I was able to get the audiobook as an ARC/ALC for Next to Heaven by James Frey. My review will be massively based upon the listening experience of this book.

Sadly this book was not for me. Please do not go into this story expecting a murder mystery, as we get to the murder around the 75% mark. The book takes up about the first 40% of its time describing each of the many characters within it— & we follow the lives, deceit & betrayals of a bunch of different characters within the same, insanely over-the-top rich community in New Bethlehem, CT. Also, they're a bunch of swingers.

The thing that stuck out to me while listening is how many short sentences & repetition James Frey constantly uses, which made me realize that I'm 100% not a fan of that style of writing, which is good to know I guess?

Gina Gershon as a narrator is great however, & I will definitely listen to audiobooks by her again in the future!

🌳 Connecticut setting
💰 the 1%
💃 swingers
😡 betrayal & deceit
👥 multi-POV
🗡️ murder, eventually
😩 unlikeable character/s

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Audio, Gina Gershon & James Frey for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Next to Heaven” is what happens when a town full of aggressively bored billionaires in Connecticut throw a swingers party and accidentally summon the spirit of literary chaos. Not the fun, campy kind with secrets and stilettos. The kind where you start questioning your own reality and Googling “can fiction cause migraines?”

Devon and Belle are rich, hot, and catastrophically dissatisfied. So naturally, they decide to spice things up by inviting the worst people they know to a night of luxury debauchery featuring affairs, bad decisions, Wall Street jawlines, and emotional bankruptcy. One night. Many betrayals. And a murder that doesn’t show up in the book until so far in, I had already transcended my corporeal form, floated above the book like a disillusioned ghost, and only came back to finish out of spite. This thing wants to be “The White Lotus” but got lost in the landscaping budget and never recovered.

Let’s talk writing. Frey said, what if a sentence never ends? What if punctuation is optional? What if we repeated the same emotional beat twelve times in slightly different phrasing until someone screamed into their oat milk latte? I respect the commitment. But at some point it stopped being literary and started feeling like a freshman creative writing assignment titled "Trauma, But Make It Vaguely Horny." There are paragraphs that read like stream-of-consciousness "Mad Libs." And entire chapters that feel like they were written mid-manic episode in a Restoration Hardware showroom.

The murder? Practically a background extra. A side dish. A garnish on this over-seasoned orgy salad. Most of the story is just wealthy sociopaths having existential crises and swapping partners like it's emotionally stunted musical chairs. And somehow, somehow, they all fall in love with their hookups like it’s summer camp and they just made eye contact during a trust fall.

And the repetition. My god, the repetition. Frey doesn’t just love a phrase. He courts it, proposes to it, and then renews his vows every five pages. If I read one more line structured like, “She was scared. So scared. She was so so very scared,” I’m filing a restraining order against syntax. There’s also a full grocery list of town zoning laws, bobcat sightings, and architectural exposition that felt like the literary equivalent of getting trapped in a conversation with your HOA president.

But here’s the twist. I didn’t rage-quit. I should’ve. I wanted to. But I didn’t. Because I listened to the audiobook. Narrated by Gina Gershon. THE Gina Gershon. Of “If it’s at The Cheetah, it’s not dancin’” fame from “Showgirls.” And holy hell, she understood the assignment. Her voice carried me through every overwritten paragraph, every self-important orgy monologue, every fake-deep rumination on Connecticut’s woodland creatures. If this book had been narrated by anyone else, I would’ve yeeted it into the DNF sea. But with Gina? I stayed. I suffered. I kind of vibed.

Three stars. One for the unhinged ambition. One for the occasional funhouse-mirror insight into wealth and rot. And one exclusively for Gina Gershon, patron saint of chaotic narration, who made even the zoning law chapters feel like foreplay.

Whodunity Award: For the Most Delayed Murder Reveal in a Story Where the Only Thing Getting Killed Was My Attention Span

Massive thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and NetGalley for the early access — your chaos is appreciated, your narrator is iconic, and your book broke my brain just a little.

The voice narrator was solid and did their best to keep the listener engaged, but Next to Heaven was a tough one for me to get through. The writing was repetitive—certain phrases and words were used over and over again—and that really dragged down the experience.

What really didn’t sit right with me, though, was the portrayal of women, especially in the sex scenes. It felt like the author (very clearly a man) didn’t do much research or just assumed it was fine to write from a male perspective in a way that felt off, uncomfortable, and honestly, out of touch. Big no from me on that front.

The pacing was also slow. It took way too long to get to the actual dead person and the partying—which was supposed to be the central hook.

I wouldn’t recommend it to friends, but I’m sure there’s a target audience out there for this kind of story. Just not me.

On the surface, New Bethlehem, Connecticut is a perfect New York suburb. A village atmosphere, tree lined streets, an excellent school system and very little crime. That’s on the surface. Under the surface, there’s…well…a lot. Deception. Adultery. Lust. Bribery. Violence and so much more. Next to Heaven is delicious, gloriously trashy and simply marvelous! I loved it!

Almost all the characters are over the top rich. The men work too hard and the women have too much time to play. When the men are at their jobs, cheating others to make more money, the women are at home, cheating on their husbands and planning a party. Although everyone in town has heard the salacious gossip, it’s a very exclusive party. It’s an old time swingers party although with sushi, Macallen scotch and Pratesi sheets. At this party, people fall madly in love, and others leave shattered. Lives are changed, and the path to tragedy and violence quietly begins.

Next to Heaven should have a warning. Anything that might cause triggers is in this novel. I loved it. It’s a well written character study. It emphasizes societal differences. It’s a mystery and a romance. It’s suspenseful and lascivious. And it’s so readable that you will not be able to put it down. The reader, Gina Gershon is excellent. Enjoy. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, AE Titles / S&S Audio, James Frey and Gina Gershon for this ARC.

I thought this was going to be about a bunch of rich people that have a sex party and somebody winds up dead. While this is technically true, it takes a hell of a long time to get to the dead person part and a whole bunch of boring stuff happens between the sex party and the dead guy. Almost a full chapter about the history and founding of Connecticut, including the town of New Bethlehem. Another describing the history and founding of a park in New Bethlehem. Scene setting was always just an endless list of what kind of expensive stuff was in each location, and sometimes included lists of how much everything cost. So boring.

A really weird plot point is that all of the couples who attend to the sex party are married, but then all of them end up falling in love with their hook up. Like literally, all of them. It almost seemed like the sex party was going to be a setup for one of the women to kill her husband, and I think I just wrote a much more interesting story than the one I read.

It's also desperately clear that the author is a man. He still believes in the laughably tired cliche that women are desperate to find a man with a huge elephant dick. And that women immediately want to suck that huge elephant dick. Like, IMMEDIATELY. And then bang for an hour or longer. This book is a man thinking women's sexual fantasies are the same old boring shit that men have always wanted women's sexual fantasies to be: men being sexual heroes with giant elephant dicks. He literally describes an orgasm as a "coconut cream explosion". He also refers to one character's penis as his "yogurt cannon". BARF.

The author is a HUGE fan of repetition as a literary device, to the point where I stopped listening to the audiobook to go research the names of these particular methods, and discovered that he leans heavily on polysyndeton, anaphora, and epistrophe. What this means is that he thinks it's impactful to repeat the same word or phrase again and again in short succession, but it's super-annoying when you're hearing someone read it out loud.

Lots of time is spent naming every random member of the telephone game when gossip spreads around town. Author finds himself especially clever when he makes all the names rhyme.

Lou spoke. Louise spoke. Devon spoke. Lou smiled. Louise smiled. Devon smiled. Lou spoke. Lou smiled. I scream.

Ha. Ha. Ha. It worked.

I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.

This audiobook adaptation presents an interesting contrast between performance and content. While the novel itself struggles with its execution, the audio production delivers an exceptional listening experience. Gina Gershon's narration stands out as the highlight, infusing each character with distinct personality and elevating even the most awkward lines through her charismatic delivery. Her vocal performance adds layers to characters that otherwise feel shallow on the page.

The included author interview at the end offers valuable insight into James Frey's creative process. This bonus content provides context that enhances appreciation for the work, though it doesn't fundamentally change the book's core issues. The murder plot remains underdeveloped, taking a backseat to repetitive sexual encounters that dominate the narrative.

Gershon's compelling narration makes this audiobook version the preferred way to experience this story. Listeners should still temper expectations regarding the thriller elements promised by the marketing. The performance quality significantly improves upon the source material, creating a more engaging experience than reading the text alone provides.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Next to Heaven is a glossy, provocative dive into the lives of the ultra-wealthy, where secrets, betrayal, and indulgence simmer just beneath the surface of a picture-perfect Connecticut town. James Frey paints a vivid portrait of privilege gone awry, and while the setup is undeniably intriguing, think The White Lotus meets Big Little Lies, although the execution didn’t fully land for me.

The novel follows a cast of morally murky characters as they prepare for a lavish, exclusive party that spirals into chaos and murder. The pacing is slick, and the atmosphere drips with decadence, but I often found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters and shifting perspectives. I wanted to connect more deeply with a few key players, but the narrative kept pulling me in too many directions.

That said, Frey’s writing is sharp and cinematic, and there’s no denying the entertainment value. It’s a fast, flashy read that delivers on drama and scandal, but I was hoping for a bit more emotional depth and clarity in the plot’s resolution.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was unable to finish this audiobook before it disappeared off my shelf. But what I did listen to was interesting enough. The only issue I really had with the book is that it spent way too much time on the background information on all of the characters. I know there was probably a reason for it but as I only got through 40% of the book I missed that reason.

This felt like a male version of a wattpad story… omg.

This book was so poorly written, it reads like YA novel, is generally corny, but you know what…. It was really fun to read.

I wish the ending was better. It could have been a solid 3.5 stars but the ending and pacing was very all over the place

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.

Sadly, this is really not the book for me. It's labeled as a murder mystery, but we don't experience a murder until well past the halfway mark. The beginning of the book is just full of details that mean nothing to me as a reader.

2 stars - not for me, but maybe you'll enjoy it.

Note: I received access to read this book from the publisher in exchange for an review.

Exactly what you think will happen happens. Characters are pulled from stereotypes. None of it is creative. Even when Frey dips back into his history of writing about drug use it seems shallow and detached from the nothing-characters. It's been a while since I read A Million Little Things but I remember liking it for feeling personal but without the personal stories Frey's bad writing is laid bare and it is a slog to get through.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Audio and James Frey for this audiobook arc. I will be giving my honest review.
This book was giving White Lotus meets The Great Gatsby meets Little Fires Everywhere — and I was here for every messy, opulent, drama-soaked second.
James Frey treats setting and character with the same precision — and it shows. The beginning? SO fun. We’re talking juicy character backstories, a peek behind the curtains of the rich and dramatic, and some serious “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” energy. As a Minnesotan, I did have to clutch my pearls when Charlie turned down a job here because he "couldn’t handle the accents." Uff da! My heart! (Kidding. Kind of.)
If you're a Swiftie (hi, me), the entire vibe of this book could be soundtracked by The Last Great American Dynasty. It’s luxury. It’s gossip. It’s mysterious. Think mansions, secrets, and a crescendo leading up to... yep, a swingers party (SLOMW era, I see you James).
There was a lot of character-swapping (in every sense of the word), and while it got a bit hard to track who was hooking up with whom (especially in the audiobook format — maybe don’t listen while multitasking), it wasn’t a dealbreaker. Just required a smidge more focus than usual.
Bonus points for the name drops of Monet, Matisse, and Degas — that’s straight to my art-loving heart.
And if you're into behind-the-scenes stuff: the audiobook ends with a convo between James Frey and narrator Gina Gershon, which was honestly such a treat. They chat about the book, the Connecticut setting, the accents — and it just added another layer to the experience.
In short: decadent, dramatic, a little chaotic — like a vacation with people you low-key want to gossip about but also kinda envy.

ARC Received: NetGalley
Publication Date: June 17, 2025

This book is the kind of slow burn that turns into a full-on wildfire. Set in a seemingly perfect, high-powered community, it starts with a party invitation and spirals into a wild ride of secrets, lies, power plays, and unexpected alliances. Every character has layers, every moment feels like it could explode, and by the end… I was fully gagged in the best way.

It’s smart, it’s bold, and it’s laced with just the right amount of scandal to keep you hooked. I loved the emotional complexity tucked between all the drama, especially watching certain characters reclaim their power in ways that were subtle but oh so satisfying.

The writing is quick and sharp, the pacing never drags, and even when I thought I had it figured out…I didn’t. That final act? Perfection.

My only reason for holding back a half star is that I wanted just a touch more closure for a couple of the side characters — but honestly, I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.

If you’re in the mood for something dark, twisty, and full of “OH NO THEY DIDN’T” moments, this one delivers. Big time.

A delightful, nasty little gem of a book about sex, money, and murder among the top 1% in Connecticut. Frey nails the tone of the more superficial set. I was hoping this book would be reminiscent of Bret Easton Ellis' Glamorama, and it is, to some extent, but in Frey's particular writing style. Yes. It is lengthy and yes there is repetition but that's his style and I loved it, particularly as voiced by the dazzling Gina Gershon in audiobook form. Gershon's winking, slightly sarcastic, omniscient tone really added to my enjoyment of the snarkiness.

Other readers are correct that it takes awhile to set up the murder plot, but the gossip was so good and the characters so intriguing (even the horrible ones -- and there are many) that I didn't mind. I was fascinated by the descriptions of the wealthy Connecticut dwellers and their very superficial, mostly pretty sad, but also comfortable, lives.

I haven't read a lot of James Frey but I really enjoyed his writing style, his descriptive embellishments, his ridiculous characters and his interesting voice. I would like to read more books by him and I'll definitely look for more audiobooks voiced by Gershon, who was a real treat. A perfect summer beach read with bite and intelligence.

This was amazing, I loved it! Totally gives White Lotus vibes. I'll be recommending this one to everyone I know.

This book is absolutely ridiculous but in a way I found addictive. This won’t be for everyone, but I found it to be a compulsive read. Ultra wealthy and privileged people doing horrible things. It’s fun to gawk at, right? Plus a little thriller element swirled in. And a captivating narrative style.

Vibes: Bad Summer People. Gossip Girl. Wolf of Wall Street. Succession. Real Housewives. Dirty Sexy Money.

Quick thoughts…
- Initially it felt like there were too many characters who were too similar to each other to keep track of. But that worked itself out as I went on.
- Appreciated the slight shifts in tone and narration from chapter to chapter depending on which character we were with.
- A decent bit of baked in satire, sometimes pretty subtle.
- I did a few chapters via audiobook. Narrator was fine, nothing amazing to write home about, but got the job done.

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Audio, and Author’s Equity for providing me with an ARC of this book (both digital and audiobook) in exchange for an honest review.

A story filled with drama, rich people behaving badly, secrets, twists. The whole town of New Bethlehem is such a character in this story. This story focuses on four main couples: Devon and Billy, Grace and Alex, Teddy and Belle, and Charlie and Katy. This gave me Real Housewives vibes. It’s chaotic, messy and just entertaining.
The audiobook is narrated by Gina Gershon. Her voice was perfect and had all the emotions for this story. It was very engaging.

Next to Heaven is a dark plunge into the world of the ultra-rich and the ultra-depraved. The more excessive, the more morally bankrupt these characters became, the more I wanted. It took me a minute to keep track of everyone at the start, but once I found my footing, I was fully immersed in Frey's writing. These characters are gloriously unlikable, and I loved every second. 4.25

Thank you NetGalley and S&S Audio for the chance to listen to this title in exchange for my opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Authors Equity for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book was a wild ride. Four stars from me.

The writing was top-notch. Sharp, immersive, and cinematic in a way that pulled me straight into the world of New Bethlehem. I got completely invested in these messy, privileged, sometimes detestable characters, and I couldn’t stop listening.

It’s a story of wealth, secrecy, and reckless indulgence that escalates fast. You’ve got a seemingly perfect town filled with elite couples who crave more than just luxury. The result? One night, one party, and a spiral into chaos. Affairs, betrayal, and a murder that cracks their glossy façade wide open.

What really worked for me was how Frey leaned into the satire of excess and privilege without pulling punches. At times, it almost felt too outrageous to be real, but that’s what made it so compelling. The blend of dark humor and twisted dynamics gave it a White Lotus vibe, and I mean that in the best way.

This isn’t a subtle book, and it won’t be for everyone. But it’s smart, provocative, and definitely unforgettable. Haven’t read anything quite like it.

Next to Heaven is like watching the one percent set themselves on fire with their own money and asking for more gasoline. James Frey serves up a delicious cocktail of sex, scandal, and satire with just the right splash of murder. It’s messy, it’s decadent, it’s absolutely unhinged—and I loved every second of it. Think The White Lotus meets Eyes Wide Shut with a murder mystery twist. Rich people behaving badly? Yes please. More, please. I devoured this in one greedy gulp.

File under: Guilty pleasure, but make it couture.

Thank you James Frey, Simon and Schuster Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

#nexttoheaven #netgalleyarc #netgalleyreview #netgalley #arcreview #arc #arcreader #review #somanybookssolittletime