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The Widow Next Door
A beautiful house. A new beginning. The almost perfect neighbours…
When newlyweds Jane and Alex Clarke move into an idyllic house on the quaint Bristol Lane, they are excited for a new beginning in what will be their ‘forever home’.
And when an elderly neighbour brings them a pie to welcome them, she soon becomes a friend. But she grows a little too interested in the couple next door as she sits watching them, day in, day out, from the rocking chair in her window.
Alex says it will be fine. After all, she’s a lonely widow who just wants some company. But when she invites Jane into her home, who knows what she’ll find there…
A dark and gripping domestic thriller, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Paula Hawkins.
** Praise for The Widow Next Door **
‘This was a showstopper. I couldn’t put it down, and never wanted it to end. Will be looking for L.A. Detwiler’s next book!’ NetGalley reviewer
‘This creepy thriller had me twisted up in knots of suspense … Fans of B A Paris will love this one!’ NetGalley reviewer
‘It has me hooked from cover to cover. Such an incredible read!’ NetGalley reviewer
‘This book was twisted and brilliant. It gave me chills down my spine.’ NetGalley reviewer
‘A great book to read on the sofa with a cup of tea while it storms outside. I really love domestic psychological thrillers and this book did not let me down!’ NetGalley reviewer
‘Creepy. Thrilling. Suspenseful. I could not put this down!’ NetGalley reviewer
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2018
1584 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Detwiler
29 books303 followersL.A. Detwiler is the USA TODAY Bestselling thriller author of The Widow Next Door with HarperCollins UK and several other chilling page-turners. Her novel The Diary of a Serial Killer's Daughter was awarded the bronze medal for thrillers by Readers' Favorite and also translated into Polish. Her novels are noted for their dark, emotional depth and realistic portrayals of haunting topics.
During her final year at Mount Aloysius College, she started writing her first fiction novel, Voice of Innocence, which was published in 2015. She has numerous sweet romances published under Lindsay Detwiler. She has also written articles that have appeared in several women’s publications and websites.
L.A. Detwiler is a high school business teacher and writer in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She taught high school English for ten years and also was an adjunct professor. She lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad. They have six cats and a Great Dane named Edmund (He appears in all of her current works; her late mastiff, Henry, is in the earlier novels). When she isn't training Edmund or writing, she is usually rewatching Outlander, drinking coffee, or buying makeup.
Connect with L.A. Detwiler on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @ladetwiler
During her final year at Mount Aloysius College, she started writing her first fiction novel, Voice of Innocence, which was published in 2015. She has numerous sweet romances published under Lindsay Detwiler. She has also written articles that have appeared in several women’s publications and websites.
L.A. Detwiler is a high school business teacher and writer in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She taught high school English for ten years and also was an adjunct professor. She lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad. They have six cats and a Great Dane named Edmund (He appears in all of her current works; her late mastiff, Henry, is in the earlier novels). When she isn't training Edmund or writing, she is usually rewatching Outlander, drinking coffee, or buying makeup.
Connect with L.A. Detwiler on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @ladetwiler
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 272 reviews
October 25, 2018
I received a free e-copy of The Widow Next Door from L.A. Detwiler from NetGalley for my honest review.
A nice creepy story just in time for Halloween. A street with two houses. An elderly Widow in one and a young couple in the other. The Widow is old and lonely and has nothing to do other than watch her young neighbors. What does she see and is she really seeing it or is she imagining them.
This book is told from the Widow and everything she sees through the window. An enjoyable and fun read. I didn't feel like this was a psychological thriller as much as just a creepy book. Glad I had the opportunity to read it.
A nice creepy story just in time for Halloween. A street with two houses. An elderly Widow in one and a young couple in the other. The Widow is old and lonely and has nothing to do other than watch her young neighbors. What does she see and is she really seeing it or is she imagining them.
This book is told from the Widow and everything she sees through the window. An enjoyable and fun read. I didn't feel like this was a psychological thriller as much as just a creepy book. Glad I had the opportunity to read it.
November 8, 2018
Newlyweds Jane and Alex Clarke move into an idyllic house on the quaint Bristol Lane, they're excited for the new beginning in their new "forever home". They have an elderly neighbour who soon becomes a friend. The widow sits at her window in her rocking chair, watching the young couple. She hopes the young couple will have the perfect life together. But she soon learns the young couples life is not as good as she hoped for. In fact, she rages at the arguments she witnesses from her window.
The book is told from the widows perspective. I found this book to be a bit strange and creepy. There is a few surprises and some twists but there is not a lot going on in this story. I did guess who the killer was. It's also a bit of a slow burner, I do prefer a faster paced read. I liked the widows description of getting older and living on her own. How she also lives her life through other people's experiences. The characters were a bit underdeveloped and I could not grasp a connection to them. The story goes back and forth in time but it's not made clear who the character is, you just have to presume that it's the widow.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books Uk, and the author L. A. Detwiler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is told from the widows perspective. I found this book to be a bit strange and creepy. There is a few surprises and some twists but there is not a lot going on in this story. I did guess who the killer was. It's also a bit of a slow burner, I do prefer a faster paced read. I liked the widows description of getting older and living on her own. How she also lives her life through other people's experiences. The characters were a bit underdeveloped and I could not grasp a connection to them. The story goes back and forth in time but it's not made clear who the character is, you just have to presume that it's the widow.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books Uk, and the author L. A. Detwiler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2018
The synopsis for The Widow Next Door reads the same as a gazillion other thrillers out there, however, I still decided to take the plunge as I knew it could amount to a decent, non-taxing reading experience. Unfortunately, I wish I had stayed away. Although this is not L.A. Detwiler's first novel to be published, as she has written quite a few romance novels, it is her debut thriller, and I really wish I had enjoyed it more, but it was just far too predictable and tedious for me I'm afraid. I honestly am finding it difficult to describe just how slow this book was. Definitely one of the slowest I've ever read, and I read hundreds of books per year.
The problems started to pile up pretty early on until there ended up being more issues than a magazine! I guessed the "big surprise revelation" and the core twist within the first 15% of the novel and going deeper into it didn't bring any redemption, it just continued to gradually worsen. Don't get me wrong, the writing and core concept are sound, but it fails in bringing anything new to the table. I found it incredibly boring, nothing was happening, it was slow moving and simply lacked the thrills necessary for it to be labelled as a thriller. There is plenty of emotion throughout, but much of the book was extremely depressing. Lacking coherency, with an anti-climatic and confusing ending that appears to have been fumbled together with little thought, or at least that's how it felt, this falls drastically short of the mark. It also could've benefited from more complex character development as they were rather one-dimensional.
Many thanks to Avon for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The problems started to pile up pretty early on until there ended up being more issues than a magazine! I guessed the "big surprise revelation" and the core twist within the first 15% of the novel and going deeper into it didn't bring any redemption, it just continued to gradually worsen. Don't get me wrong, the writing and core concept are sound, but it fails in bringing anything new to the table. I found it incredibly boring, nothing was happening, it was slow moving and simply lacked the thrills necessary for it to be labelled as a thriller. There is plenty of emotion throughout, but much of the book was extremely depressing. Lacking coherency, with an anti-climatic and confusing ending that appears to have been fumbled together with little thought, or at least that's how it felt, this falls drastically short of the mark. It also could've benefited from more complex character development as they were rather one-dimensional.
Many thanks to Avon for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 19, 2018
This book, via reviews, has divided opinion and I can see why...
The story is about a young couple who move opposite a ‘sweet old dear’ who innocently sits in her rocking chair watching their lives...
However, this is a book!, so the ‘sweet old dear’ is not as she seems and has 2 significant ‘nasty’ events in her past....she then uses these events to kinda confuse what she sees opposite and put her own interpretation on said events.....with surprising consequences
All good so far, the basis of a solid book...
The ‘widow’ ( I don’t think we ever find out her name ) narrates and boy does she go on at times, about ailments, being old, being lonely, her husband and her past and although the writing is good it gets repetitive...there are only so many times you want to read about her arthritis and her poor breathing!
The couple opposite Jane and Alex are only described via her so you never truly get to know who they are or what they are about or wether they are as she sees them ( if makes sense )
I liked when she did leave the house as she went to ‘Marks Mini Mart’ 😃
Sometimes though you read a whole chapter, or 2, and nothing much happened except her making a cup of tea and staring out the window
The 2 ‘back story’ events I mentioned are interesting and bought some relief to the narrative
The ending was surprising and unexpected and not quite believable
As said this book seems to have polarised reviewers and I find myself in the middle, it had good elements to it but also not so good ones!
5/10 2.5 stars ( rounded up to 3 on Amazon etc )
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October 11, 2018DNF. 1 star for beautiful prose about enjoying what we have before we get old.
But as far as a story. I put it down at 45% out of boredom. I felt like I was spending time reading a day in the life of an elderly lonely woman. Page after page.
I wish the author best of luck with this though.
But as far as a story. I put it down at 45% out of boredom. I felt like I was spending time reading a day in the life of an elderly lonely woman. Page after page.
I wish the author best of luck with this though.
October 15, 2018
This book bathed me in a sea of depression, anxiety and regret. This book is told from the widow's perspective, and her endless descriptions about getting older and being alone with no children really sent me into a downward mental spiral. Maybe it's because I have chosen not to have children and I will certainly die alone. Regardless, my experience with this book was not positive.
This book is "The Woman in the Window" meets "Rear Window". It's meant to be a thriller, as the audience lives vicariously through the widow who lives vicariously through her neighbors. I thought it would be a perfect fall read.
The plot: The widow gets a new set of shiny, newlywed neighbors, and she projects onto them all of the hopes and dreams of her younger years. She wants them to live the ideal life together; she needs them to be perfect. All she has in her life at this point are these neighbors and her cat. As she befriends the Mrs., Jane, the widow learns that Jane's life isn't as picturesque as she'd hoped. The widow is personally offended by Jane's handling of the situation. She rages internally with each argument she witnesses from her lonely window.
What worked: the widow's descriptions of getting older, living alone, and living through others' experiences are written nicely and make it easy for the reader to latch onto. Too easy, clearly, as she sent me spiraling into melancholy. The flashbacks are done well. There are enough flashbacks to understand where the widow is going with this story, and not too many to be overwhelming or unnecessary.
What didn't work: I've read this book before. Countless times. This isn't a new story, and I wasn't compelled find out the end (although I did complete the book). Also, it would have been a nice change to give the widow some more interaction with others. I know that seemingly contradicts the point of the story, but the widow's interactions at the grocery store and the doctor's office worked perfectly to underscore the end result of this story. I think a little more could have been introduced here to keep it more interesting.
Ultimately, this book is a thriller, but I found nothing thrilling about it. I was depressed as I trudged through the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this advanced copy.
This book is "The Woman in the Window" meets "Rear Window". It's meant to be a thriller, as the audience lives vicariously through the widow who lives vicariously through her neighbors. I thought it would be a perfect fall read.
The plot: The widow gets a new set of shiny, newlywed neighbors, and she projects onto them all of the hopes and dreams of her younger years. She wants them to live the ideal life together; she needs them to be perfect. All she has in her life at this point are these neighbors and her cat. As she befriends the Mrs., Jane, the widow learns that Jane's life isn't as picturesque as she'd hoped. The widow is personally offended by Jane's handling of the situation. She rages internally with each argument she witnesses from her lonely window.
What worked: the widow's descriptions of getting older, living alone, and living through others' experiences are written nicely and make it easy for the reader to latch onto. Too easy, clearly, as she sent me spiraling into melancholy. The flashbacks are done well. There are enough flashbacks to understand where the widow is going with this story, and not too many to be overwhelming or unnecessary.
What didn't work: I've read this book before. Countless times. This isn't a new story, and I wasn't compelled find out the end (although I did complete the book). Also, it would have been a nice change to give the widow some more interaction with others. I know that seemingly contradicts the point of the story, but the widow's interactions at the grocery store and the doctor's office worked perfectly to underscore the end result of this story. I think a little more could have been introduced here to keep it more interesting.
Ultimately, this book is a thriller, but I found nothing thrilling about it. I was depressed as I trudged through the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this advanced copy.
October 21, 2018
*** I received an advanced e-copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
This book was nothing like the blurb said that it would be. It had potential, sort of a "rear window" scenario where a little old woman sits in her chair and watches her new next door neighbors all day. The problem was, it just seemed to drag on and on, telling about how lonely her life is there alone, and she kept seeing all these horrible things the woman was doing to her husband but she wasn't doing anything about it. Then there was the issue of the other chapters, which seemed to be a flashback, only it never told (unless I missed something) who the flashback was about..... realistically it could have been either the old woman or the next door neighbor. It never tied into the story in any way. So, in all honesty, I cannot recommend this book.
This book was nothing like the blurb said that it would be. It had potential, sort of a "rear window" scenario where a little old woman sits in her chair and watches her new next door neighbors all day. The problem was, it just seemed to drag on and on, telling about how lonely her life is there alone, and she kept seeing all these horrible things the woman was doing to her husband but she wasn't doing anything about it. Then there was the issue of the other chapters, which seemed to be a flashback, only it never told (unless I missed something) who the flashback was about..... realistically it could have been either the old woman or the next door neighbor. It never tied into the story in any way. So, in all honesty, I cannot recommend this book.
January 4, 2019
The Widow Next Door is a gripping, dark and at times disturbing tale.
When Jane and Alex move into 312 Bristol Lane, they have high hopes for a happy life and a new baby, but very soon things change.
Jane befriends the widow next door and as she is their only neighbour, it helps relieve some of her boredom having someone to chat to.
This story is told from the widows viewpoint, with her memories of her childhood and her own marriage, we get to see life on Bristol Lane from a very different perspective.
Of course there is a notion of a secret very early on. It had me intrigued and I was quickly absorbed by this book. Is the widow all that she seems?? .... The widow is watching..and seems to be waiting!!
I loved the tale. It is a pacy read and is superbly written. I am going to recommend it to my reading group as I think it gives a lot to discuss,
It is an entertaining read and I am looking forward to reading the authors next novel.
When Jane and Alex move into 312 Bristol Lane, they have high hopes for a happy life and a new baby, but very soon things change.
Jane befriends the widow next door and as she is their only neighbour, it helps relieve some of her boredom having someone to chat to.
This story is told from the widows viewpoint, with her memories of her childhood and her own marriage, we get to see life on Bristol Lane from a very different perspective.
Of course there is a notion of a secret very early on. It had me intrigued and I was quickly absorbed by this book. Is the widow all that she seems?? .... The widow is watching..and seems to be waiting!!
I loved the tale. It is a pacy read and is superbly written. I am going to recommend it to my reading group as I think it gives a lot to discuss,
It is an entertaining read and I am looking forward to reading the authors next novel.
October 20, 2018
I started off really enjoying The Widow Next Door. A quiet lane with just two houses, in one lives an elderly widow, and in the other a young couple move in. The old lady likes to watch her neighbours from her window and we see the book unfold from behind the glass.
Around a third of the way into the book, I felt it was going to be a slow burner, despite the neighbours interacting. The book goes back and forwards in time (I assume) as we learn about a character from the past but it's not clear who that character is.
I had a few questions about the characters that I was hoping would be answered, but honestly I have been left even more confused. I am not sure what was real, what were memories and what was made up even after finishing the book.
Around a third of the way into the book, I felt it was going to be a slow burner, despite the neighbours interacting. The book goes back and forwards in time (I assume) as we learn about a character from the past but it's not clear who that character is.
I had a few questions about the characters that I was hoping would be answered, but honestly I have been left even more confused. I am not sure what was real, what were memories and what was made up even after finishing the book.
October 11, 2018
Don’t be misled by the description of this book as I found it to be nothing like the blurb suggests.
Yes a new couple move in next door and yes someone makes a pie and thats about as similar to the description as it gets.
I’m confused as to what country this is set in.. initially I presumed it to be USA due to references to “yards”, “station wagon” etc but then a character dials 999 for the police?
For me this was a long winded drawn out story which could have been a belter of a thriller but turned out to be an endless ramble of an old woman who makes endless cups of tea and falls asleep rather a lot.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for ARC of the book and sorry that I hated it.
Yes a new couple move in next door and yes someone makes a pie and thats about as similar to the description as it gets.
I’m confused as to what country this is set in.. initially I presumed it to be USA due to references to “yards”, “station wagon” etc but then a character dials 999 for the police?
For me this was a long winded drawn out story which could have been a belter of a thriller but turned out to be an endless ramble of an old woman who makes endless cups of tea and falls asleep rather a lot.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for ARC of the book and sorry that I hated it.
October 12, 2018
I’m sorry and I really hate to do this but I’m still so confused about everything in this book, I was ready to give up when nothing had still happened by 35% and thought after reading the other reviews, there has to be something I was missing….so I trudged on, unfortunately I just couldn’t get into it, I did however finish it out for the sake of completeness but am thinking now, seriously, what exactly was this book about? Doesn’t fit the description of a psychological thriller and I should know, I’ve read loads, to me this was a big let down!
Many thanks to Netgalley & Avon Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion
Many thanks to Netgalley & Avon Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion
May 12, 2019
I absolutely loved this book.
The story was gripping from the start with the main character living next to a young couple who have just moved into the neighbourhood.
The story is very tense from the start, beautifully written and told from the elderly ladies point of view.
There are some real shocks and surprises which kept me glued to the pages.
If you are looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing until the end, you’ve found it.
Very easy 5 stars.
Loved it.
The story was gripping from the start with the main character living next to a young couple who have just moved into the neighbourhood.
The story is very tense from the start, beautifully written and told from the elderly ladies point of view.
There are some real shocks and surprises which kept me glued to the pages.
If you are looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing until the end, you’ve found it.
Very easy 5 stars.
Loved it.
November 17, 2018
I got this as a e book from net galley. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.
August 17, 2019
I was really looking forward to reading this book. The characters were just not developed enough. I honestly didn't care what happened to any of them, with the exception of Amos, the cat, who i found to be the most well rounded character. Unfortunately, there was a lot of repetition of the widow's ailments, loneliness, etc. The book is written entirely from her point of view so it is difficult to get a true feel for any of the other characters. The ending was totally confusing. Such a pity, as the premise of the plot was good but just didn't materialise.
March 6, 2019
Think this would have been better if we didn't get pages and pages about the widow making her tea...other than that it was a good creepy book.
June 30, 2021
*thank you to Netgalley, L.A. Detwiler and Avon Books UK/One More Chapter for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
2 stars.
This story reminds me of what being in the mind of Norman Bates would be like.
It's extremely slow building and I hadn't expected that. Yet, I still managed to read it all so that's why it's 2 stars which means 'just ok.'
I will definitely be filling this under psychology as it's definitely all about how a person's mind can become after certain events.
I wasn't sure where this story was going and I feel I'm still processing it. It was just a bit too dull at times for me but if you are really interested in the human brain and environmental factors that contribute, then this will probably be a really informative and interesting book. Otherwise, if you expect a fast paced or even moderate pace thriller, this isn't where to find it.
2 stars.
This story reminds me of what being in the mind of Norman Bates would be like.
It's extremely slow building and I hadn't expected that. Yet, I still managed to read it all so that's why it's 2 stars which means 'just ok.'
I will definitely be filling this under psychology as it's definitely all about how a person's mind can become after certain events.
I wasn't sure where this story was going and I feel I'm still processing it. It was just a bit too dull at times for me but if you are really interested in the human brain and environmental factors that contribute, then this will probably be a really informative and interesting book. Otherwise, if you expect a fast paced or even moderate pace thriller, this isn't where to find it.
April 15, 2019
Another page turner and sleepless night and nothing accomplished in the day book. But it was worth it. I didn't mind that the widow actually lived across the street, or did she? I was also having a hard time picking someone to root for, but I loved that I had no idea what was going on until all was revealed. Or was it? Well done L.A. Detwiler!
May 9, 2019
3.5 Stars. Oh my goodness, if it wasn’t for the homicidal tendencies, the main character could have been my grandmother! I was actually going to put it down & move on to another book but I’m glad I stuck with it.... you never really know what goes on behind close doors.
March 18, 2019
This is a mystery but the real mystery is why I decided to buy it and why I read it. I kept waiting for the twist I had speculated a lot of them and when it came I was like 'yawn' is that it??
This is the story of a old woman who lives alone with her cat Amos in one of two houses in a cul de sac. Her day mostly consists of sitting in her rocking chair looking out the window and petting her cat. The only other house on her road has been empty for a while when a new couple moves in. The new couple appear to be perfect but the entire story is narrated by the old woman so are they real? Are her perspectives correct or is she insane?
Throughout the book we are teased and hinted to the fact that she might not be merely a sweet little old lady; but that she might be an insane sociopath... or not. Because am I supposed to believe that someone sits in a rocking chair all day with a cat on her lap watching her neighbors house. And that seems absurd.
I also can't figure out when the story is supposed to be set the neighbor woman is a childless housewife and watches soap operas and doesn't have a car. This is one of the aspects that made me think that the neighbors were a delusion or a projection. So that when the 'twist' happened I was like really?
I have decided I am really annoyed at the books description and so to highlight how wrong it is here are two examples of other books I thought up:
Jaws - Ellen Brody has lived her entire life on Amity Island. She's a stay at home mom to two boys and wife of the island's chief of police. This summer she's going to have to deal with a new neighbor who seems unfriendly.
or
Pride & Prejudice - Mrs. Hill is the long suffering housekeeper of Longbourn. Keeping house while caring for 5 young ladies and their hysterical mother has her questioning her career choices.
This is the story of a old woman who lives alone with her cat Amos in one of two houses in a cul de sac. Her day mostly consists of sitting in her rocking chair looking out the window and petting her cat. The only other house on her road has been empty for a while when a new couple moves in. The new couple appear to be perfect but the entire story is narrated by the old woman so are they real? Are her perspectives correct or is she insane?
Throughout the book we are teased and hinted to the fact that she might not be merely a sweet little old lady; but that she might be an insane sociopath... or not. Because am I supposed to believe that someone sits in a rocking chair all day with a cat on her lap watching her neighbors house. And that seems absurd.
I also can't figure out when the story is supposed to be set the neighbor woman is a childless housewife and watches soap operas and doesn't have a car. This is one of the aspects that made me think that the neighbors were a delusion or a projection. So that when the 'twist' happened I was like really?
I have decided I am really annoyed at the books description and so to highlight how wrong it is here are two examples of other books I thought up:
Jaws - Ellen Brody has lived her entire life on Amity Island. She's a stay at home mom to two boys and wife of the island's chief of police. This summer she's going to have to deal with a new neighbor who seems unfriendly.
or
Pride & Prejudice - Mrs. Hill is the long suffering housekeeper of Longbourn. Keeping house while caring for 5 young ladies and their hysterical mother has her questioning her career choices.
April 27, 2019
A newlywed couple moves into a beautiful home on Bristol Lane. The elderly widow across the street watches their every move, day in and day out. Do you really know your neighbors?
This is the kind of book I want to abandon, and I wish I would have because as I was reading, I just couldn't help wishing it was over. Just get this over.
First, the author's writing style was sophomoric. Detwiler would repeat the "widow's" thoughts over and over. She would say, "It wouldn't do to go to that other door," and "It doesn't do to fall." It got boring quickly. Most of the story was just the widow's thoughts. What dialogue there was seemed incongruent to the character. What old lady says, "You're losing it," or calls someone, "bimbo?" How many little old grannies say, "No. Just no," or "Sure thing, doctor." Have you heard an old woman say, "It's all on me."? What about, "...she's royally messed it up..."? None? Me, either.
Not only that, but since we were supposed to be in her head, there were questions one after another. Were the questions I asked above annoying? I know! They were! On one page, I counted seven in a row, and multiple questions on each page. Additionally, Detwiler wrote contradictions such as having the woman say she hadn't been downstairs in days, then the woman would be talking about having been in her kitchen downstairs... things like that.
What frail old woman do you know who could survive falling downstairs much less be able to fight off a woman sixty years her junior? Unbelievable.
Still more, the story was completely predictable. Completely. Unrealistic and predictable with careless diction makes for a book I could not recommend to anyone. Thank goodness it was free, because this book was a loser.
On Google, this book is described as "incredible," "a showstopper," "twisted," and "brilliant." How terribly misleading.
This is the kind of book I want to abandon, and I wish I would have because as I was reading, I just couldn't help wishing it was over. Just get this over.
First, the author's writing style was sophomoric. Detwiler would repeat the "widow's" thoughts over and over. She would say, "It wouldn't do to go to that other door," and "It doesn't do to fall." It got boring quickly. Most of the story was just the widow's thoughts. What dialogue there was seemed incongruent to the character. What old lady says, "You're losing it," or calls someone, "bimbo?" How many little old grannies say, "No. Just no," or "Sure thing, doctor." Have you heard an old woman say, "It's all on me."? What about, "...she's royally messed it up..."? None? Me, either.
Not only that, but since we were supposed to be in her head, there were questions one after another. Were the questions I asked above annoying? I know! They were! On one page, I counted seven in a row, and multiple questions on each page. Additionally, Detwiler wrote contradictions such as having the woman say she hadn't been downstairs in days, then the woman would be talking about having been in her kitchen downstairs... things like that.
What frail old woman do you know who could survive falling downstairs much less be able to fight off a woman sixty years her junior? Unbelievable.
Still more, the story was completely predictable. Completely. Unrealistic and predictable with careless diction makes for a book I could not recommend to anyone. Thank goodness it was free, because this book was a loser.
On Google, this book is described as "incredible," "a showstopper," "twisted," and "brilliant." How terribly misleading.
November 4, 2018
Summary:
A lonely, eccentric widow with a past watches closely over her neighbours on Bristol Lane. Everything starts out fairly amicably, but as the widow learns more about her neighbours, the Clarkes, she gets a little too close and terror ensues. The reader is taken down a twisty psychological rabbit hole as the widow reveals more and more of her dark past.
Review:
I loved the premise of this book. It is narrated by the widow next door, and right away I had the feeling this narrator may be unreliable (one of my favourite elements in any thriller). The effect of the novel taking place in the mind of the widow is not unlike The Woman in the Window, where the reader just can’t be sure what is real and what is imagined. The Widow Next Door is also definitely suspenseful – I was always sure something grisly was about to happen on the next page!
Overall, however, this novel did not leave me feeling satisfied. The characters were not developed enough to be likeable or unlikeable, so I didn’t feel strongly about what happened to them. As well, in a thriller an important feature for me is the development of setting – even if it is only a spooky mood that is alluded to. The Widow Next Door takes place almost entirely looking out the window of an old lady’s house, so the setting did not have the depth I would have liked. Finally, I found the conclusion to be both confusing and anti-climactic.
A good reading experience but not a fully satisfying read. 2/5
Thank you so much Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the free ARC copy of The Widow Next Door by L.A. Detwiler!
Read this review and more on my blog The Novel Diaries --> https://wp.me/pahno8-2f
A lonely, eccentric widow with a past watches closely over her neighbours on Bristol Lane. Everything starts out fairly amicably, but as the widow learns more about her neighbours, the Clarkes, she gets a little too close and terror ensues. The reader is taken down a twisty psychological rabbit hole as the widow reveals more and more of her dark past.
Review:
I loved the premise of this book. It is narrated by the widow next door, and right away I had the feeling this narrator may be unreliable (one of my favourite elements in any thriller). The effect of the novel taking place in the mind of the widow is not unlike The Woman in the Window, where the reader just can’t be sure what is real and what is imagined. The Widow Next Door is also definitely suspenseful – I was always sure something grisly was about to happen on the next page!
Overall, however, this novel did not leave me feeling satisfied. The characters were not developed enough to be likeable or unlikeable, so I didn’t feel strongly about what happened to them. As well, in a thriller an important feature for me is the development of setting – even if it is only a spooky mood that is alluded to. The Widow Next Door takes place almost entirely looking out the window of an old lady’s house, so the setting did not have the depth I would have liked. Finally, I found the conclusion to be both confusing and anti-climactic.
A good reading experience but not a fully satisfying read. 2/5
Thank you so much Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the free ARC copy of The Widow Next Door by L.A. Detwiler!
Read this review and more on my blog The Novel Diaries --> https://wp.me/pahno8-2f
November 7, 2018
So going into this book I was super excited to read it. As soon as I seen it on Netgalley I immediately requested an ARC.
The first bit of it I was quite intrigued but it became very redundant reading about the little old widow sittting in her rocking chair with her cat watching the new couple next door. The premise I felt would lead to such a compelling and enthralling read but it fell really really short of any of my expectations. There was just no really big moment(s) or twists to really hype it up. The flashbacks whom I assume are of the widow at a younger age added to the story but there should have been more and the location was very confusing. I still don't know where it took place. Some details alluded to it being in the US while other things made it seem as if it were located in England/Europe.
At around the half way point I seriously thought I would just not finish it but I needed to know what was behind that door.
**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**
The first bit of it I was quite intrigued but it became very redundant reading about the little old widow sittting in her rocking chair with her cat watching the new couple next door. The premise I felt would lead to such a compelling and enthralling read but it fell really really short of any of my expectations. There was just no really big moment(s) or twists to really hype it up. The flashbacks whom I assume are of the widow at a younger age added to the story but there should have been more and the location was very confusing. I still don't know where it took place. Some details alluded to it being in the US while other things made it seem as if it were located in England/Europe.
At around the half way point I seriously thought I would just not finish it but I needed to know what was behind that door.
**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**
December 22, 2018
That's it!! I have read it all!! This book takes the cake of being the weirdest of them all!!
The entire story unfolded via the eyes if the neighbor, the elderly widow, She watched the new couple move in and then watches them some more, throughout the day.
There are few scenes in the book which provided a bit of twist and change to the pace with a surprise end to the story.
The slow pace, confusing beginning, and not enough intrigue kept niggling me.
An okay read for me!! On to next!!
The entire story unfolded via the eyes if the neighbor, the elderly widow, She watched the new couple move in and then watches them some more, throughout the day.
There are few scenes in the book which provided a bit of twist and change to the pace with a surprise end to the story.
The slow pace, confusing beginning, and not enough intrigue kept niggling me.
An okay read for me!! On to next!!
December 17, 2018
We start by meeting an elderly woman as she sits and watches the couple next door. I loved hearing her, as I knew (expected) from the blurb things were going to head in the direction of the neighbours she sits and watches all day long. Her pov made you see why she was watching and I soon fell into her little routines and my heart sank at the memories she held that made you think of how important it is to appreciate people and not get so caught up in everyday mundanity which will still be there when you have nobody to share the little things with anymore. In this way I found it justifiable that she watched, hoping the neighbours’ happiness would continue, but then, just as I was settling into a ‘Woman in the Window’ type read where it’s more about her, we get thrown a curveball and you get a flashback that makes you go ‘ooh!’ (Yes, I do make these noises when I read!)
I could not walk away from this book which was difficult as I started reading in the morning and then had to go about my day and I was itching to get back to it! When I did I was again interrupted and it drove me nuts! I binge read the end, watching the couple next door, Jane and Alex, the neighbours who most definitely weren’t what they seemed but then-oh oh-another curveball? Who to believe? And what the frig was going on next door? I won’t give too much away but I did really love this book, all the way down to it’s kind of nutty ending (I had to re-read one or two bits to get my bearings and a grip on it!) I’ll admit two things, I was waiting for an additional pov to those we got (I think actually it would have made it even better) and secondly, I have to admit I don’t like the blurb, I’d have preferred one of those extremely odd vague ones that you curse as they give you nothing. It’s mainly because of what the book the blurb implies/offers to you, which I think is very different to what you get. Not in a bad way, but still. There! Cryptic enough for you?!;) Anyhoo, very much recommended!
Thanks so much to Avon and Netgalley for this book in return for an honest review.
I could not walk away from this book which was difficult as I started reading in the morning and then had to go about my day and I was itching to get back to it! When I did I was again interrupted and it drove me nuts! I binge read the end, watching the couple next door, Jane and Alex, the neighbours who most definitely weren’t what they seemed but then-oh oh-another curveball? Who to believe? And what the frig was going on next door? I won’t give too much away but I did really love this book, all the way down to it’s kind of nutty ending (I had to re-read one or two bits to get my bearings and a grip on it!) I’ll admit two things, I was waiting for an additional pov to those we got (I think actually it would have made it even better) and secondly, I have to admit I don’t like the blurb, I’d have preferred one of those extremely odd vague ones that you curse as they give you nothing. It’s mainly because of what the book the blurb implies/offers to you, which I think is very different to what you get. Not in a bad way, but still. There! Cryptic enough for you?!;) Anyhoo, very much recommended!
Thanks so much to Avon and Netgalley for this book in return for an honest review.
January 17, 2021
I thought his was going to be a little more thrilling with a manipulative and unstable next door neighbour. But mostly it read like the perspective of a lonely old lady as opposed to a ‘The Woman at the Window’ vibe which is what I was looking for.
April 17, 2019
MIND BLOWN!
This book wasn't what I expected but was still so good. This book has twists and turns I didn't see coming. The ending had my mouth dropped open OMG! Definitely did not see the ending coming at all! Played with my mind a bit too LOL! I thought I was going crazy at what I was reading! You really wanna read this book!
This book wasn't what I expected but was still so good. This book has twists and turns I didn't see coming. The ending had my mouth dropped open OMG! Definitely did not see the ending coming at all! Played with my mind a bit too LOL! I thought I was going crazy at what I was reading! You really wanna read this book!
December 17, 2018
This was a pretty interestingly creepy read. All the components that contribute to a story turning weird are here. The story takes place on a cul-de-sac with only two houses on it. One is newly occupied by a young couple who appear to be very much in love and happy with their new home. The other house, with an excellent view into the young couple's house is occupied by an elderly woman who lives alone and begins to pay very close attention to her new neighbors. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but this is an excellent and surprising thriller that will stay with you after you've finished reading it. Strongly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a review copy. This is my honest opinion.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a review copy. This is my honest opinion.
October 29, 2018
Who would ever suspect the sweet, little old lady living next door to harbor such a dark secret? This book certainly gave me the creeps. I’m not really sure why this book has such low ratings. For me, it hit all the right spots when it comes to a dark, twisty psychological thriller. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 18, 2018
The Widow Next Door had me so intruged that I found the book impossible to put down, in the story we have a lonely old lady, who just sits in her rocking chair looking out of her window across the road at the couple who have moved in, the book kept me in suspense, I really enjoyed it!
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