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Summary
A gripping domestic page-turner full of shocking reveals, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Amanda Prowse and Kerry Fisher.
The small suburb of Pleasant Court lives up to its name. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbours, and children play in the street.
Isabelle Heatherington doesn’t fit into this picture of family paradise. Husbandless and childless, she soon catches the attention of three Pleasant Court mothers.
But Ange, Fran and Essie have their own secrets to hide. Like the reason behind Ange’s compulsion to control every aspect of her life. Or why Fran won’t let her sweet, gentle husband near her new baby. Or why, three years ago, Essie took her daughter to the park – and returned home without her.
As their obsession with their new neighbour grows, the secrets of these three women begin to spread – and they’ll soon find out that when you look at something too closely, you see things you never wanted to see. – Goodreads
My Thoughts
The Family Next Door is set in what seems to be an idyllic and friendly court, where neighbours are ready to lend a hand to each other, when necessary. Well, that is on the surface. Getting into the story, brings to light that here is something bubbling away under the surface.
The story revolves around Mums, Essie, Fran and Ange, who all seem to have perfect lives. That is, until Isabelle moves into the street, and changes happen. Secrets and upsets start coming to the surface and everything unravels.
This story sounds quite dark and depressing, however there are plenty of light moments in this psychological thriller.
Star Rating
Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.