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The Woman Next Door
She knows all your darkest secrets . . . Now she's the woman next door.
"It can't be. Please God, don't let it be. I left all that behind over twenty-five years ago. Didn't I?"
We've just got home after two weeks of sun, sea and relaxation when the doorbell rings. My husband answers and as soon as I hear her voice something jolts through me. It's adrenaline. My body is already in fight-or-flight mode.
It's been twenty-five years, but I'd know that laugh anywhere. I freeze. Don't let her in.
Now she's standing in my kitchen, smiling and shaking my husband's hand with her perfectly manicured nails. Stacy. She's our new next-door neighbour. What is she doing here? What does she want this time? I worked so hard to put the past behind me, to build this life for myself.
I will not let her take it from me.
An absolutely gripping psychological thriller with a killer twist you just won't see coming. Perfect for fans of K.L Slater, Sue Watson and Shalini Boland and Dandy Smith.
"It can't be. Please God, don't let it be. I left all that behind over twenty-five years ago. Didn't I?"
We've just got home after two weeks of sun, sea and relaxation when the doorbell rings. My husband answers and as soon as I hear her voice something jolts through me. It's adrenaline. My body is already in fight-or-flight mode.
It's been twenty-five years, but I'd know that laugh anywhere. I freeze. Don't let her in.
Now she's standing in my kitchen, smiling and shaking my husband's hand with her perfectly manicured nails. Stacy. She's our new next-door neighbour. What is she doing here? What does she want this time? I worked so hard to put the past behind me, to build this life for myself.
I will not let her take it from me.
An absolutely gripping psychological thriller with a killer twist you just won't see coming. Perfect for fans of K.L Slater, Sue Watson and Shalini Boland and Dandy Smith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 11, 2025
Imagine your new neighbor is your childhood bully. The one that made your life so miserable, your family ends up sending you to a different school. You give said neighbor the benefit of the doubt, thinking “hey.. we’re adults now” how bad can things be! Yet she injects herself in every aspect of your life possible!
Alternating between past and present, where the past was Jen’s diary from her school aged years, revealing the toxic past between her & Stacy. This story truly shows that mean girls, have no age limit. Well written, easy to follow and had a twist that was well worth the wait. The narration was enjoyable as well! Would definitely recommend for fans of domestic thrillers.
Alternating between past and present, where the past was Jen’s diary from her school aged years, revealing the toxic past between her & Stacy. This story truly shows that mean girls, have no age limit. Well written, easy to follow and had a twist that was well worth the wait. The narration was enjoyable as well! Would definitely recommend for fans of domestic thrillers.
May 15, 2025
Such an easy read, yet gripping. I read this quite quickly, constantly aware that the main subject in this book is bullying and is such a raw, traumatic thing to go through. it isn't something that only happens in books it is a frightful experience that happens to many people, children and adults, daily.
This story gives an insight into Jen's life when her childhood bully moves next door to her and continues to be that bully she always was.
This story gives an insight into Jen's life when her childhood bully moves next door to her and continues to be that bully she always was.
May 27, 2025
For lovers of domestic thrillers, this is a great read! Based around the repercussions of childhood bullying into adulthood, the ever darker twists will keep you hooked.
September 26, 2025
Actual rating 3.5/5 stars.
Jen has a husband, a close friendship group, a job she loves, and resides in a safe and friendly neighbourhood. Her life feels close to perfect, but the sadness from her past returns when the new neighbour introduced herself as the high school bully, Stacey, who tormented Jen for much of her young life. She is struggling to separate her adult self from the fearful and lonely child she once was and, worse still, her husband and friends seem taken in by the well-rounded and regretful adult Stacey is pretending to be. What does Stacey want and will Jen make her pay for the previous torment or allow her to have her own way, once again?
Batchelor really wrote with conviction! Jen's character came to life, when reading this, and her shock, her sorrow, her pain, and her anger all felt like my own, so accurately did she display her emotions on the page. I was sucked in early on and longed for resolution to the horrors Jen was forced to endure in the past, as well as the unfairness she was currently enduring.
This was a solid thriller, which immediately gripped me but was, unfortunately let down a little by the ending. I found it a little convenient how the characters were connected and wished the final reveal had been as twisted as all that had previously occurred. This let down my final rating but am glad to have found a new thriller author I'd be eager to read from again.
Jen has a husband, a close friendship group, a job she loves, and resides in a safe and friendly neighbourhood. Her life feels close to perfect, but the sadness from her past returns when the new neighbour introduced herself as the high school bully, Stacey, who tormented Jen for much of her young life. She is struggling to separate her adult self from the fearful and lonely child she once was and, worse still, her husband and friends seem taken in by the well-rounded and regretful adult Stacey is pretending to be. What does Stacey want and will Jen make her pay for the previous torment or allow her to have her own way, once again?
Batchelor really wrote with conviction! Jen's character came to life, when reading this, and her shock, her sorrow, her pain, and her anger all felt like my own, so accurately did she display her emotions on the page. I was sucked in early on and longed for resolution to the horrors Jen was forced to endure in the past, as well as the unfairness she was currently enduring.
This was a solid thriller, which immediately gripped me but was, unfortunately let down a little by the ending. I found it a little convenient how the characters were connected and wished the final reveal had been as twisted as all that had previously occurred. This let down my final rating but am glad to have found a new thriller author I'd be eager to read from again.
October 12, 2025
What an unsatisfying ending. I was really enjoying a lot of this audiobook. Good writing, good pacing. It kept me hooked. I wanted to know what would happen next. The ending was just terrible though!
So basically, the main character, Jen, comes home from a holiday to find out her old school bully moved in next door. She gives us some information about what Stacy, the bully, did back in the day and how nobody believed her. She had to have counselling for years and was diagnosed with PTSD (I think she said that at some point) because of this girl. Now she’s back in her life and Jen’s afraid everything will fall apart again.
It was real good- at one point, I thought Jen might be an unreliable narrator but then Stacy started being a real piece of work. The gaslighting was so frustrating! Jen telling people what Stacy is doing and some of them not believing her! Made me pull my hair out almost. Oh, it was frustrating and aggravating. I wanted to scream like Jen did. It absolutely gave me a bunch of mixed emotions, which is a plus. I was really looking forward to Stacy getting her just desserts.
BUT the ending was just… silly. Like, where did that come from? Am I supposed to believe that Stacy was acting for someone else? When she was doing the same stuff as a child? Huh? Like sure, living with a psychopath is bad and if she was a real person I would feel bad for her. But she’s a fictional woman who did horrible things and I was angry at her while listening to this book, and then the end wanted me to feel sorry for her? No thanks.
Anyway, a well written book and I enjoyed a lot of it. However, the ending was a real let down. It feels like a waste having listening to it to be honest. It’s a good thing I’m on holiday and had a lot of free time traveling on trains.
So basically, the main character, Jen, comes home from a holiday to find out her old school bully moved in next door. She gives us some information about what Stacy, the bully, did back in the day and how nobody believed her. She had to have counselling for years and was diagnosed with PTSD (I think she said that at some point) because of this girl. Now she’s back in her life and Jen’s afraid everything will fall apart again.
It was real good- at one point, I thought Jen might be an unreliable narrator but then Stacy started being a real piece of work. The gaslighting was so frustrating! Jen telling people what Stacy is doing and some of them not believing her! Made me pull my hair out almost. Oh, it was frustrating and aggravating. I wanted to scream like Jen did. It absolutely gave me a bunch of mixed emotions, which is a plus. I was really looking forward to Stacy getting her just desserts.
BUT the ending was just… silly. Like, where did that come from? Am I supposed to believe that Stacy was acting for someone else? When she was doing the same stuff as a child? Huh? Like sure, living with a psychopath is bad and if she was a real person I would feel bad for her. But she’s a fictional woman who did horrible things and I was angry at her while listening to this book, and then the end wanted me to feel sorry for her? No thanks.
Anyway, a well written book and I enjoyed a lot of it. However, the ending was a real let down. It feels like a waste having listening to it to be honest. It’s a good thing I’m on holiday and had a lot of free time traveling on trains.
August 30, 2025
The Woman Next. Door by. Penny Batchelor is the story of a child being bullied in school and then finds her bully moving in next door to her years later. Stacey is married with a daughter, when she moves into the house next door.
What follows is a nightmare for both women.
Recommended
December 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this domestic thriller. The ending was a bit bonkers but I ran with it because the rest of the book was really good. Listened to on audio and found it an easy read.
April 13, 2025
Disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher and author for my advanced review copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm being overly cautious with the spoiler tags as some people like to read books without knowing any details.
The Woman Next Door follows couple Jen and Gary after they move into a new home. Jen suffers from PTSD caused by "the event" in school. Jen relies on her friends Jasmine and Megan for comfort and listens to her therapist's advice.
This was a very quick read, I finished it in one sitting! I needed to know about "the event"! I kept going back and forth about Stacey. Is Jen a reliable narrator? what if Stacey was the true victim after all? wait, am I being gaslighted by Stacey???
I found Jen to be a bit jarring and naive. I mean, how naive can you be? Apparently, very much so! I wanted to shake her!! but at the same time, I don't think she could've pre-empted what was going to happen because that twist was wild!
Talk about shocking. No, I didn't see it coming! It was clever, so clever. The type where you go back a few pages and realise the author has been leaving a trail of crumbs all over the place! I loved, loved the ending. I can't say much other than it was very satisfactory. There's an extra twist in the epilogue (yes!) which I'd kind of guessed, although perhaps it was more wishful thinking on my part. Without saying too much, I loved it and felt it was completely justified, hah!
A solid 5-star read for me.
The Woman Next Door follows couple Jen and Gary after they move into a new home. Jen suffers from PTSD caused by "the event" in school. Jen relies on her friends Jasmine and Megan for comfort and listens to her therapist's advice.
This was a very quick read, I finished it in one sitting! I needed to know about "the event"! I kept going back and forth about Stacey. Is Jen a reliable narrator? what if Stacey was the true victim after all? wait, am I being gaslighted by Stacey???
I found Jen to be a bit jarring and naive. I mean, how naive can you be? Apparently, very much so! I wanted to shake her!! but at the same time, I don't think she could've pre-empted what was going to happen because that twist was wild!
Talk about shocking. No, I didn't see it coming! It was clever, so clever. The type where you go back a few pages and realise the author has been leaving a trail of crumbs all over the place! I loved, loved the ending. I can't say much other than it was very satisfactory. There's an extra twist in the epilogue (yes!) which I'd kind of guessed, although perhaps it was more wishful thinking on my part. Without saying too much, I loved it and felt it was completely justified, hah!
A solid 5-star read for me.
May 16, 2025
The Woman Next Door by Penny Batchelor is an addictive and compelling psychological thriller that explores the complexities of relationships and the secrets that we all keep hidden behind closed doors.
Jen Cartwright lives in a beautiful cul de sac with her husband Gary. Jen longs to be a mother but despite several very expensive IVF treatments, she has not been able to conceive. After treating themselves to a two week vacation, enjoying the sea and sunny days, Jen is stunned to learn that they have a new neighbor. And that neighbor is none other than her childhood bully Stacey Abbott. What seems to be a weird coincidence turns foreboding when Jen's work, friends and marriage start to falter now that Stacey is back. And it seems that Stacey has an ulterior motive for moving in next door...
This was definitely a dark and psychologically intense read!! Definitely be aware of some content warnings including: bullying, trauma, and IVF/ trouble conceiving. The constant tension and manipulation had me shocked and second guessing everyone! The twists were well placed and I truly had no idea who I could trust! This is a dual timeline where we go back to some diary entries of Jen's and then forward to the present. The only flaw I found was the end felt a little anticlimactic in my opinion. Still, I definitely recommend this for fans of Sue Watson, Dandy Smith, and Shalini Boland!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penny Batchelor, and Embla Books for this ARC!! Publication date is May 15th 2025.
Jen Cartwright lives in a beautiful cul de sac with her husband Gary. Jen longs to be a mother but despite several very expensive IVF treatments, she has not been able to conceive. After treating themselves to a two week vacation, enjoying the sea and sunny days, Jen is stunned to learn that they have a new neighbor. And that neighbor is none other than her childhood bully Stacey Abbott. What seems to be a weird coincidence turns foreboding when Jen's work, friends and marriage start to falter now that Stacey is back. And it seems that Stacey has an ulterior motive for moving in next door...
This was definitely a dark and psychologically intense read!! Definitely be aware of some content warnings including: bullying, trauma, and IVF/ trouble conceiving. The constant tension and manipulation had me shocked and second guessing everyone! The twists were well placed and I truly had no idea who I could trust! This is a dual timeline where we go back to some diary entries of Jen's and then forward to the present. The only flaw I found was the end felt a little anticlimactic in my opinion. Still, I definitely recommend this for fans of Sue Watson, Dandy Smith, and Shalini Boland!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penny Batchelor, and Embla Books for this ARC!! Publication date is May 15th 2025.
August 2, 2025
What would you do if your childhood bully turned up in your adult life, by moving in the house next door? What if it also appears, that after so many years, the bully hasn't changed and is out to still make your life a misery.
Jen is happily married to Gary, and they are missing the only thing to complete their family, a child. A couple of repeated IVF attempts have failed.
Then Stacey, her husband and young daughter move in next door, and Stacey picks up where she left off.
Penny writes about the impact of bullying so well. The story alternates between Jen's childhood years and now. The utter bewilderment then devastation of first being outcast, then openly picked on as a child. Trying to get the adults to believe you.
Then as an adult, but the impacts are hugely more devastating. The way this was written really got under my skin. I felt for Jen throughout. There's no way to describe that instant stomach churning sickness when you know something is bad. Penny manages to portray it perfectly.
The story is very clever, and the way Stacey manages to infiltrate her way in, but against the most normal of backgrounds, daily life being played out in villages across the UK.
I loved Maya, I hope she got a happy ending. All books these days claim to have a twist you won't see coming, but in this instance its actually true (with a big reveal too)
This was an easy read that I seemed to fly through and im now intrigued to go and read the rest of Pennys books.
Jen is happily married to Gary, and they are missing the only thing to complete their family, a child. A couple of repeated IVF attempts have failed.
Then Stacey, her husband and young daughter move in next door, and Stacey picks up where she left off.
Penny writes about the impact of bullying so well. The story alternates between Jen's childhood years and now. The utter bewilderment then devastation of first being outcast, then openly picked on as a child. Trying to get the adults to believe you.
Then as an adult, but the impacts are hugely more devastating. The way this was written really got under my skin. I felt for Jen throughout. There's no way to describe that instant stomach churning sickness when you know something is bad. Penny manages to portray it perfectly.
The story is very clever, and the way Stacey manages to infiltrate her way in, but against the most normal of backgrounds, daily life being played out in villages across the UK.
I loved Maya, I hope she got a happy ending. All books these days claim to have a twist you won't see coming, but in this instance its actually true (with a big reveal too)
This was an easy read that I seemed to fly through and im now intrigued to go and read the rest of Pennys books.
April 25, 2025
The Woman Next Door is a dark and twisty story that deals with the trauma resulting from childhood bullying and the fallout resulting from it even many years later.
The story follows Jen and Gary, who have been unsuccessfully trying to have a child. Enter new neighbor Stacy, and her husband and daughter. Jen can't believe her eyes. Of all people to move next door, why is it her tormentor from childhood? And why is she blessed with a child when Jen is unable to have one. There's more to the story than meets the eye as Stacy seems to know everything about Jen.
The story flowed smoothly and the pages turned quickly. The characters were well written and mostly likeable. The twists were numerous and unpredictable. I did not see that ending coming. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Embala Books for the advanced copy
The story follows Jen and Gary, who have been unsuccessfully trying to have a child. Enter new neighbor Stacy, and her husband and daughter. Jen can't believe her eyes. Of all people to move next door, why is it her tormentor from childhood? And why is she blessed with a child when Jen is unable to have one. There's more to the story than meets the eye as Stacy seems to know everything about Jen.
The story flowed smoothly and the pages turned quickly. The characters were well written and mostly likeable. The twists were numerous and unpredictable. I did not see that ending coming. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Embala Books for the advanced copy
September 28, 2025
A totally gripping twisted domestic thriller!! This book is an absolute page turner that you just can’t put down!
What happens when your childhood bully moves in next door after 25 years? To make matters worse no one believes you, not even your own husband!
Jen’s childhood bully moves in next door and starts to torment her all over again, Stacey knows all her secrets after all. Jen moved away from it all when suddenly there was a knock on the door, her husband , Gary , answered the door and a familiar voice crept into her nightmares again!
Why does no one else see how evil Stacey is? Why does no one believe me? Is it really all in my head ?
There are so many twists and turns , make sure to include this in your favorites!
What happens when your childhood bully moves in next door after 25 years? To make matters worse no one believes you, not even your own husband!
Jen’s childhood bully moves in next door and starts to torment her all over again, Stacey knows all her secrets after all. Jen moved away from it all when suddenly there was a knock on the door, her husband , Gary , answered the door and a familiar voice crept into her nightmares again!
Why does no one else see how evil Stacey is? Why does no one believe me? Is it really all in my head ?
There are so many twists and turns , make sure to include this in your favorites!
May 23, 2025
The Woman Next Door is a compelling and suspenseful read that kept me hooked from the very beginning. The characters are well-developed and the pacing is spot-on, with just the right amount of twists to keep you guessing. The author does an excellent job of building tension and drawing you into the mysterious dynamic between neighbors.
However, while the story as a whole was strong, the ending left a bit to be desired. It wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste, and I was hoping for a resolution with more emotional depth or impact. Still, it’s a worthwhile read for fans of domestic thrillers—just don’t expect a perfectly tied-up bow at the finish.
However, while the story as a whole was strong, the ending left a bit to be desired. It wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste, and I was hoping for a resolution with more emotional depth or impact. Still, it’s a worthwhile read for fans of domestic thrillers—just don’t expect a perfectly tied-up bow at the finish.
January 1, 2026
I'm giving this three stars because it was a real pageturner. Like, couldn't put it down.
However, the twist and the ending were abyssmal.
If you are looking for a fast read that keeps you engaged but that disappoints in the end, this book is for you.
It's the classic framework of a story of its genre- a central conflict, a bunch of peppered in "plausible deniability" type things, and an insufferable main character. WHY does she care so much about what other people think? WHY does she stay with a man who appears to be dead inside? WHY does she let Stacey take her territory? WHY, oh WHY, doesn't her husband have her back?
#frustrating.
However, the twist and the ending were abyssmal.
If you are looking for a fast read that keeps you engaged but that disappoints in the end, this book is for you.
It's the classic framework of a story of its genre- a central conflict, a bunch of peppered in "plausible deniability" type things, and an insufferable main character. WHY does she care so much about what other people think? WHY does she stay with a man who appears to be dead inside? WHY does she let Stacey take her territory? WHY, oh WHY, doesn't her husband have her back?
#frustrating.
April 20, 2025
Rounded up from 3.5🌟
This book has some trigger warnings, particularly for bullying and trauma. It made me nervous to read, especially as a teacher and a mother of a prepubescent girl. The characters were well written. I loved her husband, I hated Stacy and loathed another character. Jen is flawed but you understand why. Told in two time lines, this story was twisty and dark.
The format of this ARC made it very hard to push through and engage. It is an ARC so all this will be fixed in publishing but it did impact my personal experience.
Thank you Embla Books, Penny Batchelor and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book has some trigger warnings, particularly for bullying and trauma. It made me nervous to read, especially as a teacher and a mother of a prepubescent girl. The characters were well written. I loved her husband, I hated Stacy and loathed another character. Jen is flawed but you understand why. Told in two time lines, this story was twisty and dark.
The format of this ARC made it very hard to push through and engage. It is an ARC so all this will be fixed in publishing but it did impact my personal experience.
Thank you Embla Books, Penny Batchelor and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 9, 2025
This book was so good! Had me hooked from the start. Very easy to read. Loved the characters. Some good twists at the end i didnt see coming. Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review.
May 30, 2025
This book is so slow it very nearly ended up in the dnf pile. It was only the 5 star rating others had given it that compelled me to continue, probably in fear of missing something? Whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinion sadly even the conclusion is nothing special.
July 10, 2025
A scintillating, gripping page turner
What an absorbing book. All the characters were built perfectly. The sense of dread that only school bullying can bring was captured so well and gave such a surreal sense of being there with the characters
What an absorbing book. All the characters were built perfectly. The sense of dread that only school bullying can bring was captured so well and gave such a surreal sense of being there with the characters
August 14, 2025
This book is nothing but boring, implausible and overloaded with details that don't contribute to the storyline in the slightest. I skimmed through the end, just to see see what this "amazing twist" is (certainly not amazing), so that was a waste of time, sorry!
August 17, 2025
Fantastic
It was a fantastic read right from the beginning to the end. The twist at the end was great as I didn’t see it coming though the clue was there at the beginning. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it all. It was truly a wonderful few hours of escape from reality. Thank you 😊
It was a fantastic read right from the beginning to the end. The twist at the end was great as I didn’t see it coming though the clue was there at the beginning. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it all. It was truly a wonderful few hours of escape from reality. Thank you 😊
August 30, 2025
Slow Read
I thought it took way too long to build up the story line and got bored reading the details. It didn’t feel suspenseful to me, however, I did enjoy the surprise ending. Unfortunately, that was only a small portion of the book.
I thought it took way too long to build up the story line and got bored reading the details. It didn’t feel suspenseful to me, however, I did enjoy the surprise ending. Unfortunately, that was only a small portion of the book.
August 31, 2025
Very readable but spoilt by the ending, unbelievable and too many loose ends Think it needed a eulogy to complete a satisfactory conclusion regarding both families, a young child and happy baby news?
October 12, 2025
A middling read.
Paris Ferguson, the proofreader, needs to go to Specsavers. Lots of errors missed, otherwise an ok read. Not my usual kind of book. I prefer grittier novels with more twists and turns. The bullying aspect was well handled though.
Paris Ferguson, the proofreader, needs to go to Specsavers. Lots of errors missed, otherwise an ok read. Not my usual kind of book. I prefer grittier novels with more twists and turns. The bullying aspect was well handled though.
October 12, 2025
Good Read. the ending, a book.
Good Read. Liked the book a lot. Was not expecting the twist at the end and did not picture the ending, as l often try to do when reading a book. Highly recommend.
Good Read. Liked the book a lot. Was not expecting the twist at the end and did not picture the ending, as l often try to do when reading a book. Highly recommend.
November 22, 2025
Downloaded this one by mistake as two books with same name different authors. Gave it a go. It’s not great as it’s just too far fetched and all the characters are unlikeable…. but I sped read it as I wanted to know the outcome.
If you were ever bullied at school don’t read it!!!
If you were ever bullied at school don’t read it!!!
December 23, 2025
First time I was reading a book from this author.
I found it quite entertaining until the end, which, without spoiling it, I found a bit disappointing. I didn’t understand the last minute turn, it was quite unnecessary as the book and story were already quite gripping.
I found it quite entertaining until the end, which, without spoiling it, I found a bit disappointing. I didn’t understand the last minute turn, it was quite unnecessary as the book and story were already quite gripping.
June 23, 2025
It’s a really good story. Pamela is my favourite character! I enjoyed this book a lot.
August 21, 2025
Unfortunately the lead character was portrayed as so naive it was unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
Not great
So many grammar and spelling mistake. Also loads of inconsistencies throughout. Shame as it had the basis of a good story
So many grammar and spelling mistake. Also loads of inconsistencies throughout. Shame as it had the basis of a good story
November 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Never read any from this author before & now I can’t wait to read her other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews