them or Mark and Bree and well it was hinting too much at Mark and Bree so I guessed it was the other people). The killers were like old-timey villains who would twirl their mustache while telling you their entire plan for no reason. Really I rolled my eyes a lot at this story when surprises were revealed. It definitely was not the book for me.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for a copy of this book
Okay. We Live Next Door was...it wasn't the worst book for the most part, but that ending was no. Not good. But before I get to that the rest of the story. First off the synopsis is not really accurate. Jessica has not always dreamed of moving back to her hometown where she grew up. She didn't check The Neighbor List first thing in the morning (or if she did it is not mentioned. The Neighbor List popped up between chapters but was barely mentioned that Jessica actually kept up on it except when she got the messages from it). There are not a ton of condolence messages after the lady everyone hated died. I mean she was the neighborhood curmudgeon. She complained about everything and made people's lives miserable. Most people were happy she was gone. When I went back and read the synopsis again it felt very misleading.
Okay so the actual story. Jessica moved back into the house she grew up in with her husband and daughter. Then her neighbor dies and she is sure that it was a murder not an accident like everyone else thinks. Why? I'm not really sure. She was walking her dog and something rattled in the bushes and she saw the lady in the window and that was enough to convince her of foul play! It just...I didn't really understand why Jessica was so convinced. And then we learn more things and she is convinced that another accidental death like 30 years early is too much of a coincidence for this death to be accidental too! I mean 2 accidental deaths 30 years apart is pretty suspicious....it was just kind of odd. And didn't really work for me. Of course the lady's son is an addict and everyone thinks he is weird so he obviously did it! Until he finds some evidence (which was a key to the park that only residents have and Jessica already knows that new guy doesn't have one and when she is all who is missing their key?!?! Whose could it be?!?! She never once thinks it could be new guy whom she knows does not have one...). The same day the son tells Jessica he found some evidence he is killed in a hit and run (which for some reason the cops want to rule a suicide? Not really sure why that makes sense...). So then it was like okay, yes, something is going on here. Or I could get behind Jessica thinking something was as finally there were things that weren't adding up.
All through this strange things are happening at home as well and Jessica's daughter keeps being injured in seemingly accidents. Which by the end were kind of obvious who was doing it (in the beginning I figured it was them as well, but by the end? Really obvious). And her husband Mark? Oh, he was horrible, but I think in the end I am supposed to think he is a good person somehow. Okay so here is one of my main issues with this book and why it has a one star rating - Mark. He was horrible and treated Jessica terribly. Towards the beginning of the book she shares that she was thinking about trying to open her own bakery and sell her cakes as she has some unique ideas and people would buy them. What does he say to this? Immediately is super condescending and puts her down and makes her feel stupid for even thinking about this. He tells her how he would never put their life savings or their daughter's college fund in jeopardy for such a dumb idea. I mean her baking is more of a hobby than a career. Who would even buy her cakes? No. Just forget about it. Then through the book Mark and Jessica's bestie Bree kept getting caught having dinner and stuff and every time they have lied about being together and then said that it was because Mark was helping Bree with her finances. Which the first time okay...but then why not lean into that and tell Jessica when you are meeting for financial reasons? Even if it is a lie stick with it! Don't keep sneaking behind Jessica's back and then when you are caught again be all it is the finances! Bree didn't want me to tell you even though you already know! It was so dumb. Plus Mark yells at Jessica a lot and puts her down and tries to make her feel stupid for even thinking or doing different things. He was not good. Then we get to the end and the big secret of why Mark and Bree were hanging out so much was revealed...because they were getting some retail space for Jessica's new bakery! So she can sell her cakes!! Hooray! See all that horrible yelling, the condescension, the making your wife feel like shit is worth it if you surprise her afterward with something she wanted. I mean swoon am I right? I just...it really feels like we are supposed to be happy for her and it was so sweet what Mark did for her but seriously fuck that guy. If this is what people think is sweet well...it just shows how much shit women will put up with and are conditioned to think is okay. He was a horrible husband. Treating your wife like crap and then giving her something nice is kind of what abusive assholes do, though Mark doesn't apologize for his awful behavior because I guess putting your wife down all the time is totes okay.
That and who did it was fairly obvious (it was them or Mark and Bree and well it was hinting too much at Mark and Bree so I guessed it was the other people). The killers were like old-timey villains who would twirl their mustache while telling you their entire plan for no reason. Really I rolled my eyes a lot at this story when surprises were revealed. It definitely was not the book for me.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for a copy of this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2021
A fun, clever and twisty read that makes you think about who lives around you and what might be happening in your neighborhood.
I felt the pace was a bit of a slow burn, but the story itself was entertaining and captivating. It is a nice light thriller if you are not looking for something to heavy and that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I want to thank NetGalley, Laura Wolfe and Bookouture for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
I felt the pace was a bit of a slow burn, but the story itself was entertaining and captivating. It is a nice light thriller if you are not looking for something to heavy and that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I want to thank NetGalley, Laura Wolfe and Bookouture for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
October 12, 2021
This book sounded like it was going to be great..
It just felt off to me the writing just didn't pull me in. And constant senerios of who did it from the main character were getting repetitive and boring.
I did finish this book..but it had no wow factor.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
It just felt off to me the writing just didn't pull me in. And constant senerios of who did it from the main character were getting repetitive and boring.
I did finish this book..but it had no wow factor.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
November 9, 2021
Is it wrong that I take such pleasure in watching lovely neighbourhoods shed their perfect image and reveal their true underbelly of murder and dastardly goings on?
We all know of the neighbourhood apps where people post everything from lost cats, local events and general busybody moaning. In this book it’s called The Neighbour List and Jessica the protagonist starts receiving some strange messages that then disappear, after the death of notorious resident moaner Barbara Draper.
With the police ruling it a tragic accident, Jessica is not so sure after witnessing things that didn’t seem quite right. Although her narration isn’t entirely reliable, she doesn’t trust her husband, her real estate friend Bree, her mother, babysitter or any of her neighbours. Except, rather conveniently, the new hunk on the street who has just moved in to refurbish and flip a house.
Moving back to her childhood house brings a familiarity to the neighbourhood and the neighbours that live there. However, maybe Jessica doesn’t know them as well as she thinks and that her own family isn’t so perfect either.
This is a classic whodunnit with a great cast of suspects and I had pegged nearly all of them at some point. There is just the right amount of sinister goings on and it has that almost horror movie quality where you are screaming at the protagonist not to be so stupid. Some good twists and one that I really wasn’t expecting were perfectly executed and changed my suspicions. Did I guess correctly? Well let’s just say I won’t be picking up a detective badge any time soon.
We all know of the neighbourhood apps where people post everything from lost cats, local events and general busybody moaning. In this book it’s called The Neighbour List and Jessica the protagonist starts receiving some strange messages that then disappear, after the death of notorious resident moaner Barbara Draper.
With the police ruling it a tragic accident, Jessica is not so sure after witnessing things that didn’t seem quite right. Although her narration isn’t entirely reliable, she doesn’t trust her husband, her real estate friend Bree, her mother, babysitter or any of her neighbours. Except, rather conveniently, the new hunk on the street who has just moved in to refurbish and flip a house.
Moving back to her childhood house brings a familiarity to the neighbourhood and the neighbours that live there. However, maybe Jessica doesn’t know them as well as she thinks and that her own family isn’t so perfect either.
This is a classic whodunnit with a great cast of suspects and I had pegged nearly all of them at some point. There is just the right amount of sinister goings on and it has that almost horror movie quality where you are screaming at the protagonist not to be so stupid. Some good twists and one that I really wasn’t expecting were perfectly executed and changed my suspicions. Did I guess correctly? Well let’s just say I won’t be picking up a detective badge any time soon.
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