The Lady Next Door

by S.E. Green

It all started with . . . a dinner invitation.

Jessica heads over to her new neighbor Martha’s house one evening after casually volunteering to help her get settled in. Both are young nurses and, turns out, survivors of toxic relationships; in fact, they’ve got plenty in common. Plus, a fun and friendly peer is a welcome upgrade to their sleepy, suburban street bordered by woods.

Martha, too, is grateful for the company. Over bottles of wine and Chinese takeout, it’s set to be an evening of emptying boxes and unpacking the past.

Jessica’s been meaning to get out more. Make some friends. Live a little. Even if they don’t become the best of friends, what’s the harm in a kind deed?

With three days off from her shifts at the hospital, Jessica’s got no other plans than to relax, play with her dog, and unwind.

Little does she know she’s a dinner guest… that won’t be leaving.

Genres: Thriller

164 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

S. E. Green is the award-winning and best-selling author of young adult and adult books. She grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn’t even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that, she was hooked! When she’s not writing, she's usually traveling or hanging out with a rogue armadillo that frequents her backyard.

Reviews

[Phyllis Krall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica is excited to finally have a new neighbor move in on her street. Both her and Martha are so much alike and have similar interests. They share an evening together, drinking and chatting. The evening is great and both fall asleep. Jessica is awakened by an intruder in the house, and wakes Martha. They both go to the basement to hide. Nothing is as it seems when Jessica realizes she is Martha’s prisoner and cannot escape.

This is a fast paced psychological thriller that was absolutely chilling. I felt Jessica’s fear throughout and was as scaed as she was. The twist at the end was totally unexpected!

Thanks to Goodreads for gifting me with this Ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Kay Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica spends the evening getting to know her new neighbor, Martha. They have a lot in common--maybe too much. Drunk, they fall asleep in her living room. Jessica wakes to an intruder in the house. She wakes Martha who quickly escorts her to the basement--a bunker type shelter. Too many coincidences. I wanted to know what was really going on . . .

I knew things were not what they seemed but I wouldn't have guessed quite what came to be. The story has a strong 'Misery' vibe. Fast paced and tense. Trying to out play a psycho at their own messed up games. Quick but satisfying.

[Jane Avery · Rating 1 out of 5]

Zero Star Review This was a cheap knockoff of Misery. It’s poorly written and follows Stephen King storyline way too closely but she’s not a good storyteller.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haha! Idk how to explain this book.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, gripping, one day read predominantly about two women who were both involved with the same man. Jessica had a one night stand with Quinn at college but he pursued her and until she realized his obsessive controlling personality were harmful, had a short term relationship with him. Martha, a nutter, meets Quinn and is taken with his dedication and obsession to Jessica despite Jessida having left him years earlier. Martha and Quinn arrange a bizarre situation for Jessica to meet with Quinn again, until every thing goes pear-shaped. 4 stars

[Zoe Kindle Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Martha moves in on Jessica’s street they make an instant friendship, with many striking similarities in their pasts it all seems uncanny. But Martha isn’t who she proclaims to be and Jessica is about to learn this the hard way.

Fast paced story line with few characters and lots of little twists and turns

[BAMF_Book_Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found The Lady Next Door by S. E. Green to be an enjoyable read. I quickly realized things were not as they appeared; however, I did not expect chapter 41, which had an absolutely perfect ending. The Lady Next Door was a fast-paced, locked-room psychological thriller that reminded me of Misery by Stephen King

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two neighbors become friends based on ex husband who was obsessed with one of them. New girlfriend locks ex in basement and is crazy obsessed with her/wants to be friends.

Ex kills new girlfriend and escapes.

Martha is crazy
Jessica is normal

[Kim Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lady next door

Wow, what a story, what an ending!!!!! It was fast moving & kept me on the edge of my seat. I did read it in one day. Thank goodness I had the day off. One lesson in this book is don't mess with a woman's dog!!!

[Ashley Chmielewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast afternoon read. Had a suburban, Misery by Stephen King vibe.

[Sam R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off strong then got so dumb and corny.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Tracy Gavin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. Pretty stupid and drawn out but at least it was short.

[oyiii ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

would've enjoy more if the similarities with 'misery' weren't so prominent

[Tim Marsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible book. So boring I couldn't finish reading it.

[Terri Kersten-szydlowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an exciting fast read however I did not like how it ended.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh...

Characters/Storyline:

I have read a few of S. E. Green's shorter stories and they have impressed me with the content fit in and the story told...this one was not on the same level for me. I felt the characters were a little one-note and never really went anywhere at all. The story was very bitty and not as coherent as others I have read. I feel there could have been more reasoning and backstory given to both the characters as there were a lot of chapters of useless dialogue. I think more could have been done with Jessica's dad and that dynamic too.

Pacing/Writing:

I feel that it was very easy to read this one but it was quite simplistic and a little repetitive in terms of dialogue. The pacing was very staggered too, especially compared to how the book started, it just died down rather quickly.

Ending/Emotional impact:

The story was quite predictable and so was the ending, although the darkness of it was quite fun. I wasn't overly enamoured with the main characters and felt more worried about Popeye than anybody else, nobody was likeable and nobody was really worth hating either.

A little bit of a bland story, but an easy read and still enjoyable.

6/10.

[Tina H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)

The Lady Next Door by S.E. Green was another solid, quick read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The story is written vividly, making it easy to picture each scene as it unfolds, and the pacing moves along without dragging.
The characters are well written and developed just enough to keep you invested in their roles within the story. I appreciated how everything came together in the end—it wrapped up in a satisfying way without feeling rushed.
Overall, a good, entertaining read if you’re looking for something fast-paced with strong character work and a clear, well-executed ending.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica meets her new neighbor when her dog runs into her house. I saw a lot of myself in Jessica. I find it hard not to take people at face value. She is so trusting of someone she just met. Little does she know what the neighbor has in store for her. I enjoyed the twists, and I was right there with Jessica, but I was shocked at the end. I would highly recommend this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lady Next Door is a fast-paced story, beautifully written, full of twists and turns that kept me glued to the book guessing what would happen next. It's frightening to think that someone who lives next door would have a panic room and believe it's "normal"... I loved Ms. Green's writing style and will be looking forward to reading other books by the author.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

[Tammy davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really frightening

This book disturbed me on a deep level. It really made me look long and hard at how easily someone can slide inside your life, and the damage they can do. It scared me so badly that I'm starting to look funny at even the people I think I know. S.E. Green, if you genuinely wanted to scare somebody, mission accomplished. So if you want to be scared, read this.

[Mrs. Dunwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead

I loved the start of the book. Jessica meeting her new neighbour Martha and then there being a home invasion and the women being stuck together to fight for survival. The twist I’ll leave out bcs it’s the only twist of the book but at one point Jessica is so dumb it’s hard to finish the story. Like you escape but put yourself back in captivity because you can’t find your dog your captive has taken? Come on. Such a rip off misery but far less well done.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read This In One Day

This book was an absolute page-turner. The author wasted no time with tedious preambles and jumped straight into the thick of the captivating narrative. The story unfolded with such delightful pace and intrigue that it was nearly impossible to put the book down. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters drew the reader in, making it a truly engrossing read from start to finish.

[Wendy Del Toro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of this author's books to date and love them. The plots are not unique, some are predictable BUT I find the storytelling is really fantastic. It's accessible and very immersive. The character interactions have an authenticity within the confines of the storyworld and for a few hours I get totally drawn in. Not a lengthy book, it's fast paced with no filler. Keep 'em coming!

[Ang Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one day!

I started reading this book, not having any idea what it was really about. I just picked it because of the author I had read The Third Son and really enjoyed it. So I thought I’d try another one of her books on Kindle unlimited. Wow this story did not go where I thought it was going to go! Yes, this trope has been done many times before by other authors, but Green’s take on it is really good. I could not stop reading. And I absolutely loved the ending.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. The story starts with two neighbors, both young, meeting for the first time. Innocent enough. Then the tension builds. A gripping and emotionally charged domestic thriller. I literally could not put this book down. I will definitely read other books by this amazing author. I highly recommend this book.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not a psychological thriller guessing game but it is intense. This is about a crazy next door neighbor that the protagonist makes the mistake of befriending a little too quickly. A real psycho. That’s the most I can say about her without giving away too much. If you enjoy fast paced locked in type thrillers, you will enjoy this one.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glad I didn't buy it

Totally 2D. No depth of characters or storyline. I usually give up on books that don't suit my style. Having said that, this one was fast paced enough for me to keep reading one page after another until the highly predictable, uneventful ending. I'm glad it was a short read book. Back on the shelf now, not to be recommended.

[Sheila Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! best short story author, I’ve ever read!!!

S.E. Green books are short but boy do they take you for a ride. You would never think an author could create such short stories, and complete the ending. The books leave you in a WTH moment. I’ve read 3 of her books. I can’t wait to read more!!

[K.P. Knupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon does it again! Filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end, this is a book you won’t want to put down. I love how the final twist just sneaks up on you. You’ll want to check your locks after reading this thriller!