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The Perfect Neighbour
Beth wants to love her new home on a quiet suburban street. She wishes she could make friends with her beautiful neighbour Oksana. She longs for a new group of friends. Welcoming neighbours to visit. Coffee dates and dinner parties.
But life here feels so closed. Then Beth runs into Oksana’s garden one day to fetch her runaway dog, and she sees something shocking that makes her wonder who her new neighbours really are.
A girl in the window.
A pale desperate face.
A hastily scribbled sign bearing only two words.
HELP ME.
Who is the girl? What are the neighbours hiding?
Sometimes, it’s the most perfect neighbours that hide the most terrible secrets.
But life here feels so closed. Then Beth runs into Oksana’s garden one day to fetch her runaway dog, and she sees something shocking that makes her wonder who her new neighbours really are.
A girl in the window.
A pale desperate face.
A hastily scribbled sign bearing only two words.
HELP ME.
Who is the girl? What are the neighbours hiding?
Sometimes, it’s the most perfect neighbours that hide the most terrible secrets.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2021
884 people are currently reading
1681 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
November 13, 2021
EXCERPT: After a few minutes of calling and listening, there's a scuffle a few feet away and Ruff appears, soaked through and muddy, his tail wagging furiously, his nose to the ground.
"Ruff, you rascal - come here! Come. I've got treats, come..." She doesn't have treats. That was another mistake. Or a lead. But she's here now and she must get him, or suffer the humiliation of being seen in this muddy and disheveled state. She ventures after him into the bushes.
"There you are."
Ruff looks up at her, his tail high, tongue hanging. He's panting with excitement. Dark earth is scattered around his mud-caked feet, the beginnings of a hole dangerously close to a well-tended shrub. He looks filthy - that's going to make things worse getting back over the fence.
"Come here, come!" She reaches for him, but he's too quick. He darts around her, trotting towards the house, dipping in and out of the flower beds. Cursing softly, she gives chase along the manicured lawn, keeping her head down, hoping there's nobody looking from the blank windows of the house. Her wellies make an odd flumping noise as she runs. She corners him by a low wall, and to her relief he surrenders and sits, his eyes full of guilt. She bends to gather him up. As she straightens, despite herself, her eyes are drawn towards the house.
Something's moving in a first-floor window. A young, white-faced girl, jumping and gesticulating, holds a sign against the window. She's trying to say something, her mouth wide with urgency.
The sign says, in big bold letters: HELP ME.
Beth is transfixed, staring upwards at the house while Ruff struggles in her arms. In the girl's eyes she sees despair, panic, hope. She knows, instinctively, that this is no teenage prank. She lifts her free hand in acknowledgment, turns and hurries back down the garden.
ABOUT 'THE PERFECT NEIGHBOUR': Beth wants to love her new home on a quiet suburban street. She wishes she could make friends with her beautiful neighbour Oksana. She longs for a new group of friends. Welcoming neighbours to visit. Coffee dates and dinner parties.
But life here feels so closed. Then Beth runs into Oksana’s garden one day to fetch her runaway dog, and she sees something shocking that makes her wonder who her new neighbours really are.
A girl in the window.
A pale desperate face.
A hastily scribbled sign bearing only two words.
HELP ME.
Who is the girl? What are the neighbours hiding?
Sometimes, it’s the most perfect neighbours that hide the most terrible secrets.
MY THOUGHTS: Why wouldn't you just call the police? Just pick up the phone and call them....
Sorry, but this book frustrated me. Beth was such a moron as far as taking action went. Other than her shillyshallying around, I liked her. But on with the book . . .
The Perfect Neighbour gets off to a slow start. It is told from the points of view of both Beth and Sofia. By the time I got to the extract above I was, quite frankly, bored. There is no mystery, no suspense.
While I applaud the author for tackling this very topical subject, this missed the mark for me. A very average read, and definitely not a psychological thriller.
⭐⭐.4
#ThePerfectNeighbour #NetGalley
#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama
THE AUTHOR: Thriller writer Susanna is fascinated by human relationships. She can be found people-watching wherever she goes, finding material for her writing. Despite the writer’s life, she has an adventurous streak and has swum with whale sharks in Australia, fallen down a crevasse in the French Alps and walked through the sewers of Brighton - not in that order.
Her passions include animals — particularly her dogs — walking in the countryside and tennis, which clears her brain of pretty much everything.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Perfect Neighbour by Susanna Beard for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
"Ruff, you rascal - come here! Come. I've got treats, come..." She doesn't have treats. That was another mistake. Or a lead. But she's here now and she must get him, or suffer the humiliation of being seen in this muddy and disheveled state. She ventures after him into the bushes.
"There you are."
Ruff looks up at her, his tail high, tongue hanging. He's panting with excitement. Dark earth is scattered around his mud-caked feet, the beginnings of a hole dangerously close to a well-tended shrub. He looks filthy - that's going to make things worse getting back over the fence.
"Come here, come!" She reaches for him, but he's too quick. He darts around her, trotting towards the house, dipping in and out of the flower beds. Cursing softly, she gives chase along the manicured lawn, keeping her head down, hoping there's nobody looking from the blank windows of the house. Her wellies make an odd flumping noise as she runs. She corners him by a low wall, and to her relief he surrenders and sits, his eyes full of guilt. She bends to gather him up. As she straightens, despite herself, her eyes are drawn towards the house.
Something's moving in a first-floor window. A young, white-faced girl, jumping and gesticulating, holds a sign against the window. She's trying to say something, her mouth wide with urgency.
The sign says, in big bold letters: HELP ME.
Beth is transfixed, staring upwards at the house while Ruff struggles in her arms. In the girl's eyes she sees despair, panic, hope. She knows, instinctively, that this is no teenage prank. She lifts her free hand in acknowledgment, turns and hurries back down the garden.
ABOUT 'THE PERFECT NEIGHBOUR': Beth wants to love her new home on a quiet suburban street. She wishes she could make friends with her beautiful neighbour Oksana. She longs for a new group of friends. Welcoming neighbours to visit. Coffee dates and dinner parties.
But life here feels so closed. Then Beth runs into Oksana’s garden one day to fetch her runaway dog, and she sees something shocking that makes her wonder who her new neighbours really are.
A girl in the window.
A pale desperate face.
A hastily scribbled sign bearing only two words.
HELP ME.
Who is the girl? What are the neighbours hiding?
Sometimes, it’s the most perfect neighbours that hide the most terrible secrets.
MY THOUGHTS: Why wouldn't you just call the police? Just pick up the phone and call them....
Sorry, but this book frustrated me. Beth was such a moron as far as taking action went. Other than her shillyshallying around, I liked her. But on with the book . . .
The Perfect Neighbour gets off to a slow start. It is told from the points of view of both Beth and Sofia. By the time I got to the extract above I was, quite frankly, bored. There is no mystery, no suspense.
While I applaud the author for tackling this very topical subject, this missed the mark for me. A very average read, and definitely not a psychological thriller.
⭐⭐.4
#ThePerfectNeighbour #NetGalley
#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama
THE AUTHOR: Thriller writer Susanna is fascinated by human relationships. She can be found people-watching wherever she goes, finding material for her writing. Despite the writer’s life, she has an adventurous streak and has swum with whale sharks in Australia, fallen down a crevasse in the French Alps and walked through the sewers of Brighton - not in that order.
Her passions include animals — particularly her dogs — walking in the countryside and tennis, which clears her brain of pretty much everything.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Perfect Neighbour by Susanna Beard for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 1, 2021
Just when I thought I'd had enough of books about a "perfect" anything and almost as many about a "neighbour/neighbor" - good, bad, perfect, upstairs, downstairs, etc. - up popped this one as a Read Now on Netgalley. Who was I to say no, especially when neighbour was spelled the way we Canadians spell it!
I'm not going to summarize the book because I think you're best going in blind and it would be too easy to give away a snippet of information that the whole book hinges on. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. Strangely enough, I think this is the third time recently that I've said that. I found the book easy to read with a nice flow and some interesting characters. The storyline was different from anything I've read before and there were many moments of tension. I would guess that the author did a lot of research for this book and it was nice to see her nod to the Salvation Army. This is the first Susanna Beard book that I've read but I'll definitely be looking at some of her previous novels.
Many thanks to Joffe Books via Netgalley for a chance to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. Although Goodreads lists the publication date as September 20, I believe it's actually September 30, 2021 which means I'm only one day late!
I'm not going to summarize the book because I think you're best going in blind and it would be too easy to give away a snippet of information that the whole book hinges on. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. Strangely enough, I think this is the third time recently that I've said that. I found the book easy to read with a nice flow and some interesting characters. The storyline was different from anything I've read before and there were many moments of tension. I would guess that the author did a lot of research for this book and it was nice to see her nod to the Salvation Army. This is the first Susanna Beard book that I've read but I'll definitely be looking at some of her previous novels.
Many thanks to Joffe Books via Netgalley for a chance to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. Although Goodreads lists the publication date as September 20, I believe it's actually September 30, 2021 which means I'm only one day late!
November 13, 2024
Still emotional even after I finished reading this. The story is a little too close to home. My mother worked as a domestic worker for a Russian woman many years ago and it was the worst job experience for her. The "madam" in my mother's story was verbally abusive, cruel and belittling. I would never understand why people like her exists. It was a traumatic environment for my mother and I don't think she'll ever forget those people. The world is unfair for some of us and I just hope time and fate will teach that Russian woman a lesson. I feel bad for all the maltreated helpers around the world and I pray that they will get the justice and equity they so deserve. No one is above anyone regardless of their social status or lifestyle, no one has the right to abuse or degrade a person just because they are considered poor and destitute.
So happy with the ending, bad people were punished and justice was served. I really liked this book because it focused on a significant issue, a crime that's been happening all over the world.
A really good novel. Can't wait to read another book from this author.
So happy with the ending, bad people were punished and justice was served. I really liked this book because it focused on a significant issue, a crime that's been happening all over the world.
A really good novel. Can't wait to read another book from this author.
September 20, 2021
And it is a quick 207 pages read
But it’s not bad, new neighbours in a posh exclusive street, a Louboutin wearing Russian neighbour and a girl seen waving a ‘help me’ sign from an upstairs attic, add a mysterious gardener ‘Matt’, a bit of investigating work from the new neighbour and Bob’s your Uncle
There is of course more to it, the story is told by Beth, new neighbour and the mysterious girl and it does quite quite tense in places
As with some of this type of read it could all be solved if the kidnapped girl had actually tried to do more to escape and speak to people who came to the house ( visitors etc ) and as for Matt the gardener his excuse for not doing anything, although valid in reality meant he would have done the opposite to nothing
Some good bits on a book club and Beth’s previous job as a bookseller are in the story although not relevant to it
I have to admit to not understanding the ending at first,well I understood it but not sure why it was the ending, I think after a few more reads I have ‘got it’
5/10
2.5 Stars
But it’s not bad, new neighbours in a posh exclusive street, a Louboutin wearing Russian neighbour and a girl seen waving a ‘help me’ sign from an upstairs attic, add a mysterious gardener ‘Matt’, a bit of investigating work from the new neighbour and Bob’s your Uncle
There is of course more to it, the story is told by Beth, new neighbour and the mysterious girl and it does quite quite tense in places
As with some of this type of read it could all be solved if the kidnapped girl had actually tried to do more to escape and speak to people who came to the house ( visitors etc ) and as for Matt the gardener his excuse for not doing anything, although valid in reality meant he would have done the opposite to nothing
Some good bits on a book club and Beth’s previous job as a bookseller are in the story although not relevant to it
I have to admit to not understanding the ending at first,well I understood it but not sure why it was the ending, I think after a few more reads I have ‘got it’
5/10
2.5 Stars
September 29, 2021
Beth wants to love her new home on a quiet suburban street. She wishes she could make friends with her beautiful neighbour Oksana. She longs for a new group of friends. Welcoming neighbours to visit. Coffee dates and dinner parties. But life here feels so closed. Then Beth runs into Oksana's garden one day to fetch her runaway dog, and she sees something shocking that makes her wonder who her neighbours really are.
No one really knows what goes on in their neighbours house. The story starts off quite strong, then it dragged for a bit in the middle, and the ending kind of let the book down. The story is told from Beth and Sophia's perspectives. Beth just wants to make friends with her new neighbours, but they're not all that she thought they were. This is a story of trafficking and modern day slavery. It's heart-breaking to learn what happens to the girls. This is quite a good read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SusannaBeard for my ARC of #ThePerfectNeighbour in exchange for an honest review.
No one really knows what goes on in their neighbours house. The story starts off quite strong, then it dragged for a bit in the middle, and the ending kind of let the book down. The story is told from Beth and Sophia's perspectives. Beth just wants to make friends with her new neighbours, but they're not all that she thought they were. This is a story of trafficking and modern day slavery. It's heart-breaking to learn what happens to the girls. This is quite a good read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SusannaBeard for my ARC of #ThePerfectNeighbour in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2021
I found this novel a page turner and an addictive read even though I probably guessed most of what was going to happen. Probably because it is a fairly quick read I found the fairly simple plot engaging and was keen to learn what was going to happen.
Beth moves into a new house and is keen to make friends with the neighbours but soon discovers that they may be difficult. The next door neighbour Oksana is far from hospitable and ignores Beth’s advances to make small talk. Oksana is a bit of a mystery figure to the locals and Beth’s attention is raised when she spots a young teenager in her neighbours window. The girl is holding a sign saying ‘Help me’.
I found this novel an entertaining read, not a classic but a page turner all the same.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Beth moves into a new house and is keen to make friends with the neighbours but soon discovers that they may be difficult. The next door neighbour Oksana is far from hospitable and ignores Beth’s advances to make small talk. Oksana is a bit of a mystery figure to the locals and Beth’s attention is raised when she spots a young teenager in her neighbours window. The girl is holding a sign saying ‘Help me’.
I found this novel an entertaining read, not a classic but a page turner all the same.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2021
The Perfect Neighbour is a compulsive and deeply insidious psychological thriller with a domestic edge that gets into your psyche, refuses to come out and illustrates that no matter how pristine the facade, behind the mask truly horrific events can be taking place. Beth and Adam are a married couple with two young children, Tom and Abigail, and have recently moved to the town of Kingston near Reading for a fresh start away from gossipers, busybodies and altogether annoying members of their old community; the family are soon joined by their recently acquired pet pooch Ruff. They move into an affluent, prim and proper area of the suburbs, but while trying to settle in, Beth realises she misses her friends, family and the familiarity of their old home and neighbourhood and decides to make an effort to make friends with some of the neighbours to lighten the load, so at least she has some female company to vent to about life. She starts by introducing herself to those who live right next door, but they come off as immediately guarded and very much as though they have secrets they wish to keep hidden because they strangely maintain a religiously controlled level of privacy at all times, something that makes Beth suspicious of them. This in turn drives her to want to snoop around for any clues as to why they are behaving this way, but she is aware that if she's caught it could damage their friendship before it's even gotten off the ground and cause a lack of trust between themselves and those they live in closest proximity to.
But one day, thanks to Ruff’s daring escape escapades she ventures onto the neighbours land and is startled to find a sinister and unsettling secret. Meanwhile, we are also introduced to Bulgarian immigrant Sofia who had been trafficked across Europe by a gang of human traffickers until she reached her destination here in the upmarket part of town. It is here she was put to work, treated like a slave and indoctrinated into years of domestic servitude for a family that doesn't even appreciate her help. It's coming up to 2 years in that dire situation, and she has come to the conclusion that she must get out now no matter what it takes because time is running out. Will she manage to free herself from confines no one should be in or is she destined to fulfil the role of a slave forever? This is a compelling, engrossing and compulsively readable thriller that may sound like every other domestic drama on the market, but I was surprised that it brought up heavy real-world issues that you could say have been ripped from the headlines, however, despite the prevalence of human trafficking for both sexual or work-related purposes it is never an issue that really gets a lot of attention, or at least as much as it should in the media. Beard has certainly done her research, and the despair and emotional wreck Sofia has become since being trafficked from a less developed Balkan country feels authentic and moves you. It's fast-paced, full of twists, turns, toxicity and dark secrets, and it is a lot more gritty than Beard’s previous crime fiction. Highly recommended.
But one day, thanks to Ruff’s daring escape escapades she ventures onto the neighbours land and is startled to find a sinister and unsettling secret. Meanwhile, we are also introduced to Bulgarian immigrant Sofia who had been trafficked across Europe by a gang of human traffickers until she reached her destination here in the upmarket part of town. It is here she was put to work, treated like a slave and indoctrinated into years of domestic servitude for a family that doesn't even appreciate her help. It's coming up to 2 years in that dire situation, and she has come to the conclusion that she must get out now no matter what it takes because time is running out. Will she manage to free herself from confines no one should be in or is she destined to fulfil the role of a slave forever? This is a compelling, engrossing and compulsively readable thriller that may sound like every other domestic drama on the market, but I was surprised that it brought up heavy real-world issues that you could say have been ripped from the headlines, however, despite the prevalence of human trafficking for both sexual or work-related purposes it is never an issue that really gets a lot of attention, or at least as much as it should in the media. Beard has certainly done her research, and the despair and emotional wreck Sofia has become since being trafficked from a less developed Balkan country feels authentic and moves you. It's fast-paced, full of twists, turns, toxicity and dark secrets, and it is a lot more gritty than Beard’s previous crime fiction. Highly recommended.
September 24, 2021
This was a good book but, in the middle it slowed down and dragged. Then towards the end it picked up again. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 18, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Beth and her family have moved from London to a nice neighborhood in the suburbs, but is finding it difficult to find friends. She has no job and decides to get a dog. One day her dog escapes into her secretive neighbors' garden and she sees a young girl, Sofia, in a window with a sign asking for help. She goes to the police but they can't do anything without solid proof.
The story is told from both Beth's and Sofia's pov
and we find out Sofia is being held captive by the neighbors, working up to fifteen hours per day, without food, pay or access to other people and the outside. She' s a prisoner.
I liked both characters and felt terribly sorry for Sofia. The story is very tense, the efforts Sofia makes to free herself had me on the edge of my seat. The ending was uplifting though and I was very impressed with the involvement of the Salvation Army and their efforts to help people who are trafficked and treated worse than animals.
I have now read 4 of Susanna Beard's books and enjoyed every single one of them. Definitely recommended!
Beth and her family have moved from London to a nice neighborhood in the suburbs, but is finding it difficult to find friends. She has no job and decides to get a dog. One day her dog escapes into her secretive neighbors' garden and she sees a young girl, Sofia, in a window with a sign asking for help. She goes to the police but they can't do anything without solid proof.
The story is told from both Beth's and Sofia's pov
and we find out Sofia is being held captive by the neighbors, working up to fifteen hours per day, without food, pay or access to other people and the outside. She' s a prisoner.
I liked both characters and felt terribly sorry for Sofia. The story is very tense, the efforts Sofia makes to free herself had me on the edge of my seat. The ending was uplifting though and I was very impressed with the involvement of the Salvation Army and their efforts to help people who are trafficked and treated worse than animals.
I have now read 4 of Susanna Beard's books and enjoyed every single one of them. Definitely recommended!
September 20, 2021
This one was just not for me. The snail pace of the story the lack of mystery and true element of any kind of surprise was just ahhh so disappointing and slightly painful. I truuuuly dislike being such a negative reviewer but I must speak my truth and my truth is this book was a big nope.
It is told in two point of views. Sofia, a girl who is miserable and a cleaning slave to a ritzy couple. Then there is Beth who just moved into the neighborhood and is trying to adjust to the new atmosphere that isn’t as friendly as her previous home in London. She sees Sofia one day in the window holding a help me sign and is floored.
That’s it. That’s the story. Add in how it ends and that would give you the entire story that was just overly fluffed. Negative Nancy here on this one to suggest to the avid mystery thriller readers to skip over this one. Eek.
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
It is told in two point of views. Sofia, a girl who is miserable and a cleaning slave to a ritzy couple. Then there is Beth who just moved into the neighborhood and is trying to adjust to the new atmosphere that isn’t as friendly as her previous home in London. She sees Sofia one day in the window holding a help me sign and is floored.
That’s it. That’s the story. Add in how it ends and that would give you the entire story that was just overly fluffed. Negative Nancy here on this one to suggest to the avid mystery thriller readers to skip over this one. Eek.
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2021
I received a free e-copy of The Perfect Neighbour by Susanna Beard from NetGalley for my honest review.
A tragic story that is told by the perspective of two main characters. Beth, a housewife and mother who is lonely and is need of friends. Then there is Sophia, who is a victim of domestic slavery. Sophia and Beth live next door to one another. But Beth has no idea what is really happing in the house next door. The house where the neighbors seem so perfect.
This is a heartbreaking and somewhat dark story of a young woman who planned a trip to the UK, in search of work, but the trip took an horrible turn of events that led her to where she is now.
A tragic story that is told by the perspective of two main characters. Beth, a housewife and mother who is lonely and is need of friends. Then there is Sophia, who is a victim of domestic slavery. Sophia and Beth live next door to one another. But Beth has no idea what is really happing in the house next door. The house where the neighbors seem so perfect.
This is a heartbreaking and somewhat dark story of a young woman who planned a trip to the UK, in search of work, but the trip took an horrible turn of events that led her to where she is now.
October 4, 2021
Being new to the neighborhood, Beth is anxious to meet her new neighbors. Throwing a welcoming party, she meets several people she hopes who will become her friends. One of these is Oksana who lives directly next door.
Beth runs into Oksana’s garden one day to fetch her runaway dog, and she sees something shocking that makes her wonder who her new neighbors really are.
A young girl in the upstairs window holding a hand-written sign .. HELP ME.
How well do you know your neighbors? For the most part, we only see what they want us to see. Sometimes, it’s the most perfect neighbors that hide the most terrible secrets.
Suspenseful from start to finish, there are twists and turns that rival a carnival ride. The plot is thought-provoking and the author has handled the issues buried in the story line with aplomb. Characters are solidly drawn. This one is a real page-turner.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Book n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Beth runs into Oksana’s garden one day to fetch her runaway dog, and she sees something shocking that makes her wonder who her new neighbors really are.
A young girl in the upstairs window holding a hand-written sign .. HELP ME.
How well do you know your neighbors? For the most part, we only see what they want us to see. Sometimes, it’s the most perfect neighbors that hide the most terrible secrets.
Suspenseful from start to finish, there are twists and turns that rival a carnival ride. The plot is thought-provoking and the author has handled the issues buried in the story line with aplomb. Characters are solidly drawn. This one is a real page-turner.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Book n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 19, 2021
Well this was interesting, what a unique plot - haven't read anything like this before. It was an easy read, completed in one session as wanted to know how it ended. I have a few questions which weren't answered in the end - but not a big deal.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
January 14, 2022
Honestly- meh!! I’m so sad because this book had such potential! The storyline is amazing but it just wasn’t done properly! I found myself actually skipping through pages because they were so irrelevant and mundane. I found the first half really gripping but it just went downhill after that.
The ending was also very bland and disappointing- where’s the substance 😭
The ending was also very bland and disappointing- where’s the substance 😭
September 30, 2021
I have enjoyed several of this author’s novels, and I really think this is her best yet!
Beth and her family have moved from London to a new home outwith the city limits. Settling in the new neighbourhood is very different with detached houses, high hedges, fences and intercom access. With her husband happy in his new job and the children settling in their new schools, Beth is desperate to make friends of her own. Her beautiful neighbour, Oksana, would be the obvious beginning but the Russian is not exactly welcoming. Creeping into the next door garden one day to bring back her wayward puppy, Beth sees something which unsettles her – a pale-faced girl at the window with a sign pleading for help. What kind of a neighbourhood is this that they have moved to?
This starts off as a tale of two women and develops from there, having grabbed the reader’s attention. I can’t imagine it was an easy story to write and the author handles it perfectly, turning what must have been carefully researched information into an amazing, riveting read which is unputdownable. There are several characters of note in this one and Susanna Beard has developed each one into a really believable person you would expect to meet in any walk of life. Skilfully crafted and beautifully written, this is a story which will stay with me. Highly recommended and easily commanding a full house of stars.
Beth and her family have moved from London to a new home outwith the city limits. Settling in the new neighbourhood is very different with detached houses, high hedges, fences and intercom access. With her husband happy in his new job and the children settling in their new schools, Beth is desperate to make friends of her own. Her beautiful neighbour, Oksana, would be the obvious beginning but the Russian is not exactly welcoming. Creeping into the next door garden one day to bring back her wayward puppy, Beth sees something which unsettles her – a pale-faced girl at the window with a sign pleading for help. What kind of a neighbourhood is this that they have moved to?
This starts off as a tale of two women and develops from there, having grabbed the reader’s attention. I can’t imagine it was an easy story to write and the author handles it perfectly, turning what must have been carefully researched information into an amazing, riveting read which is unputdownable. There are several characters of note in this one and Susanna Beard has developed each one into a really believable person you would expect to meet in any walk of life. Skilfully crafted and beautifully written, this is a story which will stay with me. Highly recommended and easily commanding a full house of stars.
October 16, 2021
the Perfect Neighbour by Susanna Beard
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The book is told from different points of view. Sofia tells her story and Beth tells hers.
The beginning of the story is a bit slow but about halfway it really picks up and compelled me to continue reading until the end, in one sitting.
I really enjoyed the wondering of what would happen to Sofia.
Learning about who lived with Sofia, and learning about Beth and her own family, was quite the journey. An enjoyable page turner.
A nice way to spend an afternoon for sure.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The book is told from different points of view. Sofia tells her story and Beth tells hers.
The beginning of the story is a bit slow but about halfway it really picks up and compelled me to continue reading until the end, in one sitting.
I really enjoyed the wondering of what would happen to Sofia.
Learning about who lived with Sofia, and learning about Beth and her own family, was quite the journey. An enjoyable page turner.
A nice way to spend an afternoon for sure.
October 7, 2021
I really wanted to like this book. However the first 70% can be found.I'm the description. It finally got interesting over halfway in but ultimately was a let down. So much potential but just didn't do it for me.
November 1, 2021
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This was my first book by Susanna Beard and I thought it was really good. It was a great psychological thriller. It was a short, quick read. I enjoyed the way the chapters switched back and forth between Beth and Sofia. I will mention the trigger warnings for human trafficking and abuse. At times it was difficult to read about it because unfortunately we live in a world where these horrible things do exist. The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars is because I expected a more exciting ending. I feel as though the book’s ending was satisfying to a point, but I just expected something bigger to happen…I was waiting for a big “omg moment” but it never really happened. Overall though I still definitely recommend this book which was just released on 9/30/21.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2021
Thank you Netgalley, Joffe Books, and Author Susanna Beard for this ARC.
This insidious domestic thriller delves into our everyday lives and flips it all on its head in a dark and suspenseful way. What would you do if you'd just moved into a new house, in a new, posh neighborhood, and see someone in one of your neighbor's houses holding up a sign that says 'HELP ME'? Yikes!
This was quite the page turner and is filled with dark secrets.
This insidious domestic thriller delves into our everyday lives and flips it all on its head in a dark and suspenseful way. What would you do if you'd just moved into a new house, in a new, posh neighborhood, and see someone in one of your neighbor's houses holding up a sign that says 'HELP ME'? Yikes!
This was quite the page turner and is filled with dark secrets.
October 24, 2021
Special thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for sending me an ARC. #THEPERFECTNEIGHBOR #NetGalley
This story follows the trope of "woman witnesses something bad happening at a neighbor's home and sticks her nose into their business". However, while the start of the book was intriguing - gripping us with two separate points of view, a woman who has just moved to the neighborhood with her family and a young girl who is being held captive as a maid/slave. The story very quickly loses its pace once the characters and their backstories are established.
A lot of time is wasted on describing the main character's interactions with her new dog, thinking about her dog, and talking about her dog. While it is because of the dog that she initially "witnesses the thing", the dog really did not need so much page time and exposition. It dragged the pacing. Another thing that I would have cut is the amount of time and attention given to the main character starting a book club in the neighborhood. I just couldn't find a reason to care about it. I just feel like once the main character saw the girl being held captive next door, the rest of the book should have picked up the pace instead of slowing down. It should have been focused on this girl and saving her.
The only real obstacle the main character faced was that the police wouldn't do anything when she contacted them. And she just kept checking back in every few chapters like, "Hey, just wanted to know if you investigated the girl next door who looks like she'd being held against her will? No? Ok? I'll check back tomorrow then, byeeee."
Which brings me to the amount of time spent on the ending. Without spoiling anything, I have to say that I disliked that the "justice" happened off-screen. The reader never really gets closure. It's like the bad guy never faces those consequences that the reader deserves to see them face after sticking it out to see justice served. Truthfully, the ending was one of the main reasons for my low rating. I wanted that final confrontation and I never got it. Instead, that time was spent describing the dog. Ridiculous.
This story follows the trope of "woman witnesses something bad happening at a neighbor's home and sticks her nose into their business". However, while the start of the book was intriguing - gripping us with two separate points of view, a woman who has just moved to the neighborhood with her family and a young girl who is being held captive as a maid/slave. The story very quickly loses its pace once the characters and their backstories are established.
A lot of time is wasted on describing the main character's interactions with her new dog, thinking about her dog, and talking about her dog. While it is because of the dog that she initially "witnesses the thing", the dog really did not need so much page time and exposition. It dragged the pacing. Another thing that I would have cut is the amount of time and attention given to the main character starting a book club in the neighborhood. I just couldn't find a reason to care about it. I just feel like once the main character saw the girl being held captive next door, the rest of the book should have picked up the pace instead of slowing down. It should have been focused on this girl and saving her.
The only real obstacle the main character faced was that the police wouldn't do anything when she contacted them. And she just kept checking back in every few chapters like, "Hey, just wanted to know if you investigated the girl next door who looks like she'd being held against her will? No? Ok? I'll check back tomorrow then, byeeee."
Which brings me to the amount of time spent on the ending. Without spoiling anything, I have to say that I disliked that the "justice" happened off-screen. The reader never really gets closure. It's like the bad guy never faces those consequences that the reader deserves to see them face after sticking it out to see justice served. Truthfully, the ending was one of the main reasons for my low rating. I wanted that final confrontation and I never got it. Instead, that time was spent describing the dog. Ridiculous.
January 7, 2022
42% in I could not take it to read any further. Looking at the reviews confirmed what I thought would happen (such a predictable and anti-climactic ending) and not the writing, not the story was captivating enough to push my completist buttons to finish it. I could not gain the time back, so on the 'did not finish' shelf it goes.
September 26, 2023
*Audiobook
3.5/5 rounded up
The takeaway from this one is “We really never know what is going on in other people’s lives.” It’s a good message but definitely went a long round about way to get to it.
This book had a cool premise, at times it sort of reminded me of Cinderalla, but with human trafficking/modern slavery rather than a wicked step mother / step daughter relationship.
Overall, this one was just ok for me. I still recommend it but I think it was a little longer than it needed to be (or maybe not because I just realized it was only 260 pages!), it was really repetitive and slow. It felt a bit disjointed at times.
I did like the main character and was rooting for her the entire time. The author did a nice job of making you feel sorry for her but not in a way where you’d think she’s weak. I also liked Beth and her determination. I think the dog might’ve been my favorite character.
I really liked how towards the end there was a nod to the important work that the Salvation Army does. I honestly didn’t know much about them and how significant their impact is around the world.
3.5/5 rounded up
The takeaway from this one is “We really never know what is going on in other people’s lives.” It’s a good message but definitely went a long round about way to get to it.
This book had a cool premise, at times it sort of reminded me of Cinderalla, but with human trafficking/modern slavery rather than a wicked step mother / step daughter relationship.
Overall, this one was just ok for me. I still recommend it but I think it was a little longer than it needed to be (or maybe not because I just realized it was only 260 pages!), it was really repetitive and slow. It felt a bit disjointed at times.
I did like the main character and was rooting for her the entire time. The author did a nice job of making you feel sorry for her but not in a way where you’d think she’s weak. I also liked Beth and her determination. I think the dog might’ve been my favorite character.
I really liked how towards the end there was a nod to the important work that the Salvation Army does. I honestly didn’t know much about them and how significant their impact is around the world.
March 27, 2023
I started this book more than a year ago but sadly it got pushed aside. Once I picked it back up, I finished it in a day! This was a storyline like no other that I've read in a suspense-thriller! It dove into a pretty dark subject matter but on the flipside it showed how important it is to say something if you see something. This book had a nice flow although some parts were over explained and some a little jumpy but by the end of the book, it all came together. I found the ending somewhat predictible but loved the journey! Sophia's charachter was one of strength and determination and I admired her resolve to keep herself in the present and pursuing every oportunity to better her situation. I appreciated the author's note explaining her research into this novel and look forward to reading more of her work. Thank you @netgalley & Joffe Books for this eArc
October 8, 2024
I liked the character of Beth in this one, she seemed very real to me and her actions sensible. Adam was a bit flat but then he wasn't in it that much and I found Matt questionable - so laser-focused on his sister he allowed Sofia to suffer. It seems strange that the couple allowed him to be in if he wasn't totally vetted but. And the title was not great. I'm not sure what would have been better - maybe something about the neighbourhood itself. I also appreciated that the ending took a bit of time to play out the situation, so many of these books end abruptly at the climax, this took the time to wind things down and explain.
April 9, 2022
Thrilling and poignant
October 28, 2021
While this book had a great storyline. Perfect for a book. The scary thing is these things happen in real life and people never really know there neighbours.
The book was exciting. Lots of twists and turns. Lost hope feeling Sofia would be held there forever.
It was very well written. Had me hooked from the beginning. Interesting mix of characters.
The book was exciting. Lots of twists and turns. Lost hope feeling Sofia would be held there forever.
It was very well written. Had me hooked from the beginning. Interesting mix of characters.
July 27, 2024
Ich mag Thriller lieber, wenn es Plot-Twists gibt. Trotzdem bin ich irgendwie dran geblieben. Das perfekte Happy End in jeglicher Hinsicht war mir dann aber auch ein bisschen unrealistisch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2021
Beth’s suspicions are heightened when she spots a young girl holding a ‘help me’ sign outside the window of her outrageously wealth neighbours house. Classed as a psychological thriller, Beard’s novel - standing at 207 pages - made for a quick, if not somewhat spooky, read.
Though the plot was certainly intriguing, I did find ‘The Perfect Neighbour’ somewhat lacking in its delivery. Everything was solved straightforwardly - there were no real mystery elements to the novel, no grand reveals; you knew who was good and who was bad from the beginning, and I wished there had been a little more of the surprise element to it for that is what I enjoy most with novels of this genre. I felt as though the book was very tell not show, there was almost a lack of subtlety to the writing which prevented me being able to give it the higher rating.
I would like to have seen more fleshing out of the characters for each seemed very one dimensional, only created to aid in the central plot.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review <3
Though the plot was certainly intriguing, I did find ‘The Perfect Neighbour’ somewhat lacking in its delivery. Everything was solved straightforwardly - there were no real mystery elements to the novel, no grand reveals; you knew who was good and who was bad from the beginning, and I wished there had been a little more of the surprise element to it for that is what I enjoy most with novels of this genre. I felt as though the book was very tell not show, there was almost a lack of subtlety to the writing which prevented me being able to give it the higher rating.
I would like to have seen more fleshing out of the characters for each seemed very one dimensional, only created to aid in the central plot.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review <3
September 28, 2021
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced ebook to review.
An enjoyable enough read with an interesting story, but I wouldn't describe it as a psychological thriller, as we pretty much know what the book is about from the get go! I felt more could have been given to us in the ending too.
An enjoyable enough read with an interesting story, but I wouldn't describe it as a psychological thriller, as we pretty much know what the book is about from the get go! I felt more could have been given to us in the ending too.
September 18, 2021
Starts off well,building up the tension,then hits a point that pushes it up higher.
That's where it peaked for me,as the ending seemed a bit simple.
Enjoyable.
That's where it peaked for me,as the ending seemed a bit simple.
Enjoyable.
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