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Never Tell Collection #3
The Other Side of the Road
A couple preparing for the future discovers that their dream house will cost them far more than the mortgage in a sinister short story by the New York Times bestselling author of We Were Never Here.
Lauren and Kelsey: married, a baby on the way, and now the new owners of the Hudson Valley house they’ve always admired. The timing couldn’t be better, and the leafy, secluded area couldn’t be more beautiful. Everything’s perfect—except for the older gentleman across the street, who seems to be keeping a very close watch on them. Welcome to the neighborhood.
Andrea Bartz’s The Other Side of the Road is part of Never Tell, a heart-pounding collection of stories about secrets, lies, and mind games. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Just keep the endings to yourself.
Lauren and Kelsey: married, a baby on the way, and now the new owners of the Hudson Valley house they’ve always admired. The timing couldn’t be better, and the leafy, secluded area couldn’t be more beautiful. Everything’s perfect—except for the older gentleman across the street, who seems to be keeping a very close watch on them. Welcome to the neighborhood.
Andrea Bartz’s The Other Side of the Road is part of Never Tell, a heart-pounding collection of stories about secrets, lies, and mind games. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Just keep the endings to yourself.
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2024
1045 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Bartz
10 books2,572 followersAndrea Bartz is a Brooklyn-based journalist and the New York Times-bestselling author of WE WERE NEVER HERE, a Reese's Book Club pick. Her debut thriller, THE LOST NIGHT, was an LA Times bestseller, and her sophomore thriller, THE HERD was named a best book of the year by Marie Claire, Crime Reads, Good Housekeeping, and other outlets. Her most recent thriller, THE SPARE ROOM, was a GMA Bonus Buzz Pick, a Marie Claire book club pick, and a best book of summer per People, Shondaland, Glamour, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and more. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, Vogue, and many other outlets, and she's held editorial positions at Glamour, Psychology Today, and Self, among other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
October 21, 2025
3.5/5 ★
Would’ve been even better as a full-length novel! 🏡
In The Other Side of the Road, Lauren and Kelsey move into their dream home in the Hudson Valley, eager to begin their next chapter together. That excitement quickly fades when they notice the man across the street watching them a little too closely.
As someone who loves books set primarily in neighborhoods, I was very excited for this one. It didn’t disappoint or amaze me, but I had a good time. It even surprised me at the end.
My only issue with it was that it felt very short at just 31 pages. I think it could have benefited from being developed a little more, even if only by 20 or 30 additional pages.
This is book 3 of 6 from the Amazon Stories: Never Tell: Can You Keep a Secret? Collection. I will be reading the remaining four soon as well.
Would’ve been even better as a full-length novel! 🏡
In The Other Side of the Road, Lauren and Kelsey move into their dream home in the Hudson Valley, eager to begin their next chapter together. That excitement quickly fades when they notice the man across the street watching them a little too closely.
As someone who loves books set primarily in neighborhoods, I was very excited for this one. It didn’t disappoint or amaze me, but I had a good time. It even surprised me at the end.
My only issue with it was that it felt very short at just 31 pages. I think it could have benefited from being developed a little more, even if only by 20 or 30 additional pages.
This is book 3 of 6 from the Amazon Stories: Never Tell: Can You Keep a Secret? Collection. I will be reading the remaining four soon as well.
March 29, 2024
The Other Side of the Road is the third short story in Amazon's Never Tell series. This one felt extra creepy to me & I definitely did not see that twist coming. After completing all six stories I believe this one is my favorite of the series!
4 stars.
4 stars.
April 22, 2024
4★
“ ‘Having trouble?’
We both jump at the gruff voice, then whip around to see a man on the front porch, a few feet behind us. His eyes flash when they meet mine—sometimes, from far away, people mistake me for a dude—and he quickly looks away. He’s in his late sixties or so, with a rind of gray hair and a fat mustache.”
That’s Hank, who lives with his wife on the other side of the road. He seems kind of nosy to Lauren and Kelsey, who’ve just moved into Lauren’s dream house. Hank says all the right things about city folk not being used to country ways, but he grabs Kelsey’s phone and puts his number in before she has a chance to object.
He seems to be giving Kelsey the once-over, too, as people often do. It makes Lauren nervous, but Kelsey reminds her why that might be.
“ ‘ Was he actually hostile, or does he make you nervous because he’s a big, brawny dude?’
‘Fair point.’ I’m sure a psychologist would point to my childhood: Mom’s rotating door of temperamental boyfriends, ruddy-nosed landlords pounding on the door.
‘I’ll try to be more open-minded about him.’ ”
And she does try, but it isn’t easy. This is the third story in the Never Tell Collection and the one I’ve enjoyed the most so far. Things are not what they seem, and I bet this could become the beginning of a full-length thriller.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the review copy of the #NeverTell collection of stories.
“ ‘Having trouble?’
We both jump at the gruff voice, then whip around to see a man on the front porch, a few feet behind us. His eyes flash when they meet mine—sometimes, from far away, people mistake me for a dude—and he quickly looks away. He’s in his late sixties or so, with a rind of gray hair and a fat mustache.”
That’s Hank, who lives with his wife on the other side of the road. He seems kind of nosy to Lauren and Kelsey, who’ve just moved into Lauren’s dream house. Hank says all the right things about city folk not being used to country ways, but he grabs Kelsey’s phone and puts his number in before she has a chance to object.
He seems to be giving Kelsey the once-over, too, as people often do. It makes Lauren nervous, but Kelsey reminds her why that might be.
“ ‘ Was he actually hostile, or does he make you nervous because he’s a big, brawny dude?’
‘Fair point.’ I’m sure a psychologist would point to my childhood: Mom’s rotating door of temperamental boyfriends, ruddy-nosed landlords pounding on the door.
‘I’ll try to be more open-minded about him.’ ”
And she does try, but it isn’t easy. This is the third story in the Never Tell Collection and the one I’ve enjoyed the most so far. Things are not what they seem, and I bet this could become the beginning of a full-length thriller.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the review copy of the #NeverTell collection of stories.
May 2, 2024
the setup…
Lauren and Kelsey have finally made the move from New York City to their dream home in Hudson Valley. Kelsey is pregnant with their first child and all seems perfect…until it wasn’t. There’s an extremely overbearing and nosy neighbor, a medium and the suspicious death of the previous owner. Oh, dear.
the heart of the story…
As things start feeling creepier and a bit off, Lauren begins snooping into things. There’s a basement, too, that prior to all of this, she hadn’t any interest in exploring. Yes, there’s that, “don’t go down there!” moment, of course.
the narration…
The performance was just okay for me as the narrator’s tone and storytelling style didn’t fit the atmosphere. It’s a personal thing.
the bottom line…
This delivers on the tension and suspense, especially how it ended. Bravo! 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy of the collection. All opinions are my own.)
Lauren and Kelsey have finally made the move from New York City to their dream home in Hudson Valley. Kelsey is pregnant with their first child and all seems perfect…until it wasn’t. There’s an extremely overbearing and nosy neighbor, a medium and the suspicious death of the previous owner. Oh, dear.
the heart of the story…
As things start feeling creepier and a bit off, Lauren begins snooping into things. There’s a basement, too, that prior to all of this, she hadn’t any interest in exploring. Yes, there’s that, “don’t go down there!” moment, of course.
the narration…
The performance was just okay for me as the narrator’s tone and storytelling style didn’t fit the atmosphere. It’s a personal thing.
the bottom line…
This delivers on the tension and suspense, especially how it ended. Bravo! 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy of the collection. All opinions are my own.)
May 25, 2024
4.5 Stars — A nosy neighbor pesters a young couple who’ve just purchased their dream home in upstate New York. With a baby on the way, they’re ready to nest, not feel uneasy in their own home with the guy across the street always watching. This was a fun quickie thriller that went in a totally different direction than what I was expecting. Very creepy and twisted.
May 2, 2024
Lauren and Kelsey are a married couple expecting their first child, they are excited for the next phase of their lives as proud owners of their first dream home. Their happy new beginning is soon overshadowed by the uncomfortable presence of an older neighbor, who seems overly interested in them.
Wasn’t expecting that surprise twist at the end!
Wasn’t expecting that surprise twist at the end!
May 9, 2024
Interesting?
I was reading at a faster and faster rate towards the end of this book…and it just ends. I wanted more and must have overlooked something as I read. Anyway it was good until it wasn’t.
I was reading at a faster and faster rate towards the end of this book…and it just ends. I wanted more and must have overlooked something as I read. Anyway it was good until it wasn’t.
July 24, 2024
Story3.75 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Kira Fixx
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Kira Fixx
March 26, 2024
A woman and her wife finally get the house of their dreams. The two women are so used to city life, it takes awhile for them to adjust to living in a rural setting.
One of my favorite tropes at play here! A couple has invested so much emotional bandwidth into this new lifestyle and something is going to throw a wrench into it—like THE NEIGHBORS
Bartz did a great job keeping my focus on one thing while something else was happening, the perfect setup, although I feel like this needed one more page for the conclusion. A good introduction to Bartz, I will seek out more by this author
One of my favorite tropes at play here! A couple has invested so much emotional bandwidth into this new lifestyle and something is going to throw a wrench into it—like THE NEIGHBORS
Bartz did a great job keeping my focus on one thing while something else was happening, the perfect setup, although I feel like this needed one more page for the conclusion. A good introduction to Bartz, I will seek out more by this author
September 13, 2024
Just ok for me.
I listened to this on audio, so it was a good time filler while I did other things, but it wasn’t a nailbiter by any means.
Fun to listen to if you’re trying to kill some time but other than that, I wouldn’t really recommend it just to read.
I listened to this on audio, so it was a good time filler while I did other things, but it wasn’t a nailbiter by any means.
Fun to listen to if you’re trying to kill some time but other than that, I wouldn’t really recommend it just to read.
March 19, 2024
6⭐️… Andrea Bartz!!! Rushing to Goodreads to check out the rest of your work!!! 🏃🏾♀️
September 6, 2025
3,0 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
December 29, 2024
This one was decent but predictable.
March 31, 2024
The Other Side of the Road is a short story in the Never Tell Collection by Andrea Bartz. Newly-wed and expecting, Kelsey and Lauren quit Brooklyn after a long search to move into their dream house in Krumville. The only flies in the ointment are the extremely nosy neighbours opposite, and finding out that the previous owner died after a disagreement with the creepy husband of that couple. While Kelsey is away for work, Lauren finds some disturbing items that have her worried for her safety. .. Cleverly plotted with a truly nasty twist. 5/5
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
May 10, 2024
At first I thought “oh man, I hate victim mentality”
By the end, I was thinking wait whaaa what is she gonna do when your son doesn’t get what he wants?
By the end, I was thinking wait whaaa what is she gonna do when your son doesn’t get what he wants?
April 26, 2025
This is the third short story in the Never Tell collection on Amazon. An entertaining story with a creepy vibe. The twist at the end really surprised me!
June 23, 2024
Great short read
Two women move into the dream house of the other. With a creepy neighbor and a medium, what is the truth behind the previous owners death?
Two women move into the dream house of the other. With a creepy neighbor and a medium, what is the truth behind the previous owners death?
May 4, 2024
Poor Hank.
I liked the story and there was a twisty-twist I did not expect, but the ending was thumbs down.
How could she accept that “beautiful life” after learning her wife murdered for it? Like yeah…murdered for a house? Ew.
Well, guess she’s just a psycho too. A match made and married in heaven with a psycho-baby on the way!
I liked the story and there was a twisty-twist I did not expect, but the ending was thumbs down.
How could she accept that “beautiful life” after learning her wife murdered for it? Like yeah…murdered for a house? Ew.
Well, guess she’s just a psycho too. A match made and married in heaven with a psycho-baby on the way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2024
Neighbour Danger
Review of the Amazon Original Stories eBook (March 19, 2024), released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook.
Lauren and Kelsey have found their dream home in the country and are expecting a child through in vitro fertilization. Their joy on moving-in-day is tempered with the discovery of their 'across the road' neighbour hanging around their front door. It is supposedly a 'welcome to the neighbourhood' visit, but the man is acting very suspiciously.
A later home visit to the man and his wife adds to the creep factor with the discovery of a telescope pointed right at their front windows. The friendly neighbourhood medium suggests that she is getting warnings from 'the other side.' Then they learn that the previous homeowner died an accidental death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
There is a nice "Chekhov's Gun" moment when a shovel is introduced into the plot. Watch for that (the shovel is also featured in the cover image). It all ends with a gut-punch finale and a noirish twist ending about which no more can be said 🤐.
The Other Side of the Road is the third of six Amazon Original Stories eBooks/Audible Audio audiobooks released on March 19, 2024 as part of the Never Tell Collection of short stories which are promoted with the collective description:
Soundtrack
You guessed it! Although not in keeping with the theme of this story, I immediately thought of the Mr. Rogers' theme song Won't You Be My Neighbour?.
Trivia and Links
Andrea Bartz is the author of several novels, the most popular of which is We Were Never Here (2021). Her most recent novel is The Spare Room (2023).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
Review of the Amazon Original Stories eBook (March 19, 2024), released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook.
Lauren and Kelsey have found their dream home in the country and are expecting a child through in vitro fertilization. Their joy on moving-in-day is tempered with the discovery of their 'across the road' neighbour hanging around their front door. It is supposedly a 'welcome to the neighbourhood' visit, but the man is acting very suspiciously.
A later home visit to the man and his wife adds to the creep factor with the discovery of a telescope pointed right at their front windows. The friendly neighbourhood medium suggests that she is getting warnings from 'the other side.' Then they learn that the previous homeowner died an accidental death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
There is a nice "Chekhov's Gun" moment when a shovel is introduced into the plot. Watch for that (the shovel is also featured in the cover image). It all ends with a gut-punch finale and a noirish twist ending about which no more can be said 🤐.
The Other Side of the Road is the third of six Amazon Original Stories eBooks/Audible Audio audiobooks released on March 19, 2024 as part of the Never Tell Collection of short stories which are promoted with the collective description:
"How well do you know people? How well do they know you? Six award-winning, bestselling authors of suspense explore the lingering threat of secrets and the inescapable fear that they can’t stay buried forever. No matter how dark the hiding place, the consequences of revealing the truth can bring out the worst in lovers, friends, family, and strangers."
Soundtrack
You guessed it! Although not in keeping with the theme of this story, I immediately thought of the Mr. Rogers' theme song Won't You Be My Neighbour?.
Trivia and Links
Andrea Bartz is the author of several novels, the most popular of which is We Were Never Here (2021). Her most recent novel is The Spare Room (2023).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
March 28, 2024
A Dream House or a Death Trap?
"The Other Side of the Road" is part of the Amazon "Never Tell" collection. This audiobook has another new-to-me narrator who is impressive!
The story revolves around a pregnant couple thrilled when their dream home comes on the market. However, after moving in, one of them discovers hidden notes from the previous owner, who died in the house. A death in the house, creepy neighbors, and the eerie notes raise concerns. This might not be the right place to raise their family.
#EverywhereYouLook #LivConstantine #AudibleAudio #KindleUnlimited #AmazonOriginal #ShortStory #justfinished #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworm #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
"The Other Side of the Road" is part of the Amazon "Never Tell" collection. This audiobook has another new-to-me narrator who is impressive!
The story revolves around a pregnant couple thrilled when their dream home comes on the market. However, after moving in, one of them discovers hidden notes from the previous owner, who died in the house. A death in the house, creepy neighbors, and the eerie notes raise concerns. This might not be the right place to raise their family.
#EverywhereYouLook #LivConstantine #AudibleAudio #KindleUnlimited #AmazonOriginal #ShortStory #justfinished #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworm #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
March 23, 2024
I had so much fun writing this creepy little tale, inspired by my real-life (and ultimately very nice) neighbors upstate. It's free for Prime and Kindle Unlimited members and $1.99 for everyone else (you can download the Kindle app if you don't have an actual Kindle). Hope you love reading and/or listening to it!
November 15, 2025
Eager to add some short story reading to tide me over, I looked to the Never Tell collection. This piece by Andrea Bartz proved both entertaining and enthralling, perfect for a short side trip before I delve into something more substantial. Lauren and Kelsey have been living the perfect married life together. With a baby on the way, they are excited to be moving into their dream home outside the busy city. When a nosy neighbour from across the way appears to speak with them, neither Lauren nor Kelsey are sure what to make of it. Other neighbours call him odd and share stories about things he has done, as well as recount memories about the dream home's previous owner. As Lauren and Kelsey spend more time in the neighbourhood, they cannot shake an eerie feeling, which is anything but a jovial welcome to the community. Bartz delivers a great short story that has the perfect twist!
Though brief, Andrea Bartz has a lot to say in this piece. Things begin with ease and the story builds from there, adding needed momentum as the reader is left to piece everything together. The premise is great and there is so much going on in short order that close attention is needed to ensure nothing is missed or left by the wayside.
Characters present different perspectives to impress the reader from the outset. These various personalities not only push the story along, but flavour it in ways the reader will come to enjoy once the piece is complete. There is little time to connect to anyone, though what Bartz has done gives just the right amount of intrigue to keep things on point.
Surprises are core to a story of this nature, which Bartz does splendidly. Each page has a little something that helps construct the larger theme of twists and surprises. Nothing is entirely as it seems, though it is only once the reader completes the reading task that all the pieces come together perfectly, leaving a chill down the spine. I am eager to see what else of Andrea Bartz's I can find to read soon!
Kudos, Madam Bartz, for a great short story thriller!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Though brief, Andrea Bartz has a lot to say in this piece. Things begin with ease and the story builds from there, adding needed momentum as the reader is left to piece everything together. The premise is great and there is so much going on in short order that close attention is needed to ensure nothing is missed or left by the wayside.
Characters present different perspectives to impress the reader from the outset. These various personalities not only push the story along, but flavour it in ways the reader will come to enjoy once the piece is complete. There is little time to connect to anyone, though what Bartz has done gives just the right amount of intrigue to keep things on point.
Surprises are core to a story of this nature, which Bartz does splendidly. Each page has a little something that helps construct the larger theme of twists and surprises. Nothing is entirely as it seems, though it is only once the reader completes the reading task that all the pieces come together perfectly, leaving a chill down the spine. I am eager to see what else of Andrea Bartz's I can find to read soon!
Kudos, Madam Bartz, for a great short story thriller!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 11, 2024
What would you do for a perfect life?
Loved this story so much. A couple named Lauren and Kelsey leave Brooklyn for Lauren’s dream house (once it’s for sale after the death of the prior owner). Lauren feels uneasy about the new neighbors and wonders if they had anything to do with the death of the prior owner.
Loved the plot, the twist, and the ending.
Loved this story so much. A couple named Lauren and Kelsey leave Brooklyn for Lauren’s dream house (once it’s for sale after the death of the prior owner). Lauren feels uneasy about the new neighbors and wonders if they had anything to do with the death of the prior owner.
Loved the plot, the twist, and the ending.
April 15, 2024
3.75⭐️
Lauren and Kelsey are about to have a baby. They have just bought their dream house. Everything is perfect. Everything except their new neighbor.
My Thoughts
This was my first read by the author. In fact, it was the first time I heard from her. That is one of the reasons I love Amazon short reads. They introduced me to so many new amazing authors. This was no exception.
This is Lauren's dream home. She pushed to be there. Now, she is quickly spiraling into decension and suspicion. She started looking into the old homeowner. She becomes paranoid about her neighbor Hank. She believes she is being watched. She is laughable yet relatable. We have all been there. Believing the supernatural, making connections that no one else sees. She is well written. Likable yet irritating 😒
The twist isn't what I was expecting. I thought I had it all figured out. I was wrong, and it was so worth my time reading!!
Lauren and Kelsey are about to have a baby. They have just bought their dream house. Everything is perfect. Everything except their new neighbor.
My Thoughts
This was my first read by the author. In fact, it was the first time I heard from her. That is one of the reasons I love Amazon short reads. They introduced me to so many new amazing authors. This was no exception.
This is Lauren's dream home. She pushed to be there. Now, she is quickly spiraling into decension and suspicion. She started looking into the old homeowner. She becomes paranoid about her neighbor Hank. She believes she is being watched. She is laughable yet relatable. We have all been there. Believing the supernatural, making connections that no one else sees. She is well written. Likable yet irritating 😒
The twist isn't what I was expecting. I thought I had it all figured out. I was wrong, and it was so worth my time reading!!
December 11, 2025
A bit predictable but well written and a fun quick read.
September 27, 2024
Pretty good short story. Free to listen to and read if you have Amazon Prime. It’s a 3 for me but I’m gonna mg with 3.5 bc of the ending. I’d read more by this author. ✍️
May 1, 2024
The writing is a bit flowery; how many similes can you pack into thirty pages? Turns out, a lot. The plot is predictable. So you do the math.
January 13, 2025
Great twist, poor old man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
The short story begins with a captivating premise, quickly immersing readers in a world of mystery and intrigue. As the plot unfolds, the characters and setting are skillfully introduced, promising an intriguing narrative.
However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that the resolution is lacking. Critical questions remain unanswered, leaving readers feeling unsatisfied and craving more closure.
While the short story offers moments of suspense and anticipation, its abrupt conclusion detracts from the overall reading experience. Readers may find themselves wanting more resolution to fully appreciate the story's potential.
Overall, while the short story presents an engaging premise and promising plot, its abrupt conclusion leaves readers wanting more. Despite this, it still offers moments of intrigue and suspense, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the mystery genre, albeit with a desire for more closure.
However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that the resolution is lacking. Critical questions remain unanswered, leaving readers feeling unsatisfied and craving more closure.
While the short story offers moments of suspense and anticipation, its abrupt conclusion detracts from the overall reading experience. Readers may find themselves wanting more resolution to fully appreciate the story's potential.
Overall, while the short story presents an engaging premise and promising plot, its abrupt conclusion leaves readers wanting more. Despite this, it still offers moments of intrigue and suspense, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the mystery genre, albeit with a desire for more closure.
December 3, 2024
Oo you are twisted Ms Bartz!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews