The Perfect Neighbors

by Jordan Cannon

Every day, Olivia walks her new mail route. White fences, porch swings, the same wide smiles and chatty folks.

Every night, she returns to her run-down house, heats her frozen dinner and assures herself that this is the fresh start she needs.

But in the summer heat something is rotting.

And after dark, footsteps crack in the woods behind her house. Yet the most unsettling to Olivia are her perfect next door neighbors.

The Berkley’s are wealthy and admired. But Olivia's seen what others pretend not to.

Tess Berkeley slurs her words before lunch. Her daughter’s always wandering the neighborhood like she’s looking to escape. And her handsome husband watches Olivia like he's forgotten he's married.

When a body turns up nameless and naked, the knives come out.

But the town’s secrets don’t scare Olivia.

She has her own.


Fans of Freida McFadden and John Marrs will love the nail-biting pace and whiplash twists of The Perfect Neighbors.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

Reviews

[Kurryreads (Kerry) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

Thank you to the author JM/Jordan Cannon for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for my honest feedback

Available on Kindle unlimited

The author of this book is also known as JM Cannon. This is my third book by this author and definitely my favorite.

It’s one of those books where it feels like this big puzzle of strange details being pieced together throughout a messy drama filled story. It filled me with an intense sense of “something sinister is going on” while simultaneously distracting and misdirecting my attention, leaving me anxious to find out how it would all come together.

The ending was so unexpectedly dark I was shook to my core. This was just such a chaotic ride and I had a blast with it.

Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjQQ6VPp/

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ - A slow burn, addicting, and surprisingly dark thriller? Yes please!

I couldn’t look away if I tried. I needed to know what was really going on in this town. And the truth smacked me in the face. Loved it!

[Gabrielle Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ That took a turn I wasn’t expecting! Wow! Dark and twisty!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️'s rounded up. Truthfully, I would like to rate this book lower but I don't have the heart. The writing is very simplistic. The plot of this book is filled with so many holes, is very clunky, and very repetitive. ALL of the characters are unlikable and have zero depth whatsoever. I kept waiting for things to get better and make more sense but nothing makes any sense at all until about 95% into the book. The twist is definitely unexpected but not in a good way and made me question how the hell we got there. This was a big miss for me.

[CarolinaBookBliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Perfect Neighbours by Jordan Cannon is a twisty and engaging thriller that effectively builds tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Although the writing style didn't particularly resonate with me, the book remains an entertaining and captivating read, serving as a great palate cleanser for those looking for a gripping psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kate Hergott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have devoured all of J.M. Cannon's dark, gritty crime thrillers, and I was so excited to read her take on psychological suspense under this new pen name! There's something about Cannon's concise, atmospheric prose that always draws me into the story immediately, and that came through in The Perfect Neighbors as well.

Olivia moves to slow, small-town Lacey and takes a job with the post office delivering mail. She becomes friends with her beautiful neighbor Tess, and her husband Ethan, and begins helping with gardening and babysitting their daughter Gracie. As Olivia starts to question Gracie's safety at home with her mercurial, dysfunctional parents, a body is found, and the whole town is launched into a frenzy. Olivia must figure out how to navigate her relationship with her neighbors and the gossipy community of Lacey and keep her own past a secret.

The psychological tension was impeccably sharp from the beginning of this story, and kept escalating with each chapter. I was thoroughly invested in knowing what was going on in the Berkley's marriage, and figuring out Olivia's past secrets. The ending was as wildly dark as it was shocking, and it's not one I will forget for a long time.

Fans of the dark, off-beat characters and world of Gillian Flynn, and the snarky, dramatic flair of John Mars' domestic suspense will love this one!

[Matthew Dafoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hidden gem!! This was by an author who I didn’t know I’ve read before, JM Cannon, in a new pen name.

The Perfect Neighbours was the perfect bingeable read. I was totally hooked, loved the pace of the plot with a heavy dash of the “something is obviously very wrong here but what is it?”.

I had theories but I was wrong! What a twist ending! Talk about a slap in the face with darkness. I totally loved it and cannot wait to see what comes next from her!

[Vanessa Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the book kept me engaged the whole time. I felt like it was a bit forced in the middle. Maybe shoving some plots lines in there that weren’t necessary and kinda felt like it left loose ends. I didn’t see the twist coming at the end, and it didn’t really sit right with me. I’m willing to give this author another chance with her next upcoming book!

[Nicole Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unreliable narrator lives next to family with complicated dynamics….bonkers ending kind of out of left field.

[Hannah D · Rating 3 out of 5]

it felt like every other thriller, not bad just ok.

edit: ok i sat on this book for a little and i’ve really come to the conclusion that it got a little homophobic in the middle?? like for no reason? idk though maybe i’m being dramatic, still decent enough

[Chelsey Bookish Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan Cannon delivers a slow-burning, twist-filled thriller in The Perfect Neighbors—a story that peels back the glossy surface of suburbia to reveal the secrets hiding underneath.

Olivia is looking for a fresh start when she takes on her new mail route through a seemingly picture-perfect neighborhood. White fences, friendly faces, and the same polite smiles greet her every day. But behind the manicured lawns and cheery conversations lies something much darker. Her next-door neighbors, the Berkeleys, appear to have it all—wealth, charm, and a beautiful home—but Olivia quickly realizes that perfection is only an illusion. And when a nameless body is found, the town’s secrets begin to unravel, intertwining with Olivia’s own past in ways no one could have predicted.

I gave this book 4 stars, and wow did it shock me. The story pulled me in right away and kept me guessing until the very end. While a few subplots felt a bit drawn out or unnecessary, the writing was sharp, atmospheric, and full of tension. I loved how the author kept me questioning everyone’s motives—and how Olivia found herself so deeply entangled in the lives of the Berkeleys.

And that ending? Completely unexpected. I truly didn’t see it coming, and I love when a thriller can still surprise me like that. The Perfect Neighbors is a smart, well-crafted domestic suspense that fans of slow-burn thrillers will absolutely enjoy.

[Clarissa Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: The Perfect Neighbors by Jordan Cannon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Overall

📚 Thank you to NetGalley and Jordan Cannon for the advanced copy!

Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Themes: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Enjoyment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book surprised me in the best way. I thought I was getting a quiet, slow-burn small-town mystery… and then it took a dark, unexpected turn that left my jaw on the floor.

What I liked:
We follow the FMC Olivia, who’s a lonely mail carrier trying to start over in a picture-perfect neighborhood. But something’s off. Her new neighbors seem too perfect —and Olivia starts to notice things others pretend not to. A slurring mom, a little girl who’s always alone, and a husband who watches Olivia a little too closely. Then a dead body shows up… and everything unravels.

This book is layered with clues and subtle red flags, and I thought I had it figured out—until that ending completely shocked me. I genuinely didn’t see it coming!

⚠️ Heads-up: there are a few awkward spicy scenes and some use of God’s name in vain. Definitely check the trigger warnings before jumping in.

Perfect for fans of small-town secrets, murder mysteries, and psychological thrillers with an emotional edge. I’ll definitely be watching for more from Jordan Cannon!

[Courtney at texas_reader_girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:
Olivia lives next door to the well to do and admired
Berkley Family. Olivia is a simple mail crarrier and ends up helping the Berkley Family with child care and gardening.When a body is discovered nearby, chaos ensues and everyone’s truths begin to reveal themselves.

My Thoughts:
I typically love Jordan Cannon (also known as J.M. Cannon) books but this one was not for me! The storyline moved along at a quick pace but was very jumpy, choppy, and lots of loose ends! It seemed a bit repetitive and I found myself wanted to jump into the pages a shake some sense into these characters! I will continue to read this author because I do love so many of her books (Blood Oranges was one of my favorites) but this one was a miss for me!

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this ARC on NetGalley!

4.25 stars! If you're in the market for a thriller guaranteed to give you constant whiplash, this would definitely be a great book for you. This thriller had the most chaotic plot lines that made me (borderline) incapable of putting this book down! I believe this is the author's debut thriller novel, and I would be very interested in reading more books by them! This book is twisty and will leave you guessing until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book for people who enjoy novels similar to those written by Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden, or Shari Lapena.

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

The story follows Olivia, a mail carrier trying to rebuild her life in a seemingly idyllic town. But beneath the white fences and friendly smiles, something sinister simmers.

Her neighbors, the Berkleys, appear perfect,but Olivia notices some cracks. Tess slurs her words before noon, their daughter roams the neighborhood, and the charming husband seems a little too interested in Olivia. When a body turns up, secrets unravel fast, and Olivia’s own past might be darker than anyone suspects

I enjoyed it but the end wasn’t my favorite. The first 90% was unhinged and complete chaos and I loved it.

#netgalley #theperfectneighbours

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me. A page turner for sure. Being lost in the daily routine, Olivia is so relatable to so many ways. Such a likable character that really draws you in. Then you have the Berkley's. Full of mystery, dark secrets, and manipulation, you just find yourself wanting to know more about them while not being fond of them at the same time. What secrets are the Berkley's hiding though? Filled with twists and turns, you HAVE to read this book to find out! I gave this read 5 STARS!!

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc!

[Kelsie Ator · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this ARC read!! Omg this book totally had me thinking something different each time I thought I had it figured out! Olivia is definitely very cleaver and crazy!! I never would have thought she could have mastered all that she did! Pinning the murder on Ethan and drugging Tess to finalize her plan with Gracie! I will definitely be thinking about this book all the time! A movie of this would be so good or a series!! Definitely a new favorite author if all the books are this good!!

[Kristie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Olivia starts a new job as a mail carrier in a picture perfect small town. She's living in a small cottage that's seen better days, but her next door neighbors are uber rich. The Berkley's are wealth, but have their own slew of secrets and problems that Olivia slowly learns as she is hired to garden for them. Slowly over time more and more secrets come out and rock this small town.

This book was tense and did keep me on the edge of my seat, but the twists and turns were insane and the end left me with a very sour taste in my mouth.

Tropes:
* Small Town
* Neighbors
* Murder Mystery
* Twists and Turns
* Wealthy Family with Secrets

2 stars

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Are you looking for a thrilling page-turning story that you just can't put down? Well, this is NOT it. The story is quite boring for the most part. There are 50 chapters and NOTHING exciting happens for 47 of them. Not until chapters 48-50 does anything remotely exciting happen. So if you can plod all through the preceding 47 chapters of boredom to get to finally a bit of action and explanation... then perhaps you will think it has been worth it. It wasn't a bad story, the actual storyline was a good idea. It was the execution of the story... extremely slow and, well, boring.

[Julie Born · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like

There are books that use trickery to keep you guessing and in the end it all comes together in a good way. This is not that book. There is trickery and it does come together at the end but not in a good way. I found the characters unlikeable and not realistic. It's a book that you think will get better but by the time you're halfway through you realize it doesn't but you're already committed.

[Carol Ueland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A psychological thriller with a twist. Olivia moves to a small town and works as the mail delivery person. Her next door neighbors see she enjoys gardening and ask her to help them set up their garden. They have a young daughter, and also use Olivia to babysit. They are very well off, but not everything is always as it seems. Add a murder, a preacher, nosey small town people, and gossip will have you wondering where it all ends.

[Ashley Barthel · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s a pass for me. The premise of the book drew me in, and I kept having hope it would get better as the pages went. However, of the characters were likable and a lot of story seemed unrealistic with random story lines that went surface level and lacked any depth or reality. It felt like a carousel each day the same exact thing and then at the end it was a twist l, which at that point I was just wanted off the strange ride and was ready to be done.

[Ashley Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! And a quick read for me because I literally could not put it down! So many twists and turns! I was dying to get to the next page so I could read what would happen next! I don’t want to go into details and ruin the book! So you just have to read it for yourself! I will be reading more from this author!

[lynseyloohoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I started this book I was engaged. The first chapter pulls you in and gets you curious about what is to come in the rest of the book. There were a few moments when I was getting confused about the MC but in the end it all wraps up and explains. I was intrigued throughout and really enjoyed the twist ending.

[Lindsay Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️ i’m surprised i didn’t DNF. majority of this book is a giant, messy clusterfuck. you don’t know what’s going on until literally 90-95%. none of the characters are likable & the writing is extremely average. i only gave this book a decent rating bc i was not expecting the plot twist. just wish it hadn’t taken the entire book to figure out wtf was going on.

[Kerrigan Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was actually really good, near a 5 star read for most of it until the ending. The ending was far too disturbing for me, and I would’ve never read the book if I would’ve seen the trigger warnings (severe self- harm, sexual assault, child abuse). I’d compare the book/writing style to Freida McFadden’s, “The House Maid” and Colleen Hoover’s “Verify.”

[DeeBunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The FMC kind of did annoy me because she overextended herself way too much to the neighbors and without much context it was kind of annoying but once the twist came together, everything makde sense about her behavior. I did like how the story ended hopefully there’s a sequel to the book 4.25⭐️

[Kayla Bentle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, did not see the coming! This one got a wee bit slow on and off but not enough to bore me. Chapters were good about leaving you hanging so you wanted to keep reading. It took me longer to read than I wanted but I think that’s due to some chapters being long and some being short. Typical thriller but an easy read to add to the list of the year!

[Trisha Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my vacation at the last minute and really thank Amazon for getting it to me just before I left for travel. Since I started on the first page, I honestly could not put it down. Excellent read, exciting storyline, great characters. Superb ending!

[Kristi Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars
This was a decent popcorn thriller. Was a little slow and repetitive. Sped up towards the end and had a plot twist that was crazy and much more disturbing than I anticipated. It was a trope that I don't personally like, the main reason I didn't give it a higher rating.