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Welcome to the Neighbourhood
The darkly comic, addictive new novel about friendship and envy from the bestselling author of JUST GOT REAL and GETTING RID OF MATTHEW
'A brilliantly twisty drama to curl up with’ HEAT
'Propulsive, with twists and turns I didn’t see coming, yet warm and good-hearted. I enjoyed it SO much' JENNIE GODFREY
‘Warm, witty and wise, this wickedly funny tale of betrayal, infidelity, jealousy and friendship had me gasping with surprise till the very satisfying end' KATHY LETTE
'A hugely enjoyable and totally unpredictable tale of social climbing, curtain-twitching, bed-hopping and scheming. This is Jane Fallon at the top of her game' ERIN KELLY
'Her snappy, clever fiction . . . seems to slip down like a glass of nicely chilled white wine' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
‘Jane Fallon's books never disappoint. She's so good at tapping into the best and the worst in us. Fabulous’ RUTH JONES
'I LOVED it - deliciously twisty, satisfying fun. I'm always so happy when I'm reading Jane Fallon - I can never begin to guess where she's going, but how I adore coming along for the ride!' DAISY BUCHANAN
NO ONE'S SECRETS ARE SAFE...
Kitty thought moving to London would spice up her life. Unfortunately, she ended up on Ashdown Close, where the hottest topic of gossip is a missed bin collection.
That was before the arrival of Sian and Rich at number 8. They are cool and glamorous, and Kitty is perfectly willing to be dazzled by their company.
But when she spots a mysterious woman furtively leaving their house, she realises they might not be the magnetic couple she thought. Aided and abetted by best friend Grace, Kitty feels she needs to investigate.
Do Sian and Richard really have something to hide, or are Kitty and Grace just being nosy neighbours?
And if they are, perhaps they are not the only ones.
Because on this street’s nobody’s business might just turn out to be everybody’s business . . .
PRAISE FOR JANE FALLON
'Gripping, sharp and brilliantly twisty. Deliciously readable. A rollercoaster of revenge' DAILY MAIL
'Witty, smart, topical and full of heart. the sun-lounger smash of the summer' TAMMY COHEN
'Impossible to put down. Fabulous characters and a story that just will not let you go!' RUTH JONES
'Jane Fallon's wry observation and razor-sharp wit in this unputdownable page-turner will grab you from the first page and the action races along at breakneck speed' SUNDAY EXPRESS
'Witty, funny, beautifully written and dotted with life's truths like sprinkles on a birthday cake' CATHY KELLY
'Sharply observed, wickedly funny, with real depths of emotion too. Absolutely unputdownable' MILLY JOHNSON
'A brilliantly twisty drama to curl up with’ HEAT
'Propulsive, with twists and turns I didn’t see coming, yet warm and good-hearted. I enjoyed it SO much' JENNIE GODFREY
‘Warm, witty and wise, this wickedly funny tale of betrayal, infidelity, jealousy and friendship had me gasping with surprise till the very satisfying end' KATHY LETTE
'A hugely enjoyable and totally unpredictable tale of social climbing, curtain-twitching, bed-hopping and scheming. This is Jane Fallon at the top of her game' ERIN KELLY
'Her snappy, clever fiction . . . seems to slip down like a glass of nicely chilled white wine' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
‘Jane Fallon's books never disappoint. She's so good at tapping into the best and the worst in us. Fabulous’ RUTH JONES
'I LOVED it - deliciously twisty, satisfying fun. I'm always so happy when I'm reading Jane Fallon - I can never begin to guess where she's going, but how I adore coming along for the ride!' DAISY BUCHANAN
NO ONE'S SECRETS ARE SAFE...
Kitty thought moving to London would spice up her life. Unfortunately, she ended up on Ashdown Close, where the hottest topic of gossip is a missed bin collection.
That was before the arrival of Sian and Rich at number 8. They are cool and glamorous, and Kitty is perfectly willing to be dazzled by their company.
But when she spots a mysterious woman furtively leaving their house, she realises they might not be the magnetic couple she thought. Aided and abetted by best friend Grace, Kitty feels she needs to investigate.
Do Sian and Richard really have something to hide, or are Kitty and Grace just being nosy neighbours?
And if they are, perhaps they are not the only ones.
Because on this street’s nobody’s business might just turn out to be everybody’s business . . .
PRAISE FOR JANE FALLON
'Gripping, sharp and brilliantly twisty. Deliciously readable. A rollercoaster of revenge' DAILY MAIL
'Witty, smart, topical and full of heart. the sun-lounger smash of the summer' TAMMY COHEN
'Impossible to put down. Fabulous characters and a story that just will not let you go!' RUTH JONES
'Jane Fallon's wry observation and razor-sharp wit in this unputdownable page-turner will grab you from the first page and the action races along at breakneck speed' SUNDAY EXPRESS
'Witty, funny, beautifully written and dotted with life's truths like sprinkles on a birthday cake' CATHY KELLY
'Sharply observed, wickedly funny, with real depths of emotion too. Absolutely unputdownable' MILLY JOHNSON
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2026
110 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Jane Fallon
23 books1,519 followersJane Fallon is an English producer and novelist, most famous for her work on popular series Teachers, 20 Things To Do Before You're 30, Eastenders and This Life. She is author of ten novels on the Sunday Times Bestseller List — Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge, Faking Friends, Tell Me A Secret, and Queen Bee. In 2011, Foursome was nominated for the Melissa Nathan Award for Romantic Comedy Fiction, and in 2018, Faking Friends was nominated in the popular fiction category of the National Book Awards and in 2019 was long listed for the Comedy Women In Print prize.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 8, 2026
A fun and quirky novel. I liked all the characters and the way the story unraveled. Wasn’t sure where it was going in the end but the ending was resolved nicely. Grace was one of my faves! I read this in a day because the writing is just so easy to demolish. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc
October 26, 2025
*ARC read*
This was such a fun book! I love everything Jane writes and this was no exception.
This was a well-paced, intriguing story, I really liked all of the characters, and appreciated how rational they seemed to be. All of the twists felt well supported and like they made sense.
It would have been easy for this to tip into something much darker or much more frivolous, but it struck a happy medium and it worked.
This was such a fun book! I love everything Jane writes and this was no exception.
This was a well-paced, intriguing story, I really liked all of the characters, and appreciated how rational they seemed to be. All of the twists felt well supported and like they made sense.
It would have been easy for this to tip into something much darker or much more frivolous, but it struck a happy medium and it worked.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked up Welcome to the Neighbourhood by Jane Fallon with real anticipation, mainly because it had been a while since I’d last read one of her books, and I remembered enjoying her easy, readable style. This felt like the sort of story I’d normally fall into quite happily, so I was surprised by how underwhelmed I felt for much of the reading experience.
From quite early on, I struggled to connect with Kitty, which made everything else harder work than it needed to be. I never found her particularly likeable, but more than that, I just couldn’t feel anything for her. She blows up her life with Geth in pursuit of this supposedly exciting new London chapter, yet once she’s there, she seems reluctant to actually live it. Her lack of interest in going out or engaging with her new surroundings left me feeling frustrated rather than invested, as though I was watching someone complain about a life they’d actively chosen.
Her relationships with the other characters didn’t help either. I found her treatment of Grace quite unpleasant, without really understanding why, and her sudden attachment to Sian felt oddly forced. The idea that Sian becomes this essential new friend simply because Kitty spots her through a window didn’t ring true for me, and I kept feeling as though I’d missed a step in the emotional logic of that friendship.
The storyline itself felt surprisingly tame. Kitty becomes highly agitated after seeing someone sneak out of the house next door, but her reaction seemed completely over the top, given what she actually witnesses. Instead of building tension, it left me questioning her judgment and made it difficult to take the mystery seriously. Sian’s behaviour, too, often didn’t make much sense to me, and as the book went on, I found the pacing increasingly sluggish.
That said, it wasn’t a complete write-off. There was a stretch around the middle where the story finally picked up, and for a short while, I did feel properly absorbed. There was even one evening when I kept reading when I really should have gone to sleep, which reminded me of the kind of grip I’d been expecting from the start.
The ending was satisfactory and did a decent job of tying up most of the loose ends. By then, though, I think my overall disappointment had already settled in. I finished the book feeling that it never quite lived up to its premise, and while it wasn’t terrible, it left very little lasting impression on me. A bit lacklustre overall, and not the return to Jane Fallon I’d been hoping for, even though I’ll probably still give her next book a chance.
From quite early on, I struggled to connect with Kitty, which made everything else harder work than it needed to be. I never found her particularly likeable, but more than that, I just couldn’t feel anything for her. She blows up her life with Geth in pursuit of this supposedly exciting new London chapter, yet once she’s there, she seems reluctant to actually live it. Her lack of interest in going out or engaging with her new surroundings left me feeling frustrated rather than invested, as though I was watching someone complain about a life they’d actively chosen.
Her relationships with the other characters didn’t help either. I found her treatment of Grace quite unpleasant, without really understanding why, and her sudden attachment to Sian felt oddly forced. The idea that Sian becomes this essential new friend simply because Kitty spots her through a window didn’t ring true for me, and I kept feeling as though I’d missed a step in the emotional logic of that friendship.
The storyline itself felt surprisingly tame. Kitty becomes highly agitated after seeing someone sneak out of the house next door, but her reaction seemed completely over the top, given what she actually witnesses. Instead of building tension, it left me questioning her judgment and made it difficult to take the mystery seriously. Sian’s behaviour, too, often didn’t make much sense to me, and as the book went on, I found the pacing increasingly sluggish.
That said, it wasn’t a complete write-off. There was a stretch around the middle where the story finally picked up, and for a short while, I did feel properly absorbed. There was even one evening when I kept reading when I really should have gone to sleep, which reminded me of the kind of grip I’d been expecting from the start.
The ending was satisfactory and did a decent job of tying up most of the loose ends. By then, though, I think my overall disappointment had already settled in. I finished the book feeling that it never quite lived up to its premise, and while it wasn’t terrible, it left very little lasting impression on me. A bit lacklustre overall, and not the return to Jane Fallon I’d been hoping for, even though I’ll probably still give her next book a chance.
November 30, 2025
2.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Jane's books so much. But this felt like a completely different angle to the other one's I've read. But where it is similar is in the fabulous writing and storytelling and character creation.
One thing I love about her books is that the characters aren't perfect. A lot of books make their protagonists to be perfect, a bit twee, where everything goes well for them. But very few people are like that in real life. Jane has written some very good characters and some very bad characters (in terms of who they are, not in terms of the writing ability), and even the good ones are ugly at times and I enjoyed that. Having said that, even though they were well written, I found I didn't really care about the characters. It's not that I didn't like them as such, but I found it difficult to connect with any of them. What didn't help is I didn't like the main character Kitty. She was playing the victim but I found most of her issues were of her own doing and so I just found her irritating.
The start is obviously introducing our characters to give us something to invest in. And then about halfway it gets more into that psychological thriller, so I definitely got more into it then, I just wish it had started a little earlier.
I think one thing I'd have liked is for it to have been darker or lighter. I love a dark, morbid book, but I also love a fun, frivolous read. This felt like it was straddling both and was neither one thing nor another.
It started off slow and I did keep checking how far into it I was because it seemed like I wasn't getting anywhere. But it definitely did improve and the pace picked up and I found it more engaging. Perhaps if it was a little bit shorter then the pacing might have worked, but it felt like it dragged somewhat.
I also found the ending a bit...perfect, I suppose is the word. The story itself and the characters are a bit haphazard and a bit mad, and the ending was a bit too neat for me, which felt at odds with the rest of the book.
I didn't like it quite as much as her other ones. I did like it, I did, it's well written and fun, but there was something about it, something I can't quite define, which meant I struggled to lose myself in it. I would still recommend it because I've seen other reviews giving it raving 5-star reads so I think it'll split the crowd. The story is interesting, the pacing a bit off, the characters a bit bland and the ending too twee; and I hate saying anything negative about her work because generally it's brilliant. But it won't in any way stop me from reading her future books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Jane's books so much. But this felt like a completely different angle to the other one's I've read. But where it is similar is in the fabulous writing and storytelling and character creation.
One thing I love about her books is that the characters aren't perfect. A lot of books make their protagonists to be perfect, a bit twee, where everything goes well for them. But very few people are like that in real life. Jane has written some very good characters and some very bad characters (in terms of who they are, not in terms of the writing ability), and even the good ones are ugly at times and I enjoyed that. Having said that, even though they were well written, I found I didn't really care about the characters. It's not that I didn't like them as such, but I found it difficult to connect with any of them. What didn't help is I didn't like the main character Kitty. She was playing the victim but I found most of her issues were of her own doing and so I just found her irritating.
The start is obviously introducing our characters to give us something to invest in. And then about halfway it gets more into that psychological thriller, so I definitely got more into it then, I just wish it had started a little earlier.
I think one thing I'd have liked is for it to have been darker or lighter. I love a dark, morbid book, but I also love a fun, frivolous read. This felt like it was straddling both and was neither one thing nor another.
It started off slow and I did keep checking how far into it I was because it seemed like I wasn't getting anywhere. But it definitely did improve and the pace picked up and I found it more engaging. Perhaps if it was a little bit shorter then the pacing might have worked, but it felt like it dragged somewhat.
I also found the ending a bit...perfect, I suppose is the word. The story itself and the characters are a bit haphazard and a bit mad, and the ending was a bit too neat for me, which felt at odds with the rest of the book.
I didn't like it quite as much as her other ones. I did like it, I did, it's well written and fun, but there was something about it, something I can't quite define, which meant I struggled to lose myself in it. I would still recommend it because I've seen other reviews giving it raving 5-star reads so I think it'll split the crowd. The story is interesting, the pacing a bit off, the characters a bit bland and the ending too twee; and I hate saying anything negative about her work because generally it's brilliant. But it won't in any way stop me from reading her future books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jane Fallon’s writing is brilliant. I love her books and always look forward to the next one so was delighted to be approved for an advanced copy of Welcome to the Neighbourhood.
The story centres around the residents of Ashdown Close, a quiet London street where the biggest drama used to be which day do the bins go out! But not anymore!
The main characters are the very insecure Kitty, her best friend Grace and the new neighbours Sian and Richard. Sian and Richard's arrival shakes up the neighbourhood! Ever inquisitive, Kitty, cannot help but peek behind her curtains, keeping a watchful eye! And Kitty is obsessed with Sian and Richard because she sees them as glamorous and exciting, and the neighbours she has always hoped for. Kitty is very envious of them and their lifestyle. But this is when the story really begins to twist and turn.
From this point on, hidden truths and secrets surface and the revelations took me completely by surprise. There were parts of the book that left me utterly speechless. I could not believe the twists that were unfolding. Some parts were so astonishing, I had to read them twice! Absolutely brilliant! I loved the WhatsApp inclusion in the book - so many neighbourhoods have WhatsApp groups now but not everyone likes them. We live in a completely different world now and WhatsApp groups are not for everyone. They risk being overwhelming, creating a toxic environment and everyday niggles can spiral into something bigger.
This is such an entertaining, amusing and thoroughly enjoyable read, with fun characters, a storyline full of surprises, drama, secrets and gossip! Every neighbourhood harbours its secrets, its friendships, and its dramas, just like Ashdown Close! But is it worth being curious? Should you not just close the curtains and get on with your own life? We all have our own story and surely it is for us to decide if we share it and if so when and with whom.
I found this to be a completely different style to her other books but it was an engaging and entertaining read.
Thank you very much to Michael Joseph Books and Penguin Random House for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
The story centres around the residents of Ashdown Close, a quiet London street where the biggest drama used to be which day do the bins go out! But not anymore!
The main characters are the very insecure Kitty, her best friend Grace and the new neighbours Sian and Richard. Sian and Richard's arrival shakes up the neighbourhood! Ever inquisitive, Kitty, cannot help but peek behind her curtains, keeping a watchful eye! And Kitty is obsessed with Sian and Richard because she sees them as glamorous and exciting, and the neighbours she has always hoped for. Kitty is very envious of them and their lifestyle. But this is when the story really begins to twist and turn.
From this point on, hidden truths and secrets surface and the revelations took me completely by surprise. There were parts of the book that left me utterly speechless. I could not believe the twists that were unfolding. Some parts were so astonishing, I had to read them twice! Absolutely brilliant! I loved the WhatsApp inclusion in the book - so many neighbourhoods have WhatsApp groups now but not everyone likes them. We live in a completely different world now and WhatsApp groups are not for everyone. They risk being overwhelming, creating a toxic environment and everyday niggles can spiral into something bigger.
This is such an entertaining, amusing and thoroughly enjoyable read, with fun characters, a storyline full of surprises, drama, secrets and gossip! Every neighbourhood harbours its secrets, its friendships, and its dramas, just like Ashdown Close! But is it worth being curious? Should you not just close the curtains and get on with your own life? We all have our own story and surely it is for us to decide if we share it and if so when and with whom.
I found this to be a completely different style to her other books but it was an engaging and entertaining read.
Thank you very much to Michael Joseph Books and Penguin Random House for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
October 29, 2025
4* Ugh, a captivating read, but I couldn't engage with any character or feel for them. Well, maybe Grace.
This isn't my usual read, but I was strangely drawn into it. Probably because it's British, set in suburbia not a million miles away from me in N London, with people that for the most felt real. Not nasty-nasty, but occasionally busybodies, occasionally half-decent neighbours, and sadly, sociopaths amongst us.
I wasn't sure I bought the immediate gelling between Kitty and the villainess of the tale. And I hated how she treated Grace, her last-ditch friend. Tbh, that was actually quite a sad bit of the tale when I think about how kind Grace was, and that she let herself be used by Kitty so much. Kitty was definitely a user, and a selfish cow. The guy she had a fling with had to be in desperate need of a visit to Specsavers to end up with her.
Parts of the tale felt a bit incestuous, tbh, and it almost felt like Specsavers-guy was getting his own back on his wife, because of a brief fling she'd had, that he'd supposedly forgiven her for. Parts were ugly. Parts were fun, especially the WhatsApp messages from the Mrs Bucket-type character, who, it turned out, had cojones and used them!! Good on her. It was sweet to see a couple of oldies get together.
Whilst I had to totally suspend disbelief at the ending, boy was it satisfying. And sad and painful for the villainess's soon-to-be ex, in-laws, and no doubt, kid, when he heard. Grace came out of top, deservedly so. Kitty's fate was far too generous for the person she was revealed to be. The side story of her mum's dementia and Kitty's escape from Wales, leaving her admittedly absent siblings to do their part, kind of should've clued me in about her character. If I'd been Grace, I'd have told her where to go. That lady had backbone and cojones, too, and fully deserved her upcoming HEA.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Penguin Books for my reading pleasure.
This isn't my usual read, but I was strangely drawn into it. Probably because it's British, set in suburbia not a million miles away from me in N London, with people that for the most felt real. Not nasty-nasty, but occasionally busybodies, occasionally half-decent neighbours, and sadly, sociopaths amongst us.
I wasn't sure I bought the immediate gelling between Kitty and the villainess of the tale. And I hated how she treated Grace, her last-ditch friend. Tbh, that was actually quite a sad bit of the tale when I think about how kind Grace was, and that she let herself be used by Kitty so much. Kitty was definitely a user, and a selfish cow. The guy she had a fling with had to be in desperate need of a visit to Specsavers to end up with her.
Parts of the tale felt a bit incestuous, tbh, and it almost felt like Specsavers-guy was getting his own back on his wife, because of a brief fling she'd had, that he'd supposedly forgiven her for. Parts were ugly. Parts were fun, especially the WhatsApp messages from the Mrs Bucket-type character, who, it turned out, had cojones and used them!! Good on her. It was sweet to see a couple of oldies get together.
Whilst I had to totally suspend disbelief at the ending, boy was it satisfying. And sad and painful for the villainess's soon-to-be ex, in-laws, and no doubt, kid, when he heard. Grace came out of top, deservedly so. Kitty's fate was far too generous for the person she was revealed to be. The side story of her mum's dementia and Kitty's escape from Wales, leaving her admittedly absent siblings to do their part, kind of should've clued me in about her character. If I'd been Grace, I'd have told her where to go. That lady had backbone and cojones, too, and fully deserved her upcoming HEA.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Penguin Books for my reading pleasure.
January 6, 2026
Thank you Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House | Penguin and NetGalley for this ARC, out Jan 15th.
This was my first book by Jane Fallon, and what a read it was.
The story moves at a slightly slower pace and is told in two parts. The first focuses on introducing the main characters, Kitty and Grace - two friends who don’t so much adore each other as tolerate each other. Both are divorced, both trying to move on, and both are carrying unresolved baggage. When a glamorous new couple moves in next door to Kitty, she becomes increasingly enticed by their fabulous lifestyle, and from there the cracks begin to show.
What really worked for me was the character build-up and the growing tension between Kitty and Grace. Fallon does an excellent job of showing how people see only what they want to see, how personal agendas shape perception, and how easily we convince ourselves we’re right. The story is packed with twists and turns that kept me constantly reassessing what - and who - to believe.
My only small gripe is that I worked out who the “bad guy” was fairly early on, even if I didn’t yet understand the motivation. That said, it didn’t spoil the reading experience at all. I couldn’t put this book down and found myself reading like a detective, constantly hunting for clues. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, another twist landed. The only other minor issue for me was visualising the layout of the neighbourhood - a map would have helped - though that’s very much down to my own lack of housing imagination rather than the writing itself.
This is a sharp, clever exploration of human emotions, wants, and needs - and how easily we deceive ourselves in the process.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Smart, addictive, and deeply satisfying. I’ll definitely be reading more Jane Fallon.
This was my first book by Jane Fallon, and what a read it was.
The story moves at a slightly slower pace and is told in two parts. The first focuses on introducing the main characters, Kitty and Grace - two friends who don’t so much adore each other as tolerate each other. Both are divorced, both trying to move on, and both are carrying unresolved baggage. When a glamorous new couple moves in next door to Kitty, she becomes increasingly enticed by their fabulous lifestyle, and from there the cracks begin to show.
What really worked for me was the character build-up and the growing tension between Kitty and Grace. Fallon does an excellent job of showing how people see only what they want to see, how personal agendas shape perception, and how easily we convince ourselves we’re right. The story is packed with twists and turns that kept me constantly reassessing what - and who - to believe.
My only small gripe is that I worked out who the “bad guy” was fairly early on, even if I didn’t yet understand the motivation. That said, it didn’t spoil the reading experience at all. I couldn’t put this book down and found myself reading like a detective, constantly hunting for clues. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, another twist landed. The only other minor issue for me was visualising the layout of the neighbourhood - a map would have helped - though that’s very much down to my own lack of housing imagination rather than the writing itself.
This is a sharp, clever exploration of human emotions, wants, and needs - and how easily we deceive ourselves in the process.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Smart, addictive, and deeply satisfying. I’ll definitely be reading more Jane Fallon.
October 19, 2025
Kitty, desperate to spice up her life, moves to Ashdown Close in London. Unfortunately she ended up on a street where the hottest topic is the missed bin collection. That is until new couple Sian and Rich move in next door. They are the cool, glamorous friends Kitty needs but when she spots a mysterious woman sneaking out of their home one night, she realises they may not be the perfect couple she first thought.
I have read a few Jane Fallon books and have really enjoyed them all. She is the master of a great, classic revenge drama and although this seemed slightly different from the usual read, it was still full of the author’s usual wit and humour. The author does a great job at creating characters with depth and flaws, some unlikeable and others that really grew on me over time. I couldn’t help but swept up in their lives and dramas, I will be left thinking about them. I also loved that the dialogue and relationships between them felt fresh and authentic.
I enjoyed the added WhatsApp messages, finding these entertaining and trying to work out the mystery element. This started strongly, however it dipped a bit in the middle, but picked up again soon after, and I was hooked until the final chapter. The story is full of heart and emotion, while still having plenty of twists and turns. Overall I found this a great read and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I have to say I also like the cover! 4.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I have read a few Jane Fallon books and have really enjoyed them all. She is the master of a great, classic revenge drama and although this seemed slightly different from the usual read, it was still full of the author’s usual wit and humour. The author does a great job at creating characters with depth and flaws, some unlikeable and others that really grew on me over time. I couldn’t help but swept up in their lives and dramas, I will be left thinking about them. I also loved that the dialogue and relationships between them felt fresh and authentic.
I enjoyed the added WhatsApp messages, finding these entertaining and trying to work out the mystery element. This started strongly, however it dipped a bit in the middle, but picked up again soon after, and I was hooked until the final chapter. The story is full of heart and emotion, while still having plenty of twists and turns. Overall I found this a great read and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I have to say I also like the cover! 4.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
October 30, 2025
No one’s secrets are safe…
This book started off quite slowly for me, and I’ll admit I wasn’t sure I’d stick with it at first. The setup — Kitty moving to London in search of excitement, only to land on a street where gossip about bin collections is the main entertainment — had promise, but it took a long time to find its rhythm.
I also struggled to warm to Kitty. Her attitude toward her friend Grace, whom she clearly saw as “beneath” her new London lifestyle, made it difficult to root for her early on. It’s hard to stay invested in a story when the main character grates a bit, and that definitely affected my reading experience.
That said, things picked up around the halfway point. Once the secrets on Ashdown Close began to unravel, the pace and intrigue improved significantly, and I started to enjoy the story more. The last half had more of the sharpness and humour I usually associate with Fallon’s writing, and it reminded me why I wanted to read it in the first place.
My main issue was with the ending — it felt a little too tidy, as though the fallout from everyone’s actions was conveniently brushed aside. Given the scale of some of the drama, I didn’t find that entirely believable.
Overall, this was a mixed read for me: a slow start, an engaging middle, and an ending that left me slightly unsatisfied. Still, it had moments of wit and insight that kept me turning the pages once it found its stride.
This book started off quite slowly for me, and I’ll admit I wasn’t sure I’d stick with it at first. The setup — Kitty moving to London in search of excitement, only to land on a street where gossip about bin collections is the main entertainment — had promise, but it took a long time to find its rhythm.
I also struggled to warm to Kitty. Her attitude toward her friend Grace, whom she clearly saw as “beneath” her new London lifestyle, made it difficult to root for her early on. It’s hard to stay invested in a story when the main character grates a bit, and that definitely affected my reading experience.
That said, things picked up around the halfway point. Once the secrets on Ashdown Close began to unravel, the pace and intrigue improved significantly, and I started to enjoy the story more. The last half had more of the sharpness and humour I usually associate with Fallon’s writing, and it reminded me why I wanted to read it in the first place.
My main issue was with the ending — it felt a little too tidy, as though the fallout from everyone’s actions was conveniently brushed aside. Given the scale of some of the drama, I didn’t find that entirely believable.
Overall, this was a mixed read for me: a slow start, an engaging middle, and an ending that left me slightly unsatisfied. Still, it had moments of wit and insight that kept me turning the pages once it found its stride.
November 10, 2025
Jane Fallon’s books are normally quick and enjoyable reads with interesting characters so I was pleased to get hold of a copy of her latest.
Kitty moves into Ashdown Close after walking out on her longtime relationship with Geth. However her new life in London does not go as planned and she feels isolated and lonely, her only friend being Grace, who drives her mad most of the time.
When she starts to become friendly with her next door neighbours Sian and Rich, things start to look up and Kitty gradually becomes closer to Sian. However when she sees something she shouldn’t and eventually comes clean with Sian about what she has seen things become complicated and she is drawn into a situation that can only end in tears.
Although the premise of the story was good and it was an easy read, I just did not warm to any of the characters. Some of the interactions between the main protagonists did not ring true and even Kitty the person who is at the centre of the plot is annoying, particularly in her dealings with others. I’m surprised Grace is still speaking to her by the end of the book. And as for Lottie, she is obviously a very forgiving sort of person.
I found the ending itself rather trite although it did tie up most of the loose ends. All in all it was an okay read but I preferred some of the authors other books which I recommend you read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Kitty moves into Ashdown Close after walking out on her longtime relationship with Geth. However her new life in London does not go as planned and she feels isolated and lonely, her only friend being Grace, who drives her mad most of the time.
When she starts to become friendly with her next door neighbours Sian and Rich, things start to look up and Kitty gradually becomes closer to Sian. However when she sees something she shouldn’t and eventually comes clean with Sian about what she has seen things become complicated and she is drawn into a situation that can only end in tears.
Although the premise of the story was good and it was an easy read, I just did not warm to any of the characters. Some of the interactions between the main protagonists did not ring true and even Kitty the person who is at the centre of the plot is annoying, particularly in her dealings with others. I’m surprised Grace is still speaking to her by the end of the book. And as for Lottie, she is obviously a very forgiving sort of person.
I found the ending itself rather trite although it did tie up most of the loose ends. All in all it was an okay read but I preferred some of the authors other books which I recommend you read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this story! To be fair I’ve loved all of Jane Fallon’s books, so it’s not a massive surprise that I enjoyed this one so much. Jane seems to have a knack of writing brilliant characters and really makes me laugh with how accurate her quips are and this, for me, makes her characters really relatable.
The story is based in Ashdown Close, a quiet street in a quiet part of London, where nothing exciting ever happens. Kitty, however, is looking for some excitement, which is why she moved to London! She has one friend, Grace, who is slightly dull but reliable, so Kitty is feeling slightly discontent with her lot. When Sian and Rich move in next door they bring with them some much needed excitement, and Kitty gets swept away in it, but just how much excitement and drama can Kitty actually handle?!
To tell you anything else about the storyline would give away the twists. The story itself focuses on friendship and how what you think you want, isn’t always what you actually need. There are plenty of surprises, it’s got humour, it’s got heart and the ending made me smile.
Fabulously written and brilliantly entertaining, I thoroughly recommend this book! Out 15th Jan 2026.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I absolutely loved this story! To be fair I’ve loved all of Jane Fallon’s books, so it’s not a massive surprise that I enjoyed this one so much. Jane seems to have a knack of writing brilliant characters and really makes me laugh with how accurate her quips are and this, for me, makes her characters really relatable.
The story is based in Ashdown Close, a quiet street in a quiet part of London, where nothing exciting ever happens. Kitty, however, is looking for some excitement, which is why she moved to London! She has one friend, Grace, who is slightly dull but reliable, so Kitty is feeling slightly discontent with her lot. When Sian and Rich move in next door they bring with them some much needed excitement, and Kitty gets swept away in it, but just how much excitement and drama can Kitty actually handle?!
To tell you anything else about the storyline would give away the twists. The story itself focuses on friendship and how what you think you want, isn’t always what you actually need. There are plenty of surprises, it’s got humour, it’s got heart and the ending made me smile.
Fabulously written and brilliantly entertaining, I thoroughly recommend this book! Out 15th Jan 2026.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
October 21, 2025
Welcome to the Neighbourhood is a darkly comic and sharply observed novel that peels back the polished veneer of suburban life to reveal the envy, intrigue, and quiet chaos simmering beneath. Jane Fallon, known for her clever takes on modern relationships, delivers another addictive read that’s equal parts witty and unsettling.
Kitty moves to Ashdown Close hoping for a fresh start, but instead finds herself in a cul-de-sac of gossip, bin-day politics, and suspiciously perfect neighbours. Enter Sian and Rich—glamorous, magnetic, and just a little too polished. When Kitty spots a mysterious woman sneaking out of their house, curiosity turns into obsession, and she enlists her best friend Grace to help uncover the truth.
Fallon’s writing sparkles with dry humour and emotional insight. The twists are subtle but satisfying, and the characters—flawed, funny, and fiercely human—make the story feel both relatable and riveting. It’s a novel that reminds us: in the right neighbourhood, nobody’s business might just be everybody’s.
Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a bite, Welcome to the Neighbourhood is a page-turner that’s as smart as it is entertaining.
with thanks to Jane Fallon, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Kitty moves to Ashdown Close hoping for a fresh start, but instead finds herself in a cul-de-sac of gossip, bin-day politics, and suspiciously perfect neighbours. Enter Sian and Rich—glamorous, magnetic, and just a little too polished. When Kitty spots a mysterious woman sneaking out of their house, curiosity turns into obsession, and she enlists her best friend Grace to help uncover the truth.
Fallon’s writing sparkles with dry humour and emotional insight. The twists are subtle but satisfying, and the characters—flawed, funny, and fiercely human—make the story feel both relatable and riveting. It’s a novel that reminds us: in the right neighbourhood, nobody’s business might just be everybody’s.
Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a bite, Welcome to the Neighbourhood is a page-turner that’s as smart as it is entertaining.
with thanks to Jane Fallon, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
December 19, 2025
Welcome To The Neighbourhood is another great read by Jane Fallon.
Ashdown Close, a quiet London street until Sian and Rich move into number 8. Kitty is single and finds life boring on this quiet street and hopes the new arrival next door will bring some fun and friendship with it. Kitty loves a quiet life with only one real friend, Grace, who likes too talk! Kitty gets to know Sian well and gets to meet her friends but one afternoon looking out of her bedroom window she sees a woman sneaking out of the back of next doors house just as Sian arrives home. What is she going to do? Maybe Rich isn’t quite the nice bloke she thought he was? Along with Grace she gets involved in something she never saw coming and changes her life.
This was a really good read with well developed characters, the storyline was solid with a few twists to keep it interesting. The pace was good all the way through. The author makes it feel like you’re there amongst the neighbours and maybe this is happening on my road!!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Ashdown Close, a quiet London street until Sian and Rich move into number 8. Kitty is single and finds life boring on this quiet street and hopes the new arrival next door will bring some fun and friendship with it. Kitty loves a quiet life with only one real friend, Grace, who likes too talk! Kitty gets to know Sian well and gets to meet her friends but one afternoon looking out of her bedroom window she sees a woman sneaking out of the back of next doors house just as Sian arrives home. What is she going to do? Maybe Rich isn’t quite the nice bloke she thought he was? Along with Grace she gets involved in something she never saw coming and changes her life.
This was a really good read with well developed characters, the storyline was solid with a few twists to keep it interesting. The pace was good all the way through. The author makes it feel like you’re there amongst the neighbours and maybe this is happening on my road!!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so happy to see Jane Fallon has a new book out in 2026 and was pleased to be approved for a NetGalley early copy.
This had me laughing and gasping in shock in equal measures. I love this revenge genre and how Jane’s characters are a little older (more my age) and have flaws. Sometime I like the characters and sometimes I don’t, but it still makes for a good read.
Kitty is the main character and it’s mostly her POV. She gets new neighbours and finally makes some new friends or so she thinks. She spots a woman leaving her neighbours house and she struggles with whether or not she should let her new friend, Sian know. Her annoying (but very likeable) and very moral BFF reckons she should definitely break the news her husband is having an affair. Things become blurred once everything isn’t as it seems.
Having read all but one of Jane’s books I do feel I know her style and therefore did find it a bit predictable at times, but that could also be because I am not a very trusting person!!
This book is well written and is very clever and witty. By the end I was really rooting for Kitty and (mostly) Grace. I already cat wait for the next book!
This had me laughing and gasping in shock in equal measures. I love this revenge genre and how Jane’s characters are a little older (more my age) and have flaws. Sometime I like the characters and sometimes I don’t, but it still makes for a good read.
Kitty is the main character and it’s mostly her POV. She gets new neighbours and finally makes some new friends or so she thinks. She spots a woman leaving her neighbours house and she struggles with whether or not she should let her new friend, Sian know. Her annoying (but very likeable) and very moral BFF reckons she should definitely break the news her husband is having an affair. Things become blurred once everything isn’t as it seems.
Having read all but one of Jane’s books I do feel I know her style and therefore did find it a bit predictable at times, but that could also be because I am not a very trusting person!!
This book is well written and is very clever and witty. By the end I was really rooting for Kitty and (mostly) Grace. I already cat wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another five-star read from Jane Fallon. It's the perfect book about friendships, life, and how things are not always as they seem. What starts off as a story about Kitty and her mundane and predictable life - boring job, clingy friend Grace, living in a street where everyone is keen to know each other's business - ends up as something quite unexpected and different.
When new neighbours Sian and Rich move in next door, all of a sudden Kitty meets their friends and has new companions and a fun social circle which makes her question some of things in her life. She is happily enjoying the exciting new neighbours until she finds out something about the couple, and things take a turn with everything getting turned inside out and upside down plus a twist that was a real surprise.
It's a lovely tale about knowing who your friends really are and watching out for those who may not have your best intentions at heart.
The characters are all relatable and some more likeable than others but there certainly some quirky personalities and a story that will keep you guessing and is full of laughs, tears and heartbreak.
When new neighbours Sian and Rich move in next door, all of a sudden Kitty meets their friends and has new companions and a fun social circle which makes her question some of things in her life. She is happily enjoying the exciting new neighbours until she finds out something about the couple, and things take a turn with everything getting turned inside out and upside down plus a twist that was a real surprise.
It's a lovely tale about knowing who your friends really are and watching out for those who may not have your best intentions at heart.
The characters are all relatable and some more likeable than others but there certainly some quirky personalities and a story that will keep you guessing and is full of laughs, tears and heartbreak.
November 13, 2025
I do love a Jane Fallon book. They usually follow a woman scorned, followed by some juicy revenge, and this book was true to form.
I started off liking Kitty, who had moved to a new neighborhood after a break-up. She soon gets to know her new next door neighbours and they get on like a house on fire. Then she spots a friend of the couple sneakily leaving their house. What is going on? Rather than just leaving it, as i would, she has to stick her nosey beak in and brings in her annoying friend Grace in to help.
Things just spiral from then on and I got completely lost in who said what to who and why.
The story twists and turns like you would not believe and I went from liking Kitty to disliking her immensely. Grace grew on me a bit. As for Sian (the neighbour) she was just horrible. I still have no idea why she did the things she did. Just a terrible human, i suppose. I'm giving this 3.5 but rounding up to 4 because maybe getting confused by the plot was down to me?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
I started off liking Kitty, who had moved to a new neighborhood after a break-up. She soon gets to know her new next door neighbours and they get on like a house on fire. Then she spots a friend of the couple sneakily leaving their house. What is going on? Rather than just leaving it, as i would, she has to stick her nosey beak in and brings in her annoying friend Grace in to help.
Things just spiral from then on and I got completely lost in who said what to who and why.
The story twists and turns like you would not believe and I went from liking Kitty to disliking her immensely. Grace grew on me a bit. As for Sian (the neighbour) she was just horrible. I still have no idea why she did the things she did. Just a terrible human, i suppose. I'm giving this 3.5 but rounding up to 4 because maybe getting confused by the plot was down to me?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
January 16, 2026
How well do you know your neighbours? Ashdown Close has some new arrivals...
I always look forward to a new Jane Fallon and wow this was a good one!
Sian and Rich move into Ashdown Close and existing resident Kitty is keen to make some new friends. She has her best friend Grace, but feels she needs a new addition to her circle of friends.
A welcome addition or an error of judgement?
Sian and Rich also bring with them their friends, Andrew and Lottie and together they all become entangled in a very addictive story.
In true Jane Fallon style, there are twists and turns you don't expect and just when you think you've worked it out, you're wrong, in the best possible way!
This is an addictive read you won't be able to put down. You'll have favourite characters and those that drive you mad! There is a great mix of moral dilemmas, humour and heart, a combination I love in books. There are also some great laugh out loud moments from Kitty recounting tales from her Customer Complaints job!
Add this to your TBR or get stuck in straight away, you won't be disappointed!
I always look forward to a new Jane Fallon and wow this was a good one!
Sian and Rich move into Ashdown Close and existing resident Kitty is keen to make some new friends. She has her best friend Grace, but feels she needs a new addition to her circle of friends.
A welcome addition or an error of judgement?
Sian and Rich also bring with them their friends, Andrew and Lottie and together they all become entangled in a very addictive story.
In true Jane Fallon style, there are twists and turns you don't expect and just when you think you've worked it out, you're wrong, in the best possible way!
This is an addictive read you won't be able to put down. You'll have favourite characters and those that drive you mad! There is a great mix of moral dilemmas, humour and heart, a combination I love in books. There are also some great laugh out loud moments from Kitty recounting tales from her Customer Complaints job!
Add this to your TBR or get stuck in straight away, you won't be disappointed!
October 15, 2025
Review of ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’ by Jane Fallon, due to be published on 15 January 2026 by Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House.
Kitty, having separated from her partner, is now living in Ashdown Close, most of her new neighbours are much older, so she’s delighted when Sian and Rich move in, and introduce her to their friends, Andrew and Lottie.
All is not as it seems with the friendship group, with Kitty and her friend Grace becoming involved in uncovering deception, embarking on secret fact finding missions and second guessing each other.
This was a really entertaining read, the situations Kitty finds herself in are amusing, as is her lack of regard for her job and her friendships!
Characters are well developed and well written, and you find that someone you may have felt sorry for one minute, you detest the next. The ending was great, and all got what they deserved. A recommended read.
Kitty, having separated from her partner, is now living in Ashdown Close, most of her new neighbours are much older, so she’s delighted when Sian and Rich move in, and introduce her to their friends, Andrew and Lottie.
All is not as it seems with the friendship group, with Kitty and her friend Grace becoming involved in uncovering deception, embarking on secret fact finding missions and second guessing each other.
This was a really entertaining read, the situations Kitty finds herself in are amusing, as is her lack of regard for her job and her friendships!
Characters are well developed and well written, and you find that someone you may have felt sorry for one minute, you detest the next. The ending was great, and all got what they deserved. A recommended read.
October 16, 2025
I love Jane Fallon’s writing and take on the world, I think I’ve read everything that she’s published. I really enjoyed. Welcome to the Neighbourhood’- the story of 40 year-old Kitty who leaves her marriage and home to find out what else life has to offer. She moves to a London suburb and is delighted when new neighbours move in next door. Sian and Rich are exactly the sort of people she was hoping to meet when she moved to London. They quickly become friends and Kitty becomes part of their social group hanging around with best friends Andrew and Lottie.
Trouble begins when Sian suspects Rich and Lottie are having an affair and ropes Kitty in to help her investigate. Everything becomes more and more complicated with accusations and suspicions flying around the neighbourhood.
For me, it took a little while to get going, but once I was invested, I couldn’t keep away! A definite recommend from me.
Trouble begins when Sian suspects Rich and Lottie are having an affair and ropes Kitty in to help her investigate. Everything becomes more and more complicated with accusations and suspicions flying around the neighbourhood.
For me, it took a little while to get going, but once I was invested, I couldn’t keep away! A definite recommend from me.
November 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Kitty changes her life, and moves to a new house in a new place, and starts a new job. And then she gets new neighbours, who she instantly connects with. That is until she one day sees another woman sneaking out of her neighbours house, and automatically thinks the worst. But she thinks she's a good friend, and wants to help her new friend get justice.
I am not quite sure how I felt about reading this. Some parts were quite humorous and some parts were quite absurd. I didnt really like the character of Kitty, or her new neighbours, but I did like Kitty's long suffering friend Grace. The characters, although many unlikable, are always well written by this author, and have great depths and are always flawed and not at all perfect. The story flowed really well, it just some parts seemed slightly far fetched.
Kitty changes her life, and moves to a new house in a new place, and starts a new job. And then she gets new neighbours, who she instantly connects with. That is until she one day sees another woman sneaking out of her neighbours house, and automatically thinks the worst. But she thinks she's a good friend, and wants to help her new friend get justice.
I am not quite sure how I felt about reading this. Some parts were quite humorous and some parts were quite absurd. I didnt really like the character of Kitty, or her new neighbours, but I did like Kitty's long suffering friend Grace. The characters, although many unlikable, are always well written by this author, and have great depths and are always flawed and not at all perfect. The story flowed really well, it just some parts seemed slightly far fetched.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the UK publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really great time with this book. I had heard good things about some of Fallon's other books, and this first foray into her work has encouraged me to go and read some more of her back list.
I think it's important to not go into this thinking it will be a dark thriller. It is more of a fun suburban drama. The stakes are much lower, but there is still tension developed between the characters relationships, and you are never sure who you can trust.
Plenty of twists and turns, most of which surprised me. A character, which by the end you love to hate. Some you really love cheering on. And it all ended perfectly and satisfyingly too. There was also a good deal of humour sprinkled throughout, too. The perfect tone for this novel.
I had a really great time with this book. I had heard good things about some of Fallon's other books, and this first foray into her work has encouraged me to go and read some more of her back list.
I think it's important to not go into this thinking it will be a dark thriller. It is more of a fun suburban drama. The stakes are much lower, but there is still tension developed between the characters relationships, and you are never sure who you can trust.
Plenty of twists and turns, most of which surprised me. A character, which by the end you love to hate. Some you really love cheering on. And it all ended perfectly and satisfyingly too. There was also a good deal of humour sprinkled throughout, too. The perfect tone for this novel.
January 17, 2026
As Kitty approaches forty she realises her life is going nowhere and a work promotion leads to her leaving her partner and moving to London with dreams of living the urban lifestyle. However she ends up in remote suburbia with nosy neighbours and just one friend, who she met a speed-dating event. Then Sian and Rich move in next door and they are everything Kitty wants but are they really what they seem.
Jane Fallon is another of my guilty pleasure writers, it's not quite chick-lit (a little older demographic) and is unrealistic rather than ridiculous. I have to say that I think this is one of her weaker books. It's still laugh out loud funny in places and very knowing but the plot is a little too much. having said that it's still a feel-good ending and a nice read for a miserable January evening
Jane Fallon is another of my guilty pleasure writers, it's not quite chick-lit (a little older demographic) and is unrealistic rather than ridiculous. I have to say that I think this is one of her weaker books. It's still laugh out loud funny in places and very knowing but the plot is a little too much. having said that it's still a feel-good ending and a nice read for a miserable January evening
October 29, 2025
Existential boredom may have taken Kitty to London for a new start, but her new existence at Ashdown Close is almost stultifying until her fascinating new neighbours move in. All too soon though, she discovers they aren't quite as they seem...
Now Kitty and her friend Grace find themselves in investigator mode. But are they ready for what they might actually find out?
After a slow start, the story settles into a good rhythm, delivering some enjoyable dark humor and a few surprises along the way. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Now Kitty and her friend Grace find themselves in investigator mode. But are they ready for what they might actually find out?
After a slow start, the story settles into a good rhythm, delivering some enjoyable dark humor and a few surprises along the way. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 29, 2025
One woman (and her best mate), two couples, a neighbourhood full of secrets—and absolute chaos waiting to happen. Add quirky characters, juicy gossip, and a few well-timed misunderstandings, and you’ve got a delightfully entertaining read.
“Welcome to the Neighbourhood” is smart, funny, and endlessly charming. Jane Fallon nails the suburban drama, creating characters who feel real—flawed, nosy, and utterly relatable—while keeping you hooked from start to finish.
I loved every page and will definitely be reading more by Jane Fallon.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
“Welcome to the Neighbourhood” is smart, funny, and endlessly charming. Jane Fallon nails the suburban drama, creating characters who feel real—flawed, nosy, and utterly relatable—while keeping you hooked from start to finish.
I loved every page and will definitely be reading more by Jane Fallon.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've read quite a few of Jane Fallon's previous novels and I always enjoy them, so when I saw this on NetGalley I was very interested. There is lots of the usual humour and the characters are always really well written and whilst not perfect, really likeable.
This story is based around Kitty and best friend Grace (who I must add grows on you throughout the book and I ended up routing for her!) who think that Kitty's new next door neighbour is cheating on his wife. There are numerous twists and turns throughout the story and just when you think you know what is happening, another secret reveals itself and the story goes down a completely different path.
I really enjoyed this one and found myself grabbing my kindle at any chance to finish the story as I was desperate to see what happened. 4 Stars from me.
This story is based around Kitty and best friend Grace (who I must add grows on you throughout the book and I ended up routing for her!) who think that Kitty's new next door neighbour is cheating on his wife. There are numerous twists and turns throughout the story and just when you think you know what is happening, another secret reveals itself and the story goes down a completely different path.
I really enjoyed this one and found myself grabbing my kindle at any chance to finish the story as I was desperate to see what happened. 4 Stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
You know that delicious moment you realise very early on in a book that you have found ( another ) fav author? It’s a great feeling and I felt it a couple of chapters in, spent a few mins wondering why/how had not heard of this author then went to look and saw had approx 15 books to catch up on….anyway this book
It’s everything I love in a book, gossipy like the author is talking to you, wonderfully real characters, friendship, revenge and dark very funny humour all set in the ( for me ) black forest gateaux book eqv of a new neighbourhood brimming with ( no surprise ) neighbours and Wats App Groups and get togethers
All this and a clever crafty story that I got fully involved with and loved every second of
My author friend was right no one does revenge like this author, its a fantastic book, every word
It’s everything I love in a book, gossipy like the author is talking to you, wonderfully real characters, friendship, revenge and dark very funny humour all set in the ( for me ) black forest gateaux book eqv of a new neighbourhood brimming with ( no surprise ) neighbours and Wats App Groups and get togethers
All this and a clever crafty story that I got fully involved with and loved every second of
My author friend was right no one does revenge like this author, its a fantastic book, every word
October 21, 2025
It has been a while since I have read one of this authors books and I had forgotten how much I enjoy them. Welcome to the neighbourhood started off as a slow paced read with an interesting mix of characters who were all getting to know each other and forming a new friendships and experiencing relationship issues and navigates the highs and lows of their lives.
This had a domestic thriller vibe and makes you think that you never know anyone like you think you do and that in a neighbourhood nobody’s business is completely secret.
This had a domestic thriller vibe and makes you think that you never know anyone like you think you do and that in a neighbourhood nobody’s business is completely secret.
October 26, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I am a big fan of Jane Fallon’s books so I was excited to read the new book. This book started off a little slowly but once I got to know the characters I was totally invested. Lots of relationship and friendship drama with a fabulous cast of characters especially Kitty and Grace. This story makes me remember that you shouldn’t judge and you don’t always know someone as well as you thought you did. A really enjoyable read.
December 10, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed lots of Jane Fallon’s previous books, but for me this one just didn’t hit the mark. I found it to be drawn out and the pace was just too slow. I didn’t engage with or especially like any of the characters and almost gave up on it a couple of times. Having persevered though, the plot did pick up a little from about the middle of the book and I found the second half was a slight improvement on the first.
This book wouldn’t put me off reading any more by this author in the future.
This book wouldn’t put me off reading any more by this author in the future.
October 17, 2025
I've read all of Jane Fallon's books. This one includes a revenge aspect, for which she's renowned, but is more comedic than most of her other books. It's sharply observed with a couple of stand-out characters (Grace, Lottie) but the plot lacks credibility. I can't take Sian's motive seriously. I also found it hard to accept the sugary ending after the damage Kitty had caused. 3.5 stars as it kept me reading and is an enjoyable read, just rather hollow.
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