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The House Across the Street
Perfect families have the most to hide…
I feel so lucky to live in a gorgeous house with my precious daughter on Riverside Road, surrounded by green hills and well-tended gardens. I’m just across from the Taylors, who were a second family to me when I was growing up. But late at night, I spot someone in the house across the street. Someone who shouldn’t be there…
Lily Taylor and I are best friends and closer than sisters, but life in our idyllic neighbourhood comes to a shuddering halt when I find Lily’s father murdered in his own bed. As I break the news to Lily, I swear to her that I’ll do everything I can to help her family. Who could possibly have done this?
I tell the police, but while they’re trying to find the killer, I start getting threatening notes that leave me shaking with fear. Then someone throws a brick through my eleven-year-old daughter Cassie’s bedroom window, covering her in shards of broken glass. As I stand in her wrecked bedroom, I make a choice. I am desperate to help Lily get justice, but my daughter’s safety has to come first.
Even when I stop helping with the investigation, the messages keep coming. Someone knows what I saw, and I’m terrified they’ll come for my little girl next. But they’ve underestimated me.
No matter how far I have to go, I’ll always protect the people I love…
An astonishingly gripping psychological thriller with a truly shocking twist from USA Today bestseller Jill Childs! If you love Sally Hepworth, The Woman in the Window or Liane Moriarty, you’ll adore this up-all-night, addictive thriller.
I feel so lucky to live in a gorgeous house with my precious daughter on Riverside Road, surrounded by green hills and well-tended gardens. I’m just across from the Taylors, who were a second family to me when I was growing up. But late at night, I spot someone in the house across the street. Someone who shouldn’t be there…
Lily Taylor and I are best friends and closer than sisters, but life in our idyllic neighbourhood comes to a shuddering halt when I find Lily’s father murdered in his own bed. As I break the news to Lily, I swear to her that I’ll do everything I can to help her family. Who could possibly have done this?
I tell the police, but while they’re trying to find the killer, I start getting threatening notes that leave me shaking with fear. Then someone throws a brick through my eleven-year-old daughter Cassie’s bedroom window, covering her in shards of broken glass. As I stand in her wrecked bedroom, I make a choice. I am desperate to help Lily get justice, but my daughter’s safety has to come first.
Even when I stop helping with the investigation, the messages keep coming. Someone knows what I saw, and I’m terrified they’ll come for my little girl next. But they’ve underestimated me.
No matter how far I have to go, I’ll always protect the people I love…
An astonishingly gripping psychological thriller with a truly shocking twist from USA Today bestseller Jill Childs! If you love Sally Hepworth, The Woman in the Window or Liane Moriarty, you’ll adore this up-all-night, addictive thriller.
290 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2024
261 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Jill Childs
18 books185 followersJill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
August 12, 2024
3.5⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction, family drama
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ July 15, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 330 (p+ 53 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 18 minutes
Narrator ~ Kristin Atherton
POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ multiple timelines, murder, secrets
Sister and brother, Anna & Tim are living in their old house with Anna's 10 year old daughter, Cassie.
Sister and brother, Lily & George Taylor were best friends with Anna and Tim growing up, until one tragic event caused a rift between George and Tim. Lily's POV is the only 1st person one.
Now the beloved Dr. Taylor is found murdered. Who stabbed him and why?
I'm not a fan when a child thinks they know what's best and doesn't listen to their parent, even if they're not given a good reason for why things are the way they are. There's also a lack on police presence when it was warranted, which I found odd.
Hiding because we learn this later on and it's definitely a and it makes no sense and I'm a bit sickened by it. But I suppose that's a twist for ya. I was originally rounding up, but the more I thought about it, I've gotta go with down because I just can't get behind this type of behavior. , so again makes no sense.
But I was pretty engaged for most of it. I wouldn't say it was a thriller, or suspenseful, really, but there was a little action that got my heart racing for a hot minute. Gotta love an elderly neighbor that sees and hears everything. I'll probably be like Mrs. McKay one day. The 10 year old secret was not a surprise, but the last zinger was a nice one and I'm not sure if I like the open-endedness of it.
I have read this author before and rated it exactly the same. It seems like she might have a theme she likes for her wow factor.
Narration notes:
She did do a good job differentiating her voices, but I really wish there was a male narrator. Also, I felt like Lily's tone sounded quite mean.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological fiction, family drama
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ July 15, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 330 (p+ 53 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 18 minutes
Narrator ~ Kristin Atherton
POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ multiple timelines, murder, secrets
Sister and brother, Anna & Tim are living in their old house with Anna's 10 year old daughter, Cassie.
Sister and brother, Lily & George Taylor were best friends with Anna and Tim growing up, until one tragic event caused a rift between George and Tim. Lily's POV is the only 1st person one.
Now the beloved Dr. Taylor is found murdered. Who stabbed him and why?
I'm not a fan when a child thinks they know what's best and doesn't listen to their parent, even if they're not given a good reason for why things are the way they are. There's also a lack on police presence when it was warranted, which I found odd.
Hiding because we learn this later on and it's definitely a and it makes no sense and I'm a bit sickened by it. But I suppose that's a twist for ya. I was originally rounding up, but the more I thought about it, I've gotta go with down because I just can't get behind this type of behavior. , so again makes no sense.
But I was pretty engaged for most of it. I wouldn't say it was a thriller, or suspenseful, really, but there was a little action that got my heart racing for a hot minute. Gotta love an elderly neighbor that sees and hears everything. I'll probably be like Mrs. McKay one day. The 10 year old secret was not a surprise, but the last zinger was a nice one and I'm not sure if I like the open-endedness of it.
I have read this author before and rated it exactly the same. It seems like she might have a theme she likes for her wow factor.
Narration notes:
She did do a good job differentiating her voices, but I really wish there was a male narrator. Also, I felt like Lily's tone sounded quite mean.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
September 3, 2024
The House Across the Street is a new release Popcorn Thriller from Jill Childs. This is my first work from this author and it did keep me at attention and entertained.
This is a neighborhood drama following a few different perspectives. The main focus is on Anna and Lily, life-long best friends. They grew up across the street from one another, and have grown up more as sisters than friends.
Anna is a single mother to a 11-year old daughter, Cassie, who she gave birth to when she was just 17. They were barely done school by the time Cassie was born, but Lily never deserted Anna, like many other teen girls might of.
As adults, even with all that has gone on in the past, they are still present in each other lives. One night, at the start of our story, Anna spies across the street, through the windows of Lily's father's home, someone who shouldn't be there. It's ominous and she fears something is wrong.
After investigating, Anna's fears are proved true. Someone has murdered Lily's father in his bed. After the authorities are notified and it appears that Anna is the only witness, she begins to receive threatening notes.
Fearing the killer may be after her, or worse, after her daughter, Anna stops aiding with the investigation, even though she had promised Lily she would help.
There's back and forth between Anna and Lily as we try to piece together what the hell is going on in this neighborhood. We also get a bit from Cassie, as she tries to understand all that is happening around her, and why she may suddenly be a pawn in someone else's game.
Overall, this was a good story. It did nothing wrong, it's fast-paced and well-told, but I can't say I found it overly-compelling, or memorable.
It's simple, easy to follow, and could be great for someone looking for a quick read to distract them on a road trip or while doing some housework. It's definitely a story I'll forget pretty quickly though.
I did feel like the male characters were very forgettable. It took me over half the book to even realize that Anna's ex-boyfriend and Lily's brother weren't the same person. That's not necessarily a good sign.
I also was a little turned off by a couple of twists at the end, but that is purely personal opinion. Others may find them to be jaw-dropping and interesting.
I'm happy to have given this one a listen. The audiobook was well narrated and I wouldn't be opposed to picking up more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I love a good Popcorn Thriller every once in a while. They're great palate cleansers amongst some of my darker reads.
This is a neighborhood drama following a few different perspectives. The main focus is on Anna and Lily, life-long best friends. They grew up across the street from one another, and have grown up more as sisters than friends.
Anna is a single mother to a 11-year old daughter, Cassie, who she gave birth to when she was just 17. They were barely done school by the time Cassie was born, but Lily never deserted Anna, like many other teen girls might of.
As adults, even with all that has gone on in the past, they are still present in each other lives. One night, at the start of our story, Anna spies across the street, through the windows of Lily's father's home, someone who shouldn't be there. It's ominous and she fears something is wrong.
After investigating, Anna's fears are proved true. Someone has murdered Lily's father in his bed. After the authorities are notified and it appears that Anna is the only witness, she begins to receive threatening notes.
Fearing the killer may be after her, or worse, after her daughter, Anna stops aiding with the investigation, even though she had promised Lily she would help.
There's back and forth between Anna and Lily as we try to piece together what the hell is going on in this neighborhood. We also get a bit from Cassie, as she tries to understand all that is happening around her, and why she may suddenly be a pawn in someone else's game.
Overall, this was a good story. It did nothing wrong, it's fast-paced and well-told, but I can't say I found it overly-compelling, or memorable.
It's simple, easy to follow, and could be great for someone looking for a quick read to distract them on a road trip or while doing some housework. It's definitely a story I'll forget pretty quickly though.
I did feel like the male characters were very forgettable. It took me over half the book to even realize that Anna's ex-boyfriend and Lily's brother weren't the same person. That's not necessarily a good sign.
I also was a little turned off by a couple of twists at the end, but that is purely personal opinion. Others may find them to be jaw-dropping and interesting.
I'm happy to have given this one a listen. The audiobook was well narrated and I wouldn't be opposed to picking up more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I love a good Popcorn Thriller every once in a while. They're great palate cleansers amongst some of my darker reads.
July 15, 2024
Out From 15th July 2024
Perfect families have the most to hide…
Two best friends who live across the street from each other, both keeping their own secrets from each other, but for how long?
I don't want to say to much about the plot for fear of spoiling the story, but just know there is a lot going on that moves the story on and builds the tension and suspense throughout.
I listened to this as an audio book and was absolutely hooked, I listened to most of it in one day and could wait to finish listening the next day. The narrator was great at building the suspense and keeping to the pacing and excitement of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon
Perfect families have the most to hide…
Two best friends who live across the street from each other, both keeping their own secrets from each other, but for how long?
I don't want to say to much about the plot for fear of spoiling the story, but just know there is a lot going on that moves the story on and builds the tension and suspense throughout.
I listened to this as an audio book and was absolutely hooked, I listened to most of it in one day and could wait to finish listening the next day. The narrator was great at building the suspense and keeping to the pacing and excitement of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon
October 8, 2024
“We've all told lies, terrible lies.” Lies, deception, and betrayal infest the lives of family and friends. Who is lying to whom? What will happen if secrets are revealed? Long-held confidences are put to the test in this twisted tale of buried deceit. The shocking conclusion, I never saw coming. The final twist was jaw-dropping. The narration masterfully brought the characters to life while adding a layer of intrigue and intensity to this emotional thriller. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
July 18, 2024
The murder of the village’s doctor has a small pool of suspects for the police. Meanwhile, the victim’s daughter and son are devastated. The victim’s daughter Lily has the steady friendship of next-door neighbor Anna at this most difficult time. However, Lily is not the only one experiencing difficulties. While thrilled that her brother Tim is back in town, Anna’s role as a single mother has hit a few bumps. For starters, Tim left town a decade ago due to serious situation. Now that he is back, Lily is thrilled that her daughter will be able to get to know her uncle. Along with Tim’s difficulties when it comes to assimilating himself again, Anna begins having troubles.
From threatening notes to the appearance of her ex-boyfriend, a boy she loved beyond distraction, Anna’s life is being turned upside down. There is an underlying current in this latest book by Jill Childs, and it is one that gave me chills as I read the book. It is beyond clear that something terrible is weighing on Anna, and that makes for an incredible amount of tension in this story.
The relationships in this book are everything. The best-friend relationship Anna and Lily share. Lily’s loving relationship with Anna’s daughter Cassie. Anna’s relationship with her brother Tim. And the hidden relationship(s) that are revealed at just the right time. Then factor in the twists and turns, and this book will leave you thinking and even hurting a bit.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
From threatening notes to the appearance of her ex-boyfriend, a boy she loved beyond distraction, Anna’s life is being turned upside down. There is an underlying current in this latest book by Jill Childs, and it is one that gave me chills as I read the book. It is beyond clear that something terrible is weighing on Anna, and that makes for an incredible amount of tension in this story.
The relationships in this book are everything. The best-friend relationship Anna and Lily share. Lily’s loving relationship with Anna’s daughter Cassie. Anna’s relationship with her brother Tim. And the hidden relationship(s) that are revealed at just the right time. Then factor in the twists and turns, and this book will leave you thinking and even hurting a bit.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 24, 2024
I got the privilege to read this book before it releases to the public on July 15.
2 best friends and secrets kept from each other will eventually catch up to one another.
Find out what happens in this edge of your seat page turner thriller!
Highly recommend this book.
Wow! This book definitely keeps you intrigued and on the edge of your seat to know the answers!
Absolutely will be recommending this book to people looking for a page turner.
#Netgalley #Bookouture
2 best friends and secrets kept from each other will eventually catch up to one another.
Find out what happens in this edge of your seat page turner thriller!
Highly recommend this book.
Wow! This book definitely keeps you intrigued and on the edge of your seat to know the answers!
Absolutely will be recommending this book to people looking for a page turner.
#Netgalley #Bookouture
July 13, 2024
This high quality audio had me gripped throughtout. The audio perfectly gave each character their own voice. The story was fast paced and full of twists and turns in this pov story that dripped fed the truth and it's links to the past. Absolutely loved it felt a quick listen and that there was scope for more. Loved the ending and the constant twists and turns if rhe characters as they struggled with their emotions from the past. I loved the actual killer that was something I didn't suspect. Well written and narrated.
Thank you so much netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for this cracking 5 star listen.
Thank you so much netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for this cracking 5 star listen.
July 11, 2024
THE HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET by Jill Childs
Narration by Kristin Atherton was very well done.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC audiobook.
At the beginning of this thriller, Anna discovers her best childhood friends dad, Dr. Taylor, murdered in his bed. Soon after the murder, Anna is receiving threatening notes that leave her shaking with fear. Her daughter, Cassie, has had a brick thrown through her bedroom window. Anna is terrified someone knows what she saw the night of the murder and she will do anything to protect her ten year old daughter. So begins this psychological thriller with some shocking twists.
I like when chapters are short and end with a cliffhanger; making you want to keep reading. It’s a decent, and fast paced quick read. If you like drama, there is plenty of it, with secrets, lies and love mixed in. This is my first read by this author and will check out other books by her.
Narration by Kristin Atherton was very well done.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC audiobook.
At the beginning of this thriller, Anna discovers her best childhood friends dad, Dr. Taylor, murdered in his bed. Soon after the murder, Anna is receiving threatening notes that leave her shaking with fear. Her daughter, Cassie, has had a brick thrown through her bedroom window. Anna is terrified someone knows what she saw the night of the murder and she will do anything to protect her ten year old daughter. So begins this psychological thriller with some shocking twists.
I like when chapters are short and end with a cliffhanger; making you want to keep reading. It’s a decent, and fast paced quick read. If you like drama, there is plenty of it, with secrets, lies and love mixed in. This is my first read by this author and will check out other books by her.
July 15, 2024
Right: so we start with a bang—a body is found, whoddunit? But this is a whodunnit combined with a domestic feel… until the end, and it was very dark. I’m not saying it as a bad thing, but I would have definitely preferred to have this dark, more sinister vibe throughout the book rather than just a small part in the end.
Anna finds Lily’s father dead while a party is going on. Police ask her routine questions at first, but then they start investigating her as an actual suspect, and she’s like “I did not do anything at all, like I literally just saw him; what’s going on?”
She decides to prove her innocence until someone starts leaving threatening notes on her door, and her daughter’s wellbeing is tested because Anna has another secret (she just has like a tonne of secrets). So, is the same person who is trying to shed light on Ana’s secrets the same person that killed Lily’s father? Is she being framed? What is going on?
This is a good story. The characters are good; I actually connected with Anna, especially in the last chapters.
I loved the family dynamic in this whole book—not just the blood family but the chosen one as well.
The book was really slow, though; it wasn’t quite the page-turner, but I found it interesting how the author wrapped it up. I don’t know; I would have been more satisfied with a focus more on Anna as a whole as a person, seeing a bit more of her personal story rather than the story being plot-driven.
Had the writing been more focused on Ana herself a bit more in the earlier chapters to give the actual punch for the final ones and get the book moving a little bit more, I potentially would have liked the book more.
Anna finds Lily’s father dead while a party is going on. Police ask her routine questions at first, but then they start investigating her as an actual suspect, and she’s like “I did not do anything at all, like I literally just saw him; what’s going on?”
She decides to prove her innocence until someone starts leaving threatening notes on her door, and her daughter’s wellbeing is tested because Anna has another secret (she just has like a tonne of secrets). So, is the same person who is trying to shed light on Ana’s secrets the same person that killed Lily’s father? Is she being framed? What is going on?
This is a good story. The characters are good; I actually connected with Anna, especially in the last chapters.
I loved the family dynamic in this whole book—not just the blood family but the chosen one as well.
The book was really slow, though; it wasn’t quite the page-turner, but I found it interesting how the author wrapped it up. I don’t know; I would have been more satisfied with a focus more on Anna as a whole as a person, seeing a bit more of her personal story rather than the story being plot-driven.
Had the writing been more focused on Ana herself a bit more in the earlier chapters to give the actual punch for the final ones and get the book moving a little bit more, I potentially would have liked the book more.
July 7, 2024
✩ 3.95 ⋆｡°✩ 💛
review based on audio book
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
‧₊˚🔪✩ ₊˚🎧⊹♡
MAIN REVIEW:
✦ → it’s a story about two best friends and the secrets between them that unravel slowly throughout the book
✦ → The starting to the book is a little slow but it gets better and the ending was unpredictable and it had me making so many random guesses throughout the book
✦ → the characters felt real, especially Cassie. Overall well written and executed.
✦ → there’s a lot of information thrown at you at the end of chapters and so many twists and turns, it really grabbed my attention and had me at the edge of seat
✦ → highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers
♫₊˚.🎧 ✩｡
review based on audio book
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
‧₊˚🔪✩ ₊˚🎧⊹♡
MAIN REVIEW:
✦ → it’s a story about two best friends and the secrets between them that unravel slowly throughout the book
✦ → The starting to the book is a little slow but it gets better and the ending was unpredictable and it had me making so many random guesses throughout the book
✦ → the characters felt real, especially Cassie. Overall well written and executed.
✦ → there’s a lot of information thrown at you at the end of chapters and so many twists and turns, it really grabbed my attention and had me at the edge of seat
✦ → highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers
♫₊˚.🎧 ✩｡
July 9, 2024
4.5/5 stars!
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS
ARC- Releases July 15, 2024
Thriller/Mystery/Suspense
This was a really thrilling book that kept my headphones glued to my ears. I couldn’t devour it fast enough! With more twists and turns than a theme park, this book kept me guessing till the very end. The audiobook narrator was very good and had distinct enough voices for me to tell what character the chapter’s POV was in. This was on the same level as the best Freida McFadden books I’ve read and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS
ARC- Releases July 15, 2024
Thriller/Mystery/Suspense
This was a really thrilling book that kept my headphones glued to my ears. I couldn’t devour it fast enough! With more twists and turns than a theme park, this book kept me guessing till the very end. The audiobook narrator was very good and had distinct enough voices for me to tell what character the chapter’s POV was in. This was on the same level as the best Freida McFadden books I’ve read and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
July 10, 2024
If you enjoy whodunnit’s, small towns and big secrets, this is for you
Everyone knows everyone in this small town in Yorkshire, UK. When the local doctor is murdered, neighbor Anna is terrified her secrets will be revealed….
The focus on the story are the secrets and although they’re not blow-my-mind shocking, by the time they’re revealed, I definitely felt empathy for all the characters
The audiobook was nicely narrated, the accents well done. Overall, an enjoyable domestic suspense with a kickass final chapter
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
Everyone knows everyone in this small town in Yorkshire, UK. When the local doctor is murdered, neighbor Anna is terrified her secrets will be revealed….
The focus on the story are the secrets and although they’re not blow-my-mind shocking, by the time they’re revealed, I definitely felt empathy for all the characters
The audiobook was nicely narrated, the accents well done. Overall, an enjoyable domestic suspense with a kickass final chapter
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
July 17, 2024
This story was fast paced and thrilling! There were so many good twists and turns in this book, that I had whiplash by the end. While my heart was racing from all of the drama and twists, some parts had my heart breaking for various characters.
I was entertained and gripped by this clever plot as it developed in this well crafted book. Just when I thought I knew where we were headed, the author pivoted and threw in a twist that I didn't see coming. And can we talk about the epilogue?! The ending of this book had my jaw on the floor! I just had to sit there with my thoughts for a few minutes when the book was over. This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was entertained and gripped by this clever plot as it developed in this well crafted book. Just when I thought I knew where we were headed, the author pivoted and threw in a twist that I didn't see coming. And can we talk about the epilogue?! The ending of this book had my jaw on the floor! I just had to sit there with my thoughts for a few minutes when the book was over. This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2024
4 stars
This one is perfect for those of us who like a good neighborhood drama/suspense. While the storyline involves a murder, the book is really focused on the relationships between two families that live next to each other.
I’ll be honest, the subtraction of one star is due to my confusion with the plot twist. I just don’t understand why BEEP allowed BEEP to be around BEEP ever. I also don’t understand why BEEP ever visited BEEP after the BEEP BEEP happened.
Gotta love my spoilers that aren’t spoiling. If you read it, I’m sure you know exactly what I’m saying.
The narrator was engaging and wonderful for this audiobook.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for this ARC in exchange for a written review.
This one is perfect for those of us who like a good neighborhood drama/suspense. While the storyline involves a murder, the book is really focused on the relationships between two families that live next to each other.
I’ll be honest, the subtraction of one star is due to my confusion with the plot twist. I just don’t understand why BEEP allowed BEEP to be around BEEP ever. I also don’t understand why BEEP ever visited BEEP after the BEEP BEEP happened.
Gotta love my spoilers that aren’t spoiling. If you read it, I’m sure you know exactly what I’m saying.
The narrator was engaging and wonderful for this audiobook.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for this ARC in exchange for a written review.
July 12, 2024
Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of “the house across the street” by Jill Childs.
Wonderfully written and captivating story with plenty of twists and turns. This murder mystery will keep you guessing till the end and once you think you know the whole story the plot thickens…
Highly recommend this novel/audiobook for lovers of Dean Koontz, Karin Slaughter and Tilly Bagshawe. This audiobook was well narrated and really fun to listen to. Thanks again to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Jill Childs for this wonderful arc.
Wonderfully written and captivating story with plenty of twists and turns. This murder mystery will keep you guessing till the end and once you think you know the whole story the plot thickens…
Highly recommend this novel/audiobook for lovers of Dean Koontz, Karin Slaughter and Tilly Bagshawe. This audiobook was well narrated and really fun to listen to. Thanks again to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Jill Childs for this wonderful arc.
July 25, 2024
"The House Across the Street" by Jill Childs is a psychological thriller.
There is a lot of death and grief in this book, as well as childhood trauma. I didn't like how this book made me feel. There are no likable characters. It has a twisty ending, but I knew one of the twists super early.
Characters - 3/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 1/5
Narration - 4/5 by Kristin Atherton
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 22/8 = 2 6/8,
rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Jill Childs for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
There is a lot of death and grief in this book, as well as childhood trauma. I didn't like how this book made me feel. There are no likable characters. It has a twisty ending, but I knew one of the twists super early.
Characters - 3/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 1/5
Narration - 4/5 by Kristin Atherton
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 22/8 = 2 6/8,
rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Jill Childs for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2024
The house across the street is full of twist & turns. Anna & Lily are best friends, their families intertwined. They’ve been keeping secrets from each other & for each other. This book is about the fallout of those secrets & what will be done when the bond between best friends is tested.
July 9, 2024
This book started off so good! It did slow down a lot in the middle and picked up again in the end. I found myself drifting during the middle and not paying attention, it couldn’t keep my attention.
However, it was definitely twisty! I was not expecting the killer of the doctor!
The narrator was great! She was very clear and was filled with emotion.
All in all, a decent listen via audiobook!
However, it was definitely twisty! I was not expecting the killer of the doctor!
The narrator was great! She was very clear and was filled with emotion.
All in all, a decent listen via audiobook!
July 15, 2024
Happy publication day 🎉🥳
Initially a slow burn The House Across the Street ended up having me in a vice like grip.
Best friends are a special thing, a thing to treasure, especially when those best friends become like family, so in a way it’s understandable that some things need to be kept secret to protect those bonds. The truth has a habit of coming out though, and it can prove to be catastrophic.
Gripping, with twists that I seen coming and others I absolutely didn’t! Fantastic!
The audio narration by Kristin Atherton was perfect!
Thanks to NetGalley and bookouture for the opportunity to listen to this audio arc in return for an honest review.
Initially a slow burn The House Across the Street ended up having me in a vice like grip.
Best friends are a special thing, a thing to treasure, especially when those best friends become like family, so in a way it’s understandable that some things need to be kept secret to protect those bonds. The truth has a habit of coming out though, and it can prove to be catastrophic.
Gripping, with twists that I seen coming and others I absolutely didn’t! Fantastic!
The audio narration by Kristin Atherton was perfect!
Thanks to NetGalley and bookouture for the opportunity to listen to this audio arc in return for an honest review.
July 19, 2024
There were some really great twists in this book that I was not expecting, and the writing was decent too (which I find to be lacking with thrillers often). So, I have decided to give this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Having listened to and read many thrillers, it is difficult to find many that are able to keep me guessing and actually surprised with the "who dunnit". And this book did an excellent job at keeping me guessing and keeping me engaged along with interested as well. And, I need to add, with a relatively believable plot line, because often I feel like that is in rare form these days.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced audio copy of this book. My opinions are all my own.
July 5, 2025
- [ ] This is a story about two friends who would go to the ends of the Earth for each other. But nothing is as it seems. This book is full of exciting twists, one after another-and as a voracious thriller reader, I had absolutely no idea what the next twist would be! And there were several twists! The characters could have been more well-developed. Part of the reason I was unsure of each twist was because I didn’t know the characters well enough to predict their actions. Still would recommend and still enjoyed. 4 ⭐️!
July 11, 2024
The house across the street by Jill Childs and it says it is narrated by Kristen Atherson but I could’ve swore I heard a male narrator and unless she is just that good. When the book starts Anna is giving her brother Tim a Welcome Home Party as he has moved back from London after living there for years. While tending to her guess she notices across the street at doctor Taylor‘s house a light has gone on upstairs and she knows he went home and went to bed already and there should be no lights at that house so when she goes to investigate she finds him murdered in his bed. The doctor is her best friend’s dad and she knows she has already lost her mother and so like Anna she is now without parents. As if Anna doesn’t have enough to worry about a few days later she starts getting strange and threatening notes telling her to keep her mouth shut and do not help the police. It gets even scarier when her daughter Cassidy tells her about a man who keeps watching her window. This is just the beginning of Anna’s issues and soon things from her past will come knocking on her door which only opens up other secrets she has tried her best to keep hidden. Because once the secrets come out it will not just be her home that will be affected. There were many things I liked about this book and I waffled between giving it three or four stars but after checking in seeing that this was the same author who wrote the woman at number five I had to give it four stars. It really says a lot about a rider when there works or so holy different and as I did enjoyed this book although the beginning wasn’t that exciting the further it went the better it got. I really totally recommend this book. If you love a great thriller with even greater twist in secrets then you definitely need to read this book. I mean I haven’t even discussed her ex Mike and everything that goes with that storyline, not to mention everyone should have a neighbor like Miss K. there was really a lot to like about this book.#BookoucherAudio, #NetGalley, #JillChiles, #ChristianAtherson, #TheHouseAcrossTheStreet,
July 12, 2024
3.5 ⭐️round up**
I am thankful to have gotten the ARC for free from Netgalley and Bookouture so I can leave my voluntary and honest review.
I’m being generous with my rating for this one because I know that it’s a me thing and not the book.
It’s very well written and flows very nicely.
I’m specifically reviewing the audio book where the narrator in their natural voice is lovely. Little slow for my liking but that’s why you can speed things up. The part I didn’t like were her voices for other characters. They were consistent which was good but for me, overly dramatic. This distracted me many times when listening which pulled me out of the story. I had to repeat so many sections in the book it was ridiculous. Hence why I said it was a “me thing”. That problem was while I don’t like overly dramatic recitations of audiobooks it’s even worse when not every voice is the same as far as presentation or energy level. The regular narrator voice from the reader as I said was fine. It read the material in a non descriptive manner so you could enjoy the story and not have the narrator affect the world you build in your head as a reader. So when the other voiced characters come on so strong it ruins the flow.
Other than that the book was a good read. Figured out a bunch of things but many won’t and will be blown away towards the end when several twists come out. The ending 15% of the book was great and well worth it to read.
This is one where ai think I’ll get the print copy to give it another go as I think I’ll find it much more enjoyable.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I am thankful to have gotten the ARC for free from Netgalley and Bookouture so I can leave my voluntary and honest review.
I’m being generous with my rating for this one because I know that it’s a me thing and not the book.
It’s very well written and flows very nicely.
I’m specifically reviewing the audio book where the narrator in their natural voice is lovely. Little slow for my liking but that’s why you can speed things up. The part I didn’t like were her voices for other characters. They were consistent which was good but for me, overly dramatic. This distracted me many times when listening which pulled me out of the story. I had to repeat so many sections in the book it was ridiculous. Hence why I said it was a “me thing”. That problem was while I don’t like overly dramatic recitations of audiobooks it’s even worse when not every voice is the same as far as presentation or energy level. The regular narrator voice from the reader as I said was fine. It read the material in a non descriptive manner so you could enjoy the story and not have the narrator affect the world you build in your head as a reader. So when the other voiced characters come on so strong it ruins the flow.
Other than that the book was a good read. Figured out a bunch of things but many won’t and will be blown away towards the end when several twists come out. The ending 15% of the book was great and well worth it to read.
This is one where ai think I’ll get the print copy to give it another go as I think I’ll find it much more enjoyable.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
July 12, 2024
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A smouldering tension filled psychological thriller with lots of suburban drama and extended family dysfunction.
The latest quick read from Jill Childs is a domestic melodramatic romp.
Anna and Lily have been best friends since childhood.
Anna lives with her daughter, Cassie and her newly returned home, brother Tim.
Lily lives with her father, Dr Taylor and her brother George, across the street.
One night, Dr Taylor is found dead, while they are all at a gathering.
But soon secrets and lies are accumulating and the truth is uncovered.
The House Across The Street drags you in from the premise, storyline, characters, setting and that final chapter.
It does build up with many scenarios for your guessing brain until the big twist and that very clever and unexpected ending.
I was kept on my toes in the last third of the book wanting answers to my many different questions and the answers gave me some chills.
This is my third read from the talented author and I look forward to my next.
A smouldering tension filled psychological thriller with lots of suburban drama and extended family dysfunction.
The latest quick read from Jill Childs is a domestic melodramatic romp.
Anna and Lily have been best friends since childhood.
Anna lives with her daughter, Cassie and her newly returned home, brother Tim.
Lily lives with her father, Dr Taylor and her brother George, across the street.
One night, Dr Taylor is found dead, while they are all at a gathering.
But soon secrets and lies are accumulating and the truth is uncovered.
The House Across The Street drags you in from the premise, storyline, characters, setting and that final chapter.
It does build up with many scenarios for your guessing brain until the big twist and that very clever and unexpected ending.
I was kept on my toes in the last third of the book wanting answers to my many different questions and the answers gave me some chills.
This is my third read from the talented author and I look forward to my next.
July 15, 2024
Oh gosh… the atmosphere of the story is such a sad one. I’ve had to take multiple breaks between listening to the narration because it would put a damper on my mood. The book is very well written, and the narrator does a great job of projecting the pains and traumas of the characters. Two best friends and their families are going through a long period of downfalls… traumatic experiences and lots and lots of pain. Anna and Lily are close friends and neighbours and their turbulent past and present kept me engaged and curious about solving the mystery. As the “life spool” kept unravelling I felt sorry for Anna and Cassie and their circumstances. The male characters, Tim and Geroge, are going through their own personal turbulences and harbour their own secrets that affect their judgment at times. Overall, the story is heartwarming, thought-provoking and very, very sad…
I want to thank Jill Childs, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for accepting my request for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I want to thank Jill Childs, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for accepting my request for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2024
3.75 stars rounded! ✨
🔪ARC REVIEW🔪
Thank you @netgalley , @bookouture and Jill Childs for my copy of The House Across the Street.
I was looking for a good thriller and remembered I had this on my NetGalley shelf! It was the pallet cleanser I needed for sure!! Dr. Taylor, a loved man residing in a small town with his daughter Lily and son George is suddenly murdered, and found by Lily’s best friend Anna. This isn’t the first time Anna’s family has been connected to the loss of one of Lily and George’s parents. Who could have done this? Why can’t they find the murder weapon? Does Anna and her brother Tim have something to do with it? Is Anna in danger? And what about her daughter?
So many questions, so many twists. This was a super enjoyable read, and I had not expected it to end the way it did at all!
The House Across the Street is available on all platforms as of today!!!
🔪ARC REVIEW🔪
Thank you @netgalley , @bookouture and Jill Childs for my copy of The House Across the Street.
I was looking for a good thriller and remembered I had this on my NetGalley shelf! It was the pallet cleanser I needed for sure!! Dr. Taylor, a loved man residing in a small town with his daughter Lily and son George is suddenly murdered, and found by Lily’s best friend Anna. This isn’t the first time Anna’s family has been connected to the loss of one of Lily and George’s parents. Who could have done this? Why can’t they find the murder weapon? Does Anna and her brother Tim have something to do with it? Is Anna in danger? And what about her daughter?
So many questions, so many twists. This was a super enjoyable read, and I had not expected it to end the way it did at all!
The House Across the Street is available on all platforms as of today!!!
July 29, 2024
The House Across the Street was a lovely little thriller that I quite enjoyed.
It was very fast paced, and while there was the one big mystery at hand I also really liked how there was the mini mystery in the middle of Cassie’s disappearance and paternity.
These little bits really held my attention and I didn’t want to stop reading.
There were so many twists along the way regarding Mr. Taylor’s death as well as what actually happened to Mrs. Taylor.
I did at one point want to throw my phone across the room because ✨✨spoiler alert below✨✨✨
✨
✨
✨
What mother would allow her child to be around and so close to the man who assaulted her as a child of the same age?! I was so mad at Anna.
This was my first book that I’ve read by Jill, and it will certainly not be my last.
🎧📖 note: Kristin Atherton did a FANTASTIC job with all of the characters.
It was very fast paced, and while there was the one big mystery at hand I also really liked how there was the mini mystery in the middle of Cassie’s disappearance and paternity.
These little bits really held my attention and I didn’t want to stop reading.
There were so many twists along the way regarding Mr. Taylor’s death as well as what actually happened to Mrs. Taylor.
I did at one point want to throw my phone across the room because ✨✨spoiler alert below✨✨✨
✨
✨
✨
What mother would allow her child to be around and so close to the man who assaulted her as a child of the same age?! I was so mad at Anna.
This was my first book that I’ve read by Jill, and it will certainly not be my last.
🎧📖 note: Kristin Atherton did a FANTASTIC job with all of the characters.
June 6, 2024
Best friends are like the family you have picked yourself and you would do anything for them. You spend as much time as possible with them, you support them through the good and the bad times. They are the ones you love and you would protect them no matter what.
Mistakes are being made and although the outcome was devastating, they are forgiven and the cracks that showed are plastered over. Sometimes there is one secret too many and that bond that seemed unbreakable, now is ripped apart and the pieces are thrown away, never to be mended again.
This book is full of twists and revelations. You are like sisters, vowing to be like this for ever and ever, until...
I saw through one person, but there was a lot left I had no idea about. Excellent read. 5 stars
Thank you
Mistakes are being made and although the outcome was devastating, they are forgiven and the cracks that showed are plastered over. Sometimes there is one secret too many and that bond that seemed unbreakable, now is ripped apart and the pieces are thrown away, never to be mended again.
This book is full of twists and revelations. You are like sisters, vowing to be like this for ever and ever, until...
I saw through one person, but there was a lot left I had no idea about. Excellent read. 5 stars
Thank you
July 19, 2024
The House Across The Street, written by Jill Childs and narrated by Kristin Atherton is a family mystery that kept me guessing till the very end! The book opens with one of the main characters Anna, who lives with her brother Tim and daughter Cassie across the street from her best friend Lily and Lilys brother George. Anna is having a coming home party for Tim, who has just moved back home, when Anna notices something intriguing happening across the street. This event creates plenty of emotions and lots of mystery, which continues throughout the book.
I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it. I liked the multiple questions that I had as a reader through the book, and I loved how the reader finds out one of the book mysteries alongside young Cassie. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author, narrator, and publisher for an ALC of this great mystery, in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it. I liked the multiple questions that I had as a reader through the book, and I loved how the reader finds out one of the book mysteries alongside young Cassie. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author, narrator, and publisher for an ALC of this great mystery, in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2024
This psychological thriller starts when the father of Anna’s best friend Lily is murdered in the house across the street. The following pages work through finding out who murdered Mr. Taylor while keeping everyone safe, including Anna’s child. The chapters varied from a single first person and multiple third person point-of-views which was odd and a bit confusing. The twist made me feel the ick, but definitely added a wow-factor. There was one female narrator, but I would have appreciated multiple narrators including a male, to account for the different characters and POV.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ALC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ALC.
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