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Welcome to the Neighbourhood
Until recently, the most exciting thing that that happened in Ashdown Close was a parcel going missing.
That was before the arrival of Sian and Richard at number 8. They are cool, glamorous, and everything that Kitty hoped her life in London would be. Kitty can’t help but be dazzled by her new neighbours, and makes it her mission to befriend them.
But when she sees a mysterious stranger leaving their house, she realises they might not be the perfect couple she thought. Aided and abetted by her reluctant best friend Grace, Kitty is determined to find out the truth.
But nosy neighbouring has consequences.
And on a street where everyone knows everything, what if you uncover more than you bargained for?
That was before the arrival of Sian and Richard at number 8. They are cool, glamorous, and everything that Kitty hoped her life in London would be. Kitty can’t help but be dazzled by her new neighbours, and makes it her mission to befriend them.
But when she sees a mysterious stranger leaving their house, she realises they might not be the perfect couple she thought. Aided and abetted by her reluctant best friend Grace, Kitty is determined to find out the truth.
But nosy neighbouring has consequences.
And on a street where everyone knows everything, what if you uncover more than you bargained for?
432 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2026
315 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Jane Fallon
23 books1,530 followersJane Fallon is an English producer and novelist, most famous for her work on popular series Teachers, 20 Things To Do Before You're 30, Eastenders and This Life. She is author of ten novels on the Sunday Times Bestseller List — Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge, Faking Friends, Tell Me A Secret, and Queen Bee. In 2011, Foursome was nominated for the Melissa Nathan Award for Romantic Comedy Fiction, and in 2018, Faking Friends was nominated in the popular fiction category of the National Book Awards and in 2019 was long listed for the Comedy Women In Print prize.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 20, 2026
Always fantastic Jane Fallon, no one writes female revenge like her. Auto buy author for me.
January 8, 2026
A fun and quirky novel. I liked all the characters and the way the story unraveled. Wasn’t sure where it was going in the end but the ending was resolved nicely. Grace was one of my faves! I read this in a day because the writing is just so easy to demolish. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc
January 27, 2026
Jane Fallon got me back into reading with ‘Oversharing’, a book which I would re-read. So it’s with a heavy heart that I must say I did not enjoy this book. It is a very long book for story with irritating characters and underwhelming arcs.
The ending is the best part when we hear the voice of Sian, written in a similar fashion to that of Oversharing. Although Sian is perceived as the villain who all of the other characters conspire against to get ‘revenge’ this ultimately seems a bit overkill considering their own actions throughout the book. The lack of responsibility Kitty takes for her part in the story and Lottie’s wet approach to life just dampened the ending.
The flow of the story was also confusing with changes of location, time or days within the same paragraph with no clear divide. This may be more the publishers choice.
It’s ok for a quick beach read but wouldn’t recommend for anything more.
The ending is the best part when we hear the voice of Sian, written in a similar fashion to that of Oversharing. Although Sian is perceived as the villain who all of the other characters conspire against to get ‘revenge’ this ultimately seems a bit overkill considering their own actions throughout the book. The lack of responsibility Kitty takes for her part in the story and Lottie’s wet approach to life just dampened the ending.
The flow of the story was also confusing with changes of location, time or days within the same paragraph with no clear divide. This may be more the publishers choice.
It’s ok for a quick beach read but wouldn’t recommend for anything more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
Jane Fallon’s books are normally quick and enjoyable reads with interesting characters so I was pleased to get hold of a copy of her latest.
Kitty moves into Ashdown Close after walking out on her longtime relationship with Geth. However her new life in London does not go as planned and she feels isolated and lonely, her only friend being Grace, who drives her mad most of the time.
When she starts to become friendly with her next door neighbours Sian and Rich, things start to look up and Kitty gradually becomes closer to Sian. However when she sees something she shouldn’t and eventually comes clean with Sian about what she has seen things become complicated and she is drawn into a situation that can only end in tears.
Although the premise of the story was good and it was an easy read, I just did not warm to any of the characters. Some of the interactions between the main protagonists did not ring true and even Kitty the person who is at the centre of the plot is annoying, particularly in her dealings with others. I’m surprised Grace is still speaking to her by the end of the book. And as for Lottie, she is obviously a very forgiving sort of person.
I found the ending itself rather trite although it did tie up most of the loose ends. All in all it was an okay read but I preferred some of the authors other books which I recommend you read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Kitty moves into Ashdown Close after walking out on her longtime relationship with Geth. However her new life in London does not go as planned and she feels isolated and lonely, her only friend being Grace, who drives her mad most of the time.
When she starts to become friendly with her next door neighbours Sian and Rich, things start to look up and Kitty gradually becomes closer to Sian. However when she sees something she shouldn’t and eventually comes clean with Sian about what she has seen things become complicated and she is drawn into a situation that can only end in tears.
Although the premise of the story was good and it was an easy read, I just did not warm to any of the characters. Some of the interactions between the main protagonists did not ring true and even Kitty the person who is at the centre of the plot is annoying, particularly in her dealings with others. I’m surprised Grace is still speaking to her by the end of the book. And as for Lottie, she is obviously a very forgiving sort of person.
I found the ending itself rather trite although it did tie up most of the loose ends. All in all it was an okay read but I preferred some of the authors other books which I recommend you read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
January 22, 2026
A speedy entertaining read.
Fallon’s writing is always good and this book is no different. The change for me is the characters - they weren’t all likeable and some still hadn’t grown on me by the end. I think the blurb gave away too much and it is fairly clear what’s going to happen. The twists are unforeseen, but the main disaster was a given.
Loved the gossipy, neighbourhood drama but thought both Grace and Lotte were far too forgiving (absolute saints).
Love the author, love her books and she will always be on my TBR List.
Fallon’s writing is always good and this book is no different. The change for me is the characters - they weren’t all likeable and some still hadn’t grown on me by the end. I think the blurb gave away too much and it is fairly clear what’s going to happen. The twists are unforeseen, but the main disaster was a given.
Loved the gossipy, neighbourhood drama but thought both Grace and Lotte were far too forgiving (absolute saints).
Love the author, love her books and she will always be on my TBR List.
January 22, 2026
3.75/5
Kitty breaks up with her long-term partner, gets a new job, and moves to London. However, she is not leading the exciting life she thought she would. She lives in a boring neighbourhood. Then one day, the cool and glamorous Rich and Sian move in next door…
I love Jane Fallon — I find her books to be the perfect palate cleansers! They’re rom-coms, but they’re written in a thriller-like format and are very addictive and moreish.
This started off slow and predictable, and I really wasn’t fond of the main character, Kitty. However, the second half of the story was so much better.
Kitty had some great character development, and there were some fantastic twists towards the end. Obviously no spoilers, but I really liked how the book ended too.
Nearly a four-star read for me, but not quite!
Kitty breaks up with her long-term partner, gets a new job, and moves to London. However, she is not leading the exciting life she thought she would. She lives in a boring neighbourhood. Then one day, the cool and glamorous Rich and Sian move in next door…
I love Jane Fallon — I find her books to be the perfect palate cleansers! They’re rom-coms, but they’re written in a thriller-like format and are very addictive and moreish.
This started off slow and predictable, and I really wasn’t fond of the main character, Kitty. However, the second half of the story was so much better.
Kitty had some great character development, and there were some fantastic twists towards the end. Obviously no spoilers, but I really liked how the book ended too.
Nearly a four-star read for me, but not quite!
February 9, 2026
Having read and adored lots of Jane Fallon books I had high hopes for this book but it really didn’t hit the spot for me unfortunately.
Right from the off I struggled to care about any of the characters. The name Kitty grated on me from page 2 and don’t even get me started on the names of Sian’s supposedly cool friends.
The main characters are supposed to be in their mid 40s but they behave like school children, obsessing over “finding evidence” and catching people out. Kitty and Grace are far too invested in other people’s lives for it to be realistic. I’d honestly had enough by page 100 but I can never leave a book unfinished so I speed read the rest.
Worst bit was the ending where there’s wooping and patting each other on the back saying “you were amazing” after humiliating Sian. The punishment definitely didn’t fit the crime considering the age group of these people. It was school playground behaviour. Don’t even get me started on Kitty seemingly getting away with sleeping with Lotties husband and them still being friends at the end. It was all just a bit cringe. (I’m cringing now remembering it).
Seems like lots of people loved the book so maybe I missed something. There were no shocking twists for me as I called them all. Maybe it’s that? I won’t let this put me off this author completely and I will undoubtedly pick up another Jane Fallon book in the future but for me this one was 2 stars.
Right from the off I struggled to care about any of the characters. The name Kitty grated on me from page 2 and don’t even get me started on the names of Sian’s supposedly cool friends.
The main characters are supposed to be in their mid 40s but they behave like school children, obsessing over “finding evidence” and catching people out. Kitty and Grace are far too invested in other people’s lives for it to be realistic. I’d honestly had enough by page 100 but I can never leave a book unfinished so I speed read the rest.
Worst bit was the ending where there’s wooping and patting each other on the back saying “you were amazing” after humiliating Sian. The punishment definitely didn’t fit the crime considering the age group of these people. It was school playground behaviour. Don’t even get me started on Kitty seemingly getting away with sleeping with Lotties husband and them still being friends at the end. It was all just a bit cringe. (I’m cringing now remembering it).
Seems like lots of people loved the book so maybe I missed something. There were no shocking twists for me as I called them all. Maybe it’s that? I won’t let this put me off this author completely and I will undoubtedly pick up another Jane Fallon book in the future but for me this one was 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
*ARC read*
This was such a fun book! I love everything Jane writes and this was no exception.
This was a well-paced, intriguing story, I really liked all of the characters, and appreciated how rational they seemed to be. All of the twists felt well supported and like they made sense.
It would have been easy for this to tip into something much darker or much more frivolous, but it struck a happy medium and it worked.
This was such a fun book! I love everything Jane writes and this was no exception.
This was a well-paced, intriguing story, I really liked all of the characters, and appreciated how rational they seemed to be. All of the twists felt well supported and like they made sense.
It would have been easy for this to tip into something much darker or much more frivolous, but it struck a happy medium and it worked.
February 16, 2026
Tedious and Unsatisfying
I have enjoyed all of Jane Fallon's books and I was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, however, it was very disappointing. The story was preposterous, the characters unlikable and it was so tedious that I couldn't wait to finish it. I hoped it would pick up and that something would happen but nothing much did.
I have enjoyed all of Jane Fallon's books and I was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, however, it was very disappointing. The story was preposterous, the characters unlikable and it was so tedious that I couldn't wait to finish it. I hoped it would pick up and that something would happen but nothing much did.
January 20, 2026
Silly and fun, easy to read, lots of twists and turns to keep you hooked
January 20, 2026
I enjoyed the characters in this “ soap opera” book. A good easy read for the holidays.
January 29, 2026
A fun, convoluted story with great characters and clever twists. I could tell early on that all was not what it seemed, but it took me a while to put all the pieces together.
February 5, 2026
***3.25***
Enjoyable twisty story with complex characters who were basically very human. Funny and witty- nice easy read.
Enjoyable twisty story with complex characters who were basically very human. Funny and witty- nice easy read.
February 13, 2026
Ahh I do love a Jane Fallon book! I must admit that I expected this to have more plot twists than it did but I still greatly enjoyed it. Grace deserves her own book now!
February 8, 2026
I found this book a bit of a drag, with unlikeable main characters , and a unrealistic plot. Humerous in places though
February 12, 2026
Jane Fallon is an auto buy author for me, I’ve loved reading her books for years and so I was beyond excited when @michaeljbooks messaged to ask if I’d like this advanced copy. Her books are always such fun reads, they’re entertaining and quite often involve brilliant revenge plans.
Kitty has upturned her life and has moved to London looking for adventure. Although things haven’t been overly exciting in Ashdown close. Sian and Rich move in next door and Kitty is instantly drawn to them and their glamorous lifestyle. However, one day sees a woman sneaking out of their house from the back whilst Sian is out. Is there more going on with this couple than meets the eye? Are they not so perfect after all?
This one was a little slower to get going compared to previous hooks. However it did really pick up pace about a third of the way in.
I really liked the characters in this book, particularly Grace. At time I did feel Kitty was a little unlikeable in how she treated Grace, but Grace was always there for her and was such a good friend to Kitty. This theme of friendship is thread through the story and a key part of the book.
I loved all the neighbours, and seeing the snippets from neighbourhood WhatsApp, it was all very relatable. It also raises that question of how well do we really know who is living next to us, and should we get involved in other people’s business.
I couldn’t actually work out how this was going to end, there were several surprises along the way that kept me wondering. I really liked the way it wrapped up the story overall.
This is an easy, fun read, about neighbourhood gossip, drama and at the heart of it all, friendship.
Kitty has upturned her life and has moved to London looking for adventure. Although things haven’t been overly exciting in Ashdown close. Sian and Rich move in next door and Kitty is instantly drawn to them and their glamorous lifestyle. However, one day sees a woman sneaking out of their house from the back whilst Sian is out. Is there more going on with this couple than meets the eye? Are they not so perfect after all?
This one was a little slower to get going compared to previous hooks. However it did really pick up pace about a third of the way in.
I really liked the characters in this book, particularly Grace. At time I did feel Kitty was a little unlikeable in how she treated Grace, but Grace was always there for her and was such a good friend to Kitty. This theme of friendship is thread through the story and a key part of the book.
I loved all the neighbours, and seeing the snippets from neighbourhood WhatsApp, it was all very relatable. It also raises that question of how well do we really know who is living next to us, and should we get involved in other people’s business.
I couldn’t actually work out how this was going to end, there were several surprises along the way that kept me wondering. I really liked the way it wrapped up the story overall.
This is an easy, fun read, about neighbourhood gossip, drama and at the heart of it all, friendship.
January 30, 2026
Kitty was looking for fun and adventure when she moved to London, but all she got in Ashdown Close was typical suburbia - busy bodies and annoying neighbours. Then Sian and Rich move in and Kitty can’t help but want to be friends with them. They are fun and fascinating. That is until Kitty sees a strange woman sneaking out of her new neighbours house. Kitty is unsure what to do, whether to warn her new friend Sian or wait for more information, so with the help of her friend Grace, they try to uncover the truth...
The Pros:
1) I have always been a fan of the author’s writing style
2) I liked how Kitty and Grace’s friendship evolved over time
3) My favourite part of the book was around the middle... no spoilers
4) There is a sub-plot of romance
5) There is a mystery to solve
The Cons:
1) The start was a bit too slow for me
2) I wasn’t keen on the ending
3) The story just didn’t excite me overall unfortunately
The Quotes:
1) ‘I just can’t stand it any more,’ she’d shouted in the end. ‘I’m dying a slow death one f*cking pub quiz at a time.’
2) She had thought it would be clever to go for the biggest property she could afford, anywhere where she thought she wouldn’t get murdered on the way to the shops, and so she ended up in the middle of nowhere, ten minutes from the bus that will take her to the nearest tube station for the long trek to work. A sensible long-term strategy, she had told herself, not quite able to fully throw off all the shackles of responsibility. She hates it.
3) She had thought maybe she’d find a kindred spirit somewhere amongst her neighbours, but, despite the fact that most of them were kind and friendly, they were also mostly the wrong side of eighty. She tended to cross the road to avoid another interminable chat about parking of the state of number 5's bins. Although, to be fair, number 5's bin management was pretty shocking.
The Summary:
Jane’s books are an auto-buy for me, I am a big fan of her writing style and the way her characters always have an edge to them. But I hate to say it, this story just didn’t excite me that much. The start was a bit too slow - then around the middle I thought ‘here we go!’ but it didn’t keep the momentum. I did like the friendship that evolved with Kitty and Grace, the small sub plot of romance and the author’s excellent twists. Whilst this may not have been one of my favourites from the author, the book is still very readable and has a lot of fun elements in it.
I had to include the books dedication:
Dedicated to my friends at the amazing charity All Dogs Matter for their tireless work rescuing dogs (and the occasional cat. They helped Pickle find her way to me). Like all charities, they need volunteers and donations:
https://alldogsmatter.co.uk
Summed up in a sentence?:
Everybody needs good(?) neighbours?
I rated the book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
The Pros:
1) I have always been a fan of the author’s writing style
2) I liked how Kitty and Grace’s friendship evolved over time
3) My favourite part of the book was around the middle... no spoilers
4) There is a sub-plot of romance
5) There is a mystery to solve
The Cons:
1) The start was a bit too slow for me
2) I wasn’t keen on the ending
3) The story just didn’t excite me overall unfortunately
The Quotes:
1) ‘I just can’t stand it any more,’ she’d shouted in the end. ‘I’m dying a slow death one f*cking pub quiz at a time.’
2) She had thought it would be clever to go for the biggest property she could afford, anywhere where she thought she wouldn’t get murdered on the way to the shops, and so she ended up in the middle of nowhere, ten minutes from the bus that will take her to the nearest tube station for the long trek to work. A sensible long-term strategy, she had told herself, not quite able to fully throw off all the shackles of responsibility. She hates it.
3) She had thought maybe she’d find a kindred spirit somewhere amongst her neighbours, but, despite the fact that most of them were kind and friendly, they were also mostly the wrong side of eighty. She tended to cross the road to avoid another interminable chat about parking of the state of number 5's bins. Although, to be fair, number 5's bin management was pretty shocking.
The Summary:
Jane’s books are an auto-buy for me, I am a big fan of her writing style and the way her characters always have an edge to them. But I hate to say it, this story just didn’t excite me that much. The start was a bit too slow - then around the middle I thought ‘here we go!’ but it didn’t keep the momentum. I did like the friendship that evolved with Kitty and Grace, the small sub plot of romance and the author’s excellent twists. Whilst this may not have been one of my favourites from the author, the book is still very readable and has a lot of fun elements in it.
I had to include the books dedication:
Dedicated to my friends at the amazing charity All Dogs Matter for their tireless work rescuing dogs (and the occasional cat. They helped Pickle find her way to me). Like all charities, they need volunteers and donations:
https://alldogsmatter.co.uk
Summed up in a sentence?:
Everybody needs good(?) neighbours?
I rated the book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked up Welcome to the Neighbourhood by Jane Fallon with real anticipation, mainly because it had been a while since I’d last read one of her books, and I remembered enjoying her easy, readable style. This felt like the sort of story I’d normally fall into quite happily, so I was surprised by how underwhelmed I felt for much of the reading experience.
From quite early on, I struggled to connect with Kitty, which made everything else harder work than it needed to be. I never found her particularly likeable, but more than that, I just couldn’t feel anything for her. She blows up her life with Geth in pursuit of this supposedly exciting new London chapter, yet once she’s there, she seems reluctant to actually live it. Her lack of interest in going out or engaging with her new surroundings left me feeling frustrated rather than invested, as though I was watching someone complain about a life they’d actively chosen.
Her relationships with the other characters didn’t help either. I found her treatment of Grace quite unpleasant, without really understanding why, and her sudden attachment to Sian felt oddly forced. The idea that Sian becomes this essential new friend simply because Kitty spots her through a window didn’t ring true for me, and I kept feeling as though I’d missed a step in the emotional logic of that friendship.
The storyline itself felt surprisingly tame. Kitty becomes highly agitated after seeing someone sneak out of the house next door, but her reaction seemed completely over the top, given what she actually witnesses. Instead of building tension, it left me questioning her judgment and made it difficult to take the mystery seriously. Sian’s behaviour, too, often didn’t make much sense to me, and as the book went on, I found the pacing increasingly sluggish.
That said, it wasn’t a complete write-off. There was a stretch around the middle where the story finally picked up, and for a short while, I did feel properly absorbed. There was even one evening when I kept reading when I really should have gone to sleep, which reminded me of the kind of grip I’d been expecting from the start.
The ending was satisfactory and did a decent job of tying up most of the loose ends. By then, though, I think my overall disappointment had already settled in. I finished the book feeling that it never quite lived up to its premise, and while it wasn’t terrible, it left very little lasting impression on me. A bit lacklustre overall, and not the return to Jane Fallon I’d been hoping for, even though I’ll probably still give her next book a chance.
From quite early on, I struggled to connect with Kitty, which made everything else harder work than it needed to be. I never found her particularly likeable, but more than that, I just couldn’t feel anything for her. She blows up her life with Geth in pursuit of this supposedly exciting new London chapter, yet once she’s there, she seems reluctant to actually live it. Her lack of interest in going out or engaging with her new surroundings left me feeling frustrated rather than invested, as though I was watching someone complain about a life they’d actively chosen.
Her relationships with the other characters didn’t help either. I found her treatment of Grace quite unpleasant, without really understanding why, and her sudden attachment to Sian felt oddly forced. The idea that Sian becomes this essential new friend simply because Kitty spots her through a window didn’t ring true for me, and I kept feeling as though I’d missed a step in the emotional logic of that friendship.
The storyline itself felt surprisingly tame. Kitty becomes highly agitated after seeing someone sneak out of the house next door, but her reaction seemed completely over the top, given what she actually witnesses. Instead of building tension, it left me questioning her judgment and made it difficult to take the mystery seriously. Sian’s behaviour, too, often didn’t make much sense to me, and as the book went on, I found the pacing increasingly sluggish.
That said, it wasn’t a complete write-off. There was a stretch around the middle where the story finally picked up, and for a short while, I did feel properly absorbed. There was even one evening when I kept reading when I really should have gone to sleep, which reminded me of the kind of grip I’d been expecting from the start.
The ending was satisfactory and did a decent job of tying up most of the loose ends. By then, though, I think my overall disappointment had already settled in. I finished the book feeling that it never quite lived up to its premise, and while it wasn’t terrible, it left very little lasting impression on me. A bit lacklustre overall, and not the return to Jane Fallon I’d been hoping for, even though I’ll probably still give her next book a chance.
November 30, 2025
2.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Jane's books so much. But this felt like a completely different angle to the other one's I've read. But where it is similar is in the fabulous writing and storytelling and character creation.
One thing I love about her books is that the characters aren't perfect. A lot of books make their protagonists to be perfect, a bit twee, where everything goes well for them. But very few people are like that in real life. Jane has written some very good characters and some very bad characters (in terms of who they are, not in terms of the writing ability), and even the good ones are ugly at times and I enjoyed that. Having said that, even though they were well written, I found I didn't really care about the characters. It's not that I didn't like them as such, but I found it difficult to connect with any of them. What didn't help is I didn't like the main character Kitty. She was playing the victim but I found most of her issues were of her own doing and so I just found her irritating.
The start is obviously introducing our characters to give us something to invest in. And then about halfway it gets more into that psychological thriller, so I definitely got more into it then, I just wish it had started a little earlier.
I think one thing I'd have liked is for it to have been darker or lighter. I love a dark, morbid book, but I also love a fun, frivolous read. This felt like it was straddling both and was neither one thing nor another.
It started off slow and I did keep checking how far into it I was because it seemed like I wasn't getting anywhere. But it definitely did improve and the pace picked up and I found it more engaging. Perhaps if it was a little bit shorter then the pacing might have worked, but it felt like it dragged somewhat.
I also found the ending a bit...perfect, I suppose is the word. The story itself and the characters are a bit haphazard and a bit mad, and the ending was a bit too neat for me, which felt at odds with the rest of the book.
I didn't like it quite as much as her other ones. I did like it, I did, it's well written and fun, but there was something about it, something I can't quite define, which meant I struggled to lose myself in it. I would still recommend it because I've seen other reviews giving it raving 5-star reads so I think it'll split the crowd. The story is interesting, the pacing a bit off, the characters a bit bland and the ending too twee; and I hate saying anything negative about her work because generally it's brilliant. But it won't in any way stop me from reading her future books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Jane's books so much. But this felt like a completely different angle to the other one's I've read. But where it is similar is in the fabulous writing and storytelling and character creation.
One thing I love about her books is that the characters aren't perfect. A lot of books make their protagonists to be perfect, a bit twee, where everything goes well for them. But very few people are like that in real life. Jane has written some very good characters and some very bad characters (in terms of who they are, not in terms of the writing ability), and even the good ones are ugly at times and I enjoyed that. Having said that, even though they were well written, I found I didn't really care about the characters. It's not that I didn't like them as such, but I found it difficult to connect with any of them. What didn't help is I didn't like the main character Kitty. She was playing the victim but I found most of her issues were of her own doing and so I just found her irritating.
The start is obviously introducing our characters to give us something to invest in. And then about halfway it gets more into that psychological thriller, so I definitely got more into it then, I just wish it had started a little earlier.
I think one thing I'd have liked is for it to have been darker or lighter. I love a dark, morbid book, but I also love a fun, frivolous read. This felt like it was straddling both and was neither one thing nor another.
It started off slow and I did keep checking how far into it I was because it seemed like I wasn't getting anywhere. But it definitely did improve and the pace picked up and I found it more engaging. Perhaps if it was a little bit shorter then the pacing might have worked, but it felt like it dragged somewhat.
I also found the ending a bit...perfect, I suppose is the word. The story itself and the characters are a bit haphazard and a bit mad, and the ending was a bit too neat for me, which felt at odds with the rest of the book.
I didn't like it quite as much as her other ones. I did like it, I did, it's well written and fun, but there was something about it, something I can't quite define, which meant I struggled to lose myself in it. I would still recommend it because I've seen other reviews giving it raving 5-star reads so I think it'll split the crowd. The story is interesting, the pacing a bit off, the characters a bit bland and the ending too twee; and I hate saying anything negative about her work because generally it's brilliant. But it won't in any way stop me from reading her future books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jane Fallon’s writing is brilliant. I love her books and always look forward to the next one so was delighted to be approved for an advanced copy of Welcome to the Neighbourhood.
The story centres around the residents of Ashdown Close, a quiet London street where the biggest drama used to be which day do the bins go out! But not anymore!
The main characters are the very insecure Kitty, her best friend Grace and the new neighbours Sian and Richard. Sian and Richard's arrival shakes up the neighbourhood! Ever inquisitive, Kitty, cannot help but peek behind her curtains, keeping a watchful eye! And Kitty is obsessed with Sian and Richard because she sees them as glamorous and exciting, and the neighbours she has always hoped for. Kitty is very envious of them and their lifestyle. But this is when the story really begins to twist and turn.
From this point on, hidden truths and secrets surface and the revelations took me completely by surprise. There were parts of the book that left me utterly speechless. I could not believe the twists that were unfolding. Some parts were so astonishing, I had to read them twice! Absolutely brilliant! I loved the WhatsApp inclusion in the book - so many neighbourhoods have WhatsApp groups now but not everyone likes them. We live in a completely different world now and WhatsApp groups are not for everyone. They risk being overwhelming, creating a toxic environment and everyday niggles can spiral into something bigger.
This is such an entertaining, amusing and thoroughly enjoyable read, with fun characters, a storyline full of surprises, drama, secrets and gossip! Every neighbourhood harbours its secrets, its friendships, and its dramas, just like Ashdown Close! But is it worth being curious? Should you not just close the curtains and get on with your own life? We all have our own story and surely it is for us to decide if we share it and if so when and with whom.
I found this to be a completely different style to her other books but it was an engaging and entertaining read.
Thank you very much to Michael Joseph Books and Penguin Random House for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
The story centres around the residents of Ashdown Close, a quiet London street where the biggest drama used to be which day do the bins go out! But not anymore!
The main characters are the very insecure Kitty, her best friend Grace and the new neighbours Sian and Richard. Sian and Richard's arrival shakes up the neighbourhood! Ever inquisitive, Kitty, cannot help but peek behind her curtains, keeping a watchful eye! And Kitty is obsessed with Sian and Richard because she sees them as glamorous and exciting, and the neighbours she has always hoped for. Kitty is very envious of them and their lifestyle. But this is when the story really begins to twist and turn.
From this point on, hidden truths and secrets surface and the revelations took me completely by surprise. There were parts of the book that left me utterly speechless. I could not believe the twists that were unfolding. Some parts were so astonishing, I had to read them twice! Absolutely brilliant! I loved the WhatsApp inclusion in the book - so many neighbourhoods have WhatsApp groups now but not everyone likes them. We live in a completely different world now and WhatsApp groups are not for everyone. They risk being overwhelming, creating a toxic environment and everyday niggles can spiral into something bigger.
This is such an entertaining, amusing and thoroughly enjoyable read, with fun characters, a storyline full of surprises, drama, secrets and gossip! Every neighbourhood harbours its secrets, its friendships, and its dramas, just like Ashdown Close! But is it worth being curious? Should you not just close the curtains and get on with your own life? We all have our own story and surely it is for us to decide if we share it and if so when and with whom.
I found this to be a completely different style to her other books but it was an engaging and entertaining read.
Thank you very much to Michael Joseph Books and Penguin Random House for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
January 28, 2026
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’d give this a 4 stars, as I had moments where I thought it was really good and I couldn’t stop reading especially from the middle onwards but to begin with it was a little bit of a slow burn and I did think overall it could’ve been shorter (417 pages).
I’ve not read a Jane Fallon for ages and was keen to give it a go based on the premise (which tbh sounded a bit more like a thriller to me, which it isn’t). Our main character, Kitty, has moved to the London suburbs to sleepy Ashdown Close following her marriage break-up to Geth and is excited to get new neighbours, Sian and Richard, who to her seem gorgeous and sophisticated, so she’s thrilled when they, Sian especially, befriend her. Until now, Ashdown Close has been a quiet cul de sac where the most excitement tends to be moans on the neighbourhood WhatsApp group about bin collections and picking up after your dog!
It’s hard to say too much without giving spoilers, but Kitty is very taken in by Sian & her friendship, casting aside her seemingly only friend, best friend, Grace who she bemoans constantly anyway. After a couple of incidents, it leads to more drama (think soap opera/melodrama type drama) and is very much a delve into relationships, assumptions, trust, betrayal and what goes on behind closed doors. And you definitely need an open mind when reading this book.
I really liked Kitty and got to love Grace too, they are both funny and sweet in their own ways - and have real journeys especially Grace - but I can see why people might dislike them. I also liked the Andrew character, and got to like Lottie too. I wasn’t keen on Sian and Richard so much but that could’ve been due to the assumptions for the latter.
There are a couple of really good twists, the major one I suspected might be the case therefore making behaviours and actions really cringey and nerve wracking at times! I felt disappointed slightly by the ending, particularly for Kitty as everyone else’s stories seemed more wrapped up in their own different ways.
Overall I recommend it as a read and once again, thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’d give this a 4 stars, as I had moments where I thought it was really good and I couldn’t stop reading especially from the middle onwards but to begin with it was a little bit of a slow burn and I did think overall it could’ve been shorter (417 pages).
I’ve not read a Jane Fallon for ages and was keen to give it a go based on the premise (which tbh sounded a bit more like a thriller to me, which it isn’t). Our main character, Kitty, has moved to the London suburbs to sleepy Ashdown Close following her marriage break-up to Geth and is excited to get new neighbours, Sian and Richard, who to her seem gorgeous and sophisticated, so she’s thrilled when they, Sian especially, befriend her. Until now, Ashdown Close has been a quiet cul de sac where the most excitement tends to be moans on the neighbourhood WhatsApp group about bin collections and picking up after your dog!
It’s hard to say too much without giving spoilers, but Kitty is very taken in by Sian & her friendship, casting aside her seemingly only friend, best friend, Grace who she bemoans constantly anyway. After a couple of incidents, it leads to more drama (think soap opera/melodrama type drama) and is very much a delve into relationships, assumptions, trust, betrayal and what goes on behind closed doors. And you definitely need an open mind when reading this book.
I really liked Kitty and got to love Grace too, they are both funny and sweet in their own ways - and have real journeys especially Grace - but I can see why people might dislike them. I also liked the Andrew character, and got to like Lottie too. I wasn’t keen on Sian and Richard so much but that could’ve been due to the assumptions for the latter.
There are a couple of really good twists, the major one I suspected might be the case therefore making behaviours and actions really cringey and nerve wracking at times! I felt disappointed slightly by the ending, particularly for Kitty as everyone else’s stories seemed more wrapped up in their own different ways.
Overall I recommend it as a read and once again, thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2025
4* Ugh, a captivating read, but I couldn't engage with any character or feel for them. Well, maybe Grace.
This isn't my usual read, but I was strangely drawn into it. Probably because it's British, set in suburbia not a million miles away from me in N London, with people that for the most felt real. Not nasty-nasty, but occasionally busybodies, occasionally half-decent neighbours, and sadly, sociopaths amongst us.
I wasn't sure I bought the immediate gelling between Kitty and the villainess of the tale. And I hated how she treated Grace, her last-ditch friend. Tbh, that was actually quite a sad bit of the tale when I think about how kind Grace was, and that she let herself be used by Kitty so much. Kitty was definitely a user, and a selfish cow. The guy she had a fling with had to be in desperate need of a visit to Specsavers to end up with her.
Parts of the tale felt a bit incestuous, tbh, and it almost felt like Specsavers-guy was getting his own back on his wife, because of a brief fling she'd had, that he'd supposedly forgiven her for. Parts were ugly. Parts were fun, especially the WhatsApp messages from the Mrs Bucket-type character, who, it turned out, had cojones and used them!! Good on her. It was sweet to see a couple of oldies get together.
Whilst I had to totally suspend disbelief at the ending, boy was it satisfying. And sad and painful for the villainess's soon-to-be ex, in-laws, and no doubt, kid, when he heard. Grace came out of top, deservedly so. Kitty's fate was far too generous for the person she was revealed to be. The side story of her mum's dementia and Kitty's escape from Wales, leaving her admittedly absent siblings to do their part, kind of should've clued me in about her character. If I'd been Grace, I'd have told her where to go. That lady had backbone and cojones, too, and fully deserved her upcoming HEA.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Penguin Books for my reading pleasure.
This isn't my usual read, but I was strangely drawn into it. Probably because it's British, set in suburbia not a million miles away from me in N London, with people that for the most felt real. Not nasty-nasty, but occasionally busybodies, occasionally half-decent neighbours, and sadly, sociopaths amongst us.
I wasn't sure I bought the immediate gelling between Kitty and the villainess of the tale. And I hated how she treated Grace, her last-ditch friend. Tbh, that was actually quite a sad bit of the tale when I think about how kind Grace was, and that she let herself be used by Kitty so much. Kitty was definitely a user, and a selfish cow. The guy she had a fling with had to be in desperate need of a visit to Specsavers to end up with her.
Parts of the tale felt a bit incestuous, tbh, and it almost felt like Specsavers-guy was getting his own back on his wife, because of a brief fling she'd had, that he'd supposedly forgiven her for. Parts were ugly. Parts were fun, especially the WhatsApp messages from the Mrs Bucket-type character, who, it turned out, had cojones and used them!! Good on her. It was sweet to see a couple of oldies get together.
Whilst I had to totally suspend disbelief at the ending, boy was it satisfying. And sad and painful for the villainess's soon-to-be ex, in-laws, and no doubt, kid, when he heard. Grace came out of top, deservedly so. Kitty's fate was far too generous for the person she was revealed to be. The side story of her mum's dementia and Kitty's escape from Wales, leaving her admittedly absent siblings to do their part, kind of should've clued me in about her character. If I'd been Grace, I'd have told her where to go. That lady had backbone and cojones, too, and fully deserved her upcoming HEA.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Penguin Books for my reading pleasure.
January 6, 2026
Thank you Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House | Penguin and NetGalley for this ARC, out Jan 15th.
This was my first book by Jane Fallon, and what a read it was.
The story moves at a slightly slower pace and is told in two parts. The first focuses on introducing the main characters, Kitty and Grace - two friends who don’t so much adore each other as tolerate each other. Both are divorced, both trying to move on, and both are carrying unresolved baggage. When a glamorous new couple moves in next door to Kitty, she becomes increasingly enticed by their fabulous lifestyle, and from there the cracks begin to show.
What really worked for me was the character build-up and the growing tension between Kitty and Grace. Fallon does an excellent job of showing how people see only what they want to see, how personal agendas shape perception, and how easily we convince ourselves we’re right. The story is packed with twists and turns that kept me constantly reassessing what - and who - to believe.
My only small gripe is that I worked out who the “bad guy” was fairly early on, even if I didn’t yet understand the motivation. That said, it didn’t spoil the reading experience at all. I couldn’t put this book down and found myself reading like a detective, constantly hunting for clues. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, another twist landed. The only other minor issue for me was visualising the layout of the neighbourhood - a map would have helped - though that’s very much down to my own lack of housing imagination rather than the writing itself.
This is a sharp, clever exploration of human emotions, wants, and needs - and how easily we deceive ourselves in the process.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Smart, addictive, and deeply satisfying. I’ll definitely be reading more Jane Fallon.
This was my first book by Jane Fallon, and what a read it was.
The story moves at a slightly slower pace and is told in two parts. The first focuses on introducing the main characters, Kitty and Grace - two friends who don’t so much adore each other as tolerate each other. Both are divorced, both trying to move on, and both are carrying unresolved baggage. When a glamorous new couple moves in next door to Kitty, she becomes increasingly enticed by their fabulous lifestyle, and from there the cracks begin to show.
What really worked for me was the character build-up and the growing tension between Kitty and Grace. Fallon does an excellent job of showing how people see only what they want to see, how personal agendas shape perception, and how easily we convince ourselves we’re right. The story is packed with twists and turns that kept me constantly reassessing what - and who - to believe.
My only small gripe is that I worked out who the “bad guy” was fairly early on, even if I didn’t yet understand the motivation. That said, it didn’t spoil the reading experience at all. I couldn’t put this book down and found myself reading like a detective, constantly hunting for clues. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, another twist landed. The only other minor issue for me was visualising the layout of the neighbourhood - a map would have helped - though that’s very much down to my own lack of housing imagination rather than the writing itself.
This is a sharp, clever exploration of human emotions, wants, and needs - and how easily we deceive ourselves in the process.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Smart, addictive, and deeply satisfying. I’ll definitely be reading more Jane Fallon.
January 29, 2026
I DEVOURED this book! Honestly could not put it down, didn’t even want to, didn’t even try to, just enjoyed every single word of it.
As a huge Jane Fallon fan I was beyond excited for Welcome To The Neighbourhood being published and it was completely worth the wait. It’s the story of Kitty, a woman who leaves her long-term partner and their life together and moves to London, longing for a more exciting life. Instead she ends up in Ashdown Close where the neighbours are only interested in who puts what in their bins and whose dogs are pooing where! That is until a new couple move into the street...
Sian and Rich have it all, or so it seems, and Kitty is desperate to be a part of their seemingly sparkly and sophisticated life. Everything changes though when Kitty spots a woman sneaking out of Sian and Rich’s house.
Along with Kitty’s ‘best friend’ Grace (who Kitty only just tolerates) Kitty sets out to uncover the mystery of the suspect woman!
Of course this intriguing and mysterious plot soon becomes deliciously messy (exciting!) There are twists and turns here, there and everywhere and so much that you just don’t see coming. The character development is fantastic, the pacing is perfect and the ending is very satisfying (although I wished one thing had worked out differently!)
I loved the suspense and secrets in this story, but | especially enjoyed the ‘romance’ element! As with all of Jane’s novels, there’s so many laugh out loud moments, but lots of important themes too. It’s a story of friendship and loyalty, self discovery and empowerment and it acts as the perfect reminder that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others as the grass is most definitely not greener!
As a huge Jane Fallon fan I was beyond excited for Welcome To The Neighbourhood being published and it was completely worth the wait. It’s the story of Kitty, a woman who leaves her long-term partner and their life together and moves to London, longing for a more exciting life. Instead she ends up in Ashdown Close where the neighbours are only interested in who puts what in their bins and whose dogs are pooing where! That is until a new couple move into the street...
Sian and Rich have it all, or so it seems, and Kitty is desperate to be a part of their seemingly sparkly and sophisticated life. Everything changes though when Kitty spots a woman sneaking out of Sian and Rich’s house.
Along with Kitty’s ‘best friend’ Grace (who Kitty only just tolerates) Kitty sets out to uncover the mystery of the suspect woman!
Of course this intriguing and mysterious plot soon becomes deliciously messy (exciting!) There are twists and turns here, there and everywhere and so much that you just don’t see coming. The character development is fantastic, the pacing is perfect and the ending is very satisfying (although I wished one thing had worked out differently!)
I loved the suspense and secrets in this story, but | especially enjoyed the ‘romance’ element! As with all of Jane’s novels, there’s so many laugh out loud moments, but lots of important themes too. It’s a story of friendship and loyalty, self discovery and empowerment and it acts as the perfect reminder that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others as the grass is most definitely not greener!
October 19, 2025
Kitty, desperate to spice up her life, moves to Ashdown Close in London. Unfortunately she ended up on a street where the hottest topic is the missed bin collection. That is until new couple Sian and Rich move in next door. They are the cool, glamorous friends Kitty needs but when she spots a mysterious woman sneaking out of their home one night, she realises they may not be the perfect couple she first thought.
I have read a few Jane Fallon books and have really enjoyed them all. She is the master of a great, classic revenge drama and although this seemed slightly different from the usual read, it was still full of the author’s usual wit and humour. The author does a great job at creating characters with depth and flaws, some unlikeable and others that really grew on me over time. I couldn’t help but swept up in their lives and dramas, I will be left thinking about them. I also loved that the dialogue and relationships between them felt fresh and authentic.
I enjoyed the added WhatsApp messages, finding these entertaining and trying to work out the mystery element. This started strongly, however it dipped a bit in the middle, but picked up again soon after, and I was hooked until the final chapter. The story is full of heart and emotion, while still having plenty of twists and turns. Overall I found this a great read and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I have to say I also like the cover! 4.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I have read a few Jane Fallon books and have really enjoyed them all. She is the master of a great, classic revenge drama and although this seemed slightly different from the usual read, it was still full of the author’s usual wit and humour. The author does a great job at creating characters with depth and flaws, some unlikeable and others that really grew on me over time. I couldn’t help but swept up in their lives and dramas, I will be left thinking about them. I also loved that the dialogue and relationships between them felt fresh and authentic.
I enjoyed the added WhatsApp messages, finding these entertaining and trying to work out the mystery element. This started strongly, however it dipped a bit in the middle, but picked up again soon after, and I was hooked until the final chapter. The story is full of heart and emotion, while still having plenty of twists and turns. Overall I found this a great read and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I have to say I also like the cover! 4.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
January 21, 2026
NO ONE'S SECRETS ARE SAFE...
Kitty thought moving to London would spice up her life. Unfortunately, she ended up on Ashdown Close, where the hottest topic of gossip is a missed bin collection.
That was before the arrival of Sian and Rich at number 8. They are cool and glamorous, and Kitty is perfectly willing to be dazzled by their company.
But when she spots a mysterious woman furtively leaving their house, she realises they might not be the magnetic couple she thought. Aided and abetted by best friend Grace, Kitty feels she needs to investigate.
Do Sian and Richard really have something to hide, or are Kitty and Grace just being nosy neighbours?
And if they are, perhaps they are not the only ones.
Because on this street’s nobody’s business might just turn out to be everybody’s business . . .
I loved this so much - the darkly comic narrative kept me entertained and Kitty and Grace were just a perfect double act - if a little bit clingy 😉
This kept me engaged throughout with twists and turns and the odd (in more ways than one) romance along the way. The characters really were believable as I’m sure we all know a Betty and a couple like Julie and Pete who are always trying to involve you in their own hobbies and interests.
It demonstrates how things can escalate just by hearsay and that street WhatsApp groups are not to be trusted as you never know who’s actually telling the truth!
The ending to this was superb and I hadn’t suspected at all!
Great writing as always and can’t wait to get stuck into another from Jane.
Kitty thought moving to London would spice up her life. Unfortunately, she ended up on Ashdown Close, where the hottest topic of gossip is a missed bin collection.
That was before the arrival of Sian and Rich at number 8. They are cool and glamorous, and Kitty is perfectly willing to be dazzled by their company.
But when she spots a mysterious woman furtively leaving their house, she realises they might not be the magnetic couple she thought. Aided and abetted by best friend Grace, Kitty feels she needs to investigate.
Do Sian and Richard really have something to hide, or are Kitty and Grace just being nosy neighbours?
And if they are, perhaps they are not the only ones.
Because on this street’s nobody’s business might just turn out to be everybody’s business . . .
I loved this so much - the darkly comic narrative kept me entertained and Kitty and Grace were just a perfect double act - if a little bit clingy 😉
This kept me engaged throughout with twists and turns and the odd (in more ways than one) romance along the way. The characters really were believable as I’m sure we all know a Betty and a couple like Julie and Pete who are always trying to involve you in their own hobbies and interests.
It demonstrates how things can escalate just by hearsay and that street WhatsApp groups are not to be trusted as you never know who’s actually telling the truth!
The ending to this was superb and I hadn’t suspected at all!
Great writing as always and can’t wait to get stuck into another from Jane.
October 30, 2025
No one’s secrets are safe…
This book started off quite slowly for me, and I’ll admit I wasn’t sure I’d stick with it at first. The setup — Kitty moving to London in search of excitement, only to land on a street where gossip about bin collections is the main entertainment — had promise, but it took a long time to find its rhythm.
I also struggled to warm to Kitty. Her attitude toward her friend Grace, whom she clearly saw as “beneath” her new London lifestyle, made it difficult to root for her early on. It’s hard to stay invested in a story when the main character grates a bit, and that definitely affected my reading experience.
That said, things picked up around the halfway point. Once the secrets on Ashdown Close began to unravel, the pace and intrigue improved significantly, and I started to enjoy the story more. The last half had more of the sharpness and humour I usually associate with Fallon’s writing, and it reminded me why I wanted to read it in the first place.
My main issue was with the ending — it felt a little too tidy, as though the fallout from everyone’s actions was conveniently brushed aside. Given the scale of some of the drama, I didn’t find that entirely believable.
Overall, this was a mixed read for me: a slow start, an engaging middle, and an ending that left me slightly unsatisfied. Still, it had moments of wit and insight that kept me turning the pages once it found its stride.
This book started off quite slowly for me, and I’ll admit I wasn’t sure I’d stick with it at first. The setup — Kitty moving to London in search of excitement, only to land on a street where gossip about bin collections is the main entertainment — had promise, but it took a long time to find its rhythm.
I also struggled to warm to Kitty. Her attitude toward her friend Grace, whom she clearly saw as “beneath” her new London lifestyle, made it difficult to root for her early on. It’s hard to stay invested in a story when the main character grates a bit, and that definitely affected my reading experience.
That said, things picked up around the halfway point. Once the secrets on Ashdown Close began to unravel, the pace and intrigue improved significantly, and I started to enjoy the story more. The last half had more of the sharpness and humour I usually associate with Fallon’s writing, and it reminded me why I wanted to read it in the first place.
My main issue was with the ending — it felt a little too tidy, as though the fallout from everyone’s actions was conveniently brushed aside. Given the scale of some of the drama, I didn’t find that entirely believable.
Overall, this was a mixed read for me: a slow start, an engaging middle, and an ending that left me slightly unsatisfied. Still, it had moments of wit and insight that kept me turning the pages once it found its stride.
January 28, 2026
Jane Fallon is one of my favourite contemporary fiction writers as I always feel like her books have a slight edge to them, which really makes them stand out. She is definitely an auto buy author for me and after reading this, I will 100% be reading everything she writes in the future.
This book grabbed me right away, I was hooked from the first page and I was fully invested throughout.
I loved the characters in this. Especially our MC Kitty, however her friend Grace really stole the show for me, so much so, that if there is a sequel to this book I would love it to be about her.
All of the characters felt like real people to me and all their relationships/friendships felt genuine and not at all like I was reading about made up people.
I also did like the setting of this book. The close knit community really did come across in the writing and I definitely felt like I was living there with the characters.
The pacing of this was also great. I did have some worries going in, as this is over 400 pages, that it would be too long and a bit slow, but thankfully it never felt like that to me. In fact, I raced through this in one day.
After reading this I am convinced that nobody writes like Jane Fallon does and I highly recommend if you haven't read any of her books, to definitely check them out!
Thanks to Michael Joseph for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
This book grabbed me right away, I was hooked from the first page and I was fully invested throughout.
I loved the characters in this. Especially our MC Kitty, however her friend Grace really stole the show for me, so much so, that if there is a sequel to this book I would love it to be about her.
All of the characters felt like real people to me and all their relationships/friendships felt genuine and not at all like I was reading about made up people.
I also did like the setting of this book. The close knit community really did come across in the writing and I definitely felt like I was living there with the characters.
The pacing of this was also great. I did have some worries going in, as this is over 400 pages, that it would be too long and a bit slow, but thankfully it never felt like that to me. In fact, I raced through this in one day.
After reading this I am convinced that nobody writes like Jane Fallon does and I highly recommend if you haven't read any of her books, to definitely check them out!
Thanks to Michael Joseph for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this story! To be fair I’ve loved all of Jane Fallon’s books, so it’s not a massive surprise that I enjoyed this one so much. Jane seems to have a knack of writing brilliant characters and really makes me laugh with how accurate her quips are and this, for me, makes her characters really relatable.
The story is based in Ashdown Close, a quiet street in a quiet part of London, where nothing exciting ever happens. Kitty, however, is looking for some excitement, which is why she moved to London! She has one friend, Grace, who is slightly dull but reliable, so Kitty is feeling slightly discontent with her lot. When Sian and Rich move in next door they bring with them some much needed excitement, and Kitty gets swept away in it, but just how much excitement and drama can Kitty actually handle?!
To tell you anything else about the storyline would give away the twists. The story itself focuses on friendship and how what you think you want, isn’t always what you actually need. There are plenty of surprises, it’s got humour, it’s got heart and the ending made me smile.
Fabulously written and brilliantly entertaining, I thoroughly recommend this book! Out 15th Jan 2026.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I absolutely loved this story! To be fair I’ve loved all of Jane Fallon’s books, so it’s not a massive surprise that I enjoyed this one so much. Jane seems to have a knack of writing brilliant characters and really makes me laugh with how accurate her quips are and this, for me, makes her characters really relatable.
The story is based in Ashdown Close, a quiet street in a quiet part of London, where nothing exciting ever happens. Kitty, however, is looking for some excitement, which is why she moved to London! She has one friend, Grace, who is slightly dull but reliable, so Kitty is feeling slightly discontent with her lot. When Sian and Rich move in next door they bring with them some much needed excitement, and Kitty gets swept away in it, but just how much excitement and drama can Kitty actually handle?!
To tell you anything else about the storyline would give away the twists. The story itself focuses on friendship and how what you think you want, isn’t always what you actually need. There are plenty of surprises, it’s got humour, it’s got heart and the ending made me smile.
Fabulously written and brilliantly entertaining, I thoroughly recommend this book! Out 15th Jan 2026.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
October 21, 2025
Welcome to the Neighbourhood is a darkly comic and sharply observed novel that peels back the polished veneer of suburban life to reveal the envy, intrigue, and quiet chaos simmering beneath. Jane Fallon, known for her clever takes on modern relationships, delivers another addictive read that’s equal parts witty and unsettling.
Kitty moves to Ashdown Close hoping for a fresh start, but instead finds herself in a cul-de-sac of gossip, bin-day politics, and suspiciously perfect neighbours. Enter Sian and Rich—glamorous, magnetic, and just a little too polished. When Kitty spots a mysterious woman sneaking out of their house, curiosity turns into obsession, and she enlists her best friend Grace to help uncover the truth.
Fallon’s writing sparkles with dry humour and emotional insight. The twists are subtle but satisfying, and the characters—flawed, funny, and fiercely human—make the story feel both relatable and riveting. It’s a novel that reminds us: in the right neighbourhood, nobody’s business might just be everybody’s.
Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a bite, Welcome to the Neighbourhood is a page-turner that’s as smart as it is entertaining.
with thanks to Jane Fallon, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Kitty moves to Ashdown Close hoping for a fresh start, but instead finds herself in a cul-de-sac of gossip, bin-day politics, and suspiciously perfect neighbours. Enter Sian and Rich—glamorous, magnetic, and just a little too polished. When Kitty spots a mysterious woman sneaking out of their house, curiosity turns into obsession, and she enlists her best friend Grace to help uncover the truth.
Fallon’s writing sparkles with dry humour and emotional insight. The twists are subtle but satisfying, and the characters—flawed, funny, and fiercely human—make the story feel both relatable and riveting. It’s a novel that reminds us: in the right neighbourhood, nobody’s business might just be everybody’s.
Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a bite, Welcome to the Neighbourhood is a page-turner that’s as smart as it is entertaining.
with thanks to Jane Fallon, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
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