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Good Neighbors
WINNER OF THE INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER AWARD FOR HORRORWINNER OF THE READER'S FAVORITE AWARD FOR HORROR★★★★★ "Powerful writing, good characters, and on-the-edge-of-your-seat tension."★★★★★ "A compelling read right to the end."★★★★★ "Characters flawed beyond King's wildest nightmares."HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS?Elliot Jefferson moved to the isolated Estates of North Hills to work on his sobriety and avoid other people at all costs. But when the electric transformers around the complex begin emitting a horrible buzz that he calls ‘the Squall,’ neither is easy to achieve.Because some of his neighbors are acting strange. Twitching, fighting, and muttering about voices only they can hear.Soon Elliot will find himself face-to-face with the worst humanity has to offer, as wives imprison husbands, children butcher parents, and those under the Squall’s influence go to insane lengths to keep their secret safe. If he wants to survive, Elliot must discover the awful truth for himself, and lead a small group of innocents to safety…before they’re all just as doomed as their neighbors.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2015
234 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Russell C. Connor
38 books77 followersRussell C. Connor has been writing horror since the age of five, and is the author of two short story collections, four eNovellas, and ten novels. His books have won two Independent Publisher Awards and a Readers’ Favorite Award. He has been a member of the DFW Writers’ Workshop since 2006, and served as president for two years. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his rabid dogs, demented film collection, mistress of the dark, and demonspawn daughter.
His next novel, Predator, will be available in the fall of 2018.
His next novel, Predator, will be available in the fall of 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 17, 2015
Review from HorrorUnderground.org
Good Neighbors
Dark Filament Books
Author: Russell C. Connor
Elliot Jefferson is a soon to be divorcee, isolated on a spring break from the school in which he teaches. Elliot is determined to focus on rest and relaxation in an attempt to work on his sobriety. In the apartment complex where he lives, Estates of North Hills, a strange buzzing sound emitting from the electric transformers on every block is adding to an already noticeable uneasy feeling. This buzzing sound, referred to as the Squall, is only one of Elliots problems as the residents are beginning to act strange and violent.
As Elliot is pushed to the limit, so to are the residents of the Estates of North Hills. Violence, torture, murder, everyone faces severe reactions from the Squall. As things ramp up high and out of control, Elliot will lead a group of innocents, those not under the hypnotic influence of the Squall, and will attempt to pull them out of the civil unrest that is unfolding before them.
Elliot is a troubled character. Not just because the Squall is constantly blaring, ringing in the sign of impending doom. No, he is troubled because Russell C. Connor likes to write with a heavy, relatable dose of realism. Elliot is losing his mind as he tries to wrap that very same mind around a laundry list of troubles. The alcoholism that he struggles with is written with an insider's understanding. I have known many in my life and so rarely is the realism, the adjectives in their descriptions, captured to such a perfect stroke. With all of the bizarre and violent events that surround him, nothing is more horrifying than the very real and wonderfully written look at Elliot's struggle.
Good Neighbors is not a splatterpunk or splatterspunk, but it does get a little heavy at times. The raw viciousness in the violence is a true sight to behold. Bouncing between violent gore and graphic sexual perversion, the downward spiral of insanity is frustratingly well written.
The collective insanity of the apartment complex losing its mind reminds me of a darker version of Joe Dante’s classic film The Burbs. At the beginning, I kept waiting for some dark, twisted humor. It never came. Horror and insanity await you in this tale. There are some jokes, but humor is a backdrop and never comes into the depth that I felt it was heading. Instead, Connor has opted to show you some of the darkest corners of humanity.
A lot of books and authors are compared to Stephen King, especially fiction that showcases the dark side of the human condition. Good Neighbors is easy to compare as such, but I think that Connor’s writing has enough of its own voice that it doesn’t need the comparison. The book is long, but not overly. The characters are so well written that I could have easily spent more time with them. Connor’s ability to richly develop each character and plot thread is fascinating even when the horror is reserved. The tension is thick and remains constant throughout, sending your brain through a cheese grater.
Good Neighbors is an impressive read. The constricting pressure as the dread piles on makes this book hard to put down and even harder to go to sleep after reading. This is a great novel that more people need to be talking about.
May 9, 2019
I met Russell Connor a couple of months ago and picked up this book which he was kind enough to sign. I am so glad I did! If I hadn't met him, I would have never discovered Good Neighbors. It did not disappoint one bit! If you are in search of a good horror book, give this one a shot!
February 2, 2020
In Good Neighbors, the main character, Elliott Jefferson watches in amazement as some of his neighbors devolve when they submit to the persistent buzzing of the electrical transformers situated on the apartment grounds. After figuring out that the buzzing negatively effects the human brain, Elliott has no time or opportunity to escape before anarchy ensues, directed by a demented leader. Elliott and a few others who refuse to submit are imprisoned and tortured and must find a way to escape before they are murdered. Using allies and creative problem-solving, the holdouts escape except two—Elliott and his nemesis, Jacob. The two men must come together to survive or remain separate and face death.
Good Neighbors was a well-written, complex and conflict-driven story. What makes it so is a plot that is layered with one problem after another, in ever-increasing difficulty. This makes for good suspense as well as fast pacing. There are multiple themes—man vs. man; man vs. science/technology/medical; good vs. evil—played out through sub-plots that mesh well with the overarching story. For sure, once you’re hooked, you’re hooked.
The cast of characters also adds to the complexity and conflict of the story. The characters are as diverse in their goodness as they are in their flaws. They are not always who or what they appear to be. Elliott learns this even as he learns more about his own limitations and strengths. The play of character against character is one of the selling points of the story; however, if I had one complaint it would be that there’s a lot of them. Some of the secondary characters fade in and out, making it difficult to remember their roles.
There’s a lot to appreciate about this story: a logical ending, humor (yes, even for a horror book) and great descriptions. But make no mistake, this is a horror story. So if you have a problem reading about death, destruction, and human depravity (as in the Old Testament Bible), then skip this one. But if you chose this one, you’ll discover some pleasant surprises too. Happy reading!
Good Neighbors was a well-written, complex and conflict-driven story. What makes it so is a plot that is layered with one problem after another, in ever-increasing difficulty. This makes for good suspense as well as fast pacing. There are multiple themes—man vs. man; man vs. science/technology/medical; good vs. evil—played out through sub-plots that mesh well with the overarching story. For sure, once you’re hooked, you’re hooked.
The cast of characters also adds to the complexity and conflict of the story. The characters are as diverse in their goodness as they are in their flaws. They are not always who or what they appear to be. Elliott learns this even as he learns more about his own limitations and strengths. The play of character against character is one of the selling points of the story; however, if I had one complaint it would be that there’s a lot of them. Some of the secondary characters fade in and out, making it difficult to remember their roles.
There’s a lot to appreciate about this story: a logical ending, humor (yes, even for a horror book) and great descriptions. But make no mistake, this is a horror story. So if you have a problem reading about death, destruction, and human depravity (as in the Old Testament Bible), then skip this one. But if you chose this one, you’ll discover some pleasant surprises too. Happy reading!
August 5, 2021
Good Neighbors had such a strong and interesting start. This is a horror story centered around apartment living. And since that's exactly my currently living situation, I was gearing up to be terrified!
Unfortunately, my connection with the story ended there at the initial setting. As I continued reading, the characters became so unlikeable, and the unfolding events so implausible; that I found myself totally disconnected and apathetic by the end. And the book itself felt like it dragged on lot longer than necessary.
This book should've come with content warnings. CW:
I'm sad this was another miss for me. 😥 Starting to forget what it feels like to be enthralled by a book...
Unfortunately, my connection with the story ended there at the initial setting. As I continued reading, the characters became so unlikeable, and the unfolding events so implausible; that I found myself totally disconnected and apathetic by the end. And the book itself felt like it dragged on lot longer than necessary.
This book should've come with content warnings. CW:
I'm sad this was another miss for me. 😥 Starting to forget what it feels like to be enthralled by a book...
June 3, 2016
Russell Connor has touched a raw nerve with this book. Creepy and disturbing are the adjectives that come to mind. It has a Stephen King feel that makes you take a second, or even a third look at the people around you. With all that's going on in the world, Mr. Connor captures the sense of insecurity we feel. The thought it could all come crashing down lingers through out. Good writing, good suspense, and a total understanding of the human condition. Well done, sir.
May 10, 2019
Wow! What a good book! I bought Good Neighbors on a whim at Texas Frightmare Weekend from Russell Conor himself. So glad I did! I was having trouble getting into Salem's Lot by King when I bought this book. I decided to check out the first couple pages and was immediately sucked in! I loved the characters and the story was so terrifyingly believable! Connor did an excellent job of describing all the events and how the main character felt going through it all. I really felt connected.
September 2, 2019
Very intense
I actually had to take my time reading this story because it was just so intense. I definitely finished this one during the day because I think I would have had trouble sleeping at night. Never read a book by Russell but I will definitely read any of his other books.
I actually had to take my time reading this story because it was just so intense. I definitely finished this one during the day because I think I would have had trouble sleeping at night. Never read a book by Russell but I will definitely read any of his other books.
October 5, 2018
This book was so good! It kept me up late at night reading because I could not put it down! Definitely will be reading more of his books!
August 23, 2019
I have become really good friends with Russell. Not just a one author to another, really as a friend. He’s really cool and always loves to help you improve. Most of all his stories are enjoyable. This was the first book I ever read by him and always recommend first. There are not to many books I can say I couldn’t put down in the past. This was one of those books I could not put down. I had to force myself to stop reading and go to bed for work cause I was so into it. It’s a very original thrilling tale with some horror and drama mixed. Call me crazy but I find Russell’s work more into reading then known best selling authors.
September 2, 2019
Excellent horror story. Great writing and storytelling.
September 8, 2019
I will never think of a gated community the same way again.
The more I read, the more needed to read. I could not put this book down. So bizarre and yet it kept me mesmerized.
The more I read, the more needed to read. I could not put this book down. So bizarre and yet it kept me mesmerized.
September 10, 2019
Wow!
What a story! I couldn't put this book down and read as fast as I could. Great writing style that sucked me in right away. I look forward to reading more by this author.
What a story! I couldn't put this book down and read as fast as I could. Great writing style that sucked me in right away. I look forward to reading more by this author.
September 2, 2019
After 10%, I bored. Boring character. Boring set up. Boring writing. Too many exciting books out there to waste time on one that has little to nothing going for it.
June 5, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"A grain of sand caught in the hurricane..."
Elliott is about to finalise his divorce.bAfter being thrown out by his wife, the recovering alcoholic had eventually signed a 13 month lease on an apartment in a very pleasant complex just outside of the city, the sort of place perfectly suited to bring up children - close to the town but surrounded by fields. But even after a year there, he still had not unpacked and had only a nodding acquaintance with his closest neighbours.
Then one hot day in March, a strange uncomfortable noise started to disturb the tranquility. It came from the electrical transformer not far from his bedroom window. He couldn't sleep, his head aches: it had to be the noise. But not everyone could hear it. And suddenly the easy atmosphere in the complex started to change ...
Good Neighbours is a tense and brutal horror thriller made all the more terrifying by an element of plausibility. Written in the first person from Elliott's perspective, the reader is there as first exasperation, then puzzlement and fears begin to rise inside the English teacher, finally to dissolve into pain and terror. Excellent characterisation of all the major players, too. Cleverly orchestrated and graphic in detail, this is not a book for the faint hearted as it outlines the complete disintegration of a society to the basics of desire..
Narrator Jeffery Hering gives a fine performance as Elliott, the somewhat introspective, self opinionated but fragile central character, his voice seeming to fit the man perfectly, with slow thoughtful delivery, slightly downbeat, at times hesitant. Hering nicely captures changing nuances, also, and his voicings of the other protagonists is seperately distinctive. On a personal note, however, I did increase the replay speed to 1.25 from about half way through the book.
I have not been aware of Russell Connor previously but will certainly watch out for his books in the future. I was very fortunate in receiving a copy of Good Neighbours, at my request, as a freely given complimentary gift from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. It is a book all horror fans should enjoy. Recommended.
"A grain of sand caught in the hurricane..."
Elliott is about to finalise his divorce.bAfter being thrown out by his wife, the recovering alcoholic had eventually signed a 13 month lease on an apartment in a very pleasant complex just outside of the city, the sort of place perfectly suited to bring up children - close to the town but surrounded by fields. But even after a year there, he still had not unpacked and had only a nodding acquaintance with his closest neighbours.
Then one hot day in March, a strange uncomfortable noise started to disturb the tranquility. It came from the electrical transformer not far from his bedroom window. He couldn't sleep, his head aches: it had to be the noise. But not everyone could hear it. And suddenly the easy atmosphere in the complex started to change ...
Good Neighbours is a tense and brutal horror thriller made all the more terrifying by an element of plausibility. Written in the first person from Elliott's perspective, the reader is there as first exasperation, then puzzlement and fears begin to rise inside the English teacher, finally to dissolve into pain and terror. Excellent characterisation of all the major players, too. Cleverly orchestrated and graphic in detail, this is not a book for the faint hearted as it outlines the complete disintegration of a society to the basics of desire..
Narrator Jeffery Hering gives a fine performance as Elliott, the somewhat introspective, self opinionated but fragile central character, his voice seeming to fit the man perfectly, with slow thoughtful delivery, slightly downbeat, at times hesitant. Hering nicely captures changing nuances, also, and his voicings of the other protagonists is seperately distinctive. On a personal note, however, I did increase the replay speed to 1.25 from about half way through the book.
I have not been aware of Russell Connor previously but will certainly watch out for his books in the future. I was very fortunate in receiving a copy of Good Neighbours, at my request, as a freely given complimentary gift from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. It is a book all horror fans should enjoy. Recommended.
April 24, 2018
In a quiet out-of-the-way suburb lies the Estates of North Hills apartment complex. Within the complex an evil change is taking place among the apartment dwellers. The electric transformers spaced around the complex are emitting an ear-splitting sound that not all of the residents can hear. The residents seemingly unaware of the sound have begun to act very strange; physical twitching, abnormal anger, and whispered comments about a voice in their head. On the other hand, the residents aware of the terrible noise have noticed this odd behavior and are becoming more and more concerned. Our heroic protagonist Elliot Jefferson has become the more-or-less leader of the aware and begun the opposition to the behavior of the others who are becoming more violent. Elliot is forced to discover what is behind his neighbor’s strange behavior and whether the horrible sound has anything to do with it. The story is quite exciting, the characters interesting, and the action keeps you riveted. The narration is well done and projects the tense atmosphere of the story. I really enjoyed this tale and will look for more from Mr. Connor. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
October 16, 2019
Hope Never to Have Good Neighbors
This was a well written horror book, diffently of the Koontz or King Variety. I was also thing of King when I started tiring of the story. King also did this to me. So many of his books would lay 3/4 or half finished until I would finally pick the story back up to see what happened to his weary characters. I felt the same with this story, growing weary of it but not enough to want to put it down.
I must say Russell Connor kept the story at a decent pace and interesting enough to keep his story going. I think he could have done a better job drawing his story out with more acts of good will or victories for the good guys. Like "The "Walking Dead" let the good guys have more balance than they did in Good Neighbors. There just wasn't enough wins in this story for a good balance. Still all and all it was a good story with a good ending. All except "That Kid" with the head phones!
This was a well written horror book, diffently of the Koontz or King Variety. I was also thing of King when I started tiring of the story. King also did this to me. So many of his books would lay 3/4 or half finished until I would finally pick the story back up to see what happened to his weary characters. I felt the same with this story, growing weary of it but not enough to want to put it down.
I must say Russell Connor kept the story at a decent pace and interesting enough to keep his story going. I think he could have done a better job drawing his story out with more acts of good will or victories for the good guys. Like "The "Walking Dead" let the good guys have more balance than they did in Good Neighbors. There just wasn't enough wins in this story for a good balance. Still all and all it was a good story with a good ending. All except "That Kid" with the head phones!
September 21, 2021
Not quite sure what to say about this one. Not strictly horror in the sense of supernatural or monsters, more a look at the nature of mankind and what he is capable of. When a strange buzzing sounds resonates around a private complex, people start acting weird and, as the buzzing continues, progressively more violent towards each other, including their families and loved ones. Recovering alcoholic Elliot Jefferson suspects something is going on and is related to what he calls the Squall, but as the neighbours' increasingly erratic behaviour worsens, his only concern is escaping alive.
An enjoyable read and well-written but nothing we haven't already learned about ourselves before.
An enjoyable read and well-written but nothing we haven't already learned about ourselves before.
April 7, 2021
My normal reads are typically more on the fantasy side but every once in a while I need something creepy and scary to get me out of a reading funk and Good Neighbors by Russell C. Conner did just that. I rarely come across a book that keeps me engrossed in it the entire time but this one did. When I thought things couldn't get weirder or creepier they did and I love that so much and I loved the way that it ended. Mr. Connor, I will for sure be getting more of your books!
July 17, 2024
Another banger from Russell Connor. Great escalation of tension and intrigue. The bizarre impact of the static buzz of the transformers on the residents ranges from hysterical to downright disturbing. Especially for our lead Elliot battling alcoholism and impending divorce. Multiple times I found myself saying “oh, man, now what?” with each development in the Squall.
February 6, 2020
What a great read! Fast-paced and intense. Could the residents of an apartment complex become the embodiment of good and evil, driven mad by an unseen source? Yes. This book is not for the faint of heart.
May 9, 2020
Bloody good!
I’ll never look at my neighbours the same way again! A well crafted story and engaging character’s , Russell is a fine author and would recommend others to read his work. I look forward to reading his other books.
I’ll never look at my neighbours the same way again! A well crafted story and engaging character’s , Russell is a fine author and would recommend others to read his work. I look forward to reading his other books.
April 9, 2021
Mania
This was the first book I read of Russell Connor. It is a long book which you need to force yourself to put down. It’s action packed. It shows humanity at its worst but also humanity at its best. This book is good, very good. What a fantastic writer!
This was the first book I read of Russell Connor. It is a long book which you need to force yourself to put down. It’s action packed. It shows humanity at its worst but also humanity at its best. This book is good, very good. What a fantastic writer!
September 7, 2021
EMF, and what damage they can do.
A teacher, moved into an apt. complex. All seems normal, at the beginning. Soon, he heard this noise, all the time. He called it the Squall. Little did he know, at the time, what that sound would do.
A teacher, moved into an apt. complex. All seems normal, at the beginning. Soon, he heard this noise, all the time. He called it the Squall. Little did he know, at the time, what that sound would do.
January 9, 2023
I randomly purchased this book on my Kindle and WOW! I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put it down! It was bizarre and gruesome and fast paced. Definitely in my top favorite books now. I think I need a physical copy of this book now for my bookshelf!
June 23, 2017
This is a nail-biter of a read. Awesome and totally original. I'm hooked.
December 3, 2019
Found my new favourite author!hope i enjoy his other books as much😍
January 26, 2020
Great story, unique, I've never read anything like it.
April 29, 2020
The best book I have read up until now, if you like Horror you have to read this BRILLIANT 👌👌
May 29, 2020
Amazing
Fantastic. I can honestly say I've never read a book quite one this. It was exciting an d hrilling and very disturbing. I absolutely loved it,
Fantastic. I can honestly say I've never read a book quite one this. It was exciting an d hrilling and very disturbing. I absolutely loved it,
July 20, 2020
This one grabs you in from the very beginning and is packed full of action. Fans of Stephen King and James Herbert will love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews