The Couple Next Door || Shari Lapena || Spoiler Free Review

Fast-paced and addictive, THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR announces a major new talent in thriller writing. You never know what's happening on the other side of the wall. Your neighbour told you that she didn't want your six-month-old daughter at the dinner party. Nothing personal, she just couldn't stand her crying. Your husband said it would be fine. After all, you only live next door. You'll have the baby monitor and you'll take it in turns to go back every half hour. Your daughter was sleeping when you checked on her last. But now, as you race up the stairs in your deathly quiet house, your worst fears are realized. She's gone. You've never had to call the police before. But now they're in your home, and who knows what they'll find there. What would you be capable of, when pushed past your limit?

REVIEW

When this was first released, it was all over booktube and it was something i fantically wanted to read but couldnt justify the price tag on it at the moment, my mum had picked it up on offer and i still missed out. Last week i was in Tesco and the hardback was only £5 and i knew straight away i was having it.

This was worth every single penny and more, it was brilliant! Fast - paced and addictive is how it is described and that couldnt be more accurate, i read it in one afternoon, sneaking in extra reading time minutes before i had to go out and staying up later than i had planned to finish it.

Just imagine returning home from a dinner party next door and your baby was gone, the baby your husband convinced you would be fine as you were only next door. Horrific, what follows is a narrative of twists and turns, because at the end of the day - who can you trust?

We follow the journey as Anne tries to make sense of what happened, of what the police could be thinking, and can she even trust her own memory? I found that every time i thought i had figured it all out - i actually hadnt and another twist was thrown in for good measure. I found myself untrusting of all characters, because whichever way you look - there is something new.

A wonderful thriller that really does grip the reader, its one of the best thrillers i have read and i literally couldnt put it down, i nearly sacked off my exercise class to stay in bed to get the answers i needed. It really was one of those books you want everyone to read because then you can discuss it with everyone. Hands down the best read of the year so far.

Author Info

SHARI LAPENA worked as a lawyer and as an English teacher before turning to writing fiction. She has written two critically acclaimed literary novels. The Couple Next Door is her suspense debut.