There were many twists and turns throughout the book that will leave you surprised. The book goes back and forth between present time and 15 years earlier. There were many different characters in the story which can sometimes be confusing.

Thw novel centers around a neighborhood and a neighborhood book club. From there, the novels takes some twists that include accusations, vandalism, and even murder. I found the first half engaging and found myself wanting the novel to end before it actually did. Sadly, it didn't continue to hold my interest.

A twisty domestic thriller where everyone has a deeply held secret. The drama unfolds between neighbors who attend a book club together. The story slowly gives us hints at what happened fifteen years ago. When the explosive secrets come out you will be shocked. I enjoyed this book.

I loved the cover and the owner.very suspenseful. I loved that there was a book club. It starts with a vandalism scandal. The vandalism helps Annie and Lena get closer. I didn't like some parts.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Neighbor's Secret.

I was intrigued by the premise and excited when my request was approved but sadly, this didn't live up to my expectations.

There are many characters, family drama, and random flashbacks that muddy up the narrative, which is plodding and uninteresting.

The writing is good, but this is one of those novels that focuses on the family hijinks of each family, while slowly dropping tidbits of a shocking secret from the past and sprinkling red herrings and jokes and drama before finally getting to the end and the big reveal.

I didn't like anyone or empathize with anyone; I didn't care about their secrets or who did what to whom.

In other words, the juice isn't worth the squeeze.

How well do you really know your neighbors?

With its sprawling yards and excellent schools, Cottonwood Estates is the perfect place to raise children. The Cottonwood Book Club serves as the subdivision’s eyes and ears, meeting once a month for discussion, gossip, and cocktails. If their selections trend toward twisty thrillers and salacious murder mysteries, it’s only because the members feel secure that such evil has no place in their own cul-de-sacs.

Or does it?

What happened to Lena’s family fifteen years ago was a tragic accident, and she will never admit otherwise. A devoted wife and mother Annie refuses to acknowledge—even to herself—the weight of a past shame. And new resident Jen wants friends, but as always, worry about her troubled son gets in the way.

When late-night acts of vandalism target the women of the book club in increasingly violent and personal ways, they will be forced to decide how far to go to keep their secrets. At least they all agree on what’s most important: protecting their children at any cost—even if it means someone has to die.

I started the book, but it seemed to jump back 15 years, then add all the people and my mind was overloaded.. I did continue, and it just never went anywhere, Needed to shake my head at the big secret . Yes, I did finish..
As I said, just too much,

This was a terrific unputdownable book.So well written characters that come alive a story that kept me guessing till the end.I will be recommending this to everyone looking for a witty tense read.#netgalley#flatironbooks

Thank you to both NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing me an advance copy of L. Alison Heller’s suspense novel, The Neighbor’s Secret, in exchange for an honest review.

I do not understand the hype or numerous four-star ratings for this novel, so perhaps it is me. The Neighbor’s Secret is billed as a “propulsive and juicy novel…filled with twists.” It is certainly none of the above, and, in fact, is quite the opposite.

Aside from the truly bizarre display of character insight (e.g., characters internally recapping events and telling themselves they are funny, etc.), reading the first several chapters was akin to having my brain scrubbed with sandpaper; never mind the trite plotline. I do not see the appeal of the characters, the writing, or the climax.

In short, I cannot recommend this novel. I am clearly in the minority here, so it may be best for an intrigued reader to check it out for themselves.

I thoroughly enjoy suburban domestic thrillers. If you are a fan of Big Little Lies, you’ll love this as well. You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors and neither do your neighbors. This was a great read and I really appreciated the character development.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read! The Neighbor's Secret keeps you guessing through every chapter, which neighbor is it with the secret to keep??? Full of mystery and surprising twists, I couldn't put this one down! Thanks to author L. Alison Heller and Net Galley for the arc!

Based on the prepublication promotional material and several ARC reviews, I looked forward to reading this “…propulsive and juicy novel filled with gripping twists…” I was disappointed for the following reasons.

First, I never felt emotionally engaged with the characters – more that I was observing them from a distance and not invested in all the action and relationships. The character’s backstories were worthy of compassion and empathy, but in an academic sense not a personal, human relatable way. In other words, the writing felt flat.

Next, the book moves back and forth between the present and fifteen years ago when a tragic accident occurs and leads to multiple secrets being held. When skillfully executed, this time sequencing often adds depth and interest to a story. Unfortunately, in this novel, I experienced a disjointed quality. The flashbacks were very short and provided tidbits of the past events to build suspense, but lacked enough detail to really build tension. In addition, there were seemingly random first person narrative statements that, again, seemed intended to add drama and suspense, but as a literary device they felt out of place and disconnected.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I was able to identify several “surprise twists” midway through the book. Consequently, I did not find this a taut psychological thriller as I had anticipated.

My thanks to the author, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Great book with an interesting and engaging plot. It was a bit long but wonderful all throughout the story. Some of the twists will take you by surprise.

After Big Little Lies, I remember I had a lot of friends that devoured it, but were asking what could they read next that had the same vibe! Well, I am thrilled to say The Neighbor’s Secret is the book you have all been waiting for!!!

The Neighbor’s Secret centers around a monthly ladies book club in a picturesque suburban neighborhood. The women enjoy specialty drinks as they discuss their book club selection (as well as gossip about one another)! The one thing that is true about this quiet, well-to-do neighborhood is that there seems to be buried secrets around every corner!

I could not put this book down! I immediately connected with L. Alison Heller’s writing style and I was hooked from there! The character development was superb, I felt as though I knew these characters in real life—LOVE THAT! When I was a quarter of the way finished, I looked L. Alison Heller up on Amazon because everything she had perviously written was going on my TBR list! I highly recommend everyone read The Neighbor’s Secret—this is most definitely a novel you will not want to miss!

A slow burn story that is heavy on the family drama in what looks to be the perfect neighborhood until someone dies. A good, addictive read.

A wonderful story of the perfect neighborhood and all of the imperfect people that live there. The book club gives the gals a chance to get together, share some laughs, drinks and secrets…but some secrets are better left kept unspoken. A great tale with rich characters and a well developed plot. This would make a great Netflix or HBO mini series!

Getting an invite to the Cottonwood Book Club means you’ve been accepted into the upscale neighborhood of Cottonwood Estates. The neighborhood is quiet and safe, at least on the surface. But the women in the club all have dark secrets, secrets they cannot allow to see the light of day. But when random acts of vandalism hit the women in the book club, it would seem likely that someone has uncovered those secrets. These women will risk anything, do anything to protect their children and their reputations. A dark and twisted domestic mystery

This is such a great fit for die hard fans of Liane Moriarty! Slow burn- high tension- triggering- well constructed mystery centered around a lovely neighborhood where the women like to discuss books, drinking strong cocktails, enjoying gossips and keeping heavy secrets.

There are several characters are introduced starting from Lena, living isolated life, barely seeing her estranged prodigy daughter who is recently engaged, still suffering from 15 years old tragedy has taken away her husband.

When vandalism starts threatening that peaceful neighborhood, Annie, devoted wife, mother of two kids knocks her door to warn her somebody vandalized her mailbox which ends Lena’s inviting her to her house for tea and cakes.

They slowly form a friendship which gives enough courage to Annie invite Lena to their Cottonwood Book Club meetings.

We are also introduced several more characters who are the part of book club, raising their kids, dealing with different dysfunctional family issues like Jen whose son Abe diagnosed as sociopath is recently suspended from his school for stabbing a student. Her son’s diagnosis is too heavy to carry on her shoulders. But she’s not the only one carrying secrets at this neighborhood.

As we read at the beginning: there’s something suspicious happened at the house party. An argument occurred and somebody is dead. One of them is the murderer. But who and why?

Everybody keeps bigger secrets to keep their children out of trouble! How far you go to save your child’s life? How much you’re ready to sacrifice?

Overall: it’s smart, slow-burn mystery with well developed, detailed characterization we can easily connect with and satisfying wrapping up of the entire premise.

Earned my 4 web of lies, secrets, growing pains of teenager children, nosy neighbors stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Thank you to Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 stars

I have searched for years for a book that made me feel like I did when I first read Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and I have finally found it. The Neighbor’s Secret is one of the best suburban mysteries I have read and I can picture Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman losing their minds over this book.

The Neighbor’s Secret is about a seemingly perfect suburb, Cottonwood Estates, and the women who are members of the town’s book club. When a vandal begins targeting the town and the women of the book club, they all have to decide how far they will go to protect their secrets..and their children.

Every single character in this book is complex, flawed, and, above all, sympathetic. I loved them all and understood their motivations with all of the poor choices they made. I particularly enjoyed the character of Jen, who is new to town and dealing with the fact that her child may be more disturbed than she wants to believe. The relationship between her and her husband was so well written and hilarious that I needed all the scenes with them. Heller really excels at writing all types of relationships and getting the readers emotionally invested.

The Neighbor’s Secret is a witty, emotional, and nuanced story about parenting and friendship and marriage. This is definitely one of my top reads of the year and perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth. All the stars.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Full review to be posted closer to release date.

I was so excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint. This is one of those books that you speed read on a rainy long weekend. I simply couldn’t put it down.

I'm being very honest here..... I could seriously kiss Flatiron Books for this copy of The Neighbors Secret!
I've been praying they would accept my request for this book and maybe a couple other's 😉😘
Because this books sounds like my cup of tea.... And boy it was!
Accepted today finished today.... Neglected my family..... Maybe just bit! LoL

This book.is flat out great! Wonderful in every way possible.

Cottonwood Estates is the ideal place to have a family.
They have their very own book club and if they happen to read a genre about thrillers its because "it would never happen here" type thing! Have in our safe, tight cul-de-sac!
Lena had a devastating accident happen to her 15 years ago.
Loving, devoted wife and mother Annie will not admit to anyone or herself of the past she once knew.
And the new neighbor Jen wants friends so badly but she has a son who tends to get in the way with his trouble ways!
Events starts occurring and these women will be pushed to see just how far they are willing to to to keep their secrets. They will do anything to keep their kids safe even if it means someone has to die!

To sum it up in a nutshell this book.is beyond amazing!
The characters were great to follow along with. And reading about!
The writing.... Well I'm now a major fan of L. Alison Heller!
Five star book for me!