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Member Reviews

This was a really fun short story. It was fast paced and full of action and kept my attention the entire time. It was a nice little "midday thriller" snack, but man do I wish there was more. I can only imagine what the author could have done with the characters and the story line with even more time to play with.

I thought this was a great introduction to the author and I definitely look forward to checking out more of his work.

Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for the audio version of this book. The narrator, Amara Jasper and the production team, did a wonderful job presenting the story!

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I enjoyed this well enough, and the narration was good. It was very short, but didn't feel too short or not paced well. The twist was pretty predictable, but I still enjoyed the ride and the small cast of characters that we got in so little time. Thank you for the ARC!

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I actually enjoyed this one the most so far. The story was fun to follow, suspenseful and had a nice twist.

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Good Neighbors by Chad Zunker is short story number five of six of Alibis, "a collection of stories about lies, truth, and deception. It’s just a matter of what you can get away with."

Thrilling, suspenseful and extremely action packed - this was one hell of a ride! It would be incredible to see this story made into a full-length novel, or honestly, on the big screen! I've never read a short story that had so much action in it, holding me to the edge of my seat the entire time!

Amara Jasper performed both the husband's and wife's perspectives with ease for this audiobook! Sounding cautious, fearful and adrenaline-spiked, making for one jam packed audiobook experience!

This series features 60-ish page/1.5 hour-ish long books, and they're just the sort of story to slip into when you've got just a bit of spare time!

Thank you NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Amazon Original Stories for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.

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For a 45-page listen, the story really packed a wallop. Numerous times throughout this quick read, I wanted to warn the protagonist to mind her own business or, at least, use some common sense. In any event, her impulsivity filled the story with so many unexpected twists and turns that I found myself “speed reading” to check how things were going to turn out. If I learned anything from this heart-racing tale…it is that I want to read more from Chad Zunker.

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eh, so so story. nothing shocking. I had figured it out pretty early on. i would read more from this author though

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Short story about nosy neighbors and what they think they see. Interesting but not my favorite writing. Would try this author again.

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Good Neighbors is a quick listen and an engaging audio ch ooo. The narrator is great, and does other character voices well. The story itself is action packed and you won’t get bored. It was entertaining and easy to listen to.

I thought more than once “no one talks that way” but that didn’t take away from the story.

Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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This was a crazy ride!! So creepy, dark and suspenseful all tied up in a novella! So good! Loved every piece of it!

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I enjoyed this story and wish it had been longer to get more character development and back story on them. As it was, the set-up was a little predictable but I think a longer length would have added more suspense. I wanted to know more about Mindy’s relationship with her husband so I could feel her outrage and understand the motives behind her actions. I will look for more stories by this author.

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This was a super short story but it packed a punch. It had a lot of action and things going on in it. The idea was great and I whish it should have been a bit longer.
Both povs are interesting and a lot of secrets are revealed at the end that I didn't see coming.
This is the first book I read by the author and now I want to read more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Originals for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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"Good Neighbors" is a chilling short story that earns a solid four stars for its ability to quickly build tension and deliver a genuinely shocking twist. In this concise tale, Zunker expertly leverages the seemingly idyllic setting of suburban life to explore the darker side of friendship, secrets, and the dangerous allure of curiosity.
The story centers on Kara, a devoted best friend and neighbor to Mindy. When suspicions arise that Mindy's husband might be having an affair, Kara readily pledges her vigilance, even hoping to catch him in the act. This setup immediately draws the reader in, hinting at a classic domestic drama. However, Zunker swiftly steers the narrative into far more sinister territory.
The pivotal moment arrives when Kara, ever watchful, observes someone sneaking into Mindy's house one night. Her decision to investigate, driven by loyalty and a touch of nosiness, is where the true suspense ignites. The expectation of uncovering infidelity quickly shatters, replaced by a chilling realization: "what’s happening across the street isn’t what Kara expects. And what she sees could get her killed."
Zunker's writing is taut and efficient, perfectly suited for the short story format. He wastes no words, building suspense with each observation Kara makes and every creeping suspicion that forms. The escalating sense of dread is palpable, making Kara's escalating fear feel entirely earned. The strength of "Good Neighbors" lies in its ability to take a seemingly mundane premise—a watchful neighbor—and turn it into a high-stakes thriller with genuine psychological depth.
While the brevity of a short story means we don't delve into extensive character backstories, Zunker provides enough to make Kara's actions feel believable and her peril resonate. The ending is particularly impactful, leaving a lasting impression and a lingering sense of unease. "Good Neighbors" is a testament to Zunker's skill in crafting compelling narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat, proving that sometimes, the most dangerous secrets are hidden right next door.

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An entertaining short story however, this is a frequently used trope.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to listen to this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Very quick little read! But overall I really liked this short story. Loved how the neighborhood all came together quickly. But also a good story to maybe not snoop on your neighbors. Overall this was a fun read and I liked how it wrapped up!

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