Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this neighborhood, suspense, drama. It kept me interested the entire time. I had it pretty much figured out, but it still kept me interested until the end.

Was this review helpful?

4 stars

Man, what an effed up neighborhood! I would absolutely hate to live here.

The way all the pieces fit together in the end was masterful. The 'now' and 'future' timelines where the future was police interviews was so perfect for this story. Slowly giving the reader little nuggets of information that we're not sure where to file them and slowly having the picture come into focus was great.

I loved how we got to slowly know all the players and and their relationships with everyone else in the neighborhood. My heart broke for some and my blood boiled for others. I wouldn't classify this as a thriller, but it was for sure suspenseful.

Matthew Spencer, Rebecca Lee, and Julia Barrie did an amazing job narrating this. They brought all the neighbors to life and really breathed life into the story.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC.

Was this review helpful?

For some reason, I had a tough time keeping the characters straight while listening to this audiobook. There were some interesting twists, but this one fell a little flat for me. The characters were uninteresting and a bit unlikable. The ending was also a bit abrupt. I did appreciate the multiple points of view and reading from multiple narrators. The various police interviews were also a nice addition. This one just wasn’t completely my cup of tea, but I could see why others might like it. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The story introduces Heidi and Freddie, a young couple new to the neighborhood. Their arrival coincides with the annual block party, a pivotal event where tensions surface and hidden truths emerge. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, notably Heidi, Willow, and Dylan, each contributing to the intricate web of secrets and lies that define the community.
The novel's intricate plot and multifaceted characters provide a gripping reading experience, though some readers have noted a preference for a more fast-paced narrative.

Thanks to netgalley, bookouture audio for approving the audiobook ARC

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of the audiobook.

This was a really great mystery/thriller! I really had no idea how it was going to end and that kept me fully engaged throughout the book.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. It was very twisty and I love how everything came together in the end. The little clips of the police interviews kept me curious about what had happened and kept me guessing.

Was this review helpful?

WOW!!!!! Hooked from the first page and read this book in one sitting… Full of tension and suspense. A real page turner, a domestic noir but OMG so much more!!!!!

Was this review helpful?

I've loved most of what I've read by Kerry Wilkinson, but this one wasn't for me. It was told from 3 POV, but none of them really kept my attention. I found the characters to be kind of annoying and uninteresting. I pushed through to see how it ended, and it was okay.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book, though I’d definitely say it was more of a domestic thriller / drama than a psychological thriller. The premise was so intriguing & it had so much potential, but I couldn’t help but feel like some of the characters lacked depth & seemed to exist just to push the plot forward.

The story is told mainly from 3 different neighbors’ perspectives - Willow, Heidi, & Dylan - while also going between multiple timelines that span over a week: "future" (after the infamous street party), the past (the week prior to the party), & the present (when a detective is talking to witnesses to gather information).

It was definitely the kind of book that kept your attention & made you want to uncover what was really happening.

It had a very sudden ending, though, which I wasn’t quite expecting... I guess for me it didn’t really add anything to the book ending it so abruptly like that. I’ve read books before where the Author will include a shock factor in the final line & close out the book like that, & I think that’s what she was trying to accomplish, but she missed the mark in my opinion.

All in all, the story flowed smoothly, making it an easy read, even if it the “twists” became a bit predictable. If you're in the mood for a book that will keep you hooked from start to finish, this might just be the one for you.

Was this review helpful?

Home Is Where the Lies Live dives into the tangled lives of three residents preparing for a neighborhood street party that goes horribly wrong. The dual timelines - current events and future police interviews - are brilliantly used to reveal secrets piece by piece, pulling the reader deeper into the chaos of this dysfunctional community.
While the suspenseful buildup and complex interconnections kept me hooked, some moments felt like they dragged, leaving me wanting a tighter pace. Still, the mystery was still entertaining to try and figure it out.

Was this review helpful?

*Home Is Where the Lies Live* presents an intriguing exploration of a seemingly normal street, where each family conceals its own secrets. The story unfolds through multiple points of view, allowing for a rich tapestry of hidden truths and revelations.

This novel effectively adopts a slow-burn drama thriller approach, which is particularly beneficial given the array of characters involved. Taking the time to explore each family's dynamic significantly contributes to the building of drama and suspense, as clues and hints are gradually revealed. I found myself genuinely surprised by the twists and turns throughout the storyline. It’s not often that a book keeps me guessing for long, but Wilkinson skillfully maintained my curiosity until the end.

The character development stands out, with the shifting perspectives offering insight into each family, making the narrative feel layered and engaging—much more so than many other books in this genre. While I appreciated the slow pacing for its depth, there were occasionally moments where it felt a bit slower than I preferred. Nonetheless, it was an overall wonderful read!

This story is rich with gossip and drama, filled with an array of secrets and lies, all set within the Huntington Grove neighborhood. Each neighbor is harboring something, which heightens the tension of this slow-burn mystery. The narration greatly enhances the story, adding depth and emotion to this complex domestic drama. The constant sense of foreboding kept me thoroughly engaged and entertained.

I extend my gratitude to Bookouture Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for my audiobook.

Was this review helpful?

I am always up for a domestic thriller. 95% of the time there is something going on behind closed doors, and I am not talking about a thriller novel. So I was pretty excited to get into this one and find out what is going on in that crazy little world in Huntington Grove.

As some others have written in their reviews, I would also agree that this is more of a mysterious "what the heck is going on" drama than a thriller. I found this book to be the middle of the road for me. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't find myself on the edge of my seat waiting for everything to fall apart.

However, with all that being "said", I never discourage people from reading anything. Different books are for different people, and some people may really enjoy this book. Many people enjoy romance novels, and that is not my thing- try it out- this may be your favorite.

Was this review helpful?

Home is Where the Lies Live starts off with a bang, and just keeps erupting!! The story revolves around one night in the neighborhood, with details from the characters leading up to the events of that evening. The 3 narrators did an extraordinarily job telling Wilkinson's story. The characters are interesting, and the story itself keeps you pulled in from beginning to end. Let this audiobook transport you directly to Huntington Grove as you try to figure out what happened, and who has kept the biggest secret of all!!

#NetGalley #HomeIsWhereTheLiesLive

Was this review helpful?

A soap opera-style view into the convoluted and (in some cases, quite bizarre) of the residents of Huntington Grove.

This is an odd crowd, make no mistake. It fascinates me, that you can Iive next door to - or alongside - someone, and not really know them at all. Some of the characters are very likeable, some really not (Kev, ugh). I liked Dylan a lot, and Orla, Isabella. Even Willow, interfering busybody that she is.

All in all a solid 3-and-a-half-star read (or listen.

Was this review helpful?

here is a lot to unpack in this book about what goes down between neighbours and friends. Things are not what they seem when newcomers Heidi and Freddie arrive in Huntington Grove. Strange neighbours who have secrets and don’t mind telling lies. You certainly don’t like all the characters in this book! It was a good read that was a little predictable towards the end but overall it kept my attention. Thank you for providing this book for review via Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

Home is Where the Lies Live by Kerry Wilkinson had all the ingredients for an unforgettable read—a gripping premise, a small-town setting brimming with secrets, and a central mystery that could have tied everything together. Unfortunately, the execution fell short of its promise.
The story centers on Huntington Cove, a place filled with intriguing characters who should have been woven into a rich tapestry of interconnected lives. Instead, the narrative unravels into a collection of disjointed storylines, each only scratching the surface of its potential. The characters could have been better developed and more believable, leaving readers with just enough information to care about them. However, more is needed to feel satisfied with their arcs.
At its core, the mystery of who killed Dylan's wife and why had the potential to be powerful, but the lack of meaningful connections between the characters weakened its impact. I found myself wishing for a more cohesive approach-one where the residents of Huntington Cove each contributed a piece to the puzzle in a way that enriched both the main story and their own individual tales.
As someone who loves a good mystery, l'm deeply disappointed because this could have been an incredible read.

2.5 Stars - It felt like a good use of time, but it wasn't satisfying.

Was this review helpful?

I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a great job. I was a little disappointed in the lack of thriller, it felt more like a domestic drama. I have enjoyed this author in the past but this one was a miss for me, I will definitely read more by her in the future though.

Was this review helpful?

Heidi and Freddie move into Huntington Grove into what they believe is the perfect neighborhood.
They are just in time for the neighborhood block party and can't wait to meet everyone.

One of the people at the party recognize Freddie and the wild ride begins.

Everyone in this 'hood has their own secrets and issues.

Several POV on audio really helps you get a multi-faceted story!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ALC.

Was this review helpful?

Home Is Where the Lies Live by Kerry Wilkinson is a captivating and suspenseful psychological thriller that grips you from the very first page. The novel expertly weaves together tension, mystery, and emotional depth, creating a dark and atmospheric narrative full of twists and turns. Wilkinson’s skillful writing draws readers into the tangled lives of the characters, where nothing is as it seems, and secrets are buried deep. With a perfect balance of suspense and heart, Home Is Where the Lies Live is an addictive, thought-provoking read that will keep you hooked until the very last page. A must-read for fans of gripping psychological thrillers.

Was this review helpful?

I thought Home Is Where the Lies Live was an okay and pretty mild neighborhood thriller. I liked it well enough. I didn't have to force myself to finish it, but I wasn't on the edge of my seat. I was expecting a more suspenseful, psychological thriller, but to me this read more like a suburban drama with the occasional mention of some secrets and a gun.

We get the perspectives of three neighbors, Heidi, Willow, and Dylan. They all have a family member or two, and there are a few more relevant characters as well. The characters are all well written and their thoughts, motivations, and behaviors made sense to me for the most part, and there were some interesting storylines that could have been explored further.

The three different narrators' voices helped differentiate between the three main characters, but I'm not sure their voices would have been as distinct in text form. As for the narrators, I think they did a good job. The voice of Willow sounded a bit older to me than her character was, and sometimes, in the police interviews that are interspersed in the story, I found it distracting when "Officer:" and "Name:" was read aloud (it wasn't always).

The biggest reasons my rating isn't higher is that I thought the plot was predictable, I didn't find the story very suspenseful, and the climactic scene at the end was over way too quickly. I just barely understood what happened and then it was over. There was no drama to it and the chapters seemed to overlap to the point where I couldn't clearly make out the order of events. I also wanted more of a sense of resolution to the story, with answers about what happened to everyone, and there were a few loose ends that I felt needed to be tied up. Some things were hinted at, but I didn't find the ending very satisfying. At no point in the story did I gasp or drop my jaw.

This was my first time reading a book by Kerry Wilkinson. I found it easy and entertaining enough to get through, and if you want a thriller that isn't too thrilling, this might be a great fit. I wanted more emotional depth, more suspense, more drama, and a stronger ending.

Was this review helpful?