I love Rona Halsall books and this one did not disappoint! I actually hated every single character but somehow that didn’t ruin the book for me. It was suspenseful, it was fun and more importantly I was CONVINCED I knew who was behind it all but I could not have been more wrong. Loved it!

What happens when a divorced but still friendly couple decide to move next door to each other with their new love interests and additional children? Read The Wife Next Door and prepare yourself for the worst that can happen. Jess and Rob have the best intentions so their son, Toby, is not devastated by their divorce. Jess presents as a somewhat scatterbrained woman, almost shell shocked, during the first half of the book. Then the action imploded and the rest was a wild ride with constantly changing suppositions. I had to finish it so I could fall asleep.
Many thanks to Rona Halsall, Bookouture, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read an arc of this recently published psychological suspense gem.

This is my second book I’ve read of this authors work, so Rona is still a relatively new author to me but I am most definitely enjoying her books, so much so that I can’t wait to read her backlog of books.

So The Wife Next Door has been a very entertaining story with some pretty intense moments, lots going on. I did kind of figure out who the culprit was very earlier on, so although there was no twist or surprise there,mit certainly didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book.

The story was well written with some good interesting characters, a couple of whom you weren’t sure whether to trust or not at the outset, so had me guessing and wondering for some parts of the story.

I did like the ending, as it brought it too a solid conclusion and ended exactly how it should end, however I did think the ending of the story was lacking. Although it was the ending that I wanted, it all just happened abruptly, there was no lead up to it. But on the whole it was a great read that had me captivated throughout.

First, thank you NetGalley for this arc. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it will definitely not be the last.

If you’re initial thoughts after learning that a divorced couple decides to move next door to each other with their new partners for the sake of their child is an absolute recipe for disaster - then you’re absolutely correct.

Both families seem to have odd occurrences happening all of the time but the protagonist, Jess, is the main victim.

A psychological thriller that is sure to leave you at the end of your seat, this is a must read.

Once again, Rona Halsall has lured me in to her sordid tales and I'm all about it. I wasn't sure what was going on in this one at first but I knew that I wouldn't have been wanting to live next door to my ex. Halsall performs twists and turns to keep her readers guessing and these are always my favorite books so she has cemented herself as one of my favorites for quick, fast paced thrillers!

Jess and Rob mutually agreed that after some years of marriage, neither of them was happy so they decided to separate and file for divorce. They are the parents of a young boy named Toby.

Now, Jess has a partner named Ben who has a 14-year-old daughter named Ruby. Rob has a partner named Carol who has a young son named Mo. As it turns out, the two couples were able to buy the last two semi-detached homes next to one another on a nice estate located on the Isle of Man. While this seems strange, they all get along and realize that the children will be able to have both parents nearby. But when Jess realizes that the backyard fence between the two units has been taken down so the children can play, she wonders if this togetherness may be a little too much.

On the day they are moving in, Ben puts some cards on the mantle from people wishing them well in their new home. All of the cards are nice except for one that is vicious. This bothers Jess and she wonders who could have done such a thing.

When things start happening that make Jess look like a bad person, she is shaken and tries to wonder who is doing this to her. She knows she’s innocent and does what she can to clear her name.

The author sets the plot that makes us wonder about each of the characters, even Jess. While I think that a few things in this story seemed somewhat contrived that made me roll my eyes, all in all it is a compelling read that I think readers will enjoy.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

4 Stars from me

I could practically hear the Psycho music playing in the back of my mind as I read this one...

Sounds perfect doesn't it, a completely amicable break up where you both realise at the exact same time that you love each other but aren't in love and both immediately find new partners. Annnnd your new partners get along and you can all hang out together and co-parent your child. So much so that you buy side by side semi-detached houses and remove the middle fence.

I say perfect. But obviously it sounds 100% unlikely and more than a little claustrophobic. Oh and not to mention that your mum and your ex and his new partner get along too and so she's often round at their house.

How nice.

Except that virtually as soon as they move in things start going wrong and the book becomes a race against time to find out who doesn't think that the new set up is perfect after all. 

A good old fashioned psychological thriller where the tension ramps up and things become more and more uncomfortable with every page!

High school sweethearts, Rob and Jess, have separated and moved on with new romances. They live next door to each other so that their son Toby can adjust and blend their families. Things are going well for everyone until Jess receives harassing messages. This is a slow burn domestic thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy.

This book was so original! I haven't read anything like it before, and thought the writing and the characters stories were great!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I love my psychological and domestic thrillers and this one did not disappoint at all.
Didn’t take me long to finish once I started this book.
Author did a great job. I’ll definitely read more by them. Check this book out.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Wife Next Door' by Rona Halsall.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Rona Halsall, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 12th October 2022.

This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Her Mother's Lies', The Ex Boyfriend', 'The Guest Room' and 'The Liar's Daughter' and highly recommend them all.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. I am also a huge fan of Rona's previous books and if this is half as good as her previous books it is sure to be great. It also stated in the synopsis that this book is 'A completely unputdownable, jaw-on-the-floor psychological thriller for fans of Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Couple at No.9'. I am a huge fan of 'Gone Girl' so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 49 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based Peel on the Isle Of Man 🇮🇲

This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Jess. The benefits of third person perspective especially with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.

Wow!!!! Well done Rona on another amazing success!!! An absolutely fantastic unputdownable psychological thriller. Extremely well written as are all Rona's books I have previously read with vivid descriptions that absorb you into the storyline.

The storyline is chillingly realistic and it kept me on the edge of my seat and then in the edge of my bed until late at night as I just could not out it down!!! I loved that at the end of the book we get to read from the culprit's perspective ensuring that everything was explained and the reader missed absolutely nothing. I really enjoyed trying to work out who was trying to destroy Jess's life along with Jess and it got to the point that I suspected everyone which even included Jess herself!! I was wondering whether she may have mental health issues and was doing it herself. Was she? Was it someone else? To find out you'll have to pick up a copy yourself but I'm telling you one thing, I got it completely wrong!! Why I was surprised that I couldn't guess right considering this is Rona's book I have no idea considering she blows my mind every single time!! Well done Rona yet again as I am getting harder and harder to shock but you definitely managed it (as always) !! I was captivated throughout and the storyline was absolutely rammed with secrets, loss, love, desceiot, suspense, tension and red herrings all the way up until the very perfect ending.

The characters were also very realistic and I enjoyed getting to know each of them and loved finding out about their true stories. I did feel sorry for Jess as nobody seemed to believe what she was going through. However, unfortunately I really can't go into any more detail as I don't want to spoil it for future reader. I am glad that the storyline had the culprit's point of view at the end and that the reasons the characters did what they did was all explained later on.

Congratulations Rona on what promises to be another HUGE success and for, yet again, manage to shock me when many fail. This would make an epic movie and I look forward to your next novel.


Overall an addictive, page turning psychological thriller that will shock you!!

Genres covered in this book include Women's Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Suspense and Psychological Thriller amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'The Girl on The Train', Lisa Jewell, 'The Family Upstairs', Mark Edwards, 'Gone Girl', 'Gone Girl', 'The Couple at No.9' and any fans of Rona Halsall and those who enjoy a surprise twist.


290 pages.

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £7.99 in paperback via Amazon, at time of review, which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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This was a fast paced story that had me constantly guessing, and suspecting different people all the time. A fast, easy and enjoyable read. Just a little far fetched.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.

Jess and Rob have an amicable divorce. Parents to a son named Toby, one of the decisions they make is to move next-door to each other, although each of them now have new partners. What could possibly go wrong?

However, for Jess things begin to go downhill - fast. Strange things begin happening, and in quick succession. Just as Jess thought her feet were on solid ground, she learns that nothing further than that could be going on. Of course she begins to wonder if it because she is now living next door to her ex-husband. Someone is not happy about the living arrangements and that fact is patently clear.

In this utterly tense psychological thriller, it should come to no surprise that something was going to go wrong. Then to consider everyone involved in the story, there was no doubt that someone living in one of the two houses is guilty of whatever is happening to Jess. That fact increased the tension even more. While reading this book I found myself pointing my finger at one person after another. This latest book by Rona Halsall was an exciting ride from the very first page until the jaw dropping ending.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/ymSOq78LVaE

The Wife Next Door is an utterly gripping psychological thriller. You know from the start it’s going to be a recipe for disaster when your ex partner lives in the house right next door to yours. Well for most ex couples this isn’t going to work. From the prologue this book had me hooked and as I finished each chapter I just wanted to keep on reading as this book had me so consumed in the story. This is a fast paced read and one which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Plenty of suspense and tension and a great ending. I loved it and highly recommend this book.

This is an intense, twisty thriller that throws you straight into it head first and I was hooked. I love when a storyline just grips you. The pace is spot on and gives you just enough to keep you wanting more. Really well developed suspenseful plot. Likeable enough characters if a little naïve where Jess is concerned. This is definitely one that will have you wanting to do nothing but sit and read and you won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read #TheWifeNextDoor

Having previously read several of Halsall's books I couldn't wait to get started on this one. And it didn't disappoint, it was gripping, twisted and I lost myself between the pages for several hours.

It's a slow starter, but the pace soon picks up and it's fast paced to the end. It's well written, with an absolutely insane plot and some superb characters, who are credible, crazy and made for a highly entertaining read.

Full of suspense and tension, with twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the end. And just when you think it's all over along comes the shocker of an ending!

I enjoyed The Wife Next Door and highly recommend.

Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jess is a young Mom going through a transition, separating from her husband and moving in with her new partner. Her soon to be ex is doing the same. So they come up with the perfect solution, buy attached houses, that way their son will have them both and co-parenting will be easy.

Both couples get along well, so what can wrong with this idea? A lot actually, but you will need to read the book to find out.

The Book was released October 12th ann is on Kindle Unlimited!

Jess and her ex-husband Rob are determined not to let their break-up stop them from being friends. In an attempt to put their son, Toby, first they move into new homes next door to each other with their new partners and their children and try to create the perfect blended family.

But it seems someone isn’t happy about the new arrangements: there are threatening messages, strange incidents and malicious accusations. Jess’s family are concerned she’s paranoid but she’s sure someone is out to get her and tear their new blended family apart…

Taut, tense and filled with surprising twists, this is another first-class domestic thriller from Rona Halsall. Rona was one of the first authors whose books I reviewed and has become a must-read author for me. So much so that I don’t even read the synopsis before requesting her books or applying for the blog tour. She can be relied upon to deliver an intriguing, gripping and entertaining read filled with revelations I never saw coming. The Wife Next Door certainly lived up to those expectations, keeping me guessing up until the jaw-dropping finale.

Protagonist Jess was a great character. Halsall puts the reader in her shoes and makes us feel everything she does. I felt pretty sure she wasn’t paranoid but also couldn’t decide who could be behind what was happening. My heart went out to her as things spiralled out of control and I helplessly watched her life fall apart. Would she be able to prove her innocence? Or would Halsall deliver one of her sensational twists to reveal she isn’t who I thought?

Unsettling, claustrophobic and totally riveting, this is a must-read for any thriller lover.

Jess and Rob are divorcing and decide to buy two neighbouring semi-detached houses - next to each other. Rob finances the arrangement and Jess will live in one of them with Ben, her new partner, and his daughter, Ruby, while Rob and his new girlfriend, Carol, and Carol's 5-year-old son, Mo and Jess and Rob's son, Toby will occupy the other. A great plan, right? What can possibly go wrong?

Set on the west Coast of the Isle of Man, I found this story tense and absorbing. The plot is a good one and there's a terrific twist. Well worth a look.

This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley.

The Wife Next Door
Author: Rona Halsall
eARC & Book Review
Pub Date: October 12, 2022

Jess and her ex have moved next to each other with their new respective partners. Not the most normal set up but this is for them to work as blending their extended family.

This is a book which is gripping from the start. It's quick-paced.

Adding in the back story helps to add to the story.
So why when moved into this has Jess received a threatening note? Who has sent this and why. Jess keeps having things happen to her and now people are not believing her is she going crazy?
You get entrapped reading wanting to know what is happening next.
The ending well wow. A must-read to keep you on your toes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC

#TheWifeNextDoor #NetGalley #mystermy and thrillers