The Boy Next Door

by Jo Ho

WHO IS THE BOY NEXT DOOR?

Kim isn't happy.

Torn from her beloved boyfriend Chris and the picturesque coastal village she grew up in, her family have relocated to the tough, inner-city neighborhood of Austin, Illinois due to an unfortunate turn of events.

It's the summer break before Kim starts college, but instead of spending it with Chris and their large group of friends, she finds herself isolated from everyone she knows and loves.

The day she starts to notice the strange boy next door, however, her life begins to change as she starts to worry about someone other than herself.

Can she unravel the many mysteries surrounding her new home before something terrible happens?

The award-winning creator and screenwriter of ground-breaking BBC television show, Spirit Warriors starring Jessica Henwick (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Games of Thrones) and the author of Wanted, Book 1 of The Chase Ryder Series, brings you a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Genres: Novella, Paranormal, Young Adult, Mystery

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2017

About the author

A proud geek and video gamer, and champion of complex female protagonists, Jo brings her page-turning screenwriting style to books to weave well-crafted, suspenseful stories with twists you don't see coming. She writes YA books under Jo Ho and adult romance books under Joanne Ho - most of them featuring dogs!

A self-taught screenwriter, Jo's writing life began when she created the groundbreaking, critically acclaimed CBBC action fantasy television series, "Spirit Warriors," which introduced leading actress, Jessica Henwick ("Game of Thrones," "Star Wars: The Force Awakes") to the screen. Granted the biggest budget ever given to a CBBC show at the time, it was nominated for "Best Children's Programme" at the 2011 Broadcast Awards, with Jo herself, going on to win the Women in Film & Television's "New Talent" Award in 2010. Jo even made history for being the first East Asian person - man or woman - to have created a British television drama series.

Since then, Jo has worked with some of the most acclaimed producers in the world with several television shows and movies currently in development, she also writes for games. When she isn't working on her own stories, Jo helps others with their work - she is one of the BFI's (British Film Institute) recommended script consultants.

Jo suffers from MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities), a debilitating condition she has developed over the last few years which has left her mostly housebound. Unfortunately, it is still not officially recognized in the UK despite the World Health Organisation listing it as a physical disability. There is currently no help for sufferers of MCS in the UK. Unable to travel or attend meetings and writersrooms, she has lost many screenwriting opportunities but has refused to allow the condition to rule her life. Despite the wrench life has thrown at her, Jo started to write and publish books.

Her debut novel WANTED, Book 1 of the Chase Ryder series has been a bestseller in 15 YA categories. It also won top prize in the YA Sci-Fi category for the 2018 Readers' Favorite Book Awards. It is her dream to bring all of her book series to screen and she believes she can make it happen with her readers' help!

Jo lives in London and hopes to travel across America one day in a super kitted out, MCS-friendly, Zombie-apocalypse-ready RV with her lovely fella Matt, and three equally lovely kitties.

Sign up to her mailing list for updates, book release details and offers at www.johoscribe.com
Check out her romance books here: https://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Ho/e/B0...

Reviews

[Elsa Carrion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the cover but not what I expected at all. I usually don't read the summary, I just start reading, and it feels like a little surprised gift. It was still a good read, it was quick and short. I didn't realize it was so short only 110 pgs. The story could easily have been 400 pgs. long since it had 4 different issues her fathers accident, the boy next door, Lucas, her life back at the Bluff with Chris, and the story of Lacey. It was a lot to take in in such a short story, but she packed it all in there nice and neat.

[Sharilyn Dickerson]

Great novella!

I was looking for a quick read while waiting on another book release and saw a blog post about this one. The blurb sounded interesting so I bought it. I really enjoyed it. It was way more than I expected! The storyline kept me guessing and the ending was really good!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella. It was written well and was very interesting with great characters and an engaging storyline. I liked the diversity of the characters and how the author dealt with some serious topics. I also loved the touch of supernatural. Definitely recommended reading.

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book, it had serious/sad topics but was an entertaining read, that was well written.

[Angie Pfeiffer-Senft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first here at the QuitterStrip blog! The amazing Jo Ho offered me a chance to view (and review) her brand new novella due out March 13th. Of course, I was (more than) happy to oblige, and give my honest review.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the cover. It’s GORGEOUS, and I feel as if it just flows. This cover would 100% grab my attention off a shelf. The title, maybe not so much as I draw one particular conclusion that *usually* doesn’t strike my fancy (romance), but the cover alone would make me take a look at this book.

Per usual, anytime there is a map, a prologue, author’s notes etc. I feel it is my duty to read them- call it a quirk, every reader has their own, apparently this is mine. To date, Jo has written the most perfect prologue. . .it’s down to earth, and if you’ve ever corresponded with this woman, you know it’s from the heart. Jo also throws out an invite to anyone interested in helping her grow her street time. . .what exactly does that mean? Join the mailing list, reach out, read a book, review said book. . .easy, right? I know for a fact you won’t be disappointed.

Meet Kim, our main character of the story, and completely average teenager. Kim’s family has been uprooted from peaceful suburbia due to her father’s accident; causing a problem with insurance, and employer. Forced to look for budget friendly living, Kim, her parents, and younger brother Mark, re-locate to one of the worst areas of Chicago. While Kim’s hometown is only an hour drive away, it “might as well have been an ocean away,” and smack dab in the middle of that ocean is her boyfriend Chris. Kim has to adjust to not being able to see Chris everyday, like she’s been accustomed to, and has to make do with phone calls.

Kim decides to scope out her furnished bedroom. Mostly comprised of bookshelves, which suits her bookworm personality, everything else is as if she’s living her life with someone else’s furniture. While unpacking her beloved books, Kim hear’s a door slam next door. She sees a small boy, roughly the same age as her younger brother, but built much differently; skinny, hunched shoulders, sad, lonely.

“The Boy Next Door” proves just because you’re in a new environment, doesn’t mean you are unable to get involved and be the saving grace someone desperately needs.

Once again, it’s proven that you cannot judge a book by it’s cover. As I mentioned earlier, I honestly thought this was going to be heavy in the romance department. . .oops! So Jo, I am apologizing for having preconceived notions about your book. This will be my third (read) book written by Jo Ho, and I’m declaring right now that I am a lifer- aka pretty much anything she writes, I will be reading.

For this and other reviews, please visit:

http://quitterstrip.wordpress.com

[Book Wyvern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Quick note, I absolutely love that the author referenced her other book Wanted, it was a pleasant surprise.

Honestly, I think the author wants to pull a fast one over on her readers and even if I’m wrong, I love that thought and I will continue to think that. Why do I think that, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. That cover is beautiful and it makes me think of a romance and the blurb doesn’t help, it also makes me think of a romance. I was thrown for a loop when I started reading and I wasn’t getting a romance but it was a good thing.

It was a quick read but she managed o suck me into this story and connect me to the characters in a short amount of time. This is only the second book I’ve read by this author but I am very impressed with what she did here and how different it is from Wanted.

The little hints along the way, the notes, it all created an environment that was a little creepy and urgent with the boy next door.

There could have been a good bit of drama with the mean girls Kim met but I’m very glad that they were only passing background characters, leaving the plot to stay center stage.

I am very excited to see what else this author has in store; super, super excited for the Chase Ryder series books.

The cover is gorgeous, as I said, the writing captures the youth element and the pace is just perfect. I believe that this novella is a story that everyone of all ages can enjoy, young children up to adults, I would highly recommend.

Thank you for reading my review.

-Sam

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. My first read from author Jo Ho and it will not be my last. A well scripted story about resettling into a new town and the trials and tribulations people of all ages go through after change, and the ending... No spoilers from me. You need to buy and read the book then leave a review. An email from the author encouraged me to leave a review so I read the book and this is my review. Please do the same for an incredible author! Me, I'm going to ask to join her review team.

[Tracey Madeley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a little disconcerted at the acclamation for this writer. The writing itself is not bad, but the story is a little underdeveloped, probably due to the length. My first thought was the writer was very brave to tackle such a difficult subject, but for an established writer, I would have expected better.

This is a short story which spends the first part of the book telling the reader about a young girl and her boyfriend and their long distance relationship.

The main and most interesting part is about Lucas, the boy next door and his abusive father. It would have been better if this part of the story had been the focus and developed further. The mysterious notes found by the protagonist from the previous owner do add some intrigue and they make sense towards the end.

Personally, I would not have included the boyfriend and concentrated on Lucas and his parents, their back story and what the protagonist observed. I’m afraid this book did not inspire me to read anything else the author has written.

[Jessica (Read book. Repeat) · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com

Actual rating of 3.5

Kim is unhappy. She has been forced to move away from her friends, her boyfriend and her home. She understands the reasons behind it, and she can sympathise, but after all, she is a teenager. Their new home is a little creepy. It came already furnished, something about that just creeps Kim out, having other peoples belongings and memories in the house still. Adjusting is hard, and making friends is even harder. Her troubles are soon forgotten though when she discovers a hidden space under her bedroom floor, a memory tin, with small notes written by the mysterious A. It details the things this person saw in regard to the neighbours. Kim has noticed the young, too small for his age, hard done by child but she doesn't realise how serious his predicament is until she starts to investigate a little further.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this story going in, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. That seems to be happening a lot lately, I feel like it's a running theme at the moment, and I seriously hope it doesn't let up any time soon. I LOVE being surprised by the books that I pick up. There's nothing better than going into a story, not hoping for much, or even knowing what you're in for, then being blown away by what you find. It just makes me giddy. Hi, my name is Jess, and I am a book nerd.

I received this book from an email, I get a few emails that generally have links to about 50 odd books from various authors, covering various genres, you're able to download them for free through book funnel, and the best part is, the author themselves have endorsed it. The only thing you need to do to receive the free book, is to sign up to their newsletters, that's it. I have found many a great author and story this way, so I highly recommend taking the offers should you ever come across them. I generally find them from facebook, I think it's a page called LitRing. Yes some of the stories are a bit dull and not too great, but to be honest, I've found that these ones generally have zero reviews on them, and I'm all about helping authors as much as I can, this is why I do reviews. Reviews help authors so much! Wow, went on a bit of a tangent there. Okay! Back to it...

So I was intrigued by the story of Kim, she's not a selfish girl by any means. She's 17, so I would put this as a YA mystery I guess you could say. She's just been forced to move away from everything she knows and loves, right as she should be preparing for college. Finding herself in a new, strange town, surrounded by strangers and living in a house filled with other people's furniture is a sure fire way to get a teenagers nose out of joint. I don't blame her for how she felt. Though I do think that she treated a character we meet pretty poorly, simply because she made an assumption after meeting some not so nice girls in the park.

I think one thing that I loved about this book was that we see the differences in thought patterns between a teenager and a six year old. Her younger brother has no problems at all making friends, and cannot understand why his big sister doesn't have any yet. When he has his birthday party, there is a slew of children attending. I think it goes to show how things can change as we grow older. As we get older we seem to judge more, and care about more things than we probably should. I just thought this was a cool thing I observed in the story and wanted to point it out. The differences between the age groups growing up was a nice touch to the story.

I loved the mystery portion of the story. Not only did we have questions raised about the boy next door, Lucas, and his situation, but we also had the mysterious memory box found by Kim under her floorboards. So I feel that I got a double treat with this one. I had an idea on what was happening with Lucas, but that didn't detract from the story at all. The one twist that was there, I feel was too easily given away. I knew what was happening with it pretty much from the first encounter. It was still a nice addition to the story however.

I found Ho's writing to be well done with a good flow that kept me incredibly engaged in the story and constantly picking it back up when I should have been doing other things. This is the second short story/novella I've read by this author and I've found myself enjoying her work. I do believe I will be searching out more of this authors published works.

All in all, this was a quick, easy, enjoyable read with a satisfying conclusion. A nice YA mystery with a touch of slice of life added in too.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted #1 - This is a verified purchase, after getting the Instafreebie with 15 chapters, this book was purchased. Another well written book by Jo. I was impressed with The Boy Next Door, but this novel is just as great. Wanted has characters that are believable and well developed. The fast-paced plot was well thought out, full of intrigue and the pages just flew by, filled with suspense. My emotions were constantly in motion, varying continuously throughout the story. The reason behind the horror has you feeling for the evil person, but continuously pulling for the good guys. 5*

Haunted #2 - Another good book! A well written, suspenseful novel with a well thought out plot and interesting, believable characters. I read it in one sitting, it was so good. This author never fails to disappoint the reader. 5*

The Boy Next Door - A must read. Beautiful story, sad and uplifting. Well-written, compelling the reader to complete the story in one sitting. I'm so glad I contacted the author to review her novella. I want to read more of her work. 5*

What Doesn't Kill You, Episode #1 - Totally awesome!, and it's just the first episode. It's a cliffhanger but it's written in episodes, which I totally dislike in any book. That pet peeve aside, Ms. Ho has done a jam up job with the start of a new series. This genre is right up my alley and I love everything I've read by this author. The story starts with the introductions of the main characters and touches on their background. I'm sure as the pages grow, the characters will develop more with time and experiences. So far, I like all of them, and I usually don't care for this age group, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story. The last chapter pretty much gave a big hint of the future of these four young women and the roller coaster ride their lives will be now.

I wish I could tell what happened to Christian, but that's a spoiler; I let you enjoy the story with fresh eyes and no heads up. The story line can go anywhere from here and I know the ride will be fast paced and twisted. I thank the author for the clean language; yes, real people do not use vulgar language, whether they're Christians or not. 5 stars even though it's in parts - made for the screen, not to make more profits.

[Alex (Bri's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim has been torn from her boyfriend Chris and her friends to live in Austin Illinois due to her father getting into an accident and being fired from his previous job. She goes from a life of luxury to living in a rough neighborhood with a family struggling to make ends meet. To top it all off, the girls in her neighborhood know that she comes from a rich neighborhood and don't want to spend time with her. She feels completely isolated until she meets a strange girl in town who actually talks to her, and she starts to talk to the boy next door who is the same age as her little brother. Now, she has to worry about someone other than herself and her family.

To be honest, when I downloaded this book I did not look at a synopsis. I looked at the cover and the title, and I thought it would be a romance novel. Instead, I was thrown on a wild ride full of twists, turns, and mystery.

I loved the fact that Kim never seemed to act like a spoiled brat. She never became upset  with her family for having to move, but instead focused on stepping up and making the best of things. She may have missed her friends, but she knew that it was not her parents' fault that they had to move. She makes new friends and even notices others in need rather than wallowing in her own sorrow.

Although this book was a short read, I loved every minute of it, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a short and sweet mystery novel.

I received this book for free through Instafreebie in exchange for my honest review.

[Candy Robosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy Next Door is a wonderful touching story about a teen who is feeling sorry for herself after having to move into a poorer neighborhood. Then she meets 2 very important “people”, Lucas and Lacey. Little does she know these two will change her life forever.

Her little brother is great in that he hasn't let the move stop him. He is still going out and being a nice boy and makes tons of friends. Kim though is too busy being mad at the situation until her eyes are opened. Don't get me wrong I like Kim’s character too. Even though her life has been uprooted she still is trying to help her family because she truly loves them.

Jo Ho does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life while reminding us that there is always someone who is worse off than us and that we have a responsibility to help others who may not be able to help themselves. The story brings a very real problem that many try to avoid and shows how important it is to not just stand by and assume someone else will take care of it.

[gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this story by the author, and because I have been so impressed by other writings by her I read this one at one sitting (rare for me since I'm a slow reader). In this short story she tackled issues of race (an Asian-American moving into a new community), teenage angst, death and dying, child abuse and neglect, family issues around unemployment, among other issues--there are full length novels that don't cover so many issues. But what I really liked was the quality of the writing, the way she puts together the words to convey so much. She is a wonderful writer who can make anything she writes about reflect real life.

[Lynn Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!! Splendid story plot and love the characters. I thought from the cover the book would be about love and romance..I was wrong! So dont judge a book by the cover(which has been said so many times!). Read through without stopping. I didnt want the story to end. Wish there was more!😭. A move, discovery of some letters, meeting Lacey, meeting Lucas(the boy next door), discovering things police needed to be notified about, happy ending! Nope no spoilers. Totally recommend to everyone young and old to find out what all I mentioned had to do with the other. Happy reading!! Recieved as an ARC. Voluntarily reviewed. Thanks Jo Ho look forward to many more reads by you! Great job!

[David Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Jo Ho and I was pleasantly surprised.

I read a lot more YA books than I used to, and find them on the whole very entertaining. This was an extremely involved story line. Based around a teenage girl who moves away and feels like an outsider, this story evolves around her feelings of displacement, struggles to be accepted / accept others and an ongoing strange backstory involving a young boy.

The subject matter is very deep and handled perfectly, my only gripe being that for me, the key point of the story was pretty obvious very early on. I did not mark this down however as I looked at this story from the perspective of if I had read this many years ago, I severely doubt that this would have 'clicked' so easily back then!

I have already read a novella from Jo Ho following this, involving a small dog, that looks to be my next series to become involved in too.

One for people who like genuine characters and a story that is at times quite dark, but also true to life in certain ways....

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story I've read by Jo Ho. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this novella, I liked the synopsis and YA genre in general... but I was pleasantly surprised by this story line and the couple of unexpected twists this story took.
It's a short novella, but definitely left me wanting more. Not sure if there are plans to build this out into a full length novel, but I would read it if that ever happens.
Pick this one up and enjoy!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written quick read - Kim isn't happy about having to move house, and town, away from her boyfriend Chris, but her family circumstances have changed. She is having difficulty settling into what she considers a rough area, compared to her last home. What worries her most is the little boy next door. Lucas is the complete opposite of her younger brother Mark, and it bothers her.

Kim finally makes a new friend Lacy, but all is not what it seems!

[Lois Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Novella that everyone should read no matter what age.

It makes you stop and think which is always a good thing.

I know how Kim felt when she moved to a new place and missed her friends.

I like her brother Mark and I loved his birthday party. Just hearing about the food made me hungry.

Kim has a very important decision to make about the boy next door.

I knew who Lacey was right away.

Please read this book.

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up liking this story more than I thought I would. Kim was a nice relatable character, the family was going through something a lot of people could relate to. Lacey was a great addition and I’m so excited that my hunch on her story was correct. Overall an enjoyable quick read that gives you a taste for what this author has to offer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

[elexisreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped into this book randomly, didn't read any blurb or synopsis about it. Thought it was just another romance book about the boy next door, boy was i wrong.

Should i warn you that there may be trigger warnings to some people in this book.

All in all this book was good. It's a short story about a girl who just moved to a new state with her family into a house in which she discovers a history and also finds out there's more to a story about the kid next door and his family.

[JoAnna Gaumond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The boy next door is a great read for YA & Adults

I love stories like this. It was so nice to read about a teenage girl with compassion in her heart. She watches over her little brother while her Mom works and her Dad goes out each day to search for work. She notices the young dirty boy next door. He is clothing is dirty and torn he isn't wearing a coat. She ends up putting her life in danger trying to save the young boy and his mom. Great read :)

[michael pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

chilly cool

while,I dont normally read sifi, this book was still within earthly realms. no space aliens or recently discovered planets with alien occupants. this book was a good read and believable ...it happens frequently to some who are compliant. read this book and enjoy it as I have.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read and not at all what I was expecting from the cover. The things that happened in the book could happen to anyone. Our world is going through such a crazy time. Kim, a young girl has been relocated to the city and the interaction she has with her neighbor. Well written and engaging. I received this book as a promotion and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Melissa Montana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. The characters are real; flawed, yet likeable. The protagonist deals with the problems of her life as a typical teenager, with humor, sarcasm, and in the end, bravery. The ending was not what I expected. A happy ending in an unexpected way. I would highly recommend this book, especially as a gift to a young adult who loves a story with a twist.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella with a touch of the paranormal and a sense of caring despite family issues. An older sibling cast in the role of built-in babysitter. A lot happening here and not an easy book to get a handle on but a good read nevertheless.

[Necalli Calavera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover of this book really did fool me; this story was not what I expected.

This was a short and sweet book with the themes of child abuse. I almost wish the book was longer but I would have the fear that the story would be lost.

[C.J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting quick read. I have read the twisted book one: what doesn't kill you, and I jumped at this one too when I saw it was written by Jo Ho. The book didn't disappoint and had a touch of supernatural to it which I liked.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great when neighbours care enough to get involved when they suspect that something is terribly wrong. A little supernatural intervention doesn't hurt either.

I received a free copy of The Boy Next Door through BookFunnel and have chosen to leave a review.

[Mujde Oz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!! Very deep book!! Very well written with a fantastic / beautiful story. I loved this book so much!! <3

[Alan Braswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this novella by instafreebie.
Very short read with interesting characters and story line.