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taliatalksbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena was interesting, but I felt like it could have gone further with its interpersonal ties. I didn’t feel as though the title was representative of the content, which is not the worst offense a book can have, but is worth noting in this case. I liked the complexity of this plot and the way it unfolded, but the connection with the other couple after the initial dinner feels more like an afterthought than it did necessary. I didn’t feel as though these characters supplied much to the overarching plot between our main characters. Maybe if the narration was shifted, or the twist was revealed a bit differently I wouldn’t feel this way, but as it stands, it just felt like it was missing something. I did enjoy the plot, and the way the investigation pushed the story in new directions. I actually liked it so much that I wish there had been more of that throughout the story. If you’re a fan of thrillers with investigative components, then I would say to check this one out, especially if you like the perspective of the victims or prime suspects rather than the investigator.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Kidnapping
thissagreads's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The plot twists! The “gotcha’s!” The “who dunnit”!! This book had be guessing throughout the entire story, and it was an enjoyable read! I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a fast past, thriller.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Violence, and Kidnapping
chapters_and_pages's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my second Shari Lapena book and it’s safe to say, it won’t be my last.
With a dinner party to attend and a babysitter who has cancelled, Anne and Marco decide to leave their 6-month-old baby at home. After all, they are just next door, and check in on her regularly, what’s the worst that can happen? Returning home in the early hours to an unlocked door and a missing baby, the couple’s worst nightmare has come true.
I really did enjoy this book, it was different than the other mystery/thrillers I have read. In terms of the characters, no one was particularly likeable, but to be honest, I think that was kind of the point.
The storyline was a little predictable for me, but that might just be me as I tend to connect the dots of these types of books quite quickly.
One thing I’m noticing about Shari Lapena’s books is that, based on the two books I’ve read, she tends to give them an open ending, leaving the reader to imagine what happens next. Normally, I wouldn’t really be a fan of this, however I think in these cases it works really well!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Shari Lapena.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Mental illness, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
emmawhelo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Minor: Blood and Vomit
sldibened's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A bit dragged out and repetitive, overall entertaining and a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
readingwithmeredith's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Kidnapping
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Murder
daniofthewood's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child death, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
kyliejade322's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
boba_nbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Couple Next Door was a fairly predictable thriller. There were a lot of things that I saw coming, but a few of the twists did catch me off-guard!
Whether or not I figured it out, this was a fun and ridiculous ride. A couple decides to leave their six-month-old daughter at home while visiting the couple next door for a night out. Since their babysitter canceled, the couple decides to leave their baby at home and check on her every 30 minutes. What could go wrong? Well, their daughter gets kidnapped, and the parents are the number one suspects.
If you're looking for a fun and fast-paced thriller, check it out!
Whether or not I figured it out, this was a fun and ridiculous ride. A couple decides to leave their six-month-old daughter at home while visiting the couple next door for a night out. Since their babysitter canceled, the couple decides to leave their baby at home and check on her every 30 minutes. What could go wrong? Well, their daughter gets kidnapped, and the parents are the number one suspects.
If you're looking for a fun and fast-paced thriller, check it out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Kidnapping
Moderate: Cursing, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
astrohime's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Gets straight at it which I like, and a good page turner. Good plot and twists and turns along the way, some more predictable than others. The end didn’t blow me away, but all in all a really well written book that kept my attention
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Mental illness, and Kidnapping