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Obsession Collection #3
People Like Them
Nobody’s perfect—although one beautiful couple certainly comes close. Discover the cracks beneath the polished surface in this unsettling short story from bestselling author Minka Kent.
Veronica and Ryan Hartley are the envy of Auburn Drive. When the exclusive neighborhood hosts its annual progressive dinner party, the couple’s perfection is on display. The neighbors are obsessed—entranced by the “it” couple’s movie-star looks and smoldering gazes. But is the perfect pair too good to be true?
People Like Them is part of Obsession, a collection of compulsively readable short stories about people pushed to their extremes. So addictive you won’t be able to put them down—read or listen to each story in a single sitting.
Veronica and Ryan Hartley are the envy of Auburn Drive. When the exclusive neighborhood hosts its annual progressive dinner party, the couple’s perfection is on display. The neighbors are obsessed—entranced by the “it” couple’s movie-star looks and smoldering gazes. But is the perfect pair too good to be true?
People Like Them is part of Obsession, a collection of compulsively readable short stories about people pushed to their extremes. So addictive you won’t be able to put them down—read or listen to each story in a single sitting.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2023
1968 people are currently reading
4667 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,202 reviews
January 12, 2024
Very entertaining short story about a neighborhood hosting its annual progressive dinner party (cocktails at one house, first course at another, dessert at another, etc.) and what happens to a certain person before the party is through. I liked the way I got the thoughts of each person throughout the party, at each house. And the surprises along the way. This is the first story I’ve read by Minka Kent and I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 7, 2025
A couple is getting ready for a dinner party with the neighbors. Among the guests is the neighborhood’s “it” couple, Mr and Mrs Perfect if you will. But are they really as perfect as they seem to be?
The protagonist is a woman who is stressed out about the dinner party, dragging her husband along in her need to be perfect. This obsession with perfection can be exhausting. If you want to live a happy life, it’s actually better to strive for happiness rather than perfection. Like, making a mistake in your search for perfection can make you feel unhappy because failure is simply not an option in a perfect world. Whereas if you make a mistake in your search for happiness, you can see that as a chance for personal growth.
It’s a solid short story with a relevant message about perfection at its core. It’s clear from the start that there’s more going on here than what you see on the surface, which makes for an interesting twist.
The protagonist is a woman who is stressed out about the dinner party, dragging her husband along in her need to be perfect. This obsession with perfection can be exhausting. If you want to live a happy life, it’s actually better to strive for happiness rather than perfection. Like, making a mistake in your search for perfection can make you feel unhappy because failure is simply not an option in a perfect world. Whereas if you make a mistake in your search for happiness, you can see that as a chance for personal growth.
It’s a solid short story with a relevant message about perfection at its core. It’s clear from the start that there’s more going on here than what you see on the surface, which makes for an interesting twist.
October 11, 2023
This author is most certainly NOT for me. I've disliked two of her novels (plot holes bigger than the grand canyon) and this 56-page short story was no exception. Respectfully, the 5 yr old I used to babysit told more compelling tales than this. Bland. Poorly written. Predictable. Chock full of fake deep quotes. All telling absolutely no showing. BLEH. The journey continues....
July 30, 2023
Friends and Neighbors
Several couples who live on the same street have a progressive meal. They start at one home for before dinner drinks and next home they have appetizers and so on. Each wife narrates her part in the meal and each describes her neighbors. I really enjoyed what each character was thinking. Before the night is over someone has a heath issue. That’s all I will say about that. *wink*
Several couples who live on the same street have a progressive meal. They start at one home for before dinner drinks and next home they have appetizers and so on. Each wife narrates her part in the meal and each describes her neighbors. I really enjoyed what each character was thinking. Before the night is over someone has a heath issue. That’s all I will say about that. *wink*
May 3, 2024
Audible - “We hope you have enjoyed our presentation of People like them by Minka Kent…..” Yesssss I have, and I cannot wait to do it again!!!!
5⭐️ for narration - Six different narrators! Oh my heart, I am so pleased 😌
4⭐️ for the story - I enjoyed reading this, and it’s always refreshing to read stories about women supporting one another!
Hmmm, I wonder…Should I be concerned that I found the plot heartwarming 👀🩰🤭
5⭐️ for narration - Six different narrators! Oh my heart, I am so pleased 😌
4⭐️ for the story - I enjoyed reading this, and it’s always refreshing to read stories about women supporting one another!
Hmmm, I wonder…Should I be concerned that I found the plot heartwarming 👀🩰🤭
November 3, 2023
So twisty!! Another great short story by an author I’ve never heard of. I just love how these short stories are introducing me to more great books 🥰
September 6, 2023
Ryan and Veronica are the perfect couple in everybody's eye. They are so perfect that you cannot trust your eyes. At the annual neighbour party, they look happy and deeply in love.
The party was a success with a lot of nice dishes and a bit of secret in them. The neighbours go from one house to another to try drinks here, appetizers there, main course and desserts all at different houses.
The story is well written and has an unexpected end that shows the strength of a friendship.
The party was a success with a lot of nice dishes and a bit of secret in them. The neighbours go from one house to another to try drinks here, appetizers there, main course and desserts all at different houses.
The story is well written and has an unexpected end that shows the strength of a friendship.
December 10, 2023
When I first saw Minka Kent’s cover for ‘People Like Them,’ I thought of the hand huddle or hand stacking that team members do when starting or finishing an activity….I pictured a bunch of people in a circle, forks touching, pledging allegiance or congratulating each other.
I wasn’t far off!
Seven forks. Seven women. Seven stops on the stately Auburn neighbourhood progressive dinner party.
One of the seven women has a beef. The others pledge their ‘girl power’ support. The other seven, the men at the party, have no idea what’s about to happen ….
You see, there’s a code in this neighbourhood: “Perfection, perceived or otherwise, is practically a sport here.” On this street of ‘winners,’ or ‘players,’ who will betray the code? Can they keep up appearances for the duration of the dinner party?
“These days, people use their houses as fortresses, a barrier between their personal and private lives, living two existences: one for the outside world to see and the other for everything that happens behind closed doors.”
Let Kent show you what is possible when a bunch of obsessed people are pushed to their extremes.
I enjoyed this short, unsettling story thanks to Amazon Prime Reading. I already love and support Minka Kent’s publications. This was a nice, quick addition to her collection.
I wasn’t far off!
Seven forks. Seven women. Seven stops on the stately Auburn neighbourhood progressive dinner party.
One of the seven women has a beef. The others pledge their ‘girl power’ support. The other seven, the men at the party, have no idea what’s about to happen ….
You see, there’s a code in this neighbourhood: “Perfection, perceived or otherwise, is practically a sport here.” On this street of ‘winners,’ or ‘players,’ who will betray the code? Can they keep up appearances for the duration of the dinner party?
“These days, people use their houses as fortresses, a barrier between their personal and private lives, living two existences: one for the outside world to see and the other for everything that happens behind closed doors.”
Let Kent show you what is possible when a bunch of obsessed people are pushed to their extremes.
I enjoyed this short, unsettling story thanks to Amazon Prime Reading. I already love and support Minka Kent’s publications. This was a nice, quick addition to her collection.
June 30, 2025
Appearances can be deceiving. This was an entertaining story of domestic suspense, with a familiar premise but a somewhat unexpected ending. It was nice to get so many different perspectives in such a short story. Part of the Obsession collection on Amazon.
August 7, 2023
Great Read!
May 31, 2025
Story 3.5 strs**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator
Frankie Corzo 4
Carly Robins
Susan Ericksen & full cast
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator
Frankie Corzo 4
Carly Robins
Susan Ericksen & full cast
July 17, 2024
It’s an upmarket neighborhood and it’s the local annual community dinner that oddly moves from house to house as each course is presented from cocktails to dessert. Each different house means a different host taking up the narration. It's an OK story with a surprise ending. It’s very readable if not particularly memorable, and it’s short, coming in around fifty pages so probably worth giving it a chance. Not really my cup of tea.
November 26, 2023
Amazon Original Stories - Obsession Collection
A neighbourhood drama narrated by the wives. It’s a well thought out short story that lulls you into a false sense of security until the final twist.
A neighbourhood drama narrated by the wives. It’s a well thought out short story that lulls you into a false sense of security until the final twist.
December 11, 2025
The ending was so satisfying
April 1, 2024
“People Like Them” by Minka Kent is the third book in the ‘Obsession’ series. Veronica and Ryan Hartley appear to have everything and live in Auburn Drive, an exclusive part of the neighbourhood . The locals are having their annual dinner party and we hear of the envy and obsession that surrounds the Harley’s as they become the focus of all the neighbours attention.
I have read all the books in this series and found them a real mixed bag, enjoyable and entertaining with some better than others. This one was interesting but never fully grabbed me. Well written, interesting characters but just lacked the little extra ingredient.
I have read all the books in this series and found them a real mixed bag, enjoyable and entertaining with some better than others. This one was interesting but never fully grabbed me. Well written, interesting characters but just lacked the little extra ingredient.
March 29, 2024
A 'progressive dinner party' in an upmarket neighbourhood goes nuts. Great fun, with a dark twist or two.
October 9, 2025
Pleaseeee tell me I'm not the only one that thinks the whole "deadly suburbia, "more than what meets the eye" thing is just a teeeeennnsy bit overdone?
Based on the reviews of this- I think I might once again, be a hater.
It isn't a bad plot! Really, it isn't. But I think its been used so many times at this point, that if you are going to do it- you have to do it really well (and make an effort to bring something unique to the table with it).
Maybe it's just me :(
This is okay, but its nothing to write home about.
Based on the reviews of this- I think I might once again, be a hater.
It isn't a bad plot! Really, it isn't. But I think its been used so many times at this point, that if you are going to do it- you have to do it really well (and make an effort to bring something unique to the table with it).
Maybe it's just me :(
This is okay, but its nothing to write home about.
September 14, 2024
Nice short story
This story is about the perfect couple, happy, unable to keep their hands off each other, and well to do. 'The beautiful people'. As the annual homeowners association dinner progresses , stories unfold of each couple. In the ending the truths are revealed but I will leave it at that to reveal no spoilers.
After my reading this story, it wasn't a remarkable piece of writing or very imaginative. I've read others very similar as far as this scenario.
This story is about the perfect couple, happy, unable to keep their hands off each other, and well to do. 'The beautiful people'. As the annual homeowners association dinner progresses , stories unfold of each couple. In the ending the truths are revealed but I will leave it at that to reveal no spoilers.
After my reading this story, it wasn't a remarkable piece of writing or very imaginative. I've read others very similar as far as this scenario.
September 28, 2025
“Perfection, perceived or otherwise, is practically a sport here.”
― Minka Kent, People Like Them
Oh my gosh, this was fun!
Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!
It has been so long since I’ve read a good, old-fashioned, contemporary mystery! I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction and short stories this year, and this was something more than a short story, but more like a novella, and it was a contemporary mystery set in a bucolic
So a bunch of neighbors are having an evening party that starts at one neighbors house, and then the group neighbor hops going to each house for awhile.
.
The thing is the way the book starts. You know that somebody has died or is about to die but you don’t know who and then the rest of the book is the set up and of course, then back to the present and the denouement comes.
I love this author and I’ve read many of her books.
This was really really well done and I mean she really nailed the atmosphere of artificial suburban bliss permeated by low down and dark secrets.
I cannot even tell you how much I enjoyed this.
If you’re into domestic thrillers and I realize now how much I miss them, this one is a must read.
― Minka Kent, People Like Them
Oh my gosh, this was fun!
Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!
It has been so long since I’ve read a good, old-fashioned, contemporary mystery! I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction and short stories this year, and this was something more than a short story, but more like a novella, and it was a contemporary mystery set in a bucolic
So a bunch of neighbors are having an evening party that starts at one neighbors house, and then the group neighbor hops going to each house for awhile.
.
The thing is the way the book starts. You know that somebody has died or is about to die but you don’t know who and then the rest of the book is the set up and of course, then back to the present and the denouement comes.
I love this author and I’ve read many of her books.
This was really really well done and I mean she really nailed the atmosphere of artificial suburban bliss permeated by low down and dark secrets.
I cannot even tell you how much I enjoyed this.
If you’re into domestic thrillers and I realize now how much I miss them, this one is a must read.
Read
December 29, 2023A neighborhood is participating in its annual progressive dinner. All the attention seems focused on a new, young couple. This was fun. Juicy. I enjoyed the unexpected moments.
It lacked a little finesse in the execution--I feel there could have been something grittier about it.
It lacked a little finesse in the execution--I feel there could have been something grittier about it.
February 23, 2024
I think I saw this in an episode of desperate housewives 🥀
September 29, 2025
People Like Them by Minka Kent
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
This short story is part of the “Obsession“ collection and my first book by this author. So far, that collection has been a mixed bag for me, some stories were great, others less so, but this one definitely belongs to the stronger entries.
„Veronica and Ryan Hartley are the envy of Auburn Drive. When the exclusive neighborhood hosts its annual progressive dinner party, the couple’s perfection is on display. The neighbors are obsessed—entranced by the “it” couple’s movie-star looks and smoldering gazes. But is the perfect pair too good to be true?“
At first, I considered DNFing it. The beginning felt slow, almost like a string of random thoughts from a wealthy housewife who constantly complains about everything around her. But as the story progressed, it grew more engaging, and I even started to like some of the characters. Then came the grande finale.
I spotted the first twist fairly early, it wasn’t quite as original as I had hoped. However, the final twist at the end completely caught me off guard, even though, in hindsight, it was foreshadowed well enough to be guessed. That balance between predictability and surprise made the conclusion especially satisfying.
While the storyline itself isn’t the most groundbreaking, the writing is strong, and the execution elevates it. Overall, this was an entertaining and worthwhile read, and I can definitely recommend it as one of the highlights of the series.
Want to see more reviews from me or looking for other book-related content, check out my blog: https://sachareads.com 🙂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
This short story is part of the “Obsession“ collection and my first book by this author. So far, that collection has been a mixed bag for me, some stories were great, others less so, but this one definitely belongs to the stronger entries.
„Veronica and Ryan Hartley are the envy of Auburn Drive. When the exclusive neighborhood hosts its annual progressive dinner party, the couple’s perfection is on display. The neighbors are obsessed—entranced by the “it” couple’s movie-star looks and smoldering gazes. But is the perfect pair too good to be true?“
At first, I considered DNFing it. The beginning felt slow, almost like a string of random thoughts from a wealthy housewife who constantly complains about everything around her. But as the story progressed, it grew more engaging, and I even started to like some of the characters. Then came the grande finale.
I spotted the first twist fairly early, it wasn’t quite as original as I had hoped. However, the final twist at the end completely caught me off guard, even though, in hindsight, it was foreshadowed well enough to be guessed. That balance between predictability and surprise made the conclusion especially satisfying.
While the storyline itself isn’t the most groundbreaking, the writing is strong, and the execution elevates it. Overall, this was an entertaining and worthwhile read, and I can definitely recommend it as one of the highlights of the series.
Want to see more reviews from me or looking for other book-related content, check out my blog: https://sachareads.com 🙂
August 12, 2024
I LOVE WOMEN💖
August 17, 2025
Wanting to fill my summer with a mix of novels and short stories, I came upon this collection of short pieces called the Obsession Collection. This short story by Minka Kent is full of great nuances for the attentive reader. A local dinner party sees the residents of Auburn Drive chip in to share stories and gossip, though everyone’s eyes are on the ‘perfect couple’, Veronica and Ryan Hartley. They are the ideal pair and it seems their lives could lot be better. However, nothing is quite as it seems, and soon tragedy strikes. Minka Kent dazzles with this story, full of twists.
The Home Owners’ Association of Auburn Drive is about to have their annual progressive dinner party. Couples will trek from house to house for each course, though everyone’s eyes are surely watching the new power couple, Veronica and Ryan Hartley. They are perfect and seem to have no flaws between them. As the party progresses, the Hartleys’ charm stays strong, though there is another side to all of this. When Ryan falls ill at the party, Veronica rushes to help, but something goes awry. Minka Kent impressed me so much with this piece and the twists found therein!
I enjoy short stories with surprises and Minka Kent delivered that for me. She builds a straightforward narrative that is quick and builds for the hungry reader. As the story develops, Kent keeps the reader wondering before tossing out the twist. Characters are enjoyable, as the reader tries to get a sense of what is happening. Plot points blindside the reader, which was the best part of the entire story. Minka Kent saved the best for last in a story that still lingers for me.
Kudos, Madam Kent, for a quick piece that is sure to have me telling others all about it.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The Home Owners’ Association of Auburn Drive is about to have their annual progressive dinner party. Couples will trek from house to house for each course, though everyone’s eyes are surely watching the new power couple, Veronica and Ryan Hartley. They are perfect and seem to have no flaws between them. As the party progresses, the Hartleys’ charm stays strong, though there is another side to all of this. When Ryan falls ill at the party, Veronica rushes to help, but something goes awry. Minka Kent impressed me so much with this piece and the twists found therein!
I enjoy short stories with surprises and Minka Kent delivered that for me. She builds a straightforward narrative that is quick and builds for the hungry reader. As the story develops, Kent keeps the reader wondering before tossing out the twist. Characters are enjoyable, as the reader tries to get a sense of what is happening. Plot points blindside the reader, which was the best part of the entire story. Minka Kent saved the best for last in a story that still lingers for me.
Kudos, Madam Kent, for a quick piece that is sure to have me telling others all about it.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 3, 2024
A progressive dinner in a close knit neighborhood ends with a big dark surprise.
May 13, 2024
Very enjoyable!
August 3, 2023
Didn’t see that coming
I have to admit, when this first started with the point of view from each chapter changing to a different neighbor, I was slightly confused and didn’t understand exactly what I was supposed to be understanding. The last Chapter and the epilogue definitely wrap things up very nicely. I definitely enjoyed this listen and it made perfect complete sense by the end. Love the audio being included with prime!!
“People like them,” Ryan once told me, “they can never be your friends. You’ll never be able to trust them because they’re going to want what you have, and if they can’t have it, they’re going to tear it down. They’ll ruin your happiness so you have to be as miserable as they are. Don’t give them that opportunity. Just stay away from them.” “We’re living the dream,” he would tell me. “People like them? They wish they were us. You see how they look at us?”
I have to admit, when this first started with the point of view from each chapter changing to a different neighbor, I was slightly confused and didn’t understand exactly what I was supposed to be understanding. The last Chapter and the epilogue definitely wrap things up very nicely. I definitely enjoyed this listen and it made perfect complete sense by the end. Love the audio being included with prime!!
“People like them,” Ryan once told me, “they can never be your friends. You’ll never be able to trust them because they’re going to want what you have, and if they can’t have it, they’re going to tear it down. They’ll ruin your happiness so you have to be as miserable as they are. Don’t give them that opportunity. Just stay away from them.” “We’re living the dream,” he would tell me. “People like them? They wish they were us. You see how they look at us?”
July 31, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
October 21, 2025
People Like Them by Minka Kent is a great short story about neighbors in a seemingly perfect community. One couple appears superior to everyone else, but as their dark secrets come to light, the story builds to a satisfying and a great ending.
April 27, 2024
I love Minka Kent! This story was executed perfectly!! Such a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,202 reviews