The girls of Larkspur Close grew up more like sisters than friends. Now in their 30s, secrets and death seem to be all around them. Is it all a tragic coincidence or is someone intent on making sure the girls are happy?

An enjoyable psychological thriller, with likable characters but some of the twists were easier to spot than others.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

3.5 stars

I did like this book but I found that there was a lot going on. I kept forgetting which character was in what relationship.

I do love Anita’s books but unfortunately I couldn’t love this book 3.5 stars

My 6P review

What would you do for love? How far would you go? The story of four girls all born in the same summer. More than thirty years later, their friendship is unbreakable. The story follows the lives of Erin, Melissa, Chantelle and Jess. When Jess’s husband is found dead after being discovered having an affair, everything changes. Was it an accident?

I liked the four women and their relationships with each other. Their strong bond showed they could overcome everything. They were well fleshed out and their bonds were evident.

The premise of the story being a mystery regarding the death of Jess’s husband, was really well put together however this was not a thriller as I was led to believe. This was a general fiction book or possibly even chic-lit. The “mystery” took forever to get to and by then the book was almost over. The characters were well written but the story was boring and it was certainly a let-down.

The author used a lot of description and conversation which became tedious to read after a while. The dialogue was awful.

Where was the suspense? I almost didn’t finish the book.

I loved the bookshop and soon to be tea rooms. I would love to have a cuppa in that setting.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great book! It held my attention, the characters were likeable and very real. I had figured out the twists, but it didn't matter, I still couldn't put it down.
Thanks to netgalley, Boldwood Books and Anita Waller for the chance to read this advanced copy.

They keep each other's secrets. They hide each other's lies. They were destined to be friends. The four girls - all born the same hot summer. There was even a newspaper article after they were born. They said there must be something in the water on Larkspur Close. They predicted a safe and happy life for them all. More than thirty years later, it's more than an unbreakable friendship - it's more like a sisterhood. It's the girls who Jess reaches out to because she's worried about her grandparents who've raised her since her mother disappeared, who Erin tells about her new business idea, who Melissa calls to say she's desperate to escape her toxic job. But then Chantelle messages saying she discovered her husband is having an affair. And everything changes. Because then her husband is found dead.... And only a few people knew his secret.

Four women, all born within six months of each other, and lived in the same street, have become four very close friends who look out for one another. They are now all facing some kind of major life decision. The girls share an unconditional friendship.

There's a lot taking place in this book. The characters are well-developed, the pace was steady. A story of trust and support.

Published 25th April

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnitaWaller for my ARC of #TheGirlsNextDoor in exchange for an honest review.

Such an awesome thriller! There were so many twists and turns, and it kept my attention the whole time. Definitely pick this one up!

This cover definitely gives you haunted house vibes so definitely makes you want to read this book! Great Job on the cover!

The twists and turns and was great writing. The twist at the end mad you sit and have a hangover!!!! This was fast paced, characters were likeable and the synopsis of the book was well described. The four girls POV and relationships was great and it was great to see how close they were.

the Plot of the book and the writing fantastic and will read more from this author.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

This was a good read with a surprise twist at the end. I really enjoyed the novel, it was an easy read, the characters were great,  well described, I enjoyed the relationship the four girls had and how protective they are of one another. This was a story of friendship and love between 4 girls that were all born in the same year, living on the same street and formed a lifelong bond.
The author developed a good plot with some twists I didn't see coming. I'd gladly read more of her books

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Girls Next Door by Anita Waller

I thoroughly enjoyed this unique story about four women born within six months of each other on the same street. They grew up together as sisters and are there for each other through thick and thin. When some devastating things occur in their lives, they ban together and tackle things as one big family.

Born the same long-ago summer in Sheffield, four friends remain close throughout the years, despite the inevitable ups and downs of life. Until something happens that changes everything...

Because when one of them finds out her husband is cheating, and he turns up dead shortly thereafter, they all know things are going to get complicated!

This story is less a thriller and more of a drama/slice of life novel. The pacing could have been better, as it did drag on at times. The dead husband provides a thriller element of sorts and there is a good twist.

Not as fast paced as I’d hoped, but once it grips you in the psychological thriller twists and turns, it’s impossible to put down.

The Girls Next Door is the first Anita Waller novel I have reviewed.

Jess, Erin Melissa and Chantelle: all born within 6 months of each other in Sheffield. Friends and so close throughout their lives. The were uniquely portrayed characters It’s an interesting premise.

I loved the fact that there were twins in the story too, having been born one myself.

The novel has mystery, family secrets loss grief and friendship. There’s a sense of mystery that did make me feel uneasy. What happened to Chantelle’s husband?

Anna’s subplot was pretty mysterious too. The bookshop was atmospheric and has a unique name which you’ll have to read/ listen to the book to find out. There were good things about the book, as I’ve said. However, the general pace of the book is slow and some parts felt monotonous.

Thanks to Anita Waller and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review

3 stars

A slow burn, and then the hook! I enjoyed unraveling the secrets everyone kept and seeing how it all fit together at the end.

I seriously enjoyed this book! I loved the way the author portrayed her characters in a way that the reader has to identify with at least one, if not all four of them. The story was told across time in a then and now sort of format. The plot builds slowly as the characters and story led the reader to what I considered a very surprising ending!

This was an ok book for me. I was hoping for more. At first, I was really into the book, but then, it seemed to drag on and go slow. There were parts of the story I did enjoy, but found myself wishing it would be over. The ending was good but rushed. I did think the twist at the end was good.

Loved this book from start to finish... So captivating it can be read in one sitting. Telling the story of 4 girls who grew together on the same street and became like sisters this focuses on one dreadful time of life with deaths and marriage break ups although the twist at the end i didnt see coming....

Would give more stars if i could highly recommend

Although this was a pleasant read about four girls who subsequently were all born within the same summer and grew up just as close as sisters, this in my opinion, wasn’t a mystery or psychological thriller. There was some “suspense” but nothing that I would categorize as a psychological thriller or mystery. They have each other’s backs and although they are all facing different struggles during this book, it was still more of a warm and pleasant read. It was a bit of a slow read and halfway through the book found myself struggling to figure out what the actual plot was.

All in all, it still had a cute storyline and the characters were fun , so I rate it a 3.

This was my first book by this author. At first I found myself unable to put this book down, but after a while it seemed to drag on. I did enjoy the story, but found myself wishing it would be over. The ending was good, but kind of rushed. I did like the extra twist the end!

What an amazing book . Really enjoyed the closeness of the woman and families. Lots of twist and turns and that ending!!

A good story different than what I expected but in a good way, I loved the bond between the characters and how that continued into adulthood. The sudden deaths were unexpected but at the end all made sense.