What do you think?
Rate this book
The People Next Door
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26Dear Neighbour. I know who you are. I know what you did…
After that summer, I swore I’d never come back to Clover Lane. But when my aunt left us her house, I couldn’t say no. The last in a neat row of houses with white fences and countryside views, it was the life I’d always dreamed of for my family. They deserved it, even if I didn’t.
As the last boxes are unpacked and neighbours drop by to welcome us, I see the sparkle back in my daughter Morgan’s eyes and know we’re safe. I won’t ever let her near the woods where my best friend went missing, but welcome gifts and a coffee date with my neighbours have me feeling like we belong here. But then the first letter arrives, and my perfect new life shatters…
Suddenly, I notice curtains twitch as I unload the car and I find myself looking over my shoulder every time I leave the house. When more letters arrive and rumours poison the street, I start double-locking the doors at night. How much do I really know about the people next door? Are my children safe? Is there anyone I can trust?
Someone in this close-knit community thinks they know what happened that summer. I know they’re wrong, but my worst fear is realised when the last letter Morgan is missing…
If you loved reading The Housemaid , The Perfect Marriage and The Girl on the Train , you will devour this absolutely jaw-dropping psychological thriller from Carla Kovach.
What readers are saying about Carla
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another amazing five-star read… A fast-paced rollercoaster of a read and had me gripped from the very beginning so much so that I read it in one sitting.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The literal definition of a page-turner, I read this in one sitting… Absolutely WILD and wow holy cliffhanger!! I physically gasped out loud… A fantastic 5-star read.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I had so many emotions as I read this book. I was screaming… This book consumed me till the very end.’ Askawayblog
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller… I was gripped from the very first page! It was a wild ride… Addictive. It sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions and didn’t let me go until the very end!… This is definitely a must-read!’ Arcreviews_by_m
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fast-paced, one-sitting read! It’s like a boulder rolling down a hill, it just keeps picking up speed as it goes.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow, wow, and more wow!!!!! I couldn’t put this one down for the life of me. I read this in just a few sittings… Left me totally speechless… I thought my head was going to explode… Fantastic… Gripped and on the edge of your seat throughout… Heart attack of an ending.
After that summer, I swore I’d never come back to Clover Lane. But when my aunt left us her house, I couldn’t say no. The last in a neat row of houses with white fences and countryside views, it was the life I’d always dreamed of for my family. They deserved it, even if I didn’t.
As the last boxes are unpacked and neighbours drop by to welcome us, I see the sparkle back in my daughter Morgan’s eyes and know we’re safe. I won’t ever let her near the woods where my best friend went missing, but welcome gifts and a coffee date with my neighbours have me feeling like we belong here. But then the first letter arrives, and my perfect new life shatters…
Suddenly, I notice curtains twitch as I unload the car and I find myself looking over my shoulder every time I leave the house. When more letters arrive and rumours poison the street, I start double-locking the doors at night. How much do I really know about the people next door? Are my children safe? Is there anyone I can trust?
Someone in this close-knit community thinks they know what happened that summer. I know they’re wrong, but my worst fear is realised when the last letter Morgan is missing…
If you loved reading The Housemaid , The Perfect Marriage and The Girl on the Train , you will devour this absolutely jaw-dropping psychological thriller from Carla Kovach.
What readers are saying about Carla
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another amazing five-star read… A fast-paced rollercoaster of a read and had me gripped from the very beginning so much so that I read it in one sitting.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The literal definition of a page-turner, I read this in one sitting… Absolutely WILD and wow holy cliffhanger!! I physically gasped out loud… A fantastic 5-star read.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I had so many emotions as I read this book. I was screaming… This book consumed me till the very end.’ Askawayblog
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller… I was gripped from the very first page! It was a wild ride… Addictive. It sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions and didn’t let me go until the very end!… This is definitely a must-read!’ Arcreviews_by_m
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fast-paced, one-sitting read! It’s like a boulder rolling down a hill, it just keeps picking up speed as it goes.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow, wow, and more wow!!!!! I couldn’t put this one down for the life of me. I read this in just a few sittings… Left me totally speechless… I thought my head was going to explode… Fantastic… Gripped and on the edge of your seat throughout… Heart attack of an ending.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Carla Kovach
37 books1,128 followersCarla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. Author of supernatural drama 'Flame,' psychological thriller 'To Let,' crime thriller 'Whispers Beneath the Pines, and romantic comedy 'Meet Me at Marmaris Castle.' Carla also writes stage and screen plays, some of which have been produced in the Worcestershire area.
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gemma reluctantly returns to Clover Lane after inheriting her aunt's house, seeking a peaceful life for her daughter, Morgan. However, their new beginning is disrupted by mysterious letters that reveal unsettling truths about the community and Gemma's past. As she grapples with the impact of these letters and her daughter's safety, paranoia sets in, leading her to question her neighbors and the events surrounding her best friend's disappearance. The tension escalates when Morgan goes missing, amplifying Gemma's fears and sense of betrayal.
The cover and dedication of this book immediately drew me in. As a military family that has moved around for the past 22 years, I found the dedication particularly relatable, as each relocation brings its own challenges. It takes time to feel like you belong, but just as you start to settle, it’s time to move on again.
The prologue is gripping and dramatic, making it clear that you're in for a thrilling ride that won’t let up until the end! The story unfolds through the perspectives of Gemma, Morgan, and Quinn. As we delve into the characters’ lives, we begin to understand the dread Gemma feels about returning. She’s a likeable character facing numerous challenges, but her self-centered moments can be a bit frustrating. She constantly acknowledges that she needs to recognize Morgan's help, yet something always gets in the way of her doing so, which annoyed me!
Morgan is a young, smart, and friendly character who grapples with the responsibilities of being a firstborn, which parents often expect. Her relatable whining adds authenticity to her character. Quinn and her son, Harry, also play crucial roles in the story, as the dark secrets lurking within each character are ready to surface.
The small neighborhood feels unwelcoming to newcomers, and the palpable paranoia in the residents’ behavior enhances the story’s realism. I certainly wouldn’t want to live there! With such strange people around, it’s easy to imagine that if you’ve caused trouble in your past, they’ll never see you as changed. The drama, lies, and constant tension keep you on your toes, leading you to suspect everyone at one point!
The audiobook narrators did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. While I noticed some reviews mentioning the book’s pace, the audiobook elevated the experience for me. The characters came alive just as I had imagined, and the eerie, atmospheric setting was perfectly captured. The choice of narration was spot on!
Overall, this is a fantastic revenge-fueled read about a lost child, filled with unexpected twists and an unpredictable ending. Although it might be considered a slow-burning mystery, listening to the audiobook truly made it an exceptional experience. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys toxic neighborhood drama, cold case mysteries, revenge, and betrayal. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take my dogs for a walk, but I think I’ll steer clear of the woods for now! Ha!
Thank you, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The cover and dedication of this book immediately drew me in. As a military family that has moved around for the past 22 years, I found the dedication particularly relatable, as each relocation brings its own challenges. It takes time to feel like you belong, but just as you start to settle, it’s time to move on again.
The prologue is gripping and dramatic, making it clear that you're in for a thrilling ride that won’t let up until the end! The story unfolds through the perspectives of Gemma, Morgan, and Quinn. As we delve into the characters’ lives, we begin to understand the dread Gemma feels about returning. She’s a likeable character facing numerous challenges, but her self-centered moments can be a bit frustrating. She constantly acknowledges that she needs to recognize Morgan's help, yet something always gets in the way of her doing so, which annoyed me!
Morgan is a young, smart, and friendly character who grapples with the responsibilities of being a firstborn, which parents often expect. Her relatable whining adds authenticity to her character. Quinn and her son, Harry, also play crucial roles in the story, as the dark secrets lurking within each character are ready to surface.
The small neighborhood feels unwelcoming to newcomers, and the palpable paranoia in the residents’ behavior enhances the story’s realism. I certainly wouldn’t want to live there! With such strange people around, it’s easy to imagine that if you’ve caused trouble in your past, they’ll never see you as changed. The drama, lies, and constant tension keep you on your toes, leading you to suspect everyone at one point!
The audiobook narrators did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. While I noticed some reviews mentioning the book’s pace, the audiobook elevated the experience for me. The characters came alive just as I had imagined, and the eerie, atmospheric setting was perfectly captured. The choice of narration was spot on!
Overall, this is a fantastic revenge-fueled read about a lost child, filled with unexpected twists and an unpredictable ending. Although it might be considered a slow-burning mystery, listening to the audiobook truly made it an exceptional experience. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys toxic neighborhood drama, cold case mysteries, revenge, and betrayal. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take my dogs for a walk, but I think I’ll steer clear of the woods for now! Ha!
Thank you, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2026
The People Next Door is a domestic suspense story built around family secrets, a missing childhood neighbour, and the slow burn of betrayal. I enjoyed reading it overall as it’s the kind of book that’s easy to settle into, but it didn’t quite cross into exceptional territory for me. It was good, just not memorable.
The setup is strong: a tight‑knit neighbourhood, a friendship circle with cracks beneath the surface, and a disappearance that forces everyone to confront what they’ve been hiding. I liked the atmosphere and the tension simmering in the background. The author does a good job capturing that uneasy feeling of “you think you know the people around you until you don’t.”
What worked for me:
• The layered family secrets that slowly unravel
• The emotional pull of a missing person and the guilt that follows
• Short chapters that made it easy to binge
What didn’t land as strongly:
• The reveals were predictable, and I could see the twist forming early
• Characters felt a little underdeveloped, especially in emotional moments
• Nothing truly stood out as it followed familiar domestic‑thriller beats
Breakdown:
• Setting: 3⭐️
• Characters: 2⭐️
• Writing: 2⭐️
• Message: 3⭐️
• Overall: 3⭐️
Overall, this is a solid, easy read for fans of neighbourhood drama and hidden truths. It won’t blow your mind, but it delivers enough tension to keep you engaged. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
~JaNnA~
The setup is strong: a tight‑knit neighbourhood, a friendship circle with cracks beneath the surface, and a disappearance that forces everyone to confront what they’ve been hiding. I liked the atmosphere and the tension simmering in the background. The author does a good job capturing that uneasy feeling of “you think you know the people around you until you don’t.”
What worked for me:
• The layered family secrets that slowly unravel
• The emotional pull of a missing person and the guilt that follows
• Short chapters that made it easy to binge
What didn’t land as strongly:
• The reveals were predictable, and I could see the twist forming early
• Characters felt a little underdeveloped, especially in emotional moments
• Nothing truly stood out as it followed familiar domestic‑thriller beats
Breakdown:
• Setting: 3⭐️
• Characters: 2⭐️
• Writing: 2⭐️
• Message: 3⭐️
• Overall: 3⭐️
Overall, this is a solid, easy read for fans of neighbourhood drama and hidden truths. It won’t blow your mind, but it delivers enough tension to keep you engaged. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
~JaNnA~
May 22, 2026
This is only my second book by Carla Kovach, but she is already becoming one of my favorite authors. This was so good and gripping! It is fast paced and the suspence just doesn't stop. It makes you want to finish the book in one sitting, because you want to keep on reading. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2026
Who doesn’t love a suburban domestic thriller as we head into summer? This one had me questioning literally everyone!
Gemma inherits her aunt’s apartment after her aunt dies from falling from her balcony. Clover Lane is the last place Gemma wants to return to, especially after her friend went missing from the nearby woods when she was a teenager. But her husband’s poor financial decisions mean that her family has no choice, so they move in. It isn’t long before she and her neighbours start receiving cryptic letters detailing everyone’s secrets. Her neighbours of course accuse her as the newbie. With fingers pointing in every direction and strange things starting to happening in her house, Gemma tries to get to the bottom of who is writing these letters while confronting her past and trying to protect her growing family.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and read it pretty fast! I liked the overall pacing of the story, the characters, and the character development. I also just loved the tension throughout the book with the neighbors. I love a good “whodunnit” and in that way since I was suspecting pretty much everyone in the story at one point or another, even the main characters themselves, I’d say this was a great thriller!
In the middle, for me there were certain parts that dragged and I was just anxious to get towards the real heart of the story. The twists were overall satisfying for me, though I did feel that the wrapping up of the climax took a bit long.
There was also some repetitiveness for me in constantly bringing up the safety of the children and unborn baby. I understand that obviously as a mother, that would be the concern, but I felt that I didn’t need to be reminded of it multiple times throughout the same chapter! That’s just me being picky though.
Overall, I liked this one as a thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for this ARC!
Gemma inherits her aunt’s apartment after her aunt dies from falling from her balcony. Clover Lane is the last place Gemma wants to return to, especially after her friend went missing from the nearby woods when she was a teenager. But her husband’s poor financial decisions mean that her family has no choice, so they move in. It isn’t long before she and her neighbours start receiving cryptic letters detailing everyone’s secrets. Her neighbours of course accuse her as the newbie. With fingers pointing in every direction and strange things starting to happening in her house, Gemma tries to get to the bottom of who is writing these letters while confronting her past and trying to protect her growing family.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and read it pretty fast! I liked the overall pacing of the story, the characters, and the character development. I also just loved the tension throughout the book with the neighbors. I love a good “whodunnit” and in that way since I was suspecting pretty much everyone in the story at one point or another, even the main characters themselves, I’d say this was a great thriller!
In the middle, for me there were certain parts that dragged and I was just anxious to get towards the real heart of the story. The twists were overall satisfying for me, though I did feel that the wrapping up of the climax took a bit long.
There was also some repetitiveness for me in constantly bringing up the safety of the children and unborn baby. I understand that obviously as a mother, that would be the concern, but I felt that I didn’t need to be reminded of it multiple times throughout the same chapter! That’s just me being picky though.
Overall, I liked this one as a thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for this ARC!
May 23, 2026
This was a pretty decent domestic thriller and such a quick, easy listen on audio. It does start off a little slow, but around the halfway point the pace really picks up and the tension keeps building from there.
The story follows Gemma, who reluctantly returns to Clover Lane after inheriting her aunt’s house, hoping for a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Morgan. But their new beginning quickly turns unsettling when anonymous letters start appearing, exposing dark secrets about the neighborhood and Gemma’s past. As paranoia grows and old wounds resurface, Gemma begins questioning everyone around her. Then Morgan disappears, turning everything into a nightmare.
What really elevated this book for me was the audiobook. The narrators did such an amazing job bringing the characters and atmosphere to life. I saw some reviews mentioning pacing issues, but honestly I think the audio format made the experience much more immersive. The eerie neighborhood setting, the tension between neighbors, and the emotional moments all felt so vivid.
Overall, this is a revenge-fueled mystery filled with betrayal, toxic neighborhood drama, cold case elements, and plenty of twists. The ending definitely kept me guessing, and while it’s more of a slow-burn mystery than a nonstop thriller, the audiobook made it such an enjoyable experience.
If you enjoy messy neighborhood secrets, missing child mysteries, revenge plots, and unreliable characters, this one is worth checking out.
The story follows Gemma, who reluctantly returns to Clover Lane after inheriting her aunt’s house, hoping for a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Morgan. But their new beginning quickly turns unsettling when anonymous letters start appearing, exposing dark secrets about the neighborhood and Gemma’s past. As paranoia grows and old wounds resurface, Gemma begins questioning everyone around her. Then Morgan disappears, turning everything into a nightmare.
What really elevated this book for me was the audiobook. The narrators did such an amazing job bringing the characters and atmosphere to life. I saw some reviews mentioning pacing issues, but honestly I think the audio format made the experience much more immersive. The eerie neighborhood setting, the tension between neighbors, and the emotional moments all felt so vivid.
Overall, this is a revenge-fueled mystery filled with betrayal, toxic neighborhood drama, cold case elements, and plenty of twists. The ending definitely kept me guessing, and while it’s more of a slow-burn mystery than a nonstop thriller, the audiobook made it such an enjoyable experience.
If you enjoy messy neighborhood secrets, missing child mysteries, revenge plots, and unreliable characters, this one is worth checking out.
May 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This book had me guessing from the beginning and questioning all of the people in the neighborhood. I loved how this book kept hinting at what had happened in the past and how it could be the cause of the events in the present without giving away what those past events were. That mysterious past really made this book so thrilling and pulled me in because I just wanted to know what had occurred.
This book had me guessing from the beginning and questioning all of the people in the neighborhood. I loved how this book kept hinting at what had happened in the past and how it could be the cause of the events in the present without giving away what those past events were. That mysterious past really made this book so thrilling and pulled me in because I just wanted to know what had occurred.
May 24, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy from NetGalley on audio.
Really enjoyed this on audio, started off as a good mystery and got quite twisty. Kept me hooked and I liked all the characters. The narration was great, voices really fitted the characters well. I will definitely be exploring more from the author!
Really enjoyed this on audio, started off as a good mystery and got quite twisty. Kept me hooked and I liked all the characters. The narration was great, voices really fitted the characters well. I will definitely be exploring more from the author!
May 15, 2026
Review of advance copy from the publisher.
When Gemma inherits her Aunt Doretta’s house on Clover Lane, she doesn’t want to go back, she hasn’t been there since she was a teenager. But Gemma and her family have no choice but to move to the house and fix it up to sell due to financial issues.
It’s not long before Gemma is full of anxiety, the neighbours are treating her and her family like dirt, and things start happening. Clover Lane is full of secrets, will anyone come out unscathed?
Ooh, what a dark and creepy story this one was! All the lies and secrets between the neighbours and the family were brilliant, I was on the edge of my seat at times.
I felt for Gemma’s teenage daughter, Morgan, and I liked the friendship that Morgan had with local boy, Harry.
There were plenty of twists in the story and they added to my enjoyment of the tale, so much so that I found myself binging the book to find out Clover Lane’s many hidden secrets.
When Gemma inherits her Aunt Doretta’s house on Clover Lane, she doesn’t want to go back, she hasn’t been there since she was a teenager. But Gemma and her family have no choice but to move to the house and fix it up to sell due to financial issues.
It’s not long before Gemma is full of anxiety, the neighbours are treating her and her family like dirt, and things start happening. Clover Lane is full of secrets, will anyone come out unscathed?
Ooh, what a dark and creepy story this one was! All the lies and secrets between the neighbours and the family were brilliant, I was on the edge of my seat at times.
I felt for Gemma’s teenage daughter, Morgan, and I liked the friendship that Morgan had with local boy, Harry.
There were plenty of twists in the story and they added to my enjoyment of the tale, so much so that I found myself binging the book to find out Clover Lane’s many hidden secrets.
May 15, 2026
This was such a bingeable thriller 👀
The short chapters and constant twists made it incredibly easy to keep reading “just one more chapter” — and before I knew it, I was completely hooked.
I loved the tension, the secrets between neighbours, and the feeling that nobody could really be trusted. It kept me guessing the whole time and I genuinely didn’t see some of the reveals coming 😅
If you enjoy fast-paced domestic thrillers full of drama, suspicion and twists, this is definitely worth picking up
The short chapters and constant twists made it incredibly easy to keep reading “just one more chapter” — and before I knew it, I was completely hooked.
I loved the tension, the secrets between neighbours, and the feeling that nobody could really be trusted. It kept me guessing the whole time and I genuinely didn’t see some of the reveals coming 😅
If you enjoy fast-paced domestic thrillers full of drama, suspicion and twists, this is definitely worth picking up
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is something uniquely unsettling about a story where your own front door doesn’t feel like a barrier against the world, but rather a target. Carla Kovach’s The People Next Door is a thriller that dives deep into the toxicity of a neighborhood fueled by paranoia, anonymous malice, and long-buried secrets.
Thank you, Netgalley, Bookouture, and the author Carla Kovach for the ARC.
The People Next Door completely pulled me into that uncomfortable “something is very wrong here” atmosphere almost immediately. The kind where every neighbour smiles at you one second and watches you through the curtains the next. Honestly? Clover Lane felt less like a neighbourhood and more like a pressure cooker waiting to explode.
The Plot: A Homecoming Turned Hostile
The story follows Gemma, who finds herself back on Clover Lane, the last place she ever wanted to be. After inheriting her Aunt Dorette’s crumbling house, financial necessity forces her family to move back to the site of a traumatic summer from her past. The tension is immediate: while Gemma grapples with old ghosts, her teenage daughter, Morgan, is trying to navigate life as the "new girl" in a neighborhood that quickly turns its back on them.
The catalyst is a series of disturbing, anonymous letters delivered to the residents of Clover Lane. The neighbors quickly point the finger at Morgan, igniting a firestorm of vitriol and rumors. What follows is a fast-paced descent into neighborhood warfare where no one is above suspicion.
Why It Works: Atmosphere and Pacing
The strongest asset of this novel is its suffocating atmosphere. Kovach masterfully captures the "small-town" feel where everyone is watching from behind twitching curtains. The use of dual perspectives from Gemma and Morgan adds a necessary layer of depth, showing how the neighborhood’s hostility affects different generations of the same family.
Suspense: While the first half maintains an even, steady burn, the pace accelerates significantly once the threats escalate beyond letters and rumors.
The Mystery: Watching Morgan and her neighbor, Harry, attempt to play detective with the notes provides a great hook, linking the current chaos back to Gemma’s mysterious past in the area.
While some of the plot beats and twists may feel familiar to seasoned thriller readers, the entertainment value remains high. It’s a bingeable, addictive read that makes you question how well you truly know the people living just a few feet away. It explores the dark side of community and the terrifying speed at which a "good neighbor" can turn into a predator.
Verdict: A solid, high-tension domestic thriller perfect for fans of neighborhood-centric suspense. If you enjoy fast-paced domestic suspense where trust disappears almost instantly, and everyone seems guilty of something, this one is definitely worth adding to your list.
Thank you, Netgalley, Bookouture, and the author Carla Kovach for the ARC.
The People Next Door completely pulled me into that uncomfortable “something is very wrong here” atmosphere almost immediately. The kind where every neighbour smiles at you one second and watches you through the curtains the next. Honestly? Clover Lane felt less like a neighbourhood and more like a pressure cooker waiting to explode.
The Plot: A Homecoming Turned Hostile
The story follows Gemma, who finds herself back on Clover Lane, the last place she ever wanted to be. After inheriting her Aunt Dorette’s crumbling house, financial necessity forces her family to move back to the site of a traumatic summer from her past. The tension is immediate: while Gemma grapples with old ghosts, her teenage daughter, Morgan, is trying to navigate life as the "new girl" in a neighborhood that quickly turns its back on them.
The catalyst is a series of disturbing, anonymous letters delivered to the residents of Clover Lane. The neighbors quickly point the finger at Morgan, igniting a firestorm of vitriol and rumors. What follows is a fast-paced descent into neighborhood warfare where no one is above suspicion.
Why It Works: Atmosphere and Pacing
The strongest asset of this novel is its suffocating atmosphere. Kovach masterfully captures the "small-town" feel where everyone is watching from behind twitching curtains. The use of dual perspectives from Gemma and Morgan adds a necessary layer of depth, showing how the neighborhood’s hostility affects different generations of the same family.
Suspense: While the first half maintains an even, steady burn, the pace accelerates significantly once the threats escalate beyond letters and rumors.
The Mystery: Watching Morgan and her neighbor, Harry, attempt to play detective with the notes provides a great hook, linking the current chaos back to Gemma’s mysterious past in the area.
While some of the plot beats and twists may feel familiar to seasoned thriller readers, the entertainment value remains high. It’s a bingeable, addictive read that makes you question how well you truly know the people living just a few feet away. It explores the dark side of community and the terrifying speed at which a "good neighbor" can turn into a predator.
Verdict: A solid, high-tension domestic thriller perfect for fans of neighborhood-centric suspense. If you enjoy fast-paced domestic suspense where trust disappears almost instantly, and everyone seems guilty of something, this one is definitely worth adding to your list.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
UPDATED 5/22/26: I originally read The People Next Door by Carla Kovach, but listening to the audiobook narrated by Tasmin Kennard and Annette Chown actually improved the experience for me and bumped this up to a solid 4 stars.
This story had all the elements that usually pull me into a thriller fast — a quiet neighborhood, buried secrets, anonymous letters, and that constant feeling that nobody around you can really be trusted. It’s one of those stories that becomes very easy to binge because every chapter leaves you wanting just one more.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. Carla Kovach really captured that uncomfortable small-community dynamic where everyone knows each other’s business, everyone is watching, and the past never fully stays buried. The anonymous letters added such a creepy layer to the story, and I found myself suspicious of almost everyone at some point.
The audiobook narration honestly elevated the tension for me. Having the dual POVs performed by different narrators helped separate the characters more clearly and made the paranoia and emotional tension feel stronger than when I originally read it. Tasmin Kennard and Annette Chown both did a great job keeping the pacing engaging and the suspense moving.
The pacing overall was probably the strongest part for me. It gets into the suspense quickly and keeps moving the entire time. While some of the twists still felt a little predictable, the audiobook format made the story much more immersive, and I ended up enjoying it more than I expected to.
Overall, this was a really entertaining domestic thriller filled with secrets, paranoia, neighborhood drama, and characters you never fully trust. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with messy neighbors, hidden pasts, and constant suspicion, I’d definitely recommend giving the audiobook version a try.
Original Review:
The People Next Door had all the elements that usually pull me into a thriller fast — a quiet neighborhood, buried secrets, anonymous letters, and that constant feeling that nobody around you can really be trusted. It’s one of those books that’s very easy to binge because every chapter gives you just enough tension to keep turning the pages.
I really liked the atmosphere in this one. Carla Kovach captured that uncomfortable small-community feeling where everyone knows each other’s business, everyone is watching, and the past never really stays buried. The letters added a creepy layer to the story, and I kept second-guessing almost every character along the way.
The pacing was probably the strongest part for me. It gets into the suspense pretty quickly and keeps moving, which made this a really entertaining read. I also liked the dual POV between Gemma and Morgan because it gave the story more depth and let you see the neighborhood from different perspectives.
For me though, the twists didn’t fully have that jaw-dropping payoff I’m always hoping for in a psychological thriller. Some reveals felt a little predictable, and while I was invested the whole time, I never hit that “I cannot believe this just happened” moment that pushes a thriller into 5-star territory for me.
Overall, I’d rate this one 3.5 stars. It’s a solid, addictive domestic thriller with creepy neighborhood tension, secrets, paranoia, and enough suspense to keep me hooked from start to finish. If you like fast-paced thrillers where everyone seems suspicious and the past keeps creeping back in, this is definitely worth picking up.
(rounded to 4 stars)
This story had all the elements that usually pull me into a thriller fast — a quiet neighborhood, buried secrets, anonymous letters, and that constant feeling that nobody around you can really be trusted. It’s one of those stories that becomes very easy to binge because every chapter leaves you wanting just one more.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. Carla Kovach really captured that uncomfortable small-community dynamic where everyone knows each other’s business, everyone is watching, and the past never fully stays buried. The anonymous letters added such a creepy layer to the story, and I found myself suspicious of almost everyone at some point.
The audiobook narration honestly elevated the tension for me. Having the dual POVs performed by different narrators helped separate the characters more clearly and made the paranoia and emotional tension feel stronger than when I originally read it. Tasmin Kennard and Annette Chown both did a great job keeping the pacing engaging and the suspense moving.
The pacing overall was probably the strongest part for me. It gets into the suspense quickly and keeps moving the entire time. While some of the twists still felt a little predictable, the audiobook format made the story much more immersive, and I ended up enjoying it more than I expected to.
Overall, this was a really entertaining domestic thriller filled with secrets, paranoia, neighborhood drama, and characters you never fully trust. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with messy neighbors, hidden pasts, and constant suspicion, I’d definitely recommend giving the audiobook version a try.
Original Review:
The People Next Door had all the elements that usually pull me into a thriller fast — a quiet neighborhood, buried secrets, anonymous letters, and that constant feeling that nobody around you can really be trusted. It’s one of those books that’s very easy to binge because every chapter gives you just enough tension to keep turning the pages.
I really liked the atmosphere in this one. Carla Kovach captured that uncomfortable small-community feeling where everyone knows each other’s business, everyone is watching, and the past never really stays buried. The letters added a creepy layer to the story, and I kept second-guessing almost every character along the way.
The pacing was probably the strongest part for me. It gets into the suspense pretty quickly and keeps moving, which made this a really entertaining read. I also liked the dual POV between Gemma and Morgan because it gave the story more depth and let you see the neighborhood from different perspectives.
For me though, the twists didn’t fully have that jaw-dropping payoff I’m always hoping for in a psychological thriller. Some reveals felt a little predictable, and while I was invested the whole time, I never hit that “I cannot believe this just happened” moment that pushes a thriller into 5-star territory for me.
Overall, I’d rate this one 3.5 stars. It’s a solid, addictive domestic thriller with creepy neighborhood tension, secrets, paranoia, and enough suspense to keep me hooked from start to finish. If you like fast-paced thrillers where everyone seems suspicious and the past keeps creeping back in, this is definitely worth picking up.
(rounded to 4 stars)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The People Next Door by Carla Kovach is a highly recommended domestic suspense/popcorn thriller.
Gemma has inherited her Aunt Dorette's house on Clover Lane, a place she never thought she'd return to after her friend went missing during the last disastrous summer she was there. However, when her husband makes some business mistakes the family finds themselves forced to move into part of the crumbling house while they work on fixing it up to sell. Their 14-year-old daughter Morgan isn't happy to leave her friends, but quickly meets Harry, a neighbor her age. What also happens right after the family moves in is all the neighbors receive disturbing letters which they all assume Morgan wrote. From this point on the rumors and vitriol fly fast and furious and Gemma doesn't feel she or her family are safe on Clover Lane.
Always keeping in mind that you have to set disbelief aside, jump into this popcorn thriller. While it starts rather even-paced the plot will get better with each new disclosure and the tension and suspicion will also increase. The plot really doesn't pick up the pace and get better until later in the novel when more starts happening and the threats move beyond the nasty notes, rumors, and paranoia flying around the neighborhood. While some developments are predictable, once the twists start coming the novel does become more entertaining
The narrative is mainly told through Gemma's point-of-view, with additional chapters from Morgan's point-of-view. While characters are lightly developed, the real focus is on events in the toxic neighborhood. Morgan and Harry are using the notes as clues to figure out who is writing them. None of the characters/neighbors are trustworthy and the tie to Gemma's past in the area may be the clue needed to discovering who is writing the notes. 3.5 rounded up.
The People Next Door is a good choice for anyone who enjoys popcorn thrillers and stories with potentially toxic neighbors. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Gemma has inherited her Aunt Dorette's house on Clover Lane, a place she never thought she'd return to after her friend went missing during the last disastrous summer she was there. However, when her husband makes some business mistakes the family finds themselves forced to move into part of the crumbling house while they work on fixing it up to sell. Their 14-year-old daughter Morgan isn't happy to leave her friends, but quickly meets Harry, a neighbor her age. What also happens right after the family moves in is all the neighbors receive disturbing letters which they all assume Morgan wrote. From this point on the rumors and vitriol fly fast and furious and Gemma doesn't feel she or her family are safe on Clover Lane.
Always keeping in mind that you have to set disbelief aside, jump into this popcorn thriller. While it starts rather even-paced the plot will get better with each new disclosure and the tension and suspicion will also increase. The plot really doesn't pick up the pace and get better until later in the novel when more starts happening and the threats move beyond the nasty notes, rumors, and paranoia flying around the neighborhood. While some developments are predictable, once the twists start coming the novel does become more entertaining
The narrative is mainly told through Gemma's point-of-view, with additional chapters from Morgan's point-of-view. While characters are lightly developed, the real focus is on events in the toxic neighborhood. Morgan and Harry are using the notes as clues to figure out who is writing them. None of the characters/neighbors are trustworthy and the tie to Gemma's past in the area may be the clue needed to discovering who is writing the notes. 3.5 rounded up.
The People Next Door is a good choice for anyone who enjoys popcorn thrillers and stories with potentially toxic neighbors. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and to Bookouture for allowing me to read and provide honest feedback for this book.
If one enjoys a thriller with events twisting and turning, they will enjoy this book immensely. The story revolves around Gemma, a young mother of two girls, 14-year-old Madison and 18-month old Cora, and her husband Ethan. Gemma’s Aunt Dorrette has died and left her an old house in Clover Lane. Ethan’s idea is to fix the old place up, and sell it, to get him out of financial ruin from his business ventures. Gemma is not in favor of moving back, where so many bad things happened when she was a girl, visiting her aunt each summer.
The family moves into the house, and the neighbors are less than welcoming. There is Ray, an older man who doesn’t know how to park, Ruby, Quinn and her son Harry, Tessa, and Zoe. For some reason, the neighbors don’t trust this new family, and they do everything they can to scare them off. For example, one of the neighbors sent a hamper over to Clover Hill with vegetables and baked goods ostensibly as a welcoming gift. It turns out that the basket also had worms in it. Then, there are the letters. Someone is sending threatening letters to the neighbors, including Gemma’s family and for a while, no one will own up to it.
Details from the past are gradually released as the reader tries to piece together what happened all those years ago. The woods and the den within the woods play a significant part in the story, both from years ago when Gemma was a teenager, and now with Morgan and Harry. The question is what happened to Jasmine, a teenaged friend of Gemma and Quinn, who just disappeared all those years ago.
Told from multiple points of view, this book drew me in, always anxious to read the next chapter to figure out what went on all those years ago. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be the last.
If one enjoys a thriller with events twisting and turning, they will enjoy this book immensely. The story revolves around Gemma, a young mother of two girls, 14-year-old Madison and 18-month old Cora, and her husband Ethan. Gemma’s Aunt Dorrette has died and left her an old house in Clover Lane. Ethan’s idea is to fix the old place up, and sell it, to get him out of financial ruin from his business ventures. Gemma is not in favor of moving back, where so many bad things happened when she was a girl, visiting her aunt each summer.
The family moves into the house, and the neighbors are less than welcoming. There is Ray, an older man who doesn’t know how to park, Ruby, Quinn and her son Harry, Tessa, and Zoe. For some reason, the neighbors don’t trust this new family, and they do everything they can to scare them off. For example, one of the neighbors sent a hamper over to Clover Hill with vegetables and baked goods ostensibly as a welcoming gift. It turns out that the basket also had worms in it. Then, there are the letters. Someone is sending threatening letters to the neighbors, including Gemma’s family and for a while, no one will own up to it.
Details from the past are gradually released as the reader tries to piece together what happened all those years ago. The woods and the den within the woods play a significant part in the story, both from years ago when Gemma was a teenager, and now with Morgan and Harry. The question is what happened to Jasmine, a teenaged friend of Gemma and Quinn, who just disappeared all those years ago.
Told from multiple points of view, this book drew me in, always anxious to read the next chapter to figure out what went on all those years ago. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be the last.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I hadn’t read anything by this author before, although I’ve seen her books on Kindle Unlimited many times, so it was interesting to finally get a feel for Carla Kovach’s writing style.
The story follows Gemma, who moves her family into a supposedly safe, picturesque street after inheriting a house. It quickly shifts from ideal suburban life to a psychological pressure cooker when anonymous letters begin arriving, suggesting someone knows what really happened in her past — particularly an old summer incident involving a missing friend.
The domestic psychological suspense initially drew me in, and despite a familiar setup — a woman returning to a place she once escaped, only to find the past isn’t buried — it was still an easy, bingeable read.
I liked how quickly the story gets going, with tension building almost immediately around Gemma and her family. Once the letters appear, it’s unclear whether they’re random threats or linked to something from her past that's finally catching up to her.
The narrative also includes chapters from Morgan, Gemma’s fourteen-year-old daughter. Through her perspective, we meet other residents and uncover more of the neighbourhood’s secrets. While I didn’t connect with her chapters as much, they did help reveal key pieces of the mystery.
I would have preferred more impactful twists, as they didn’t fully land for me. Still, it maintained a sense of paranoia and delivered on atmosphere, tension, and suspicion, making this a solid 3-star domestic thriller overall.
I think it would suit fans of Freida McFadden and Shari Lapena, particularly those who enjoy domestic secrets, unreliable characters, and neighbourhood tension. I’d be interested in picking up more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The story follows Gemma, who moves her family into a supposedly safe, picturesque street after inheriting a house. It quickly shifts from ideal suburban life to a psychological pressure cooker when anonymous letters begin arriving, suggesting someone knows what really happened in her past — particularly an old summer incident involving a missing friend.
The domestic psychological suspense initially drew me in, and despite a familiar setup — a woman returning to a place she once escaped, only to find the past isn’t buried — it was still an easy, bingeable read.
I liked how quickly the story gets going, with tension building almost immediately around Gemma and her family. Once the letters appear, it’s unclear whether they’re random threats or linked to something from her past that's finally catching up to her.
The narrative also includes chapters from Morgan, Gemma’s fourteen-year-old daughter. Through her perspective, we meet other residents and uncover more of the neighbourhood’s secrets. While I didn’t connect with her chapters as much, they did help reveal key pieces of the mystery.
I would have preferred more impactful twists, as they didn’t fully land for me. Still, it maintained a sense of paranoia and delivered on atmosphere, tension, and suspicion, making this a solid 3-star domestic thriller overall.
I think it would suit fans of Freida McFadden and Shari Lapena, particularly those who enjoy domestic secrets, unreliable characters, and neighbourhood tension. I’d be interested in picking up more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shocking, thrilling, mysterious, unsettling, and full of tension, Carla Kovach delivered with The People Next Door! Gemma never thought that she would return to Clover Lane, but when her aunt died and left her Gemma her home, Gemma and her family moved in. Clover Lane is where Gemma's friend went missing in the nearby woods. It's not a happy place for her, but she thought her family would be happy there. Home should be a place where you feel safe, where you can relax, and where you can enjoy time with your family. But when the letters arrive, her once warm and welcoming neighbors turn from frosty to downright cold.
Paranoia, tension, dread, unease, and apprehension seep from the pages. Someone in the neighborhood seems to know the secret that Gemma has. But that is not all, that person seems to know the secrets of those in the neighborhood. Tensions are high, people are peeping out behind closed curtains, fingers are being pointed, and relationships become strained as the plot unfolds.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I enjoyed the tension and the not knowing what was going to happen next. I also enjoyed the unease and the feeling of impending danger. Something isn't quite right, and I, along with the characters in the book, didn't know quite what it was. I was all in and enjoyed this gripping page turner!
Carla Kovach kept me on my toes and fully engaged. I worried for some of the characters, especially Morgan, Gemma's teenage daughter, and had suspicions about other characters. I enjoyed the pacing, the suspense, the twists and turns, and shocking reveal!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Paranoia, tension, dread, unease, and apprehension seep from the pages. Someone in the neighborhood seems to know the secret that Gemma has. But that is not all, that person seems to know the secrets of those in the neighborhood. Tensions are high, people are peeping out behind closed curtains, fingers are being pointed, and relationships become strained as the plot unfolds.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I enjoyed the tension and the not knowing what was going to happen next. I also enjoyed the unease and the feeling of impending danger. Something isn't quite right, and I, along with the characters in the book, didn't know quite what it was. I was all in and enjoyed this gripping page turner!
Carla Kovach kept me on my toes and fully engaged. I worried for some of the characters, especially Morgan, Gemma's teenage daughter, and had suspicions about other characters. I enjoyed the pacing, the suspense, the twists and turns, and shocking reveal!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The People Next Door
Author: Carla Kovach
Genre: Domestic Psychological Thriller
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Tamsin Kennard and Annette Chown
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Pub Date: June 2, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 348
The story alternates between the POV of Gemma and
her daughter Morgan.
Gemma inherited her Aunt Dorette's house on Clover Lane, a place she never wanted to return to as her friend went missing during the last summer she was there.
However, her husband Ethan made a few poor business decisions, and they find they are forced to move as they have no place else where they can live. The house has been empty for several years and needs many repairs, however, it is necessary for the family to live there while the repairs and remodeling is being done.
Morgan their 14-year-old daughter, has not been happy about leaving her friends. Things are better when she meets Harry, who is also fourteen.
A disturbing thing happens right after the family moves in - all the neighbors receive disturbing letters which they all assume came from the new neighbors.
The neighbors are not friendly and therefore not welcoming.
Gemma feels she nor her family are not safe on Clover Lane.
Story held my interest; I liked the dual perspectives of mother/daughter.
The narrators Tamsin Kennard and Annette Chown were great at performing the characters and certainly kept me curious about whodunit.
I just loved Morgan and Harry attempting to be detectives. It was even more fun when they came up with something useful.
Story held my interest; whodunit was a surprise.
I was sure I had it all figured out even though so many characters were suspicious.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 2, 2026.
Author: Carla Kovach
Genre: Domestic Psychological Thriller
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Tamsin Kennard and Annette Chown
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Pub Date: June 2, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 348
The story alternates between the POV of Gemma and
her daughter Morgan.
Gemma inherited her Aunt Dorette's house on Clover Lane, a place she never wanted to return to as her friend went missing during the last summer she was there.
However, her husband Ethan made a few poor business decisions, and they find they are forced to move as they have no place else where they can live. The house has been empty for several years and needs many repairs, however, it is necessary for the family to live there while the repairs and remodeling is being done.
Morgan their 14-year-old daughter, has not been happy about leaving her friends. Things are better when she meets Harry, who is also fourteen.
A disturbing thing happens right after the family moves in - all the neighbors receive disturbing letters which they all assume came from the new neighbors.
The neighbors are not friendly and therefore not welcoming.
Gemma feels she nor her family are not safe on Clover Lane.
Story held my interest; I liked the dual perspectives of mother/daughter.
The narrators Tamsin Kennard and Annette Chown were great at performing the characters and certainly kept me curious about whodunit.
I just loved Morgan and Harry attempting to be detectives. It was even more fun when they came up with something useful.
Story held my interest; whodunit was a surprise.
I was sure I had it all figured out even though so many characters were suspicious.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 2, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The People Next Door, is a psychological thriller by Carla Kovach. I enjoy reading the Gina Harte series by this author so I was looking forward to this standalone.
For Gemma, Clover Lane is not a street of happy memories; it is the backdrop of her life’s greatest trauma, the place where her childhood friend vanished into the nearby woods, never to be seen again. She swore she would never return.
However, life has a way of forcing handshakes with the past. When her aunt passes away and leaves her a house on the lane, Gemma decides to swallow her fears. She moves her family in, desperate to believe that home can be a sanctuary, a place to relax, feel safe, and watch her family thrive.
At first, Clover Lane offers the quiet promise of a fresh start. But the peace is shattered the moment a series of mysterious letters begins to circulate. As the letters spread, Gemma watches the neighbourhood’s dynamic curdle in real time. Her once warm and welcoming neighbours shift from slightly frosty to downright cold. The community closes ranks, and Gemma is left on the outside, realising that the pleasant smiles over the garden hedge were nothing more than a mask.
This is a psychological thriller that is full of paranoia. The nearby forest serves as a constant reminder of the friend Gemma lost decades ago and the anonymous letters succeed in alienating Gemma from the neighbours, turning her safe haven into a psychological war zone.
I enjoyed the read but didn’t feel the connection I have with other novels by this author. I found it a little slow at times and I didn’t feel the pull to keep reading.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
For Gemma, Clover Lane is not a street of happy memories; it is the backdrop of her life’s greatest trauma, the place where her childhood friend vanished into the nearby woods, never to be seen again. She swore she would never return.
However, life has a way of forcing handshakes with the past. When her aunt passes away and leaves her a house on the lane, Gemma decides to swallow her fears. She moves her family in, desperate to believe that home can be a sanctuary, a place to relax, feel safe, and watch her family thrive.
At first, Clover Lane offers the quiet promise of a fresh start. But the peace is shattered the moment a series of mysterious letters begins to circulate. As the letters spread, Gemma watches the neighbourhood’s dynamic curdle in real time. Her once warm and welcoming neighbours shift from slightly frosty to downright cold. The community closes ranks, and Gemma is left on the outside, realising that the pleasant smiles over the garden hedge were nothing more than a mask.
This is a psychological thriller that is full of paranoia. The nearby forest serves as a constant reminder of the friend Gemma lost decades ago and the anonymous letters succeed in alienating Gemma from the neighbours, turning her safe haven into a psychological war zone.
I enjoyed the read but didn’t feel the connection I have with other novels by this author. I found it a little slow at times and I didn’t feel the pull to keep reading.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm currently on a break with domestic thrillers 😅 but Kovach's voice is always super bingeable and this was comped to The Housemaid and The Girl on the Train, so let's call this a sneaky link.🤣🤫
Premise - Gemma inherits her aunt's home in an idyllic neighborhood, perfect for her family. She never planned to return to Clover Lane after *that summer* (da-da-da-duh😬) but it's too good of an opportunity to pass up, and her hot mess husband, Ethan, lost all their money and their house whilst lying to her, so... yeah.
But then letters arrive. The neighbors are watching her... stalking her?🔭 Rumors are spreading. And then the last letter drops: Morgan, her daughter, is missing.
Ethan stressed me from page one, and she's having another baby with this man? NOOO. Y'all didn't tell me this is a horror-thriller mashup!
Kovach’s voice delivered, as always, and she’s so skilled at building everyday characters readers can connect to, then dropping them in wild situations they maybe, sorta got themselves into via secrecy. If you’ve read and enjoyed any of her books, you’ll enjoy this, too!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Tamsin Kennard and Annette Chown. I highly recommend this format, as I recommend any audiobook narrated by Kennard - she's so talented! I swear, I could listen to her read a phonebook. Chown held her own, as well, as the younger voice. Definitely one to watch (or listen, as it were).👀👂
Thanks, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - Gemma inherits her aunt's home in an idyllic neighborhood, perfect for her family. She never planned to return to Clover Lane after *that summer* (da-da-da-duh😬) but it's too good of an opportunity to pass up, and her hot mess husband, Ethan, lost all their money and their house whilst lying to her, so... yeah.
But then letters arrive. The neighbors are watching her... stalking her?🔭 Rumors are spreading. And then the last letter drops: Morgan, her daughter, is missing.
Ethan stressed me from page one, and she's having another baby with this man? NOOO. Y'all didn't tell me this is a horror-thriller mashup!
Kovach’s voice delivered, as always, and she’s so skilled at building everyday characters readers can connect to, then dropping them in wild situations they maybe, sorta got themselves into via secrecy. If you’ve read and enjoyed any of her books, you’ll enjoy this, too!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Tamsin Kennard and Annette Chown. I highly recommend this format, as I recommend any audiobook narrated by Kennard - she's so talented! I swear, I could listen to her read a phonebook. Chown held her own, as well, as the younger voice. Definitely one to watch (or listen, as it were).👀👂
Thanks, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As someone who has adored this author’s work for years, I always look forward to diving into her newest release, and this story once again showcases her talent for crafting eerie, small town suspense. The novel follows a family who inherits a coastal home, only for the mother, Gemma, to be confronted by the ghosts of her childhood and the unsettling atmosphere of a neighbourhood where everyone seems to be watching. The creeping paranoia, the anonymous letters, and the sense that the past is clawing its way back give the book a wonderfully tense, claustrophobic feel. The alternating viewpoints between Gemma and her daughter add emotional texture and let the reader see the danger from two very different angles.
While the pacing is sharp and the atmosphere deliciously unsettling, this one didn’t quite reach the heights of some of the author’s previous novels for me. The twists were engaging but not as jaw‑dropping as I’ve come to expect, though the story still kept me turning pages and guessing at motives. What truly stands out is the exploration of buried secrets, fractured relationships, and the way old mistakes can ripple through a family years later. It’s a moody, suspenseful read with plenty to enjoy, just not the one that tops my personal list from this otherwise brilliant author.
Thank you to Netgaalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up.
While the pacing is sharp and the atmosphere deliciously unsettling, this one didn’t quite reach the heights of some of the author’s previous novels for me. The twists were engaging but not as jaw‑dropping as I’ve come to expect, though the story still kept me turning pages and guessing at motives. What truly stands out is the exploration of buried secrets, fractured relationships, and the way old mistakes can ripple through a family years later. It’s a moody, suspenseful read with plenty to enjoy, just not the one that tops my personal list from this otherwise brilliant author.
Thank you to Netgaalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Carla Kovach is quickly becoming one of my go-to thriller authors. After really enjoying My Husband's Wife, I picked up The People Next Door and ended up flying through it in about a day on audio.
The story is set in one of those small, tight-knit towns where everyone knows everyone and outsiders are never fully welcomed. Gemma reluctantly returns with her family, despite a painful history there that slowly unravels throughout the book. When strange and unsettling things begin happening, suspicion immediately falls on Gemma and her family. Typical small-town mentality, right?
One thing I really appreciated was the portrayal of Morgan, Gemma’s teenage daughter. It was refreshing to read a teen character who wasn’t written as endlessly angry or dramatic for the sake of it. She definitely had moments, but overall, she came across as believable and mature.
I listened to this one on audiobook, narrated by Tamsin Kennard and Annette Chown, and both did a great job bringing the story to life. Their performances kept the tension moving and made it easy to stay invested in both Gemma's and Morgan’s perspectives.
The pacing was quick, the twists were satisfying, and overall, it was just a really entertaining domestic thriller. If you enjoy authors like Daniel Hurst or Kiersten Modglin, Carla Kovach is absolutely worth adding to your list. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her.
The story is set in one of those small, tight-knit towns where everyone knows everyone and outsiders are never fully welcomed. Gemma reluctantly returns with her family, despite a painful history there that slowly unravels throughout the book. When strange and unsettling things begin happening, suspicion immediately falls on Gemma and her family. Typical small-town mentality, right?
One thing I really appreciated was the portrayal of Morgan, Gemma’s teenage daughter. It was refreshing to read a teen character who wasn’t written as endlessly angry or dramatic for the sake of it. She definitely had moments, but overall, she came across as believable and mature.
I listened to this one on audiobook, narrated by Tamsin Kennard and Annette Chown, and both did a great job bringing the story to life. Their performances kept the tension moving and made it easy to stay invested in both Gemma's and Morgan’s perspectives.
The pacing was quick, the twists were satisfying, and overall, it was just a really entertaining domestic thriller. If you enjoy authors like Daniel Hurst or Kiersten Modglin, Carla Kovach is absolutely worth adding to your list. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Spending holidays with a family member can be great fun as a child, especially when you have a fun playmate to share adventures with.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses, and at some point you swear never to return. Unfortunately, circumstances in your adult life force you to break that promise you made to yourself.
You never forgot the tragic event. You hoped the rest of the neighbours had, but the moment you step back into the house where you once spent so many wonderful hours, it becomes painfully clear that the tragedy is anything but forgotten.
It’s obvious that nobody wants you there, and you are blamed for all sorts of things.
So who exactly is behind it all…??
It’s terrible when nobody wants to believe you and everyone tries to pin everything on you. That’s why it was so enjoyable to sift through the many possible suspects and try to identify the real villain. I truly had no idea, because in my opinion it could have been anyone. So it’s no surprise that I failed completely and was pleasantly surprised by the revelations.
Once again, it shows just how well people can act and hide their true nature when it suits them.
For me, this was a good book that often felt genuinely creepy, and combined with strong characters, that made it a solid 4-star read for me. On to the next one.
Thank you.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses, and at some point you swear never to return. Unfortunately, circumstances in your adult life force you to break that promise you made to yourself.
You never forgot the tragic event. You hoped the rest of the neighbours had, but the moment you step back into the house where you once spent so many wonderful hours, it becomes painfully clear that the tragedy is anything but forgotten.
It’s obvious that nobody wants you there, and you are blamed for all sorts of things.
So who exactly is behind it all…??
It’s terrible when nobody wants to believe you and everyone tries to pin everything on you. That’s why it was so enjoyable to sift through the many possible suspects and try to identify the real villain. I truly had no idea, because in my opinion it could have been anyone. So it’s no surprise that I failed completely and was pleasantly surprised by the revelations.
Once again, it shows just how well people can act and hide their true nature when it suits them.
For me, this was a good book that often felt genuinely creepy, and combined with strong characters, that made it a solid 4-star read for me. On to the next one.
Thank you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The People Next Door by Carla Kovach completely pulled me in. I started reading curious about the mystery, and ended up unable to stop turning the pages. Every time I thought I had figured something out, another question appeared, but in a way that felt smart and intentional rather than confusing.
What impressed me most was how carefully the story was built. There are multiple subplots surrounding the neighborhood and its residents, and little by little the author connects everything together. By the end, all the pieces fit. Every reveal felt meaningful and satisfying.
The atmosphere was tense from the beginning, and the anonymous letters, secrets, and growing paranoia kept me constantly engaged. This is the kind of psychological thriller that makes you read “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s very late at night.
As someone who learned American English as a second language, I did need to look up a few British English words at the beginning. But after a short while, I adjusted easily and became completely immersed in the story.
A gripping, fast-paced thriller with strong twists and a very satisfying ending. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy suspenseful books that keep your heart racing.
What impressed me most was how carefully the story was built. There are multiple subplots surrounding the neighborhood and its residents, and little by little the author connects everything together. By the end, all the pieces fit. Every reveal felt meaningful and satisfying.
The atmosphere was tense from the beginning, and the anonymous letters, secrets, and growing paranoia kept me constantly engaged. This is the kind of psychological thriller that makes you read “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s very late at night.
As someone who learned American English as a second language, I did need to look up a few British English words at the beginning. But after a short while, I adjusted easily and became completely immersed in the story.
A gripping, fast-paced thriller with strong twists and a very satisfying ending. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy suspenseful books that keep your heart racing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is what I call a thriller.
The People Next Door completely consumed me. Short chapters, multiple perspectives, constant tension, neighbours watching each other, secrets layered on secrets — and somehow I STILL had absolutely no idea where it was going.
Every theory felt possible. Every character felt suspicious. The paranoia and intrigue were relentless.
And then THAT ending.
Holy shit.
Not one of those endings where you roll your eyes and think “well, nobody could have guessed that because the author hid everything.” This was the opposite: shocking, satisfying, and it recontextualised the entire story perfectly.
Also, huge credit to the audiobook production. The narration was phenomenal — so immersive and effortless to follow that I genuinely didn’t even realise there were two narrators because the character work felt so seamless.
This reminded me why thrillers work when they’re done properly. A thriller doesn’t need to be literary or groundbreaking to be excellent. Sometimes what matters is pure narrative propulsion: making you NEED the next chapter.
Fast-paced, addictive, easy to follow, impossible to stop.
Carla Kovach absolutely gets how to write a bingeable thriller, and I’ll 100% be reading more from her.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio, NetGalley, Carla Kovach, Tamsin Kennard, and Annette Chown for an absolutely exhilarating listening experience.
The People Next Door completely consumed me. Short chapters, multiple perspectives, constant tension, neighbours watching each other, secrets layered on secrets — and somehow I STILL had absolutely no idea where it was going.
Every theory felt possible. Every character felt suspicious. The paranoia and intrigue were relentless.
And then THAT ending.
Holy shit.
Not one of those endings where you roll your eyes and think “well, nobody could have guessed that because the author hid everything.” This was the opposite: shocking, satisfying, and it recontextualised the entire story perfectly.
Also, huge credit to the audiobook production. The narration was phenomenal — so immersive and effortless to follow that I genuinely didn’t even realise there were two narrators because the character work felt so seamless.
This reminded me why thrillers work when they’re done properly. A thriller doesn’t need to be literary or groundbreaking to be excellent. Sometimes what matters is pure narrative propulsion: making you NEED the next chapter.
Fast-paced, addictive, easy to follow, impossible to stop.
Carla Kovach absolutely gets how to write a bingeable thriller, and I’ll 100% be reading more from her.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio, NetGalley, Carla Kovach, Tamsin Kennard, and Annette Chown for an absolutely exhilarating listening experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The book was OK, but not my favorite and I would give it 2.5 stars. I absolutely LOVE the Gina Harte Series, but the stand alone books always seem to be missing something. I didn't love any of the characters and there were many of them. How can so many mean people live on Clover Lane? Was that a requirement to buy a house? You must be instantly rude to anyone new moving in. I was suspicious of everyone living there. Anyone of them could have sent the notes and the wormy hamper. I can't believe Ethan insisted his family should move into Aunt Dorette's house. The house hardly seemed safe for an adult, so he moved his older daughter and toddler there. The doors never seem locked, there's the tragic balcony, simply the house has seen better days.. What would have happened to Cora? I'm surprised Gemma didn't leave immediately after what was discovered in the house. Then Ethan makes another disturbing discovery. I would have lived in my car before spending another night there. The story wasn't much of a mystery/thriller, just creepy. The person behind everything simply threatens everyone and isn't much of a killer. She/he simply gives up in the end and isn't very scary or threatening. Everything revolves around Jasmine. A girl who has been missing for twenty years. The prologue was confusing. I wondered why Gemma was running to the neighbors looking for Morgan. The ending cleared everything up.
I definitely recommend giving the book a try. It just wasn't for me. The story definitely kept me guessing because I had no idea who was behind everything. I knew it had to be one of the neighbors. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I definitely recommend giving the book a try. It just wasn't for me. The story definitely kept me guessing because I had no idea who was behind everything. I knew it had to be one of the neighbors. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Carla Kovach is one of my goes to author and I loved her DI Gina Harte series, so I was looking forward to reading her new novel ‘The People next door’.
Gemma returns to her hometown that she swore she would never return to. After her friend Jasmine goes missing in the woods nearby the house on Clover Lane. But her aunt passed away and left her the house. So, with her husband Ethan and two daughters she returns to modernise the house and sell it. At first, the residents are forthcoming. But when some mysterious hateful letters circulating around the residents, they suddenly turn cold as they think she personally sent them. But who is doing it and why? Is it because of what happened to Jasmine all of them years ago? As she has never been found. Or Has Jasmine herself returned?
This is another suspenseful tense thriller by Carla Kovach. With lots of twists and turns. There is also a bit of an eerie feel to it in what happened in the woods. I did enjoy this read by the author but like other reviews have said. But, I didn’t get the connection that I normally get from the authors work in this one. But, saying that it’s still worth the read. 3.5 stars from me.
Gemma returns to her hometown that she swore she would never return to. After her friend Jasmine goes missing in the woods nearby the house on Clover Lane. But her aunt passed away and left her the house. So, with her husband Ethan and two daughters she returns to modernise the house and sell it. At first, the residents are forthcoming. But when some mysterious hateful letters circulating around the residents, they suddenly turn cold as they think she personally sent them. But who is doing it and why? Is it because of what happened to Jasmine all of them years ago? As she has never been found. Or Has Jasmine herself returned?
This is another suspenseful tense thriller by Carla Kovach. With lots of twists and turns. There is also a bit of an eerie feel to it in what happened in the woods. I did enjoy this read by the author but like other reviews have said. But, I didn’t get the connection that I normally get from the authors work in this one. But, saying that it’s still worth the read. 3.5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book completely pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. The tension builds so perfectly that I found myself constantly second guessing everyone in Clover Lane. What starts as a fresh start for a family quickly turns into a chilling nightmare filled with secrets, suspicion and fear.
I loved the atmosphere throughout the story the quiet street with its white fences and friendly neighbours felt unsettling from the beginning, and the anonymous letters added such a creepy edge I know I don’t want to live there. She has such hopes when they move to Clover Lane but nothing is as it seems.
The mystery surrounding the events of that summer kept me hooked, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist changed everything. It is very addictive and impossible to put down. I especially enjoyed how emotional the story felt alongside all the suspense, particularly the mother’s determination to protect her daughter at all costs.
This is a gripping psychological thriller packed with tension, secrets, shocking twists and an ending that left me stunned. Perfect for readers who love dark neighbourhood mysteries and stories where nobody can be trusted.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for an ARC
I loved the atmosphere throughout the story the quiet street with its white fences and friendly neighbours felt unsettling from the beginning, and the anonymous letters added such a creepy edge I know I don’t want to live there. She has such hopes when they move to Clover Lane but nothing is as it seems.
The mystery surrounding the events of that summer kept me hooked, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist changed everything. It is very addictive and impossible to put down. I especially enjoyed how emotional the story felt alongside all the suspense, particularly the mother’s determination to protect her daughter at all costs.
This is a gripping psychological thriller packed with tension, secrets, shocking twists and an ending that left me stunned. Perfect for readers who love dark neighbourhood mysteries and stories where nobody can be trusted.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DON'T MOVE TO CLOVER LANE. 🤫🏡
The Vibe:
Small Town Secrets 🤐
Neighborhood Watch from Hell 👁️
Toxic Marriage Spiral 🍷
Inheritance Gone Wrong 🏚️
The Hook:
Gemma thought inheriting her aunt’s house was a lifeline for her struggling family. She was wrong. It’s a death trap.
The Plot:
The Letters: Anonymous. Threatening. And they know everything.
The Neighbors: They’ve lived here for decades, and they don’t like newcomers—especially not Gemma.
The Forest: Forbidden for a reason. There’s a shed called "The Den" where secrets go to hide... or to be born.
Why you’ll be stressed (in a good way):
The family dynamics are absolutely crumbling. A husband on the edge, a mother blinded by the past, and a 14-year-old daughter forced to grow up way too fast to protect her little sister.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check the TWs: This one gets dark. Stabbings, balcony falls, and a betrayal so messy it’ll leave you reeling.
My full review on this book can be found here;https://cindieslibrary.com/the-people...
The Vibe:
Small Town Secrets 🤐
Neighborhood Watch from Hell 👁️
Toxic Marriage Spiral 🍷
Inheritance Gone Wrong 🏚️
The Hook:
Gemma thought inheriting her aunt’s house was a lifeline for her struggling family. She was wrong. It’s a death trap.
The Plot:
The Letters: Anonymous. Threatening. And they know everything.
The Neighbors: They’ve lived here for decades, and they don’t like newcomers—especially not Gemma.
The Forest: Forbidden for a reason. There’s a shed called "The Den" where secrets go to hide... or to be born.
Why you’ll be stressed (in a good way):
The family dynamics are absolutely crumbling. A husband on the edge, a mother blinded by the past, and a 14-year-old daughter forced to grow up way too fast to protect her little sister.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check the TWs: This one gets dark. Stabbings, balcony falls, and a betrayal so messy it’ll leave you reeling.
My full review on this book can be found here;https://cindieslibrary.com/the-people...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review The People Next Door by Carla Kovach.
The People Next Door had a strong focus on motherhood and family, which was probably my favourite part of the story. I really liked seeing the relationships between Gemma and Morgan and Quinn and Harry, and how far both mothers were willing to go to protect their children.
The writing itself was easy to get through and I liked the atmosphere of Clover House. Even though the mystery kept me curious, the pacing felt a little too slow for me and the plot dragged in places. It wasn’t until about 75% in that things really started happening and the story finally picked up speed.
The ending was decent, although I did find parts of it predictable. Overall, this was an okay read for me, not a standout thriller, but still an enjoyable read for fans of slower psychological mysteries.
The People Next Door had a strong focus on motherhood and family, which was probably my favourite part of the story. I really liked seeing the relationships between Gemma and Morgan and Quinn and Harry, and how far both mothers were willing to go to protect their children.
The writing itself was easy to get through and I liked the atmosphere of Clover House. Even though the mystery kept me curious, the pacing felt a little too slow for me and the plot dragged in places. It wasn’t until about 75% in that things really started happening and the story finally picked up speed.
The ending was decent, although I did find parts of it predictable. Overall, this was an okay read for me, not a standout thriller, but still an enjoyable read for fans of slower psychological mysteries.
May 16, 2026
🥳🍿 ARC REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5
📚 Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The People Next Door completely pulled me in 👀🏡📖 The tension started early and kept building the entire time. Every neighbor seemed suspicious and I loved trying to figure out who was hiding what 🔍😳
The atmosphere was probably my favorite part 🌫️🖤 It had that creepy “something is seriously wrong here” feeling that made it hard to stop reading 😅📚 The pacing stayed strong and there were enough twists and surprises to keep me invested the whole way through 👏
My only reason for not giving 5 stars is that I wanted a little more depth from some of the characters 🤏 but overall this was such an addictive and bingeable domestic thriller 🔥✨
📚 Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The People Next Door completely pulled me in 👀🏡📖 The tension started early and kept building the entire time. Every neighbor seemed suspicious and I loved trying to figure out who was hiding what 🔍😳
The atmosphere was probably my favorite part 🌫️🖤 It had that creepy “something is seriously wrong here” feeling that made it hard to stop reading 😅📚 The pacing stayed strong and there were enough twists and surprises to keep me invested the whole way through 👏
My only reason for not giving 5 stars is that I wanted a little more depth from some of the characters 🤏 but overall this was such an addictive and bingeable domestic thriller 🔥✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a twisty small community novel.
It is a tale of revenge and past mistakes that will grip the reader from the first page.
Two POV's, mother, and teenage daughter who wants to be a detective.
The book is creepy and tense, suspenseful.
I have a few questions though - was Aunt Dorette a DIY wizard?
Decomposing bodies smell. How was that hidden?
Mmmm, the answers are not in the book, but I am sure readers who like psychological thrillers that involve neighbours who don't trust anyone that is new, will enjoy this novel.
3/5 stars from me.
It is a tale of revenge and past mistakes that will grip the reader from the first page.
Two POV's, mother, and teenage daughter who wants to be a detective.
The book is creepy and tense, suspenseful.
I have a few questions though - was Aunt Dorette a DIY wizard?
Decomposing bodies smell. How was that hidden?
Mmmm, the answers are not in the book, but I am sure readers who like psychological thrillers that involve neighbours who don't trust anyone that is new, will enjoy this novel.
3/5 stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews