A review by swalk
Those People Next Door by Kia Abdullah

challenging emotional reflective sad tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Salma & Bill Khatun have just moved to a new neighbourhood with their son Zain.  Blenheim is a predominantly white community, so as newcomers they try all they can to fit in. But when Tom who lives opposite, takes down Salma’s banner from their garden and throws it onto the lawn, things begin to escalate. Suspicious occurrences begin to pile up and whilst there are definitely undertones of bigotry throughout their interactions with Tom & Willa, Tom denies any part in the Khatun’s issues except for the removal of the banner. Is he really the culprit behind all of this?

Salma’s fears are undermined as other neighbours imply she is being over the top and minimise their plight. More and more incidents spiral out of control, whilst they try to get to the bottom of why this is happening. A tense and highly believable thriller with some great twists, I found it a little slow to start, but overall a great book.


The narrator was also good.
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