The Ones Next Door: A Psychological Thriller

by Willa Holt

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2026

About the author

Willa Holt writes psychological domestic thrillers set against the quiet unease of small-town New Zealand. Her stories explore secrets, obsession, complicated relationships, and the consequences of what people choose to ignore.

She lives near the southern edge of New Zealand with her family.

Reviews

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I need to take a break from this genre because this one was just meh for me. Yes it kept me reading but it was a very slow burn and a much to obvious plot. Also, why do all the main characters allow strangers to just walk into their homes and help themselves lol? At least the title didn't make any promises of twists because there aren't any.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ONES NEXT DOOR BY WILLA HOLT
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
This story took me by suprise I found it to be just bloody brilliant.
I can't wait to read another book by this author ☺

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cliffhanger of an ending 😲 I never saw it coming. I finished this beauty in a matter of hours not putting it down for a minute. Most thrillers I'm able to predict what the outcome will be but this suprised me not only in twists but also how unpredictable Helen's actions were throughout this book. This book begins with Helen and Hugo living moving to a small town due to an accident that happened in Helen's past causing everyone to withdraw and spread rumors. Helen stayed to herself and loved her routines. She is a very detailed oriented woman. When neighbors moved into the house next door. Somethings are meant to stay in the past while others affect the future and this book is an excellent example of that. I loves how detail oriented this book was as well as the plot and twists. Highly Recommend!

[Chris Benetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ones Next Door is a compelling suspense novel that taps into one of the most unsettling ideas in thriller fiction the possibility that the people living closest to us may be hiding dangerous secrets.
The story draws readers into a world where appearances can be deceiving and where trust becomes increasingly difficult to place. As tensions rise and hidden truths begin to surface, the narrative steadily builds a sense of unease that keeps the pages turning.
One of the novel’s strengths is its atmosphere. The familiar setting creates an effective contrast with the growing suspense, making each revelation feel more personal and impactful. The story explores how quickly ordinary circumstances can become complicated when secrets begin to emerge.
The character dynamics are another highlight. Relationships shift as new information comes to light, creating emotional stakes that complement the mystery. Readers are encouraged to constantly reassess what they think they know, making the journey as engaging as the destination.
The pacing allows suspense to develop naturally, balancing intrigue with character development. Each discovery raises new questions, drawing readers deeper into the story while maintaining a strong sense of momentum.

[Morgen Charette · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to BookSirens and Willa Holt for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and found myself liking it more and more as it evolved. I loved how the mystery slowly unfolded throughout the book, keeping me on my toes the entire time. The characters, especially Sutton and Helen, played off each other so well, and I found myself invested in both of their stories.

I think this book really taps into our natural curiosity as humans. We're drawn to secrets and always want to know more. With the way the book ended, I honestly feel like there could be a second book, and I would 100% read it because I need to know what happens next.

[Eileen Murphy-Schmehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen and Hugo settle in a new town after a tragedy. They found a beautiful house, and were enjoying the quiet… until there are new neighbors in the long empty house next door.

Sutton and Felix are a young couple, and they want to befriend their new neighbors. Will this new friendship be what Helen has longed for? Who are Sutton and Felix? Are they connected to Helen’s past?

A slow burn, what in the name of god did I just read,(in a good way) twisty thriller. A must read. - it will definitely make you think that you -or your neighbors- are a little “off”. This was a fun one.

I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley Nussman-Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favorite books this year! I did not expect the twists at all. I thought I had things figured out, but the story surprised me.

This book is extremely well written with well-thought-out characters that feel real and layered. The storyline is not only easy to follow but also so much fun to read and keeps you completely engaged the entire time.

The slow-burn tension worked so well, and I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen next. It was so good that I had no choice but to binge-read it.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gisela Marengo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC here is my honest and voluntarily review.
4.25⭐️ This has me hooked from the beginning of the story with all the tension slowly build chapter by chapter I just love the suspense and mystery of it all . This book had me guessing and with every revelation added another layer to the mystery and emotional fallout and that twist in the plot crazy loved every single minute of it.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a tragic event, Helen and Hugo move away in hopes of leaving the past behind. Hugo finds them a secluded home away from others, which is exactly what Helen wants. The neighboring house has been empty for some time, offering the peace and privacy she craves.

However, their quiet new life is disrupted when a young couple, Sutton and Felix, move in next door. Before long, they begin inserting themselves into Helen and Hugo’s lives. What starts as a potential friendship soon raises questions about their motives and what may be lurking beneath the surface.

I found this to be a slow-burn thriller. While I did enjoy the story overall, I gradually became frustrated with Helen’s character. She seemed to lack a backbone and often allowed situations to unfold without much thought or resistance, which made it difficult for me to connect with her.

As for Sutton, I found her more annoying than intriguing. Her behavior often grated on me, and instead of adding tension, she sometimes tested my patience.

Despite these issues, the story kept me interested enough to continue reading, and the mystery surrounding the neighbors was engaging. If you enjoy slower-paced psychological thriller this may be for you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. All the twists and turns, and then the ending shocked me even more.

Helen and Hugo are living in a new town after a unsettling tradegy. They are enjoying their quiet new life and then new neighbors arrive.

Have you ever had new neighbors you couldn't quiet put your finger on as to what's not right? These would be them.

Will Helen come out of her shell and befriend these new neighbors? Will these new neighbors uncover what Helen is hiding? Will other secrets be revealed? Only time will tell.

It's a great book.

I received an advance copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.