The Good Neighbors

by Kiersten Modglin

A spine-chilling psychological thriller with over 2,500 five-star ratings: When Bryant and Harper Page meet their new neighbors, uneasy curiosity turns into something far more dangerous. As secrets surface and fear spreads through their home, the couple must confront a truth they never expected — something on their quiet street is profoundly wrong…

Good neighbors invite you over for dinner, bring you baked goods to welcome you to the neighborhood, and wave hello at the mailbox.

Good neighbors do not destroy your life.

When Bryant and Harper Page move to Lancaster Mills, their first encounter with their new neighbors—Jason and Tori Fuller: beautiful, strange, and terrifying—is anything but a warm welcome. Despite their hesitations, the Pages are intrigued by the people they now share a street with. As their curiosity gets the best of them, they discover that there’s much more to the Fullers than meets the eye. Their new neighbors have secrets, that much is obvious, but just how dangerous could they be?

With two haunting shadows lingering over their house and lives, the Pages’ relationship is tested in every way. What exactly makes a good neighbor? And what makes a good neighbor bad?

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Psychological Thriller

244 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2019

About the author

KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.

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Reviews

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was thrilled to win a copy of this book (and several others) in the Scary Good Sweepstakes entered on Lauren Lee’s Facebook page, along with a $50 Amazon gift card! Woohoo 🎉 🥳. Thank you Kiersten Modglin and Lauren Lee!! 💜 Luckily this was the only book I’ve read. Fantastic book!*

I recently finished another book about neighbors, so I was expecting something along the same lines. This book was nothing like I expected. I didn’t rate it as high as some did, because it had a little too much romance for my taste. But is was a fast-paced read that kept my attention. I’m rounding up my 3.5 ⭐️ rating, because of the impressive twists at the end!

Harper and Bryant make a move from their small apartment in Chicago to a beautiful, large country home in Lancaster Mills, North Carolina. Who wouldn’t be happy with that? Gorgeous new neighbors, with a fabulous house to match. Tori and Jason look like they belong on a magazine cover. They seemed a bit odd, but friendly enough to invite them over for dinner. Maybe dinner wasn’t such a good idea!

My Rating: 3.5 ⭐️’s
Published: June 23rd 2019 by Independently Published
Pages: 264

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very twisty and suspenseful thrillride! What happens when you move into a new neighborhood? You feel out the neighbors and gauge the flow of things in your town, finding your place in the community. Ideally, it all clicks, however, there is a 50/50 chance that things don’t turn out so well. And that’s what this story focuses on, with Harper and Bryant entering a new environment, having some odd and uncomfortable situations with their neighbors, Tori and Jason. They may look perfect on the outside, but there are many uncertainties about the couple next door. Kiersten Modglin does a great job making you feel the desperation and anxiety of our main characters, as the point of view shifts between them. And you’re left guessing what is actually happening until the very end, and for those of you who enjoy big swerves, this does not disappoint. I had fun with the premise, but felt like this overcomplicated itself a bit too much. The story had a ton to work with, based off the great architecture during early and middle portions, but it just took everything a few steps too far upon the finale. And I also took some issue with how quickly Harper and Bryant were to condemn one another, cheat on each other, and basically abandon their marriage. That could have been smoothed out a bit to be more believable. But otherwise, this was an enjoyable read, and fans of this author, and the likes of Daniel Hurst, will have an equally good time.

[Bridgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all have neighbors. Greet them on the sidewalk or in the elevator, but try not to peer through their windows. Windows are to look out from, not into.

So, this isn't a thriller. It isn't a suspense. And it certainly isn't a psychological thriller. It's domestic fiction with perhaps a touch of mystery added for spice. This is likely why readers are underwhelmed. When you go in expecting mind-fuckery...then get neighborhood shenanigans...it's a bit insipid.

It's not a bad story. In fact, I quite enjoyed the plot and characterization. It's simply not at all what I expected going in, and it caused a disconnect between my expectations and the actual novel. Beyond that...the ending was a little cheesy, but nothing too horrible.

My recommendation to you, fellow readers...is to read this (for sure), but to do so with no expectation of true suspense. It will make you a happier person upon reading the conclusion.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

humph! WHAT THE FU***? ARE you kidding me?

I can't decide if this is a 2 star read or a 5 star F U... if you want a plot review, read the book jacket.

So, hypothetically, what woman would do that? I mean really? I wouldn't, would you? Not when you are absolutely SURE that there are gaps and falsehood. I mean you could never NOT be looking over your shoulder. AND this is not just any woman, but a woman who was some sort of hospital clerk and NOW is an administrator? I wanna hum the kit kat song really bad right now!

As entertainment goes, it was. So 4 stars is as high as I could go. For twisty plot, I think it falls flat, and for suspense and thrill, it just isn't going to make it up the ladder, -1. 3 stars?

Characters? Mostly one-dimensional...Bryant was stupid. I wonder what it would look like for an author to show the tell-all along.. That might have scared the pants off of us.. then the fire... YEAH. that would have been better. -1 for not thinking of this ... so 2 stars?

Back to other characters. What in the world was Torrie about? I found her character misplaced and unreasonable for the level of education and money that the author gave her. Both Jason and Torrie were major blasters. But they served their purpose. Harper was the only rather well-developed and likable character in the book, or at least most of the book. -1 for these guys .. OH NO down to 2 stars?

The ending... really? -0 for insulting me. But Can you say VET your employees? but did I enjoy it? Well, I think so, and if I didn't exactly enjoy it.. I am thinking about it. SO +1 and look back to 3 stars. Which is a good read.

3 stars then it is.

Happy Reading!

[daniela weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast to relate as always,
ms. modglin's creatures
dance through the pages,
unraveling their true colors
towards a windwirl ending. ♡

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't usually review books, but I felt that all the 5-star reviews here needed a counterpoint.
Okay, first the good: It did have a moderately compelling plot. The author wrote a somewhat intriguing story that made you want to see what happened. But...
The bad (and the ugly): Firstly, there were so many inconsistencies. Harper WANTS to be Tori's friend. No, Harper is TERRIFIED of Tori and Jason. No, wait, Harper distrusts the Fullers, but want to be neighborly. And it goes on. The author repeatedly emphasizes, both at the beginning and near the end of the book, that Tori wanted to be friends with Harper. If so, why all the intimidation at the pool? But most of the contradictions involve Bryant. The book is written in 3rd person omniscient, so the reader knows what Harper and Bryant are thinking. But all through the book, we are specifically told that Bryant doesn't know what's going on, for example:

The next day, after Harper had left for work, Bryant headed straight for Tori's office. He was a mess. He had to confront her about the bra in his home...Even though he'd somewhat convinced Harper she was the one to leave the door unlatched, he knew it was him. But he'd told her he was sure if it was him, he'd shut it well...It was locked when they'd left, he assured her. It had to be. Which meant Tori had to have picked the locks. Unless, he'd somehow forgotten to lock the back door. Unless they were somehow responsible for the mugging. They'd have the key, then. But that was crazy. All of this was absolutely preposterous. So many possibilities swam through his mind...none of them making any real sense.

And yet later in the book, all of that, and so many more things that Bryant was puzzled by, and fearful about (the shower settings changing, the cameras, the slashed tires, Harper's firing, etc) became things Bryant himself had done. I feel that this is the biggest flaw in the book. You can't have it both ways--the author can either include the character's thoughts or omit them, but a good author does not "trick" the reader by lying to them about those thoughts.
In addition, the characters are undeveloped. The only one that has any depth is Harper, the others are all simply stereotypes that she interacts with.
And lastly, the writing is simplistic and unevocative; the author does more "telling" than "showing". I will end with a sentence from the book that I found mildly ridiculous: "She rushed into the bathroom, emptying her bladder with sleep-filled eyes." And if you know how to do that, leave me a note.

[Erica L · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars 🌟🌟💫
This story was just all over the place for me and I just wasn't a fan of the writing. At first I was intrigued and then the last half of the book came. It was almost as if the author threw the ending together in a ridiculous rush.

[Katie T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deserves 2 stars, giving 3 for the quick entertainment factor. This story was VERY STUPID.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! What can I say about this book? This story was NOT what I was expecting. Harper and Bryant Page move into a nice older home in a small town. Their first site of the neighbors leaves them rather 'stand-offish' of them. Late those same neighbors come to calling at their home. Jason and Tori Fuller are model perfect looking people. She is a plastic surgeon, and he is a freelance writer. The house they live in is also perfect! But then, things start happening that makes Harper and Bryant question the move to this small town and each other. Things steamroll and get totally out of hand. You will NOT see this ending coming! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Lynn Dubinsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

That ending ruined it for me. It was great until the last 15%. I thought it was going in a different direction.

[iread · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good Neighbors by Kiersten Modglin is a heart pounding suspense story that will make you feel like you have run a mile in under a minute. I was drawn to this story from the beginning. Harper and Bryant Page are great characters. I really liked Harper’s soft heart and her determination to make something special in her marriage. There are quite a few unexpected twists and turns in this story that keep it moving. I did feel that there were a few loose ends. But on the whole, a great read. I was gifted a copy of this book.

[SueCanaan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t know if I have to officially send papers, but I am now done with this author. Just because you can churn out an extraordinary number of books per year, does not mean you should. Zero character development, no one likable, the plot made me question whether we would have been better off had the dinosaurs not gone extinct…..I’m just over “kmod.”

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good Neighbors was a suspenseful, entertaining story that kept me guessing the whole way through. A young couple moves into a new house and soon discover their attractive neighbors have become their worst nightmare. I do love a good twist, and this one totally surprised me although it was ridiculous. The author did such a good job setting up the story, it's a shame she didn't really stick the landing.

---------------------PMES------------------
The following is what I call a Personal Memory Enhancement Summary because I usually can't remember much about a novel after I've finished it. SPOILERS! Don't read if you don't want to know what happened.

Harper and Bryant are a young couple who move from Chicago to rural North Carolina where Bryant has scored a job as a high school history teacher. The day they move into their new house, they see the drop-dead beautiful couple next door, who give off a weird vibe but soon after that stop by to welcome them to the neighborhood. Tori and Jason invite Harper and Bryant to dinner, and after that all hell breaks lose. Tori seduces Bryant (not hard because she's so gorgeous) and tricks him into getting her pregnant.

Bryant realizes he truly loves Harper and breaks it off with Tori. Harper finds out about Bryant's affair with Tori anyway and wants to leave him - but then discovers she's pregnant also. In the meantime, Jason has been hitting on Harper. What is UP with these people?

Harper figures out from internet sleuthing that Jason is NOT who he says he is. It also turns out that Tori and Jason are NOT married, they are actually siblings. That part was even dumber. See additional points below.

Then all kinds of strange, unsettling things start happening. Bryant is mugged. Their house is broken into but nothing is stolen; things are rearranged. Mail and pizzas they didn't order start arriving. Hidden cameras are discovered in the house, tires are slashed, etc.

Well, it turns out that all the crazy stuff is NOT being done by the neighbors, as you would think. NO! It's BRYANT. Dum dum DUMMMM! He regrets his affair with Tori and believes that scaring Harper is the only way to convince her to leave their new home and new town and move back to Chicago. Silly but a good twist.

Random thoughts:

1. I don't really understand why exactly Tori and Jason freaked out so much that they felt the need to burn down their house and fake their own deaths? As Jason described it, to protect Tori he was guilty of identity theft for taking the name of their slightly older foster brother, who had died in another fire so he could become her legal guardian and keep her out of the foster care system. It's not like Jason set the other fire or benefited in any other way from the tragedy, and he now had all the proper ID as the brother. So even if anyone felt the need to pursue this which is unlikely, how much trouble would he be in? And apparently they were now very wealthy based on their own efforts. Tori was a successful plastic surgeon and owned a swanky gym - would she just walk away from that?

2. So having faked their own deaths...Jason hooks up with Harper at the end in Chicago (with another new identity) and they're now going to live happily ever after - how in the hell does this make any sense? Harper has Bryant's baby, so he's still part of her life. If the fear was that Harper and Bryant would expose him for stealing his identity, how is that danger any different in Chicago than it was in North Carolina? Is Jason planning to hide in the closet every time Bryant comes to visit his kid?

3. Tori supposedly ALSO has Bryant's baby, no mention of what happened to her. Is she with Bryant? ..

[Courtney (caffeinereadrepeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sumptuous Gobstoppers! 😳🤯😯

Holy bageezus! What the major fluffy fluff?! 😳 Harper & Bryant move into the house next door to Tori and Jason. The new neighbours seem so perfect. The only word that could describe them. But how well do we really know our neighbours? What makes a neighbour a good one? Uhm, what just happened? I thought I knew! I thought it was so obvious but no! Holy fluff! Talk about sick, dark & deeply twisted for a psychological thriller. Sheesh! 😳

I give this 4 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks, I hate it.

[Victoria Stolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

😳... whoa I did not see that coming... I rather enjoyed this read and found it hard to put down because things get a little creepy for a minute and when you think you have it all figured out- SURPRISE! I love it when a read can keep me on my toes and this one did not disappoint. Harper and Bryant make a move once he picks up a job, and once they meet their new neighbors things seem to be headed in the right direction. Until... well I can’t tell you- you will just have to read it to find out 🤐. But I will say this will be in my top reads for the year.

[Peppa · Rating 2 out of 5]

wth was this random ass ending????
It felt like as if the author just wanted to rush to an end and threw some random stuff together to someone make it work out 💀….
I was really hooked for the first half of the book, even tho I hated the whole cheating part between everyone and the constant change between Harper and Bryan wanting and not wanting to be friends with their neighbors was also kinda weird but it was still entertaining and had a nice thrill to the creepy stuff that happened. But yeah after 80% or so it just really got bad and left me more than disappointed….

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I picked it up I could not put it down! I put my bookmark in at 10 pm and then decided just a few more chapters.... next thing I knew it was 1:00 am.

Kiersten Modglin is an amazingly talented story teller that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book and kept me guessing til the end. Was not expecting the twist at the end. Do we really know our neighbors at all? LOL

[Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars audio
3 this is NOT a suspense-thriller story. The twist at the end was good but because I didn't like the turn of events it fell flat. Characters lacked depth and the story lacked grit.

[Harris Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell Yes!!!

The Good Neighbors is exactly the kind of book I look for. It's intense nail biting suspense, with lots of twists. I can honestly say this author is getting better by the book. This is hands down my most favorite from, and I can gladly say this is in my top favorite read this year.

No spoilers

Harper and her husband move into a beautiful house. They meet the new neighbors and crazy stuff starts happening. I love Harper she is such an amazing character, and such a good person.

You need to read this book people!!!!!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first read by this author and I firmly believe I made a great choice. Tori & Jason seem like an odd sort of couple where as Bryant and his wife seem normal. However is there such a thing as normal really? Who is stalking Bryant & his wife? Who really are Tori and Jason? This read will have you questioning so many things. The ending will shock you. I highly recommend!!!!

[Kathy Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this 4 stars because it did hold my attention and entertained me, but what a bizarre premise. The twists and turns weren’t that great, but it did keep me reading. And the very end…yeah, I’m sure that will all work out just great.

[Yari Roncone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fist of I have to say WOW! Kiersten has done it again. I was completely blown away with this story. Harper and Bryant moved in to Lancaster Mills for a new beginning as newly weds. Bryant had been offer a teacher position there and they bought their first home together. Few days later they meet the Fullers. Tori & Jason where like no one they had ever meet. They were perfect and simply beautiful. They seem like the perfect couple but they had secrets. Secrets that might destroyed everything for them. Harper & Bryant discovered the Fuller's secret making their life to be a risk. But were they really at risk at all? Where the Fuller's try to hurt them? Or was some one else looking to dispose of them seem they were so close to the truth?
This book was gripping. twisted and addictive. I just couldn't put it down! It made me look at my neighbors differently. Wondering what they could be hiding. Being a loner might be better after all. This book let me wanting more. I want to know what else is in store for this two family, This author is amazing and I see a great future for her. I cant wait to read more from this author! :)

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent!! It was dark and twisted! I was literally on the edge of my seat til the very end!
This was full of heart pounding suspense that will keep you wanting more!

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprise! Another kmod book up next. 😂🙈 On a psychological thriller kick and these are filling my cup this week!

This one had decent characters and overall a good plot filled with twists! I would give it around 3.5 ✨ but I’m rounding down because I liked it a little less than other books from the author that I had given four stars. I’d still recommended it if you’re in the mood for this genre. An average yet still very binge worthy read!

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not see that coming. Bryant and Harper have a good life until they move to Lancaster Mills. They have neighbors but they are not what they seem. When everything starts getting weird you really think you know whats going on. But, that as usual with Modglin's books, is not the case.

That twist did it for me. I was again surprised with the ending. If you are a lover of suspense and psychological thrillers, this book is for you!

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters in this book were quite unlikable and annoying. The decisions they made didn't help to make you like them any better. I gave it a generous 3 stars

[Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!!!

This is a new stand alone mystery (thriller). I am leaning toward mystery though.

This book created these main characters that you love to hate. Even the good guys, something felt wrong. I loved it. This book kept me guessing. I honestly did not see the ending. It was fun and super easy to read.

I was a little let down as to how it all came out. It was such a work up for me and then fell a little short. But the twists that followed were happy for me. The writing was excellent and flowed quite beautifully.

Looking for a good weekend read, here it is!!

** I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review **

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read with this author and I must admit that I have been pleasantly surprised. The story seemed to be an ordinary one, a married couple moving in a new house with their strange neighbors but beyond this entire scheme the author hid an amazing surprise. Just when I seemed to have figured out the entire plot, there came a chapter that actually questioned my assumptions. I loved the suspense and how everything just seemed so obvious but if I looked deeper it was all imaginary. I really recommend this book.