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The Body Next Door
In this heartfelt and humorous mystery, Samantha Newman is in desperate need of a new job, a place of her own, and a second chance at her rocky romance with cyber-expert Carter Chapman. Now there's a dead man next door, and his wife is holed up in the apartment where Samantha is staying. Dragged into the incriminating murder investigation, Samantha catches the attention of a suspicious homicide detective. To make matters worse, a mysterious stalker is haunting her balcony. Could it be the real killer?
The investigation thwarts Samantha's chance at a new television career and instigates a fresh conflict with Carter. Sifting through conflicting theories posed by the aggressive detective, an overbearing defense attorney, and a nosy neighbor, she's confronted with more than one alarming reality. Stymied by fear and uncertainty, she begins to question the assumptions she's made about her past and her future as she navigates a minefield of secrets to redeem her reputation and reclaim the life she wants to live.
A luxury high-rise condominium in the bustling city of Houston, and a ranch in the nearby HIll Country of Central Texas provide the main settings for Samantha's attempts to discover what really happened next door.
Awards:
Finalist, Writers League of Texas
Short List, Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem
The investigation thwarts Samantha's chance at a new television career and instigates a fresh conflict with Carter. Sifting through conflicting theories posed by the aggressive detective, an overbearing defense attorney, and a nosy neighbor, she's confronted with more than one alarming reality. Stymied by fear and uncertainty, she begins to question the assumptions she's made about her past and her future as she navigates a minefield of secrets to redeem her reputation and reclaim the life she wants to live.
A luxury high-rise condominium in the bustling city of Houston, and a ranch in the nearby HIll Country of Central Texas provide the main settings for Samantha's attempts to discover what really happened next door.
Awards:
Finalist, Writers League of Texas
Short List, Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem
285 pages, ebook
First published November 11, 2016
55 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Gay Yellen
8 books19 followersGay Yellen began working life as a stage and TV actress, then happily moved behind the camera at The American Film Institute (AFI) as the Assistant to the Director of Production. A former magazine editor and national journalism award winner, she was the contributing book editor for Five Minutes to Midnight, an international thriller and New York Times Notable. Her award-winning Samantha Newman Series of mystery novels includes The Body Business, The Body Next Door, and The Body in the News.
Gay lives in Texas. She loves connecting with book clubs and community groups in person and online. You can reach her here on Goodreads or at her website for more.
Gay lives in Texas. She loves connecting with book clubs and community groups in person and online. You can reach her here on Goodreads or at her website for more.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 9, 2017
Samantha Newman is a rich and engaging character. I liked her and identified with her from the get-go. She guides the reader through an intricate, well-crafted mystery, filled with unexpected twists and turns, to a satisfying conclusion. This well-written thriller is a great read. I highly recommend it.
May 26, 2017
The second in the Samantha Newman series, and what I hope will generate a third story, we pick up where we were in the first book (though one could read this one without having enjoyed THE BODY BUSINESS). As with the first book, I agreed to provide an honest review this book after meeting and chatting with the author at a Chanticleer Authors conference earlier this year.
In this tale, Samantha is looking for a new job, has yet to come to terms with her attraction to cyber-sleuth Carter Chapman, and when she arrives home, she learns that a dead body has been discovered in the apartment next door. The detective who is assigned the case is certain that Samantha has something to do with it and what's worse than his disbelief in her words that she's innocent is her suspicion that she may have a stalker. Something or someone is spotted on her balcony, but she's 13 floors up from the ground. How can that be?
What follows is a fast-paced explication of the many threads that create a funny, often laugh-inducing, fabric that concludes with a new job like her previous one, though not without some truly hilarious discussions of her becoming an on-air investigator at the local TV station. Then there's her relationship with Carter. Are they ever going to get together? I'd like to think so and hope that a third book may satisfy that particular itch for romantic closure. I'll have to wait and see while enjoying a re-read of this title.
In this tale, Samantha is looking for a new job, has yet to come to terms with her attraction to cyber-sleuth Carter Chapman, and when she arrives home, she learns that a dead body has been discovered in the apartment next door. The detective who is assigned the case is certain that Samantha has something to do with it and what's worse than his disbelief in her words that she's innocent is her suspicion that she may have a stalker. Something or someone is spotted on her balcony, but she's 13 floors up from the ground. How can that be?
What follows is a fast-paced explication of the many threads that create a funny, often laugh-inducing, fabric that concludes with a new job like her previous one, though not without some truly hilarious discussions of her becoming an on-air investigator at the local TV station. Then there's her relationship with Carter. Are they ever going to get together? I'd like to think so and hope that a third book may satisfy that particular itch for romantic closure. I'll have to wait and see while enjoying a re-read of this title.
June 29, 2017
Good book. I really liked the characters and their interactions. The mysteries were interesting, although I figured out one early on. Didn't spoil it for me. :) I would like to read more in this series.
November 26, 2019
Smart, engaging, charming, suspenseful. Samantha Newman is a character and series to watch. I can definitely see why this book was a Silver Falchion finalist!
February 6, 2017
I have to say I was pretty impressed with how this mystery played out. My favorite part of mysteries has and always will be trying to figure out who the killer is, and in this one it was no different. I never would have guess who it was in this book until the last few chapters when it became inherently clear.
Samantha Newman is back in The Body Business, with Carter Chapman at her side, sort of. When we left them in The Body Business, all seemed well. But as we start this second book, we learn that Samantha is living in Carter's apartment while searching for a job and Carter is who-knows-where. As it seems, trouble loves to follow Samantha around, so when Carter's next door neighbor is murdered and the main suspect is his wife, Samantha can't leave it alone until she gets to the bottom of the mystery.
There were definitely some cheese-ball romantic moments, but what really enthralled me was trying to solve the mystery behind the *ahem* body next door. Strap in tight, because you'll never believe what she finds out!
Samantha Newman is back in The Body Business, with Carter Chapman at her side, sort of. When we left them in The Body Business, all seemed well. But as we start this second book, we learn that Samantha is living in Carter's apartment while searching for a job and Carter is who-knows-where. As it seems, trouble loves to follow Samantha around, so when Carter's next door neighbor is murdered and the main suspect is his wife, Samantha can't leave it alone until she gets to the bottom of the mystery.
There were definitely some cheese-ball romantic moments, but what really enthralled me was trying to solve the mystery behind the *ahem* body next door. Strap in tight, because you'll never believe what she finds out!
April 17, 2020
3.5 Stars I really liked Samantha, intelligent, independent, and impulsive. The man in her life, Carter, is loving, handsome, wealthy, caring, protective, empathetic, and cooks. I'm reducing my rating to 3.5 because of a deficiency in Carter's character development. He`s the perfect guy [sarcasm].
Both have experienced unimaginably tragic losses before they meet each other. They really only have one another, however it's an uneasy union because Carter is secretive above his career, and often has to leave suddenly for undisclosed reasons to unknown destinations for indeterminate amounts of time. If he loved her wouldn't he tell her what he does and where he goes?
We meet Samantha at 4:59 AM as she approaches the tail end of an overnight drive from her best friend`s funeral in Nebraska. Currently jobless and homeless she`s on her way to her boyfriend's Houston condo. Carter`s not there but her former secretary, Gertie, is staying with Samantha temporarily while her house is being bombed for termites. The call from Gertie kicks off the action. One of Carter`s neighbor was banging on the door, screaming for help. BTW, she was naked and bloody. Gertie has let her in and now she's calling Samantha because the neighbor won't leave, and won't let her call 911.
What's going on? Why is the neighbor naked and bleeding? What should Samantha tell Gertie to do? The last thing Samantha wants to do is to bring drama into Carter`s life. The paramedics, and the police are all over the place. There`s a body next door, and the police decide to take Gertie to the station. Unfortunately, the only person Samantha knows to call is Carter. Samantha sends an SOS to Carter.
Many twists and turns, and plenty of suspects. I like Samantha, and Carter is the standup, perfect guy with connections. They journey together through the mystery of what happened, who did it, while trying to figure out what they are to each other.
Both have experienced unimaginably tragic losses before they meet each other. They really only have one another, however it's an uneasy union because Carter is secretive above his career, and often has to leave suddenly for undisclosed reasons to unknown destinations for indeterminate amounts of time. If he loved her wouldn't he tell her what he does and where he goes?
We meet Samantha at 4:59 AM as she approaches the tail end of an overnight drive from her best friend`s funeral in Nebraska. Currently jobless and homeless she`s on her way to her boyfriend's Houston condo. Carter`s not there but her former secretary, Gertie, is staying with Samantha temporarily while her house is being bombed for termites. The call from Gertie kicks off the action. One of Carter`s neighbor was banging on the door, screaming for help. BTW, she was naked and bloody. Gertie has let her in and now she's calling Samantha because the neighbor won't leave, and won't let her call 911.
What's going on? Why is the neighbor naked and bleeding? What should Samantha tell Gertie to do? The last thing Samantha wants to do is to bring drama into Carter`s life. The paramedics, and the police are all over the place. There`s a body next door, and the police decide to take Gertie to the station. Unfortunately, the only person Samantha knows to call is Carter. Samantha sends an SOS to Carter.
Many twists and turns, and plenty of suspects. I like Samantha, and Carter is the standup, perfect guy with connections. They journey together through the mystery of what happened, who did it, while trying to figure out what they are to each other.
November 30, 2020
No tall buildings for me!
Wow! Lots of twists and turns to the story. I especially liked the way she related to people & tried to stand her ground even tho she had tragedy in her life, Never read anything by this author by now I think I will seek out her first book Body Business & see how Samantha’s story begins
Wow! Lots of twists and turns to the story. I especially liked the way she related to people & tried to stand her ground even tho she had tragedy in her life, Never read anything by this author by now I think I will seek out her first book Body Business & see how Samantha’s story begins
April 23, 2020
Read this awhile ago and decided to listen to it on Audible after reading The Body Business. Love the story. Exciting murder mystery that will keep you trying to figure it out. I also enjoyed that the book is set in the Houston, Texas area! Makes it so easy to familiarize yourself with the story!
April 7, 2022
Gay Yellen is an accomplished mystery writer proven once again by the characters she brings to life in this series so vibrant and full of curiosity, intrigue,passion and compassion. The mystery that draws you in and the plot that keeps carrying your inquisitive mind challenged from one page to the next. Acquire " The Body Next Door " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have being entertained for hours. Kat
February 6, 2017
Good read.
The story moved right along and the perpetrator was a surprise. There was another surprise I didn't see coming too. I liked the main characters.
The story moved right along and the perpetrator was a surprise. There was another surprise I didn't see coming too. I liked the main characters.
March 4, 2017
4.5/5.0
Readers who are not fans of first person stories will be swayed to the dark side, and absolutely love this one!
Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Readers who are not fans of first person stories will be swayed to the dark side, and absolutely love this one!
Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 16, 2017
Good
the story shows how a death and whether is accidental or murder becomes one sorta events after an other.a good read.
the story shows how a death and whether is accidental or murder becomes one sorta events after an other.a good read.
October 13, 2020
3.5/5
I read this in one sitting. It was a fun mystery ride
I read this in one sitting. It was a fun mystery ride
February 21, 2018
The stand out in this story is definitely the characters, their rich make-up creates an engaging and interesting story.
I haven't read book one, and while I was still able to enjoy this book as a standalone, it was very clear that I was missing a lot of backstory and that knowing the backstory would make a difference. So if you haven't already, I recommend that you get book one first.
The mystery aspect of this story was well done, there were lots of possible suspects and it wasn't obvious who the culprit was until a fair way towards the end.
A thrilling listen, I really enjoyed it.
The narrator did a great job, the character voices were well done and the delivery had a good rhythm and tone to it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
I haven't read book one, and while I was still able to enjoy this book as a standalone, it was very clear that I was missing a lot of backstory and that knowing the backstory would make a difference. So if you haven't already, I recommend that you get book one first.
The mystery aspect of this story was well done, there were lots of possible suspects and it wasn't obvious who the culprit was until a fair way towards the end.
A thrilling listen, I really enjoyed it.
The narrator did a great job, the character voices were well done and the delivery had a good rhythm and tone to it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
December 21, 2017
The Body Next Door
: Gay Yellen
This is book two in this series. Unfortunately I haven't read/listened to the first book. I wasn't familiar with any of the characters or the original story line. Samantha Newman is in need of a fresh start, the reasons why were supposed to have been explained in book one. A possible murder next door, a boyfriend that is mysterious, and a cast of interesting characters keep the listener in suspense. There were plenty of twists to make you wonder who did it and why.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Natalie Naudus Bradner.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 27, 2022
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this novel in over 100 reviews? The characters are well-drawn and the story had me turning the pages. But I'm sorry I hadn't read the first book in the series first, because this book refers to things that happened in the first book a lot. I didn't care for the temperament of the protagonist, I thought it was a little too childish for someone her age. Still, it was a good read.
November 22, 2016
Well written romantic mystery. The characters are appealing, fully-developed, and engaging. A favorite.
apuntados
March 5, 2017Amazon - 04/02/2017
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2022
Enjoyed start go finish
First of her books I have read, I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next. Hope I dont have to wait to long for the next book.
First of her books I have read, I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next. Hope I dont have to wait to long for the next book.
May 16, 2022
It's all so confusing
Samantha arrives home late at night after driving all day. She's tired and cranky. She just lost her job and will live temporarily in Carter's apartment. Is he still her boyfriend? He's not there but her friend Gertie is. So is the neighbor, who arrived naked and covered in blood. The police arrive to find the neighbor's husband is dead. Homicide detective Washington has a chip on his shoulder although we never find out why. He wants Samantha to be guilty even though it's clear she was not even in the building. What is his problem? Lawyer Kingsbury is the sleaziest slimeball you can imagine. He wants to help Sam but walks all over her, and she lets him! WTF? She's supposed to be highly successful, a strong self made business woman, yet she allows Washington and Kingsbury to push her around. Carter eventually arrives from out of nowhere, makes one phone call to who knows who, and Detective Washington turns into a compliant sycophant.
I know this is book 2. I haven't read book 1, but there's so much missing detail that I feel this is really part 2 of a miniseries. I did finish the book to confirm who dunnit, but there's much other information still missing.
The parkour wannabe is altogether too far fetched to be believable. Oh, and Sam is driving a rental car because she feels guilty about using the boyfriend's Tesla, but even after renewing her rental she keeps using the Tesla. It's all so confusing.
Marty Langenberg
www.martysbooks.com
Samantha arrives home late at night after driving all day. She's tired and cranky. She just lost her job and will live temporarily in Carter's apartment. Is he still her boyfriend? He's not there but her friend Gertie is. So is the neighbor, who arrived naked and covered in blood. The police arrive to find the neighbor's husband is dead. Homicide detective Washington has a chip on his shoulder although we never find out why. He wants Samantha to be guilty even though it's clear she was not even in the building. What is his problem? Lawyer Kingsbury is the sleaziest slimeball you can imagine. He wants to help Sam but walks all over her, and she lets him! WTF? She's supposed to be highly successful, a strong self made business woman, yet she allows Washington and Kingsbury to push her around. Carter eventually arrives from out of nowhere, makes one phone call to who knows who, and Detective Washington turns into a compliant sycophant.
I know this is book 2. I haven't read book 1, but there's so much missing detail that I feel this is really part 2 of a miniseries. I did finish the book to confirm who dunnit, but there's much other information still missing.
The parkour wannabe is altogether too far fetched to be believable. Oh, and Sam is driving a rental car because she feels guilty about using the boyfriend's Tesla, but even after renewing her rental she keeps using the Tesla. It's all so confusing.
Marty Langenberg
www.martysbooks.com
March 6, 2024
Samantha and Carter
Sam is on her way home from Nebraska and can't wait to get to Texas. She has been driving all night, but when her ex secretary Claire calls, she is happy for the reprieve. Only what she tells her doesn't make her happy. It seems her neighbors Irwin and Brandy Bayne are at it again. Only Claire has let Brandy into the apartment, and she doesn't want Claire to call 911, even though she's naked and covered in blood and won't stop crying. Sam advised her to call 911 anyway and let them sort things out. When Sam arrives home, she sees the ambulance getting ready to leave. She asks what is going on after telling them who she is, and they inform her they have called homicide and they should be there soon and leave for another call. What has Sam and Claire for that matter gotten themselves into? How will Carter feel when she informs him about what is going on in his apartment? What else can happen? For that matter, what awaits her when she gets to her apartment? Only one way to find out is to read this great story by Gay Yellen. If you like (love) a good mystery you came to the right place.
Sam is on her way home from Nebraska and can't wait to get to Texas. She has been driving all night, but when her ex secretary Claire calls, she is happy for the reprieve. Only what she tells her doesn't make her happy. It seems her neighbors Irwin and Brandy Bayne are at it again. Only Claire has let Brandy into the apartment, and she doesn't want Claire to call 911, even though she's naked and covered in blood and won't stop crying. Sam advised her to call 911 anyway and let them sort things out. When Sam arrives home, she sees the ambulance getting ready to leave. She asks what is going on after telling them who she is, and they inform her they have called homicide and they should be there soon and leave for another call. What has Sam and Claire for that matter gotten themselves into? How will Carter feel when she informs him about what is going on in his apartment? What else can happen? For that matter, what awaits her when she gets to her apartment? Only one way to find out is to read this great story by Gay Yellen. If you like (love) a good mystery you came to the right place.
March 21, 2022
A sweet story - for a murder mystery
Gay Yellen has crafted some interesting, imperfect, people. The way they interact and miss connections is fascinating. I love this story.
Gay Yellen has crafted some interesting, imperfect, people. The way they interact and miss connections is fascinating. I love this story.
July 4, 2024
I enjoyed the mystery, did not guess the ending! On to book 2 to find out what happens with Sam & Carter!
January 3, 2019
Fun read! Lots of suspense with a bit of humor and romance.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews