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The Neighbours
You’re almost certain your daughter didn’t kill the neighbour. But what if she did?
Richard Wellington is one of the country’s most recognised doctors. A morning TV regular, surgeon to the elite, and scandal-proof despite a malpractice case that should have ruined him.
But when his body is found sprawled in a harbourside park on a sweltering Sydney morning, the facade shatters. His murder dominates the headlines, and the normally quiet cul-de-sac he called home becomes a media circus, seething with speculation and unease.
For Liv Elliot, none of that matters – except for one her daughter, Gracie, was at the park that morning. As the investigation heats up and dark secrets about Richard begin to surface, Liv takes steps to shield her daughter from the storm – steps that could destroy them both if the truth comes out.
How far would a mother go to protect her daughter?
Richard Wellington is one of the country’s most recognised doctors. A morning TV regular, surgeon to the elite, and scandal-proof despite a malpractice case that should have ruined him.
But when his body is found sprawled in a harbourside park on a sweltering Sydney morning, the facade shatters. His murder dominates the headlines, and the normally quiet cul-de-sac he called home becomes a media circus, seething with speculation and unease.
For Liv Elliot, none of that matters – except for one her daughter, Gracie, was at the park that morning. As the investigation heats up and dark secrets about Richard begin to surface, Liv takes steps to shield her daughter from the storm – steps that could destroy them both if the truth comes out.
How far would a mother go to protect her daughter?
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
118 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Emma Babbington
3 books19 followersEmma Babbington writes novels that are part psychological thriller, part family mystery and full of twists and turns. Her debut novel is The Neighbours and her second book, The Gardens comes out in 2026.
She is a London-born, now Sydney-based journalist with a 25 year career in the UK and Australia on newspapers and magazines. This has seen her interview celebrities, everyday heroes and even the occasional criminal. Emma lives with her husband, children and cat not far from Sydney harbour.
Instagram @emmababbington
Facebook @emmababbingtonauthor
She is a London-born, now Sydney-based journalist with a 25 year career in the UK and Australia on newspapers and magazines. This has seen her interview celebrities, everyday heroes and even the occasional criminal. Emma lives with her husband, children and cat not far from Sydney harbour.
Instagram @emmababbington
Facebook @emmababbingtonauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 1, 2025
When well-known plastic surgeon and morning presenter Richard Wellington’s body is found at a park down at the gull in Sydney North it is treated as a suspicious death. The neighbourhood in which Richard lived was shocked that something like this could happen in their community a place where they all thought they were safe.
As the mystery surrounding Richard’s death deepens the question remains as to who would do this and more importantly why. This was an entertaining and enjoyable novel with a twisty plot that keeps the reader guessing.
As the mystery surrounding Richard’s death deepens the question remains as to who would do this and more importantly why. This was an entertaining and enjoyable novel with a twisty plot that keeps the reader guessing.
July 20, 2025
What a fabulous debut Emma Babbington!
I couldn’t get enough of this gripping, page-turning thriller. Set in the affluent northern suburbs of Sydney, this street was where all the drama was. How well do you know your neighbours? A dead doctor, one who had plenty of people who could want him dead, is found in the park where Liv’s daughter Gracie goes running every morning. Liv is desperate to believe that her daughter had nothing to do with it. How far will she go to protect her daughter?
The mystery of what happened to Richard Wellington kept me glued to the pages. Plenty of twists and unexpected turns made this such a fun book to read. I loved the familiar setting, which always makes a book feel more vivid when you can see the story play out. It is fast and addictive and very surprising.
Thanks so much to HQ for my copy of this book to read.
I couldn’t get enough of this gripping, page-turning thriller. Set in the affluent northern suburbs of Sydney, this street was where all the drama was. How well do you know your neighbours? A dead doctor, one who had plenty of people who could want him dead, is found in the park where Liv’s daughter Gracie goes running every morning. Liv is desperate to believe that her daughter had nothing to do with it. How far will she go to protect her daughter?
The mystery of what happened to Richard Wellington kept me glued to the pages. Plenty of twists and unexpected turns made this such a fun book to read. I loved the familiar setting, which always makes a book feel more vivid when you can see the story play out. It is fast and addictive and very surprising.
Thanks so much to HQ for my copy of this book to read.
September 9, 2025
**Thank you to HQ Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 19 June 2025**
This one is not bad but if I'm being brutally honest, it wasn't as good as what I thought it would be; maybe I went in with too high expectations. When local well-known doctor Richard dies in suspicious circumstances, everybody is intrigued by the crime but his neighbour Liv is more concerned that her daughter Gracie was in the same location at the same time. The synopsis asks how far would a mother go to protect her daughter and apparently in Liz's case it's pretty far, to the point where she does some questionable things to deflect any attention landing on Gracie who may or may not have involvement. There's a separate storyline in relation to Liz's parents losing their memories and an intense female from Liz's past who is also living nearby. I think that the combination of all of these storylines was a bit much at times and didn't flow as well as it could; a lot of secrets and coincidences to make it all fit together.
Overall: an average read for me but I think many other readers could enjoy this mystery novel.
This one is not bad but if I'm being brutally honest, it wasn't as good as what I thought it would be; maybe I went in with too high expectations. When local well-known doctor Richard dies in suspicious circumstances, everybody is intrigued by the crime but his neighbour Liv is more concerned that her daughter Gracie was in the same location at the same time. The synopsis asks how far would a mother go to protect her daughter and apparently in Liz's case it's pretty far, to the point where she does some questionable things to deflect any attention landing on Gracie who may or may not have involvement. There's a separate storyline in relation to Liz's parents losing their memories and an intense female from Liz's past who is also living nearby. I think that the combination of all of these storylines was a bit much at times and didn't flow as well as it could; a lot of secrets and coincidences to make it all fit together.
Overall: an average read for me but I think many other readers could enjoy this mystery novel.
July 27, 2025
I must admit, I was on guard from the very start of The Neighbours, because Babbington makes a point of mentioning in the very first chapter that the family dog, Sophie, is *very* old 🫣 I forged ahead, with reservations, and soon found myself drawn into the story. The characters are intriguing and withholding, and you go from wondering who would want to murder a charismatic plastic surgeon to wondering who wouldn’t want to bonk him on the head 😅
My full review of The Neighbours is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of The Neighbours is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
July 21, 2025
Big thanks to Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A suburban domestic thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
This book is very hooking, smart, solidly plotted and oh so twisty.
Who killed Dr Richard Wellington?
A successful surgeon, morning tv icon and loved by many but behind the facade is much darker than anyone expected.
His death rocks the community and in the cul de sac where he lives, becomes a media frenzy.
For all his neighbours no one is safe, all are under investigation and their secrets are about to be exposed……
Then the shocking truth is revealed…..
Emma demonstrates this is her genre for storytelling and invites the reader to speculate the outcome.
With an assortment of tricky characters, an alluring premise, sly atmosphere and that clever ending, this is a book not to be missed.
Like an onion, the layers of secrets, lies, betrayal and deception are peeled back, slowly uncovering the truth.
An intriguing and appealing read.
Welcome to the suburb…. Enter at your own risk!
A suburban domestic thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
This book is very hooking, smart, solidly plotted and oh so twisty.
Who killed Dr Richard Wellington?
A successful surgeon, morning tv icon and loved by many but behind the facade is much darker than anyone expected.
His death rocks the community and in the cul de sac where he lives, becomes a media frenzy.
For all his neighbours no one is safe, all are under investigation and their secrets are about to be exposed……
Then the shocking truth is revealed…..
Emma demonstrates this is her genre for storytelling and invites the reader to speculate the outcome.
With an assortment of tricky characters, an alluring premise, sly atmosphere and that clever ending, this is a book not to be missed.
Like an onion, the layers of secrets, lies, betrayal and deception are peeled back, slowly uncovering the truth.
An intriguing and appealing read.
Welcome to the suburb…. Enter at your own risk!
July 15, 2025
I had been waiting for this book because I was lucky enough to meet Emma at a Books in Bars function earlier in the year; telling me she had a novel (debut) coming out this year. Fast forward a couple of months and I was sent a copy by Harlequin Books Australia (Harper Collins).
I’m a sucker for books about neighbourhoods, relationships between dysfunctional communities, secrets and lies. This one has all those things in a abundance. It’s set in Sydney and whilst it doesn’t include a whole street there’s approximately four families the story revolves around, starting with the death of a famous (infamous) plastic surgeon. Early informations suggests murder. What was interesting here were the relationships explored between the women and the interconnectedness of some of the characters across generations. There were some time jumps and dates I wasn’t great at taking notice of, which took me out of the story a little, with the different characters being focused on.
I felt this was a wonderful debut. A character I loved to hate being the dead guy, and a couple I just wasn’t sure who did what, keeping me guessing with a twist in the tale making me go well, well, well towards the very end.
Congrats Emma! Well done!
4.5 stars
I’m a sucker for books about neighbourhoods, relationships between dysfunctional communities, secrets and lies. This one has all those things in a abundance. It’s set in Sydney and whilst it doesn’t include a whole street there’s approximately four families the story revolves around, starting with the death of a famous (infamous) plastic surgeon. Early informations suggests murder. What was interesting here were the relationships explored between the women and the interconnectedness of some of the characters across generations. There were some time jumps and dates I wasn’t great at taking notice of, which took me out of the story a little, with the different characters being focused on.
I felt this was a wonderful debut. A character I loved to hate being the dead guy, and a couple I just wasn’t sure who did what, keeping me guessing with a twist in the tale making me go well, well, well towards the very end.
Congrats Emma! Well done!
4.5 stars
July 3, 2025
So twisty, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!! I had absolutely everyone as the murderer!!!! Perfect family, perfect neighbourhood…unfortunately everyone did feel completely real…this was exactly what I want in a psychological thriller/ mystery..I loved it! Out now
December 11, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
The Neighbours signals Emma Babbington’s debut entry in the thriller fiction sphere. A London-born, Sydney-based journalist with 25 years of reporting behind her, Babbington draws on a career spent interviewing celebrities and criminals, crafting a debut complete with plot twists and careful observations about suburban life.
The Neighbours revolves around the murder of a well known Sydney based surgeon. The fallout from this shock death turns the surgeon’s peaceful street into a media chaos zone as flooring secrets surface. As people scurry to protect themselves including a mother who knows her daughter was in the same area as the murdered man. What truths will be exposed?
The Neighbours was a book I turned to a few months ago as part of the Thriller Book Club. It is a suburban domestic thriller that gave me plenty of drama and keep me busy while I cooked up plenty of ideas and theories around the central plot involving the death of a popular surgeon. It was a great concept to explore especially around the various neighbourhood figures and the hints to their possible involvement in the victim’s murder.
Babbington is adept at delivering a tension filled novel. I really liked how the focus continually manages to shift in this novel from residence to residence as the suspicion grows and the reader works at collecting key clues. In this process we are never sure who or what is to be believed. The cast are tricky, the accompanying atmosphere is unsettling and the overall narrative arc comes together in the end after plenty of possibilities thrown in the mix. With themes of parenting, family relationships, tight secrets, reputation, morality, trust, the media, community relations, public scrutiny and respectability, Emma Babbington has produced an issue based suburban drama.
Readers who enjoy suburban mysteries full of personal motives and tight secrets will appreciate The Neighbours. If you like steady tension and plot turns, this delivers a good ride, even if it didn’t grip me as strongly as other suburban thrillers I’ve encountered.
3 stars 🌟 🌟🌟
The Neighbours signals Emma Babbington’s debut entry in the thriller fiction sphere. A London-born, Sydney-based journalist with 25 years of reporting behind her, Babbington draws on a career spent interviewing celebrities and criminals, crafting a debut complete with plot twists and careful observations about suburban life.
The Neighbours revolves around the murder of a well known Sydney based surgeon. The fallout from this shock death turns the surgeon’s peaceful street into a media chaos zone as flooring secrets surface. As people scurry to protect themselves including a mother who knows her daughter was in the same area as the murdered man. What truths will be exposed?
The Neighbours was a book I turned to a few months ago as part of the Thriller Book Club. It is a suburban domestic thriller that gave me plenty of drama and keep me busy while I cooked up plenty of ideas and theories around the central plot involving the death of a popular surgeon. It was a great concept to explore especially around the various neighbourhood figures and the hints to their possible involvement in the victim’s murder.
Babbington is adept at delivering a tension filled novel. I really liked how the focus continually manages to shift in this novel from residence to residence as the suspicion grows and the reader works at collecting key clues. In this process we are never sure who or what is to be believed. The cast are tricky, the accompanying atmosphere is unsettling and the overall narrative arc comes together in the end after plenty of possibilities thrown in the mix. With themes of parenting, family relationships, tight secrets, reputation, morality, trust, the media, community relations, public scrutiny and respectability, Emma Babbington has produced an issue based suburban drama.
Readers who enjoy suburban mysteries full of personal motives and tight secrets will appreciate The Neighbours. If you like steady tension and plot turns, this delivers a good ride, even if it didn’t grip me as strongly as other suburban thrillers I’ve encountered.
3 stars 🌟 🌟🌟
August 22, 2025
Emma Babbington’s debut novel, The Neighbours, is a clever, twisty thriller set in a sun-drenched Sydney suburb where secrets simmer just beneath the surface.
The story kicks off with the murder of Richard Wellington, a high-profile surgeon and media darling, whose body is found in a local park.
This has shocked the neighbours to the core, however for one neighbour, Liv Elliott, her life has just become even more complicated. Her teenage daughter, Gracie was at the scene and Liv will do ANYTHING to protect her even if she is guilty or not.
Adding to this tragedy there is a newcomer to the neighbourhood. Meredith has recently moved back to the suburb, works in the same hospital as the victim AND has a very dysfunctional history with Liv which borders on obsession and revenge.
This is another story of how far you will go to protect your child and whilst I don’t agree with any of Liv’s actions and behaviour I did feel some elements of sympathy for her as a mother who just wants to protect her daughter.
The Neighbours centres around the themes of motherhood and allows the reader to ask themselves what would they do in that situation.
Overall I really enjoyed the story which I thought was packed with tension and some really good twists.
The story kicks off with the murder of Richard Wellington, a high-profile surgeon and media darling, whose body is found in a local park.
This has shocked the neighbours to the core, however for one neighbour, Liv Elliott, her life has just become even more complicated. Her teenage daughter, Gracie was at the scene and Liv will do ANYTHING to protect her even if she is guilty or not.
Adding to this tragedy there is a newcomer to the neighbourhood. Meredith has recently moved back to the suburb, works in the same hospital as the victim AND has a very dysfunctional history with Liv which borders on obsession and revenge.
This is another story of how far you will go to protect your child and whilst I don’t agree with any of Liv’s actions and behaviour I did feel some elements of sympathy for her as a mother who just wants to protect her daughter.
The Neighbours centres around the themes of motherhood and allows the reader to ask themselves what would they do in that situation.
Overall I really enjoyed the story which I thought was packed with tension and some really good twists.
March 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Spoilers
Well paced story, that had me wondering who didn't do it, because I certainly would have bumped Richard off given the chance.
It's got a slight claustrophobic feel to it, being such a small cast of characters, and small location.
As soon as we got to elderly parents, I knew there were secrets to be revealed, and it seems everyone had them.
I felt it was a bit flat as we entered the final pages, but the author had surprises all the way to the end.
Spoilers
Well paced story, that had me wondering who didn't do it, because I certainly would have bumped Richard off given the chance.
It's got a slight claustrophobic feel to it, being such a small cast of characters, and small location.
As soon as we got to elderly parents, I knew there were secrets to be revealed, and it seems everyone had them.
I felt it was a bit flat as we entered the final pages, but the author had surprises all the way to the end.
May 4, 2025
The Neighbours: 3 Stars 👟🪨👯♀️
Starting with a disclaimer: I’m a tougher critic when it comes to thrillers since I’ve read so many over the years! If I had to sum this one up in a word, I’d say it was solid—not amazing, but solid.
What I liked: There’s a strong focus on the characters and the central question of who committed the murder (not a spoiler!). That focus helped build characters I was invested in—and suspicious of—without being able to quickly guess the killer. I also really liked the setting—a neighborhood in Sydney, AU. It added depth to the plot without overwhelming it. I wasn’t trying to remember a million locations, which I appreciate in a thriller. I also really enjoyed it when we got to how the murder happened. I loved the detail here and how it was more than just one single moment. It gave the story some legs and I appreciated the depth here.
What didn’t work as well for me: The story dragged a bit before getting to the hook. There’s early suspicion around Meredith and Gracie, but we don’t get anything concrete on that front until over halfway through. I get that the pacing was likely designed to make the final twist hit harder—but that left the middle feeling like filler. I ended up skimming some paragraphs and still didn’t feel like I missed much. And while the ending tied things up, I was hoping for a bigger jaw-drop moment. I felt like I was missing something based on the synopsis of this book. Hard to explain without spoilers, but if you read it and feel the same—let me know!
All that said, I did enjoy this. Yes, it had flaws for me, but I had a good time reading it and would still recommend giving it a go.
Starting with a disclaimer: I’m a tougher critic when it comes to thrillers since I’ve read so many over the years! If I had to sum this one up in a word, I’d say it was solid—not amazing, but solid.
What I liked: There’s a strong focus on the characters and the central question of who committed the murder (not a spoiler!). That focus helped build characters I was invested in—and suspicious of—without being able to quickly guess the killer. I also really liked the setting—a neighborhood in Sydney, AU. It added depth to the plot without overwhelming it. I wasn’t trying to remember a million locations, which I appreciate in a thriller. I also really enjoyed it when we got to how the murder happened. I loved the detail here and how it was more than just one single moment. It gave the story some legs and I appreciated the depth here.
What didn’t work as well for me: The story dragged a bit before getting to the hook. There’s early suspicion around Meredith and Gracie, but we don’t get anything concrete on that front until over halfway through. I get that the pacing was likely designed to make the final twist hit harder—but that left the middle feeling like filler. I ended up skimming some paragraphs and still didn’t feel like I missed much. And while the ending tied things up, I was hoping for a bigger jaw-drop moment. I felt like I was missing something based on the synopsis of this book. Hard to explain without spoilers, but if you read it and feel the same—let me know!
All that said, I did enjoy this. Yes, it had flaws for me, but I had a good time reading it and would still recommend giving it a go.
June 20, 2025
I really enjoyed The Neighbours. I don’t read many thrillers, I must say, but this was a great introduction to the genre. I enjoyed the characters and found it quite suspenseful. Would recommend.
June 13, 2025
What can I say other than—I absolutely loved this book?
What would you do if a neighbour turns up murdered and you think your daughter has something to do with it? This is what happens when Richard Wellington is found in the park near his home.
The Neighbours is one of those stories that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. From the mother daughter dynamic to the neighbourhood everything was well written. If you enjoy character-driven thrillers with lots of twists and turns, this one’s a must-read.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book for my honest book review.
What would you do if a neighbour turns up murdered and you think your daughter has something to do with it? This is what happens when Richard Wellington is found in the park near his home.
The Neighbours is one of those stories that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. From the mother daughter dynamic to the neighbourhood everything was well written. If you enjoy character-driven thrillers with lots of twists and turns, this one’s a must-read.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book for my honest book review.
August 3, 2025
The Neighbours by Emma Babbington is the journalist's debut novel and it's a very good one. As lovers of books we have very similar tastes, so I guess it's not surprising that I would enjoy something she's written. And The Neighbours is a complex thriller with layers of murky moral dilemmas for readers to traverse. It predominantly unfolds from the point of view of Liv - a physical therapist and mother to 19 year old university student Gracie. And then there's Meredith, an orthopaedic surgeon who knew Liv as a teenager and who moves into the same street as her former friend and the arrogant, lecherous and recently-dead plastic surgeon Richard Wellington.
I very much enjoyed this and it's almost a rare 4.5 star read for me. It's an intelligent read. We're confronted by multi-generational moral and ethical issues and forced to ponder if the ends justify the means. Or, if the means justify the ends? *shrugs* Either way it'd certainly be excellent bookclub discussion fodder.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
I very much enjoyed this and it's almost a rare 4.5 star read for me. It's an intelligent read. We're confronted by multi-generational moral and ethical issues and forced to ponder if the ends justify the means. Or, if the means justify the ends? *shrugs* Either way it'd certainly be excellent bookclub discussion fodder.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
October 17, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed this story by Emma Babbington! It took me a little longer than usual to get into it, but definitely well worth the read! In this book, the narrator goes between past and present, highlighting the evolution of “friendship” between Liv and Meredith. Starting with an ominous opening, the truth about their growing up and relationship cannot be truly understood. Speaking of secrets, there was a lot! And pay close attention because it’s easy to get confused with all the back and forth.
What it comes down to is a few family secrets and one sleazy neighbor/coworker. The relationship between mom and daughter is challenged on both sides. There did seem to be a lot of extra going on that didn’t seem to be important, but maybe it added something to the story that I missed? Overall a great read! Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC!
What it comes down to is a few family secrets and one sleazy neighbor/coworker. The relationship between mom and daughter is challenged on both sides. There did seem to be a lot of extra going on that didn’t seem to be important, but maybe it added something to the story that I missed? Overall a great read! Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC!
November 24, 2025
This was kind of boring tbh and I kept waiting for a big twist and it never came womp womp
December 31, 2025
3.5-4 stars. RTC
August 7, 2025
Charming but lacking depth, this novel is without much subtlety and suspense, but an entertaining read set in the suburbs of stiflingly-hot Sydney.
November 20, 2025
The Neighbours is the debut novel from Australian author Emma Babbington and it was a deliciously twisty domestic suspense.
From the tagline, “You’re almost certain your daughter didn’t kill your neighbour. But what if she did?” I was very much hooked. When a well regarded celebrity doctor is found murdered in a Sydney Harbourside park, his death sets off a media circus and the speculation amongst his neighbours is rife. None of the rumours matter to Liv Elliot, her only concern is that her daughter Grace was at the park that morning. As the investigation begins to uncover the darker parts of the doctor’s life, how far will Liv go to protect her daughter?
As I read this story and began to delve deeper into each of these characters, I found myself conflicted as to who was “a good person” and who was not. There were plenty of reasons to be suspicious of most people living on the quiet cul de sac as well as of former patients and their families. I found it really interesting to consider what I would do as a parent in a situation like Liv’s where she doesn’t actually know what has happened, but wants to shield Grace from speculation.
As well as the murder mystery and the moral dilemmas at it’s heart, Emma has shone a light on important issues such as a lack of public health funding, teenage bullying, sexual assault and stalking and done so with authenticity and a sensitive touch.
The Neighbours was a gripping and thought provoking read, the ending of which I did not see coming. It was a fabulous one to discuss with our book club and I highly recommend it for others.
From the tagline, “You’re almost certain your daughter didn’t kill your neighbour. But what if she did?” I was very much hooked. When a well regarded celebrity doctor is found murdered in a Sydney Harbourside park, his death sets off a media circus and the speculation amongst his neighbours is rife. None of the rumours matter to Liv Elliot, her only concern is that her daughter Grace was at the park that morning. As the investigation begins to uncover the darker parts of the doctor’s life, how far will Liv go to protect her daughter?
As I read this story and began to delve deeper into each of these characters, I found myself conflicted as to who was “a good person” and who was not. There were plenty of reasons to be suspicious of most people living on the quiet cul de sac as well as of former patients and their families. I found it really interesting to consider what I would do as a parent in a situation like Liv’s where she doesn’t actually know what has happened, but wants to shield Grace from speculation.
As well as the murder mystery and the moral dilemmas at it’s heart, Emma has shone a light on important issues such as a lack of public health funding, teenage bullying, sexual assault and stalking and done so with authenticity and a sensitive touch.
The Neighbours was a gripping and thought provoking read, the ending of which I did not see coming. It was a fabulous one to discuss with our book club and I highly recommend it for others.
August 4, 2025
Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it. The first few chapters had me hooked but then I felt a little bored. The ‘twist’ wasn’t really that shocking.
June 18, 2025
I’m not gonna lie, I really struggled getting through this book. There were a lot of details & information that felt pointless. I was at around the 50% mark and nothing had really happened yet. However, I’m glad I stuck it out. The ending didn’t really shock me, but I was entertained and I’m glad I kept going.
I was given an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
I was given an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
July 24, 2025
3/ 3.5
I was excited to pick this up but I was so underwhelmed . It just didn’t excite me or give me what I would want from a book in this genre.
I was excited to pick this up but I was so underwhelmed . It just didn’t excite me or give me what I would want from a book in this genre.
July 21, 2025
A convenient crime mystery in a Sydney neighbourhood in a sweltering hot summer: a well known physician is found dead in a local park, the wife is distressed but not concerned, a neighbour’s daughter may have been involved after being in the vicinity for her morning run, and an old acquaintance from the past seems to be a unlikely connection piece.
A cul-de-sacs already has that closed off attitude about it; there are potential close-knit relationships with neighbours or sometimes they can force confrontation. Everyone might seem to have a reason to protect each other, yet I wasn’t convinced that Liv was the right protagonist to uncover the truth. Liv was described as the mother who would do anything to protect Gracie, her daughter, yet she seemed more over-anxious and annoying. There was no explanation from where her sleuthing skills originated from, and it became more worrisome at one point knowing how she was able to get insider help for information she should never have had access to. This really shifted the focus onto Meredith over Liv, even knowing all of the craziness that was surfacing about Meredith via Liv’s unreliable memories and narration. It became more a panicked shift to move the focus from Gracie to anyone else.
The history between Meredith and Liv through old letters and the dementia ridden memories of Liv’s parents were like red herrings that added to and subtracted from the suspicions arising through every chapter. I think this could have been tightened more and it would have been amore interesting place to draw the book’s synopsis from. There might have been events occurring behind closed doors, but these were predominantly known to those outside of the street; elements that would have made Liv’s sleuthing more selfless, yet their aided in providing clarity to Meredith’s chequered past.
A cul-de-sacs already has that closed off attitude about it; there are potential close-knit relationships with neighbours or sometimes they can force confrontation. Everyone might seem to have a reason to protect each other, yet I wasn’t convinced that Liv was the right protagonist to uncover the truth. Liv was described as the mother who would do anything to protect Gracie, her daughter, yet she seemed more over-anxious and annoying. There was no explanation from where her sleuthing skills originated from, and it became more worrisome at one point knowing how she was able to get insider help for information she should never have had access to. This really shifted the focus onto Meredith over Liv, even knowing all of the craziness that was surfacing about Meredith via Liv’s unreliable memories and narration. It became more a panicked shift to move the focus from Gracie to anyone else.
The history between Meredith and Liv through old letters and the dementia ridden memories of Liv’s parents were like red herrings that added to and subtracted from the suspicions arising through every chapter. I think this could have been tightened more and it would have been amore interesting place to draw the book’s synopsis from. There might have been events occurring behind closed doors, but these were predominantly known to those outside of the street; elements that would have made Liv’s sleuthing more selfless, yet their aided in providing clarity to Meredith’s chequered past.
December 22, 2025
One of the greatest flops I have read. So much is farfetched I wouldn't know where to start. So, in no particular order. Liv, the main protagonist, just happens to live next door to the murder victim and work at the same workplace. Richard Wellington is one of the nation's best-known doctors, even features regularly on TV. Yet with such intelligence and medical knowledge smokes, drinks, does drugs, checks out females decades younger than him. At the start, when Gracie doesn't come home for a few days, Liv sends countless texts but not a single call where she can leave a voicemail. The premise of the book is that Liv works tirelessly to prove Gracie's innocence, yet Gracie isn't even the main suspect. She has about two informal police chats. The main suspect is regularly named in the media, in ways that could bring on a defamation case and would harm the Police case. Whilst trying to prove Gracie's innocence you never hear her parents comforting her for her ordeal with Richard or speaking about counselling she may need. Within days of the murder, Liv wanders over to the garage of the victim. Conveniently no one is home and how stupid to do that when she would be entering a secondary crime scene. On multiple times Liv also comforts Sandra, the wife of Richard. Why would she do that when Richard attacked her Daughter? The death of Richard occurs in a park. It becomes a big deal Gracie runs in that park every morning. Parks aren't big, it would be a small part of your morning run, not the be all end all that it's made out to be. Also, within days of the murder, there is a podcast series out. So quickly they have enough material within days, even before an arrest or coroner's report. So, if you want to read an unrealistic fantasy this is the book. But steer clear if you want reality.
August 1, 2025
Richard Wellington is one of the country’s most recognised doctors as a morning TV regular. When his body is found sprawled in a harborside park on a sweltering Sydney morning, his murder dominates the headlines. Liv Elliot finds out her daughter, Gracie, was at the park that morning. As the investigation heats up and dark secrets about Richard begin to surface, Liv takes steps to shield her daughter from the storm. How far would a mother go to protect her daughter?
First of all, this book was so easy to devour. I also loved the suburban Sydney setting. I had so many theories churning in my head while reading this, as I was trying to guess the whodunnit.
To be honest, none of the characters was likeable. Liv started okay but the more I knew her, the more I disagreed with her choices. Meredith gave me creepy feeling from the start, Andy was kind of distant and dismissive, and Gracie gave me a standard brooding teenager vibe. I was suspecting everyone at different points in the story.
At the end of the day, this was a good domestic thriller with lots of twists and turns. The highlight for me was the dynamics between the female characters as they got to know one another better (be it in the positive or negative way). I’d recommend this if you wanted a good Australian domestic thriller with strong female characters.
(Thanks to Harlequin Australia for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
First of all, this book was so easy to devour. I also loved the suburban Sydney setting. I had so many theories churning in my head while reading this, as I was trying to guess the whodunnit.
To be honest, none of the characters was likeable. Liv started okay but the more I knew her, the more I disagreed with her choices. Meredith gave me creepy feeling from the start, Andy was kind of distant and dismissive, and Gracie gave me a standard brooding teenager vibe. I was suspecting everyone at different points in the story.
At the end of the day, this was a good domestic thriller with lots of twists and turns. The highlight for me was the dynamics between the female characters as they got to know one another better (be it in the positive or negative way). I’d recommend this if you wanted a good Australian domestic thriller with strong female characters.
(Thanks to Harlequin Australia for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
October 11, 2025
This was an intriguing and multi-layered story with more than one mystery at its heart.
The book was entertaining and well structured, with lots of teasers and hints that kept me changing my mind about whodunnit right till the end.
There's a nice range of characters, each with different possible secrets and motives, but not so many that I had any issues losing track of who, what and when. I really appreciated this since a big cast can be challenging sometimes.
Props to the author for including what was (to me) a great representation of someone with an anxiety disorder. It was really interesting seeing Gracie’s anxiety from her own POV, as well as her mother’s.
And the author has done an excellent job writing one of the skeeviest, ickiest, most teeth-grindingly frustrating men that I've read in a while! Every scene he was in made my skin crawl, and my reading notes on those chapters are full of rude words.
His portrayal, and the reactions of the men and women around him, demonstrate the dangers of letting inappropriate behaviour slide.
Do check the Content Warnings below, as there are multiple other emotive issues built into the plot.
If you're a fan of Ali Lowe and Anna Snoekstra, I think you'll enjoy peeling back the layers to find out what really happened just like I did.
Highly recommended!
CW: assault, workplace/sexual harassment, school bullying, illness (Alzheimers, stroke), SIDS, mental health (depression, anxiety, agoraphobia)
(This book was gifted by the publisher)
The book was entertaining and well structured, with lots of teasers and hints that kept me changing my mind about whodunnit right till the end.
There's a nice range of characters, each with different possible secrets and motives, but not so many that I had any issues losing track of who, what and when. I really appreciated this since a big cast can be challenging sometimes.
Props to the author for including what was (to me) a great representation of someone with an anxiety disorder. It was really interesting seeing Gracie’s anxiety from her own POV, as well as her mother’s.
And the author has done an excellent job writing one of the skeeviest, ickiest, most teeth-grindingly frustrating men that I've read in a while! Every scene he was in made my skin crawl, and my reading notes on those chapters are full of rude words.
His portrayal, and the reactions of the men and women around him, demonstrate the dangers of letting inappropriate behaviour slide.
Do check the Content Warnings below, as there are multiple other emotive issues built into the plot.
If you're a fan of Ali Lowe and Anna Snoekstra, I think you'll enjoy peeling back the layers to find out what really happened just like I did.
Highly recommended!
CW: assault, workplace/sexual harassment, school bullying, illness (Alzheimers, stroke), SIDS, mental health (depression, anxiety, agoraphobia)
(This book was gifted by the publisher)
June 18, 2025
[ARC received in exchange for my honest review]
I was instantly hooked on the premise of this story - a tv doctor who is definitely not the picture perfect person he presents himself to be is found dead in a local park. His neighbour, a local teenager runs in the same park every morning and in her panic, her mum does all she can, from investigating the murder herself to trying to swing the police investigation in a variety of ways, in order to protect her daughter from being accused of murder.
I loved how this story essentially took place on a single street where all the main characters resided, and in the park. I think the close knit community added a delicious layer to the story because even when you think you now everything about the people around you, they’re still hiding things.
However, I found it a little convenient how the case was wrapped up with still so much of the book left, where we then delved headfirst into another twist surrounding two of the main characters, unfortunately one that I guessed pretty early on in the story.
Although I was intrigued enough to keep reading to the end, I feel this book has almost two storylines and that it was divided into two parts to address and attempt to resolve them both.
Still, this was a good twisty thriller that kept me engaged to the end and a brilliant debut.
Thank you to Emma Babbington, HQ Stories and Netgalley for allowing me to read this early.
I was instantly hooked on the premise of this story - a tv doctor who is definitely not the picture perfect person he presents himself to be is found dead in a local park. His neighbour, a local teenager runs in the same park every morning and in her panic, her mum does all she can, from investigating the murder herself to trying to swing the police investigation in a variety of ways, in order to protect her daughter from being accused of murder.
I loved how this story essentially took place on a single street where all the main characters resided, and in the park. I think the close knit community added a delicious layer to the story because even when you think you now everything about the people around you, they’re still hiding things.
However, I found it a little convenient how the case was wrapped up with still so much of the book left, where we then delved headfirst into another twist surrounding two of the main characters, unfortunately one that I guessed pretty early on in the story.
Although I was intrigued enough to keep reading to the end, I feel this book has almost two storylines and that it was divided into two parts to address and attempt to resolve them both.
Still, this was a good twisty thriller that kept me engaged to the end and a brilliant debut.
Thank you to Emma Babbington, HQ Stories and Netgalley for allowing me to read this early.
June 20, 2025
"Can you ever really know the family next door?"
One day, in a typically quiet cul-de-sac, the peace and quiet is shattered when the body of Richard Wellington, a well-known surgeon, is found in the park. He was well respected and known as a surgeon to the elite and his reputation has been squeaky clean despite a malpractice case that should have destroyed his career. Now the sleepy cul-de-sac is teeming with rumors and rampant speculation. For Liv, the only thing she is concerned with is the fact that where the good doctor was found just so happens to be her daughter's favorite running spot. When she questions Gracie on whether or not she saw anything, Liv is met with more questions than answers. She doesn't want to believe her daughter could be a killer, but what if..
What a great Australian crime fiction debut! The premise was great, a TV doctor who is not as respectable as he seems, and a mom who will do anything including swaying the police interest off of her daughter to keep her safe. With multiple POVs you are drawn into the different views of the characters and it all goes to create a well crafted mystery. One thing that somewhat took away from my enjoyment was it almost felt like there were two story lines and they were separated a bit which made things a little confusing. Overall though a strong debut and I can't wait to see what comes next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Emma Babbington, and HQ for this ARC! Publication date was June 19th 2025.
One day, in a typically quiet cul-de-sac, the peace and quiet is shattered when the body of Richard Wellington, a well-known surgeon, is found in the park. He was well respected and known as a surgeon to the elite and his reputation has been squeaky clean despite a malpractice case that should have destroyed his career. Now the sleepy cul-de-sac is teeming with rumors and rampant speculation. For Liv, the only thing she is concerned with is the fact that where the good doctor was found just so happens to be her daughter's favorite running spot. When she questions Gracie on whether or not she saw anything, Liv is met with more questions than answers. She doesn't want to believe her daughter could be a killer, but what if..
What a great Australian crime fiction debut! The premise was great, a TV doctor who is not as respectable as he seems, and a mom who will do anything including swaying the police interest off of her daughter to keep her safe. With multiple POVs you are drawn into the different views of the characters and it all goes to create a well crafted mystery. One thing that somewhat took away from my enjoyment was it almost felt like there were two story lines and they were separated a bit which made things a little confusing. Overall though a strong debut and I can't wait to see what comes next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Emma Babbington, and HQ for this ARC! Publication date was June 19th 2025.
September 11, 2025
SYNOPSIS
You're fairly sure your daughter didn't kill your neighbour - how far would you go to protect her?
Dr Richard Wellington is famous - a morning TV regular and plastic surgeon to the ruch. When his body is found in a harbourside park one morning, his murder dominates the headlines, and his neighbourhood becomes a media circus. Liv Elliot's only concern is that her daughter, Gracie, was at the park that morning. As the investigation progresses, dark secrets about the victim surface and Liv is determined to do everything she can to protect her daughter, including keeping secrets that could destroy them both if they are found out.
MY THOUGHTS
A great debut thriller set in the wealthy suburbs of Sydney, this domestic thriller is tightly woven and keeps you wondering who might be responsible for the death of the victim for most of the story. There are some minor sideline stories which are nicely interwoven into the main plotline and I loved that a number of the characters weren't straightforward and behaved in ways that were problematic.
When I started this book, I did wonder who would want to murder a dr of such repute but as the story unfolded, I considered him fortunate to have survived as long as he did and I would happily have had a hand in his demise if I thought I could get away with it! A well written thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
You're fairly sure your daughter didn't kill your neighbour - how far would you go to protect her?
Dr Richard Wellington is famous - a morning TV regular and plastic surgeon to the ruch. When his body is found in a harbourside park one morning, his murder dominates the headlines, and his neighbourhood becomes a media circus. Liv Elliot's only concern is that her daughter, Gracie, was at the park that morning. As the investigation progresses, dark secrets about the victim surface and Liv is determined to do everything she can to protect her daughter, including keeping secrets that could destroy them both if they are found out.
MY THOUGHTS
A great debut thriller set in the wealthy suburbs of Sydney, this domestic thriller is tightly woven and keeps you wondering who might be responsible for the death of the victim for most of the story. There are some minor sideline stories which are nicely interwoven into the main plotline and I loved that a number of the characters weren't straightforward and behaved in ways that were problematic.
When I started this book, I did wonder who would want to murder a dr of such repute but as the story unfolded, I considered him fortunate to have survived as long as he did and I would happily have had a hand in his demise if I thought I could get away with it! A well written thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
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