I'm not sure how to really rate this one. I went into this expecting some kind of a dark thriller, which I normally love to read. However, even within the first few chapters, the writing was just very juvenile. One example is, when the wife hears something outside, the husband says "oh its just a little fox in the woods". It was just so immature. Sad to say that this just wasn't for me.

Page-turning pace, and a very readable style. That said, the characterisation fell a bit flat - hard to engage with characters who felt a bit two-dimensional. And while the plot started with promise, the 'big reveal / twist' felt entirely out of nowhere. For it to work, I would have needed considerably more bread-crumbing of clues, rather than one very vague reference to part of it and absolutely nothing at all to the rest.

This book had some decent twists and turns. However, I found it to be outlandish and unbelievable. I would need more background into the cult to understand their true motives and how you could get that many people in on it.

The end of the prologue had me instantly invested into this thriller. This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author and I’ve enjoyed every one (‘His First Wife’ is my favourite 😊). This is about a couple who move to the suburbs and who realise things can spiral quickly if you don’t do everything right to fit in! Another quick read psychological thriller with a couple of twists near the end, definitely worth a read!

I love Jack Dane thrillers! Quick and easy reads, unpredictable, lots of twists. What more could you want?
But why tease the readers with promises of bodies in the prologue? Who was the body and who killed them?
Having said that, I enjoyed this book thoroughly and am looking forward to the next one.
I recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm always very happy about an ARC and being able to give it a review! <3

Okay, listen, the second I read the blurb, I was hooked. I literally squealed when I got the ARC in my hands. And honestly? If I had known how epic this story was going to be, I would’ve begged for it the second it was announced.

The book throws you right into the action, and from page one I was like: welp, guess I’m not sleeping tonight. The pacing was Chef’s kiss. The characters? So well done and I absolutely adored the dynamic between Nikki and Emma. Their scenes together had me flipping pages like a madwoman.

There’s even a quick mention of Frieda McFadden in the story—which, I’ll admit, didn’t really land for me. While I get the reference, I’m not a fan of hers, especially given the plagiarism accusations and the fact that some of her books feel a little too familiar to others. Just my personal opinion, of course—but this story doesn’t need name-drops to shine. It’s strong enough all on its own.

No joke, I devoured this little masterpiece in just a few hours by the pool. It’s been forever since I read something this fast-paced and addictive. Then I googled the author because I needed more, and surprise – I’d already read and loved The Apartment Across the Hall! Which just proves this author knows how to deliver. Instant favorite. Him and his books.

The writing was super vivid too. I could picture everything so clearly, and I kept wanting to jump into the story and stand next to Nikki like, “Girl, I got you.”

Now... the ending? Slightly over the top for me. A bit of a huh? moment. BUT honestly, the rest of the story was so gripping that I don’t even care. I’m just sad it’s already over. I could’ve read way more of this.

So if you’re looking for a fast, thrilling, unputdownable poolside read – this is it. You’ll blink and suddenly you’re at the last page, wondering where the time (and your sanity) went.

Creepy, clever, and compulsively readable!

Jack Dane wrote a psychological thriller that immediately grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. This was my first read by Dane and I loved how fast paced and easy flowing his writing is. He created a picture-perfect suburb with just enough off-kilter detail that kept me on edge.

A few aspects that didn’t work well for me was the writing was underdevelopment in some ways, and likewise, a few twists felt predictable.

Overall, Such Lovely Neighbors was a fast paced suburban psychological thriller about newlyweds Nikki and Noah Anderson. They settled into what seemed to be the perfect starter home but the couple’s dream quickly turned unsettling. Such Lovely Neighbors was a gripping, tension-filled plot and is ideal for those readers that enjoy twisty thrillers with suburban settings and slow-burning suspense. Looking forward to reading more by Jack Dane!

Thank you to Net Galley and Back Alley Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.