A review by girlwiththepinkskimask
The Neighbor, by Lisa Gardner
4.0
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 3.5/5 | Ending: OTT/5
SYNOPSIS
Jason Jones' wife is missing, making him suspect #1... along with the convicted and registered sex offender just down the street. Where did Sandra go, and who is to blame? And what's up with this neighbourhood?
MY OPINION
WOAH NELLYYYYY that was a wild ass ride. Is this rating generous based on that OTT final act? PEUT ETRE (MAYBE). BUT the writing was so strong, so on point, so suspenseful, I couldn't give it anything less than a four.
This is an old Gardner, we're talking 2009 when Facebook was in its infancy and I wore 3/4 black leggings under my jean skirts #SWAG. But it aged well-ish. I mean a 30 yr old shacking up with a pregnant teen is always questionable, but in this case the motive is clear... and less icky.
Here we have the traditional domestic thriller trope with a handful of twisty twists. You kinda know wassup with Jason... but it keeps you guessing. The plot was thicc af. I loved Sandra's POV. TBH the pedo's POV was gratuitous and unnecessary, but I'm a sicko so yes, I wanted to know how his mind ticked. I could've done without the "both sides of the fences" perspective of sex offenders. I really just don't care how hard a pedophile's life is. I'm too busy thinking about how mentally, physically, and emotionally scarred for life their victim(s) are.
OK let me get my ass back on track instead of giving a Ted Talk. Although this is a police procedural, we spend a considerable amount of time with the suspects and victim, which I loved. This was a great character study and my heart goes out to Jason. YES it is moi, showing sympathy and empathy toward a MAN. Your eyes have not betrayed you.
This book was good. Period. It was entertaining, it made me want to pick up another Gardner expeditiously. Trigger warnings: all of them.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: FANTASTIC writing, great pace, well-written characters, entertainment value through the roof
Cons: tryna make me feel bad for pedos, keep that lmao. ending was outrageously OTT
SYNOPSIS
Jason Jones' wife is missing, making him suspect #1... along with the convicted and registered sex offender just down the street. Where did Sandra go, and who is to blame? And what's up with this neighbourhood?
MY OPINION
WOAH NELLYYYYY that was a wild ass ride. Is this rating generous based on that OTT final act? PEUT ETRE (MAYBE). BUT the writing was so strong, so on point, so suspenseful, I couldn't give it anything less than a four.
This is an old Gardner, we're talking 2009 when Facebook was in its infancy and I wore 3/4 black leggings under my jean skirts #SWAG. But it aged well-ish. I mean a 30 yr old shacking up with a pregnant teen is always questionable, but in this case the motive is clear... and less icky.
Here we have the traditional domestic thriller trope with a handful of twisty twists. You kinda know wassup with Jason... but it keeps you guessing. The plot was thicc af. I loved Sandra's POV. TBH the pedo's POV was gratuitous and unnecessary, but I'm a sicko so yes, I wanted to know how his mind ticked. I could've done without the "both sides of the fences" perspective of sex offenders. I really just don't care how hard a pedophile's life is. I'm too busy thinking about how mentally, physically, and emotionally scarred for life their victim(s) are.
OK let me get my ass back on track instead of giving a Ted Talk. Although this is a police procedural, we spend a considerable amount of time with the suspects and victim, which I loved. This was a great character study and my heart goes out to Jason. YES it is moi, showing sympathy and empathy toward a MAN. Your eyes have not betrayed you.
This book was good. Period. It was entertaining, it made me want to pick up another Gardner expeditiously. Trigger warnings: all of them.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: FANTASTIC writing, great pace, well-written characters, entertainment value through the roof
Cons: tryna make me feel bad for pedos, keep that lmao. ending was outrageously OTT