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The People Next Door
A PERFECT FAMILY
Mick and Amy Nash are an ordinary couple leading ordinary lives. And then, into the house next door move the Renders – beautiful, charming, perfect . . . and not at all what they pretend to be.
AN EVIL SECRET
Too late Mick learns that something is deeply, darkly wrong with the neighbours. Who are these people? Where did they come from? And what are they hiding in the basement?
A SHOCKING TWIST ENDING
As death and darkness descend on the neighbourhood, only Mick can save his family and expose the horrifying truth about the people next door – a secret already hailed as the most electrifying twist ending in years.
Mick and Amy Nash are an ordinary couple leading ordinary lives. And then, into the house next door move the Renders – beautiful, charming, perfect . . . and not at all what they pretend to be.
AN EVIL SECRET
Too late Mick learns that something is deeply, darkly wrong with the neighbours. Who are these people? Where did they come from? And what are they hiding in the basement?
A SHOCKING TWIST ENDING
As death and darkness descend on the neighbourhood, only Mick can save his family and expose the horrifying truth about the people next door – a secret already hailed as the most electrifying twist ending in years.
374 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
44 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Ransom
8 books114 followersChristopher Ransom is the author of internationally bestselling novels including The Birthing House and The People Next Door. He studied literature at Colorado State University and worked at Entertainment Weekly magazine in New York, and now lives near his hometown of Boulder, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
January 16, 2023
This year one of my aims is to read as many low rated books as possible on my Goodreads want to read list as I can to see whether I disagree. This is the perfect example of why. I loved this book. What I loved about it was his writing style. He kept me engaged the whole time. I found myself even laughing at some of the dialogue. It was out there and pure escapism. I will definately be reading more of his books.
July 5, 2012
I'm not one to give up on a book halfway through but with this one I got to page 200 and couldn't bear to carry on. It actually started as a fairly decent story with lots of mystery surrounding the strange figures appearing next door but does drag into a quite bizarre and nonsense tale that you have to suspend your belief further than normal with this ridiculous tale. The writing style is a little hard to follow at times even though the story is fairly simple. The characters are all depressing and unlikeable and I felt that I just didn't care for them at all.
I've not read a Christopher Ransom book before and I won't be reading one again. I never got to find out what the "shocking twist ending" was but to be honest, I don't even care. The People Next Door is easily the worst book I have read this year. Avoid.
I've not read a Christopher Ransom book before and I won't be reading one again. I never got to find out what the "shocking twist ending" was but to be honest, I don't even care. The People Next Door is easily the worst book I have read this year. Avoid.
July 17, 2011
When I received this book for review, I didn't know a thing about it. The cover looked creepy and after reading the blurb, I was really curious about it. Besides, I like a good horror story. So I started reading it with enthusiasm...
The Nash family have some new neighbours, but there's something really creepy about them. Yet, that's not the most horrifying thing going on in their lives.
Each member of the family is going through their own thing at the moment. The father, Mick, is struggling to keep his business afloat, while losing time, and then not remembering what has happened. The mother, Amy, isn't happy with the way she looks, is constantly feeling lonely and struggling with some trouble of her own. The son, Kyle, is an average teenage boy getting up to mischief, until he meets a mysterious girl. And the daughter, Briela, is an odd girl who is prone to bouts of bizarre behaviour. But when they all realise that their neighbours have plans for them, they find themselves in the middle of some pretty horrible realisations.
The People Next Door is a book with an intriguing concept, and that was enough to suck me in. I really wanted to know what was going to happen to the Nash family. But the more I read, the more I started to lose interest. Until I realised that I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, and even found the big reveal disappointing.
I'm a sucker for a scary, creepy story... but found this one didn't deliver.
The Nash family have some new neighbours, but there's something really creepy about them. Yet, that's not the most horrifying thing going on in their lives.
Each member of the family is going through their own thing at the moment. The father, Mick, is struggling to keep his business afloat, while losing time, and then not remembering what has happened. The mother, Amy, isn't happy with the way she looks, is constantly feeling lonely and struggling with some trouble of her own. The son, Kyle, is an average teenage boy getting up to mischief, until he meets a mysterious girl. And the daughter, Briela, is an odd girl who is prone to bouts of bizarre behaviour. But when they all realise that their neighbours have plans for them, they find themselves in the middle of some pretty horrible realisations.
The People Next Door is a book with an intriguing concept, and that was enough to suck me in. I really wanted to know what was going to happen to the Nash family. But the more I read, the more I started to lose interest. Until I realised that I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, and even found the big reveal disappointing.
I'm a sucker for a scary, creepy story... but found this one didn't deliver.
October 14, 2013
'Mick woke up with a start,body trembling. He was staring at the floor, head hanging over the cot. He twisted over and sat up, rubbing his face,blinking to bring the room back into focus. Tears in his eyes, a fading scream sinking back into his throat.'
My thoughts
I bought this book a few months ago in a 3 for £5 deal in The Works, and thought that October would be a great time to read this, as I'm taking part in a Halloween Horror book challenge. My first impression of this book was that it's fairly long, at 488 pages. I'd seen a few bad reviews for this after I bought it, but I'm not often put off by negative reviews, as I like to form my own opinion.
The way the book was written was very interesting, with many different points of view. The majority of the story is told through Mick Nash, but there are also several chapters told from the point of view of Amy Nash, Mick's wife, and even the children, Kyle and Briela. I really enjoyed this aspect, it was great to see how each character perceived the developments in the story, especially the children, as their thoughts can often be overlooked.
There's another point of view that is at first a mystery, but as the story develops we discover who the mysterious narrator is. This was very interesting, as it appears to be telling a different story, but as you read on, the different points of view come together and the mystery is cleared up.
This was my first Horror book, and while it wasn't terrifying it was definitely creepy and as I have a vivid imagination I got chills a few times while reading this. The book is long, but once I got into the story the number of pages soon became irrelevant as I was hooked and waiting for the mystery to unfold. I also think that the length of the book was necessary, as it really gave me time to get to know the characters and it made the twist even more shocking for me. So overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a creepy book with an unexpected twist.
My thoughts
I bought this book a few months ago in a 3 for £5 deal in The Works, and thought that October would be a great time to read this, as I'm taking part in a Halloween Horror book challenge. My first impression of this book was that it's fairly long, at 488 pages. I'd seen a few bad reviews for this after I bought it, but I'm not often put off by negative reviews, as I like to form my own opinion.
The way the book was written was very interesting, with many different points of view. The majority of the story is told through Mick Nash, but there are also several chapters told from the point of view of Amy Nash, Mick's wife, and even the children, Kyle and Briela. I really enjoyed this aspect, it was great to see how each character perceived the developments in the story, especially the children, as their thoughts can often be overlooked.
There's another point of view that is at first a mystery, but as the story develops we discover who the mysterious narrator is. This was very interesting, as it appears to be telling a different story, but as you read on, the different points of view come together and the mystery is cleared up.
This was my first Horror book, and while it wasn't terrifying it was definitely creepy and as I have a vivid imagination I got chills a few times while reading this. The book is long, but once I got into the story the number of pages soon became irrelevant as I was hooked and waiting for the mystery to unfold. I also think that the length of the book was necessary, as it really gave me time to get to know the characters and it made the twist even more shocking for me. So overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a creepy book with an unexpected twist.
October 21, 2024
This was a strange one and about a quarterway in I realised It was extremely familiar and I must have read this before but i still only had a vague inkling so it must have been a fair while back. I hadn't even logged it on Goodreads so no idea when. So basically I've now read this twice and as it apparently didn't stick the first time it wasn't that memorable. But I was committed as I was a fair way in so I continued.
If I had to describe this I'd say it's a horror but only in a very loose sense as it wasn't really scary just creepy and strange, so maybe domestic horror is the best label. It is told from three POV's Amy and Mick a married couple who are floundering and in danger of losing their family restaurant and their teenage son Kyle. There is also a younger daughter who completes the Nash family.
It was quite a confusing read but also equally compelling as I definitely felt the urge to keep going and discover just what the creepy neighbours the Renders were involved in and how this all connected to the Nash's, Obviously because I've read this before I was already slightly aware.
Did I enjoy this? Well to a point I did, it's all going to depend on if you gel with the writing style which at times was not that comprehensive to decipher. It excelled in its obscurity which was definitely intentional and meant to keep you in the dark. I was discovering everything alongside Amy and Mick. What I will say is I don't think it deserves its extremely low Goodreads overall score and i would still read this author again.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
August 2, 2012
I am not sure that I understand the bad reviews and ratings for either of Christopher Ransom's books that I have read, The Birthing House or The People Next Door. Both are fair horror novels, both have horrible reviews and both are better than some John Saul or Richard Laymon books that I have read that have glowing reviews.
That being said, I am giving this book 3 stars with a bias towards 3 1/2.
A Colorado family's life is falling apart. Their family restaurant is failing. Their teenage son is running with the wrong crowd and their adolescent daughter is prone to fits and hallucinations. Then a creepy new family moves into the behemoth new eyesore next door. They bring with them a lot of questions...and a few surprising answers.
That being said, I am giving this book 3 stars with a bias towards 3 1/2.
A Colorado family's life is falling apart. Their family restaurant is failing. Their teenage son is running with the wrong crowd and their adolescent daughter is prone to fits and hallucinations. Then a creepy new family moves into the behemoth new eyesore next door. They bring with them a lot of questions...and a few surprising answers.
October 12, 2014
I’ve found that his writing style is a case of you either love it or you hate it. Personally, I really enjoy his books.
With this one there are some predictable moments (ending included) but overall I believe it is well worth a read if you like his writing. As always with Ransom’s books you’re thrown headfirst into a story which, if able to grip you, is unwilling to let you lose until you have finished. A lot of it leaves you questioning until things are uncovered, but that is exactly what you want. If this was painted out in black and white from the start it would not have been as good, instead taking you through the process of working things out as the characters do.
With this one there are some predictable moments (ending included) but overall I believe it is well worth a read if you like his writing. As always with Ransom’s books you’re thrown headfirst into a story which, if able to grip you, is unwilling to let you lose until you have finished. A lot of it leaves you questioning until things are uncovered, but that is exactly what you want. If this was painted out in black and white from the start it would not have been as good, instead taking you through the process of working things out as the characters do.
April 9, 2015
I did enjoy this book. The opening really caught my attention, then I felt the pace was a little slow (for me, this is just personal preference)after that until the last third of the book. I really enjoyed the last third of the book the most and the ending was satisfying. The story was an interesting concept. I didn't find it overly frightening or gory.
October 22, 2011
The People Next Door represents a missed opportunity. A chance for a book to be spoken in the same breathe as a Stephen King novel like The Shining or It. Because the premise of this book is good.
An ordinary family get new neighbours and right away they realise something's off about them. What's their secret? As a reader you'll really want to know.
It's all very well having a cracking plot, but if the characters are uninvolving and weak and you don't give a stuff about what's happening to them, then the book will be an unemotional read as I found this to be.
So, why did I keep reading?
Several times I was going to stop reading as time's too short to be reading books you don't enjoy. The only reason I stuck with it was because I wanted to know exactly who or what these people were.
I gave this book three stars for the plot. If I'd to give the characters a rating it would be one star.
An ordinary family get new neighbours and right away they realise something's off about them. What's their secret? As a reader you'll really want to know.
It's all very well having a cracking plot, but if the characters are uninvolving and weak and you don't give a stuff about what's happening to them, then the book will be an unemotional read as I found this to be.
So, why did I keep reading?
Several times I was going to stop reading as time's too short to be reading books you don't enjoy. The only reason I stuck with it was because I wanted to know exactly who or what these people were.
I gave this book three stars for the plot. If I'd to give the characters a rating it would be one star.
April 27, 2019
So, I thought it was going to be a gripping psychological thriller. However, it was more of a confusing bizarre horror story. The tag lines of "you'll never guess their secret" and "you'll never forget the twist" ... seem a little far-fetched!
The opening scene was awesome, (A young girl hitch-hikes a ride with a couple... in the middle of the night ..) I thought, yep, I'm in for a great read here! Each chapter went a little more south than the last.
And it went all weird.
The opening scene was awesome, (A young girl hitch-hikes a ride with a couple... in the middle of the night ..) I thought, yep, I'm in for a great read here! Each chapter went a little more south than the last.
And it went all weird.
July 14, 2011
A strange book. Compelling in that it kept you reading in order to find a purpose to th book. Trust me there isn't one. It's just a purile horror story. But great if you like that type of stuff. I don't.
July 16, 2025
This books mixes domestic tension with elements of creature horror, keeping the reader guessing as the truth slowly unravels. The suspense is well managed, and the twist genuinely surprised me. And that shocked me, since the blurb of this book makes it a point to emphasise the sheer cunning and genius of the twist. It's good and definitely surprising. I wouldn't say it's the best I've read.
The horror scenes are well written and create a strong sense of unease. However, some events feel too large or dramatic for the plot they’re part of, and the fallout from them doesn’t always make sense. That lack of connection lessens the impact of what could have been more powerful moments.
Still, it’s an enjoyable horror read with good pacing, some intense scenes, and a mystery worth sticking with. Flawed but worthwhile.
The horror scenes are well written and create a strong sense of unease. However, some events feel too large or dramatic for the plot they’re part of, and the fallout from them doesn’t always make sense. That lack of connection lessens the impact of what could have been more powerful moments.
Still, it’s an enjoyable horror read with good pacing, some intense scenes, and a mystery worth sticking with. Flawed but worthwhile.
August 11, 2025
Sort of weird
August 16, 2011
Whoever writes his 'blurbs' must be very well paid because although they aim to intrigue you about the story, the actuality is that the story doesn't live up to the blurb!
Having read The Birthing House and, I admit to having being intrigued by it, if confused by the finale, I thought I would give his third novel a go, despite being 'harangued' by fellow readers not to......
The People Next Door starts slowly and amidst some confusion with the 'flashbacks' to 'Island Living' which don't explain much until the end. The Prologue does draw you in but somewhat loses significance, again until nearly the end. All the way through you are given titbits but no actual clues or hints which sometimes makes for a frustrating read, and it is quite disjointed in parts, meant to add mystery but rather too much in that it just makes you keep asking 'what's going on?'
Although an interesting concept, the story does depend too much on the confusion is generates to keep the reader turning the pages, because you want to get to the answer.
As the story starts we are introduced to a runaway girl who is picked up by a couple who aren't quite what they appear - okay, good start, draws you in...
We are then introduced to the Nash's who are having problems with their business, their marriage and their daughter...lots of mysterious things happen, no explanations.
Then the new neighbours are on the scene, slightly strange, offering solutions, hinting at secrets, to which the Nash's pay no heed......until there comes a point when they have no choice - or do they?
We do get our answers but the huge, twisty, secret isn't really...by the time we get to it, we have made up our minds sort of anyway, and the ending is quite a let down....
I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it, although 'enjoy' is maybe too string a word. I kept reading because, like with The Birthing House' I wanted to know the end, the answer, the mystery, and although the ending was better than with The Birthing House, it was flat.
I think if Christopher Ransom gave up on the horror/mystery aspect of his writing he might do better, because after 3 attempts (okay, I've only read 2 but..)it's not quite doing it for that genre! His writing is fine, he could get into his characters more though, make them more 3 dimensional, but although the concepts are good, something is lost in translation.....it pains me to say that but it's the truth! I think younger readers would be more appreciative as this is a kind of Vampire fantasy crossed with something else...but if you are older and wiser..maybe not for you.
Having read The Birthing House and, I admit to having being intrigued by it, if confused by the finale, I thought I would give his third novel a go, despite being 'harangued' by fellow readers not to......
The People Next Door starts slowly and amidst some confusion with the 'flashbacks' to 'Island Living' which don't explain much until the end. The Prologue does draw you in but somewhat loses significance, again until nearly the end. All the way through you are given titbits but no actual clues or hints which sometimes makes for a frustrating read, and it is quite disjointed in parts, meant to add mystery but rather too much in that it just makes you keep asking 'what's going on?'
Although an interesting concept, the story does depend too much on the confusion is generates to keep the reader turning the pages, because you want to get to the answer.
As the story starts we are introduced to a runaway girl who is picked up by a couple who aren't quite what they appear - okay, good start, draws you in...
We are then introduced to the Nash's who are having problems with their business, their marriage and their daughter...lots of mysterious things happen, no explanations.
Then the new neighbours are on the scene, slightly strange, offering solutions, hinting at secrets, to which the Nash's pay no heed......until there comes a point when they have no choice - or do they?
We do get our answers but the huge, twisty, secret isn't really...by the time we get to it, we have made up our minds sort of anyway, and the ending is quite a let down....
I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it, although 'enjoy' is maybe too string a word. I kept reading because, like with The Birthing House' I wanted to know the end, the answer, the mystery, and although the ending was better than with The Birthing House, it was flat.
I think if Christopher Ransom gave up on the horror/mystery aspect of his writing he might do better, because after 3 attempts (okay, I've only read 2 but..)it's not quite doing it for that genre! His writing is fine, he could get into his characters more though, make them more 3 dimensional, but although the concepts are good, something is lost in translation.....it pains me to say that but it's the truth! I think younger readers would be more appreciative as this is a kind of Vampire fantasy crossed with something else...but if you are older and wiser..maybe not for you.
November 9, 2012
Review of The People Next Door by Christopher Ransom
5 Stars
I ought to give this one 12 or 18 stars; it scared the literal blazes out of me, kept me awake racing through the pages just so I could finish it because I could not bear to fall asleep and have to wait till the next day to “find out,” and delivered exactly the quality of denouement promised by the back cover: a secret that the reader can’t guess, won’t guess, and is incredible. Yes-all that and more.
Take a marriage on the rocks; husband and wife both perceive themselves and each other as failures in their own way. Young daughter has visions, seems occasionally violent, even feral. Adolescent son trails after a trio of buds who will surely lead him up a bad path. Violence lingers in the air like a dark cloud hanging over their home and business and Amy’s teaching job; no one can be trusted, not even friends or business acquaintances known for years.
Enter the new neighbors: an incredibly wealthy, determined, fixated, focused couple-with an elusive and neurotic-seeming, beautiful, adolescent daughter, and an almost feral younger son (a good foil to our protagonist’s daughter). I will not even attempt to hint at the truths behind “The people next door,” but as difficult as it is to find originality in horror, Christopher Ransom has accomplished it. I would never have expected any of the multitude of surprises in this book. Mr. Ransom, you amaze.
5 Stars
I ought to give this one 12 or 18 stars; it scared the literal blazes out of me, kept me awake racing through the pages just so I could finish it because I could not bear to fall asleep and have to wait till the next day to “find out,” and delivered exactly the quality of denouement promised by the back cover: a secret that the reader can’t guess, won’t guess, and is incredible. Yes-all that and more.
Take a marriage on the rocks; husband and wife both perceive themselves and each other as failures in their own way. Young daughter has visions, seems occasionally violent, even feral. Adolescent son trails after a trio of buds who will surely lead him up a bad path. Violence lingers in the air like a dark cloud hanging over their home and business and Amy’s teaching job; no one can be trusted, not even friends or business acquaintances known for years.
Enter the new neighbors: an incredibly wealthy, determined, fixated, focused couple-with an elusive and neurotic-seeming, beautiful, adolescent daughter, and an almost feral younger son (a good foil to our protagonist’s daughter). I will not even attempt to hint at the truths behind “The people next door,” but as difficult as it is to find originality in horror, Christopher Ransom has accomplished it. I would never have expected any of the multitude of surprises in this book. Mr. Ransom, you amaze.
June 19, 2016
*re-reading the front cover after finishing the book*
You will never guess their secret. You will never forget the twist.
"Wait. what? Twist? what twist??? Are they talking about what i just finished reading?"
The book started well. The story did seem fascinating and when my interest was finally starting to build i realized i was lost. I went from enthralled to confused to "Huh?!" so quickly I'm still sitting here wondering what exactly happened.
I went through reviews hoping to get some answers. Who were these people? Vampires? Zombies?
Or some new fictitious species?
I never understood many of the scenes. I had to pause to make sure i remembered everything i had read previously and haven't missed out anything. But looks like it's the writer himself who might have missed out a lot. The concept, as a reader, seems quite promising. But it failed miserably. It could have been fabricated a little better. This is my second book from Christopher Ransom, 'The birthing house' had eventuated just the same. i felt like giving him a second chance because his writing style may be muddled but is pretty enticing too.
The book isn't terrifying, scary or unforgettable as it's bragged on the covers. It's really bizarre and bemusing. I am so disappointed.
You will never guess their secret. You will never forget the twist.
"Wait. what? Twist? what twist??? Are they talking about what i just finished reading?"
The book started well. The story did seem fascinating and when my interest was finally starting to build i realized i was lost. I went from enthralled to confused to "Huh?!" so quickly I'm still sitting here wondering what exactly happened.
I went through reviews hoping to get some answers. Who were these people? Vampires? Zombies?
Or some new fictitious species?
I never understood many of the scenes. I had to pause to make sure i remembered everything i had read previously and haven't missed out anything. But looks like it's the writer himself who might have missed out a lot. The concept, as a reader, seems quite promising. But it failed miserably. It could have been fabricated a little better. This is my second book from Christopher Ransom, 'The birthing house' had eventuated just the same. i felt like giving him a second chance because his writing style may be muddled but is pretty enticing too.
The book isn't terrifying, scary or unforgettable as it's bragged on the covers. It's really bizarre and bemusing. I am so disappointed.
August 21, 2021
Not really sure how to review this one....hmmm
Was sucked in by the 'You'll never forget the twist!' On the back while stalking some books for my holiday. So being sucked in I was hoping for a shocking, gasping twist.
But sadly that did not happen.
To be truthful I did enjoy this book however at some points I felt the book repeated itself in some areas over and over again while others were repeated for no reason and got annoyed with Mick straight away.
The story of the neighbors 'The Renders' is quite interesting if the story would have been told with more detail as I felt it was only hinted to us what exactly was going on and In some ways it felt rushed and very vague but not in a good way on their part.
But I read until the end wanting to be caught within this twist. Sadly for how long it's dragged out It wasn't hard to figure everything out, which in a way ruined the book for me, despite the last two pages which did bump it up a little.
Was sucked in by the 'You'll never forget the twist!' On the back while stalking some books for my holiday. So being sucked in I was hoping for a shocking, gasping twist.
But sadly that did not happen.
To be truthful I did enjoy this book however at some points I felt the book repeated itself in some areas over and over again while others were repeated for no reason and got annoyed with Mick straight away.
The story of the neighbors 'The Renders' is quite interesting if the story would have been told with more detail as I felt it was only hinted to us what exactly was going on and In some ways it felt rushed and very vague but not in a good way on their part.
But I read until the end wanting to be caught within this twist. Sadly for how long it's dragged out It wasn't hard to figure everything out, which in a way ruined the book for me, despite the last two pages which did bump it up a little.
August 6, 2011
(Rating inbetween 3 or 4 stars)
The people next Door is a highly detailed book with very graphic describtions.
There are horror/gorey scenes in the book but not as many as i expected. And sometimes it felt like it didn't have an asenshall storyline as such.
I wasn't really drawn into the book at first, but as i continued it got better nd i was drawn in more and (near) the ending i couldn't put it down.
I liked how it showed different view points in the book, not only from Nick and his Family (Amy, Kyle and Breila) but from others aswell.
I also liked the few chapters called "Island Living" that were through out the book, giving insight of the past and how the 'Infection' started. And then the last chapter "Mountain Living" about how they ended up in the end.
I liked the Twist and found it different and effective to the plot.
I liked the ending mostly, and how it all turned.
Overall a good, horror-type book xxx
The people next Door is a highly detailed book with very graphic describtions.
There are horror/gorey scenes in the book but not as many as i expected. And sometimes it felt like it didn't have an asenshall storyline as such.
I wasn't really drawn into the book at first, but as i continued it got better nd i was drawn in more and (near) the ending i couldn't put it down.
I liked how it showed different view points in the book, not only from Nick and his Family (Amy, Kyle and Breila) but from others aswell.
I also liked the few chapters called "Island Living" that were through out the book, giving insight of the past and how the 'Infection' started. And then the last chapter "Mountain Living" about how they ended up in the end.
I liked the Twist and found it different and effective to the plot.
I liked the ending mostly, and how it all turned.
Overall a good, horror-type book xxx
July 31, 2014
This is the second Christopher Ransom book I've read--the first being THE BIRTHING HOUSE which seemed to be the better of the two. I picked this book up at a Bargain Bookseller in Dublin while on vacation--thinking it would be an engrossing read while on the plane. The backjacket blurb definitely intrigued me--"you'll never guess the twist...people are talking," etc.
While we all wonder about "the people next door," and what they may have hidden up their sleeves (or in their basement), I found the concept of the book good, but the execution poor. Ransom's writing isn't exactly bad, it's just that it doesn't connect to a greater whole. I found myself asking, "why should I care?" more times that not.
Not worth the time invested--but fortuantly, I have a slew of other books awaiting my return from Ireland.
While we all wonder about "the people next door," and what they may have hidden up their sleeves (or in their basement), I found the concept of the book good, but the execution poor. Ransom's writing isn't exactly bad, it's just that it doesn't connect to a greater whole. I found myself asking, "why should I care?" more times that not.
Not worth the time invested--but fortuantly, I have a slew of other books awaiting my return from Ireland.
May 20, 2014
THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR by Christopher Ransom (one of my favourite horror authors) blends a number of horror elements to create a deeply suspenseful and scary tale that is more readable by virtue of its interestng cast of characters than plot. Starting with a very engaging opening, THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR suffers from lofty expectations semi fulfilled. A stock standard middle class family, struggling to make ends meet has strange and mysterious neighbours who turn out to be anything but normal. Throughout the novel I kept thinking either aliens or vampires - I wont spoil which. Despite its predictability, I enjoyed THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR.
November 23, 2011
Whoever wrote the blurb deserves a pay rise and a pat on the back because it suckered me in hook line and sinker. The beginning was good, it went down hill pretty fast and barely made it across to the finish line in one piece. It was confusing, there was no twist worth reading for (never mind remembering) and it was more or less a waste of money. On the other hand I have an incredibly short attention span and the writing was good enough to keep me reading in the hopes the plot would be as good as the authors writing style. It wasn't.
May 9, 2014
Couldn't finish it. I found it was dragged out, the supposed "tension" was non-existent and the twist at the end which I skipped to was the conclusion I had come to all along.
Very disappointing because I find with Christopher Ransom the premise of the novel is always good, it has potential to be a good gripping story but when it comes down to it the execution just isn't up to it. I don't think I'll waste my time with this author again, life's too short to read bad books!
Very disappointing because I find with Christopher Ransom the premise of the novel is always good, it has potential to be a good gripping story but when it comes down to it the execution just isn't up to it. I don't think I'll waste my time with this author again, life's too short to read bad books!
November 7, 2011
Bleugh- this book was awful, I have to say. After spending time reading the back cover, I was ready for a really good, 'scary' read, and was disppointed by this novel, due to its over-contrived story line, lack of any interesting characters, and the fact that it really had, well... no plot. And no point. Well.
February 27, 2013
No idea if this is a 'good read' or not as I gave up after two chapters. This was mainly due to the spelling mistakes!!! And I don't mean the UK/US spelling differences, I mean full blown grammatically incorrect spellings! "The rope was taught?!!" Really?!! Not 'taut' then?!! Truly awful, couldn't read another word after that one popped up!!
September 17, 2011
You get the feeling that inside Christopher Ransom, there's a really decent commercial horror author trying to get out.
May 22, 2025
It was definitely hard to get into. I enjoyed the first couple chapters, but it was hard to understand at times. The ending was a bit confusing.
September 20, 2017
Recently, I was unfortunate enough to break my beloved Kobo Aura (weep!) on day 3 of a two week holiday. Fortunately we were part of a large group staying in a big villa that had several bookshelves full of forgotten beach reads and airport buys, so I had ample choice for a replacement and after several false starts with a few truly dreadful novels, I picked up 'The People Next door'. The dust jacket promised a thriller with a twist, and the first chapter was interesting enough persuade me that reading a 'real book' would be better than continuing with my current read on my phone's tiny screen.
'The People Next Door' is not a great book, but it isn't a terrible one either. The initial teaser, while somewhat predictable in content, leaves you wondering how this scene could possibly tie into the main storyline. The characters are simple but likable enough, although the protagonist Mick reads like a poor man's version of most of Stephen King's literary Dads (troubled, a bit selfish, but generally cares about the kids). I can't say I found Ransom's tale particularly frightening or even unsettling, but it certainly kept me guessing. Somehow even though the overarching plot proved dull and predictable, the details around what the hell is going on with the Nash family and those around them remained mysterious throughout. The 'Island Living' chapters dotted throughout the book were undoubtedly the most interesting to me, while many of the visions and interactions between the Nashes and the Renders fell flat.
Ransom's writing style is well-suited to this thriller/horror of a beach read. Unfortunately, he used so many brand names and products in the descriptive details of this book that it manages to sound dated only 6 years after it was published, which proved to be a little jarring.
Bottom line: I have given this book a (somewhat high) rating of 3 stars on the basis that the story kept me guessing right up until the final couple of chapters, even if I didn't *love* every minute of it. It was a solidly average book that proved entertaining enough while I was on vacation.
'The People Next Door' is not a great book, but it isn't a terrible one either. The initial teaser, while somewhat predictable in content, leaves you wondering how this scene could possibly tie into the main storyline. The characters are simple but likable enough, although the protagonist Mick reads like a poor man's version of most of Stephen King's literary Dads (troubled, a bit selfish, but generally cares about the kids). I can't say I found Ransom's tale particularly frightening or even unsettling, but it certainly kept me guessing. Somehow even though the overarching plot proved dull and predictable, the details around what the hell is going on with the Nash family and those around them remained mysterious throughout. The 'Island Living' chapters dotted throughout the book were undoubtedly the most interesting to me, while many of the visions and interactions between the Nashes and the Renders fell flat.
Ransom's writing style is well-suited to this thriller/horror of a beach read. Unfortunately, he used so many brand names and products in the descriptive details of this book that it manages to sound dated only 6 years after it was published, which proved to be a little jarring.
Bottom line: I have given this book a (somewhat high) rating of 3 stars on the basis that the story kept me guessing right up until the final couple of chapters, even if I didn't *love* every minute of it. It was a solidly average book that proved entertaining enough while I was on vacation.
June 16, 2022
‘…the most terrifying, unforgettable novel you’ll read all year.’ This the cover and blurb oversold this book by double, not only was this book not terrifying, I found myself wanting to forget I’d even wasted the time reading it. ‘And what is hiding in the basement?’ SPOILER: It’s nothing..
I was looking forward to reading this, having read a previous novel ‘the birthing house’ by Christopher Ransom, I thought this book would hold its own, but boy was I wrong.
The plot left a lot to be desired, the start of the book replies heavily on Micks near death experience, when in reality this plays little to no relevance within the story line. The new next door neighbours are introduced in different and obscure ways to their Nash family counterparts. The jumping between POVs and timelines is confusing and does not add to the depth of the story. The is a definitive lack of character introduction and development: we are briefly introduced to Kyle and then he seems to be forgotten for the majority of the story until the very end.
I wouldn’t recommend reading this book, it’s long and leaves a LOT to be desired. I would however, recommend Christopher Ransoms other Novel - The birthing house. One of the very first books I had to put down whilst reading for being scary!
FAVOURITE PASSAGE: “ Think of the worst thing you have ever done, or better still, the worst thing that’s ever happened to you. Can you ask yourself how often do you allow yourself to think about it. The horrific details the moment you did it, the moment it was done to you. The second-by-second chain of thoughts that run through like a poisonous but addictive injection. The smell of the room, the texture of the other person skin against yours, terrifying sense of isolation when you thought, mistakenly, no one has ever done this before, this is beyond reality as I understood it… .Nothing is beyond the scope of human depravity.”
I was looking forward to reading this, having read a previous novel ‘the birthing house’ by Christopher Ransom, I thought this book would hold its own, but boy was I wrong.
The plot left a lot to be desired, the start of the book replies heavily on Micks near death experience, when in reality this plays little to no relevance within the story line. The new next door neighbours are introduced in different and obscure ways to their Nash family counterparts. The jumping between POVs and timelines is confusing and does not add to the depth of the story. The is a definitive lack of character introduction and development: we are briefly introduced to Kyle and then he seems to be forgotten for the majority of the story until the very end.
I wouldn’t recommend reading this book, it’s long and leaves a LOT to be desired. I would however, recommend Christopher Ransoms other Novel - The birthing house. One of the very first books I had to put down whilst reading for being scary!
FAVOURITE PASSAGE: “ Think of the worst thing you have ever done, or better still, the worst thing that’s ever happened to you. Can you ask yourself how often do you allow yourself to think about it. The horrific details the moment you did it, the moment it was done to you. The second-by-second chain of thoughts that run through like a poisonous but addictive injection. The smell of the room, the texture of the other person skin against yours, terrifying sense of isolation when you thought, mistakenly, no one has ever done this before, this is beyond reality as I understood it… .Nothing is beyond the scope of human depravity.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
A PERFECT FAMILY
Mick and Amy Nash are an ordinary couple leading ordinary lives. And then, into the house next door move the Renders - beautiful, charming, perfect ... and not at all what they pretend to be.
AN EVIL SECRET
Too late Mick learns that something is deeply, darkly wrong with the neighbours. Who are these people? Where did they come from? And what are they hiding in the basement?
A SHOCKING TWIST ENDING
As death and darkness descend on the neighbourhood, only Mick can save his family and expose the horrifying truth about the people next door - a secret already hailed as the most electrifying twist ending in years.
My Thoughts:
I had given up on ‘The Birthing House’ as I thought it was hopeless ad possibly one of the worst books I had read. When one of my fellow book readers at work was given for her birthday ‘The People Next Door’ I did think well can it be as bad as that !
Well not as bad as, but not very good either. I really couldn’t understand the book very well and when it is tea break today at work I am hoping that my two fellow book readers who have both read it can explain it to me. I think I got the gist but I feel like I have missed something. This book has not inspired me to read anymore by this author. The book wasn’t scary at all and I feel like I have wasted a whole Sunday afternoon when I could have read something which I would have enjoyed.
Awful !
Mick and Amy Nash are an ordinary couple leading ordinary lives. And then, into the house next door move the Renders - beautiful, charming, perfect ... and not at all what they pretend to be.
AN EVIL SECRET
Too late Mick learns that something is deeply, darkly wrong with the neighbours. Who are these people? Where did they come from? And what are they hiding in the basement?
A SHOCKING TWIST ENDING
As death and darkness descend on the neighbourhood, only Mick can save his family and expose the horrifying truth about the people next door - a secret already hailed as the most electrifying twist ending in years.
My Thoughts:
I had given up on ‘The Birthing House’ as I thought it was hopeless ad possibly one of the worst books I had read. When one of my fellow book readers at work was given for her birthday ‘The People Next Door’ I did think well can it be as bad as that !
Well not as bad as, but not very good either. I really couldn’t understand the book very well and when it is tea break today at work I am hoping that my two fellow book readers who have both read it can explain it to me. I think I got the gist but I feel like I have missed something. This book has not inspired me to read anymore by this author. The book wasn’t scary at all and I feel like I have wasted a whole Sunday afternoon when I could have read something which I would have enjoyed.
Awful !
September 26, 2018
I wanted so much to like this I really did. It was full of so much potential!
The Nash family are a normal family all struggling with some demons of their own. The people who live next door to them really want to become their friends and are all to eager to help them out of their troubles.
The problem is that there is something not quite right about their new neighbours the Renders.
The whole book builds up to finding out exactly what the people next door are and getting to the “twist” ending. The only reason that I did not put this book down is because I wanted to know the secret.
I’m still not sure that I know truly what it is, I’m still a little confused but as for the twist? Well, i didn’t realise there was a twist because for me there was a definite lack of.
Disappointed but it doesn’t put me off reading more of his books. Two stars for this one I’m afraid.
The Nash family are a normal family all struggling with some demons of their own. The people who live next door to them really want to become their friends and are all to eager to help them out of their troubles.
The problem is that there is something not quite right about their new neighbours the Renders.
The whole book builds up to finding out exactly what the people next door are and getting to the “twist” ending. The only reason that I did not put this book down is because I wanted to know the secret.
I’m still not sure that I know truly what it is, I’m still a little confused but as for the twist? Well, i didn’t realise there was a twist because for me there was a definite lack of.
Disappointed but it doesn’t put me off reading more of his books. Two stars for this one I’m afraid.
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