I have has never heard of this author until after I read this so I didn't know his background went in blind. I learnt his back story after reading, I can see why the book worked so well and I felt so real now.

This book for me was a mix of wit, mystery and dark undertone it flows and reads easy but never once felt lazy or brain fluffy it was insightful observant and smart it never once was a chore to read. I read it over a day I couldn't put tot down.

I loved the short chapters each told from a different characters POV in the third person. There was vast cast of characters each with a unique voice and story they interlinked perfectly to tell what was complex plot that was told with real style. There was a sense of pending tension though out, the characters developing as the plot does...the writing was truly a class act.

I got big white lotus, little big lies, Kevin Kwan and Emma Rosenblum vibes from this which I loved.

Really really enjoyed this one, great from start to finish I'd say it make perfect pool side reading.

Crying out to be dated into Netflix series

A strong 4.5 Stars

James Frey's "Next To Heaven" tells the story of what happens when rich and bored wives Devon and Belle seek adventure and thrills in the exclusive enclave of New Bethlehem. On the surface the gilded inhabitants have everything but lurking below are secrets,lies and deception. When the ladies decide to throw a swing party what starts out as a bit of fun ends in murder and a series of shocking revelations.
This is a fun read with a bit of added spice. There are very few likeable characters as the rich and entitled group of so-called friends are mostly nasty pieces of work just below their superficial surfaces.

The book does take a while to get going as it describes the various character's backstories in great detail and there was a time I was looking at my increasing Kindle percentage read wondering when it was going to start tying together.
That said it's very enjoyable,if a little frustrating until it gets into its stride,and well worth the effort for the excellent ending.

In "Next to Heaven," James Frey presents a gripping narrative set in the seemingly idyllic town of New Bethlehem, Connecticut, where the lives of the wealthy are anything but perfect.

The story revolves around two friends, Devon and Belle, who, despite their beauty and status, yearn for excitement beyond their luxurious existence. Their solution is a lavish swingers party that brings together the town's elite, including a disgraced ex-NFL player and a manipulative Wall Street mogul. However, the night spirals into chaos when betrayal leads to murder, exposing the dark underbelly of privilege and excess.
The protagonists' quest for meaning amidst superficiality shapes their journey. Devon and Belle evolve as they grapple with the repercussions of their actions while supporting characters, each embodying different aspects of wealth and ambition, enriching the narrative. The interplay between these flawed individuals highlights themes of morality and human connection in a deceptive world.

Frey skillfully explores themes of wealth, betrayal, and the pursuit of authenticity. The novel resonates with contemporary issues like the hollowness of consumerism and the moral decay hidden beneath affluence, serving as a critique of how wealth can warp relationships and self-identity.

Frey's sharp, provocative writing style is marked by a fast-paced narrative reflecting the chaotic lives of his characters. His effective use of dialogue conveys tension and reveals motivations. The multi-perspective structure initially feels disjointed but ultimately enriches the story as threads intertwine toward the climax.

Personally, "Next to Heaven" captivates with its blend of dark humor and social commentary. While some might find the characters unlikable, their flaws make them relatable representations of societal excess. The emotional impact lies in recognizing universal struggles within these extravagant lives.

In the context of satirical explorations of wealth and privilege, Frey's work aligns with others like "The Great Gatsby," but with a modern twist that incorporates elements from contemporary media like "The White Lotus."The book stands out due to its bold storytelling and ability to provoke thought about personal values in an increasingly materialistic world.

Overall, "Next to Heaven" is special for its unflinching portrayal of the darker sides of affluence and friendship. While it may not cater to everyone's taste due to its chaotic nature and morally ambiguous characters, it effectively invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with wealth and desire in today's society.

Completely in tune with modern America where nothing seems to be ever enough. From the pace of the story to the intriguing revelations of the characters this is the utmost contemporary conception of what it is to be unsatisfied in this present age. Riveting

A riveting read about a town in America with a darker side. I loved this book, full of lies & secrets, twists & turns , just my cup of tea. I loved the characters, good & bad, I loved the secrets. Brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Next to Heaven by James Frey offers a captivating dive into the world of wealth, secrets, and the dark undercurrents of privilege. Set in New Bethlehem, Connecticut, a town that exudes perfection from its pristine lawns to its million-dollar homes, the novel explores the lives of its affluent residents, particularly Devon and Belle, two women who seemingly have it all but crave something more. Their search for excitement leads them to organize a party that attracts the town’s elite—each one hiding their own vices and flaws.

The story unfolds as a night of betrayal turns deadly, with a murder that threatens to unravel the tightly woven fabric of New Bethlehem’s high society. The character-driven plot focuses on Devon and Belle, whose wealth and status disguise their deeper desires and vulnerabilities. Their actions, intertwined with those of other influential characters in the story, set off a chain of events that highlight the darker side of affluence and power.

Frey’s writing captures the excesses and hidden struggles of his characters, making for an engaging read that keeps you turning pages. The twists and character complexities add to the intrigue, and the narrative shines a light on the emptiness that can accompany such privilege. This book is a compelling look at the lengths some will go to escape the suffocating grip of their perfect lives.

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Some people seem to have everything but life is never perfect! And people always want more. After a wife swapping party, two women try to change their lives with devastating effect. Loved the way this was plotted and unfolded with the guilt being hinted at to various people until the final outcome. Good, enjoyable read.

When I was in my last year of university in 2012, I did a module in American studies called Reading in Popular culture.
It was my favourite module of my entire degree, and there was a portion of the course on Oprah’s Book Club.
And of course, James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces.
Fact or fiction, I truly don’t care. I loved the book and think about it often.
I don’t think except My Friend Leonard (the sequel to A Million Little Pieces) I’ve read anything by James Frey since then, so I was intrigued to see his name on my Netgalley a few weeks ago.
I loved the sound of this book. A murder mystery, Stepfor-wives esque setting in a town of opulence.

I really enjoyed this book. The setting and the characters were so well-realised and I loved the Greek Chorus of gossip. The partner switching was such a good device, though I did find myself struggling to keep track of everyone.

The only thing I didn’t think this book needed was the murder plot. I was intrigued enough by all the characters and maybe because I’m not a big thriller fan I just didn’t feel it was fleshed out enough to be necessary.

A fantastic return to form for James Frey. I’m intrigued to know what he does next.

Having read A Million Little Pieces by this author and it being up there as one of the most memorable books I have ever read, I was really looking forward to this one.

It did not disappoint!

Set in a small town in Connecticut, several families and about to be tested during to the brutal murder if one of their own. Very few of the characters are likeable or even tolerable, all being spoilt, rich, egotistical, nasty and selfish humans. The first part of the book sets a great back story to each important character. The murder happens and the second half is given over to the solving of the murder and arresting the murderer. You think you have it pegged and know who the killer is but do you really …

Next to Heaven could just as easily be titled "Rich People Behaving Badly". The writing style might not be for everyone, but I personally loved it and flew through it. There are a lot of characters introduced throughout, but their backgrounds were so detailed and varied that I didn’t have trouble keeping track of them.
The crime element is definitely secondary—it’s clear this is more of a social critique—but I do wish it had been introduced a bit earlier. The culprit was also a bit obvious, but the story was still very enjoyable.
That said, I don’t think I’ll be picking up another book about the ultra-rich anytime soon—their decadent behaviour is exhausting (and a little nauseating). 😆

Wow, sex-filled, scandalous, and glamorous thriller with a focus on the New Bethlehem elite. It's giving Jackie Collins but with zilch romance but ALL the scandal. I kept wanting more of this, i've never read a James Frey so had no idea what I was in for. This isn't for the faint hearted (or for prudes) but it's the perfect escapism and beach read !!!

I’ve long been a fan of James Frey’s work having read A Million Little Pieces some years ago (& recommended to many people) so I was delighted to read his latest, and it didn’t disappoint. His style can.sometimes be a little confusing (little punctuation) but I soon got in to the swing and devoured this piece. The characters were well rounded &, where meant, quite loathsome. The identity of the victim kept me guessing & I liked the twist at the end of which was hinted at but I didn’t really see coming.

This book was such fun. New Bethlehem is a wealthy suburb in Connecticut, with a cast of young gorgeous couples who are mostly cheating on each other. Devon and Belle are the queens of the trophy wives, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes and they organise a swinging party which causes fallout amongst all of them. It's a clever plot, and there are some horrible parts, but in the main, it is lighthearted and enjoyable. Great for the beach.

James Frey's inimitable shocking style of writing continues.
A group of friends have a high end adult sleepover. The ensuing story describes the outcome of the party and the entangled lives of the participants, including death and intrigue.

Horrible people doing horrible things in the context of the world of the rich and privileged. James Frey makes this a humorous and engaging read, despite the subject matter, and I love his style of writing which captures event and emotion with such clarity, I always felt this author was hard done by, being so publicly criticised on an international scale for including fictionalised aspects in a semi-autobiographical book. This completely overshadowed his talent for writing and it is good to see he did not let this stop him.