I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

How did I not read this book sooner? Wow is all I can say. I loved it. Loved the twists. Loved the red herring. Loved all the times I thought I knew what was happening but really didn't. I can't wait to read more from this author now.

I had the privilege of delving into an advanced reader copy of "The Mother Next Door" by Tara Laskowski, and I can confidently say that this domestic thriller is a compelling exploration of secrets, lies, and the seemingly idyllic lives of suburban mothers.

Set in the peaceful neighborhood of Wolf Ridge, the story revolves around the lives of three mothers: Grace, Jules, and Faire. On the surface, they appear to be leading charmed lives, filled with coffee dates, playdates, and the illusion of harmonious family dynamics. However, as the narrative unfolds, we begin to unravel the layers of deception, hidden struggles, and the ominous secrets that lie beneath the veneer of domestic tranquility.

Tara Laskowski skillfully crafts her characters, making them intricate and multifaceted. Grace, Jules, and Faire are convincingly portrayed, each with her unique voice and personal struggles. Their intertwining narratives provide a rich tapestry of perspectives, immersing the reader in their individual experiences, regrets, and fears.

The narrative is steeped in suspense, as Laskowski peels away the layers of each character's life, gradually revealing the unsettling underbelly of their relationships. The author explores the timeless theme of appearances being deceiving, taking it to new and disturbing heights, resulting in a narrative that leaves you guessing and questioning the characters' motives and actions.

"The Mother Next Door" is a tense, character-driven thriller that masterfully explores the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and the dark undercurrents of suburban life. Laskowski keeps readers engaged with her skillful prose and steadily building tension.

While the novel offers an enthralling experience, some may find the multiple perspectives and timelines a bit challenging to keep track of. However, this narrative structure enhances the suspense and intrigue, adding depth to the story.

In conclusion, "The Mother Next Door" is a taut domestic thriller that will captivate readers who appreciate intricately woven narratives and suspenseful storytelling. Tara Laskowski expertly navigates the secrets and lies that fester in the heart of suburbia, making this novel a captivating and thought-provoking read.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to this engrossing advanced reader copy of "The Mother Next Door."

Sent to me for review from Netgalley on Kindle, this book was a slow read. The characters are not likeable and the story takes forever to get to the point. Some readers might like this type of book about a group of women with secrets.

This one certainly kept me on my toes, with the alternating POV chapters and the present and past storylines. Add in a spooky Halloween party and you have a very fine thriller by Ms. Laskowski. The book includes a pretty big list of characters, most of which have secrets that will all be revealed by the end of the book. This one was so well written and interesting, I had a hard time putting it down. Highly recommend this to any thriller lover.

Average thriller, but above average Halloween spirit. If you need a thriller to get you read for Halloween, look no further! A mix between Desperate Housewives and Mean Girls. Spooky and entertaining!

The Mother Next Door is a phenomenal thriller from start to finish. Filled to the brim with twists and a captivating plot, this one is sure to keep readers hooked. The characters are well-developed. The story is incredibly fast-paced. This is one not to be missed! Highly recommended! Be sure to check out The Mother Next Door asap.

A little late to the party but I love the plot twists and surprises in this book. Reminds me of a few moms I used to know back in the day.....

Ooh time goes by and if i don't write the review right away...sigh. I'm trying to be better. The best i can do right now is give a star count...

What a deliciously twisted tale this was! It’s like a Gossip Girl domestic suspense thriller meets Real Housewives! I love the first person perspective alternating chapters between multiple characters and the way they interact with each other. The flashbacks added so much to the storyline!

I tried about 20% of this one but it just wasn't working for me- after talking with some trusted sources, I don't think this book is for me.

This is a book I wish I had read around Halloween but it didn’t take away from the story. Full of drama and gave me Desperate Housewives vibes. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to more from this author.

Ivy Woods Drive is the "in" place to live. Every year at Halloween the residents throw a killer block party that everyone in town is invited to. Theresa and her husband are new to the neighborhood and are hoping to fit in by helping with this year's party planning and decorating. The four other women that live on the block are very close and are found whispering often among themselves. Can Theresa wiggle her way into the tight-knit group and discover their secret or will she always be an outsider?

This well-written thriller is perfect for a spooky Halloween read! It is told from many points of view and often jumps between the past and present which builds up the suspense. It is an easy, fast read, and very engaging. I thought the characters were relatable and their stories were enlightening. I also liked how everyone was connected at the end, even Theresa.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

It is not often I find a domestic suspense novel that I enjoy as much as I enjoyed The Mother Next Door. This was such a compelling read that perfectly balanced the suspense of the present Halloween block party with flashbacks to the past where secrets are slowly unveiled. The block party is being thrown by the exclusive friend group, known as the Ivy Five, who are being threatened by a mysterious someone who is warning them that all their secrets are about to be released. Compounding this stress is that the Ivy Five have only been four members for the past few years and they have recently reached out to the newest person in town to potentially join in. And it wouldn’t be a domestic suspense without this person also bringing in their own secrets.

I enjoyed this read. I liked the various POV, and the secret narrator tied was a nice touch. The big reveal was interesting and was worth reading to the end.

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

DNF - Did not finish. I did not connect with the writing style or plot and will not be finishing this title. Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher for the early copy!

Maybe I am reading to many suburban psychological suspense books lately but I could not get into this one. The moms were quite boring and nothing much seems to happen. There was not drama pulling me in. It all felt very bland.

What a wild and suspenseful ride! Perfect for fans of Desperate Housewives. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

GOOD MOTHERS…
Never show their feelings.
Never spill their secrets.
Never admit to murder.

The annual Halloween block party is the pinnacle of the year on idyllic suburban cul-de-sac Ivy Woods Drive. An influential group of neighborhood moms—known as the Ivy Five—plans the event for months.

Except the Ivy Five has been four for a long time.

When a new mother moves to town, eager to fit in, the moms see it as an opportunity to make the group whole again. This year’s block party should be the best yet... until the women start receiving anonymous messages threatening to expose the quiet neighborhood’s dark past—and the lengths they’ve gone to hide it.

As secrets seep out and the threats intensify, the Ivy Five must sort the loyal from the disloyal, the good from the bad. They’ll do anything to protect their families. But when a twisted plot is revealed, with dangerous consequences, their steady foundation begins to crumble, leaving only one certainty: after this year’s block party, Ivy Woods Drive will never be the same.

From award-winning author Tara Laskowski, The Mother Next Door is an atmospheric novel of domestic suspense in which the strive for perfection ends in murder…

The story was entertaining with a new mother wanting to fit in with the Ivey Five group of mothers, But secrets abounded within them. The story was predictable in some ways, but was slow and quite formulaic. I wanted a bit more pizzazz in the prose. A good read.