The New Neighbour

by Valerie Keogh

A quiet street holds deadly secrets...

Chloe Tomson wants a quiet life. A new home, a new street, and no more drama - she’s had more than her share. But the moment she steps in to help her elderly neighbour during a violent altercation, the peace she craves begins to crumble.

The street seems friendly at first. Until the questions start. Who exactly is Chloe? Why did she move here? And what really happened in the house she lives in before she arrived?

As some neighbours become friends and others become enemies, it isn’t always certain which is which. Because Chloe isn’t the only neighbour keeping secrets…and someone knows the truth about her past. Someone who wants her gone.

But as whispers turn to threats, Chloe realises she’s been here before. And last time, not everyone made it out alive…

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary, Mystery, Fiction

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2026

About the author

Valerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.

Reviews

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chloe is fresh out of prison after a drunk driving accident that killed three of her friends and the other driver. After being released, she just wants to be left alone, feeling like she doesn’t deserve anything after what happened. She unwillingly befriends her older neighbour Tilly, who slowly becomes her best ally. Then there’s the other neighbour, Shirley, who comes across as a little controlling.

Things take a turn when Chloe’s house and mailbox are trashed, and she can’t shake the feeling that someone is always watching her. From there, the story really takes off and just goes, which I appreciated since it’s a really short read.

The characters were great, and I especially liked Tilly. The only downside for me was the ending. It felt a bit abrupt, even though everything was covered nicely and tied up. I just would have liked it to stretch out a little more.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Keogh once again creates a thriller I couldn't stop reading. This is a story of regret and the ramifications of severe guilt. My heart went out to Chloe as she navigated her attempt at a new life. Appearances prove deceptive as secrets are revealed and lives are changed forever. This thriller is intense, suspenseful, and at times heartbreaking. I always love it when a story can keep you on the edge of your seat while also bringing on many different emotions. The well-developed characters and cleverly crafted plot make this story one that will stay with me. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Lady MacDeath 🌒🌕🌘 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chloe Tomson has just been released from prison, after serving a sentence for drink driving, which killed 4 people. She moves away from London to start afresh, and befriends her neighbours, septuagenarian Tilly, and cosmetically fake Shirley and her husband James. She finds a job working in a launderette (laundromat), owned by Tilly’s friend Lily, who both take Chloe under their wings, and offer Chloe, a friendship filled with care and kindness. But Chloe struggles to accept that anyone can be so genuine and selfless, after what she has done. Before the accident, Chloe was a schoolteacher with a perfect life and a close group of friends, but now, has become a paranoid shell of herself, who doesn’t think she has been punished enough for her crime. So,is the suspicious person she keeps seeing at the end of the street, real, or all in her imagination, and are they responsible for all the strange things that have been happening since she moved to the area…?

I was really looking forward to reading this book, as I’ve read a lot of praise for Valerie Keogh, the author, and I did enjoy it though I found a great deal of the book was quite repetitive, and could have been condensed slightly. I got a little bit fed up with keep reading the same lines, which ruined my reading experience. I really liked Chloe, and I loved the two elderly ladies Tilly and Lily, whom I want to befriend myself. I like my psychological thrillers to be fast paced, very suspenseful, and have blisters on my fingers from hurriedly turning the pages in excitement, but alas, this didn’t quite hit the mark. It was a decent story, and the ending made up for what was missing in the beginning and middle.
Even though, this wasn’t a hit for me, I know that this would definitely appeal to others…I just like a bit more meat on the bones, so to speak.

Thanks to Valerie Keogh, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

2 ⭐️

Available: 2nd March 2026

[Helana Starr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book was extremely slow and repetitive, having to read the same few lines over and over again - about her dreams, being watched and ‘the woman she once was’. The story really doesn’t go anywhere until about 80% into the book and even then, it doesn’t go far. There isn’t really much of a twist, nothing surprising and certainly nothing exciting. Do not recommend.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sounded like the perfect relaxing Sunday thriller and the premise definitely caught my attention. A quiet street, a mysterious new neighbour, secrets bubbling under the surface… it had all the right ingredients.

BUT... Unfortunately, the execution felt a bit repetitive. The story circles frequently around the FMC’s past and how she’s coping with it, but without going much forward. I kept waiting for something bigger to happen: a sharper twist, a stronger escalation, something... anything... but it never fully arrived.

It’s not necessarily a bad book; it’s an easy, quick read and very accessible. I just didn’t feel like enough actually happened to make it memorable and the ending felt somewhat flat and not entirely satisfying.

Overall, an okay-ish psychological thriller, but not one that stood out for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE NEW NEIGHBOUR is a mystery thriller by Valerie Keogh.
Her Standalone Novels Include:
Novels
The Trophy Wife (2014) aka Exit Five from Charing Cross
The Sister (2018) aka Secrets Between Us
The Housewife (2019)
The Three Women (2020)
The Perfect Life (2020)
The Lawyer (2020) aka The Deadly Truth / The Whispers' Echo
The Little Lies (2021)
The Lies He Told (2021)
The Couple in the Photograph (2021)
The Housekeeper (2022)
A Taste of Deceit (2022)
The Lodger (2022)
The Widow (2022)
The Librarian (2023)
The Nurse (2023)
The Mistress (2024)
The Mother (2024)
The Wives (2024)
The Bookseller (2025)
The Writer (2025)
His Other Woman (2025)
The New Neighbour (2026)

This is my review of The New Neighbour.

Chloe Tomson moved outside the city of London, away from the life she knew to have a fresh start. No one knew about her past and she was glad of that. She now had a job working in the supermarket as a cashier.

But then on her walk home from work, Chloe views an altercation between a man, and an elderly woman, living next door to her. Chloe steps in to help her elderly neighbour during a violent altercation, an altercation between her grandson, Terence and grandmother, Tilda.

Soon the neighbour changes and questions start as to who is Chloe and why did she move here.

Chloe isn’t the only neighbour keeping secrets…and someone knows the truth about her past. This person wants her gone.

While the plot was well developed, and I enjoyed the novel, I found I wasn’t so involved in the novel.

Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.

[Knygu_burtai · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok read but I hoped more from the ending.

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first book by Valerie Keogh, and while it didn’t quite work for me, I’ll still be picking up others from her backlist because I’ve heard such good things and want to give her another go.

The premise immediately hooked me. Chloe being released from prison and trying to rebuild her life in a new neighbourhood, unsure whether what she’s seeing is real or guilt-fuelled paranoia, had so much potential. I was expecting a tense psychological thriller with that constant edge of unease.

For me, though, it felt very repetitive, particularly in the first half. The recurring dream and the ongoing sense that someone was watching her were revisited so often that the story felt like it was circling the same thoughts rather than progressing.

The ending did provide answers, which I appreciated, but after so much build-up around the “someone is watching” plot line, it just fell flat for me. That entire thread never quite delivered the impact I was expecting.

One of the highlights for me was Chloe’s friendship with her older neighbour, Tilda. Their connection brought warmth to the story and gave Chloe’s journey some much-needed emotional grounding.

Overall, it leaned more domestic drama than thriller for me, and I tend to prefer something with sharper tension and stronger momentum.

Not a hit this time, but I’m definitely open to trying more from this author.

[Charlotte Firth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it but I can't help but think if she was given 3 double vodkas she'd have tasted it!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Neighbor
By: Valerie Keogh
Pub Date: March 2, 2026
Publisher Boldwood Books

Wanting a fresh start Chloe Tomson moves into a new home and wants to live a peaceful life.

With an altercation in her neighborhood, she steps in to help the elderly neighbor. Now everyone wants to know more about Chloe, and she is not really one to share. Chloe is sharing her past and secrets, but so are her neighbors.

How much do we really know about every neighbor. She will discover someone knows more about her that she had hoped.

The twists are plentiful and make your heart pump! Thank you Boldwood Books and Valerie Keogh for the advanced copy.

[Marianne Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

About a woman trying to put her life together after going to prison. A little far-fetched but a nice predictable read.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The New Neighbour by Valerie Keogh it was a solid 4/5 stars from me.

This was a gripping and engaging thriller that hooked me in from the start. The plot was intriguing and I found myself genuinely invested in the story and eager to see how everything would unfold. In fact, even after my access period expired, I went out of my way to find the book again because I was so drawn in, which says a lot about how compelling it was.

One aspect that stood out a bit less positively for me was the internal monologue from the main character as it felt slightly repetitive and slowed the pacing at times. I understand its role in building psychological depth and helping us follow her reasoning but I admit I skipped some parts to get on to the action.

I also would have loved a bit more closure at the end, perhaps a short “one year later” epilogue to see how things evolved for the character after everything that happened.

That said, it was an easy, fast-paced, and thoroughly enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend to thriller fans looking for something absorbing and suspenseful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy; I truly appreciated the opportunity to read this.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stopped counting the number of books I've read of Valerie keogh. I absolutely love her writing style. It's not my favourite of hers, but I still really enjoyed it.

This time, the main character made me carry the guilt with her. And while I thought I guessed what happened on that night, I was wrong, as usual.

This book took me through a journey of guilt, of friendship, of sadness, and finally those twists I never saw coming. I couldn't have dreamt of a better ending.

Thanks netgalley and boldwood for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Janna (Bibliophile Mom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The New Neighbour is my first read from this author, and it turned out to be an emotional story centred on resilience, healing, and the possibility of second chances. Chloe, the main character, has been carrying the weight of a traumatic event from years ago, an experience that left long-lasting scars and shaped the way she moves through the world. Hoping to rebuild her life somewhere quieter, she takes a leap of faith and settles into a new place, hoping it will finally give her the peace she’s been craving.

While the twists and turns weren’t particularly shocking, Chloe’s personal journey kept me invested. The tension of being tormented by an unknown figure, paired with the unsettling threats she receives, created a steady sense of unease. What really stood out, though, was the warmth she found in two elderly neighbours who slowly became her unexpected support system. Their presence added heart to the story and made the book feel grounded and relatable.

What worked for me:
• The comforting “new beginning” trope
• The genuine bond with her elderly newfound friends
• The first-person narrative, which made Chloe’s emotions feel immediate and real

What didn’t work for me:
• Chloe’s constant suspicion, which felt repetitive across chapters
• Predictable twists that didn’t fully surprise
• Her emotional distance from her family, which could have been explored more

Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 3⭐️
• Characters: 3⭐️
• Writing: 3⭐️
• Message: 4⭐️
• Overall: 3⭐️

This story suits readers who enjoy thrillers filled with tension but still rooted in everyday life. The premise is simple and straightforward, making it easy to follow and emotionally relatable.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Valerie Keogh for the advance copy. My thoughts and opinions remain entirely my own.

~ JaNnA ~

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to be a suspense/thriller, but it was so much more. It is a book about forgiving yourself and friendship.

This is the story of Chloe, who has been released from prison for the drunk driving deaths of her friends and a stranger. She decides to go to Barnstaple for a fresh start. She moves in next door to the absolute gem of character, Tilda. Tilada brought light to a story that had plenty of darkness. Honestly, we could all use a Tilda in our lives. There is also Lily, who runs the laundrette. Lily reminded me of the Annie Potts character from the 1980s movie Pretty in Pink, but with an Amy Winehouse flair. I adored these characters, which is probably weird to say when reading a book of this kind. I liked their friendship with Chloe and how they had her back. This theme of friendship added to the story in a way I wasn't expecting when I began reading the book. Chloe was a likeable character as well.

This story had a great pace. It was a quick read that I was able to complete from start to finish over the weekend. I enjoyed my time with the characters and also liked the suspense element of the story. It kept me guessing until the end. I liked the way the author told this story. It was easy to read.

This is definitely a book I would recommend. I will also definitely be reading more by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

[Kayl_may · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve seen a lot of this author’s books circulating on social media, so when I had the opportunity to read an ARC of her new release, I grabbed it with both hands!

This book follows Chloe Tomson, who moves into a new home for a fresh start. At first, the street appears to be quiet and welcoming, but it soon becomes clear that it holds many secrets — including Chloe’s own, as well as the mystery surrounding what happened in her house before she moved in.

The story is told solely from Chloe’s point of view, which gives the reader a strong insight into her character and how her secret has affected — and continues to affect — her.

I found this to be an easy read with a steady pace throughout. The mystery surrounding the events on the street was engaging and maintained strong momentum, making me eager to keep reading.

One of the twists genuinely surprised me, although there was one that I had guessed fairly early on. However, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the eventual explanation.

Overall, I thought it had a satisfying ending and I will definitely be looking to read more psychological thrillers from this author in the future.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valerie Keogh knows how to write a good story and this is no exception. It was a little bit of a slow burner and more of a mystery / suspense rather than a thriller. It did hook me in even though It was fairly obvious to me what had actually happened and I kind of knew where the ending was going.

*********************

A quiet street holds deadly secrets...

Chloe Tomson wants a quiet life. A new home, a new street, and no more drama - she’s had more than her share. But the moment she steps in to help her elderly neighbour during a violent altercation, the peace she craves begins to crumble.

The street seems friendly at first. Until the questions start. Who exactly is Chloe? Why did she move here? And what really happened in the house she lives in before she arrived?

As some neighbours become friends and others become enemies, it isn’t always certain which is which. Because Chloe isn’t the only neighbour keeping secrets…and someone knows the truth about her past. Someone who wants her gone.

But as whispers turn to threats, Chloe realises she’s been here before. And last time, not everyone made it out alive…

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read by Valerie Keogh & the one I’ve found the most enjoyable.

Chloe is attempting to start a new life having just been released from prison for a crime she has no recollection of committing. She is consumed by guilt for the consequences of the crime and also by fear of those potentially seeking revenge against her for it. As disturbing events start to unfold, she is befriended by neighbours Tilda, Lily & Shirley. Is everything as it seems? Or is her past seeking her out?

I felt really invested in Chloe’s new life and loved the characters of Tilda & Lily. I found the whole scenario much more believable than previous books by the author even though parts are pretty unlikely. I enjoy these ‘fun thrillers’ - they’re tongue in cheek and not designed to be taken too seriously. I look upon them as the difference between watching Jaws & Psycho: Jaws is way less stressful & much more fun…

So that was book no. 32 by Keogh- I look forward to no. 33!

Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Utterly Haunting!
​This is the kind of story that settles into your bones, aching with the heaviness of a haunted past before slowly breaking open into a stunning light of hope. ​
Seeking a quiet life of solitude, Chloe moves to Barnstaple, Devon, not for a fresh start, but to endure the meagre existence she believes she deserves. In this perfectly paced, slow-burning story, Chloe’s crushing guilt over a past catastrophic mistake permeates every page. The narrative poignantly captures her survivor’s guilt and the paralyzing paranoia from the ghosts that haunt her.
Chloe’s desperation is truly heartbreaking to witness. However, when a glimmer of hope emerges through the elderly yet formidable duo, Tilda and Lily, the stakes shift. Can Chloe finally embrace forgiveness, or is she destined to continue her self-punishment?
This is a beautiful, evocative exploration of resilience and the transformative power of friendship.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy. All views are my own and given voluntarily.
Expected publication date 3 March.

[Sarah Dacombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood for the advanced reader copy (ARC) of this new book. This is my first book by Valerie Keogh & I really enjoyed it.

It started with Chloe, relocating to a new town after being released from prison. She didn’t want to meet new people, she just wanted to wanted to keep her head down & do her job, believing she still needed to be punished for her crime. She eventually gets to know her elderly neighbour by rescuing her from an altercation on her door step. She then gets to know a few other people, It’s a close knit community & she is welcomed she just needs to open up.

A few things happen but I don’t want to spoil it, the way this was written made me intrigued & I wanted to find out what happened. The ending was a curveball I didn’t necessarily see coming. Overall I gave this book 4 stars. I enjoyed the way it was written, it was a story of tragedy, friendship & forgiveness & I recommend it.

[Miss Rachey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was alright! Been a while since I’ve read a thriller.

I get that Chloe was trying to repent but isolating herself when she had a loving family around her kind of felt a bit selfish? I was so glad when Tilda pushed into her life…although, technically Chloe pushed first??

Tilda and Lily were quite a dynamic duo - and a pair of septuagenarians I’d quite like to know! They gave her the 2nd chance that she needed.

Feel that there could have been more to the story than the repeated 3am wake ups, the dreams, the checking the windows…I get that it was to build the tension and insight into Chloe’s mind but it (IMO) wasn’t needed/didnt work.

Loved the twisted paranoia with the messages being left for Chloe and the “was it…wasn’t it?!” storyline.

The suspense around the murder in her house and the odd couple next door was well done. You never really know your neighbours 🙃

My first of Valerie Keoghs books, won’t be my last. Nice change of pace, palette cleanser and quick weekend read.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valerie Keogh is so good at creating mystery and tension and this book is shrouded in secrecy from the start. Just like the lead character Chloe who has moved to a new street to escape a life-altering incident. We know she’s done time in prison, we know she’s anti-social and paranoid and the residents of her new street seem normal…then we find out the house Chloe lives in was the scene of a brutal murder. The plot builds nicely and there are a few twists but I love more than anything how Keogh creates strong female characters. And not guilt can overshadow your life. Tilda and Lily are wonderful. Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood books and the author for this eARC in lieu of an honest review. Denise x

[Hollie Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood books and Valerie Keogh for this arc read!

Chloe Thomson wants a quiet life in a new home. When she gets involved in an altercation to help her elderly neighbour, her want for peace all starts to crumble. Some neighbours become friends whilst others become enemies but Chloe isn’t the only one hiding secrets and someone knows the truth about her past!

A fast-paced thriller with twists and turns that leaves you unable to put this down!

[Eilidh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this read, however I feel like there could have been more going on to make it a little more exciting. I still ate it up and enjoyed it however I’m not sure if I would recommend it to friends and family. Thank you for the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book, I really appreciate it.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 I don’t know how I’d go actually reading these books by Valerie Keith, they’re never all that substantial. But as audiobook thrillers I find them good. Easy to follow, the narrators are always good. Good for insomnia - doesn’t matter if you miss a few minutes here and there (not saying they are boring - they just work for me to help switch my brain off and focus on the story then drift off).

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book really had a lot of twists and turns!!

A quiet street holds deadly secrets... 🏡💥🩸

But as whispers turn to threats, Chloe realises she’s been here before. And last time, not everyone made it out alive…

[Wanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book. Hated it. I got 25 % through and thought life’s too short to read this drivel. I don’t think i like this author.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

[Mrs Susan McAllion · Rating 5 out of 5]

good easy read

A book I wanted to keep reading, with twists along the way highly recommend this as quick to read book

[Leigh Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a easy, enjoyable read. I did find it repetitive in terms of the repeated dreams every night and the couple of twists were figured out fairly quickly.
That all being said, I enjoyed the style of writing and the thriller vibes, I would pick up a book by this author again.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwell Books for the ARC