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Neighbourhood Watch
The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton, is dead.
Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist turned homicide detective, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters.
Emma Bloom is sophisticated, intelligent, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly, estranged sister, Margot, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband, The Pope.
As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.
P.S. Mind the cat.
‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook, a generous dose of dark humour, and a truly distinctive voice.’ CHRISTIAN WHITE
Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist turned homicide detective, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters.
Emma Bloom is sophisticated, intelligent, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly, estranged sister, Margot, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband, The Pope.
As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.
P.S. Mind the cat.
‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook, a generous dose of dark humour, and a truly distinctive voice.’ CHRISTIAN WHITE
- GenresAudiobook
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 8, 2026
The prologue was a great hook, opening with the grisly discovery of Supreme Court judge Harry "the Pope" Somerton's body posed on a scarecrow. It immediately had me wanting to know what had happened, and what initially seemed like a straightforward murder investigation soon became much more complex.
The annual scarecrow festival gives the story such a unique identity. Curlew Street initially feels like an ordinary Australian suburban neighbourhood, but there's an underlying feeling that something is just a little bit off. As more comes to light and you begin to realise just how interconnected everyone is, the whole street started to feel like its own fishbowl. It made the mystery feel surprisingly claustrophobic, as though there was nowhere for anyone to hide from the secrets they'd been keeping.
As a New Zealander living in Australia, I also enjoyed getting a glimpse into the kinds of local traditions and neighbourhood events different communities celebrate here. I had no idea scarecrow festivals were actually a real thing, and they make for such a quirky yet surprisingly creepy backdrop for a murder mystery.
Leading the investigation is Detective Sergeant Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist whose background gives her a unique perspective on the people she interviews. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Harry was far from the honourable public figure he appeared to be. Beneath the murder mystery, the story also explores some heavier themes, adding emotional weight without ever losing sight of the investigation.
I also liked how Lauren Williams balances the darker subject matter with the warmth of the community. It has the feel of a police procedural, but there's also something cosy about it despite its darker edge. The relationship between Emma and her estranged sister Margot was one of the highlights for me, and I found myself just as invested in their family dynamics as I was in finding out who killed Harry.
While I appreciated the diverse cast and many perspectives, I occasionally found myself wishing I had the print copy alongside the audiobook to help keep track of everyone. There are a lot of moving parts, but it also gives the story an almost TV series feel, with each chapter revealing another piece of the bigger puzzle.
The twists kept me second-guessing, including one reveal I genuinely didn't see coming. More than anything, this felt like a fresh addition to Australian crime fiction. It blends an intriguing mystery with memorable characters, a distinctive setting and just the right balance of cosy and dark, making for a really impressive debut. I'll definitely be picking up whatever Lauren Williams writes next.
The annual scarecrow festival gives the story such a unique identity. Curlew Street initially feels like an ordinary Australian suburban neighbourhood, but there's an underlying feeling that something is just a little bit off. As more comes to light and you begin to realise just how interconnected everyone is, the whole street started to feel like its own fishbowl. It made the mystery feel surprisingly claustrophobic, as though there was nowhere for anyone to hide from the secrets they'd been keeping.
As a New Zealander living in Australia, I also enjoyed getting a glimpse into the kinds of local traditions and neighbourhood events different communities celebrate here. I had no idea scarecrow festivals were actually a real thing, and they make for such a quirky yet surprisingly creepy backdrop for a murder mystery.
Leading the investigation is Detective Sergeant Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist whose background gives her a unique perspective on the people she interviews. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Harry was far from the honourable public figure he appeared to be. Beneath the murder mystery, the story also explores some heavier themes, adding emotional weight without ever losing sight of the investigation.
I also liked how Lauren Williams balances the darker subject matter with the warmth of the community. It has the feel of a police procedural, but there's also something cosy about it despite its darker edge. The relationship between Emma and her estranged sister Margot was one of the highlights for me, and I found myself just as invested in their family dynamics as I was in finding out who killed Harry.
While I appreciated the diverse cast and many perspectives, I occasionally found myself wishing I had the print copy alongside the audiobook to help keep track of everyone. There are a lot of moving parts, but it also gives the story an almost TV series feel, with each chapter revealing another piece of the bigger puzzle.
The twists kept me second-guessing, including one reveal I genuinely didn't see coming. More than anything, this felt like a fresh addition to Australian crime fiction. It blends an intriguing mystery with memorable characters, a distinctive setting and just the right balance of cosy and dark, making for a really impressive debut. I'll definitely be picking up whatever Lauren Williams writes next.
July 14, 2026
Neighbourhood Watch is a yet another fantastic debut from an Australian author. We are seriously being spoilt in 2026 with all the new very talented writers, and we are only halfway through the year. This book is complex and so well constructed with multiple characters points of view and before and after timelines.
Set in the northern Melbourne suburbs we meet the residents of Curlew Street. At first it seems like an ordinary street, but as we get to know them we find that they are all interwoven together in different ways. Their annual scarecrow competition always brings out the rivalry, but when one of the scarecrows is discovered to be the body of a Supreme Court judge, and the husband of a woman who is hiding out in one of the homes, things are thrown on their heads.
DS Priyanka Pal is part of the investigation, and as a former psychologist she seems the possible suspects in a different light than her colleagues. She can also see through the obvious corruption within her own department and isn’t afraid to speak out. She is a dedicated detective and I hope we get to read more about her in future books from this author.
This is a dark read, and incredibly emotional as well. Some heart breaking scenes in this book had me with tears in my eyes. It is a clever and believable story, very well done.
Thanks so much to Affirm Press for my copy of this book to read. It is out. Is and well worth picking up.
Set in the northern Melbourne suburbs we meet the residents of Curlew Street. At first it seems like an ordinary street, but as we get to know them we find that they are all interwoven together in different ways. Their annual scarecrow competition always brings out the rivalry, but when one of the scarecrows is discovered to be the body of a Supreme Court judge, and the husband of a woman who is hiding out in one of the homes, things are thrown on their heads.
DS Priyanka Pal is part of the investigation, and as a former psychologist she seems the possible suspects in a different light than her colleagues. She can also see through the obvious corruption within her own department and isn’t afraid to speak out. She is a dedicated detective and I hope we get to read more about her in future books from this author.
This is a dark read, and incredibly emotional as well. Some heart breaking scenes in this book had me with tears in my eyes. It is a clever and believable story, very well done.
Thanks so much to Affirm Press for my copy of this book to read. It is out. Is and well worth picking up.
July 23, 2026
Aussie August Thursday Thriller Review
With a cracker of a prologue that had me completely hooked from the very beginning, I found it almost impossible to put this book down!
Every year the residents who live on Curlew Street hold a scarecrow competition, only this particular year, the neighbourhood is shocked to find the gruesome scene of Supreme Court Judge Harry "The Pope" Somerton dead and has been posed crucifix style on one of the scarecrow displays.
Neighbourhood Watch is such a cleverly written book with such a diverse range of characters. There were definite twists and turns that I was not expecting and it had me pointing fingers at everyone!
There were many moving parts in this book such as family relationships, some darker themes such as domestic violence and discrimination within the workplace, but I didn't feel overwhelmed at all and enjoyed how everything connected.
I also really appreciated how Williams skillfully balanced out the darker parts of the book with some humour and the quirky characters in the neighbourhood that are gradually introduced - What can I say - Easykill is one of my favs!!!
This was such a fantastic page turning debut read, and I am looking forward to reading more from Lauren Williams.
As massive thank you to @simonandschuster for the gifted copy of this book in return for an honest review.
With a cracker of a prologue that had me completely hooked from the very beginning, I found it almost impossible to put this book down!
Every year the residents who live on Curlew Street hold a scarecrow competition, only this particular year, the neighbourhood is shocked to find the gruesome scene of Supreme Court Judge Harry "The Pope" Somerton dead and has been posed crucifix style on one of the scarecrow displays.
Neighbourhood Watch is such a cleverly written book with such a diverse range of characters. There were definite twists and turns that I was not expecting and it had me pointing fingers at everyone!
There were many moving parts in this book such as family relationships, some darker themes such as domestic violence and discrimination within the workplace, but I didn't feel overwhelmed at all and enjoyed how everything connected.
I also really appreciated how Williams skillfully balanced out the darker parts of the book with some humour and the quirky characters in the neighbourhood that are gradually introduced - What can I say - Easykill is one of my favs!!!
This was such a fantastic page turning debut read, and I am looking forward to reading more from Lauren Williams.
As massive thank you to @simonandschuster for the gifted copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 15, 2026
This is a great debut novel and would have been a 5 if it wasn’t for the ending.
The “who” in the whodunnit feels like a bit of a “cheat” of the reader.
But enjoyed all of the pages and hope for more from this author. 🤗
The “who” in the whodunnit feels like a bit of a “cheat” of the reader.
But enjoyed all of the pages and hope for more from this author. 🤗
August 8, 2026
Neighbourhood Watch is an enjoyable debut from Aussie author Lauren Williams, built around a dark and kinda ironic premise… a dead body styled as a scarecrow during the annual Curlew Street competition, and the victim turns out to be a Supreme Court judge, who we learn has a very dodgy reputation. We get three main narrators: estranged sisters Emma and Margot, and homicide detective Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist who joined the force specifically to do more for women experiencing domestic violence than just treat the aftermath. All three are carrying significant weight before the story even begins.
The sisters' dynamic is probably what I enjoyed most here. Years apart haven't killed the intimacy between them, but there's so much unsaid (and secrets being kept) that you're never quite sure the relationship will heal this latest event. Margot in particular is quietly holding a lot together, including running the family business, a dying brother, and a mother who leans heavily on her. Williams also includes some great neighbourhood colours.
My one slight criticism is that the ending felt a little less resolved than I'd have liked (though that might be a ‘me’ thing)… I think I know what happened, but I wasn't entirely sure. That said, the ethical dilemmas on offer here are actually part of what makes this an excellent book club pick.
3.5 stars
You can read the full review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
The sisters' dynamic is probably what I enjoyed most here. Years apart haven't killed the intimacy between them, but there's so much unsaid (and secrets being kept) that you're never quite sure the relationship will heal this latest event. Margot in particular is quietly holding a lot together, including running the family business, a dying brother, and a mother who leans heavily on her. Williams also includes some great neighbourhood colours.
My one slight criticism is that the ending felt a little less resolved than I'd have liked (though that might be a ‘me’ thing)… I think I know what happened, but I wasn't entirely sure. That said, the ethical dilemmas on offer here are actually part of what makes this an excellent book club pick.
3.5 stars
You can read the full review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
August 19, 2026
The actual Neighbourhood Watch, the community-based and officially-sanctioned-vigilante-justice-adjacent group, was huge when I was a kid. Our neighbourhood would gather once a month in my parents' living room, drink coffee, eat special occasion desserts and use it as an excuse to gossip about anyone and everyone they knew all under the cloak of 'keeping our community safe'. I don't know how much safer we all were in the end, but I did know way more about what was going on in our street than it was reasonably healthy for young child to be aware of. #educated
Lauren Williams has captured that general vibe really well with this debut and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Neighbours are always curious about each other and when there are layers of crime, mystery and a pretty gruesome murder then it's a banger of a combo.
The plot was really well structured - I've seen a lot of reviews saying they picked the ending but I did not see it coming at all - and the familiarity of the Melbourne setting added an extra layer to knowing what was going on.
Two big pluses for me:
/ The lighter tone in the narrative. It wasn't ha-ha funny, but some great one liners and a couple of caricature-ish bad guys were some relief against some of the darker undertones to the storyline.
/ The cast of female characters who were given space to be well rounded in the spaces they were meant to fill. Again, I don't know if this is just symptomatic of the female author writing good female characters element again but the lead detective especially was given the mile she deserved to take, which was notable.
Sort of wish Priyanka Pal would have made an appearance at one of my childhood Neighbourhood Watch meetings, in which she would have told everyone to put down their Vienetta, go home, and stop letting the wide-eyed 9 year old in the corner in on *quite* so much of the local gossip.
Lauren Williams has captured that general vibe really well with this debut and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Neighbours are always curious about each other and when there are layers of crime, mystery and a pretty gruesome murder then it's a banger of a combo.
The plot was really well structured - I've seen a lot of reviews saying they picked the ending but I did not see it coming at all - and the familiarity of the Melbourne setting added an extra layer to knowing what was going on.
Two big pluses for me:
/ The lighter tone in the narrative. It wasn't ha-ha funny, but some great one liners and a couple of caricature-ish bad guys were some relief against some of the darker undertones to the storyline.
/ The cast of female characters who were given space to be well rounded in the spaces they were meant to fill. Again, I don't know if this is just symptomatic of the female author writing good female characters element again but the lead detective especially was given the mile she deserved to take, which was notable.
Sort of wish Priyanka Pal would have made an appearance at one of my childhood Neighbourhood Watch meetings, in which she would have told everyone to put down their Vienetta, go home, and stop letting the wide-eyed 9 year old in the corner in on *quite* so much of the local gossip.
August 30, 2026
Neighbourhood Watch by Lauren Williams 🇦🇺
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half ⭐️
August is Australian Author Appreciation Month 🇦🇺
I honestly couldn't believe this was a debut book!! It was wonderfully written. It had an amazing fast paced plot, fantastic complex characters, fabulous side plots and different POVs to keep you intruged.
This book was dark and mysterious with a side of discrete comedy. It had some challenging themes of death, domestic violence, corruption, and palliative care. It was full of amazing complex female protagonists. I absolutely loved Homicide detective Priyanka Pal. She has a background in psychology (👌🙋♀️💃) and is tough and fearless.
I loved the back and forth of past to present to uncover the truth. It was realistic and felt familiar. The ending was spectacular and unexpected. I can't wait to read more of Priyanka Pal. Im hooked! Highly recommend 👌 👍 👏 🙌
"The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton, is dead.
Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist turned homicide detective, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters.
Emma Bloom is sophisticated, intelligent, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly, estranged sister, Margot, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband, The Pope.
As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.
P.S. Mind the cat."
Oh the cat was a fabulous angry touch of brilliance 😆🙌
#aussiebookbloger
#aussieauthorappreciation #aussiebookstagram #australiancrimelover #aussiebookreviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half ⭐️
August is Australian Author Appreciation Month 🇦🇺
I honestly couldn't believe this was a debut book!! It was wonderfully written. It had an amazing fast paced plot, fantastic complex characters, fabulous side plots and different POVs to keep you intruged.
This book was dark and mysterious with a side of discrete comedy. It had some challenging themes of death, domestic violence, corruption, and palliative care. It was full of amazing complex female protagonists. I absolutely loved Homicide detective Priyanka Pal. She has a background in psychology (👌🙋♀️💃) and is tough and fearless.
I loved the back and forth of past to present to uncover the truth. It was realistic and felt familiar. The ending was spectacular and unexpected. I can't wait to read more of Priyanka Pal. Im hooked! Highly recommend 👌 👍 👏 🙌
"The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton, is dead.
Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist turned homicide detective, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters.
Emma Bloom is sophisticated, intelligent, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly, estranged sister, Margot, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband, The Pope.
As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.
P.S. Mind the cat."
Oh the cat was a fabulous angry touch of brilliance 😆🙌
#aussiebookbloger
#aussieauthorappreciation #aussiebookstagram #australiancrimelover #aussiebookreviewer
September 8, 2026
I do like a good "whodunnit" and this one ticks all the boxes for me. I can't believe it's a debut novel because it is so assured in every department - writing, characterisation, plot development, setting, even humour. I was enthralled for every one of its 371 pages. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, bam! another twist in the road. I loved the two stories moving simultaneously : the family at the centre of the crime and the female detective from VicPol charged with working on the case (but subservient to her ineffectual male "superiors"). I don't have siblings but the itchy/scratchy relationship of the two sisters, bound by their history, their secrets and their love for their ailing brother, rang true. I even found myself quietly cheering on those characters who exist in the shadier side of the law. If I had one quibble it was I would have liked further retribution laid on the ladder-climbing couple at No. 12. Oh, and I kept getting pulled up by the author's use of "hitched" - apparently voices frequently "hitch" as in struggling emotionally to get out. But these minor irritations aside, I loved this. I wonder if DS Priyanka Pal will return or will Lauren Williams have another stand-alone book for us? Either way, sign me up now!
September 16, 2026
Big thanks to Affirm Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Debut Aussie writer Lauren Williams brings a new suburban domestic thriller to reading audiences.
A shadowy, mysterious and thrilling read.
In an inner north suburbia street in Melbourne the annual Scarecrow competition is in full bloom.
The residents of Curlew Street fight it out to be the winner.
This year an entrant has upped the stakes.
The dead body of Judge Henry Somerton, is draped over a cross and there’s blood everywhere.
Now everyone in the Avenue is a suspect.
Detective Priyanka Pal arrives on the scene determined to solve the case.
Emma, his wife, is smart and beautiful but behind the facade was a bad man.
Her sister, Margot knows the truth and even though estranged they are eager to find out who did the murder.
The threesome are driven to get answers and nothing will stand in their way……
Complex characters with many sneaky behaviours, an uncanny atmospheric street and a plot of mystery and drama.
Told from different perspectives of the cast, we go along to figure out the crime until the big reveal and the aftermath of that with a few surprises along the way.
One to put on your reading radar.
Debut Aussie writer Lauren Williams brings a new suburban domestic thriller to reading audiences.
A shadowy, mysterious and thrilling read.
In an inner north suburbia street in Melbourne the annual Scarecrow competition is in full bloom.
The residents of Curlew Street fight it out to be the winner.
This year an entrant has upped the stakes.
The dead body of Judge Henry Somerton, is draped over a cross and there’s blood everywhere.
Now everyone in the Avenue is a suspect.
Detective Priyanka Pal arrives on the scene determined to solve the case.
Emma, his wife, is smart and beautiful but behind the facade was a bad man.
Her sister, Margot knows the truth and even though estranged they are eager to find out who did the murder.
The threesome are driven to get answers and nothing will stand in their way……
Complex characters with many sneaky behaviours, an uncanny atmospheric street and a plot of mystery and drama.
Told from different perspectives of the cast, we go along to figure out the crime until the big reveal and the aftermath of that with a few surprises along the way.
One to put on your reading radar.
August 1, 2026
Super pleasantly surprised by this one - was recommended by a friend and normally I'm heebie of new authors but the story was so well plotted and interesting and the characters fun to get to know and hang out with. Reeeeeeaaally liked DS Priyanka Pal!!! I hope she's gonna come back, I've been hankering for a decent series detective!! Also: it made me laugh - yay! Sad face I did not guess the killer, which is one of my fav things to do baaaahahah.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This multi POV whodunnit kept me up till the early hours. I loved it!
Neighbourhood Watch starts with the discovery of a body at the annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition. Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge has been strung up not far from the Bloom household — where his abused wife Emma is hiding!
This is a fantastic mystery that reads like it was written by an experienced author at the top of their game — but it's actually a debut novel!
The book structure is intricate and clever as we work towards the night of the murder, alternating between characters and the days both before and after. It sounds complex but trust me, it works. I was never confused about where I was in the timeline.
We gradually meet a range of characters who could nearly all be responsible. Over the course of the book I suspected pretty much everybody, which means I could say I worked it out, but I don't think it counts 😅
There are multiple subplots moving the story along, including homicide detective Priyanka's concerns about the investigation, the Bloom sisters troubled relationship, their brother’s terminal illness, and the victim’s many secrets. (See content warnings below.)
Special shout out to the author for her sensitive and nuanced representation of Emma’s complex mental and emotional state both before and after her husband's death. It's sometimes painful to read, but feels very authentic.
From moments of black humour to an end of life scene that broke me, I loved everything about this story.
Highly recommended!
I received this book as part of Simon & Schuster's Readers Department Book Club.
Content Warnings below
*
*
*
*
*
⚠️ DV (off page), end of life (cancer), amputation, misconduct / unlawful stalking.
Neighbourhood Watch starts with the discovery of a body at the annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition. Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge has been strung up not far from the Bloom household — where his abused wife Emma is hiding!
This is a fantastic mystery that reads like it was written by an experienced author at the top of their game — but it's actually a debut novel!
The book structure is intricate and clever as we work towards the night of the murder, alternating between characters and the days both before and after. It sounds complex but trust me, it works. I was never confused about where I was in the timeline.
We gradually meet a range of characters who could nearly all be responsible. Over the course of the book I suspected pretty much everybody, which means I could say I worked it out, but I don't think it counts 😅
There are multiple subplots moving the story along, including homicide detective Priyanka's concerns about the investigation, the Bloom sisters troubled relationship, their brother’s terminal illness, and the victim’s many secrets. (See content warnings below.)
Special shout out to the author for her sensitive and nuanced representation of Emma’s complex mental and emotional state both before and after her husband's death. It's sometimes painful to read, but feels very authentic.
From moments of black humour to an end of life scene that broke me, I loved everything about this story.
Highly recommended!
I received this book as part of Simon & Schuster's Readers Department Book Club.
Content Warnings below
*
*
*
*
*
⚠️ DV (off page), end of life (cancer), amputation, misconduct / unlawful stalking.
July 24, 2026
Pretty fun murder mystery with excellent plotting. Meticulously constructed and written with a lot of research/knowledge of VicPol procedures and small Melbourne idiosyncrasies.
Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the “comedy”. It was a nice break from the usual “small town with a big secret” brand of Aussie crime novel that’s all about being as gritty and bleak as possible.
However, as the novel went on I just found myself getting tired of the constant sarcastic commentary.
It felt like it was inserting these little quips and jabs more out of obligation than any real comedic sensibility.
The writing itself was fine but I do feel like there was too much simplistic over-explaining. Williams will outright tell you what every character is feeling at any given moment, a lot of “she was scared”, “she was afraid”, "she was angry”. Not enough effort was put into actually showing me these things.
Having said that, the characters themselves were very well realised, a lot of care and attention given to making sure every single character had their own identity and was active within the plot. Even though there were a lot of characters, I never felt lost or stuck trying to remember anyone.
Now, without giving anything away, unfortunately the ending was a huge let down. There were so
many moving parts leading up to the reveal (family drama, VicPol corruption, criminal gangs, neighbourhood secrets) that I was anticipating so much more. A good murder mystery should give you all the tools to work the answer out for yourself, but this seemed to come out of nowhere.
It made sense but was also a bit random.
Either way, very readable and engaging with some real talent emerging
Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the “comedy”. It was a nice break from the usual “small town with a big secret” brand of Aussie crime novel that’s all about being as gritty and bleak as possible.
However, as the novel went on I just found myself getting tired of the constant sarcastic commentary.
It felt like it was inserting these little quips and jabs more out of obligation than any real comedic sensibility.
The writing itself was fine but I do feel like there was too much simplistic over-explaining. Williams will outright tell you what every character is feeling at any given moment, a lot of “she was scared”, “she was afraid”, "she was angry”. Not enough effort was put into actually showing me these things.
Having said that, the characters themselves were very well realised, a lot of care and attention given to making sure every single character had their own identity and was active within the plot. Even though there were a lot of characters, I never felt lost or stuck trying to remember anyone.
Now, without giving anything away, unfortunately the ending was a huge let down. There were so
many moving parts leading up to the reveal (family drama, VicPol corruption, criminal gangs, neighbourhood secrets) that I was anticipating so much more. A good murder mystery should give you all the tools to work the answer out for yourself, but this seemed to come out of nowhere.
It made sense but was also a bit random.
Either way, very readable and engaging with some real talent emerging
July 24, 2026
Neighbourhood Watch
In the quiet street of Curlew Street
where the neighbours are nosy
can they really keep their secrets
or will they all be uncovered?
Supreme Court judge Harry "The Pope" is found dead during the street's annual scarecrow event
and Detective Priyanka is on the case.
She used to be a psychologist and is now investigating the crime.
As the investigation goes on
she uncovers a lot of corruption that's much closer to home than she expected
all while trying to figure out who unalived the Pope.
But when Emma,Harry's wife
ends up back home
only she knows the truth after everything she went through with Harry.
Was he really the husband everyone thought he was?
Can Emma keep up appearances
or will being back home start to show the cracks?
Can her sister Margot who she has a strained relationship with
help her or will this just push them even further apart?
Will the secrets of that night finally come out, or stay hidden?
In the quiet street of Curlew Street, where the neighbours are nosy and everyone knows everyone
will Detective Priyanka be able to crack
the case while dealing with all the corruption around her?
For the answer to that, you'll have to pick up the book and find out.
In the quiet street of Curlew Street
where the neighbours are nosy
can they really keep their secrets
or will they all be uncovered?
Supreme Court judge Harry "The Pope" is found dead during the street's annual scarecrow event
and Detective Priyanka is on the case.
She used to be a psychologist and is now investigating the crime.
As the investigation goes on
she uncovers a lot of corruption that's much closer to home than she expected
all while trying to figure out who unalived the Pope.
But when Emma,Harry's wife
ends up back home
only she knows the truth after everything she went through with Harry.
Was he really the husband everyone thought he was?
Can Emma keep up appearances
or will being back home start to show the cracks?
Can her sister Margot who she has a strained relationship with
help her or will this just push them even further apart?
Will the secrets of that night finally come out, or stay hidden?
In the quiet street of Curlew Street, where the neighbours are nosy and everyone knows everyone
will Detective Priyanka be able to crack
the case while dealing with all the corruption around her?
For the answer to that, you'll have to pick up the book and find out.
September 3, 2026
A good debut crime novel by this Australian. Set in Melbourne, it details the murder of a prominent local judge on Scarecrow night, with the body displayed as a scarecrow. This judge has a dark side, however, with a tendency for domestic violence against his long-suffering wife Emma, plus an amount of corruption detailed later in the book.
The story centres around the suburban family where the crime takes place, plus the dogged police investigator, one Pryanka Pal, an Indian psychologist who joined the police to help fight domestic violence. The family comprised Emma and her sister Margot, brother Jets and mother Nettie. The two sisters do not get along and the brother is dying from a rare inherited disease. (All nice and readable so far?)
As is the rage these days, each subsequent chapter is told by different characters - mostly Pryanka, Margot and Emma. Police corruption rears its head, putting Pryanka in an awkward spot for a while. Again, as with the crime trope, there are several possible killers of the judge, including some local gangsters who have axes to grind. The final outcome is only just satisfactory, with a few issues left outstanding. Maybe the author is lining Pryanka up for a sequel?
The story centres around the suburban family where the crime takes place, plus the dogged police investigator, one Pryanka Pal, an Indian psychologist who joined the police to help fight domestic violence. The family comprised Emma and her sister Margot, brother Jets and mother Nettie. The two sisters do not get along and the brother is dying from a rare inherited disease. (All nice and readable so far?)
As is the rage these days, each subsequent chapter is told by different characters - mostly Pryanka, Margot and Emma. Police corruption rears its head, putting Pryanka in an awkward spot for a while. Again, as with the crime trope, there are several possible killers of the judge, including some local gangsters who have axes to grind. The final outcome is only just satisfactory, with a few issues left outstanding. Maybe the author is lining Pryanka up for a sequel?
July 12, 2026
This was an outstanding crime thriller and it's a debut which makes it even more impressive! Curlew Street is in Melbourne's inner north and is gearing up for the annual scarecrow competition. The residents go all out, but everyone is shocked when Victoria's most conservative Supreme Court judge Harry 'the Pope' Somerton is found dead and posed as one of the scarecrows. Homicide Detective Priyanka Pal is on the case though, but alongside trying to solve Harry's death she's dealing with internal corruption and misogyny. Harry's wife, Emma Bloom, is sophisticated and intelligent, but is hiding the truth about what her marriage was really like. Her sister Margot is her polar opposite, and their little brother Jets is the one everyone loves, but he's dying and their mum Nettie is just trying to hold everyone together after the loss of her own husband and the kids' dad 6 years ago. As secrets unravel and Priyanka investigates everyone is on edge.
The prologue had me gripped from the start and I was racing through the pages of this! At its heart it's a crime thriller, but it deals with so many other issues like complex family relationships, domestic violence, palliative care, corruption in the Police and misogyny. Multiple subplots don't always work for me, but they were woven together so well and everything had its place in the story - nothing felt unnecessary or overly dramatic just for the sake of it. There are lots of emotions to be felt reading this, but they all felt authentic and there's a good dose of black humour to even things out. We get to read from multiple POVs too which was great, and the chapters are all timestamped to keep you up to date which I found super helpful.
Overall this was a fantastic book and I would highly recommend it!!!
The prologue had me gripped from the start and I was racing through the pages of this! At its heart it's a crime thriller, but it deals with so many other issues like complex family relationships, domestic violence, palliative care, corruption in the Police and misogyny. Multiple subplots don't always work for me, but they were woven together so well and everything had its place in the story - nothing felt unnecessary or overly dramatic just for the sake of it. There are lots of emotions to be felt reading this, but they all felt authentic and there's a good dose of black humour to even things out. We get to read from multiple POVs too which was great, and the chapters are all timestamped to keep you up to date which I found super helpful.
Overall this was a fantastic book and I would highly recommend it!!!
September 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ One of the things I enjoy most about reading is discovering new authors particularly Australian authors.
This book was very well written and I enjoyed that this took place in a major city as opposed to a small town with secrets. It was a nice change of pace! I did find myself skimming some pages as it felt a little repetitive in terms of how the characters were feeling. Although I did really appreciate the characters, you really did get a sense of them and their personality development.
I was a little disappointed with the end, I felt like I didn’t really get closure and I still have questions. Nonetheless I thought this was still a great debut novel by this author!
Thank you Simon and Schuster for sending me an ARC of this.
This book was very well written and I enjoyed that this took place in a major city as opposed to a small town with secrets. It was a nice change of pace! I did find myself skimming some pages as it felt a little repetitive in terms of how the characters were feeling. Although I did really appreciate the characters, you really did get a sense of them and their personality development.
I was a little disappointed with the end, I felt like I didn’t really get closure and I still have questions. Nonetheless I thought this was still a great debut novel by this author!
Thank you Simon and Schuster for sending me an ARC of this.
September 30, 2026
When a Supreme Court judge’s body is found draped over a suburban scarecrow that is part of a neighbourhood contest, the shockwaves naturally ripple through the street. As the local detective, Priyanka Pal, investigates, she uncovers a murky mix of characters with links to the street, and the judge. She also begins to uncover some inconsistencies in the case, and some previous events.
I enjoyed this book. There was a good cast of characters, most of whom were quite plausible suspects in the judge’s death, and I changed my mind several times about who I thought was responsible. There was plenty of tension and suspense. All in all, a really good book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book. There was a good cast of characters, most of whom were quite plausible suspects in the judge’s death, and I changed my mind several times about who I thought was responsible. There was plenty of tension and suspense. All in all, a really good book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley
August 9, 2026
10 second review: Neighbourhood Watch by Lauren Williams. This book starts off with a bang, a body is inadvertently discovered during a late night dog walk, gruesomely impersonating a scarecrow in the annual neighbourhood scarecrow comp.
This book is on one hand a police procedural, on the other, a dark family drama. I think the pacing is spot on and the story unfolded perfectly, drip feeding the chaos and many twists.
Thankyou to Simon & Schuster Australia for the gifted copy, this is my honest opinion as always!
4 ⭐️
#gifted #thereadersdepartment #simonandschuster
This book is on one hand a police procedural, on the other, a dark family drama. I think the pacing is spot on and the story unfolded perfectly, drip feeding the chaos and many twists.
Thankyou to Simon & Schuster Australia for the gifted copy, this is my honest opinion as always!
4 ⭐️
#gifted #thereadersdepartment #simonandschuster
September 15, 2026
4.5 This seemed quite light at the beginning- a murder, some humour, cosy street but the characters are so well drawn, the twists and turns of the people in Curlew St become intriguing and the case of the murdered barrister reveals complexities on the sides of the police, the law and the neighbours .. I liked the Bloom family .. Emma, Margo, Jets and Nettie and I liked Pryanka Pal, the detective. The ending was a little bit random. This is a really good first novel for Lauren Williams - I’ll look out for more.
September 11, 2026
A body is found strung up to a scarecrow in the midst of a neighbourhood scarecrow competition. The police investigation is stymied by lies and half truths: from the family members of the infamous and loathed deceased, the neighbours as even members of the investigating police force. The story is told through alternating perspectives: Priyanka the investigating officer, Emma the wife of the victim and her sister Margot. The web is tangled but bits and pieces emerge along the way.
September 27, 2026
Neighbourhood Watch is an intriguing book that delves into the dark side of the neighbourhood.
The story does get a bit confusing with all the back and forth and different character views and they do meld together into one big muddle for awhile, but characters like Priyanka cross that divide and provide an interesting narrator at times, the sort of character who you slowly warm up too versus love straight away.
4.5 stars from me
The story does get a bit confusing with all the back and forth and different character views and they do meld together into one big muddle for awhile, but characters like Priyanka cross that divide and provide an interesting narrator at times, the sort of character who you slowly warm up too versus love straight away.
4.5 stars from me
July 4, 2026
I loved this book! Being an avid crime reader, I was delighted by this author’s clever, witty style. The story moves at a good pace with lots of twists and turns. Great character development combined with a well developed story-line. Particularly like Easykill and Sophie, the cat. I highly recommend this book.
September 29, 2026
Great debut novel with lots of twists to keep things interesting and flowing well. When everyone has secrets and a neighbourhood to rival Wisteria lane this was a compelling read and great narration too. Looking forward to what comes next.
August 12, 2026
3:5, slow to start but I became invested. Funny setting as an ex thornbury local.
September 13, 2026
Review to follow
September 25, 2026
Great first novel. Liked the conclusion.
September 29, 2026
Excellent thriller that kept me enthralled from start to finish.
July 16, 2026
What should have been a fun, family friendly annual scarecrow competition turns deadly when a body is discovered posed as a scarecrow in someone's front yard
This is another standout debut from an Australian author, packed with layered characters who pull you straight into their world and make you genuinely hope they'll come out the other side intact.
With multi POV's and timelines before and after the murder, as a reader you are kept captivated and I found myself turning page after page not wanting to put this one down.
This book has multiple layers and highlights many issues we as a society are constantly dealing with. Domestic violence, family issues dealing with mental health and the palliative care of family members, onto corruption within the Police force and how women officers are expected to be better, sharper, and more resilient than their male counterparts.
I am very keen to read the next book from this author
This is another standout debut from an Australian author, packed with layered characters who pull you straight into their world and make you genuinely hope they'll come out the other side intact.
With multi POV's and timelines before and after the murder, as a reader you are kept captivated and I found myself turning page after page not wanting to put this one down.
This book has multiple layers and highlights many issues we as a society are constantly dealing with. Domestic violence, family issues dealing with mental health and the palliative care of family members, onto corruption within the Police force and how women officers are expected to be better, sharper, and more resilient than their male counterparts.
I am very keen to read the next book from this author
August 6, 2026
A big goal for me in 2026 is to read more Australian & New Zealand authors, a goal I’m loving, especially when I get to enjoy this cracker of a thriller set in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. At a scarecrow street competition. Lol, yeah, you read that right. A dead body, crucifix style, a conservative judge no less. Awesome opening right?
Multiple P.O.V’s and the timeline switches back and forth too (a “thinking” book - not sure how it would work on audio having to keep track?)
With subplots that really give this book depth & emotion (Watch for triggers).
Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton is murdered. Detective Priyanka Pal is trying to find out who killed him, however, finding corruption within the VicPol is hampering her job to do so.
The neighbours on Curlew Street where Harry was found, are an interesting cast of characters.
Harry’s wife, Emma, grew up on Curlew, her mother & brother still live there. Emma’s estranged sister knows the truth about Emma & Harry’s relationship.
Plus there’s Emma’s mother’s psycho cat….. and her neighbours. 😉
Thoughts: I want Priyanka solving more crimes in Melbourne.
Thanks Simon & Schuster Australia for my copy.
Triggers
~
~
~
Domestic violence.
Death of a family member - cancer
Multiple P.O.V’s and the timeline switches back and forth too (a “thinking” book - not sure how it would work on audio having to keep track?)
With subplots that really give this book depth & emotion (Watch for triggers).
Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton is murdered. Detective Priyanka Pal is trying to find out who killed him, however, finding corruption within the VicPol is hampering her job to do so.
The neighbours on Curlew Street where Harry was found, are an interesting cast of characters.
Harry’s wife, Emma, grew up on Curlew, her mother & brother still live there. Emma’s estranged sister knows the truth about Emma & Harry’s relationship.
Plus there’s Emma’s mother’s psycho cat….. and her neighbours. 😉
Thoughts: I want Priyanka solving more crimes in Melbourne.
Thanks Simon & Schuster Australia for my copy.
Triggers
~
~
~
Domestic violence.
Death of a family member - cancer
June 2, 2026
> Cheers to Simon and Schuster for the ARC <
Reading outside my wheelhouse, here.
This is a tasty slice of urban forensic fiction, set in my spiritual backyard of Thornbury, Melbourne.
It’s a delicious little romp, chockers with failed upwards blokes and a strong cast of lady characters who stand up to their bastardry.
Tip of the cap to Easy Kill, the biker, for being the most moral, nan-loving chap in the cast.
Sounds like the lead, Det Priyanka Pal, is going to become a regular in Lauren Williams’ mooted universe, too.
Pod here: https://youtu.be/4d3hB_cjFDs?si=J1ysH...
Interview here: https://youtu.be/LH45diNascE
Reading outside my wheelhouse, here.
This is a tasty slice of urban forensic fiction, set in my spiritual backyard of Thornbury, Melbourne.
It’s a delicious little romp, chockers with failed upwards blokes and a strong cast of lady characters who stand up to their bastardry.
Tip of the cap to Easy Kill, the biker, for being the most moral, nan-loving chap in the cast.
Sounds like the lead, Det Priyanka Pal, is going to become a regular in Lauren Williams’ mooted universe, too.
Pod here: https://youtu.be/4d3hB_cjFDs?si=J1ysH...
Interview here: https://youtu.be/LH45diNascE
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