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The Woman Next Door
Two Neighbours. Two Secrets. One chance at survival.
Running from her past, Meena hopes to find peace in her new home. But her neighbour, Ada, is a mystery. Meena can’t shake the feeling that something about Ada is off.
Ada is delighted to have a new neighbour, but she, too, knows Meena is hiding something.
While Meena and Ada are watching each other, someone is watching them. With danger closing in, they must rely on one another to survive, but when both are lying, trust becomes the deadliest weapon.
What secrets lie next door?
Running from her past, Meena hopes to find peace in her new home. But her neighbour, Ada, is a mystery. Meena can’t shake the feeling that something about Ada is off.
Ada is delighted to have a new neighbour, but she, too, knows Meena is hiding something.
While Meena and Ada are watching each other, someone is watching them. With danger closing in, they must rely on one another to survive, but when both are lying, trust becomes the deadliest weapon.
What secrets lie next door?
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 25, 2026
Ada and Meena become neighbors, but they don’t seem to trust each other. They’re watching each other like a hawk, because they can feel the other is keeping a secret. And it’s clear they’re both anxious about anyone finding out their secret.
It’s a mystery thriller novella, and you really fly through the pages. It’s gripping. It’s well-written. The tension can be felt from the very first page. The characters leap from the pages. They feel fleshed out properly. You want to root for them as they feel vulnerable. But you also don’t really know who they are until you’ve unlocked their secrets. The mystery of the secrets is excellently executed, giving you enough clues here and there to foreshadow what’s to come. Quite a good balance between all the things that make this book worth reading. Honestly, not much to complain about. This is an entertaining rush from start to finish.
It’s a mystery thriller novella, and you really fly through the pages. It’s gripping. It’s well-written. The tension can be felt from the very first page. The characters leap from the pages. They feel fleshed out properly. You want to root for them as they feel vulnerable. But you also don’t really know who they are until you’ve unlocked their secrets. The mystery of the secrets is excellently executed, giving you enough clues here and there to foreshadow what’s to come. Quite a good balance between all the things that make this book worth reading. Honestly, not much to complain about. This is an entertaining rush from start to finish.
April 25, 2026
Two Neighbours. Two Secrets. One chance at survival.
Running from her past, Meena hopes to find peace in her new home. But her neighbour, Ada, is a mystery. Meena can’t shake the feeling that something about Ada is off.
Ada is delighted to have a new neighbour, but she, too, knows Meena is hiding something.
While Meena and Ada are watching each other, someone is watching them. With danger closing in, they must rely on one another to survive, but when both are lying, trust becomes the deadliest weapon.
What secrets lie next door?
Running from her past, Meena hopes to find peace in her new home. But her neighbour, Ada, is a mystery. Meena can’t shake the feeling that something about Ada is off.
Ada is delighted to have a new neighbour, but she, too, knows Meena is hiding something.
While Meena and Ada are watching each other, someone is watching them. With danger closing in, they must rely on one another to survive, but when both are lying, trust becomes the deadliest weapon.
What secrets lie next door?
May 1, 2026
mysterious and very surprising:
this story begins conventionally
but when the focus changes it
ends up revealing something
new and entirely different. ♡
this story begins conventionally
but when the focus changes it
ends up revealing something
new and entirely different. ♡
May 9, 2026
Ada is excited When Meena moves in next door, hoping they will become firm friends, however it appears both women have something to hide.
Part of the Amazon Quick Reads collection.
Part of the Amazon Quick Reads collection.
April 28, 2026
This is how you write a short story! In true Louise Jensen style I was hooked from the prologue. The author keeps the suspense up all the way through with a very good twist at the end.
I loved the authors note at the beginning - really lovely
May 29, 2026
No spoilers, slow to start but I think that was necessary to ramp up the tension and thrilling climax of the book. Well enjoyed.
May 6, 2026
Short quick read with some very short chapters, I really enjoyed it.
April 23, 2026
A great story which flowed well and made me eager to finish it. Very well written and I was left guessing at how the story would pan out. Might read more of this author’s books.
June 29, 2026
My first ever quick read book and it most certainly won’t be my last - Fast paced and full of twists, what more could you want from a thriller? Yes, you do lose that “connection” with a quick read book, but wow, I sped through this in two sittings! Love this author too.
April 30, 2026
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Louise Jensen novel. I instantly pre-ordered it once I saw it was announced. Annoyingly on publication day I read around 30% and then the crazy headaches took over. I had initially expected to finish it in a sitting or two if I was doing on the way to and from work or something.
Now let me ramble a little. I know a lot of people don’t like short reads. Yet I am the opposite – sometimes these are exactly what you need to get you out of a slump or to introduce you to an author. If you have never read anything by Louise then pick up this absolute treat of a read it’s 75p on Kindle or £1.00 for the paperback edition.
The Woman Next Door sure does pack a punch. If you enjoy short chapters that have you asking questions and wanting more then look no further. I don’t want to share too many of my thoughts as I don’t want to spoil the true essence of the story. The intrigue had me hooked. In having read the story now looking back at the blurb I should have questioned more but that also tells me that Louise penned a very powerful short story.
Meena and Ada are both interesting and incredibly intriguing ladies but it’s not until the later stages of this story that we the reader find out the truth. I don’t want to say too much but I honestly loved getting to know them both. Both ladies ultimately have secrets that have shaped their lives and brought them to now.
Louise has tackled a hard-hitting subject matter with grace and in showing that victims can come out of the situation stronger and much more capable humans.
An incredible short story and as I said if you have never read anything by Louise Jensen this is definitely a good snippet and a starting point of what she can do. Louise has a new full length novel out right now that will most definitely be bumped higher up my list.
Now let me ramble a little. I know a lot of people don’t like short reads. Yet I am the opposite – sometimes these are exactly what you need to get you out of a slump or to introduce you to an author. If you have never read anything by Louise then pick up this absolute treat of a read it’s 75p on Kindle or £1.00 for the paperback edition.
The Woman Next Door sure does pack a punch. If you enjoy short chapters that have you asking questions and wanting more then look no further. I don’t want to share too many of my thoughts as I don’t want to spoil the true essence of the story. The intrigue had me hooked. In having read the story now looking back at the blurb I should have questioned more but that also tells me that Louise penned a very powerful short story.
Meena and Ada are both interesting and incredibly intriguing ladies but it’s not until the later stages of this story that we the reader find out the truth. I don’t want to say too much but I honestly loved getting to know them both. Both ladies ultimately have secrets that have shaped their lives and brought them to now.
Louise has tackled a hard-hitting subject matter with grace and in showing that victims can come out of the situation stronger and much more capable humans.
An incredible short story and as I said if you have never read anything by Louise Jensen this is definitely a good snippet and a starting point of what she can do. Louise has a new full length novel out right now that will most definitely be bumped higher up my list.
May 13, 2026
3.5 stars ⭐️ The Woman Next Door is part of the 2026 Quick Reads programme from The Reading Agency. I was gifted my copy when attending a reading event.
A quick fast paced thriller novella. It was fast paced but worked well as a short story. A fairly good plot though a bit predictable, but had a clear resolution at the end.
A quick fast paced thriller novella. It was fast paced but worked well as a short story. A fairly good plot though a bit predictable, but had a clear resolution at the end.
May 13, 2026
This is a great quick read. Rather refreshing after some long books with long chapters. The chapters are short and sweet but build enough tension that you want to read on. I loved that there was no frilly bits with this book. Straight to the point. Definitely worth the read if you want a quick book!
May 15, 2026
Rating: 2.2/5
"The Woman Next Door" is part of the 2026 Quick Reads programme from The Reading Agency. The scheme is primarily intended to attract new readers or to tempt lapsed readers back into the fold, but you don't need to fall into either of those categories. Personally, I am a very much a supporter and always try to read all of the books they publish each year.
I have read a number of Louise Jensen's full length novels previously. I enjoyed the earlier ones, but the later ones seem to have become somewhat formulaic and some of those same traits are evident in this short story. It isn't an awful read by any means and it should take no more than 90 minutes of your time, but there are also many better examples of the short format out there.
"The Woman Next Door" is part of the 2026 Quick Reads programme from The Reading Agency. The scheme is primarily intended to attract new readers or to tempt lapsed readers back into the fold, but you don't need to fall into either of those categories. Personally, I am a very much a supporter and always try to read all of the books they publish each year.
I have read a number of Louise Jensen's full length novels previously. I enjoyed the earlier ones, but the later ones seem to have become somewhat formulaic and some of those same traits are evident in this short story. It isn't an awful read by any means and it should take no more than 90 minutes of your time, but there are also many better examples of the short format out there.
April 29, 2026
What a great quick read!
May 20, 2026
Great short story! Read it in just under a day, my second of Jensen’s book and amazed how a shorter story also had twists in.
May 8, 2026
4.25
April 23, 2026
It's hard to write a great short story and there are very few that get it right. Really enjoyed this and what a great twist at the end. The book is £1 and is in the Quick Reads of 2026. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2026
I listened to the audiobook version of this story during reading hour on World Book Night. Very well read by the narrator, and it kept my interest for the two hours it took to finish it. Nice little twist towards the end.
April 13, 2026
I really loved this short story. Although it’s only 139 pages long it kept me gripped throughout. It’s a real page turner and for such a short story it’s told in such a brilliant way. There is a twist at the end which I didn’t see coming. Overall a great read that I highly recommend.
June 4, 2026
The Woman Next Door, is a fast paced short story by Louise Jensen. A story full of psychological tension set in suburban life, where the focus is on neighbours hiding dark secrets.
Two women living next door to each other, both hiding dark secrets. Meena, a woman actively running from a traumatic past and desperate for a fresh start and a quiet sanctuary. She moves into a new home hoping to finally find peace. But her sense of safety is instantly challenged by the woman living next door. Ada is a long-term resident who appears delighted to welcome a new neighbour, yet, beneath Ada’s polite, welcoming exterior lies an enigmatic aura that Meena can’t quite shake. Something about Ada is not quite right. Both women are watching each other closely, and it becomes apparent that both of them are hiding secrets.
While Meena and Ada are completely consumed by watching each other, someone else is watching them both.
As an unseen danger closes in from the shadows, the two women are forced into an impossible corner. To survive the looming threat, they have no choice but to rely on one another. But in a neighborhood built on a foundation of deception, where both women are lying about who they truly are, trust becomes the most lethal weapon of all.
The narrative alternates between Meena and Ada, which I thought helped build the tension. This is a fast paced short story that keeps you guessing.
Two women living next door to each other, both hiding dark secrets. Meena, a woman actively running from a traumatic past and desperate for a fresh start and a quiet sanctuary. She moves into a new home hoping to finally find peace. But her sense of safety is instantly challenged by the woman living next door. Ada is a long-term resident who appears delighted to welcome a new neighbour, yet, beneath Ada’s polite, welcoming exterior lies an enigmatic aura that Meena can’t quite shake. Something about Ada is not quite right. Both women are watching each other closely, and it becomes apparent that both of them are hiding secrets.
While Meena and Ada are completely consumed by watching each other, someone else is watching them both.
As an unseen danger closes in from the shadows, the two women are forced into an impossible corner. To survive the looming threat, they have no choice but to rely on one another. But in a neighborhood built on a foundation of deception, where both women are lying about who they truly are, trust becomes the most lethal weapon of all.
The narrative alternates between Meena and Ada, which I thought helped build the tension. This is a fast paced short story that keeps you guessing.
June 14, 2026
This was a very gripping read, despite being this short. The story is definitely a solid four, maybe even four and a half, but I am rounding it up to five stars, because thanls to this little book, I know about "Quick Reads", I will make sure to check out more of those.
Meena is a young woman running from her past. She moves, but there is something that doesn't feel right about her new neighbor, Ada. One day she gets into Ada's house, and sees that what she is running away from is right there.
SPOILERS AHEAD
What Meena was running away from was an abusive relationship with a police officer named Paul. When she saw Paul's picture, she remembered that Ada talked about a son, and Meena starts thinking that Paul is Ada's son. When Paul, and then Ada shows up, she begs her to take him away from her, since she is still traumatized and afraid of Paul.
However, the truth is different than what Meena thinks. Paul isn't Ada's son, but he used to be her daughter's boyfriend. He abused her, too, and when she ended up dead, Ada was certain Paul killed her. Ada's husband died becuase of that, and her son became a drunk, and Ada hates Paul with a passion, even stronger than Meena does.
They get rid of Paul, Meena moves on with her life, and we are told that Ada is a good woman who keeps her neighboring house available for women in need, who run from one thing or another in their lives. Fantastic job telling such a good story in such limited space.
Meena is a young woman running from her past. She moves, but there is something that doesn't feel right about her new neighbor, Ada. One day she gets into Ada's house, and sees that what she is running away from is right there.
SPOILERS AHEAD
What Meena was running away from was an abusive relationship with a police officer named Paul. When she saw Paul's picture, she remembered that Ada talked about a son, and Meena starts thinking that Paul is Ada's son. When Paul, and then Ada shows up, she begs her to take him away from her, since she is still traumatized and afraid of Paul.
However, the truth is different than what Meena thinks. Paul isn't Ada's son, but he used to be her daughter's boyfriend. He abused her, too, and when she ended up dead, Ada was certain Paul killed her. Ada's husband died becuase of that, and her son became a drunk, and Ada hates Paul with a passion, even stronger than Meena does.
They get rid of Paul, Meena moves on with her life, and we are told that Ada is a good woman who keeps her neighboring house available for women in need, who run from one thing or another in their lives. Fantastic job telling such a good story in such limited space.
June 22, 2026
3.5
The Woman Next Door is a super short, very fast-paced psychological thriller that builds a surprising amount of tension for such a short book. Ada is quite a nosey neighbour, and when Meena arrives, moving into the house next door, she’s instantly at the window, watching. Observing. Something doesn’t seem right when Ada introduces herself, when she notices Meena’s lack of personal belongings being moved into the house. But Meena also can’t ignore that niggling feeling that something is off about Ada, too. I loved this; two neighbours, suspicious of each other, both hiding things of their own. But while they're so busy watching each other, someone else is watching both of them...
I enjoyed the dual POV from these characters despite not getting as much time as I wanted with them, two lives that were intertwined in such a shocking way, something I found very difficult to look away from! I loved the twists and how Ada and Meena were connected, their initial suspicion of one another paving the way for something brilliantly unexpected. Despite some predictable ‘okay’ moments and my annoyance that the pacing was too fast (just me being super picky and somehow can’t deal with Louise’s brilliant writing in such a short book 😅) this was a decent quick read to fit in between books when you need a breather, or just something a bit different. A bingeable and gripping novella from an author who knows how to keep you reading!
The Woman Next Door is a super short, very fast-paced psychological thriller that builds a surprising amount of tension for such a short book. Ada is quite a nosey neighbour, and when Meena arrives, moving into the house next door, she’s instantly at the window, watching. Observing. Something doesn’t seem right when Ada introduces herself, when she notices Meena’s lack of personal belongings being moved into the house. But Meena also can’t ignore that niggling feeling that something is off about Ada, too. I loved this; two neighbours, suspicious of each other, both hiding things of their own. But while they're so busy watching each other, someone else is watching both of them...
I enjoyed the dual POV from these characters despite not getting as much time as I wanted with them, two lives that were intertwined in such a shocking way, something I found very difficult to look away from! I loved the twists and how Ada and Meena were connected, their initial suspicion of one another paving the way for something brilliantly unexpected. Despite some predictable ‘okay’ moments and my annoyance that the pacing was too fast (just me being super picky and somehow can’t deal with Louise’s brilliant writing in such a short book 😅) this was a decent quick read to fit in between books when you need a breather, or just something a bit different. A bingeable and gripping novella from an author who knows how to keep you reading!
May 4, 2026
I quite like these quick read books. I read a couple last year and picked up The Woman Next Door by Louise Jensen mainly because I needed to spend £20 on Amazon for same day delivery.
Don’t judge me. We’ve all been emotionally blackmailed by the checkout basket.
So, the set up: two women, two secrets… whose is worse?
Well, you’ll have to read it to find out because it’s a super quick one and I’m not about to spill the beans and have you lot shouting, “Cheers, now I know the plot.” 😂
I liked that it was told from both Meena and Ada’s perspectives, which kept it ticking along nicely. The chapters are basically about three paragraphs long though, with a new one every other page, which annoyed me more than it probably should have.
Clearly, that’s a me problem. Thoughts and prayers welcome.
Overall, it was decent, easy to get through, and did what it needed to do without making me question my entire existence.
Solid 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
A good little “I need something quick before I accidentally scroll TikTok for four hours” read.
Don’t judge me. We’ve all been emotionally blackmailed by the checkout basket.
So, the set up: two women, two secrets… whose is worse?
Well, you’ll have to read it to find out because it’s a super quick one and I’m not about to spill the beans and have you lot shouting, “Cheers, now I know the plot.” 😂
I liked that it was told from both Meena and Ada’s perspectives, which kept it ticking along nicely. The chapters are basically about three paragraphs long though, with a new one every other page, which annoyed me more than it probably should have.
Clearly, that’s a me problem. Thoughts and prayers welcome.
Overall, it was decent, easy to get through, and did what it needed to do without making me question my entire existence.
Solid 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
A good little “I need something quick before I accidentally scroll TikTok for four hours” read.
May 26, 2026
A tense, addictive, and cleverly written read that has definitely made me want to pick up more books by Jensen.
((rating 4.3))
Now that is how you write a short story! This was my very first book by Jensen, and I was completely hooked from the very first page. I honestly couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. The pacing was incredibly fast and gripping without ever feeling rushed, and the constant tension kept me turning the pages wanting to know who could actually be trusted.
What impressed me most was how much suspense and atmosphere the author managed to pack into such a short story. Every chapter added another layer of mystery, and the dual sense of suspicion and the tension between the characters made the story unbearable in the best possible way.
The author’s note at the beginning was also such a lovely and heartfelt touch — it genuinely moved me before the story had even begun.
((rating 4.3))
Now that is how you write a short story! This was my very first book by Jensen, and I was completely hooked from the very first page. I honestly couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. The pacing was incredibly fast and gripping without ever feeling rushed, and the constant tension kept me turning the pages wanting to know who could actually be trusted.
What impressed me most was how much suspense and atmosphere the author managed to pack into such a short story. Every chapter added another layer of mystery, and the dual sense of suspicion and the tension between the characters made the story unbearable in the best possible way.
The author’s note at the beginning was also such a lovely and heartfelt touch — it genuinely moved me before the story had even begun.
June 6, 2026
This novella packed a punch, it was gripping, full of suspense and twists. Told via dual POV chapters it cleverly switches between them and carries the story on at a really rapid pace. It's atmospheric and haunting and really well written.
I was hooked throughout. The ending was satisfying and I'll definitely reach for another read from this author.
Meena moves in next door to Ada, in lonely cottages outside of town. Both women have a secret. Meena is running from her past and Ada isn't forthcoming about herself. Meena can't shake the feeling that someone is watching her, but is it more than just her nosey neighbour.
Perfect read for a Saturday afternoon or on a commute perhaps. Give this fantastically priced novella a try
I was hooked throughout. The ending was satisfying and I'll definitely reach for another read from this author.
Meena moves in next door to Ada, in lonely cottages outside of town. Both women have a secret. Meena is running from her past and Ada isn't forthcoming about herself. Meena can't shake the feeling that someone is watching her, but is it more than just her nosey neighbour.
Perfect read for a Saturday afternoon or on a commute perhaps. Give this fantastically priced novella a try
July 7, 2026
Meena has just moved into a secluded cottage in the countryside. Her only neighbour is Ada, an elderly woman who is both welcoming and strangely secretive. As the two grow closer, Meena discovers that Ada knows someone from her past. Panicked, she decides to leave—but soon realises that someone has already made sure she can’t. This is another title in the Quick Reads 2026 series. The plot is cleverly constructed, and I fell into several traps, convinced I had worked out the mystery, only to be proven wrong. The twists are satisfying, and the story builds tension steadily despite its short length. A gripping thriller that makes excellent use of the Quick Reads format.
https://redheadwithabrain.ch/index.ph...
https://redheadwithabrain.ch/index.ph...
April 28, 2026
For the first 50-60% of this novella, I was convinced it would be a 2.5 stars at best; but the latter half changed my position on it (as there were a couple of twists I was caught off guard by).
Overall, this was a well written thriller with good character development and suspense built throughout. However - and this is definitely a spoiler -
I'm SO sick of stories about horrible men who get off on abusing women. I know and understand that the reason there are so many stories about it is because of how prevalent an issue this is in society. But that doesn't make it any less sickening to read about.
Overall, this was a well written thriller with good character development and suspense built throughout. However - and this is definitely a spoiler -
I'm SO sick of stories about horrible men who get off on abusing women. I know and understand that the reason there are so many stories about it is because of how prevalent an issue this is in society. But that doesn't make it any less sickening to read about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2026
Two neighbours .Two secrets . One Chance at survival.
Running from her past Meena hopes to find peace in her new home. But her neighbour, Ada , is a mystery. Meena can’t shake the feeling that something about Ada is off.
Ada is delighted to have a new neighbour, but she , too, knows Meena is hiding something.
While Meena and Ada are watching each other , someone is watching them. Both women are keeping secrets , but with danger closing in, they must trust one another to survive.
What Secrets lie next door ?
Running from her past Meena hopes to find peace in her new home. But her neighbour, Ada , is a mystery. Meena can’t shake the feeling that something about Ada is off.
Ada is delighted to have a new neighbour, but she , too, knows Meena is hiding something.
While Meena and Ada are watching each other , someone is watching them. Both women are keeping secrets , but with danger closing in, they must trust one another to survive.
What Secrets lie next door ?
April 29, 2026
3.75⭐s
I've been struggling to concentrate on reading lately so decided to try some of these Quick Reads. This didn't grab my attention at first but I persevered and I'm glad I did.
The short chapters make it easily accessible and I enjoyed the switching between POVs.
An interesting little thriller with great twists.
I've been struggling to concentrate on reading lately so decided to try some of these Quick Reads. This didn't grab my attention at first but I persevered and I'm glad I did.
The short chapters make it easily accessible and I enjoyed the switching between POVs.
An interesting little thriller with great twists.
April 29, 2026
Listened to this on World Book Night as it was one of the new Reading Agency Quick Reads and available on Spotify.
There are some good red herrings and a twist I absolutely didn't see coming. I did find one moment involving leaving a mobile phone out of reach a bit frustrating and unlikely but that's my only real complaint. Overall well worth two hours of your time if you enjoy thrillers.
There are some good red herrings and a twist I absolutely didn't see coming. I did find one moment involving leaving a mobile phone out of reach a bit frustrating and unlikely but that's my only real complaint. Overall well worth two hours of your time if you enjoy thrillers.
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