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The Midnight Book Club #4
Neighbors
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT KIND OF PSYCHO MAY BE LIVING NEXT DOOR
New York is a city of eight million strangers. For twenty-five-year old Buddy Smith, who values his privacy, it’s the only place he would call home. Yet his simple life is flipped upside down when a new neighbor moves in next door. She’s young, beautiful, a bit nosy...and might just be a cold-blooded killer. Against his better judgment, Buddy spends the night with her—a decision that will prove to be the biggest mistake of his life.
New York is a city of eight million strangers. For twenty-five-year old Buddy Smith, who values his privacy, it’s the only place he would call home. Yet his simple life is flipped upside down when a new neighbor moves in next door. She’s young, beautiful, a bit nosy...and might just be a cold-blooded killer. Against his better judgment, Buddy spends the night with her—a decision that will prove to be the biggest mistake of his life.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2015
211 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Bates
47 books1,847 followersUSA TODAY and #1 Amazon bestselling author Jeremy Bates has written over twenty novels and novellas, selling more than one million copies worldwide. His work has been translated into multiple languages and optioned for film and television by major studios. Midwest Book Review has likened his storytelling to that of Stephen King and Joe Lansdale, calling him a "master of the art." Bates is a KDP Select All-Star and the recipient of the Australian Shadows Award and the Canadian Arthur Ellis Award. He was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards, the only major book honors chosen by readers.
His latest novel, *The No-End House*, is a standalone horror story set in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where a pair of volunteers must navigate nine mysterious rooms in a sinister house. Scheduled for release by Kensington Publishing in July 2025, it’s a chilling tale of survival and escape.
Visit Amazon to get DENISOVANS for a special release-date price now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
Also, MOUNTAIN OF THE DEAD is currently only $0.99 in a limited-time deal.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KW3N72
Finally, visit Jeremy’s website to receive a free copy of *Black Canyon*, winner of the Lou Allin Memorial Award.
https://www.jeremybatesbooks.com
His latest novel, *The No-End House*, is a standalone horror story set in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where a pair of volunteers must navigate nine mysterious rooms in a sinister house. Scheduled for release by Kensington Publishing in July 2025, it’s a chilling tale of survival and escape.
Visit Amazon to get DENISOVANS for a special release-date price now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
Also, MOUNTAIN OF THE DEAD is currently only $0.99 in a limited-time deal.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KW3N72
Finally, visit Jeremy’s website to receive a free copy of *Black Canyon*, winner of the Lou Allin Memorial Award.
https://www.jeremybatesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 14, 2020
This is a must read if you enjoy a fun, crazy and very twisted short story. I am a fan of Jeremy Bates and I really enjoy the twists and turns he puts in his books. This is short read but very satisfying. There aren't any ghosts or creatures in this story except, maybe a monster? (Not really). It is a very entertaining story and hopefully will draw other readers in the way it did to me.
Very well written, ebbs and flows nicely. There were a few editing errors but did not take away from the story.
There is some profanity, sexual situations (not much) and of course violence. Not for under 18 yrs. of age, and not over the top for adult readers.
I give this nice twisted story 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!!
Very well written, ebbs and flows nicely. There were a few editing errors but did not take away from the story.
There is some profanity, sexual situations (not much) and of course violence. Not for under 18 yrs. of age, and not over the top for adult readers.
I give this nice twisted story 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!!
July 5, 2020
This was a twisted and fascinating read about a psycho neighbor!
Buddy Smith lives in an apartment along with his mother and when a new neighbor moves in across from him, he wants to find out more about her as he loves his privacy and doesn't want nosy neighbors too close to him. The woman seems harmless enough and Buddy doesn't seem to be worried about her until he decides to run a search on her to find out everything about her. When he finds out she killed someone and was able to walk away from the crime, he becomes more worried about her. Then he does something strange as he ends up really wanting to know more about her and he ends up in bed with her. What the woman doesn't know is that Buddy is not what he claims to be either.
This was a twisted ride into psycho terror as the more I became involved in the story, the more I couldn't put the book down along with lots of twists and turns with a surprise twist near the end of the book which was a jolt to my system as I was not expecting it causing me to stay up till the middle of the night wanting to finish it to find out what happens.
Giving this book four "twisted psycho" stars!
Buddy Smith lives in an apartment along with his mother and when a new neighbor moves in across from him, he wants to find out more about her as he loves his privacy and doesn't want nosy neighbors too close to him. The woman seems harmless enough and Buddy doesn't seem to be worried about her until he decides to run a search on her to find out everything about her. When he finds out she killed someone and was able to walk away from the crime, he becomes more worried about her. Then he does something strange as he ends up really wanting to know more about her and he ends up in bed with her. What the woman doesn't know is that Buddy is not what he claims to be either.
This was a twisted ride into psycho terror as the more I became involved in the story, the more I couldn't put the book down along with lots of twists and turns with a surprise twist near the end of the book which was a jolt to my system as I was not expecting it causing me to stay up till the middle of the night wanting to finish it to find out what happens.
Giving this book four "twisted psycho" stars!
June 23, 2017
3 1/2 stars, rounded up.
Buddy Smith is an aspiring writer. When a new neighbor with a questionable past moves into his building, it sparks his imagination. Though he's not exactly a "people person" and absolutely hates grunters (those who make small talk), he decides to socialize with the new woman, Dilshad (Dil) Lakshmi, for research purposes and further inspiration. What Buddy can't imagine is the significance of his plan and the unintended consequences that will follow. No one ever expects to be neighbors with a psychopath....
This was a good story that captured my attention and kept me fully engrossed. The writing is decent but a bit colloquial at times. The author did an exceptional job developing the characters--especially Buddy who seems simple at first but acquires greater dimension as the story progresses. The pacing was good and I found the ending satisfying, which is not often an easy feat with short stories/novellas.
Incidentally, Buddy comments about a few of his book ideas and I hope that the writer will make use of a couple of them because they seem pretty intruguing! I plan to read more stories by this talented author.
Buddy Smith is an aspiring writer. When a new neighbor with a questionable past moves into his building, it sparks his imagination. Though he's not exactly a "people person" and absolutely hates grunters (those who make small talk), he decides to socialize with the new woman, Dilshad (Dil) Lakshmi, for research purposes and further inspiration. What Buddy can't imagine is the significance of his plan and the unintended consequences that will follow. No one ever expects to be neighbors with a psychopath....
This was a good story that captured my attention and kept me fully engrossed. The writing is decent but a bit colloquial at times. The author did an exceptional job developing the characters--especially Buddy who seems simple at first but acquires greater dimension as the story progresses. The pacing was good and I found the ending satisfying, which is not often an easy feat with short stories/novellas.
Incidentally, Buddy comments about a few of his book ideas and I hope that the writer will make use of a couple of them because they seem pretty intruguing! I plan to read more stories by this talented author.
May 19, 2025
I’m ALWAYS suspicious of my neighbors 👀👀
July 28, 2020
Beware of your neighbors! They might be trouble or creepy. But what if they think that about you?
Entertaining, crazy, and creepy.
Entertaining, crazy, and creepy.
January 21, 2020
I’ve something of a penchant for the stories involving evil neighbors in city like settings, probably stemming from spending an entire life living in such environments. They say it’s all about location, but it isn’t, it’s all about the neighbors, the wrong kind can make any location/any living situation seem like a nightmare. This novella is very much about the wrong kind of neighbors. In New York City of all places, like that wasn’t nightmarish alone of a living destination. But the thing is at first glance Buddy is a great neighbor, an upstanding young citizen, neat, organized, employed, he splits his time between working in a bank and taking care of his invalid mother. Sure, Buddy has problems of a social nature, ones that become more and more apparent as you get to know him, but he’s trudging along until a vivacious outgoing new neighbor moves in and tries to befriend him. That situation becomes combusts so fast, it literally sets Buddy’s world on fire. Fun…yeah, pretty fun. The writing is very much on par with other Jeremy Bates books I’ve read, this one seems to be one of the series of thematically connected novellas. It’s mean, lean and pretty entertaining. The mention of psycho in description is apt, the story borrows heavily (very heavily) from the most famous psycho of all time…how appropriate for a writer named Bates. Or is it plagiaristic? At any rate, Bates does enough to make the story and the psycho his own. Quick fun read. Nice grab for a kindle freebie. And just think all psychos are someone’s neighbors…how well do you know yours.
June 23, 2017
This was a short, creepy read with a main character somewhat reminiscent of Joe from You by Caroline Kepnes. I enjoyed it!
Sidenote: It's funny that this story
Sidenote: It's funny that this story
June 8, 2017
Right when you think that you know what's goin' on - kind of - ya' get a crazy twist.
Dil isn't exactly what you think she is...exactly. And Buddy...besides being a bit distant with his superior attitude, is a very interesting character as well, especially with his inner dialogue.
This story will have you scratching your head, and saying -'Wait...WTF?'
Dil isn't exactly what you think she is...exactly. And Buddy...besides being a bit distant with his superior attitude, is a very interesting character as well, especially with his inner dialogue.
This story will have you scratching your head, and saying -'Wait...WTF?'
September 23, 2015
Great neighbor Buddy chills the bejesus out of me.
June 17, 2017
Amazing read - I loved it!
Full review posted soon.
Full review posted soon.
December 27, 2015
I would give this story 3 & 1/2 stars if I could, but this is my least favorite story by this Author so far. I just thought it felt a little choppy.
January 30, 2023
Holy Psychos! One is just as bad as the other, mostly. Glad I have nothing to do with my neighbors! lol
January 3, 2020
In 'Neighbors', the aftermath of a fire sees two building residents making ugly accusations towards each other before going back to the events that took place a day earlier. Buddy is looking forward to a promotion, the only thing keeping him going after numerous rejections from publishers. When his new neighbour Dil moves in, he is inspired to start writing yet another book..
For such a short story, the main character was fleshed out quite well. Details on his day-to-day routine at work (job responsibilities and relationship with his colleagues) and at home (taking care of his sick mother), accompanied by insight into his thoughts left no doubt that he was highly unlikeable. On the other hand, Dil came across as amicable though there was ambiguity due to her past.
The truth behind the fire, with a couple of twists along the way were believable. However, the writing style was a little too simplistic in parts and lacked the elegance and subtlety that would've made the reveals more impactful. I would've preferred a challenge to be presented to .
Overall, 'Neighbors' could've been more creepy considering the synopsis but it was certainly a fun read anyhow.
For such a short story, the main character was fleshed out quite well. Details on his day-to-day routine at work (job responsibilities and relationship with his colleagues) and at home (taking care of his sick mother), accompanied by insight into his thoughts left no doubt that he was highly unlikeable. On the other hand, Dil came across as amicable though there was ambiguity due to her past.
The truth behind the fire, with a couple of twists along the way were believable. However, the writing style was a little too simplistic in parts and lacked the elegance and subtlety that would've made the reveals more impactful. I would've preferred a challenge to be presented to .
Overall, 'Neighbors' could've been more creepy considering the synopsis but it was certainly a fun read anyhow.
December 25, 2019
Neighbors (BookShots): A gripping serial killer thriller with a brilliant twist (The Midnight Book Club 4) by Jeremy Bates Neighbors (BookShots): A gripping serial killer thriller with a brilliant twist (The Midnight Book Club 4) by Jeremy Bates is an intriguing short story.
I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review. I gave it four stars.
"For twenty-five-year-old Buddy Smith, who values his privacy, it's the only place he would call home. Yet his simple life is flipped upside down when a new neighbor moves in next door. She's young, beautiful, a bit nosy...and might just be a cold-blooded killer. Against his better judgment, Buddy spends the night with her—a decision that will prove to be the biggest mistake of his life."
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Neighbors-Book...
I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review. I gave it four stars.
"For twenty-five-year-old Buddy Smith, who values his privacy, it's the only place he would call home. Yet his simple life is flipped upside down when a new neighbor moves in next door. She's young, beautiful, a bit nosy...and might just be a cold-blooded killer. Against his better judgment, Buddy spends the night with her—a decision that will prove to be the biggest mistake of his life."
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Neighbors-Book...
December 25, 2019
Neighbors (BookShots): A gripping serial killer thriller with a brilliant twist (The Midnight Book Club 4) by Jeremy Bates is an intriguing short story.
I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review. I gave it four stars.
"For twenty-five-year-old Buddy Smith, who values his privacy, it's the only place he would call home. Yet his simple life is flipped upside down when a new neighbor moves in next door. She's young, beautiful, a bit nosy...and might just be a cold-blooded killer. Against his better judgment, Buddy spends the night with her—a decision that will prove to be the biggest mistake of his life."
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Neighbors-Book...
I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review. I gave it four stars.
"For twenty-five-year-old Buddy Smith, who values his privacy, it's the only place he would call home. Yet his simple life is flipped upside down when a new neighbor moves in next door. She's young, beautiful, a bit nosy...and might just be a cold-blooded killer. Against his better judgment, Buddy spends the night with her—a decision that will prove to be the biggest mistake of his life."
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Neighbors-Book...
March 30, 2020
Outstanding, a real HORROR story!
As always when you start a book by Jeremy Bates, you know you're gonna get a real scare. A man lives in an apartment where he takes care of his mother. She had a stroke 2 years before and there was no one else. She is in a wheelchair, paralysed and unable to take care of herself. A new neighbor moves in and his life goes into a tailspin. You won't see this one coming! An outstanding read! Highly recommended for all.
As always when you start a book by Jeremy Bates, you know you're gonna get a real scare. A man lives in an apartment where he takes care of his mother. She had a stroke 2 years before and there was no one else. She is in a wheelchair, paralysed and unable to take care of herself. A new neighbor moves in and his life goes into a tailspin. You won't see this one coming! An outstanding read! Highly recommended for all.
November 13, 2018
This was an awesome well-written read. The story grabs you right from the start! Right when you think you know whats going to happen "BAM" you are hit with an unexpected twist you didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this one. I look forward to reading more from this author. He has a way of sucking you and leaving you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what will happen next {with his words!}
December 30, 2018
Not a good choice for me !
This book was a first , for me by this Author. Although the book, was able too hold my attention. It was not as interesting, as I anticipated. However I will be reading another book from the Author, before I decide rather or not, he will be one I will follow. I rate this book 3 stars.
This book was a first , for me by this Author. Although the book, was able too hold my attention. It was not as interesting, as I anticipated. However I will be reading another book from the Author, before I decide rather or not, he will be one I will follow. I rate this book 3 stars.
November 10, 2016
This novella has such a twist that you won't believe it. What a brilliant writer! I've yet to be disappointed by anything he's written. Do not miss this story, for it's his best. Won't take you long to read it, either!
August 15, 2017
Short and To the point
A short story, to be sure, but full of intrigue. A young man who cares for his mother but seems socially awkward meets his new neighbor, a young woman fleeing from her past. You'll have to read the story to find out which one is the psycho.
A short story, to be sure, but full of intrigue. A young man who cares for his mother but seems socially awkward meets his new neighbor, a young woman fleeing from her past. You'll have to read the story to find out which one is the psycho.
January 19, 2018
Every time I pick up a Jeremy Bates book I know I'm in for a wild ride on the edge of my seat. This short was no different. Excellent characters with great motive and creepy pasts. The ending was great. The writing superb. Lots of thrill, suspense and creepy scenes.
July 22, 2020
AMAZING!!!
Awesome story development with an amazing twist! This is my first time reading a book by this author and I am officially hooked! Que up the fangirl hashtags! #JeremyBates #NewFan #TooManyExclamationPoints #Excited
Awesome story development with an amazing twist! This is my first time reading a book by this author and I am officially hooked! Que up the fangirl hashtags! #JeremyBates #NewFan #TooManyExclamationPoints #Excited
August 9, 2022
Great story
I really liked this book and I read it in about 2 to 3 hours. It was well written and very interesting. The main character is what made this a good book. I recommend reading this.
I really liked this book and I read it in about 2 to 3 hours. It was well written and very interesting. The main character is what made this a good book. I recommend reading this.
July 21, 2025
buddy, who works at a bank, wants to be a writer. he gets a new neighbor who he googled and found out she murdered her boyfriend. thinking he has a new idea for his book he goes and visits her then bam the twist happens. didn't see that twist coming but felt used and not original.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
Very nice easy read, good story good ending, read it very quickly.
July 15, 2017
A quick paced thriller that one can easily read in a short time. Creepy.
July 16, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author. It is a really short read with just enough of a creepy factor to keep it interesting. I have enjoyed multiple books by this author.
July 17, 2017
Loved this.
Plot so realistic, could have happened. Especially like what he said to his boss, before being fired! That is telling them!!
Plot so realistic, could have happened. Especially like what he said to his boss, before being fired! That is telling them!!
September 4, 2017
Short and unpredictable - great book to read when you have a Kindle in your purse and time to kill. Plot twisted in ways I didn't expect.
December 11, 2017
It was a page turner ! Kept me up reading well into the night it had a Psycho movie vibe to it spooky
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews