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A review by jessspeake
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
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
3.5
It took me a while to decide what to rate this book. I really enjoyed the pace and suspense but had some issues with character development, suspension of disbelief, and the ending.
synopsis
A couple has plans to go to a dinner party next door, but the babysitter cancels at the last minute. They decide to still go to the party, bring the baby monitor, and check on her every half an hour. During one of the checkups, they find that the baby is gone. The search for the missing baby uncovers so much more than just the kidnapper's identity, it exposes lies, deceit, and deadly secrets.
merits
This book was a compelling page turner and a fast paced read. I finished it quickly and didn't want to put it down.
I loved that this novel put the character's flaws in the spotlight - I always think it's more interesting to follow imperfect characters.
I enjoyed the heightened situations that these characters were in, and having to battle though not only the disappearance of their daughter, but also personal issues they were each struggling with.
critiques
This novel completely captivated my attention, but the ending left me wanting more. It feels like the author rushed through the ending. I wish she hadn't! I think putting in a couple of extra chapters, and taking as much time to build suspense in the ending as she had through the rest of the book would have served it well. Honestly the pace clipped along so quickly that even if this page had been a thousand pages, I still would have flown through it!
I also realized at the end that I had to suspend my disbelief in many moments. There were some things that happened that seemed unrealistic, and confusing. Maybe if there had been more time dedicated to the ending, I would have fully understood the author's choice to include those elements.
I also had issues with character development. The mother character appeared very weak, and I think she could have had more dimension to her grief. In grief, yes there is sadness, but there's also so much more.
overall
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, and would read it again. I loved how captivating and fast paced it was, but I wish more time had been dedicated to the ending. This is a book that the more I think about it, the more the problems with the character development and ending bother me.
synopsis
A couple has plans to go to a dinner party next door, but the babysitter cancels at the last minute. They decide to still go to the party, bring the baby monitor, and check on her every half an hour. During one of the checkups, they find that the baby is gone. The search for the missing baby uncovers so much more than just the kidnapper's identity, it exposes lies, deceit, and deadly secrets.
merits
This book was a compelling page turner and a fast paced read. I finished it quickly and didn't want to put it down.
I loved that this novel put the character's flaws in the spotlight - I always think it's more interesting to follow imperfect characters.
I enjoyed the heightened situations that these characters were in, and having to battle though not only the disappearance of their daughter, but also personal issues they were each struggling with.
critiques
This novel completely captivated my attention, but the ending left me wanting more. It feels like the author rushed through the ending. I wish she hadn't! I think putting in a couple of extra chapters, and taking as much time to build suspense in the ending as she had through the rest of the book would have served it well. Honestly the pace clipped along so quickly that even if this page had been a thousand pages, I still would have flown through it!
I also realized at the end that I had to suspend my disbelief in many moments. There were some things that happened that seemed unrealistic, and confusing. Maybe if there had been more time dedicated to the ending, I would have fully understood the author's choice to include those elements.
I also had issues with character development. The mother character appeared very weak, and I think she could have had more dimension to her grief. In grief, yes there is sadness, but there's also so much more.
overall
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, and would read it again. I loved how captivating and fast paced it was, but I wish more time had been dedicated to the ending. This is a book that the more I think about it, the more the problems with the character development and ending bother me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Grief
Moderate: Body shaming and Murder