Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - The Couple Next Door

Reviews tagging 'Kidnapping'

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

145 reviews

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.

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thissagreads's review

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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

willowingweeps's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I didn't enjoy this book as much as her others. I could see many of the plot twists coming but it was beautifully written and had an intense ending.

Content Warnings

celledge's review

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dark 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

4.5

Content Warnings

shay43geek's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

Content Warnings

louisewright's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

chapters_and_pages's review against another edition

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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