How to Kill Your Neighbors

How to Kill #1

by J.R. Mason

If you could kill your neighbor and get away with it, would you? This dark, hilarious short story is filled with shocking twists that will leave you guessing (and laughing) until the very last page.

One problematic homeowner.
Four neighbors who want her dead.
So, whodunnit?

In the quiet, suburban neighborhood of Ambridge, PA, one neighbor is causing more than just a headache - she’s stirring up drama, spreading chaos, and making everyone’s life a living nightmare. That menace's name is Linda and she’s about to find out how far her neighbors will go to get rid of her.

As Linda’s increasingly outlandish antics escalate, the frustration of the neighborhood boils over. What begins as petty grievances quickly turns deadly, as each neighbor not-so-secretly dreams of putting an end to Linda’s reign of terror. But when a murder takes place after several residents were so vocal about wanting her dead, the question who’s responsible?

Whether it’s a stroke of bad luck or the perfect crime, one thing is for sure - someone’s getting away with murder…

Genres: Book Club

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2025

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think the author is mentally stable in the best way ...... this was so entertaining and the plot twist was gooood

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally loved everything about this novella! I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions as J.R. Mason made references to things we can all relate to, social media viral moments and some of our favorite TV shows.

Meet Linda, the neighbor that everyone despises. Nosey, entitled, bossy, overbearing, a complete tyrant. Any negative adjective you can think of, it’s probably Linda. Neighbors are finally fed up with her antics, but what will they do? Well.. the title tells a good tale, but read to find out how these neighbors get creative!

J.R. Mason’s writing style is impeccable and this short story is a must read! Highly highly recommend as this was such a fun one, with not a dull moment.

[Sha · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*How to Kill Your Neighbors* is a laugh-out-loud dark comedy that marries humor with a thrilling whodunit twist, and J.R. Mason delivers a captivating story that kept me entertained from start to finish! This cleverly crafted short story navigates the chaotic world of suburban life, revealing just how far frustration with a troublesome neighbor can push ordinary people to their limits.

Set in the quiet neighborhood of Ambridge, PA, the plot centers around the infuriatingly chaotic Linda, who embodies the quintessential “bad neighbor.” From her outrageous antics to her knack for stirring drama, Linda certainly knows how to make her neighbors’ lives a living nightmare. What starts as lighthearted annoyance quickly escalates into something much darker—and hilariously absurd—as each neighbor contemplates how to "deal" with her once and for all.

Mason's writing is sharp and witty, with a keen sense of pacing that keeps you hooked. The characters are vividly drawn, and their exaggerated responses to Linda’s behavior create both tension and comedic relief. The dynamics of the neighborhood are brilliantly portrayed, showcasing a cast of characters that are as outrageous as they are relatable.

The twists and turns in the story are deliciously unexpected, leaving you guessing until the very last page. I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity of it all while eagerly trying to piece together the clues. Mason’s unique blend of humor and suspense is a refreshing take on the classic murder mystery genre.

Overall, *How to Kill Your Neighbors* is a delightful romp that combines sharp wit with engaging storytelling. If you’re looking for a fun read that will make you chuckle while keeping you on your toes, look no further! J.R. Mason has truly hit the mark with this one—a must-read for fans of dark comedies!

[Gabby Penn Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beta reader for this novella, which I learned not too long ago meant short story and not a romance novel. SMH. Don’t judge!

Listen Linda listen!
Every neighborhood has that one who acts like the HOA police, like they own the block, in this book it’s Linda. Mine is Charles Smith (he ain’t my facebook friend so he won’t see this LOL). This book is the reason I bought a corner house, so I only have one neighbor next to me.

It’s also why I mind my business.
Grass not cut: not my concern.
Numbers on your mailbox the wrong color and size: not my concern.
Trash cans taken out an hour too early: not my concern.
Car parked in front of my house that’s not mine: not my concern… but I do hate that! That spot is for my house. Yes I own that spot, LOL.

As always, and just like her others, I enjoyed this book written by JR “Mfkn” Mason. I especially love the humor, dark and in appropriate at times, but just how I like it. I wish this was a full novel, or at least give us a book 2… hint hint. 😀

[adoseof.adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Messy & twisty. Wisteria Lane energy IYKYK! I kinda saw the vision I can’t lie 😂 I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

*BRAE Reads

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should be ashamed of myself the way I hollered throughout this entire read. The characters that lived on this street were a mess, but that damn Linda! 😤 She needed to sat down somewhere and get her some business! 👀 The citations, critiquing and calling out behaviors in a newsletter was bold as hell! Yeah, she needs to go. 🤷🏿‍♀️ When details began to emerge about what happened, I was stunned a lil' bit. Miss Raya is bout that life, but why did they get Gabby's scary ass involved? Well......
Then the script is flipped again, and we are left wondering, will it be found out? 🤯 I really enjoyed this! 👍🏿👍🏿

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this little novella so much! It’s got humor, spice and suspense. You cannot go wrong with this one. I’ll be patiently waiting for this to be turned into a TV series. Bravo JR Mason!!

[Brianna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.R MF Mason!! One thing she is going to do is write the hell out of a book. Let’s not forget the twists that have you gasping, oooooo-ing and ahhhhh-ing. The way I have been waiting to read this book is unhealthy and now that I have my week is made and I feel complete

[Nicole Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick little palate cleanser. I love the style of writing. It was hilarious. I definitely will read more of her books!

[Danielle Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Quick, crazy read full of neighborhood drama I’m glad I don’t deal with! Raya completely lost it, and Linda definitely got what she deserved—but that ending left me shook! Definitely one of those books that makes you side-eye your neighbors afterward.

[Anna J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindaaaaaaaaa😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 When I say Linda had bars for DAYS! A dark comedy mystery indeed. This book had me ctfu the entire time. I loved the snark that Linda bought to the story although I wouldn’t want to be her neighbor.
This was a really quick very funny read that has me wondering what’s coming next. I need a part 2 asap!!!!!

[Marie Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was everything I needed. A whodunnit blended with humor, and crazy twists?! I was hooked from the very first sentence. This took a turn I wasn’t expecting, but it made me love this even more. Since this is a novella, I don’t want to say too much, but I highly recommend if you’re looking for something fast paced and laugh out loud funny.

[Antoinette Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funny suspense story I never knew I needed.

Ok so first off... 🗣Listen Linda Listen💀💀!!!!
This novella was entirely to funny. From
the way it started all the way to the end.
I'm gonna look at all my neighbors sideways
if they ever ask me about my doorbell camera
again.

One things for sure I have read almost all of
J,R. Mason's books and I have never been
bored.

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please!!

The way I was grinning from ear to ear for about 96% of this read would probably be a cause for concern. J.R. Mason knows how to craft a dark and humorous tale that will immediately grip your attention and sustain it for the duration of this read. I read it in the span of an hour. Part two please! Pronto!!

[Alicia J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Toni LaRue being a police chief in this book lol. This was a crazy ride on having pesky neighbors. The way the person got away with it was cool to read. A few more needed to go in my opinion but that’s neither here nor there.

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven’t we all fantasized about killing the neighbor from hell? No? Just me and JR Mason, okay that’s fine. This story is cute (if murder can be cute) funny and thoroughly entertaining. Miss Mason does a good job with the narration as well.

[Azriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The acknowledgements made me write this review lol. This book was short and sweet. If you enjoy the show Desperate Housewives, this one gives off those vibes. A fun read for sure. I’ll definitely be reading the next two books in this series.

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lmao this book was so unserious but in a good way.

[Demetrica Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Jaw drop. For a quick read it was full of plot and twist. I liked this read abt to start “HOW TO KILL YOUR COWORKER.”

[Elonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOAs

Watch out for those silly, noisy neighbors and HOA rules! Short novella that can easily be read in one sitting!

[Anniee Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey,hey, my favorites 😀 💚

You ever read a book that has you side-eyeing your neighbors just a little bit? Yeah… this is that book.

From the moment I cracked this one open last night, I knew sleep wasn’t happening. And sure enough, I finished it this morning—because when a book promises murder, mayhem, and laughs, how do you not binge it?

This dark comedy mystery is the perfect mix of quirky, chaotic, and downright unhinged. It’s like if Desperate Housewives and Dexter had a love child raised by Only Murders in the Building. The humor? Dark. The twists? Wild. And the characters? A delightful mess in the best way possible.

The story moves fast, and trust me, you won’t want to put it down. One moment you’re cackling, the next you’re questioning just how well you really know the people living next door. It’s the kind of book that makes you look at your own neighborhood and think, hmm… interesting.

⭐ Final Verdict: A ridiculously fun, wickedly sharp read that’s perfect for anyone who loves their mysteries with a side of dark humor. Highly recommend—just, uh, don’t take it as a how-to guide.

[Ms. LVW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wild in the best way and had me hooked from the start. It’s a quick snack of a read, but trust me you’ll be fully satisfied. J.R. Mason takes the everyday headache of a nosy, overbearing neighbor and spins it into a dark, hilarious, fast-paced story dripping with messy, shady goodness. I laughed, I gasped, and I side-eyed everyone on that block.

The clever, calculated way the drama unfolds is so sinister that I couldn’t stop listening. With all the lying, sneaking, and meticulous planning going on, I had no clue who was truly tied to the killings because these neighbors are straight-up diabolical.

And the narration? Whew. J.R. Mason did the damn thing. She nailed the perfect dose of crazy this story needed, bringing every character to life with so much personality. The added touches like background whispers, screams, music, and little inner-thought effects gave it a subtle, cinematic vibe that made it feel even more real.

Overall, this was an addictive, entertaining ride—just the right mix of thriller, comedy, and chaotic neighborhood drama. Highly recommend both reading and listening.

[Isatta · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.R. Mason can tell a story

While her sanity level has yet to be determined, her ability to tell a captivating and suspense filled story is fantastic. JR has perfected the craft of "art mimicking life."
How To Kill Your Neighbors is a tongue in cheek dark humored thriller set in a neighborhood very similar to Mason's. The characters are an amalgamation of people who she has witnessed, which makes the story even better. It makes the book familiar. We are all familiar with an enthusiastically nosey neighbor. We all know how annoyed we get when they can manage to mind our business while clearly having none of their own. Unfortunately, I agreed too much with the main character, Raya, and now feel the need to inform the nearest therapist.
I enjoyed the musical references and the banter that took place within the pages. Though short, this book definitely packs a big punch and was well worth the read. Please remember she has the physical copy available on her website and happy reading.

[Ali R · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Kill Your Neighbors is a dark comedy about an annoyingly overbearing "Karen" named Linda who starts a war in her neighborhood that ends with literal casualties. Linda's the bane of her neighborhood’s existence, so it's no wonder they all want her dead. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned, causing innocent people to become collateral damage.

This was a quick and entertaining read, and despite some crass humor here and there, the novella gave me quite a few laughs. Loved the idea of a sadistic thriller author being way too comfortable with the idea of murder. Of course, she'd be the one to spearhead a homicide on suburban enemy number one!

That potluck scene near the end, however, was vile as hell. Never thought I’d say this, but there’s got to be a saner and less sickening way to dispose of a body. Raya, is clearly a whole new level of twisted. She is the literal meaning of diabolical.

But hey, I'm lowkey invested in her murderous schemes now, so I’m off to read the second installment.

[Annette "Netta " E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve all had that one neighbor — the bane of everyone’s existence, the drama magnet who can turn a quiet street into a circus. You know- the who makes you question your spiritual growth 😩
But what happens when everyone’s finally had enough and decides to do something about it?

J.R. Mason is probably the only author who can make me laugh, gasp, and side-eye while reading about a murder. She blends sharp humor, social media chaos, and suburban suspense so seamlessly that you forget you’re technically reading about a crime.
J.R. Mason is pure chaos and comedic genius .
How she managed to pack so much into a novella without it ever feeling rushed is beyond me. The pacing is tight, the dialogue sparkles, and the audiobook narration was spot on — perfectly matching the energy and keeping me guessing until the end.
She gave us petty, messy, and murderous perfection 😂👏🏾
If you love a darkly funny whodunit that balances neighborhood pettiness with jaw-dropping twists, this one’s a must-listen.
This novella is the perfect chance to check out this author but trust me you will a fan once you take a listen!! This is part one of a 3 novella series with the 3rd one dropping October 31.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from your favorite nosy neighbor watcher.

🎧: 10/10 audiobook

[Keira N. James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best, most creative, and fun instruction manual, I mean "purely fictional" novella, I've ever read lol

Linda was an old, delusional, nosey hag that worked my everlasting nerve! The way Mason wrote her character was brilliant and masterful.

Raya, Gabby, and Keira's friendship was so funny and relatable. It's almost like they were real 😏 I laughed throughout the entire book and gasped on quite a few occasions as well. Per usual, J.R. threw me for a loopdy loop with that plot twist 🥩 lol

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and learned a few things for future reference.... Highly recommend this well-written dark comedy thriller!

[Toni Larue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book

Think "Desperate Housewives" meets dark comedy, with a deliciously murderous twist! J.R. Mason serves up suburban chaos with a side of homicide, and I'm here for every devious moment.

Mason's signature wit sparkles throughout this comedic thriller, proving that murder doesn't have to be so serious. The perfect blend of laughs and suspense had me cackling one minute and gasping the next.

If you love:
• Suburban drama
• Murder with a side of sass
• Wickedly funny characters
• Dark comedy done right

This is YOUR next must-read!

The HOA meetings will never be the same... 😈

[Ebony Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wrapped up How to K!ll Your Neighbors and BAYBEE… I was blown away! I’m not usually an Audible girl because my mind be all over the place… but THIS audiobook? Had me locked in like I was front row for Desperate Housewives on Wisteria Lane!

The drama was cray cray! The humor was on point. And the theatrics were top tier! J.R. Mason didn’t just write the story… She brought it to life with so much energy and flavor, I was hanging on every word. BRAVO 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽

If you haven’t hit play yet, take my word…. 1-Click NOW and see what all my hype is about. Officially a fan!

Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved & Highly Suggested

[Stevie Hostetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness where to start. I absolutely loved this book. It was so much fun and very exciting. Goes to show who your "real" neighbors are. Don't be fooled by anyone.

Okay so if you want something quick (and I mean read in a few hours quick) read this book.

If you want something funny. Read this book.

If you want something to keep you on the edge of your seat. Read this book.

What more is there to say except read this book? And don't waste anytime because you may just end up needing a little help with one of your "projects." Good luck and have fun.

[Ginny Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the writer said it wasn't a guide but I beg to differ. I have actually highlighted sections of this book - I mean who hasn't had a troublesome neighbor at some point in their life?
This was a short, fun, dark comedy/whodunnit. The main character, Raya is smart, funny and a smidge devious.
And the protaganist, Linda was much hated for good reason.
All I can say is "Be a good neighbor." And if you have a bad neighbor- this is the book you need to read but, for "entertainment" purposes only.