This was a frustrating book for me. The premise of the book was very reminiscent of Megan Miranda's 𝘚𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦, and I thoroughly enjoyed that book! But, I have a rule...one that I had ignored to read 𝘞𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘋𝘰𝘰𝘳.

Any time a title has anything along the lines of "𝘼𝙣 𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙟𝙖𝙬-𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩", I HARD PASS on the novel. I have never had a good experience with one that tries to tell you that it will be "jaw dropping" or "gripping". Simply, I find that they don't live up to what they promise. I was hoping Wolfe’s novel would be different for me.

I gave this one a chance, and found that the writing just wasn't for me. The story goes from an accidental bathtub death of a neighbor to "it must be a conspiracy and a murder!" within the same short paragraph. The conversations felt awkward, situations felt too far fetched, and segments of the book were far too drawn out for my taste. I have no doubt someone else may love it - but it just wasn't my cup of tea.  

I was given an ARC of this story to read; but thoughts and opinions are all my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this title.

Jessica and her husband buy her childhood home from her mother, she is excited to live in her old neighborhood with her family. She thinks she knows her neighbors but it seems they all have secrets and some of them may be willing to kill for. This book had plenty of twists that I didn’t see coming. Thank you Netgalley for this arc.

I’ve got to say I found this book really hard work . I almost gave up but stuck with it but it was a bit slow and I kept hoping it would pick up pace. I can’t really say it was the best book Ive read , just an ok read from me

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.

Jessica and her husband, Mark, bought her family home from her mom. They are excited to raise their daughter, Isabelle, in a safe and quite suburb.
Until the suspicious death of the neighborhood old cranky woman.
Barbara is found dead in her bathtub by her son - who has struggled with addiction for years. After questioning, the police release Paul - he is convinced someone murdered his mom.
Jessica can't get the accident out of her mind. She had been walking her dog past Barbara's house shortly before her death. In fact, it seemed like Barbara was trying to open her window to yell at Jessica. Barbara was always yelling at someone.
But what if this time she was trying to yell for help.
Though everyone is telling Jessica to leave it alone, she can't help but wonder if something more sinister is happening in her neighborhood.
Great twists. Likeable characters, definite suspense.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it certainly won’t be the last! It was gripping from beginning to end.

Jessica has moved back to her childhood neighbourhood, and there’s a lot going on there. I loved the way we get glimpes into the neighbours’ group, reminiscent of many similar groups that I’m sure we’ve all been part of. But there seems to be more than meets the eye when one of the neighbours dies.

Jessica just won’t let it go, and I felt like going into the book and telling her to just leave it before she ends up in danger, but she’s very persistent, and it looks like she’s right, there’s more to this death than an accident.

Totally addictive and suspenseful, this book kept me totally consumed. The plot is very clever and twisty and I absolutely raced through the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would really recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller.

I love that this book is set in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan! It’s always fun seeing my home state in books 😍 I was intrigued by the plot and the book held my attention for the most part. I enjoyed the characters and seeing their lives more in depth via subplots.

The plot is slow paced with too much detail and repetition, especially with our MC’s theories about the murderers identity, causing it to drag. With 90% of the book dragging, it led to a rushed ending with things resolved a little too easily. I also guessed the killer’s identity within the first 30% of the book which was disappointing.

Overall it wasn’t a bad read but not great/“wow.”

I really enjoyed this thriller, it was very fast-paced and lots of twists and turns and red herrings. The end where we found out what happened was really good and I hadn't seen it coming although I though there was more to certain characters than we were led to believe. I felt Jessica was a bit naive at times but I guess that all works into the story.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Laura Wolfe for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*

***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

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. A gripping twisty read from start to finish, I could not put it down! Loved it and would highly recommend it.

3.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

We Live Next Door was an entertaining and interesting quick read. I always enjoy a slow burn neighborhood mystery and this book did not disappoint!

The small glimpses we were given into the life of cranky Barbara Draper and the questions surrounding her death were intriguing. I thought her miserable character was well written and played nicely into the storyline. I'm sure she made many enemies throughout her time! I also thought it was fun that some the posts for The Neighbor List app were included and especially enjoyed reading the overly grouchy remarks from Barbara herself. I think we have all encountered a woman just like her at some point.

I found Jessica's character to be both likeable and down to earth and her curiosity seemed justifiable to me.
I also appreciated that the plot was not far fetched or over the top because I found it much more relatable that way.

Overall, this was a well done murder mystery by an author I would love to read more from in the future.

This was a fabulous neighbourhood thriller I soaked up and drank! I could barely keep up with my mind and eyes trying to get every morsel. This book was fantastic and I never, ever saw the ending coming. I still can't get over the shock of an ending!

I disliked all of the characters in this book, finding the main character very naive and gullible which was annoying. Nevertheless, i read it in 3 sittings (very quick for me) and felt it was a page turner. Some bits were obvious but it also has some surprises.

We Live Next Door by Laura Wolfe is a recommended domestic mystery.

Jessica and Mark Millstone have bought the house Jessica grew up in from her mother and now the couple and their daughter Isabelle are comfortably living in the Detroit suburb of Ridgeview Pines. The neighborhood has a private park nearby with a play ground. It is a safe place to live and walk their dog Roo. That is why it is so shocking when neighbor Barbara Draper is found dead. Jessica saw the woman when walking Roo the night before and thought Barbara was shouting something from her window.

Jessica has know her since she was a child and Barbara was considered a neighborhood grouch who often complained and yelled at neighbors out walking dogs. The neighborhood message board app is filled with condolences after Barbara's death, but if you look back in time you can also see many of Barbara's complaints. The death is ruled accidental, but Jessica can't help but think that something is amiss and she begins to look into it. Then she begins receiving threatening messages targeting her family on the neighborhood app and wonders if her neighborhood is as safe as she believes.

Jessica is the narrator of the novel. For the most part following her thoughts works very well, but sometimes her repetition slows down the advancement of the plot. Personally, I felt no connection with Jessica or any of the characters. The other characters seem to be uneven and often resemble caricatures rather than real people. Since many of the characters could be interchangeable with any of a number of characters in other books, the mystery needs to shine as the main focus.

We Live Next Door is a satisfying light-weight mystery and does provide a twist at the end that is not predictable until late in the novel, which makes up for some of the shortcomings. Honestly, this is a commonplace plot - a death in the neighborhood that could be a murder and ongoing threats being made toward the main character and her family. What this means is that the writing and the complexity of the plot need to work together and soar in order to elevate the novel above the ordinary. In that task it falls a little short.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

A good book but not memorable

I tend to write my reviews straight after finishing the book when they are fresh in my mind but unfortunately didn’t do this with We Live Next Door

I say unfortunately, as although I enjoyed the book it obviously wasn’t that memorable and I wouldn’t go out of my way to read others by the author.

I had seen it described as a suspense thriller with twists but the twists were a little far fetched and it was a little predictable

Nice book though so don’t let my review put you off, I had just finished a couple of books I really liked and a bit unfair to review We Live Next Door having just read those.

I enjoyed Jessica's narration and thought she was a realistic mindset of someone who isn't sure if she is crazy and making something out of nothing. I love a good whodunit and was trying to figure this one out and it stumped me! The online postings were a little distracting and broke the flow of the story to me at times, but overall it was paced really well and I read it quickly! I loved the idea of the cake shop and found myself trying to picture what they looked like. And getting hungry 🍰. I will keep an eye out for this authors future books!

This is my first time reading Laura Wolfe and I would gladly go and read some more of her books!

Jessica, her husband and 3 year old daughter, along with her dog Roo have moved back into Jessica's family home after her mother decided to sell it. Jessica is trying to settle in back in with the old neighbors and some new ones!

Barbara Draper, one of her grumpy disliked neighbors tragically dies in an accident. But the night before she died at her home, Jessica saw her shouting from her window and she hears what she thinks was someone in Barbara's garden bushes. Over the next while, unfortunate things start to happen to Jessica's daughter and Jessica receives threatening messages on the neighborhood group texts. Her husband is always working late and receiving text messages that he always says are work related. Suddenly Jessica isn't so sure that Barbara tragically died.

This book was a very good mystery neighborhood whodunnit. I liked the different neighbors and the back stories. The story dragged a little at times but not so much that it took away from the enjoyment. I found it surprising how much the police lacked interest in Jessica's information.

Overall this was a very good read. I found myself suspecting the wrong people at different times while reading it, which is always a good sign in a mystery read! I gave this book 3.5 stars.

Thanks to netgalley and bookouture for providing me with this copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not sure that I classify this solely as a psychological thriller. I think it is more thriller with mystery included and maybe a hint of the psychological.
Maybe that is splitting hairs. What it is, without a doubt, is a page-turning read with twists that I did not see coming.
The plotting is superb, as the action moves just enough to be interesting without speeding over things or being bogged down in details.
Jessica is a sympathetic character. She is relatable as a woman who used to have a career, got sidelined by having a child, and is trying to find her new niche. I think many women experience that.
I liked how Jessica puts everything together. She is no super-sleuth or busybody. She uses her instincts, knows when something isn’t right, and wants to figure it out. It’s not just curiosity…especially when things start to affect her family.
This is another aspect of the book that is well-done. The little things that pop up make Jessica question what is real and what she is imagining are realistic – her thought process makes sense throughout the story.
And beware of a tenacious mom when her child becomes the victim of unexplained accidents.
Strangely, the parts with Jessica’s mom were familiar to me and it gave me a perspective on my own mom’s recent move. So, thanks to the author for that!
Most of all, the author perfectly captures neighborhood intrigue, especially the aspect of everybody being in everybody else’s business while hiding secrets of their own.
In that regard, I wish that there had been more of the Neighbor List entries. That is a growing trend in books (including social media messages), and I think more of them in this case could have added to the story.
However, it remains a well-written psychological thriller with relatable characters, a page-turning plot, and a twist I only partly saw coming. A great read.

I found We Live Next Door a very enjoyable read. It was a slow burner to begin with which I am not always a fan of but it suited this story, building the tension with plenty of secrets and red herrings. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

3.5 stars
This is a good read about a very close neighbourhood and the secrets the residents hold.
One of the neighbours is found dead in her bathroom and while the Police think it was an accidental death, Jessica suspects she was murdered.
She saw something whilst taking her dog for a walk but the Police don’t look into it.
The dead woman’s son let’s something slip to Jessica whilst drunk but when she speaks to him later, he says he’s told the Police, but again they’re not interested.
Jessica starts to receive threatening messages on the neighbourhood chat and can’t understand what she’s meant to have done wrong.
Other things happen to Jessica’s family and she becomes increasingly worried.
I liked the way the book led up to the conclusion and had suspected that the person responsible was the guilty party, but it didn’t spoil it for me.
Overall a good read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
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