What do you think?
The Neighbors Are Watching: A Novel
From the "master of suburban scandal" (Samantha M. Bailey) comes a scandalous suburban thriller about privilege, unlikely friendships, and the lengths we go to protect our family.
Just outside Washington D.C. sits Eastbrook, Bethesda — a leafy suburb with top schools, manicured lawns, and friendly neighbors. It’s not the kind of place where nannies are shot during robberies gone wrong. But like any picture-perfect neighborhood, it’s been easy to cover up the shadows and move on.
A year after the unsolved neighborhood murder, Caren, nearing fifty and staring down an empty nest, has one too many drinks at a graduation party and blacks out on her way home. At least, that’s what everyone says happened. Caren suspects she was drugged by someone. But who?
When Caren teams up with a new neighbor who is desperate to figure out who murdered his best friend last year, they start to uncover what Eastbrook has tried to forget. But in a place where appearances are everything, their search for the truth means not only shattering carefully built façades — but putting themselves squarely in the crosshairs of a killer.
Just outside Washington D.C. sits Eastbrook, Bethesda — a leafy suburb with top schools, manicured lawns, and friendly neighbors. It’s not the kind of place where nannies are shot during robberies gone wrong. But like any picture-perfect neighborhood, it’s been easy to cover up the shadows and move on.
A year after the unsolved neighborhood murder, Caren, nearing fifty and staring down an empty nest, has one too many drinks at a graduation party and blacks out on her way home. At least, that’s what everyone says happened. Caren suspects she was drugged by someone. But who?
When Caren teams up with a new neighbor who is desperate to figure out who murdered his best friend last year, they start to uncover what Eastbrook has tried to forget. But in a place where appearances are everything, their search for the truth means not only shattering carefully built façades — but putting themselves squarely in the crosshairs of a killer.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 659 reviews
August 18, 2025
WHAT KIND OF FOOLISHNESS
In The Neighbors Are Watching, we are following Caren who at a graduation party blacks out on her way home and believes she was drugged although the neighborhood crew swear blind that she just drank too much. Her neighbor Finn is also trying to uncover who murdered his best friend Autumn last year and the two decide to team to get to the bottom of what is going on in their little suburban neighborhood.
I really enjoyed this authors last release "You Deserve to Know" and was excited to read her latest... but what the heck was this!? Look its not a bad book per se, but i was not drawn into the storyline at all. When at times it would peak my interest, it would fall quicker than it came and i started to lose out on hope.
The characters are unbearable bar Finn who was the only redeeming factor in this catastrophe and i started not giving a damn about the "mystery" of it all. Speaking of said mystery... when it was all revealed i actually cackled out loud distastefully because "Are you kidding me!?" That's the twist?... the reveal?... OH BORE OFF!
The ending was also ridiculous and i really do need to do better in DNF'ing a book when its not fully serving me.
It's not an awful book, but its not memorable either. With that said I still want to continue reading this authors backlist and getting back the same thrill I got with 'You Deserve to Know'.
2.5 ⭐
In The Neighbors Are Watching, we are following Caren who at a graduation party blacks out on her way home and believes she was drugged although the neighborhood crew swear blind that she just drank too much. Her neighbor Finn is also trying to uncover who murdered his best friend Autumn last year and the two decide to team to get to the bottom of what is going on in their little suburban neighborhood.
I really enjoyed this authors last release "You Deserve to Know" and was excited to read her latest... but what the heck was this!? Look its not a bad book per se, but i was not drawn into the storyline at all. When at times it would peak my interest, it would fall quicker than it came and i started to lose out on hope.
The characters are unbearable bar Finn who was the only redeeming factor in this catastrophe and i started not giving a damn about the "mystery" of it all. Speaking of said mystery... when it was all revealed i actually cackled out loud distastefully because "Are you kidding me!?" That's the twist?... the reveal?... OH BORE OFF!
The ending was also ridiculous and i really do need to do better in DNF'ing a book when its not fully serving me.
It's not an awful book, but its not memorable either. With that said I still want to continue reading this authors backlist and getting back the same thrill I got with 'You Deserve to Know'.
2.5 ⭐
July 3, 2026
3 stars - a serviceable and predictable thriller - saved only by the last third and one charming character (Finn). I think I'm getting weary of the "rich people behaving badly" trope... also over the whole "Karen" thing, even if you spell it with a "C", which ceased to be amusing after the second time. Overall, just 'meh"
July 1, 2026
I love good neighborhood suspense and The Neighbors Are Watching has suspense and so much more. More. MORE.
Caren (with a C) is an empty nester and heads over to the neighbors for a graduation party in the well-to-do neighborhood in Bethesda, MD. She has a few drinks and suddenly feels woozier than she should so heads home. Confused, she wakes up in her front yard, fully dressed, and no memory how she got there. A concerned man tries to help her up. Meet Fin. Fin and Caren form an unlikely friendship. They help each other try to solve a murder of a nanny a year ago that has never left the gossip circuit in the neighborhood and suspicious that Caren’s drink was drugged. This is only a small part of a highly addictive story with many characters engaged in absurd, can’t-look-away activities. As new characters are introduced the soapy, juicy feel intensifies. Gaslighting runs unchecked, infidelity, and secrets are revealed.
This is a fun, suspenseful, voyeur filled read! How well do you know your neighbors? Hopefully you don’t live in a neighborhood like this, but it sure is fun to read about.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an early copy.
Caren (with a C) is an empty nester and heads over to the neighbors for a graduation party in the well-to-do neighborhood in Bethesda, MD. She has a few drinks and suddenly feels woozier than she should so heads home. Confused, she wakes up in her front yard, fully dressed, and no memory how she got there. A concerned man tries to help her up. Meet Fin. Fin and Caren form an unlikely friendship. They help each other try to solve a murder of a nanny a year ago that has never left the gossip circuit in the neighborhood and suspicious that Caren’s drink was drugged. This is only a small part of a highly addictive story with many characters engaged in absurd, can’t-look-away activities. As new characters are introduced the soapy, juicy feel intensifies. Gaslighting runs unchecked, infidelity, and secrets are revealed.
This is a fun, suspenseful, voyeur filled read! How well do you know your neighbors? Hopefully you don’t live in a neighborhood like this, but it sure is fun to read about.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an early copy.
July 23, 2026
After hearing so much about The Neighbors Are Watching, I was looking forward to finally diving into it. The premise immediately appealed to me, with a close-knit neighbourhood, plenty of secrets and the promise that someone was always watching. It had all the ingredients for a suburban suspense novel I thought I'd really be into.
The story follows a neighbourhood rocked by a shocking crime, with suspicion gradually falling on one resident after another. As more secrets come to light, it becomes harder to know who can be trusted, and it quickly becomes clear that almost everyone has something they're hiding.
One thing Aggie Blum Thompson does really well is create an atmosphere where everyone seems to be watching everyone else. It gives the neighbourhood a claustrophobic feel, and I was always curious to see what secret would come out next. There were a few reveals that genuinely caught me off guard, and I liked that the mystery wasn't as straightforward as it initially appeared.
For me, though, the pacing was where the book lost a little momentum. While I was interested in finding out the truth, there were stretches where I felt the story took a little too long to get there. By the second half I found myself wanting to reach the ending more than I was enjoying the journey, and I don't think the final reveal quite delivered the payoff I'd been hoping for after such a long build-up.
I do wonder if timing played a part in my experience because this feels like one of those books I might have appreciated more in a different reading mood, especially given how many other readers have connected with it.
If you enjoy slower-burning domestic suspense packed with neighbourhood secrets and character-driven mysteries, I think you'll probably have more patience for this one than I did. It didn't completely win me over, but it was still an enjoyable enough read, and I'm definitely open to exploring Aggie Blum Thompson's backlist.
The story follows a neighbourhood rocked by a shocking crime, with suspicion gradually falling on one resident after another. As more secrets come to light, it becomes harder to know who can be trusted, and it quickly becomes clear that almost everyone has something they're hiding.
One thing Aggie Blum Thompson does really well is create an atmosphere where everyone seems to be watching everyone else. It gives the neighbourhood a claustrophobic feel, and I was always curious to see what secret would come out next. There were a few reveals that genuinely caught me off guard, and I liked that the mystery wasn't as straightforward as it initially appeared.
For me, though, the pacing was where the book lost a little momentum. While I was interested in finding out the truth, there were stretches where I felt the story took a little too long to get there. By the second half I found myself wanting to reach the ending more than I was enjoying the journey, and I don't think the final reveal quite delivered the payoff I'd been hoping for after such a long build-up.
I do wonder if timing played a part in my experience because this feels like one of those books I might have appreciated more in a different reading mood, especially given how many other readers have connected with it.
If you enjoy slower-burning domestic suspense packed with neighbourhood secrets and character-driven mysteries, I think you'll probably have more patience for this one than I did. It didn't completely win me over, but it was still an enjoyable enough read, and I'm definitely open to exploring Aggie Blum Thompson's backlist.
May 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the #gifted ALC.
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Aggie Blum Thompson has DONE IT AGAIN! I finished this audiobook in 2 days (and it helped me clean my entire house haha)- I couldn’t stop listening! This author is a master storyteller when it comes to domestic thrillers. This story follows Caren and Finn as they try and piece together what happened in the murder of a nanny a year prior. The author has created a colorful cast of characters that all reside in the neighborhood and kept me guessing until the very last page. I never guessed who committed the murder OR the twist at the end. These folks in the neighborhood are WILDLY misbehaved, and I loved every second of this story 🫶🏽.
🎧 The narrator (Alex Picard) did a great job telling this story, and the distinct voices she used for each character really made the story come alive. That’s saying a lot because I tend to prefer duet narration for my audiobooks, but this audiobook performance was solid and I didn’t miss multiple narrators 🎧.
This is my second book by Aggie Blum Thompson and she is fast becoming my new go-to author for thrillers. I look forward to reading more of her books 📚💫
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Aggie Blum Thompson has DONE IT AGAIN! I finished this audiobook in 2 days (and it helped me clean my entire house haha)- I couldn’t stop listening! This author is a master storyteller when it comes to domestic thrillers. This story follows Caren and Finn as they try and piece together what happened in the murder of a nanny a year prior. The author has created a colorful cast of characters that all reside in the neighborhood and kept me guessing until the very last page. I never guessed who committed the murder OR the twist at the end. These folks in the neighborhood are WILDLY misbehaved, and I loved every second of this story 🫶🏽.
🎧 The narrator (Alex Picard) did a great job telling this story, and the distinct voices she used for each character really made the story come alive. That’s saying a lot because I tend to prefer duet narration for my audiobooks, but this audiobook performance was solid and I didn’t miss multiple narrators 🎧.
This is my second book by Aggie Blum Thompson and she is fast becoming my new go-to author for thrillers. I look forward to reading more of her books 📚💫
February 24, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
In Bethesda, Maryland, an affluent suburb of DC, sits the (fictional) neighborhood Eastbook.
Eastbrook is a place with top schools, parents who work as professionals, and spoiled teenagers, whose only responsibility is to get into an Ivy League school.
Crime here is rare, although one evening a nanny is murdered and the entire neighborhood is in shock.
“Things like that just don’t happen here”, all of the neighbors said to each other.
One night our protagonist, Caren, leaves a party at a neighbor’s house, falls, and blacks out.
Everyone tells her that at nearly 50, she just can’t handle her alcohol the way she could when she was younger.
They all insist that she was drunk when she left.
But was that really the case?
Gaslighting is definitely one of the major themes in this book.
Although I found parts of this book to be fairly predictable, I still really enjoyed the story.
It’s pretty much a given that I’m going to enjoy any neighborhood mystery or thriller that takes place in the suburbs.
I also kind of laughed because Caren would always remind people “it’s Caren with a C”.
The biggest way to tick her off would be to make a “Karen joke” towards her.
Constructive Criticism:
-This book was 400 pages long. I think that it could have been written in 350 pages and would have been just as enjoyable.
-Because this was written in Multiple POV, I would have liked it if the character’s name appeared on the first page of each chapter, like a lot of books in this format are.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with this eARC to review!
Pub Date: June 30, 2026
In Bethesda, Maryland, an affluent suburb of DC, sits the (fictional) neighborhood Eastbook.
Eastbrook is a place with top schools, parents who work as professionals, and spoiled teenagers, whose only responsibility is to get into an Ivy League school.
Crime here is rare, although one evening a nanny is murdered and the entire neighborhood is in shock.
“Things like that just don’t happen here”, all of the neighbors said to each other.
One night our protagonist, Caren, leaves a party at a neighbor’s house, falls, and blacks out.
Everyone tells her that at nearly 50, she just can’t handle her alcohol the way she could when she was younger.
They all insist that she was drunk when she left.
But was that really the case?
Gaslighting is definitely one of the major themes in this book.
Although I found parts of this book to be fairly predictable, I still really enjoyed the story.
It’s pretty much a given that I’m going to enjoy any neighborhood mystery or thriller that takes place in the suburbs.
I also kind of laughed because Caren would always remind people “it’s Caren with a C”.
The biggest way to tick her off would be to make a “Karen joke” towards her.
Constructive Criticism:
-This book was 400 pages long. I think that it could have been written in 350 pages and would have been just as enjoyable.
-Because this was written in Multiple POV, I would have liked it if the character’s name appeared on the first page of each chapter, like a lot of books in this format are.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with this eARC to review!
Pub Date: June 30, 2026
July 8, 2026
1⭐️
ARC Review
Publication Date: 06/30/26
For those who enjoy neighborhood domestic suspense thrillers, this one is DEFINITELY for you…
Otherwise…. Read This Book With Caution ⚠️ ⚠️⚠️…
Another one star ARC occurring for me. Ugh!!!
If hugging my library was thing, I could spend nearly an entire week hugging the mess out that building. I have NEVER been more happy to receive a notification that one of my several Libby requests has been accepted. When I say that I screamed and jumped on my bed from my pure joy, I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Without the audiobook for The Neighbors Are Watching, I would’ve DNF’d this after Chapter 5. Once again, I am reminded of my love for YA novels and how I need to stop requesting ARCs just because of their interesting book covers. Honestly, I DID NOT enjoy this book at all!!!
I went into The Neighbors Are Watching hoping for a murder mystery containing loads of drama. I’m talking: (a) rich people complaining about laughable things; (b) tons of juicy gossip; (c) adults actually having a decent relationship with one another; (d) loving husbands who actually enjoy their wives and the life they built; (e) grandma types who will make a reader laugh with their banter. You know, the type of book where the neighborhood/neighbors are messy but both the murder mystery and the drama make sense?!?!
But, nope!!!
Here is what actually happens in this book (no spoilers exist):
The Neighbors Are Watching is about a woman who is left out of a major secret going on because of her own husband. This book is about (a) gaslighting; (b) adults lying to one another over dumb stuff; (c) neighbors physically hurting each other because they raised children who hurt over people; (d) affairs; (e) money; (f) harmful secrets; and (g) an example of why marriages aren’t lasting as long they used to. This book is the MOST annoying piece of literature that I have read in a while. There is no way that I am going to allow my husband to gaslight me and minimize my feelings over something that I know to be true and still stay married to him. All of this and more is what the FMC, Caren (yes, that is Karen spelled with a C) has to face for several days. Caren (spelled with a C) spends this entire book whining about how she and her husband are going to be empty nesters soon because their daughter, Rachel, is going off to college. A reader has to spend about 55% (maybe a little more) reading/listening to Caren being lied to by her own husband and best friends. She has to even deal with neighbors gossiping about her because of her own husband. Again, because of this and so much more is EXACTLY why adult novels will never be my go to. I don’t care how many adults in my life believe that I should be reading adult fiction at this point in my reading life. I cannot stand a book that is more triggering than fun.
And let’s not forget about the MMC, Finn. The only reason Finn is supposed to exist is because he is the “best friend” of the only person who died in this book. I put quotes around the word “best friend” because a reader hardly gets a glimpse into both Finn and Autumn’s friendship. A reader is constantly told that they were close but never really shown how they met or how long they have been “best friends.” It doesn’t take long for a reader to become severely frustrated with Finn and how he goes about solving Autumn’s murder. I immediately wanted to rush through Finn’s chapters because he felt too monotone and never lived up to actually becoming a front and center character. I mean, if my best friend was murdered I would be stalking the police; harassing the neighbors; and even getting help from other members of our friend group. I, for one, wouldn’t be posting fliers and just sitting around while other people talk trash about someone that I love and care about.
The Neighbors Are Watching isn’t written in a way that a lot of people will come to enjoy. Honestly, this book feels written for those who already have read Aggie Blum Thompson before. While I do believe the transition between the past and present was formatted correctly, the switch between Caren and Finn’s POV was hard to keep up with. I really wish Aggie Blum Thompson labeled each chapter to help announce when Caren’s POV was present and when Finn’s POV was present. Having two different narrators for the audiobook would’ve done this book a huge favor as well. I could go on and on about how much I disliked this book, how awful the characters were, and how this will be my first and last book that I ever read by Aggie Blum Thompson. But, I won’t. My rant may lead to a dozen or so spoilers and my review turning a little bit harsh (that is not the type of reader and reviewer that I am). I can say this though: If you find yourself reaching for this book then I say go ahead and give it a go. Lower your expectations several factions though. I truly wish Aggie Blum Thompson the best on all of her future endeavors, especially her writing career.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
ARC Review
Publication Date: 06/30/26
For those who enjoy neighborhood domestic suspense thrillers, this one is DEFINITELY for you…
Otherwise…. Read This Book With Caution ⚠️ ⚠️⚠️…
Another one star ARC occurring for me. Ugh!!!
If hugging my library was thing, I could spend nearly an entire week hugging the mess out that building. I have NEVER been more happy to receive a notification that one of my several Libby requests has been accepted. When I say that I screamed and jumped on my bed from my pure joy, I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Without the audiobook for The Neighbors Are Watching, I would’ve DNF’d this after Chapter 5. Once again, I am reminded of my love for YA novels and how I need to stop requesting ARCs just because of their interesting book covers. Honestly, I DID NOT enjoy this book at all!!!
I went into The Neighbors Are Watching hoping for a murder mystery containing loads of drama. I’m talking: (a) rich people complaining about laughable things; (b) tons of juicy gossip; (c) adults actually having a decent relationship with one another; (d) loving husbands who actually enjoy their wives and the life they built; (e) grandma types who will make a reader laugh with their banter. You know, the type of book where the neighborhood/neighbors are messy but both the murder mystery and the drama make sense?!?!
But, nope!!!
Here is what actually happens in this book (no spoilers exist):
The Neighbors Are Watching is about a woman who is left out of a major secret going on because of her own husband. This book is about (a) gaslighting; (b) adults lying to one another over dumb stuff; (c) neighbors physically hurting each other because they raised children who hurt over people; (d) affairs; (e) money; (f) harmful secrets; and (g) an example of why marriages aren’t lasting as long they used to. This book is the MOST annoying piece of literature that I have read in a while. There is no way that I am going to allow my husband to gaslight me and minimize my feelings over something that I know to be true and still stay married to him. All of this and more is what the FMC, Caren (yes, that is Karen spelled with a C) has to face for several days. Caren (spelled with a C) spends this entire book whining about how she and her husband are going to be empty nesters soon because their daughter, Rachel, is going off to college. A reader has to spend about 55% (maybe a little more) reading/listening to Caren being lied to by her own husband and best friends. She has to even deal with neighbors gossiping about her because of her own husband. Again, because of this and so much more is EXACTLY why adult novels will never be my go to. I don’t care how many adults in my life believe that I should be reading adult fiction at this point in my reading life. I cannot stand a book that is more triggering than fun.
And let’s not forget about the MMC, Finn. The only reason Finn is supposed to exist is because he is the “best friend” of the only person who died in this book. I put quotes around the word “best friend” because a reader hardly gets a glimpse into both Finn and Autumn’s friendship. A reader is constantly told that they were close but never really shown how they met or how long they have been “best friends.” It doesn’t take long for a reader to become severely frustrated with Finn and how he goes about solving Autumn’s murder. I immediately wanted to rush through Finn’s chapters because he felt too monotone and never lived up to actually becoming a front and center character. I mean, if my best friend was murdered I would be stalking the police; harassing the neighbors; and even getting help from other members of our friend group. I, for one, wouldn’t be posting fliers and just sitting around while other people talk trash about someone that I love and care about.
The Neighbors Are Watching isn’t written in a way that a lot of people will come to enjoy. Honestly, this book feels written for those who already have read Aggie Blum Thompson before. While I do believe the transition between the past and present was formatted correctly, the switch between Caren and Finn’s POV was hard to keep up with. I really wish Aggie Blum Thompson labeled each chapter to help announce when Caren’s POV was present and when Finn’s POV was present. Having two different narrators for the audiobook would’ve done this book a huge favor as well. I could go on and on about how much I disliked this book, how awful the characters were, and how this will be my first and last book that I ever read by Aggie Blum Thompson. But, I won’t. My rant may lead to a dozen or so spoilers and my review turning a little bit harsh (that is not the type of reader and reviewer that I am). I can say this though: If you find yourself reaching for this book then I say go ahead and give it a go. Lower your expectations several factions though. I truly wish Aggie Blum Thompson the best on all of her future endeavors, especially her writing career.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Me on This Book in Eight Ironic English Words: Nineteen is still adolescent-- adult *fantasy*, not reality.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I pause, watching her face for any reaction, any crack in her façade. Does she know where I am going with this? That I am about to accuse her precious Van of being a thief? But Jo’s expression remains as placid as the still waters of a lake. No ripples of doubt, no creases of concern. Of course, it could just be the Botox." p216
In Short: The poorly-advised romantic affair element is never my favorite part... But it is here! This relationship between the FMC and her most toxic neighbor's barely adult son is full of danger, bad fit, and serious stakes. It is so much fun to read! For a book about a bunch of neighbors getting in each other's business, this one is excellent. Juicy, scandalous, tons of suspense. I thought the ending was too twisty, but a know a lot of folks like that! It's a great beach read or book-hangover cure.
"Content Warnings:" murder, gossip, alcohol and drug consumption, gaslighting, lack of privacy, cheating, age-gap romance,
Preread: I love a really good domestic suspense novel, and I've never tried this writer. Excited, as the opening is compelling!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I pause, watching her face for any reaction, any crack in her façade. Does she know where I am going with this? That I am about to accuse her precious Van of being a thief? But Jo’s expression remains as placid as the still waters of a lake. No ripples of doubt, no creases of concern. Of course, it could just be the Botox." p216
In Short: The poorly-advised romantic affair element is never my favorite part... But it is here! This relationship between the FMC and her most toxic neighbor's barely adult son is full of danger, bad fit, and serious stakes. It is so much fun to read! For a book about a bunch of neighbors getting in each other's business, this one is excellent. Juicy, scandalous, tons of suspense. I thought the ending was too twisty, but a know a lot of folks like that! It's a great beach read or book-hangover cure.
"Content Warnings:" murder, gossip, alcohol and drug consumption, gaslighting, lack of privacy, cheating, age-gap romance,
Preread: I love a really good domestic suspense novel, and I've never tried this writer. Excited, as the opening is compelling!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved You Deserve To Know so I was very excited to get an ARC of The Neighbors Are Watching.
This book is set in the suburbs of Bethesda, outside of Washington, D.C. It centers around the Eastbrook neighborhood, where everyone is family focused. After a graduation party, Caren has a fall and is unable to remember what happened to her. As she tries to piece that night together, she realizes that her neighborhood friends and her husband all doubt her story or what she believes has happened to her. They believe she over-indulged and fell.
This isn't the first bad thing that has happened in Eastbrook. One year ago, a nanny was shot and killed in a robbery. As Caren tries to figure out what happened to her, she can't help but think the two incidents could have something to do with each other.
There are twists and turns along the way and this is a neighborhood full of secrets. This was a fast paced and fun thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set in the suburbs of Bethesda, outside of Washington, D.C. It centers around the Eastbrook neighborhood, where everyone is family focused. After a graduation party, Caren has a fall and is unable to remember what happened to her. As she tries to piece that night together, she realizes that her neighborhood friends and her husband all doubt her story or what she believes has happened to her. They believe she over-indulged and fell.
This isn't the first bad thing that has happened in Eastbrook. One year ago, a nanny was shot and killed in a robbery. As Caren tries to figure out what happened to her, she can't help but think the two incidents could have something to do with each other.
There are twists and turns along the way and this is a neighborhood full of secrets. This was a fast paced and fun thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2026
The audacity.
That is the feeling this book left me with.
I'll admit it right away: slow burn thrillers are usually not my favorite. I tend to prefer stories that sprint rather than stroll. Yet somehow, this one kept me turning the pages.
The premise is simply too intriguing to ignore. A nanny is murdered inside the home where she worked, and the question of who did it immediately pulls you in. The story alternates between the aftermath of the murder and the year leading up to it, slowly peeling back the layers of a seemingly perfect suburban community.
Much of the story is driven by Caren (yes, with a C), whose perspective anchors the investigation and the relationships surrounding it. Set in suburban Maryland, this is one of those neighborhoods where the white picket fences hide enough secrets to keep everyone looking over their shoulder.
Even though the pacing is deliberate, I found myself constantly building theories. Every new revelation made me rethink my assumptions, and I genuinely enjoyed trying to piece everything together before the truth was revealed.
One detail I found particularly interesting, and perhaps a bit timely, was the brief discussion around using AI as a confidant or companion. It isn't the central focus of the novel, but it stood out because, whether we like it or not, more and more people are turning to AI to fill emotional gaps or combat loneliness. It was an unexpected inclusion that made me pause and think.
This book delivers a satisfying blend of mystery, family drama, neighborhood politics, and just enough teenage chaos to keep everyone on edge. You'll probably develop theories, question nearly everyone, dislike a few characters, root for others, and finish feeling grateful your neighbors probably aren't keeping quite this many secrets.
Overall, I would happily recommend this to readers who enjoy classic whodunits, layered family dynamics, and slow-burning suspense that rewards patience.
Thank you, NetGalley, Aggie Blum Thompson, and (St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.
That is the feeling this book left me with.
I'll admit it right away: slow burn thrillers are usually not my favorite. I tend to prefer stories that sprint rather than stroll. Yet somehow, this one kept me turning the pages.
The premise is simply too intriguing to ignore. A nanny is murdered inside the home where she worked, and the question of who did it immediately pulls you in. The story alternates between the aftermath of the murder and the year leading up to it, slowly peeling back the layers of a seemingly perfect suburban community.
Much of the story is driven by Caren (yes, with a C), whose perspective anchors the investigation and the relationships surrounding it. Set in suburban Maryland, this is one of those neighborhoods where the white picket fences hide enough secrets to keep everyone looking over their shoulder.
Even though the pacing is deliberate, I found myself constantly building theories. Every new revelation made me rethink my assumptions, and I genuinely enjoyed trying to piece everything together before the truth was revealed.
One detail I found particularly interesting, and perhaps a bit timely, was the brief discussion around using AI as a confidant or companion. It isn't the central focus of the novel, but it stood out because, whether we like it or not, more and more people are turning to AI to fill emotional gaps or combat loneliness. It was an unexpected inclusion that made me pause and think.
This book delivers a satisfying blend of mystery, family drama, neighborhood politics, and just enough teenage chaos to keep everyone on edge. You'll probably develop theories, question nearly everyone, dislike a few characters, root for others, and finish feeling grateful your neighbors probably aren't keeping quite this many secrets.
Overall, I would happily recommend this to readers who enjoy classic whodunits, layered family dynamics, and slow-burning suspense that rewards patience.
Thank you, NetGalley, Aggie Blum Thompson, and (St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.
August 8, 2026
This is yet another book by this author that I really enjoyed! It had everything I love in domestic thrillers: nosy neighbors, marriage issues and secrets and lies from everyone involved. In the beginning, there were kind of two different plot lines happening and I liked how they came together in the end. I enjoyed the characters, even though of course there were some I couldn’t stand, but that’s what made the story so fun. I was able to guess where the story was going, but that epilogue really surprised me and threw me for a loop. I think this author really knows how to do an epilogue well. I can’t wait to see what they put out next!
May 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
The Neighbours are Watching had everything you’d expect from a juicy neighbourhood drama — drinking, drugging, stealing, underage relationships, and plenty of messy drama throughout. The story definitely kept me interested, and there was always something happening to keep the tension going.
My biggest issue was that I found it hard to really connect with Caren as a character, which made it difficult to fully invest emotionally in parts of the story. Still, the plot itself was entertaining and had all the elements of a classic suspenseful neighbour story. Overall, it was a solid read and worth picking up if you enjoy drama-filled thrillers with lots of secrets and chaos.
The Neighbours are Watching had everything you’d expect from a juicy neighbourhood drama — drinking, drugging, stealing, underage relationships, and plenty of messy drama throughout. The story definitely kept me interested, and there was always something happening to keep the tension going.
My biggest issue was that I found it hard to really connect with Caren as a character, which made it difficult to fully invest emotionally in parts of the story. Still, the plot itself was entertaining and had all the elements of a classic suspenseful neighbour story. Overall, it was a solid read and worth picking up if you enjoy drama-filled thrillers with lots of secrets and chaos.
September 7, 2026
Nosey , Rich people drama murder mystery .I found it to be an OK read. I would read another of her books.
June 26, 2026
I love a neighborhood domestic suspense novel where everyone is watching everyone else, and The Neighbors Are Watching absolutely delivered. The premise hooked me immediately, dropping readers into a seemingly idyllic suburban community that’s filled with gossip, secrets, and suspicion. From the very beginning, I questioned every character’s motives and never felt like I could fully trust anyone. That constant uncertainty kept the pages flying.
The cast is packed with shady neighbors, whispered rumors, and morally gray decisions that made the entire neighborhood feel increasingly unsettling. I loved how the story slowly peeled back layers through dual timelines, revealing that everyone seemed to know more than they were willing to admit.
The tension builds steadily before racing toward an intense, satisfying conclusion that tied the mysteries together without feeling rushed. If you’re looking for a steadily paced domestic suspense full of neighborhood drama, hidden secrets, and plenty of paranoia, this is a great one to add to your TBR.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Neighborhood drama with dark secrets
* Domestic suspense with unreliable characters
* Gossip fueled mysteries
* Morally gray characters
* Dual timeline thrillers
* Slow burn mysteries with satisfying payoffs
The cast is packed with shady neighbors, whispered rumors, and morally gray decisions that made the entire neighborhood feel increasingly unsettling. I loved how the story slowly peeled back layers through dual timelines, revealing that everyone seemed to know more than they were willing to admit.
The tension builds steadily before racing toward an intense, satisfying conclusion that tied the mysteries together without feeling rushed. If you’re looking for a steadily paced domestic suspense full of neighborhood drama, hidden secrets, and plenty of paranoia, this is a great one to add to your TBR.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Neighborhood drama with dark secrets
* Domestic suspense with unreliable characters
* Gossip fueled mysteries
* Morally gray characters
* Dual timeline thrillers
* Slow burn mysteries with satisfying payoffs
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I rounded up to four stars. I really enjoyed this book.
I THINK this is the first time I read a book by Aggie Blum Thompson. I'm definitely interested in reading more.
The story follows a woman who gets knocked out and then is gaslit by her entire neighborhood: best friends and husband included. I loved the plot line, and it was what initially drew me in. I could tell immediately that Miguel was going to be a character I despised.
I enjoyed Finn and Caren's characters [and Paula]. Finn believing Caren mattered. Sometimes that kind of support is all someone needs, and it grounded the story emotionally. I also liked that the sleuthing stayed believable. Conversations felt natural, and even moments of snooping were handled with logic instead of convenience. Even at one point, the author wrote Finn having common sense in the fact that there was no way to bring up casually that he was snooping. He didn't. I really loved this. Logic!
I did not enjoy Tori as a character. She just sounded completely unhinged. Many bad choices. And continually proved this point throughout the entire book. But to be honest, there were so many characters to hate. It was nice to spread the anger across so many. I have a love / hate relationship with mental manipulation and gaslighting...in the fact that I LOVE to hate it. And this book immediately had me hating Miguel. Everything out of his mouth made me want to reach in and punch the bejeebus out of him. I have never been so angry of a marriage not falling apart at the end. Which shows really great writing by the author. Because I was lit up!
The twists broke my heart. I was devastated for Caren and Rachel.
It's a plot to me that seems unrealistic because I'm not filthy rich. But I could very much so imagine the 1%'s living a life of lies like this. Especially to protect their children. But I had a lot of issues with Tori's relationship with Van and Eloise's relationship with her brother. I sensed the same thing Yumi said at the end about it. It just seemed off. But again, just made my anger and hatred for the characters.
I was really hoping for a bigger win for Caren. She was just let down by so many people that the ending didn't feel like she got the justice she deserved.
I THINK this is the first time I read a book by Aggie Blum Thompson. I'm definitely interested in reading more.
The story follows a woman who gets knocked out and then is gaslit by her entire neighborhood: best friends and husband included. I loved the plot line, and it was what initially drew me in. I could tell immediately that Miguel was going to be a character I despised.
I enjoyed Finn and Caren's characters [and Paula]. Finn believing Caren mattered. Sometimes that kind of support is all someone needs, and it grounded the story emotionally. I also liked that the sleuthing stayed believable. Conversations felt natural, and even moments of snooping were handled with logic instead of convenience. Even at one point, the author wrote Finn having common sense in the fact that there was no way to bring up casually that he was snooping. He didn't. I really loved this. Logic!
I did not enjoy Tori as a character. She just sounded completely unhinged. Many bad choices. And continually proved this point throughout the entire book. But to be honest, there were so many characters to hate. It was nice to spread the anger across so many. I have a love / hate relationship with mental manipulation and gaslighting...in the fact that I LOVE to hate it. And this book immediately had me hating Miguel. Everything out of his mouth made me want to reach in and punch the bejeebus out of him. I have never been so angry of a marriage not falling apart at the end. Which shows really great writing by the author. Because I was lit up!
The twists broke my heart. I was devastated for Caren and Rachel.
It's a plot to me that seems unrealistic because I'm not filthy rich. But I could very much so imagine the 1%'s living a life of lies like this. Especially to protect their children. But I had a lot of issues with Tori's relationship with Van and Eloise's relationship with her brother. I sensed the same thing Yumi said at the end about it. It just seemed off. But again, just made my anger and hatred for the characters.
I was really hoping for a bigger win for Caren. She was just let down by so many people that the ending didn't feel like she got the justice she deserved.
May 24, 2026
The dramaaaaaa! This book has everything I’m looking for in a thriller. Nosey neighbors and their secrets. I completely devoured this story and highly recommended!
June 29, 2026
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for a Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review
★ 3.92 stars ★
Aggie Blum Thompson seems to have a magical talent for breaking me out of reading slumps. There truly is something special about her juicy and dramatic domestic thrillers set in the suberbs of the DMV.
Maybe it's the fact that I live only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the epicenter of her books which makes them feel more real to me. Maybe it's the fact that the drama is equal parts real and deep while also being rich-people frivolous.
Who knows. All I do know is that, yet again, Aggie Blum Thompson delivers a unputdownable thriller in the leagues of Riley Sager and Alice Feeney.
This premise was interesting although not anything super special. What really stood out to me was the relationship between Finn and Caren. It was incredibly sweet, genuine, and heartwarming.
I also loved how I thought that I had solved the mystery and then was immediately proven incorrect. always a treat when a book outsmarts me in a good way.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this book. It's a perfect read to enjoy on the beach or at a picnic when you're ignoring everyone because ew, people.
----
the audiobook gods have blessed me with another adventure in bethesda, maryland
★ 3.92 stars ★
Aggie Blum Thompson seems to have a magical talent for breaking me out of reading slumps. There truly is something special about her juicy and dramatic domestic thrillers set in the suberbs of the DMV.
Maybe it's the fact that I live only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the epicenter of her books which makes them feel more real to me. Maybe it's the fact that the drama is equal parts real and deep while also being rich-people frivolous.
Who knows. All I do know is that, yet again, Aggie Blum Thompson delivers a unputdownable thriller in the leagues of Riley Sager and Alice Feeney.
This premise was interesting although not anything super special. What really stood out to me was the relationship between Finn and Caren. It was incredibly sweet, genuine, and heartwarming.
I also loved how I thought that I had solved the mystery and then was immediately proven incorrect. always a treat when a book outsmarts me in a good way.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this book. It's a perfect read to enjoy on the beach or at a picnic when you're ignoring everyone because ew, people.
----
the audiobook gods have blessed me with another adventure in bethesda, maryland
May 16, 2026
A few drinks at a graduation party, and a middle-aged mom blacks out on her way home! Caren knows something is wrong with this story, but her memory is foggy. Was she drugged, or did the stress of being an empty nester cause her to drink too much?
Caren is not willing to believe her neighbors or her husband and begins to investigate what happened the night she blacked out. She starts to suspect a link between the murdered nanny from a year ago and her own incident. When she meets Finn, who was a close friend of the nanny, they launch an investigation that makes the neighbors watchful. Both Caren and Finn could be next if they keep digging.
This book is a perfect suburban thriller. It weaves themes like suburban college admissions, teenagers making poor decisions, and parents willing to protect their kids into a story you won't be able to put down. I loved how it has all the suspense and twists you'd expect, with a plot that could be headlines tomorrow. The realism of the drama and twists draws you into the story instantly. The audiobook narration was fantastic! I felt every emotion and moment of tension, imagining walking in Caren’s shoes. This book is a must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC.
Caren is not willing to believe her neighbors or her husband and begins to investigate what happened the night she blacked out. She starts to suspect a link between the murdered nanny from a year ago and her own incident. When she meets Finn, who was a close friend of the nanny, they launch an investigation that makes the neighbors watchful. Both Caren and Finn could be next if they keep digging.
This book is a perfect suburban thriller. It weaves themes like suburban college admissions, teenagers making poor decisions, and parents willing to protect their kids into a story you won't be able to put down. I loved how it has all the suspense and twists you'd expect, with a plot that could be headlines tomorrow. The realism of the drama and twists draws you into the story instantly. The audiobook narration was fantastic! I felt every emotion and moment of tension, imagining walking in Caren’s shoes. This book is a must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC.
June 24, 2026
5 ⭐️
1 🔪
No notes! This was my first book by this author, and I will be looking into her other four novels. This was a perfect suburban suspense. I loved the characters, the queer representation that felt organic versus token, and the tension-filled plot. Did I suspect the twist? Yes. Did that change how much I loved the journey of getting there? Nope! Did I absolutely despise most of the characters? Yep. Did I LOVE Caren, Finn, and Paula? YES. I deeply connected with them and admired their commitment to finding the truth, no matter the cost. I also loved the DMV setting, as a Virginian! This is the PERFECT summer thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for the ARC.
1 🔪
No notes! This was my first book by this author, and I will be looking into her other four novels. This was a perfect suburban suspense. I loved the characters, the queer representation that felt organic versus token, and the tension-filled plot. Did I suspect the twist? Yes. Did that change how much I loved the journey of getting there? Nope! Did I absolutely despise most of the characters? Yep. Did I LOVE Caren, Finn, and Paula? YES. I deeply connected with them and admired their commitment to finding the truth, no matter the cost. I also loved the DMV setting, as a Virginian! This is the PERFECT summer thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for the ARC.
July 1, 2026
Do you look out your window when you hear a car? or when you smell smoke? Well, in this very juicy, gossipy psychological murder/mystery thriller, The Neighbors Are Watching, everyone in this affluent neighborhood seems to know exactly what everyone is up to. Except some neighbors seem to be kept out of the loop for reasons unknown to the reader. Also, this neighborhood had a murder last year...a robbery gone bad, but again no one wants to talk about that either. Pretending seems to be the first rule of the game...
Caren is at a graduation party of her daughter's ex friend at the lavish house of neighbors she's supposed to like in their Eastbrook, Bethesda fancy neighborhood. Why is she there? For appearance's sake probably. She doesn't quite like them. They have become unbearable since they have come into more money than they will ever know what to do with. And of course, for what they did to her daughter...
She on the other hand is in the middle of a sort of mid-life crisis. Nearing 50, not really working much at all, and soon to be an empty nester she and her husband Miguel are coming off one of the worst years of their lives. Their daughter Rachel got into some trouble and went to finish high school elsewhere.
So, as Caren is walking home, thinking about her problems she somehow becomes dizzy and blacks out. A kind stranger named Finn finds her early the next morning. Pretty banged up she has no recollection of what happened. The neighbors, of course all think she drank too much. But she knows she stopped drinking too much a while ago. She thinks someone put something in her drink...but why?
She insists the police are called. They discover a bottle of wine and food in her trash. She knows she did not eat or drink anything at home the night before. What is happening to her? Miguel doesn't even seem to believe her story.
Then she discovers that a bracelet that has been put up on the website of the annual neighborhood yard sale was an item stolen from one of the neighbors. She also discovers the young man who found her, Finn was friends with the young nanny who was killed in the burglary gone bad last year and he too is looking for answers.
Caren and Finn decide to work together to see if any pieces of this mysterious puzzle fit together. Unfortunately, what they will discover and be shocked at are the sinister secrets and a dark underground that exists with some neighbors.
Can you keep a secret? That's the starting point for the ride of your life in this stellar story; The Neighbors Are Watching. The ending such a surprise!
Thank you #Net'Galley #MinotaurBooks #AggieBlumThompson #TheNeighborsAreWatching for the advanced copy.
Caren is at a graduation party of her daughter's ex friend at the lavish house of neighbors she's supposed to like in their Eastbrook, Bethesda fancy neighborhood. Why is she there? For appearance's sake probably. She doesn't quite like them. They have become unbearable since they have come into more money than they will ever know what to do with. And of course, for what they did to her daughter...
She on the other hand is in the middle of a sort of mid-life crisis. Nearing 50, not really working much at all, and soon to be an empty nester she and her husband Miguel are coming off one of the worst years of their lives. Their daughter Rachel got into some trouble and went to finish high school elsewhere.
So, as Caren is walking home, thinking about her problems she somehow becomes dizzy and blacks out. A kind stranger named Finn finds her early the next morning. Pretty banged up she has no recollection of what happened. The neighbors, of course all think she drank too much. But she knows she stopped drinking too much a while ago. She thinks someone put something in her drink...but why?
She insists the police are called. They discover a bottle of wine and food in her trash. She knows she did not eat or drink anything at home the night before. What is happening to her? Miguel doesn't even seem to believe her story.
Then she discovers that a bracelet that has been put up on the website of the annual neighborhood yard sale was an item stolen from one of the neighbors. She also discovers the young man who found her, Finn was friends with the young nanny who was killed in the burglary gone bad last year and he too is looking for answers.
Caren and Finn decide to work together to see if any pieces of this mysterious puzzle fit together. Unfortunately, what they will discover and be shocked at are the sinister secrets and a dark underground that exists with some neighbors.
Can you keep a secret? That's the starting point for the ride of your life in this stellar story; The Neighbors Are Watching. The ending such a surprise!
Thank you #Net'Galley #MinotaurBooks #AggieBlumThompson #TheNeighborsAreWatching for the advanced copy.
July 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this title. I absolutely hate to say that I didn’t like a book but I did not like this book. The storyline was completely unbelievable and almost unnecessary. I love a book with rich people doing bad things and sometimes getting away with it. But this one was very far-fetched. While the plot and the storyline did come together in the end. It was not satisfying. The whole time I was wondering what a bracelet had to do with this poor girls murder. I did not like any of the characters. I kind of wish I had DNF for this one.
July 6, 2026
3.5 stars
I'm a fan of suburban mystery thrillers. I get a kick out of the gossiping, backstabbing, one-upping, nosing around...and this book delivered on all fronts.
This one takes place in an affluent neighbourhood. Caren ("with a C"), finds herself confused and on the street the morning after attending a graduation party the parents of one of her daughter's friends hosted. She knows the family well. They are extremely wealthy and difficult to be around but Caren feels pressured to attend since her daughter is graduating. A young man, Finn, sees Caren fall on the street and helps her home. Finn's best friend died in a robbery in one of the houses in the neighbourhood a year ago. Caren can't recall anything after leaving the party. She insists she wasn't drunk. Of course, no one believes her including her husband. As Caren tries to piece together the night in question, it only brings up more loose ends including the murder from last year.
This was a fun mystery. Deceit, drama, debauchery and cray cray were front and center. As one would expect, most of the characters were horrible and untrustworthy. Characters I loved to hate!
The aspect that brought my rating down a bit was the gaslighting. It's a plot element that I really dislike. And this book was full of it. Poor Caren couldn't catch a break. All her friends, the police, even her husband, gaslit her. Finn was the only decent character.
The story was told through several perspectives - Caren, Finn and a past timeline from a year and a half ago. The beginning was slow to start but the ending more than made up for it.
Thank you Netgalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a fan of suburban mystery thrillers. I get a kick out of the gossiping, backstabbing, one-upping, nosing around...and this book delivered on all fronts.
This one takes place in an affluent neighbourhood. Caren ("with a C"), finds herself confused and on the street the morning after attending a graduation party the parents of one of her daughter's friends hosted. She knows the family well. They are extremely wealthy and difficult to be around but Caren feels pressured to attend since her daughter is graduating. A young man, Finn, sees Caren fall on the street and helps her home. Finn's best friend died in a robbery in one of the houses in the neighbourhood a year ago. Caren can't recall anything after leaving the party. She insists she wasn't drunk. Of course, no one believes her including her husband. As Caren tries to piece together the night in question, it only brings up more loose ends including the murder from last year.
This was a fun mystery. Deceit, drama, debauchery and cray cray were front and center. As one would expect, most of the characters were horrible and untrustworthy. Characters I loved to hate!
The aspect that brought my rating down a bit was the gaslighting. It's a plot element that I really dislike. And this book was full of it. Poor Caren couldn't catch a break. All her friends, the police, even her husband, gaslit her. Finn was the only decent character.
The story was told through several perspectives - Caren, Finn and a past timeline from a year and a half ago. The beginning was slow to start but the ending more than made up for it.
Thank you Netgalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2026
~Netgalley ARC, thank you!~
3.5 stars- rounded up!
This is my first novel by Aggie Blum Thompson and I enjoyed her writing style. The plot is engaging and I loved the nonstop twists down to the very last page. The twists reminded me of Freida McFadden, so if you like her books this is definitely one to add to the TBR. Where the book lost a star for me was the believability of the conflict resolution. Just a personal preference, some parts seemed a little "silly" or corny, but it didn't deter me from finishing.
3.5 stars- rounded up!
This is my first novel by Aggie Blum Thompson and I enjoyed her writing style. The plot is engaging and I loved the nonstop twists down to the very last page. The twists reminded me of Freida McFadden, so if you like her books this is definitely one to add to the TBR. Where the book lost a star for me was the believability of the conflict resolution. Just a personal preference, some parts seemed a little "silly" or corny, but it didn't deter me from finishing.
June 21, 2026
Everyone in this neighborhood is insane! Books like this make me realize that maybe my neighbors aren’t so bad after all…
July 4, 2026
I LOVED You Deserve to Know and I Don’t Forgive You. This fell short for me. It was missing the fun messy neighbor/ messy narrator vibes that I so enjoyed. This was a lot of moving parts that took forever to coalesce. The conclusion was meh, but I enjoyed the epilogue.
March 1, 2026
It looks like a picture perfect suburban neighborhood from the outside, but everyone is harboring secrets! This is not the kind of place where your nanny is murdered during a robbery. Yet we find ourselves immersed in this story where parents will go to any lengths to protect their children.
This was a very quick read with a lot of action! I enjoyed this one so don’t miss out!
This was a very quick read with a lot of action! I enjoyed this one so don’t miss out!
June 30, 2026
Thank you @macmillanaudio #MacmillanAudio2026 for the gifted copy of this audiobook, and to St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books #SMPEarlyReaders #partner, and Netgalley for this #gifted e-ARC...this is my honest review.
🎧📱 The Neighbors Are Watching 📱🎧
Author: Aggie Blum Thompson
Pub Date: June 30, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Alex Picard
Length: 10 hours, 37 minutes
Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
MY RATING: 4.5/5⭐
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)
Happy Pub Day to Aggie Blum Thompson and The Neighbors Are Watching! There's no doubt Blum Thompson is the queen of suburban scandal, and again, she showed why she's earned that title with this twisty domestic thriller. This book left me gobsmacked, picking my jaw up from the floor when all was said and done, and this read has secured Blum Thompson as an auto-buy author in my book!
Told in multiple POVs, this thriller was full of salacious suburban scandal with its shady cast of well-to-do neighbors living in an idyllic suburb of Washington DC and - of course - making all kinds of bad decisions. The story also features some of my favorite thriller tropes & topics: an unreliable narrator, an unsolved murder, twisty plotlines, and a whole host of pretentious characters I love to hate.
Though there were moments I did have to suspend a little disbelief, the way this story came together at the end was perfectly 💋, chef's kiss. Looking back, the clues are all there -- but just like with her previous book I read, You Deserve To Know, I didn't see them until the book was finished and the revelations left my mind-blown.
I primarily listened to this book on audio, and Alex Picard was SO, SO good with the narration of this story! With the multiple characters, I did find it helpful to have the e-ARC initially, but once I was comfortable with who everyone was and how they fit into the story, the audiobook was definitely the way to read this one!
If you're a fan of domestic thrillers where the neighbors are never quite who you think they are -- despite the idyllic setting -- and if you enjoy reading books with twists that the author's clever writing ensures are impossible to see coming, you'll love The Neighbors Are Watching. In fact, you'll love anything written by Aggie Blum Thompson. If you've yet to discover this author and you're a fan of suburban scandal in your thrillers, you're doing yourself a disservice. Lucky for you, this book is out TODAY!
#TheNeighborsAreWatching #AggieBlumThompson #MacmillanAudio2026 #partner #audiobooks #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #SMPEarlyReaders #Netgalley #eARC #thriller #suburbanthriller #thrilleraddict #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
🎧📱 The Neighbors Are Watching 📱🎧
Author: Aggie Blum Thompson
Pub Date: June 30, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Alex Picard
Length: 10 hours, 37 minutes
Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
MY RATING: 4.5/5⭐
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)
Happy Pub Day to Aggie Blum Thompson and The Neighbors Are Watching! There's no doubt Blum Thompson is the queen of suburban scandal, and again, she showed why she's earned that title with this twisty domestic thriller. This book left me gobsmacked, picking my jaw up from the floor when all was said and done, and this read has secured Blum Thompson as an auto-buy author in my book!
Told in multiple POVs, this thriller was full of salacious suburban scandal with its shady cast of well-to-do neighbors living in an idyllic suburb of Washington DC and - of course - making all kinds of bad decisions. The story also features some of my favorite thriller tropes & topics: an unreliable narrator, an unsolved murder, twisty plotlines, and a whole host of pretentious characters I love to hate.
Though there were moments I did have to suspend a little disbelief, the way this story came together at the end was perfectly 💋, chef's kiss. Looking back, the clues are all there -- but just like with her previous book I read, You Deserve To Know, I didn't see them until the book was finished and the revelations left my mind-blown.
I primarily listened to this book on audio, and Alex Picard was SO, SO good with the narration of this story! With the multiple characters, I did find it helpful to have the e-ARC initially, but once I was comfortable with who everyone was and how they fit into the story, the audiobook was definitely the way to read this one!
If you're a fan of domestic thrillers where the neighbors are never quite who you think they are -- despite the idyllic setting -- and if you enjoy reading books with twists that the author's clever writing ensures are impossible to see coming, you'll love The Neighbors Are Watching. In fact, you'll love anything written by Aggie Blum Thompson. If you've yet to discover this author and you're a fan of suburban scandal in your thrillers, you're doing yourself a disservice. Lucky for you, this book is out TODAY!
#TheNeighborsAreWatching #AggieBlumThompson #MacmillanAudio2026 #partner #audiobooks #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #SMPEarlyReaders #Netgalley #eARC #thriller #suburbanthriller #thrilleraddict #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
March 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the advanced copy — all opinions are my own.
In a picture-perfect suburb hiding dark secrets, one woman’s blackout night sparks dangerous questions no one wants answered. As buried truths about a past murder resurface, alliances form, facades crack, & getting close to the truth may make her the next target.
You Deserve to Know is one of my favorite thrillers, so I was super excited to read this one, but ultimately it was just not for me. I did enjoy the dual timeline & the setting, but I felt like it was very long & honestly kind of confusing — I was also completely underwhelmed by the twists & how the story ended. The mentions of AI, covid, etc. were the icing on the cake 🤦🏻♀️ all completely unnecessary to the plot & personally bother me a lot when I’m reading
In a picture-perfect suburb hiding dark secrets, one woman’s blackout night sparks dangerous questions no one wants answered. As buried truths about a past murder resurface, alliances form, facades crack, & getting close to the truth may make her the next target.
You Deserve to Know is one of my favorite thrillers, so I was super excited to read this one, but ultimately it was just not for me. I did enjoy the dual timeline & the setting, but I felt like it was very long & honestly kind of confusing — I was also completely underwhelmed by the twists & how the story ended. The mentions of AI, covid, etc. were the icing on the cake 🤦🏻♀️ all completely unnecessary to the plot & personally bother me a lot when I’m reading
July 1, 2026
4.25 stars: This is a twisty novel set in a (fictional) gossipy neighborhood in an east coast suburb just outside DC. The main character, Caren, we come to learn is just about one of the only normal people in her circle of parents. There are a fair amount of people in this book but I had no trouble following the storyline and remembering who was who, and I thought the writing was well done. Without giving anything away, this story has lots of twists and turns which were fun to uncover, but ultimately was maybe a little too far fetched with some. Definitely enjoyable and easy to read and the same vibe as the author’s previous novel! If you enjoyed that one, I think you’d enjoy this!
I received an advance copy of the book to review from NetGalley via the publisher and I am grateful to have been given that opportunity.
I received an advance copy of the book to review from NetGalley via the publisher and I am grateful to have been given that opportunity.
September 4, 2026
Cuốn này dặc biệt làm mình nhớ đến "Vụ án mạng bên hồ" của Higashino Keigo. Có thể thấy là bố mẹ sẵn sàng làm mọi thứ vì con cái.
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This book went into a direction that I didn't expect. It was so different from other suburban thrillers that I read. It was weird, overcomplicated in a good way, and kind of relatable.
The story follows Caren who had a concussion and remembered nothing why she blacked out. This mystrey nibbled at her to the point where she must find out what happened to her, as she knew she was not too drunk to black out. In addition, there was a murder of a nanny happening one year earlier whose investigation was still ongoing. Finn, a trans guy, was a friend of the nanny and swore to find his friend's killer.
This perfect neighborhood was so immaculate from the outside (beautiful houses, manicured lawns, expensive facade with happy couple and happy successful children), and yet, inside, it was so rotten that when Caren found out, she was shook to the core. The people she trusted most turned out so unbelievable and unreliable that she no longer wanted to be a part of this. Everything she ever believed in was shattered because of the shocking secrets she found. And this would possibly destroy her marriage and her relationship to her children.
This neighborhood, this community was very obssesed with appreances. They could do anything, even colluding to each other to hide things that would resulted to bad images and ill reputation. They view the image of succeed and prestige with the highest regard, without caring about the truth and honesty. In this neighborhood, only lies, threats and cover-ups lived on.
I love the twisty direction the story was heading and was surprised at how the author could capture the essence of a psychologically twisted community full of snobbish, rich people chaos. The unpredictability led to a very satisfying conclusion with a neat bow. Still, the epilogue left me wondering if this was a good addition to the end of the story. It showed that even the most compassionate person could be rotten inside when it came to what they could gain, for their own sake.
I must say, I was surprised at how much I loved the character Finn, the trans guy. He was relatable, overall a nice guy - a good nice guy, was determined at what he was doing. He was such a unique addition to this overall suburban drama, increasing the juicy feeling. Remarkably, Finn and Caren (the Karen but with a C) formed an unlikely friendship, trying to achieving the same goal, as Caren truly believed that what happened to her was relevant to the nanny's murder. Only Finn believed Caren while everyone, including her husband, thought she was too drunk and paranoid.
If there’s one thing I would criticize about this book, it’s that I wish Paula (Finn's landlady) had been mentioned more. She’s probably the most underestimated character in the entire book, because she clearly played such an important role in Finn’s discoveries.
I must add one more thing, Tori Price was supposed to make me pity because of her marriage status (divorce), raising one child, living on her ex's pay, but she behaved so disgustingly in this book. And It was Tori’s foolish actions that set this entire devastating tragedy in motion. I despised her.
For a story centered around neighbors who are way too involved in each other’s lives, this was fantastic. It’s juicy, scandalous, and full of suspense.
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This book went into a direction that I didn't expect. It was so different from other suburban thrillers that I read. It was weird, overcomplicated in a good way, and kind of relatable.
The story follows Caren who had a concussion and remembered nothing why she blacked out. This mystrey nibbled at her to the point where she must find out what happened to her, as she knew she was not too drunk to black out. In addition, there was a murder of a nanny happening one year earlier whose investigation was still ongoing. Finn, a trans guy, was a friend of the nanny and swore to find his friend's killer.
This perfect neighborhood was so immaculate from the outside (beautiful houses, manicured lawns, expensive facade with happy couple and happy successful children), and yet, inside, it was so rotten that when Caren found out, she was shook to the core. The people she trusted most turned out so unbelievable and unreliable that she no longer wanted to be a part of this. Everything she ever believed in was shattered because of the shocking secrets she found. And this would possibly destroy her marriage and her relationship to her children.
This neighborhood, this community was very obssesed with appreances. They could do anything, even colluding to each other to hide things that would resulted to bad images and ill reputation. They view the image of succeed and prestige with the highest regard, without caring about the truth and honesty. In this neighborhood, only lies, threats and cover-ups lived on.
I love the twisty direction the story was heading and was surprised at how the author could capture the essence of a psychologically twisted community full of snobbish, rich people chaos. The unpredictability led to a very satisfying conclusion with a neat bow. Still, the epilogue left me wondering if this was a good addition to the end of the story. It showed that even the most compassionate person could be rotten inside when it came to what they could gain, for their own sake.
I must say, I was surprised at how much I loved the character Finn, the trans guy. He was relatable, overall a nice guy - a good nice guy, was determined at what he was doing. He was such a unique addition to this overall suburban drama, increasing the juicy feeling. Remarkably, Finn and Caren (the Karen but with a C) formed an unlikely friendship, trying to achieving the same goal, as Caren truly believed that what happened to her was relevant to the nanny's murder. Only Finn believed Caren while everyone, including her husband, thought she was too drunk and paranoid.
If there’s one thing I would criticize about this book, it’s that I wish Paula (Finn's landlady) had been mentioned more. She’s probably the most underestimated character in the entire book, because she clearly played such an important role in Finn’s discoveries.
I must add one more thing, Tori Price was supposed to make me pity because of her marriage status (divorce), raising one child, living on her ex's pay, but she behaved so disgustingly in this book. And It was Tori’s foolish actions that set this entire devastating tragedy in motion. I despised her.
For a story centered around neighbors who are way too involved in each other’s lives, this was fantastic. It’s juicy, scandalous, and full of suspense.
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