How To Make Your Neighbors Disappear: A suspenseful psychological thriller with shocking twists

by Samara Cove

In this neighborhood, secrets can kill.

The annual fall party on Silent Ridge Road is supposed to be a celebration of community—an entire day of drinking cider, sharing laughs, and forgetting any tension that's been simmering beneath the surface all year. But beneath the festive décor, polite smiles, and pumpkin-spiced charm of this small-town block lies a tangled web of deceit, obsession, and death. The neighbors are hiding dangerous secrets.

Fiercely quirky, Candi, has a hobby she’d rather no one discover. Sydney hides a lot under her flawless smile but she would rather burn her life to the ground than admit the truth about her marriage. Ruth, newly adventurous in her old age, is stepping out of her comfort zone to meet someone new—but there’s something about him she just can’t put her finger on. Hunter spends every day calculating just how much longer he can endure his partner’s overbearing love, and Jason, a caring dad, is haunted by demons that feel closer than ever. Then there’s smooth-talking, self-assured, Gavin who seems to know just the right words to keep everyone guessing.

As secrets unravel and tensions bubble over, one thing is on Silent Ridge Road, no one is safe—and no one is innocent.

Genres: Fiction

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

Samara Cove is a psychological thriller author whose debut novel, filled with dark twists and suspense, is set to release in December 2024. Originally from the West Coast, Samara now lives in Texas, trading ocean views for endless BBQ. When not plotting fictional thrillers or hanging out with her family, Samara can be found trying (and usually failing) to keep houseplants alive or watching Tiny Kitchen on YouTube “for research.” She believes the only thing more suspenseful than her novels is waiting for the coffee to brew in the morning.

Reviews

[Laura C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that at only 30% I decided I want to read everything by this author. It felt like a mix of Freida McFadden with Liane Moriarty with a dash of Desperate Housewives. While I couldn’t wait to find out what happens I also didn’t want the book to end.
I loved how the story was told from the POV of different characters and the author did an amazing job of giving each character distinct personalities which helped me remember who is who. I honestly couldn’t fault this book and I would definitely read a sequel if there was one (hint, hint). A entire series dedicated to Silent Ridge Road would be even better.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this neighborhood secrets can kill...

How To Make Your Neighbors Disappear by Samara Cove is a fast paced, character driven psychological thriller that will keep you entertained throughout!!

Every year the residents of Silent Ridge Road throw a fall party full of cider, baked goods and games. But, don't let the pumpkin spice vibes fool you, everyone in this neighborhood is hiding some pretty dark secrets. There's Candi, the neighborhood gossip, as the organizer of the fall party she runs a tight ship, but she is also hiding a little hobby from everyone. Ruth and her sister are older in age but are stepping away outside of their comfort zones by trying their hands at online dating. Sydney is running from a traumatic past and hopes that Silent Ridge Road will be the answer to her crumbling marriage. All six households have secrets, deceit and murder and there is a least one serial killer. By the end of the fall party what secrets will be revealed?

I was so excited to be a part of the ARC team for this book!! Six POVs?!! Wild right?! The way Cove writes is so immersive and you really get a different "voice" from each character. The pacing is absolutely brilliant, sprinkled with tension and humorous moments to create a wholly entertaining read. I thought I had figured out the big reveal several times... nope!! If you are a fan of short punchy chapters with complex characters and jaw dropping twists, definitely check this book out!!

I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own!

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I just finished this and had to run to Goodreads and write my review ASAP. This one has short chapters and is so fast-paced—you will absolutely fly through it. I couldn’t put it down. Every single character had secrets, and I was hooked the entire time.

There were moments that genuinely made my jaw drop. There’s one part in particular where I had to DM the author because I couldn’t keep it to myself. I loved this book. If you’re into Freida McFadden with a splash of John Marrs-style chaos, this one is for you.

[Kori Westfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommendation:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Samara Cove - Author thank you for the chance to get an Early Released Copy! I look forward to working with you on future projects. Your writing gives me Freida vibes. I loved the characters! Even the ones who were annoying like Candi.

Be sure to grab this on release day on KU or Pre order your copy now!

Synopsis:

In this neighborhood, secrets can kill.

The annual fall party on Silent Ridge Road is supposed to be a celebration of community—an entire day of drinking cider, sharing laughs, and forgetting any tension that's been simmering beneath the surface all year. But beneath the festive décor, polite smiles, and pumpkin-spiced charm of this small-town block lies a tangled web of deceit, obsession, and death. The neighbors are hiding dangerous secrets.

Fiercely quirky, Candi, has a hobby she’d rather no one discover. Sydney hides a lot under her flawless smile but she would rather burn her life to the ground than admit the truth about her marriage. Ruth, newly adventurous in her old age, is stepping out of her comfort zone to meet someone new—but there’s something about him she just can’t put her finger on. Hunter spends every day calculating just how much longer he can endure his partner’s overbearing love, and Jason, a caring dad, is haunted by demons that feel closer than ever. Then there’s smooth-talking, self-assured, Gavin who seems to know just the right words to keep everyone guessing.

As secrets unravel and tensions bubble over, one thing is clear: on Silent Ridge Road, no one is safe—and no one is innocent.

[Trina 🌻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! So many twists, I feel like a pretzel!! This was such an exciting and fun read. {actually I listened to the audiobook courtesy of the author}

A neighborhood full of unhinged people masquerading as ‘normal’. It kind of gave me Desperate Housewives vibes. Snooping neighbors butting into everyone’s business. So many secrets and deception going on, and of course, murder!!

Wowza though, there should be a warning on the cover, ‘whiplash may occur’!

If you like drama, revenge, unexpected serial killers, this is for you!

[courtney small · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Make Your Neighbors Disappear
By: Samara Cove
Arc read

Are you ready to learn the stories of six sets of neighbors all with their different secrets? Samara cove has written a twisty tale of neighbors who conspire with and without each other. I loved the multiple points of view in this book, from one neighbor to the next you fall in love with some neighbors and well you can’t wait for others to disappear. This wasn’t a series but I’m telling you what it’s so darn good it could have been written into a series and I would have gladly read every one of them! This audiobook and hardcover addition are available now on Amazon!

[Rania Kamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

[Shawn Alexander]

i got 10% in and dnf’ed due to the author not having enough faith in the audiences ability to pick up context clues, and because 6 POV’s is indeed too much

[Hannah Averette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but it felt more like a juvenile whodunit rather than a thriller. It has multiple POVs and very short chapters. Some of it didn’t really seem believable. I would recommend if you’re just wanting to try out the mystery genre for the first time, but I prefer more intense thriller/suspense. I loved her first book, The Sister-in-Law, but this one was a bit of a disappointment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

How To Make Your Neighbors Disappear
“Statistically, a male is more likely to be a seri@l k!ller. While males are typically bigger and stronger than females, they also tend to externalize their @99ression more often. I suppose your k!ller could be a female, but most female seri@l k!llers in history take a more subtle approach, for example, choosing to po!s0n their v!ct!ms.”

“A person never really knows their neighbors unless they see what’s happening behind closed doors.”

“Someday the world will see how I’m using my powers for good, not ev!l.”

Ummm, the neighbors on Silent Ridge Road. What can I say? Everyone has secrets, some secrets will be spilled and others happily survive together. There is at least one serial killer on the loose. None of the residents on Silent Ridge Road is safe. No one is entirely innocent either (except the girl). Which secrets will stay secrets in the end? The twists and turns in this book don’t rely on unreliable narrators. You get snippets of various POVs and it slowly comes together at the end. Several things became very apparent early on but you still had to let the story play out completely to know the exact sequence of events. The HEAs are untraditional. All the secrets did kept me engaged. One was dull. One… the locked trunk is still a secret.

This is my first full novel by Samara Cove. I read her Until He Wasn’t thriller novella and thought that was a good short story or a great outline if Samara ever decided to add meat to the story.

This story was engaging and kept me adequately entertained. The ending is left open but there really is not much else to write about Silent Ridge or its residents. In a way this book reminds me of Ira Levin’s most popular novels, the ends is what you least expect just not as concisely written. A fun read nonetheless.

Lastly, thank you to Samara Cove for the ARC which allowed me to read and voluntarily provide an unbiased review.

TROPES/ THEMES: psychological thriller, domestic violence, neglect, obsession, trauma from witnessing death, loss of loved one, cheating

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Make Your Neighbors Disappear
by Samara Cove
Release date: March 28th

Welcome to Silent Ridge Road, where the annual fall party is more than just cider and small talk—it’s a pressure cooker of secrets ready to explode. In How to Make Your Neighbors Disappear, Samara Cove crafts a wickedly twisty thriller that peels back the polite façade of suburban life to reveal obsession, betrayal, and murder lurking beneath.

Cove’s writing style is smooth and gripping, pulling you in with effortless pacing and razor-sharp tension. She knows exactly when to drop a breadcrumb and when to yank the rug out from under you. The characters are layered and compelling, each hiding something that makes them both suspicious and strangely relatable. No one is a simple villain or victim—everyone is walking a fine line between guilt and innocence, making it impossible to trust anyone.

Silent Ridge Road itself feels like a character, with its seemingly perfect homes masking a darkness that seeps through every crack. The world-building is immersive, wrapping you in the eerie, claustrophobic feeling of a neighborhood where everyone is watching—and everyone has something to lose.

From Candi’s peculiar hobby to Sydney’s picture-perfect marriage that’s anything but, the residents of Silent Ridge Road are tangled in a web of lies. And just when you think you know who’s hiding what, Cove hits you with another twist, keeping you second-guessing everyone’s motives. The tension simmers until everything collides in a dynamite ending that’s as shocking as it is satisfying.

No one is safe. No one is innocent. And in this neighborhood, secrets can kill. If you love fast-paced thrillers packed with dark secrets, jaw-dropping twists, and an ending that will leave you breathless, How to Make Your Neighbors Disappear is a must-read.

Thank you, Samara Cove, for this advance copy.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s time for the Silent Ridge Annual Fall Party, but let’s avoid another tragedy like last year… However, each of the residents on Silent Ridge seem to be hiding secrets, some darker than others. Who knows what’ll happen at this years fall party…

Although it took me a little bit of time to sort out the characters and keep track of who was who, once I had that down, the story was fast paced and riveting! While certain secrets are brought to the readers attention quickly, other secrets take time to fully emerge. The story is written in such a manner to have you wondering what’ll be exposed next and who will do what to try and fix their situation. Because everyone has something to hide and there’s multiple unhappy characters, stuck in situations that they desperately want out of. Some of the secrets weren’t all that surprising, while others completely took me by surprise! I’d love for this to become a series or even just have a sequel! 🤞🏼

Some Content Warnings 👇

- Suicide (mentioned very briefly)
- Selective mutism of child after trauma
- Marital cheating
- Domestic abuse
- Serial unaliver
- Stalking
- Pedophile (mentioned briefly)
- Panic attacks
- Fitness obsession
- Being filmed without knowledge
- Mental health disorder

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright. Samara Cove, you did it again, and I am honored to be one of the first to read your newest book. And I really wish I could give half stars, because I would rate four and a half then, because I did struggle a little with keeping track of the different POV's. But that is, like I always say, a me problem, and not a book problem.

Anyway, I am really glad at this point I do not really know my neighbours. Like, mandatory parties? Ugh, no thank you. Also, those people who always know everything about everyone. Or claim so, at least. Like, they thik they are part of everyone's life, and always watch like a hawk, and that is just... annoying.

What makes me think, though, is, that you can never know if one of your neighbours might be a killer, right? You can never be sure what is going on behind closed doors. Or in people's hads, for that matter.

If you want to find out if that is the case in this novel, in the pretty neighbourhood on Silent Ridge Road, where everyone knows everyone - go and buy the book. I promise you, you are not going to regret it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs Buffie · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Make Your Neighbors Disappear is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the darkness of a seemingly peaceful neighborhood. The annual fall party on Silent Ridge Road is meant to bring the community together, but beneath the cider and smiles, the residents are hiding dangerous secrets.

The novel’s multiple points of view are its strength, offering readers a deep dive into the minds of complex characters, each with their own hidden truths. From Candi’s secret hobby to Sydney’s troubled marriage and Ruth’s mysterious new relationship, the shifting perspectives create a compelling, suspense-filled narrative. The slow unraveling of these secrets keeps you guessing, adding layers of intrigue to the story.

Set against the backdrop of a picturesque fall celebration, the tension between the neighbors grows as lies and obsessions bubble to the surface. How to Make Your Neighbors Disappear is a fast-paced, character-driven thriller that will keep you hooked until the very end.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How To Make Your Neighbors Disappear” by Samara Cove is one of those books that grips you from the start and never lets go. I was hooked from the beginning, caught up in the suspense and mystery of a seemingly perfect neighborhood where nothing is as it appears. The "whodunit" vibe kept me guessing, and I found myself constantly questioning who could be trusted. The characters are so unpredictable—just when I thought I knew someone, a new secret would come to light. Full of scandal and shocking twists, this book had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. If you love psychological thrillers that keep you up at night, this one's for you.

As for the audio version, the use of multiple narrators really enhanced the experience for me. It helped bring the story to life in a way that made the suspense even more gripping. The different narrators added layers to the mystery and made the twists even more impactful. It was like the story was unfolding in front of me, and I couldn't stop listening.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Make Your Neighbors Disappear
by Samara Cove
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fun and entertaining psychological thriller!
The neighbors living on Silent Ridge Road have an annual fall festival that is meant to bring together the neighborhood and to enjoy each other’s company.
Candi is the “head” of the neighborhood and plans for this festival each year. She expects everyone in the neighborhood to attend. This year she wants to make sure things go smoothly, as they didn’t last year!

This is a neighborhood filled with secrets and lies!

I like the strong character development and enjoyed reading about all of the different and interesting neighbors! I appreciated all of the different POV’s that each neighbor had. It kept me extra engaged.
This story has lots of twists and thrills! The mysteries kept piling up and I didn't want to put the book down!

It’s a fast paced and exciting read and I love the short chapters too!
This is my first book from Samara Cove and I’m super excited to read more of her books!
*I recommend reading this one!* 🌳🏠🌳🏡

[Gail Clouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to live on Silent Ridge Road. There are only 6 houses on the road and Candi Fletcher, the neighborhood's busy body, makes sure to hand select any new neighbor moving to Silent Ridge, with the help of Gavin, a real estate agent, who also lives on Silent Ridge Road. Silent Ridge Road is supposed to be a safe neighborhood, Jason and his young daughter move into the neighborhood, because Jason's wife was brutally murd3red. His daughter saw the killer's face and she hasn't spoken a word since. Wade and Sydney are the newest neighbors. Wade is a cop and is hot on the trail of a serial killer. Then you have Edith and Ruth, 70 and 73 years old living together after being apart with there own families, their husbands both gone. Finn and Hunter, live in the last house, Hunter is unhappy in his marriage to Finn, and turns to dating apps online to fill his emotional needs. Every person living on Silent Ridge Road has a secret and Candi knows them all, after all, she makes it her duty. I loved this book! Fast paced, short chapters, secrets and twists throughout.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lot going on in How To Make Your Neighbors Dissappear but somehow all of the plots and characters are interesting and weave themselves together. It never becomes boring and at times it feels more like a soap opera than your typical thriller but that's part of the charm. How are all these things connected and once you realize how it's all connected you have to see how it all ends. These people are thrown together on this street for a reason and those reasons start showing themselves late in the novel.

The concept is interesting and works despite the fact that it really shouldn't. Samara keeps things moving and never bogs down the story with things that aren't important to the end. It all matters and leads to a shocking ending that you won't see coming. It's a novel you don't see often. One of those novels that takes a few risks and tries something different. This works well and each character is someone with a secret and all of these secrets are coonected. A decent novel that clearly keeps you guessing.

[Keeley Webb Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

How well do you know your neighbours? Every neighbourhood has its secrets, but the secrets on Silent Ridge Road can kill!

The annual fall party is Candi's proudest achievement! A yearly celebration where the community comes together to play games, drink, and share laughter. It is a time to forget any simmering tensions or woes. But beneath all the festive decor and carefree facades are deadly secrets simmering away and threatening to boil over. No one on Silent Ridge is innocent, and no one is safe!

I enjoyed this twisty story as it unravelled. Each chapter is told from a different character's perspective, and the revelations just keep coming! There are quite a few repetitive phrases throughout, but on the whole this is a well-crafted story that works hard to keep your interest. I recommend it for those who love guessing where a story will go next because just when you think you've sussed it, Samara turns everything on its head and takes you in a different direction.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brilliantly Crafted Thriller Full of Suspense and Intrigue

Indie author Samara Cove delivers a gripping narrative that pulls you into a web of secrets and deception in How To Make Your Neighbors Disappear. The multiple points of view are expertly woven together, offering fresh perspectives that deepen the mystery and add layers to the narrative. Each character’s secrets unfold slowly, creating a tension that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The plot twists will give you whip lash! Samara Cove’s writing is sharp and immersive, making it impossible to put the book down. If you love thrillers that challenge your expectations and reveal hidden truths at every turn, this book is a must-read. An impressive showcase of Samara Cove’s growing talent in her second novel; looking forward to reading more!

[Haley Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samara Cove has done it again! Her new book, How to Make Your Neighbors Disappear, is fantastic! It was hard to put down and an exciting page turner. The book is written with several POV’s of the neighbors living in the Silent Ridge neighborhood. After one chapter/POV ended, I was left wanting to know more but then would start the next chapter and couldn’t wait to dive in where I had left off with that character previously. I loved how it all tied in together and they all had their secrets. Great twists and plots that kept me on the edge of my seat! Now back to my John Marrs book, I paused because I was so excited to read this one.

[KimLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Samara, for the early copy of How to Make Your Neighbors Disappear.
This is one twisted neighborhood with six different POV's. I was concerned that it would be a bit confusing, but I had nothing to worry about. Every one of these characters appears shady, and they all have secrets to hide. The short chapters keep you reading "just one more" until you realize you're almost to the end. As a librarian, I will be purchasing a copy of this for my library to go along with The Sister-In-Law, which is always checked out. If you love psychological thrillers, you're definitely going to want to check out Samara Cove.

[Sarah * Between the Lines Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start off, Samara Cove's writing style is very simple, with short chapters and grips you from the start! If you like Freida McFadden, then Samara Cove would be a fantastic author for you to check out!

This one has 6 POV's which was super easy to follow along with, and you know who the killer is from the beginning. Say whaaaat? Yep!!
Each character has their own secrets, so it keeps you on edge on what will happen next. I cant go much further because I don't want to give anything away, but HIGHLY SUGGEST this book!!

Check out her other books The Sister in Law and even the short story Xmas Anonymous and Until He Wasn't.

[Janna-Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written from several POV, this complex thriller was full of intrigue and suspense. Discovering that everyone had dark secrets they didn't want revealed added further twists and turns and and deepened the complexity and suspense. I was riveted from start to finish and very highly recommend this book.
This author is definitely one to follow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dani Ross-Eschbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good It left me reading the whole thing in one sitting. It does not disappoint as the neighborhood continues to unravel and show each character in their own light. I couldn’t get over Candi and how she was always involved in everything. Everybody knows everybody else’s business and all have a connection to each other that will play out. So many things to figure out and so many different perspectives leave you guessing at every corner. Murder,lies and so much more. I recommend this book 100 times over. You MUST read this book!!!!!!

[Jeff Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining read about the drama among neighbors that leads to death for some. This twisted street with a self selected overseer has more than its share of secrets. This story is full of untypical neighborhood nosyness and manipulation. Some innocent people get caught in the crossfire but the story has a satisfying ending.
This is the my first book by this new author, she currently has two others, one of which is yet to be released. I will be following and reading future work by Samara Cove.

[Wendy Del Toro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wickedly fun story! Lots of twists and surprises in a fast moving plot. The author skillfully connects the characters to one another while a serial killers looms in the not quite background, in plain sight. At first I wondered why the author chose to reveal the killer's identity early in the story but as I continued, it made sense. Each character has more going on beneath the surface than their outward appearance and the secrets are explosive. My only 'complaint' was the reveal of what's behind the locked door; that was pretty disappointing.

[Marissa Fanter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another twist from Samara Cove! The different characters in this book were great, and each was first-person point of view. I don't think I have ever read a book with this many points of view! With that being said, every chapter was a cliff hanger, this made you want to keep reading. If you love twists and turns, and/or first person point of view. This is the perfect book. I HIGHLY recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly Hauck · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So when someone moves in that doesn't fit the mold....I find ways to make them disappear so I can replace them with new neighbors." Perfect quote! I loved this book even though it's not a step by step on how to make your neighbor disappear! The author does warn of this lol. Anyway great read kept me glued with all the characters in The neighborhood and all their personalities! Nice twists and ill read more from this author!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of my favorite reads this year. Well written, exciting plot, awesome characters that you love or hate. Written from many different POV and written so well that not once did it get confusing. This book grabbed me from page one and I had trouble putting it down. So many twists and things you never see coming!! Overall a 👍👍👍 psychological thriller that makes you wonder about your own neighbors. 🤔 Definite must read!!!