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Behind White Picket Fences
Fusing page-turning suspense with keenly observed humor, this homage to female friendship explores the hamster wheel of modern motherhood, and the consequences for jumping off.
Kiersten Cleaver feels like she’s flunking Motherhood 101. Exhausted by travel sports, homework, and her son’s dyslexia, she joins forces with her neighbors, Rosamund and Piper, to drop out of the scholastic rat race for one year.
Together, they start the Beaverbrook Academy for Inquiring Minds in Kiersten’s kitchen, embarking on a journey back to the idyllic life they experienced as children, when phones were attached to the wall and kids played outside until the streetlights came on at dusk.
But the women quickly realize fractions aren’t their only problem. A sixty-year-old diary discovered in Kiersten’s basement raises unsettling questions about their neighborhood, their safety, and the seemingly simpler past.
Their picture-perfect suburb disguises deadly secrets—and someone wants to keep them hidden. As unsettling events rattle their fragile utopia, Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper face an impossible choice. And if they expose the truth, they put everything at their children, their friendship, and their newfound community.
Kiersten Cleaver feels like she’s flunking Motherhood 101. Exhausted by travel sports, homework, and her son’s dyslexia, she joins forces with her neighbors, Rosamund and Piper, to drop out of the scholastic rat race for one year.
Together, they start the Beaverbrook Academy for Inquiring Minds in Kiersten’s kitchen, embarking on a journey back to the idyllic life they experienced as children, when phones were attached to the wall and kids played outside until the streetlights came on at dusk.
But the women quickly realize fractions aren’t their only problem. A sixty-year-old diary discovered in Kiersten’s basement raises unsettling questions about their neighborhood, their safety, and the seemingly simpler past.
Their picture-perfect suburb disguises deadly secrets—and someone wants to keep them hidden. As unsettling events rattle their fragile utopia, Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper face an impossible choice. And if they expose the truth, they put everything at their children, their friendship, and their newfound community.
443 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
Christine Gunderson
2 books230 followersChristine Gunderson grew up on a fourth-generation family farm in rural North Dakota where she read Laura Ingalls Wilder books in her very own little house on the prairie.
She’s a former television anchor and reporter and former Capitol Hill aide. She currently lives in the Washington D.C. suburbs with her three children, Star the Wonder Dog, and a very patient husband.
When not writing, she's sailing the Chesapeake Bay with her family, playing Star Wars monopoly, re-reading Jane Austen novels in the school pick up line or unloading the dishwasher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
June 20, 2026
Sometimes a title fits a book so perfectly that by the time you finish reading, you can't imagine it being called anything else. Behind White Picket Fences was one of those books.
When Kiersten moves to a new neighborhood, she's quickly overwhelmed by the endless schedules, school pressures, activities and expectations that seem to come with modern parenting. Fortunately, she finds two kindred spirits in Rosamund and Piper, and together they decide they've had enough of the rat race.
Their solution? Start a homeschooling program and reclaim some of the simpler childhood experiences they remember from their own younger years. With the help of other neighbors, they create a unique learning environment for their children, and for a while, everything seems to be going well.
Then they discover an old journal.
The diary, written decades earlier by a former resident, raises more questions than answers and sends the women down a rabbit hole of investigation. At the same time, their supposedly peaceful neighborhood begins experiencing a series of unsettling incidents, vandalism, and other strange events that make it clear something isn't quite right behind those picture-perfect facades.
I really enjoyed this book. While it leans more toward mystery and suspense than a traditional thriller, I found it to be a very engaging and easy read. The mystery surrounding the diary kept me curious, but what I loved most was the friendship between Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper.
Watching them support one another, work together, and balance their determination to uncover the truth while also protecting their families was one of the highlights of the story for me.
Yes, the book is on the longer side, but I never found myself struggling to get through it. The pacing worked well, the characters were likable, and the mystery unfolded at a satisfying pace.
Overall, this was a solid and enjoyable read that combines friendship, family, community, and mystery in a way that kept me turning the pages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley & Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
When Kiersten moves to a new neighborhood, she's quickly overwhelmed by the endless schedules, school pressures, activities and expectations that seem to come with modern parenting. Fortunately, she finds two kindred spirits in Rosamund and Piper, and together they decide they've had enough of the rat race.
Their solution? Start a homeschooling program and reclaim some of the simpler childhood experiences they remember from their own younger years. With the help of other neighbors, they create a unique learning environment for their children, and for a while, everything seems to be going well.
Then they discover an old journal.
The diary, written decades earlier by a former resident, raises more questions than answers and sends the women down a rabbit hole of investigation. At the same time, their supposedly peaceful neighborhood begins experiencing a series of unsettling incidents, vandalism, and other strange events that make it clear something isn't quite right behind those picture-perfect facades.
I really enjoyed this book. While it leans more toward mystery and suspense than a traditional thriller, I found it to be a very engaging and easy read. The mystery surrounding the diary kept me curious, but what I loved most was the friendship between Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper.
Watching them support one another, work together, and balance their determination to uncover the truth while also protecting their families was one of the highlights of the story for me.
Yes, the book is on the longer side, but I never found myself struggling to get through it. The pacing worked well, the characters were likable, and the mystery unfolded at a satisfying pace.
Overall, this was a solid and enjoyable read that combines friendship, family, community, and mystery in a way that kept me turning the pages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley & Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
January 22, 2026
My first 5 stars of 2026! This book had me awake all night flipping pages as fast as I could, I devoured this book!
A book about power of girlhood, friendship, and community at it`s core. This book follows Kiersten, a new to town mom just trying to get a handle on her gaggle of boys and all of their commitments. Kiersten realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew and meets her girlboss neighbours Piper and Rosamund in a moment of crisis. They quickly band together to support each other and hatch a plan to leave the fast paced over scheduled lives for their own makeshift academy. With a focus on getting back on track (and finally finishing her unpacking), Kiersten finds 3 journals that provide her a window into the past, through the writing of a young girl named Dottie.
The stakes are slow boiling throughout the entire book, and start to simmer over in the last couple chapters. A strong sense of sisterhood can be felt throughout the entire novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Do yourself a favour and pick this one up in June!
A book about power of girlhood, friendship, and community at it`s core. This book follows Kiersten, a new to town mom just trying to get a handle on her gaggle of boys and all of their commitments. Kiersten realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew and meets her girlboss neighbours Piper and Rosamund in a moment of crisis. They quickly band together to support each other and hatch a plan to leave the fast paced over scheduled lives for their own makeshift academy. With a focus on getting back on track (and finally finishing her unpacking), Kiersten finds 3 journals that provide her a window into the past, through the writing of a young girl named Dottie.
The stakes are slow boiling throughout the entire book, and start to simmer over in the last couple chapters. A strong sense of sisterhood can be felt throughout the entire novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Do yourself a favour and pick this one up in June!
June 21, 2026
Behind White Picket Fences was such an incredibly hard book for me to rate. On the one hand, I really enjoyed this book and finished it in a day and a half. It was super fast-paced with a great cast of characters and an engaging plot. On the other hand, there was also a lot that annoyed me.
Let's start with the good. I really loved the portrayal of motherhood in this book. Each of the main characters was a different kind of mom with completely realized identities outside of their children. I also really adored the friendship that the mothers developed while trying to figure out the best way to help all of their kids. There was also a great balance between the friendship/motherhood story and the mystery aspect of trying to figure out what happened to Dottie.
However... the entire plot relied on one coincidence after another. How fortuitous that the neighborhood has all these wonderful people who love children and have different skills that they are able to contribute in order to become teachers at their homeschool. It felt like every character and plot point was conveniently crafted to move the story along. I also did not enjoy how unrealistic the diary entries were. Dottie would not have been writing in dialogue. And come on, yall really took that long to finish reading the diary entries? I can read an entire 400 page book in a few hours. It didn't make sense that they only read a few pages a day. The story would have been over quickly if their actions had been realistic. . Also, all of the pop culture references were too much for me. I am a millennial, but even I cringed.
Overall I would rate this 3.25 stars. If you like domestic thrillers with a strong focus on female friendships and motherhood, definitely check this out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Let's start with the good. I really loved the portrayal of motherhood in this book. Each of the main characters was a different kind of mom with completely realized identities outside of their children. I also really adored the friendship that the mothers developed while trying to figure out the best way to help all of their kids. There was also a great balance between the friendship/motherhood story and the mystery aspect of trying to figure out what happened to Dottie.
However... the entire plot relied on one coincidence after another. How fortuitous that the neighborhood has all these wonderful people who love children and have different skills that they are able to contribute in order to become teachers at their homeschool. It felt like every character and plot point was conveniently crafted to move the story along. I also did not enjoy how unrealistic the diary entries were. Dottie would not have been writing in dialogue. And come on, yall really took that long to finish reading the diary entries? I can read an entire 400 page book in a few hours. It didn't make sense that they only read a few pages a day. The story would have been over quickly if their actions had been realistic. . Also, all of the pop culture references were too much for me. I am a millennial, but even I cringed.
Overall I would rate this 3.25 stars. If you like domestic thrillers with a strong focus on female friendships and motherhood, definitely check this out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2026
I definitely took advantage of the audio. I was almost done with the book but had to go to work (UGH ADULTING) but was able to listen during my commute! I highly recommend the audio book!
Behind White Picket Fences is a smash up of a women's fiction with a little mystery thrown in.
I found it so relatable as a mom. Although my girls are older now, so much of this resonated. From the full time working mom having to juggle most (all) kid related stuff, to managing activities schedules, to the nagging required to get stuff done. This was so REAL.
Christine Gunderson's writing is impressive. Her characters are well formed, complex and expertly crafted. They have such a sense of humor. I'm just disappointed they aren't real, as I'd love to have them as friends. Extra bonus points for short snappy chapters! My favorite!
This is a story about community, justice and standing up for what's right.
Behind White Picket Fences is a smash up of a women's fiction with a little mystery thrown in.
I found it so relatable as a mom. Although my girls are older now, so much of this resonated. From the full time working mom having to juggle most (all) kid related stuff, to managing activities schedules, to the nagging required to get stuff done. This was so REAL.
Christine Gunderson's writing is impressive. Her characters are well formed, complex and expertly crafted. They have such a sense of humor. I'm just disappointed they aren't real, as I'd love to have them as friends. Extra bonus points for short snappy chapters! My favorite!
This is a story about community, justice and standing up for what's right.
December 19, 2025
I devoured this book, a five star read! This was a fast paced book with a lot going on but it totally worked.
Following a small group of mums who decide to homeschool so as to live an easier, balanced life where they didn’t have stress/ travel etc of school and activities. This side of the story was really wholesome, where community all step up and you see the bonding between the children, the adults and the random neighbours who all want to play a part.
The other side of the story is when one of the mums finds diaries from the 1960s in her basement and we get chapters of Dottie (the author of the diary) and her life on the same street as the mums currently live. Dottie is suffering from domestic abuse and as we follow her diaries we find out how this links to the modern day street and how those who look perfect may be hiding the biggest secrets.
An absolutely brilliant novel. Thanks to net galley for the advanced copy!
Following a small group of mums who decide to homeschool so as to live an easier, balanced life where they didn’t have stress/ travel etc of school and activities. This side of the story was really wholesome, where community all step up and you see the bonding between the children, the adults and the random neighbours who all want to play a part.
The other side of the story is when one of the mums finds diaries from the 1960s in her basement and we get chapters of Dottie (the author of the diary) and her life on the same street as the mums currently live. Dottie is suffering from domestic abuse and as we follow her diaries we find out how this links to the modern day street and how those who look perfect may be hiding the biggest secrets.
An absolutely brilliant novel. Thanks to net galley for the advanced copy!
February 16, 2026
Five great, big, beautiful stars to this novel! If you want grit, humor, and a dose of real life, crack the pages and become enveloped in the lives of modern day moms who make an untraditional choice to home school their kids. Enter female friendships, a little mystery, unique and quirky characters and a satisfying ending! Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book!
June 9, 2026
I absolutely could not put this book down! I’m not usually the fastest reader, but I knocked this one out within a day and a half of starting it.
Kiersten and Piper offer two very different approaches to life and parenting, forming an unlikely alliance thanks to the universal challenges of motherhood. I loved both of their characters and the way they presented different perspectives.
Such a great mix of everything - mystery, adventure, humour, romance, everything you could want in a book.
Kiersten and Piper offer two very different approaches to life and parenting, forming an unlikely alliance thanks to the universal challenges of motherhood. I loved both of their characters and the way they presented different perspectives.
Such a great mix of everything - mystery, adventure, humour, romance, everything you could want in a book.
June 14, 2026
Go into this book as blind as possible.
I really think it makes an already great book even better.
I love when cozy mysteries manage to dig deeper into issues – in this case, DV and the importance of female friendships.
This book does a really good job of that but still delivers a really satisfying ending.
SISTERHOOD FTW!
I really think it makes an already great book even better.
I love when cozy mysteries manage to dig deeper into issues – in this case, DV and the importance of female friendships.
This book does a really good job of that but still delivers a really satisfying ending.
SISTERHOOD FTW!
January 4, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Behind White Picket Fences is not at all what I thought it would be - what a ride!! I was awake all night finishing this, simply because I couldn't put it down. Our main characters Kiersten, Rosamund and Piper, plus the rest of the neighborhood, are SUCH endearing characters with their own hearts and motivations, but ultimately serve the same goal: bring a sense of calm and balance to themselves and these kids. And in come the Davis family to cause generational traummaaaa!
The first few chapters were not what they seemed in the best way possible. What starts as moms struggling to handle/manage their kids schedules turns into this thought-provoking discussion of what it means to be a parent in 2025, how to have your partners support, and how having a community can make all the difference. I found myself nodding along as Kiersten described all of /my/ personal fears of becoming a parent, how to be present, and still raise kids like the "good old days," but it was done with a sense of care and humility. A real strength of Gunderson's writing!
Finally, journals have always been a clever way of putting readers into the perspective of the past, and Dottie's entries are no different. While I do think they started to feel less like journal entries, and more like full scenes written by the author (ie, they lose the simplicity of "this and this happened" and instead included full dialogue written out and quoted), Dottie's perspective changed the entire story arc and added that level of suspense needed to push the characters and their motivations forward. It was so clear who the villains were, and yet, I was still SO shocked at how the reveal came together, which made it that much better.
I'm REALLY glad to have taken a chance with this one! The suspense and drama were there (even if a bit predictable at times), the kids and their personalities shined, and the discussion of what it means to be a good wife, mother, and "keeper of the home" so to say were great. If you liked the premise of Don't Worry Darling (Florence Pugh and Harry Styles), this is definitely one to pick up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Behind White Picket Fences is not at all what I thought it would be - what a ride!! I was awake all night finishing this, simply because I couldn't put it down. Our main characters Kiersten, Rosamund and Piper, plus the rest of the neighborhood, are SUCH endearing characters with their own hearts and motivations, but ultimately serve the same goal: bring a sense of calm and balance to themselves and these kids. And in come the Davis family to cause generational traummaaaa!
The first few chapters were not what they seemed in the best way possible. What starts as moms struggling to handle/manage their kids schedules turns into this thought-provoking discussion of what it means to be a parent in 2025, how to have your partners support, and how having a community can make all the difference. I found myself nodding along as Kiersten described all of /my/ personal fears of becoming a parent, how to be present, and still raise kids like the "good old days," but it was done with a sense of care and humility. A real strength of Gunderson's writing!
Finally, journals have always been a clever way of putting readers into the perspective of the past, and Dottie's entries are no different. While I do think they started to feel less like journal entries, and more like full scenes written by the author (ie, they lose the simplicity of "this and this happened" and instead included full dialogue written out and quoted), Dottie's perspective changed the entire story arc and added that level of suspense needed to push the characters and their motivations forward. It was so clear who the villains were, and yet, I was still SO shocked at how the reveal came together, which made it that much better.
I'm REALLY glad to have taken a chance with this one! The suspense and drama were there (even if a bit predictable at times), the kids and their personalities shined, and the discussion of what it means to be a good wife, mother, and "keeper of the home" so to say were great. If you liked the premise of Don't Worry Darling (Florence Pugh and Harry Styles), this is definitely one to pick up!
May 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Format: digital e-ARC & ALC
Genre: Women’s fiction, mystery, literature fiction
Series: standalone
Thank to you NetGalley, the publisher and the author, Christine Gunderson, for a digital ARC and ALC of Behind White Picket Fences in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts are my own.
——
Behind White Picket Fences is a multiple POV story, starring Kiersten, Piper and Dottie. Kiersten and Piper are both suburban moms and neighbors, with multiple kids, who are trying to find balance in their lives between being a mom and having a job. Kiersten had just moved to this neighborhood in the DMV from Michigan, and as she’s still unpacking all of their stuff, she finds three diaries hidden in the attic: Dottie’s diaries. Now, Kiersten decides to find out what happened to Dottie with Piper’s (and their other suburban friend mom, Rosamund’s) help, but at the same time, all the moms start to build this huge community in the neighborhood without even realizing.
——
WOW!! This book was absolutely amazing. I went into it mostly blind so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first half of the book felt like a women’s fiction novel, talking about homeschooling, kids running around and building community; it truly felt like I was really a book set in the 90’s. But then the second half took of the book a huge turn and now we’re entering the mystery (maybe even thriller?) part of the book and I was completely hooked, I love me a good suburban drama and this one did not disappoint. Also, I was able to both read and listen to this book at the same time and the narrator was fantastic! To the point where I woke up at 4:00am on a weekday just so I could finish the book 😂 that’s how good it was!!
I cannot recommend this enough, please read this if you like genre-bending novels, found family and solving mysteries, you won’t regret it!!
Format: digital e-ARC & ALC
Genre: Women’s fiction, mystery, literature fiction
Series: standalone
Thank to you NetGalley, the publisher and the author, Christine Gunderson, for a digital ARC and ALC of Behind White Picket Fences in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts are my own.
——
Behind White Picket Fences is a multiple POV story, starring Kiersten, Piper and Dottie. Kiersten and Piper are both suburban moms and neighbors, with multiple kids, who are trying to find balance in their lives between being a mom and having a job. Kiersten had just moved to this neighborhood in the DMV from Michigan, and as she’s still unpacking all of their stuff, she finds three diaries hidden in the attic: Dottie’s diaries. Now, Kiersten decides to find out what happened to Dottie with Piper’s (and their other suburban friend mom, Rosamund’s) help, but at the same time, all the moms start to build this huge community in the neighborhood without even realizing.
——
WOW!! This book was absolutely amazing. I went into it mostly blind so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first half of the book felt like a women’s fiction novel, talking about homeschooling, kids running around and building community; it truly felt like I was really a book set in the 90’s. But then the second half took of the book a huge turn and now we’re entering the mystery (maybe even thriller?) part of the book and I was completely hooked, I love me a good suburban drama and this one did not disappoint. Also, I was able to both read and listen to this book at the same time and the narrator was fantastic! To the point where I woke up at 4:00am on a weekday just so I could finish the book 😂 that’s how good it was!!
I cannot recommend this enough, please read this if you like genre-bending novels, found family and solving mysteries, you won’t regret it!!
June 7, 2026
4.25!! Binged this in a day. That should tell you all you need to know! It comes out June 9 and I recommend it!!!
Gunderson is one of my favorite voices in writing. Her style is fresh, funny, and verbose. She truly is a must-read author for me.
Her second novel follows a group of moms in a neighborhood who decide to drop out of the rat race and homeschool their kids to see if they can achieve a more balanced life-one like they had growing up. But when one mom finds a diary from the 60s in her basement, suspicions arise about their neighbors and if they really know where they are living.
I could talk forever about her writing, but Gunderson can convey a life experience I’ve never had (motherhood) and make me feel every ache, pain, and joy that these characters experience. The setting, side characters, and pacing was great. Such a fun read.
Picket Fences was a page turner I couldn’t put down.
Gunderson is one of my favorite voices in writing. Her style is fresh, funny, and verbose. She truly is a must-read author for me.
Her second novel follows a group of moms in a neighborhood who decide to drop out of the rat race and homeschool their kids to see if they can achieve a more balanced life-one like they had growing up. But when one mom finds a diary from the 60s in her basement, suspicions arise about their neighbors and if they really know where they are living.
I could talk forever about her writing, but Gunderson can convey a life experience I’ve never had (motherhood) and make me feel every ache, pain, and joy that these characters experience. The setting, side characters, and pacing was great. Such a fun read.
Picket Fences was a page turner I couldn’t put down.
June 18, 2026
Behind White Picket Fences by Christine Gunderson was such an entertaining and thought provoking read.
I loved how this story blended suspense, humor, and the realities of modern motherhood. Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper felt relatable as they tried to step away from the pressures of academics and create a simpler life for their children. What started as a refreshing escape quickly turned into a gripping mystery that kept me turning the pages.
The friendships were one of my favorite parts of the book. Their bond felt authentic, and I enjoyed watching them navigate challenges together while uncovering secrets hidden beneath their seemingly perfect neighborhood.
This book is a great reminder that things are not always what they seem behind closed doors. If you enjoy domestic suspense with strong female friendships and a touch of nostalgia, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
I loved how this story blended suspense, humor, and the realities of modern motherhood. Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper felt relatable as they tried to step away from the pressures of academics and create a simpler life for their children. What started as a refreshing escape quickly turned into a gripping mystery that kept me turning the pages.
The friendships were one of my favorite parts of the book. Their bond felt authentic, and I enjoyed watching them navigate challenges together while uncovering secrets hidden beneath their seemingly perfect neighborhood.
This book is a great reminder that things are not always what they seem behind closed doors. If you enjoy domestic suspense with strong female friendships and a touch of nostalgia, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
June 15, 2026
Dang, I read this book all morning and couldn’t put it down! As always, I’m a sucker for neighborhood/mom gossip and drama 🤣 I just loved the friendship that was formed throughout the book by the moms. The diary from Dottie kept the book so enticing and I just wanted to read more from Dottie. I just felt so bad for her the entire time. What a horrible life she had to live.
Absolutely loved!!!
“But she knew their struggles and understood their fears because she shared them. They were moms, too, attempting to raise kids in an anxious, competitive, technology-infused world, hurtling toward an unknown future. And that created a shortcut straight to the heart of what really mattered.”
Absolutely loved!!!
“But she knew their struggles and understood their fears because she shared them. They were moms, too, attempting to raise kids in an anxious, competitive, technology-infused world, hurtling toward an unknown future. And that created a shortcut straight to the heart of what really mattered.”
December 23, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up! This book went in a direction I didn’t expect but I found the ending really satisfying. It’s a good read for people who like stories about community building, mysteries/thrillers, and multiple POVs. My only qualms have to do with suspending my disbelief over some of the decisions characters make and the easy way some problems are wrapped up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
June 9, 2026
Thank you to Christine Gunderson, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
4/5 stars
Behind White Picket Fences is an intriguing story that blends thriller, wholesome, and emotional elements into a compelling read.
The novel centres on a group of women living in a rural community—mothers struggling with the everyday pressures of family life, alongside the emotional strain of supporting children who are facing their own challenges. When the women finally come together, one suggestion emerges: to slow down. They decide to homeschool their children and embrace a simpler lifestyle in the hope of easing some of the pressure they all feel.
At the same time, a collection of hidden diaries is discovered in a basement, introducing us to Dottie, a woman living in the 1960s who finds herself trapped in an unhappy and abusive marriage. As the community becomes captivated by her story, a search begins to uncover who Dottie was and what became of her. Along the way, we are introduced to several members of the community, each with their own secrets and mysteries waiting to be unravelled.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view and found it easy to stay engaged throughout the novel because all of the storylines were so well connected. Even Dottie’s diary entries, which could have felt separate from the main narrative, were woven seamlessly into the story as the present-day characters reflected on and discussed her experiences. The mystery kept me invested, and I found the ending particularly satisfying. Not only were the major questions answered, but the author also included “what comes after” chapters, which I always appreciate.
My favourite character was Dottie. Despite her difficult circumstances, she possesses a fierce and determined spirit that made her impossible not to root for. Her story is told beautifully through her diary entries, maintaining an air of mystery until her identity and fate are finally revealed through the perspectives of the other characters.
Overall, this is a well-written and accessible novel. The shorter chapters made it easy to pick up and read whenever I had a spare moment. For me, it offered the perfect combination of community, friendship, mystery, suspense, and danger, making it an enjoyable and memorable read.
4/5 stars
Behind White Picket Fences is an intriguing story that blends thriller, wholesome, and emotional elements into a compelling read.
The novel centres on a group of women living in a rural community—mothers struggling with the everyday pressures of family life, alongside the emotional strain of supporting children who are facing their own challenges. When the women finally come together, one suggestion emerges: to slow down. They decide to homeschool their children and embrace a simpler lifestyle in the hope of easing some of the pressure they all feel.
At the same time, a collection of hidden diaries is discovered in a basement, introducing us to Dottie, a woman living in the 1960s who finds herself trapped in an unhappy and abusive marriage. As the community becomes captivated by her story, a search begins to uncover who Dottie was and what became of her. Along the way, we are introduced to several members of the community, each with their own secrets and mysteries waiting to be unravelled.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view and found it easy to stay engaged throughout the novel because all of the storylines were so well connected. Even Dottie’s diary entries, which could have felt separate from the main narrative, were woven seamlessly into the story as the present-day characters reflected on and discussed her experiences. The mystery kept me invested, and I found the ending particularly satisfying. Not only were the major questions answered, but the author also included “what comes after” chapters, which I always appreciate.
My favourite character was Dottie. Despite her difficult circumstances, she possesses a fierce and determined spirit that made her impossible not to root for. Her story is told beautifully through her diary entries, maintaining an air of mystery until her identity and fate are finally revealed through the perspectives of the other characters.
Overall, this is a well-written and accessible novel. The shorter chapters made it easy to pick up and read whenever I had a spare moment. For me, it offered the perfect combination of community, friendship, mystery, suspense, and danger, making it an enjoyable and memorable read.
June 9, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded down.
June 25, 2026
BEHIND WHITE PICKET FENCES was an interesting mystery that I loved! I have read several neighborhood mystery/drama stories like this and I have really enjoyed them. The old diary that was found was icing on the cake and it added to the suspense!
Many thanks to Christine Gunderson for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Christine Gunderson for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
April 14, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I didn’t actually realise I’d read a novel by this author before, but I enjoyed this one just as much as Friends with Secrets!
The subject matter was intense but I thought it was dealt with quite sensitively. The main group of women had a wonderful friendship, and I especially loved that their children were given their time to shine as characters too; they didn’t feel like filler characters at all.
I really liked the addition of Dottie’s diary entries, and the conclusion was very satisfying. A total win all round!
I didn’t actually realise I’d read a novel by this author before, but I enjoyed this one just as much as Friends with Secrets!
The subject matter was intense but I thought it was dealt with quite sensitively. The main group of women had a wonderful friendship, and I especially loved that their children were given their time to shine as characters too; they didn’t feel like filler characters at all.
I really liked the addition of Dottie’s diary entries, and the conclusion was very satisfying. A total win all round!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Finished reading: June 6th 2026
"Sometimes paranoia really did mean that someone was genuinely out to get you."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a fun book to read. I would actually place it somewhere between the mystery/thriller/suspense genre and the cozy mystery genre as it does certainly solve a crime and offer up suspense without gore, explicit sex scenes, and much profanity.
Our main character and mom to 4 boys, Kiersten, has recently relocated from rural Minnesota to Washington DC suburbia because of her husband's job. As a young mother whose kids are in every extracurricular activity, she finds herself absolutely frazzled, as do her children. Her husband's new job in agriculture demands that he's gone more than he's home, so the child rearing and running has fallen all onto her. The last straw is when she inadvertently leaves her youngest son at a truck stop two hours from home while returning from a travel team baseball tournament, a tournament that her oldest son, who was on the team, didn't even want to attend anyway.
Kiersten meets two of her neighbors, Piper (mother to three girls) and Rosamund (single mom to one daughter) as they all three commiserate on their and their children's mental states. What if they and their children could just step back and take a break? The other moms feel as exhausted as she does with their lifestyles, and their children aren't faring well either socially or academically in school either. The three moms decide to take a step back, after consulting with their children, and try an experiment for the rest of the school year - The Beaverbrook Academy for Inquiring Minds Experiment, their own homeschooling venture.
Their endeavor into homeschooling is sometimes hilarious but full of good intentions. They get help from other neighbors on Beaverbrook, too - a retired military drill sergeant who teaches PE; a retired teacher who specializes in the field of dyslexia; an 80 some year old neighbor who is full of history; and a retired biology professor from a nearby university.
To make things even more interesting, Kiersten finds diaries in the basement of their new home written by a very unhappy housewife who lived in the neighborhood in 1965. These diaries are enthralling and cryptic as they have ties with three of the families currently living in the neighborhood. Those families are also connected with a perhaps corrupt land developer. Henceforth, strange happenings begin to emerge in the neighborhood.
It's a fun ride to see the once frazzled suburban moms delve into this mystery of the disappearance of Dottie, the author of the diaries. Other perks I liked about the book were the dual timeline (1965-present day Washington DC) and the multiple POVs used for narration of the chapters.
If you're looking for a fun, fast paced mystery, definitely look for Behind White Picket Fences, when it becomes available June 9, 2026. Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the opportunity to preview this ARC.
Our main character and mom to 4 boys, Kiersten, has recently relocated from rural Minnesota to Washington DC suburbia because of her husband's job. As a young mother whose kids are in every extracurricular activity, she finds herself absolutely frazzled, as do her children. Her husband's new job in agriculture demands that he's gone more than he's home, so the child rearing and running has fallen all onto her. The last straw is when she inadvertently leaves her youngest son at a truck stop two hours from home while returning from a travel team baseball tournament, a tournament that her oldest son, who was on the team, didn't even want to attend anyway.
Kiersten meets two of her neighbors, Piper (mother to three girls) and Rosamund (single mom to one daughter) as they all three commiserate on their and their children's mental states. What if they and their children could just step back and take a break? The other moms feel as exhausted as she does with their lifestyles, and their children aren't faring well either socially or academically in school either. The three moms decide to take a step back, after consulting with their children, and try an experiment for the rest of the school year - The Beaverbrook Academy for Inquiring Minds Experiment, their own homeschooling venture.
Their endeavor into homeschooling is sometimes hilarious but full of good intentions. They get help from other neighbors on Beaverbrook, too - a retired military drill sergeant who teaches PE; a retired teacher who specializes in the field of dyslexia; an 80 some year old neighbor who is full of history; and a retired biology professor from a nearby university.
To make things even more interesting, Kiersten finds diaries in the basement of their new home written by a very unhappy housewife who lived in the neighborhood in 1965. These diaries are enthralling and cryptic as they have ties with three of the families currently living in the neighborhood. Those families are also connected with a perhaps corrupt land developer. Henceforth, strange happenings begin to emerge in the neighborhood.
It's a fun ride to see the once frazzled suburban moms delve into this mystery of the disappearance of Dottie, the author of the diaries. Other perks I liked about the book were the dual timeline (1965-present day Washington DC) and the multiple POVs used for narration of the chapters.
If you're looking for a fun, fast paced mystery, definitely look for Behind White Picket Fences, when it becomes available June 9, 2026. Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the opportunity to preview this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a gratis copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
If you’ve ever side-eyed a picture-perfect suburb and wondered what’s really going on behind those immaculate lawns and color-coordinated front doors… this book is for you.
Christine Gunderson delivers a smart, compulsively readable blend of domestic suspense and sharp social commentary, wrapped in a story that feels both wildly entertaining and uncomfortably relatable. At its core, Behind White Picket Fences explores the impossible expectations placed on modern motherhood and the quiet rebellion of stepping off that hamster wheel.
We follow Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper—three mothers who are completely burned out by the chaos of competitive parenting and constant pressure to “get everything right.” Their solution? Hit pause on the madness and create a simpler, more intentional life for their families. It starts off almost idyllic (think nostalgic throwbacks to simpler childhoods), but that illusion doesn’t last long.
When an old diary surfaces, what begins as an experiment in slower living spirals into something darker. Secrets buried beneath their seemingly perfect neighborhood begin to surface, and the tension ramps up quickly. The suspense element is genuinely gripping—there’s a steady sense that something is off, and Gunderson keeps you guessing without sacrificing the emotional depth of the story.
What really stood out to me, though, was the balance. This isn’t just a mystery—it’s also a surprisingly funny, insightful look at friendship, burnout, and the pressure to perform perfection. The dialogue feels natural, the characters messy in the best way, and the friendships are layered with both humor and honesty. You root for these women not because they’re flawless, but because they’re trying (and often failing) in deeply human ways.
The suburban setting is practically its own character—polished, curated, and just a little bit sinister. Gunderson leans into that Big Little Lies-style vibe, where the real danger isn’t always where you expect it, and appearances are anything but reliable.
If I had one small critique, it’s that the pacing toward the end feels a bit rushed compared to the slow-burn buildup. But honestly, by that point, I was so invested in both the mystery and the friendships that I barely minded.
If you’ve ever side-eyed a picture-perfect suburb and wondered what’s really going on behind those immaculate lawns and color-coordinated front doors… this book is for you.
Christine Gunderson delivers a smart, compulsively readable blend of domestic suspense and sharp social commentary, wrapped in a story that feels both wildly entertaining and uncomfortably relatable. At its core, Behind White Picket Fences explores the impossible expectations placed on modern motherhood and the quiet rebellion of stepping off that hamster wheel.
We follow Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper—three mothers who are completely burned out by the chaos of competitive parenting and constant pressure to “get everything right.” Their solution? Hit pause on the madness and create a simpler, more intentional life for their families. It starts off almost idyllic (think nostalgic throwbacks to simpler childhoods), but that illusion doesn’t last long.
When an old diary surfaces, what begins as an experiment in slower living spirals into something darker. Secrets buried beneath their seemingly perfect neighborhood begin to surface, and the tension ramps up quickly. The suspense element is genuinely gripping—there’s a steady sense that something is off, and Gunderson keeps you guessing without sacrificing the emotional depth of the story.
What really stood out to me, though, was the balance. This isn’t just a mystery—it’s also a surprisingly funny, insightful look at friendship, burnout, and the pressure to perform perfection. The dialogue feels natural, the characters messy in the best way, and the friendships are layered with both humor and honesty. You root for these women not because they’re flawless, but because they’re trying (and often failing) in deeply human ways.
The suburban setting is practically its own character—polished, curated, and just a little bit sinister. Gunderson leans into that Big Little Lies-style vibe, where the real danger isn’t always where you expect it, and appearances are anything but reliable.
If I had one small critique, it’s that the pacing toward the end feels a bit rushed compared to the slow-burn buildup. But honestly, by that point, I was so invested in both the mystery and the friendships that I barely minded.
December 28, 2025
📖 Behind White Picket Fences - Christine Gunderson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 Finished 12/28
This is the kind of neighborhood where everything looks safe… until it very much is not.
Christine Gunderson’s Behind White Picket Fences is a clever, layered exploration of modern motherhood, friendship, and the delicate architecture of suburban life. The narrative strikes a thoughtful balance between suspense and social commentary, capturing the pressures of parenting with uncanny realism such as late-night scheduling scrambles, the relentless digital tide, and the quiet, gnawing fear that something will always be “missed” or slightly off.
Kiersten, Piper, and Rosamund are wonderfully flawed and vividly human. Their efforts to homeschool, protect their children, and build a chosen community reflect a tension many parents will recognize. The mystery woven through the decades-old diaries is compelling but never overpowering; the story’s real strength lies in its subtle observations of behavior, relationships, and the long shadow of societal expectations.
Gunderson’s prose oscillates between poetic reflection and sharp humor, creating moments that are quietly funny alongside others that invite reflection on trust, boundaries, and the unseen burdens of caregiving. The book also echoes evidence-based truths: children thrive when families balance structure with autonomy, and adult support networks are essential for resilience. Research consistently supports this, and the narrative embodies it beautifully.
This is a book that rewards attention to small details such as notes tucked in trees, subtle power plays, and the nuanced dance of alliances between mothers, neighbors, and generations. While the twists may not surprise seasoned mystery readers, the layers of relational complexity and domestic tension resonate deeply. Gunderson captures the lived experience of parenting under pressure, weaving suspense, wit, and emotional depth into a single, satisfying read.
Content warnings: child harassment, historical abuse, threats to family safety, death, murder, and criminal activity including money laundering.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
This is the kind of neighborhood where everything looks safe… until it very much is not.
Christine Gunderson’s Behind White Picket Fences is a clever, layered exploration of modern motherhood, friendship, and the delicate architecture of suburban life. The narrative strikes a thoughtful balance between suspense and social commentary, capturing the pressures of parenting with uncanny realism such as late-night scheduling scrambles, the relentless digital tide, and the quiet, gnawing fear that something will always be “missed” or slightly off.
Kiersten, Piper, and Rosamund are wonderfully flawed and vividly human. Their efforts to homeschool, protect their children, and build a chosen community reflect a tension many parents will recognize. The mystery woven through the decades-old diaries is compelling but never overpowering; the story’s real strength lies in its subtle observations of behavior, relationships, and the long shadow of societal expectations.
Gunderson’s prose oscillates between poetic reflection and sharp humor, creating moments that are quietly funny alongside others that invite reflection on trust, boundaries, and the unseen burdens of caregiving. The book also echoes evidence-based truths: children thrive when families balance structure with autonomy, and adult support networks are essential for resilience. Research consistently supports this, and the narrative embodies it beautifully.
This is a book that rewards attention to small details such as notes tucked in trees, subtle power plays, and the nuanced dance of alliances between mothers, neighbors, and generations. While the twists may not surprise seasoned mystery readers, the layers of relational complexity and domestic tension resonate deeply. Gunderson captures the lived experience of parenting under pressure, weaving suspense, wit, and emotional depth into a single, satisfying read.
Content warnings: child harassment, historical abuse, threats to family safety, death, murder, and criminal activity including money laundering.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Behind White Picket Fences is a wonderfully sharp, heartfelt blend of suburban suspense and wry humour, wrapped in a story that celebrates female friendship while unpicking the pressures of modern motherhood. Christine Gunderson captures that familiar tension between wanting to give your children the world and wanting—just once—to step off the relentless treadmill.
Kiersten Cleaver is instantly relatable: exhausted, overwhelmed, and convinced she’s failing at the one job she cares about most. When she teams up with neighbours Rosamund and Piper to create their own makeshift “academy” in her kitchen, the story blooms into something warm and hopeful. Their attempt to reclaim a simpler childhood—one of landline phones, scraped knees, and streetlights as curfew—feels nostalgic without ever becoming sentimental.
But Gunderson doesn’t let the coziness linger for long. The discovery of a sixty‑year‑old diary in Kiersten’s basement shifts the tone beautifully, introducing a thread of mystery that winds through the story with increasing urgency. The idyllic suburb, with its manicured lawns and polite smiles, begins to crack, revealing secrets that have been buried far longer than any of the women imagined.
What makes the novel shine is the balance: laugh‑out‑loud observations about parenting and community life sit comfortably alongside genuine suspense. The friendship between Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper is the beating heart of the book—messy, supportive, and fiercely loyal. As unsettling events escalate, their bond is tested in ways that feel both gripping and emotionally authentic.
Gunderson explores the cost of truth, the fragility of safety, and the courage it takes to protect not just your children, but the community you’ve built together. The stakes rise steadily, and the final act delivers tension without sacrificing the warmth that makes the story so compelling.
A smart, engaging suburban thriller with heart, humour, and a trio of heroines you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for readers who love domestic suspense with depth and a strong sense of sisterhood.
My thanks to Christine Gunderson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Kiersten Cleaver is instantly relatable: exhausted, overwhelmed, and convinced she’s failing at the one job she cares about most. When she teams up with neighbours Rosamund and Piper to create their own makeshift “academy” in her kitchen, the story blooms into something warm and hopeful. Their attempt to reclaim a simpler childhood—one of landline phones, scraped knees, and streetlights as curfew—feels nostalgic without ever becoming sentimental.
But Gunderson doesn’t let the coziness linger for long. The discovery of a sixty‑year‑old diary in Kiersten’s basement shifts the tone beautifully, introducing a thread of mystery that winds through the story with increasing urgency. The idyllic suburb, with its manicured lawns and polite smiles, begins to crack, revealing secrets that have been buried far longer than any of the women imagined.
What makes the novel shine is the balance: laugh‑out‑loud observations about parenting and community life sit comfortably alongside genuine suspense. The friendship between Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper is the beating heart of the book—messy, supportive, and fiercely loyal. As unsettling events escalate, their bond is tested in ways that feel both gripping and emotionally authentic.
Gunderson explores the cost of truth, the fragility of safety, and the courage it takes to protect not just your children, but the community you’ve built together. The stakes rise steadily, and the final act delivers tension without sacrificing the warmth that makes the story so compelling.
A smart, engaging suburban thriller with heart, humour, and a trio of heroines you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for readers who love domestic suspense with depth and a strong sense of sisterhood.
My thanks to Christine Gunderson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rounded down 3.75 ⭐
OK- so were there a few times I had to suspend belief in this story? Yes! And were there quite a few convenient coincidences? Yes!
But...
I was really engaged! I think it had to do with the connection I felt with Kiersten. She and her husband decide to leave Minnesota with their 4 boys- where they grew up and have a great support system. They move to Northern Virginia for her husband's new job. They find a house on a nice cul-de-sac. However, with Garret traveling so much for his job, Kiersten is pretty much living in her car- driving her four sons to all their extra curricular activities and tutoring. She is exhausted and the boys are not enjoying it much, either. After a traumatic event, Kiersten meets her two neighbors, Piper and Rosamund. Each of these women are facing similar feelings of exhaustion and frustration. Piper's daughter is being stalked by a creep in school, and the admin will not do anything. Rosamund's daughter is being bullied, and does not want to return to school. The ladies decide to homeschool for the rest of the year, and go back to basics. Then Kristen finds a diary from a woman named Dottie in boxes in her basement. There is a mystery here! All the women become intrigued, and work together to find out what happened to Dottie.
The characters are written so well! Like Kiersten, I moved to a completely new area for my husband's job, and we had four children. When my husband had to work nights, I knew exactly what she felt. As I was reading, I thought that someone had recorded my thoughts during that time. I remember thinking almost exactly what Kiersten did one day,
"Brain fog. Inability to concentrate. Trouble remembering ten thousand trivial yet somehow vitally important things she had to keep track of each day. Was it perimenopause? Lyme disease? Or perhaps a low IQ?"
That, right there describes so much!! It reminded me of one time when I was so tired and had to get the 4 kids ready to take to school, then shoot off to my job. Well, I saw a camo sweatshirt and put it on my son. When I got home, my husband was laughing and asked why my son had worn my DAUGHTER's camo sweatshirt that said "major princess" on it to school? I told him I just saw camo and put it on him! 😅🤣
The story is told from 3 POV's: Kiersten, Piper, and Dottie. There is humor woven throughout each POV. I wanted to know what happened to Dottie as much as the characters. I was so angry for her character, and hoping everything turned out ok for her. I liked the kids in the book! They were well written and rang authentic- plus didn't annoy me with too much cuteness. What really drew me in was the theme of found family/friends. Each woman was facing things, and was kind of isolated from the other mom group. But they found each other, and thus created a found family and supportive environment for both the women and the children.
I know that there will be much eye-rolling at the need to suspend belief. But I really feel that the strength of this author to write strong female characters, their relationships, the struggles they face in such an authentic fashion is the what holds the story together and make you want to stay with these people!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake union Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
OK- so were there a few times I had to suspend belief in this story? Yes! And were there quite a few convenient coincidences? Yes!
But...
I was really engaged! I think it had to do with the connection I felt with Kiersten. She and her husband decide to leave Minnesota with their 4 boys- where they grew up and have a great support system. They move to Northern Virginia for her husband's new job. They find a house on a nice cul-de-sac. However, with Garret traveling so much for his job, Kiersten is pretty much living in her car- driving her four sons to all their extra curricular activities and tutoring. She is exhausted and the boys are not enjoying it much, either. After a traumatic event, Kiersten meets her two neighbors, Piper and Rosamund. Each of these women are facing similar feelings of exhaustion and frustration. Piper's daughter is being stalked by a creep in school, and the admin will not do anything. Rosamund's daughter is being bullied, and does not want to return to school. The ladies decide to homeschool for the rest of the year, and go back to basics. Then Kristen finds a diary from a woman named Dottie in boxes in her basement. There is a mystery here! All the women become intrigued, and work together to find out what happened to Dottie.
The characters are written so well! Like Kiersten, I moved to a completely new area for my husband's job, and we had four children. When my husband had to work nights, I knew exactly what she felt. As I was reading, I thought that someone had recorded my thoughts during that time. I remember thinking almost exactly what Kiersten did one day,
"Brain fog. Inability to concentrate. Trouble remembering ten thousand trivial yet somehow vitally important things she had to keep track of each day. Was it perimenopause? Lyme disease? Or perhaps a low IQ?"
That, right there describes so much!! It reminded me of one time when I was so tired and had to get the 4 kids ready to take to school, then shoot off to my job. Well, I saw a camo sweatshirt and put it on my son. When I got home, my husband was laughing and asked why my son had worn my DAUGHTER's camo sweatshirt that said "major princess" on it to school? I told him I just saw camo and put it on him! 😅🤣
The story is told from 3 POV's: Kiersten, Piper, and Dottie. There is humor woven throughout each POV. I wanted to know what happened to Dottie as much as the characters. I was so angry for her character, and hoping everything turned out ok for her. I liked the kids in the book! They were well written and rang authentic- plus didn't annoy me with too much cuteness. What really drew me in was the theme of found family/friends. Each woman was facing things, and was kind of isolated from the other mom group. But they found each other, and thus created a found family and supportive environment for both the women and the children.
I know that there will be much eye-rolling at the need to suspend belief. But I really feel that the strength of this author to write strong female characters, their relationships, the struggles they face in such an authentic fashion is the what holds the story together and make you want to stay with these people!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake union Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is exactly the type of book I'm looking for when I want a good domestic/suburban thriller. I loved the main characters, enjoyed the concept, and always appreciate multiple storylines that feel cohesive and come together in a satisfying way by the end.
The story follows three very different moms and neighbors who share one major problem: they're completely burned out. Between work, shuttling kids to sports and activities, and receiving little to no support from their partners, they're stretched thin. (And if you've ever experienced I-95 traffic around Washington, D.C. during rush hour, you'll especially empathize with their struggles.) After a series of events brings them together, the women make a bold decision—with their children's blessing—to step away from the endless cycle of school activities and commitments for a year and homeschool instead.
As they build a stronger sense of community with other neighbors, the novel balances humor, friendship, and relatable parenting challenges with a much darker mystery. One of the moms, Kiersten, discovers a collection of journals documenting the life of a woman from decades earlier. What begins as a hopeful account of marriage and building a life together gradually reveals the less-than-ideal realities women faced at the time and the things that can happen behind closed doors. As the journal entries take a darker turn, Kiersten becomes determined to uncover what happened to the woman, leading to a mystery that has remained hidden for more than sixty years.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The audiobook narrator was engaging, and I flew through the story, constantly wanting to know what would happen next. The blend of humor, relatable family dynamics, strong female friendships, and suspense kept me invested from beginning to end. The ending was satisfying and tied everything together beautifully.
Funny, relatable, and genuinely suspenseful, Behind White Picket Fences is exactly what I want from a domestic thriller, and I would happily recommend it to fans of the genre.
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the advanced reader copy!!
The story follows three very different moms and neighbors who share one major problem: they're completely burned out. Between work, shuttling kids to sports and activities, and receiving little to no support from their partners, they're stretched thin. (And if you've ever experienced I-95 traffic around Washington, D.C. during rush hour, you'll especially empathize with their struggles.) After a series of events brings them together, the women make a bold decision—with their children's blessing—to step away from the endless cycle of school activities and commitments for a year and homeschool instead.
As they build a stronger sense of community with other neighbors, the novel balances humor, friendship, and relatable parenting challenges with a much darker mystery. One of the moms, Kiersten, discovers a collection of journals documenting the life of a woman from decades earlier. What begins as a hopeful account of marriage and building a life together gradually reveals the less-than-ideal realities women faced at the time and the things that can happen behind closed doors. As the journal entries take a darker turn, Kiersten becomes determined to uncover what happened to the woman, leading to a mystery that has remained hidden for more than sixty years.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The audiobook narrator was engaging, and I flew through the story, constantly wanting to know what would happen next. The blend of humor, relatable family dynamics, strong female friendships, and suspense kept me invested from beginning to end. The ending was satisfying and tied everything together beautifully.
Funny, relatable, and genuinely suspenseful, Behind White Picket Fences is exactly what I want from a domestic thriller, and I would happily recommend it to fans of the genre.
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the advanced reader copy!!
June 7, 2026
An absolute must read! This book transported me right back to Wisteria Lane with a new, modern day bunch of Desperate Housewives, and I completely loved it.
Kiersten is at her wits end with the endless cycle of work, school and extra curricular clubs that is her reality as a mum to four boys. Piper is on high alert when she finds out that one of her daughters is being harassed at school. And Rosamunde is trying not to panic over her daughter’s quirks and lack of friends. United by a desire to escape the hamster wheel of modern life, and try to give their children a version of youth that doesn’t revolve around social media, they make the decision to home school, as a collective, in a bid to give their kids a childhood that resembles something more like their own childhoods, thirty something years ago.
However, the universe seems to have other ideas. Strange things are happening - unsettling notes pinned to the trees in their gardens, grotesque packages getting sent to their houses that they didn’t order, and one or two neighbours that seem a little - odd. Thankfully, they have the diaries of Dottie to keep them distracted - a selection of handwritten journals found in Keirsten’s basement that depict an idyllic life of a 1960’s housewife who lived on the very same street, decades ago.
As the words from Dottie’s journals speak to them, the friends become more invested as they realise that life as a housewife in 1960’s suburbia wasn’t all as simple or nostalgic as they assumed. Determined to uncover who Dottie was, the trio feel that they have to find out what happened, where she lived, how her story ended - they owe it to Dottie, at least.
Their quest unravels against the backdrop of juggling a home school set up, leaving them wondering if striving to recreate a more simple life away from modern hustle and bustle is even possible. Can they do it? Can they create a small, caring community environment that will allow their children to thrive? And can they solve the mystery of Dottie, or will this churn up secrets that people nearby wanted to forget?
Huge thanks to NetGalley for this addictive advanced read.
Kiersten is at her wits end with the endless cycle of work, school and extra curricular clubs that is her reality as a mum to four boys. Piper is on high alert when she finds out that one of her daughters is being harassed at school. And Rosamunde is trying not to panic over her daughter’s quirks and lack of friends. United by a desire to escape the hamster wheel of modern life, and try to give their children a version of youth that doesn’t revolve around social media, they make the decision to home school, as a collective, in a bid to give their kids a childhood that resembles something more like their own childhoods, thirty something years ago.
However, the universe seems to have other ideas. Strange things are happening - unsettling notes pinned to the trees in their gardens, grotesque packages getting sent to their houses that they didn’t order, and one or two neighbours that seem a little - odd. Thankfully, they have the diaries of Dottie to keep them distracted - a selection of handwritten journals found in Keirsten’s basement that depict an idyllic life of a 1960’s housewife who lived on the very same street, decades ago.
As the words from Dottie’s journals speak to them, the friends become more invested as they realise that life as a housewife in 1960’s suburbia wasn’t all as simple or nostalgic as they assumed. Determined to uncover who Dottie was, the trio feel that they have to find out what happened, where she lived, how her story ended - they owe it to Dottie, at least.
Their quest unravels against the backdrop of juggling a home school set up, leaving them wondering if striving to recreate a more simple life away from modern hustle and bustle is even possible. Can they do it? Can they create a small, caring community environment that will allow their children to thrive? And can they solve the mystery of Dottie, or will this churn up secrets that people nearby wanted to forget?
Huge thanks to NetGalley for this addictive advanced read.
June 29, 2026
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🙋🏼♀️ miss the simpler times of the 80s/90s
👩🏼 are a mother
📖 love to read old diaries
🔎 enjoy a good mystery
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Kiersten Cleaver feels like she’s flunking Motherhood 101. Exhausted by travel sports, homework, and her son’s dyslexia, she joins forces with her neighbors, Rosamond and Piper, to drop out of the scholastic rat race and all activities for one year.
Together, they start the Beaverbrook Academy for Inquiring Minds in Kiersten’s kitchen, embarking on a journey back to the idyllic life they experienced as children, when phones were attached to the wall and kids played outside until the streetlights came on at dusk.
But the women quickly realize fractions aren’t their only problems. A sixty-year-old diary discovered in Kiersten’s basement raises unsettling questions about their neighborhood, their safety and the seemingly simpler past.
Their picture-perfect suburb disguises deadly secrets—and someone wants to keep them hidden. As unsettling events rattle their fragile utopia, Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper face an impossible choice. And if they expose the truth, they put everything at risk: their children, their friendship, and their newfound community.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a fun, bingeable read that I couldn’t put down! As a mother myself, I found myself relating to Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper in a lot of ways. I, too, miss the simpler times that I was able to grow up in (early 90s/2000s) so I was fully on board with these 3! My kids are still pretty young, but I know there is so much more pressure on them to do everything! When they decide to homeschool and end up finding an old diary, that’s when the real mystery and plot starts to move along at a nice clip. I loved reading the diary entries alongside them, and seeing stuff unfold in the present. While this novel definitely requires you to suspend belief in a few ways, it was still a lot of fun, and I recommend it if you enjoy a good mystery!
🙋🏼♀️ miss the simpler times of the 80s/90s
👩🏼 are a mother
📖 love to read old diaries
🔎 enjoy a good mystery
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Kiersten Cleaver feels like she’s flunking Motherhood 101. Exhausted by travel sports, homework, and her son’s dyslexia, she joins forces with her neighbors, Rosamond and Piper, to drop out of the scholastic rat race and all activities for one year.
Together, they start the Beaverbrook Academy for Inquiring Minds in Kiersten’s kitchen, embarking on a journey back to the idyllic life they experienced as children, when phones were attached to the wall and kids played outside until the streetlights came on at dusk.
But the women quickly realize fractions aren’t their only problems. A sixty-year-old diary discovered in Kiersten’s basement raises unsettling questions about their neighborhood, their safety and the seemingly simpler past.
Their picture-perfect suburb disguises deadly secrets—and someone wants to keep them hidden. As unsettling events rattle their fragile utopia, Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper face an impossible choice. And if they expose the truth, they put everything at risk: their children, their friendship, and their newfound community.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a fun, bingeable read that I couldn’t put down! As a mother myself, I found myself relating to Kiersten, Rosamund, and Piper in a lot of ways. I, too, miss the simpler times that I was able to grow up in (early 90s/2000s) so I was fully on board with these 3! My kids are still pretty young, but I know there is so much more pressure on them to do everything! When they decide to homeschool and end up finding an old diary, that’s when the real mystery and plot starts to move along at a nice clip. I loved reading the diary entries alongside them, and seeing stuff unfold in the present. While this novel definitely requires you to suspend belief in a few ways, it was still a lot of fun, and I recommend it if you enjoy a good mystery!
June 17, 2026
I couldn’t read this fast enough to find the truth about Dottie and what really happened. I also felt the exhaustion of parenting along with Kiersten and Piper. Kiersten is nearly at her breaking point. Her and her four boys seem to be living mostly in the van and on processed and fast food. Between school, after school activities and the expectations for kids to be in everything she can hardly keep up. All she’s doing is racing to the next thing for the next kid. After a scary incident, the neighbors swoop in to help and Kiersten realizes she isn’t alone in this. The others are sick of constantly being on the run, having to put on this front with the kids and all for what? Can’t they go back to simpler times like their childhood? Along with Rosamund, the three decide to work together to homeschool all the kids. If the perfect influencer mother next door can do it and appear to have hardly any stress, maybe this is the answer. As Kiersten is getting the house ready, she finds some old diaries hidden in encyclopedias and before she knows it, she’s sucked into the mystery of this woman and her life in the mid 1960’s. After she tells the others, they become just as invested in these diaries and agree to figure out who this couple was. But others in the neighborhood are not so happy about them asking questions. Odd things start happening and soon the women are being questioned about their kids not attending school and day drinking. What is happening in this neighborhood? The three women really start questioning their decisions, but after the truth comes to light, they all realize everything was worth it and maybe all they needed was friendship and others to rely on in this constant fast paced moving world. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
SUBURBAN MOMS BAND TOGETHER
Author Christine Gunderson recently came across my radar, and now I will read everything she writes! Her first release was very entertaining, and her new release, “Behind Picket Fences,” is even better! Gunderson’s plot centers on three moms who have had it with their local schools, sports teams, dance teams, and maybe society in general. They decide to take matters into their own hands and wonder if they can walk away from all the “things that bind them” and try to live a simpler life like when they were kids. They form the Beaverbrook Academy for Inquiring Minds in Kiersten’s kitchen, and away they go!
These three women are absolutely delightful characters! They probably would never be friends under other circumstances, but they bond over their shared love for their children. What happens next is magical. They quickly realize they can cover many subjects needed at their Academy, but out of the blue, they discover all they need is right outside their doors! Their older neighbors report for duty, and their gifts and talents meet all the children’s needs, even a dyslexia specialist!
While the story is wonderfully entertaining, Gunderson also throws in a major mystery! Everyone is going along enjoying their happy lives, and a few odd things start happening. Kiersten discovers an old hidden Journal and shares it with her two friends. They start putting pieces together, figure out who the Journal belongs to, realize the woman is in danger, and believe they may be, too. Gunderson’s ending is brilliant! I love this group of friends and the bond they have formed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own and without influence.
Author Christine Gunderson recently came across my radar, and now I will read everything she writes! Her first release was very entertaining, and her new release, “Behind Picket Fences,” is even better! Gunderson’s plot centers on three moms who have had it with their local schools, sports teams, dance teams, and maybe society in general. They decide to take matters into their own hands and wonder if they can walk away from all the “things that bind them” and try to live a simpler life like when they were kids. They form the Beaverbrook Academy for Inquiring Minds in Kiersten’s kitchen, and away they go!
These three women are absolutely delightful characters! They probably would never be friends under other circumstances, but they bond over their shared love for their children. What happens next is magical. They quickly realize they can cover many subjects needed at their Academy, but out of the blue, they discover all they need is right outside their doors! Their older neighbors report for duty, and their gifts and talents meet all the children’s needs, even a dyslexia specialist!
While the story is wonderfully entertaining, Gunderson also throws in a major mystery! Everyone is going along enjoying their happy lives, and a few odd things start happening. Kiersten discovers an old hidden Journal and shares it with her two friends. They start putting pieces together, figure out who the Journal belongs to, realize the woman is in danger, and believe they may be, too. Gunderson’s ending is brilliant! I love this group of friends and the bond they have formed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own and without influence.
July 7, 2026
*Behind White Picket Fences* by Christine Gunderson was such an enjoyable and meaningful read. One of the things I loved most was how relatable the moms were. As a parent, I know what it's like to feel like you're constantly on the go—dropping the kids off at school, picking them up, running to extracurricular activities, and trying to keep up with everything else life throws at you. This story really made me think about how nice it would be to slow down and enjoy a simpler way of living.
I also loved the nostalgic feel of the book. It took me back to my own childhood when we spent hours playing outside with friends, making up games, and enjoying life without tablets, cell phones, and social media. It made me appreciate those memories even more and reminded me how different childhood looks today.
Another thing that kept me hooked was the mystery surrounding the diaries found in the basement of the family's new home. I couldn't wait to learn who they belonged to and how their story connected to the present. It added just the right amount of intrigue without taking away from the heart of the novel.
This book was a wonderful mix of family, nostalgia, and mystery. It left me thinking about the importance of slowing down and appreciating the simple moments in life. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of mystery and plenty of heart, I definitely recommend giving this one a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book. I truly appreciate the opportunity to read and share my honest thoughts.
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