First-time homeowners Nikki and Noah Anderson are delighted to find an affordable starter home within commuting distance of NYC.
The neighborhood is absolutely adorable, and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Between potlucks and white picket fences, it’s an idyllic suburban dream. Or is it?
Because something feels…off. The neighbors smile a little too much. There are strange sounds in the night. And then there’s the pair of wedding rings they find buried in their backyard…
The suburbs have their share of dark secrets, too. And by the time Nikki and Noah realize it, it might already be too late.
Fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst and Kiersten Modglin will be utterly gripped by this twist-filled story that will have you up late and questioning how well you really know your neighbors.
Okay… maybe I’m the odd one out here? This book just didn’t work for me the way I expected it to — especially coming from this author, whose work I usually breeze through and genuinely enjoy. While the synopsis promised a psychological thriller with suburban secrets and eerie neighbors, what I actually got was more or less… strange culty vibes.
Let’s start with the setup: Nikki and Noah move into a charming, seemingly perfect neighborhood just outside NYC. It’s all smiles, potlucks, and white picket fences — with just enough weirdness to suggest something sinister lurking beneath. Sounds promising, right? Unfortunately, the execution didn’t deliver.
The pacing felt off. Yes, it was fast-paced on paper with short chapters, but the story itself dragged. It honestly felt like 60% of the book was just about Petey the dog or still unpacking boxes. I get it, they just moved in — but did we really need to be reminded every other paragraph? It felt repetitive and didn’t move the plot forward.
As for the characters… Nikki grated on my nerves for most of the book. Her decisions, reactions, and overall vibe just didn’t click with me. Noah was fine — didn’t annoy me, but didn’t exactly stand out either. The neighbors were quirky and unsettling, but not in a compelling or creepy way. Just kind of... there.
Plot-wise, there were glimpses of something interesting. Just when it started to look like we were getting somewhere, the momentum would drop off again. It felt like a lot of buildup with no real payoff. The “thriller” aspect? Barely there. Psychological tension? Missing. If anything, it was more of a mild mystery with a sprinkle of suburban weirdness that never fully committed.
That said, the second half was better than the first. Once we hit that 50% mark, things picked up a bit, and I found myself more engaged (though still not loving the writing style or dialogue). I just wish the story had gone deeper and actually resolved the many unanswered questions left dangling at the end.
If you're looking for a chilling psychological thriller, this probably isn’t it. But if you're into light, cult-adjacent neighborhood mysteries with surface level suspense, it might still be your thing. For me, it felt unfinished, underwhelming, and sadly kind of boring.
Such Lovely Neighbors was an easy, quick read, but overall it left me feeling unsatisfied. The story was weird….intriguing at first, but it never really gave a clear explanation for what was going on. It leaned heavily into a strange cult-like vibe in the neighborhood, but without much depth or payoff. It had potential, but just didn’t deliver for me.
THANK YOU NET GALLEY FOR YHE ADVANCED COPY OF THIS BOOK!
This was awful. Just awful. Worst book I’ve read all year. I am truly shocked at the 3.88 rating. Throwing random twists in at the end to try and make everything make sense is so lazy, and made what could have been a really cool book into the most unbelievable, ridiculous story. I wish I had DNFed this, but luckily it’s short and I was able to read it quickly in one sitting. Don’t be me. Stay away from this book. Ugh. Disappointing.
SUCH LOVELY NEIGHBOURS BY JACK DANE. HAPPY RELEASE DAY. 5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s. This is my 4th book by Jack now and he truly knows how you keep you engrossed and addicted to the story throughout. Twist after twist. Jack has now become a auto read author for me now. Just brilliant. Looking forward to the next one ☺
It’s a hot summer in New York City where Nikki, age 31, has been a lifelong resident. The story is mainly told by Nikki, who married Noah, age 39, earlier that year. Though Nikki has her trepidations about moving, they are about to trade their cramped Manhattan apartment for the serenity of a lovely house that Noah found on sale for a steal. The house is located on a cul-de-sac in a neighborhood with big back yards, flowerbeds and manicured lawns about an hour’s train ride from New York City. Noah will make the daily commute to his job in the City while Nikki, a musician, will have the perfect place to write new songs.
Their new neighborhood seems too good to be true. Unlike life in New York City where people can be so impersonal, their new neighbors could not be friendlier, and have immediately and warmly welcomed Nikki and Noah into their community.
And yet there is a weirdness about the new neighbors. They all seem to dress and act the same and socialize only with each other with smiles plastered on their faces. For reasons that I won’t disclose, things take several turns for the worse and eventually Nikki finds herself ostracized by her neighbors. With Noah at work all day, he is no help to her alone at home as she is increasingly consumed by stress, anxiety, paranoia and fear.
Like most psychological thrillers, not everyone is who they pretend to be, some are even more than they pretend to be, and do not be surprised that the author has several surprises in store for you.
But in his reliance on a way too convenient Deus ex machina to rescue a desperate Nikki in mortal danger, his failure to credibly explain the cult that had consumed the neighborhood, and the utter implausibility of the plot, you will come to the inescapable conclusion that this book is like the Stepford Wives meet Rosemary’s Baby — but without the baby. Or the Invasion of the Body Snatchers minus the pods.
This was a quick read that left a lot to be desired. Roughly the first 90 pages alternated between unpacking (despite moving from a less than 1000 square ft apartment this takes 4 full days) and nursing a hangover. I found the 31 year old jobless main character whining about having nothing to do in her new house a little tone deaf. The plot was not fleshed out at all. No explanation of the origin or purpose of this neighborhood cult. The "twists" truly came out of left field in the worst way possible, leaving canyon sized plot holes. Everyone in this book is constantly chewing or licking their lips, for some reason. There are three references to Nikki wondering why she was nervous when she used to play bass on stage. I thought that was going to mean something, but it turns out the author just forgot he used that inner thought already....twice. The over narration of the dog sidekick's every move was also too much for me. This book had me asking myself if the author or anyone else for that matter actually read it cover to cover before publishing. Overall, this read as a high school creative writing assignment that was finished in a rush to meet the due date. The ratings really led me astray on this one.
First book I've read by this author and devoured it in one sitting! It reminded me of a modern day Stepford Wives vibe with a wild twist I never saw coming. I doubt you will either. We moved from Brooklyn to the suburbs and I'm glad it's not quite as bad as this place! Will definitely be reading more by this author.
BLURB: Nikki and her husband Noah move from NYC into a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood. What begins as a fresh start quickly changes when Nikki notices strange disturbances around their home—creepy sounds, footprints, and suspicious items on their property—alongside an increasing feeling that they are being watched.
REVIEW: If you haven’t read Jack Dane’s thriller novels before (like me), this is a solid place to start. It’s slow-burn in terms of reveals and twists, but the actual story is fast-paced throughout. As the couple settles into their new suburban life, there’s a constant creeping dread, plenty of gaslighting, and an unshakable feeling that something is off in this neighborhood. Themes of isolation, control, conformity, and distorted perception from smiling antagonists (yes, creepy!) really stand out.
Most of the story is told through Nikki’s first-person POV, and you really get pulled into her mindset as an anxious stay-at-home wife adjusting to leaving behind city life. As strange things begin happening—and one neighbor leaves a cryptic message telling her to "run"—her paranoia spirals, and it’s easy to keep flipping pages. Her husband, Noah, is calmer and more detached from everything—he’s often distracted, absent, or even asleep during key disturbances, which creates marital strain. It’s definitely not the most original domestic suspense narrative, but it’ll keep you questioning what’s really going on. The neighbors (and there are a lot of them) are all suspicious and blur together in an eerie, Stepford Wives–style community where all the couples feel interchangeable—so expect to feel as unsettled as Nikki at times!
This is a very short, quick read, with some chapters only 1–2 pages long, making it easy to finish in a single sitting. The second half shifts into more over-the-top territory—you just have to go with it, or you may have some eye-rolling moments. The major twist at the end isn’t super predictable and has some dramatic, soap-opera vibes that you’ll either love or hate. The ending wraps things up fairly quickly, but there’s nothing overly thought-provoking. This will likely appeal to fans of Daniel Hurst and Kiersten Modglin—short, fast-paced, and designed to entertain!
Jack Dane is the best thriller writer I have ever read! I know it will be crazy and there is no way I can predict what is going to happen. I try to think of the most outlandish outcome possible and still can't get it. This book is unpredictable and makes you question everyone and everything. Also, might give you a slight fear of the HOA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought I’d breeze through this quick read by Jack Dane as I have with another one of his books. It had promise but didn’t meet expectations.
Nikki and Noah Anderson move from NYC to the suburbs. They got a killer deal on a home they didn’t think was possible. In a cozy community, an hours commute from the city, peace, quiet and a large backyard, what could go wrong? They meet the neighbors who seem happy and welcoming, all bringing homemade treats. As Noah returns to work and Nikki is left to unpack their lives, something is off. The couple finds wedding rings buried in the yard and they realize they know nothing of the old owners. When they ask around they feel everyone knows but is hiding something. Nikki has a sense she’s being watched on multiple occasions but keeps it to herself. What first appeared to be a welcoming group of neighbors soon turns into a nightmare. To being hounded by HOA, stacking fines, and being avoided at all costs, she tries to find out the secrets of the cul-de-sac.
Major Spoil Alert ‼️ ‼️ ‼️ ‼️ ‼️
Major issues with this book! In the beginning it does say Nikki and Noah are married. If it stated for how long they’d known one another I missed it or already glossed over the info. After the twist of finding out who the ringleader of the neighborhood cult is, my main question is, how tf is that possible? When they lived in the city together, dated long enough to be married where did he find the time? How did she not know? He’d have to have been missing a bunch.
Mary turning out to be who she is. Was there a backstory I missed on Nikki’s past and parents? Or was it not mentioned at all? There’s a possibility it was but again, this book didn’t have real depth so it’s possible that was easily glossed over as well. There are so many questions about this twist.
We never did find out about what happened to the previously couple who stayed to themselves. Who was the husband? Were we just supposed to assume it was the sacrifice?
This book just didn’t have depth at all. You have no connection to Noah as they move in, watch a movie cuddle and he goes to work daily. That’s it. The neighbors give off stepford wives vibes with fake smiles and appearances. Nikki used to write songs and bartend and now she’s stuck in suburbia bored and paranoid. It was all just very bland and didn’t hit the mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Very unique and different from anything thriller i have ever read ! It is scary to think that you might walk in the wrong neighborhood where you are oblivious for all the secrets they share.
Jack Dane wrote a psychological thriller that immediately grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. This was my first read by Dane and I revealed in its fast pace and simple prose. He created a picture-perfect suburb with just enough off-kilter detail that kept me on edge.
A few aspects that didn’t work well for me was the writing was a bit too simple with an abundance of superficial dialogue. Even more there were a few plot twists that were revealed too early and relied on familiar tropes of the thriller- mystery genre.
Overall, Such Lovely Neighbors was a fast paced suburban psychological thriller about newlyweds Nikki and Noah Anderson. They settled into what seemed to be the perfect starter home but the couple’s dream quickly turned unsettling. This was an entertaining story and is most ideal for those readers that enjoy twisty thrillers with suburban settings and slow-burning suspense. If you’ve read and liked books by Daniel Hurst or Kiersten Modglin, you will enjoy Dane’s newest release.
Thank you to Net Galley and Back Alley Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Oohhh my freak’n gosh this book was so dang good!!! Like wow!!! It will have you hooked right off the bat!! I was so invested in needing to know what was going to happen… and that plot twist I didn’t see coming which i normally always see 😅 I was definitely shocked and not expecting that!! I really loved Nikki’s character!! And her friendship with Emma was just everything .. This was my first Jack Dane book and oh my gosh I can’t wait to read all his other books definitely on my list of favorite authors!!
I wanted more from this. It was okay, but it missed so many opportunities to be great. The atmosphere was there, but not built upon. The characters were okay, but not deep. The story was interesting but not captivating. The ending felt a bit weird.
I absolutely LOVED this book! Started right from the prologue and the love for this book kept growing and growing. This is one of my first books of his that I have read and I’m so glad I did! Definitely want to read all his books now! When you first start the book it is a very steady pace of the thriller/suspense/need to know! The more you keep reading the more it keeps building and building and when that plot twist hit I felt like I got slapped in the face! I just sat there with wtf look on my face mouth open and everything 😂 You never suspect anything in this book! Usually I’ll suspect some people of the stuff or think I know what’s going to happen but yeah not in this book! You will definitely need to be sitting down while you read this book! I loved Nikki and her personality in the book and LOVED her’s and Emma’s friendship! It was definitely the definition of ride or die! I’ll stop here now so I don’t say something to give anything away lol! If you read this book because of my review I just want to say your welcome haha 😆
Jack Dane's simple writing style made this a quick read. The tension builds throughout the story, Although things could have escalated faster, this book was still a page turner. I would have liked to have more background information on the neighbors. Overall, I enjoyed this suburban domestic thriller. 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Such Lovely Neighbors by Jack Dane pulled me in right from the start. Nikki and Noah move into what seems like the perfect neighborhood—warm, welcoming, and full of charm. But things quickly take a strange turn when their dog, Petey, digs up two mysterious rings in the yard. From there, the story spirals into a dark and chilling mystery: who did the rings belong to, and what secrets are the neighbors hiding?
This is the second Jack Dane book I’ve read, after The New Sitter, and I’m starting to really enjoy the author’s storytelling style. The first half builds slowly, letting you settle into Nikki’s world while also showing the unsettling ways she clashes with certain neighbors—especially Mary. Then, just like in The New Sitter, the second half completely changes the pace. Twist after twist hit toward the climax, each one more surprising than the last. I thought I knew where the story was going, but it veered in directions I didn’t see coming at all.
The atmosphere is another standout. Dane knows how to make everyday suburban life feel terrifying. One scene in particular—where Nikki notices two shadowy figures just standing outside her house—is the kind that lingers long after you close the book. It’s creepy in the best way.
I also appreciated Nikki as a lead. She’s not a passive victim; even when unsettling things happen, she pushes back, takes risks, and tries to hold her ground. Her bond with Emma added another layer of warmth and balance to the tension-filled plot.
Overall, Such Lovely Neighbors is a gripping, eerie, and fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked to the end. I’m officially on a Jack Dane binge and can’t wait to dive into more of his books.
This book had my heart in my throat for half the ride—and I loved every minute of it.
Nikki and Noah move into what looks like the perfect little suburban neighborhood… and from there, everything spirals into deliciously creepy chaos. The pacing was on point, the suspense kept building, and the twists? Absolutely blew my mind. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story pulled the rug right out from under me.
It’s fast, dark, twisty, and so tense I basically forgot how to breathe. And the ending? Nothing like I expected. In the best way.
A fantastic, scary ride that’ll make you side-eye your neighbors and double check your locks. So glad I live in the country now. 😂
What? I’m so confused. 5 stars until Chapter 30, and then no stars. Negative stars. It was like when you’re in school and you’ve got a 99% in the class, but don’t want to do your final project. So you just don’t. And end up with a C-. It’s shit, but it’s still passing.
That’s it. That’s the review. Stop at chapter 29 for a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
ARC review: This was a first from this author and it will NOT be the last. I picked this up today, and finished it today. So many twists and turns, only 1 thing I predicted otherwise it kept me on my toes for the whole read! 5⭐️
Wow this was fantastic. I received this as an ARC and absolutely ate this one up. What a fantastic, gripping and well written read. I loved how twisty this one was and kept me guessing the whole time. Well worth the read.