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The Woman Next Door
I suppose everyone has regrets, wonders what if? People all have their reasons for living here. Who knows what lies behind the pretty curtains and the well-groomed lawns of Mulberry Avenue?
Lucy has a lovely husband, a job she adores as a teacher, and a house on Mulberry Avenue that she’s decorated just the way she wants – from the floaty curtains and the softest bed linen, right down to the perfectly-chosen velvet cushions on their comfortable sofa. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty close.
She’s also got Amber. Her newest friend and neighbour. They’ve got so much in common. Even if Amber’s life sometimes seems a lot more glamorous and exciting, she shares Lucy’s down-to-earth sense of humour, and Amber seems so interested in Lucy and her life, it’s like they never run out of things to talk about.
But then Amber starts acting strangely, claiming her life isn’t all it seems, talking about how she thinks she might be pregnant, and confiding in Lucy that she’s started getting threatening messages.
She’s scared, and the only person she can turn to is Lucy. She wants to stay at Lucy’s house until things calm down.
Lucy wants to protect her friend. But can she really trust Amber? Because sometimes other people are not all that they seem. Sometimes they have secrets. And they’d do anything to keep them…
Lucy has a lovely husband, a job she adores as a teacher, and a house on Mulberry Avenue that she’s decorated just the way she wants – from the floaty curtains and the softest bed linen, right down to the perfectly-chosen velvet cushions on their comfortable sofa. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty close.
She’s also got Amber. Her newest friend and neighbour. They’ve got so much in common. Even if Amber’s life sometimes seems a lot more glamorous and exciting, she shares Lucy’s down-to-earth sense of humour, and Amber seems so interested in Lucy and her life, it’s like they never run out of things to talk about.
But then Amber starts acting strangely, claiming her life isn’t all it seems, talking about how she thinks she might be pregnant, and confiding in Lucy that she’s started getting threatening messages.
She’s scared, and the only person she can turn to is Lucy. She wants to stay at Lucy’s house until things calm down.
Lucy wants to protect her friend. But can she really trust Amber? Because sometimes other people are not all that they seem. Sometimes they have secrets. And they’d do anything to keep them…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2019
3248 people are currently reading
4314 people want to read
About the author
Sue Watson
53 books1,572 followersSue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.
Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.
Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks
Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.
Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 530 reviews
June 4, 2019
The Woman Next Door by Sue Watson is a thriller that felt a bit like a psychological thriller mixed with a domestic drama. The majority of this one is told from the point of view of Lucy, the main character. However occasionally between chapters we get one of those creepy unknown voice POVs and also later in the story there are chapters from the neighbor/friend, Amber.
Along with the point of view changes there are a few time jumps in the story. The opening chapter introduces Lucy and her first impressions of Amber. Lucy is one of those women with the nice house and hubby but she becomes a little starstruck of her new neighbor who is a TV reporter.
The we jump twelve months ahead in the neighborhood during which time Lucy has become good friends with Amber, or has she? Amber certainly seems to enjoy Lucy when she needs her but was this friendship worth abandoning Lucy’s other friends? Before we know it though Amber finds herself with a stalker bringing the two even closer together.
Sue Watson has certainly written one of those books that is incredibly hard to put down and walk away from with The Woman Next Door. Every action and reaction is questionable with each turn of the page leaving me on the edge of my seat trying to figure this one out. Definitely a twisty mess by the time you are done and one I would definitely recommend.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Along with the point of view changes there are a few time jumps in the story. The opening chapter introduces Lucy and her first impressions of Amber. Lucy is one of those women with the nice house and hubby but she becomes a little starstruck of her new neighbor who is a TV reporter.
The we jump twelve months ahead in the neighborhood during which time Lucy has become good friends with Amber, or has she? Amber certainly seems to enjoy Lucy when she needs her but was this friendship worth abandoning Lucy’s other friends? Before we know it though Amber finds herself with a stalker bringing the two even closer together.
Sue Watson has certainly written one of those books that is incredibly hard to put down and walk away from with The Woman Next Door. Every action and reaction is questionable with each turn of the page leaving me on the edge of my seat trying to figure this one out. Definitely a twisty mess by the time you are done and one I would definitely recommend.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 7, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Wow, The Woman Next Door by Sue Watson takes obsession to a whole other level guys! You don't want to miss this one.
What it's about: Besides that fact that Lucy can't have children, she has a very nice little life. She lives in the beautiful community of Mulberry Avenue, is a teacher, has a loving husband, and her best friend is the beautiful Amber who is a weather girl. Lucy had a troubled childhood, so she is quite happy with the way things are now, especially now that she has Amber as her best friend. But when strange things start happening to Amber, she starts to let on that her life might not be as perfect as it seems. As Lucy discovers more of Amber's secrets she starts to wonder if she actually has a stalker, or if she is making it all up...
The Woman Next Door is a quite chilling stalker/obsession story. Things definitely aren't all as they seem, and as Watson unravels all of the mysteries and brings secrets to light, things just start getting crazier and crazier. The mystery of who the stalker is and who is obsessed with Amber, felt pretty original to me which was something I really liked. I seem to either like or hate stalker/obsession books and this is one I really enjoyed.
Lucy did get on my nerves a bit because at times I was yelling at her to stand up to Amber (Amber is quite hot and cold), and I did think the book was a bit repetitive with certain descriptions about characters. I also saw part of the twist coming, but definitely not all of it. All of these together put me at a 4 instead of a higher rating, but I have a feeling most people are going to truly love this one.
The chapters are fairly short and it made the book feel like I was breezing through it. I was very interested in the story and the pacing was great so I didn't want to put it down. The book switches between Lucy and a mystery person in the first half, then between Lucy, Amber, and the mystery person in the second half. I quite liked this approach, and it helped break up the book and keep it interesting.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge
Final Thought: I know this book is a genre that Watson doesn't usually write in, but I couldn't tell. She is definitely a very accomplished writer, and I loved her writing style. I agree with the cover when I say this book IS unputdownable. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
NOTE: My full blog tour post can be seen at https://abookwormwithwine.wordpress.c...
Wow, The Woman Next Door by Sue Watson takes obsession to a whole other level guys! You don't want to miss this one.
What it's about: Besides that fact that Lucy can't have children, she has a very nice little life. She lives in the beautiful community of Mulberry Avenue, is a teacher, has a loving husband, and her best friend is the beautiful Amber who is a weather girl. Lucy had a troubled childhood, so she is quite happy with the way things are now, especially now that she has Amber as her best friend. But when strange things start happening to Amber, she starts to let on that her life might not be as perfect as it seems. As Lucy discovers more of Amber's secrets she starts to wonder if she actually has a stalker, or if she is making it all up...
The Woman Next Door is a quite chilling stalker/obsession story. Things definitely aren't all as they seem, and as Watson unravels all of the mysteries and brings secrets to light, things just start getting crazier and crazier. The mystery of who the stalker is and who is obsessed with Amber, felt pretty original to me which was something I really liked. I seem to either like or hate stalker/obsession books and this is one I really enjoyed.
Lucy did get on my nerves a bit because at times I was yelling at her to stand up to Amber (Amber is quite hot and cold), and I did think the book was a bit repetitive with certain descriptions about characters. I also saw part of the twist coming, but definitely not all of it. All of these together put me at a 4 instead of a higher rating, but I have a feeling most people are going to truly love this one.
The chapters are fairly short and it made the book feel like I was breezing through it. I was very interested in the story and the pacing was great so I didn't want to put it down. The book switches between Lucy and a mystery person in the first half, then between Lucy, Amber, and the mystery person in the second half. I quite liked this approach, and it helped break up the book and keep it interesting.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge
Final Thought: I know this book is a genre that Watson doesn't usually write in, but I couldn't tell. She is definitely a very accomplished writer, and I loved her writing style. I agree with the cover when I say this book IS unputdownable. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
NOTE: My full blog tour post can be seen at https://abookwormwithwine.wordpress.c...
May 24, 2019
Sue Watson has done it again! 5 fantastic stars for this fantastic, twisty thriller. Since reading her last thriller I have been anxiously awaiting her next one and let me tell you, it is sooooo good!
Come with me to Mulberry Ave where the most exciting thing to happen is book club and the neighborhood BBQ. That is until Amber, the one time celebrity who was climbing her way to the top and is now the local weather girl moves in to number 13.
I found it a bit amusing at first as Lucy seemed star struck with her new neighbor Amber. Lucy was a bit entertaining as she snooped around and spied on Amber, wanting to know her every move. My amusement turned to concern as she quickly seemed obsessed with her new neighbor. As a friendship is forged it appeared to be rather one sided. Amber was totally self absorbed and seemed to take complete advantage of poor Lucy, but was Lucy as innocent as she appears?
As Amber's celebrity status becomes known throughout the neighborhood, she suddenly obtains a stalker. I must admit I found myself questioning if this stalker was the real deal or did Amber just enjoy the attention. Would Amber fake a stalker?
What a twisted, single white female vibe this had! As things spiral out of control I was not sure who to believe. Without spoiling anything for you I will just recap what to expect...ONE HELL OF AN ENDING!!!! This is a story of secrets and obsession that will have you questioning everyone's motives. Be careful who you let into your life, you never know how it will end.
Come with me to Mulberry Ave where the most exciting thing to happen is book club and the neighborhood BBQ. That is until Amber, the one time celebrity who was climbing her way to the top and is now the local weather girl moves in to number 13.
I found it a bit amusing at first as Lucy seemed star struck with her new neighbor Amber. Lucy was a bit entertaining as she snooped around and spied on Amber, wanting to know her every move. My amusement turned to concern as she quickly seemed obsessed with her new neighbor. As a friendship is forged it appeared to be rather one sided. Amber was totally self absorbed and seemed to take complete advantage of poor Lucy, but was Lucy as innocent as she appears?
As Amber's celebrity status becomes known throughout the neighborhood, she suddenly obtains a stalker. I must admit I found myself questioning if this stalker was the real deal or did Amber just enjoy the attention. Would Amber fake a stalker?
What a twisted, single white female vibe this had! As things spiral out of control I was not sure who to believe. Without spoiling anything for you I will just recap what to expect...ONE HELL OF AN ENDING!!!! This is a story of secrets and obsession that will have you questioning everyone's motives. Be careful who you let into your life, you never know how it will end.
May 4, 2019
Excerpt: 'Beautiful Amber, I can see you flirting with those other men. If you hurt me, I will hurt you. Are you scared? I like it when you're scared. It excites me."
That's the first text message that Amber receives, from her stalker.
The message that begins the chain of events that will cause Lucy, to invite her new friend, Amber-the local weather girl and a minor celebrity-to move into the home she shares with her husband Matt-so that she can feel "safe".
As the threats escalate, and the house starts to feel a bit 'crowded" you have to wonder....
WHO IS PLAYING WHO?
Told primarily from Lucy's point of view, with a few chapters from an unnamed narrator, interspersed throughout, the book felt a bit repetitive, in the middle, and had a few "fast forward several months" jumps in time, to move the story ahead, making the story lag in parts for me. and feel rushed in others.
Although, personally, I enjoyed her first thriller, "Our Little Lies" more, this could appeal to readers who enjoy trying to guess if the narrator is reliable or not, and to those who enjoy trying to figure out who Amber's stalker could be. Not a bad thriller, but not a standout for me, either.
I do like how the wonderful cover art for both books, coordinate....alluding to the idea that one never knows what is going on inside the homes of your neighbors.....
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture, and Sue Watson for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review. This title will be available on May 23, 2019!
That's the first text message that Amber receives, from her stalker.
The message that begins the chain of events that will cause Lucy, to invite her new friend, Amber-the local weather girl and a minor celebrity-to move into the home she shares with her husband Matt-so that she can feel "safe".
As the threats escalate, and the house starts to feel a bit 'crowded" you have to wonder....
WHO IS PLAYING WHO?
Told primarily from Lucy's point of view, with a few chapters from an unnamed narrator, interspersed throughout, the book felt a bit repetitive, in the middle, and had a few "fast forward several months" jumps in time, to move the story ahead, making the story lag in parts for me. and feel rushed in others.
Although, personally, I enjoyed her first thriller, "Our Little Lies" more, this could appeal to readers who enjoy trying to guess if the narrator is reliable or not, and to those who enjoy trying to figure out who Amber's stalker could be. Not a bad thriller, but not a standout for me, either.
I do like how the wonderful cover art for both books, coordinate....alluding to the idea that one never knows what is going on inside the homes of your neighbors.....
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture, and Sue Watson for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review. This title will be available on May 23, 2019!
May 23, 2019
I have become rather disillusioned with domestic thrillers of late as so many follow similar lines and don't have any attributes that stand out. The Woman Next Door sounds like every other family drama out there, but I was longing for a domestic drama to be captivating again, and my prayers were answered with this book. It follows Amber, who has the type of life many envy but secretly there is much in her life that is far from satisfactory, and her friendship with neighbour Lucy.
I don't want to give too much of the story away but it is well planned and very readable with lots of surprises but one that stands out as being completely shocking coming at you from literally nowhere. As it continues the relationship between the two friends becomes rather disturbing and more than a little strained. It highlights the fact that toxic friendships can build slowly over time without you really noticing before a spectacular turn of events takes place and takes your breath away. It's been quite a while since I've gasped out loud at a book! Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
I don't want to give too much of the story away but it is well planned and very readable with lots of surprises but one that stands out as being completely shocking coming at you from literally nowhere. As it continues the relationship between the two friends becomes rather disturbing and more than a little strained. It highlights the fact that toxic friendships can build slowly over time without you really noticing before a spectacular turn of events takes place and takes your breath away. It's been quite a while since I've gasped out loud at a book! Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
Read
July 12, 2020I just couldn’t vibe with this. It felt monotonous.
May 24, 2019
The Woman Next Door was the first book by Sue Watson that I have read. I have heard so many good things about her previous book Our Little Lies so had high hopes for this book. I didn't love this book but it was a fun although predictable read. It felt like a long book at times where the story slowed bit overall I enjoyed it and will read more by this author. I do read a lot of this genre so maybe I expect a lot from stories now.
Lucy and Matt are happy, both teachers and live in their lovely estate. They have accepted the fact that they will never have children and are focused on each other and their students. When a local minor celebrity in Amber, a local weather girl moves in, Amber is determined to be her friend. It takes a while but eventually they are inseparable. Then Amber confides that she has a stalker, receiving threatening messages and gifts and feels like she is being followed and watched. Matt and Lucy invite her to stay with them for a while to feel safe. After a while Lucy starts to wonder who Amber really is, and is she really telling the truth? Without giving too much away, all 3 main characters annoyed the crap out of me - all very selfish and jealous people. The ending was bizarre to be honest - but it certainly was different!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Lucy and Matt are happy, both teachers and live in their lovely estate. They have accepted the fact that they will never have children and are focused on each other and their students. When a local minor celebrity in Amber, a local weather girl moves in, Amber is determined to be her friend. It takes a while but eventually they are inseparable. Then Amber confides that she has a stalker, receiving threatening messages and gifts and feels like she is being followed and watched. Matt and Lucy invite her to stay with them for a while to feel safe. After a while Lucy starts to wonder who Amber really is, and is she really telling the truth? Without giving too much away, all 3 main characters annoyed the crap out of me - all very selfish and jealous people. The ending was bizarre to be honest - but it certainly was different!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
October 20, 2020
Another excellent novel by Sue Watson that will have you rapidly turning those pages to the very end of the book. I have enjoyed reading this authors work so much since I first came across her writing at the start of the month that I have now read all five psychological thrillers. Well written novels with great characters, many of which will frustrate and make you want to shout at.
Lucy is a teacher and lives with her loving husband in a very nice house on Mulberry Avenue. When Amber moves in next door a special friendship is made and they get on so well together. Amber lives a more glamourous life with a high-profile job and an handsome, wealthy boyfriend. But maybe life isn't so rosy for Amber as it appears and she tells Lucy that she's getting threatening messages. Lucy wants to help her new best friend and promises to protect her. Amber's boyfriend has left her just when she needs him most, and she doesn't have anyone else.
Amber is scared and turns to Lucy for protection and is offered the chance to stop at Lucy's house for safety. Lucy knows from experience that sometimes people aren't what they seem and wonders if she can really trust Amber.
This is a very twisty novel and will keep you wondering who you can trust. Great characters and full of suspense that will keep you gripped throughout.
Another winner.
Lucy is a teacher and lives with her loving husband in a very nice house on Mulberry Avenue. When Amber moves in next door a special friendship is made and they get on so well together. Amber lives a more glamourous life with a high-profile job and an handsome, wealthy boyfriend. But maybe life isn't so rosy for Amber as it appears and she tells Lucy that she's getting threatening messages. Lucy wants to help her new best friend and promises to protect her. Amber's boyfriend has left her just when she needs him most, and she doesn't have anyone else.
Amber is scared and turns to Lucy for protection and is offered the chance to stop at Lucy's house for safety. Lucy knows from experience that sometimes people aren't what they seem and wonders if she can really trust Amber.
This is a very twisty novel and will keep you wondering who you can trust. Great characters and full of suspense that will keep you gripped throughout.
Another winner.
March 10, 2022
Historia przyjaźni i sekretów, które prowadzą prosto w ogień...
Miłośnicy domestic thrillerów i dreszczowców małżeńskich mają przed sobą niezłą zagadkę do rozwiązania. Mają też ogrom tajemnic i sekretów, które przyjdzie im zgłębić. Sue Watson angażuje czytelnika w grę swoich bohaterów, umiejętnie rozkłada też pionki na swojej fabularnej planszy. Ukrywa też asa w rękawie, jokera nawet, który obraca nam wszystko od góry nogami. Dobra lektura gatunkowa, świetna literacka zabawa i mroczne zakończenie, które zostawi nas w mocno bijącym sercem.
Miłośnicy domestic thrillerów i dreszczowców małżeńskich mają przed sobą niezłą zagadkę do rozwiązania. Mają też ogrom tajemnic i sekretów, które przyjdzie im zgłębić. Sue Watson angażuje czytelnika w grę swoich bohaterów, umiejętnie rozkłada też pionki na swojej fabularnej planszy. Ukrywa też asa w rękawie, jokera nawet, który obraca nam wszystko od góry nogami. Dobra lektura gatunkowa, świetna literacka zabawa i mroczne zakończenie, które zostawi nas w mocno bijącym sercem.
July 4, 2021
This is a quick, easy read filled with delightfully horrible characters. Each suited the plot perfectly. The mystery was a bit silly at times, and I had guessed the twist well before the end, but the story still kept me turning the pages.
June 2, 2022
“They shared their secrets and promised each other they would never tell a soul.”
Obsession, secrets, lies and betrayal abound in Sue Watson’s, The Woman Next Door! Nothing is as it seems on Mulberry Ave....and I found myself questioning every single character’s motive. An engrossing tale about the toxic best friend. But who is the toxic character? Is there more than one? Is the somewhat clueless, innocent character as innocent as they seem?
Told in two part narration, with a creepy unidentified 3rd party narration scattered throughout, this was one twisty read. Is one of the characters an unreliable narrator? Are they both unreliable narrators? Who's being manipulated? Who's gaslighting who?
Though over the top scenarios play out and the naivety of a certain character was hard to believe, it still was a tense, fast paced read, filled with building trepidation, that had me quickly turning the pages.
Tackling issues from how a tough childhood, filled with negligence, and lack of a loving parent affects someone into adulthood, to people's fascination with even minor celebrity and glamour, to infertility, cheating and stalking... nothing is off the table.
As things really started spiraling out of control, and secrets and twists were revealed, I didn't know where it was headed, who would get hurt in the process, and how badly!
Although I've read reviews that guessed the ending, I didn't. All in all, though filled with some unlikeable characters, and implausableI scenarios, it was a fast compelling read.
Next time a new person moves into your neighborhood… glamorous or not...you may want to think twice, before bringing your welcome cake.
Obsession, secrets, lies and betrayal abound in Sue Watson’s, The Woman Next Door! Nothing is as it seems on Mulberry Ave....and I found myself questioning every single character’s motive. An engrossing tale about the toxic best friend. But who is the toxic character? Is there more than one? Is the somewhat clueless, innocent character as innocent as they seem?
Told in two part narration, with a creepy unidentified 3rd party narration scattered throughout, this was one twisty read. Is one of the characters an unreliable narrator? Are they both unreliable narrators? Who's being manipulated? Who's gaslighting who?
Though over the top scenarios play out and the naivety of a certain character was hard to believe, it still was a tense, fast paced read, filled with building trepidation, that had me quickly turning the pages.
Tackling issues from how a tough childhood, filled with negligence, and lack of a loving parent affects someone into adulthood, to people's fascination with even minor celebrity and glamour, to infertility, cheating and stalking... nothing is off the table.
As things really started spiraling out of control, and secrets and twists were revealed, I didn't know where it was headed, who would get hurt in the process, and how badly!
Although I've read reviews that guessed the ending, I didn't. All in all, though filled with some unlikeable characters, and implausableI scenarios, it was a fast compelling read.
Next time a new person moves into your neighborhood… glamorous or not...you may want to think twice, before bringing your welcome cake.
April 7, 2023
2.5/5
Bardzo przewidywalna.
Bardzo przewidywalna.
April 25, 2019
Well what darkly woven story this turned out to be!
The author is probably better known for her wonderful women’s fiction novels but by heck is she making a serious mark in the world of psychological thrillers! This is her second offering in this genre and she has completely nailed it yet again. Is there no ends to this woman’s talents?
In the story we get to meet two very different women. Lucy is all fluffy and light who thinks baking and eating cakes solves everything. Well I have to say I’m with her on that one. Amber on the other hand very much knows what she wants in life. She has more of a harder edge to her but Lucy is just glad to have a new best friend and will bend over backwards to look after her and keep her safe and happy.
As the story goes along, it’s obvious that trouble is brewing. You get a real sense of trepidation, especially as there are some chapters from an unknown character to the reader and I couldn’t quite work out who it was. I really thought I knew some things within the story only to be totally wrong.
All Her Secrets is a story that got more engrossing the further into it I got. The author has got messing with the readers head down to a fine art and I was blown away by the end. Definitely got the adrenaline going and one I will be urging everyone to read so I can talk about it. Loved it!
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The author is probably better known for her wonderful women’s fiction novels but by heck is she making a serious mark in the world of psychological thrillers! This is her second offering in this genre and she has completely nailed it yet again. Is there no ends to this woman’s talents?
In the story we get to meet two very different women. Lucy is all fluffy and light who thinks baking and eating cakes solves everything. Well I have to say I’m with her on that one. Amber on the other hand very much knows what she wants in life. She has more of a harder edge to her but Lucy is just glad to have a new best friend and will bend over backwards to look after her and keep her safe and happy.
As the story goes along, it’s obvious that trouble is brewing. You get a real sense of trepidation, especially as there are some chapters from an unknown character to the reader and I couldn’t quite work out who it was. I really thought I knew some things within the story only to be totally wrong.
All Her Secrets is a story that got more engrossing the further into it I got. The author has got messing with the readers head down to a fine art and I was blown away by the end. Definitely got the adrenaline going and one I will be urging everyone to read so I can talk about it. Loved it!
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 27, 2019
I loved this, but then I suspect Sue Watson could write a grocery list and I'd be engrossed. Having said that, there's plenty in this one to keep you turning the page! A stalker, a neighbor far too nice for her own good and lots of domestic dramas. Couldn't put it down.
October 16, 2025
for a thriller connoisseur
like me, after a certain point
it became very clear where the
story was going, but I enjoyed
every step of the way there. ♡
like me, after a certain point
it became very clear where the
story was going, but I enjoyed
every step of the way there. ♡
June 25, 2019
Horribly monotonous. Unbelievable characters. Don't know how many times I thought, 'Who acts this way?' Glad the ordeal is over!
November 19, 2021
Oh well, can't say I didn't see it coming. Like every plot twist, yes, yes I saw it all since the beginning. Still a fun ride though!
Lucy, a childless wife lives happily in love with her husband Matt, they have everything they need except a child and they both want to have one. New neighbor comes in next door who is a popular news anchor and is stunning. At first she is cold to Lucy but then the two become bffs. That's when the blackmails and stalking starts which haunts the next door neighbor and brings Lucy and her closer. But it isn't without consequences and its own dangers.
Lucy, a childless wife lives happily in love with her husband Matt, they have everything they need except a child and they both want to have one. New neighbor comes in next door who is a popular news anchor and is stunning. At first she is cold to Lucy but then the two become bffs. That's when the blackmails and stalking starts which haunts the next door neighbor and brings Lucy and her closer. But it isn't without consequences and its own dangers.
December 7, 2021
This is very much out of the norm of my usual reading. But I needed something background to listen to while doing some DIY, and this was free on YouTube. It's a bit of a struggle at times, I have to admit. Everyone is universally unlikeable for a start. The set up at times is utterly ridiculous. And I have to wonder why the author decided to make her two main protagonists teachers, because she doesn't appear to know much about that profession. Coming from a family of teachers, I've never heard one of them ever refer to 'work the next day' or 'have to get to work' or 'I'll be late for work'. It's always 'school' tomorrow, or 'I'll be late for school', as if they were still pupils. It's a minor point, but it adds to an overall sense of wedging people into stereotypical environments to be useful rather than that being organic to the story. Teachers can't just phone up and say they'll be late. In what world can teachers just leave early at the end of the day? What teachers, one junior school and one comprehensive (high school), meet on their first teaching job? Teacher training is specific to age range and you can't teach junior school if you've trained for senior, or senior if you've done a PGCE in junior. And so on... And then we have the weather girl on a local TV station. She doesn't appear to work at all! Well, I also worked on a local TV news station, and there things called rehearsals. The evening news started being prepared early in the morning, the whole show was run through in the afternoon and then the actual live evening news and weather went out. This woman seems to swan off to work for an hour an evening. Daft.
And then there's the plot.
The weather girl gets some unpleasant texts from a stalker. The teacher couple take her into their house to protect her and she's there for almost a year! In what world?
Because every fat, 40-something woman with self-image issues takes a gorgeous, glamourous TV star into her home to live with her and her husband... No?
I might skip to the end of this one just to see who is doing what to whom. I'm hoping it might all be a bad dream.
Finished this tonight. It's painful at times. The whole thing recounted from one pov, then another pov repeats it all, and then we have what I assume is supposed to be a shocking twist as a third pov comes in. Well if you didn't see that ending then you probably don't read much.
At times this seems really forced. A phone goes missing in the house and no one thinks to ring it to find it? Isn't that the first thing you do when you can't find your phone? Get someone to ring it for you? Ah, but when the action needed it because a 'stalker' calls, a call-back to that number reveals the phone. Nope. Real plot hole there.
I suspect I'm just not the right reader for this book.
If you like something really light for a holiday read you might enjoy it, but it annoyed the heck out of me.
And then there's the plot.
The weather girl gets some unpleasant texts from a stalker. The teacher couple take her into their house to protect her and she's there for almost a year! In what world?
Because every fat, 40-something woman with self-image issues takes a gorgeous, glamourous TV star into her home to live with her and her husband... No?
I might skip to the end of this one just to see who is doing what to whom. I'm hoping it might all be a bad dream.
Finished this tonight. It's painful at times. The whole thing recounted from one pov, then another pov repeats it all, and then we have what I assume is supposed to be a shocking twist as a third pov comes in. Well if you didn't see that ending then you probably don't read much.
At times this seems really forced. A phone goes missing in the house and no one thinks to ring it to find it? Isn't that the first thing you do when you can't find your phone? Get someone to ring it for you? Ah, but when the action needed it because a 'stalker' calls, a call-back to that number reveals the phone. Nope. Real plot hole there.
I suspect I'm just not the right reader for this book.
If you like something really light for a holiday read you might enjoy it, but it annoyed the heck out of me.
May 19, 2019
Lucy is your average 40-something wife and schoolteacher. Her and her husband, Matt, have been unable to have children and have accepted that they will never be parents. Lucy has a hard time relating to her friends around the neighborhood, as they all are mothers and talk about nothing but the woes of parenthood.
So when a beautiful, glamorous, single and childless newscaster named Amber moves in next door, Lucy takes special interest. Amber and Lucy become quick friends—they’re like sisters in no time. But Lucy’s friendship with Amber borderlines on obsessive and others take notice of their rather close relationship.
Amber is used to life in the spotlight as a tv-personality, but when she starts receiving threatening texts and “gifts,” Lucy is worried that Amber has a dangerous stalker. So Lucy does everything she can to protect her dear friend, even inviting Amber into her home.
But things start to appear askew—with Amber, with the stalker—and Lucy is unsure who she can trust. And now she’s asking herself: who is this woman that she’s invited into the deepest depths of her life?
All Her Secrets by Sue Watson is a domestic thriller full of unlikeable, unreliable characters. This is my first Sue Watson read, but she’s been on my radar ever since her 2018 release—Our Little Lies. This story follows a familiar script—unsuspecting woman becomes your friend and ruins your life—but I was still intrigued, hoping that Sue Watson would have a fresh take on this scenario. Unfortunately, I guessed most of the big reveals/twists. Even still, something kept me turning the pages, wanting to finish the story. It wasn’t new or inventive by any means, but still an enjoyable read. If you—like me—read this genre often, this won't knock your socks off. But to those who are new to the genre or are trash for domestic suspense—also like me!—you’ll enjoy this quick twisty tale. 3.25/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sue Watson for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So when a beautiful, glamorous, single and childless newscaster named Amber moves in next door, Lucy takes special interest. Amber and Lucy become quick friends—they’re like sisters in no time. But Lucy’s friendship with Amber borderlines on obsessive and others take notice of their rather close relationship.
Amber is used to life in the spotlight as a tv-personality, but when she starts receiving threatening texts and “gifts,” Lucy is worried that Amber has a dangerous stalker. So Lucy does everything she can to protect her dear friend, even inviting Amber into her home.
But things start to appear askew—with Amber, with the stalker—and Lucy is unsure who she can trust. And now she’s asking herself: who is this woman that she’s invited into the deepest depths of her life?
All Her Secrets by Sue Watson is a domestic thriller full of unlikeable, unreliable characters. This is my first Sue Watson read, but she’s been on my radar ever since her 2018 release—Our Little Lies. This story follows a familiar script—unsuspecting woman becomes your friend and ruins your life—but I was still intrigued, hoping that Sue Watson would have a fresh take on this scenario. Unfortunately, I guessed most of the big reveals/twists. Even still, something kept me turning the pages, wanting to finish the story. It wasn’t new or inventive by any means, but still an enjoyable read. If you—like me—read this genre often, this won't knock your socks off. But to those who are new to the genre or are trash for domestic suspense—also like me!—you’ll enjoy this quick twisty tale. 3.25/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sue Watson for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2019
I could maybe persuade myself to go to a 3.5 stars but round down to 3. It was really slow for me. And I pegged the “whodunnit” from very early on. It didn’t really flesh out one other particular part either.
I was just very underwhelmed unfortunately because I loved her first book. Oh well. Can’t win them all!
I was just very underwhelmed unfortunately because I loved her first book. Oh well. Can’t win them all!
April 26, 2019
This was a fantastic read, at first I thought oh I know where this is going, but, I was completely wrong. It kept me guessing all the way through and then it had a twist at the end. This would make a great film.
May 30, 2019
This is a fun book that reads like a twisty soap opera, with stalking, lies, obsession, infidelity, and so much more. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
August 6, 2019
I struggled with this a bit. Lots of tell, not much showing, which left it short on suspense.
April 30, 2022
THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR (ALL HER SECRETS) is a psychological thriller by USA bestselling author Sue Watson. This novel tells a story about the dark side of friendship.
Her Standalone Novels Include:
Our Little Lies (2018)
The Woman Next Door/ All Her Secrets (2019)
The Empty Nest (2019)
The Sister-in-Law (2020)
First Date (2020)
The Forever Home (2021)
The New Wife (2021)
The Resort (June 2022)
This is the review of The Woman Next Door (All Her Secrets).
“They shared their secrets and promised each other they would never tell a soul.”
Lucy has been married to her loving husband, Matt, a drama teacher for ten years and has a job she adores as a teacher, and a house on Mulberry Avenue that she’s decorated just the way she wants. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty close.
Lucy best friend and neighbor, Amber have so much in common. Glamorous rich woman, Amber, a TV weather girl on national TV, lives just three houses down from Lucy, in the most gorgeous house on the estate. Amber isn’t married and doesn’t have a regular boyfriend but she is a party animal and attracts the men at the bar like a bee to honey. Lucy feels like they have known each other for ever.
But then Amber starts acting distracted, and tells Lucy that she thinks she might be pregnant, and confiding in Lucy that she’s started getting threatening messages.
Amber is scared and turns to her best friend, Lucy for protection. Lucy invites Amber to stay over at their house until things calm down.
Lucy wants to protect her friend. But can she really trust Amber?
Nothing is as it seems…
This is an excellent fast-paced addictive psychological thriller/domestic drama that will keep you guessing, lots of suspects, secrets and twists along the way make this an addictive read.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
Her Standalone Novels Include:
Our Little Lies (2018)
The Woman Next Door/ All Her Secrets (2019)
The Empty Nest (2019)
The Sister-in-Law (2020)
First Date (2020)
The Forever Home (2021)
The New Wife (2021)
The Resort (June 2022)
This is the review of The Woman Next Door (All Her Secrets).
“They shared their secrets and promised each other they would never tell a soul.”
Lucy has been married to her loving husband, Matt, a drama teacher for ten years and has a job she adores as a teacher, and a house on Mulberry Avenue that she’s decorated just the way she wants. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty close.
Lucy best friend and neighbor, Amber have so much in common. Glamorous rich woman, Amber, a TV weather girl on national TV, lives just three houses down from Lucy, in the most gorgeous house on the estate. Amber isn’t married and doesn’t have a regular boyfriend but she is a party animal and attracts the men at the bar like a bee to honey. Lucy feels like they have known each other for ever.
But then Amber starts acting distracted, and tells Lucy that she thinks she might be pregnant, and confiding in Lucy that she’s started getting threatening messages.
Amber is scared and turns to her best friend, Lucy for protection. Lucy invites Amber to stay over at their house until things calm down.
Lucy wants to protect her friend. But can she really trust Amber?
Nothing is as it seems…
This is an excellent fast-paced addictive psychological thriller/domestic drama that will keep you guessing, lots of suspects, secrets and twists along the way make this an addictive read.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
April 22, 2023
Actual rating 4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Sue Watson is a great thriller writer and this is another one that I enjoyed! I must say, I kind of figured out where it was going to go, faster than I thought, and even though I was right, it was still a solid book!!
Sue Watson is a great thriller writer and this is another one that I enjoyed! I must say, I kind of figured out where it was going to go, faster than I thought, and even though I was right, it was still a solid book!!
November 11, 2021
I thought that this book was good
April 3, 2021
4/5 ⭐
Hmm this definitely didn't end the way I thought it would end. But I really really enjoyed how the story unfolded.
Hmm this definitely didn't end the way I thought it would end. But I really really enjoyed how the story unfolded.
April 25, 2019
Lucy and Amber are strange friends. Lucy is a dowdy teacher married to Matt and Amber is a local celebrity weather girl and soon Amber is getting stalked and Lucy takes charge in looking after her. O really won’t say any more as I hate reviews with spoilers but I think this was better than Sue’s last book.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 12, 2022
Nie ukrywam, że to właśnie ostatnie kilka stron podniosło ocenę do 4 gwiazdek 🙈 To nie był zły thriller, ale raczej nie wyróżniał się niczym szczególnym - klasyczne motywy zdrad, ukrytych zamiarów i tajemniczych postaci. Co jednak na pewno mnie urzekło, to postać głównej bohaterki - Lucy. O rany, jak ta dziewczyna była inteligentna. Jestem pod wrażeniem, w jaki sposób została wykreowana, bo mimo tylu przykrych sytuacji, które ją spotkały, ani razu przez swoje zachowanie nie straciła w moich oczach. W obliczu naprawdę wielu przykrych wydarzeń, wybrnęła z zachowanym honorem i godnością, a jej 'zemsty' były dobrze przemyślaną grą na emocjach, nie tanim odegraniem. Bardzo ciekawie nakreślone portrety psychologiczne również pozostałych bohaterów - kto miał denerwować, robił to wręcz idealnie. Ostatnie kilka rozdziałów było miłym zaskoczeniem i świetnym ukazaniem, że pomimo całego wyrządzonego zła, emocje towarzyszące kiedyś człowiekowi nie gasną w nim tak szybko, a regularnie o sobie przypominają. Również piękny wątek macierzyństwa i relacji dziecka z rodzicem - bardzo dobrze było to splecione z trudną przeszłością bohaterów. I to zakończenie... Nie spodziewałam się. Autorka ani razu nie nasuwała takiego tropu, przez co w żaden sposób się nie domyśliłam, a rozwiązanie, trzeba przyznać, jest bardzo logiczne. To mój pierwszy thriller Sue Watson, ale ma ona tak lekkie pióro i przyjemny sposób pisania, że czuję się ogromnie zachęcona do poznania jej dalszej twórczości 😊
May 18, 2019
I was gifted a digital ARC of All Her Secrets by Sue Watson, courtesy of NetGalley and Bookouture. This book will be published by Bookouture, released on 05/23/19.
Lucy has a loving husband (Matt), dream job as a teacher, and house just the way she wants it when Amber, her previous news idol moves in and becomes her new neighbor. Lucy can't believe it, but she and Amber quickly become best friends. Then Amber starts acting strangely, claiming she may be pregnant and telling Lucy she's been receiving threatening messages. Lucy wants to help Amber and keep her safe, but quickly realizes things may not always be what they seem. Everyone has secrets, and everyone will do anything possible to keep them.
The characters in this book are a mess. Lucy is desperately seeking approval from her idol and Amber is a total space cadet. I did wish there had been a little more connection in the book with Amber/Lucy and Matt. He felt like an afterthought when I wanted to know more about his life story. The manipulation between Amber and Lucy was insane. I was glued to the book because I had to know the next twist. The day I finished this, I was up until 1:30 because I couldn't wait until the next morning to read the ending.
I'll be honest-I love a good book cover and often pick books based on how attracted I am to the covers. It's not scientific, but it hasn't let me down yet. This cover immediately drew me. I HAD to know what was going on in that house. Combine that with my love of thrillers and this book was a no-brainer for me. The twists in the book were enjoyable enough. This book gives off a "Single White Female" vibe and I dig it. Overall, this was an entertaining book and is perfect for readers who like the "mystery next door" type of stories.
If you're a fan of Big Little Lies or Desperate Housewives type stories, be sure to pick this up when it releases on 05/23/19! 💜
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Lucy has a loving husband (Matt), dream job as a teacher, and house just the way she wants it when Amber, her previous news idol moves in and becomes her new neighbor. Lucy can't believe it, but she and Amber quickly become best friends. Then Amber starts acting strangely, claiming she may be pregnant and telling Lucy she's been receiving threatening messages. Lucy wants to help Amber and keep her safe, but quickly realizes things may not always be what they seem. Everyone has secrets, and everyone will do anything possible to keep them.
The characters in this book are a mess. Lucy is desperately seeking approval from her idol and Amber is a total space cadet. I did wish there had been a little more connection in the book with Amber/Lucy and Matt. He felt like an afterthought when I wanted to know more about his life story. The manipulation between Amber and Lucy was insane. I was glued to the book because I had to know the next twist. The day I finished this, I was up until 1:30 because I couldn't wait until the next morning to read the ending.
I'll be honest-I love a good book cover and often pick books based on how attracted I am to the covers. It's not scientific, but it hasn't let me down yet. This cover immediately drew me. I HAD to know what was going on in that house. Combine that with my love of thrillers and this book was a no-brainer for me. The twists in the book were enjoyable enough. This book gives off a "Single White Female" vibe and I dig it. Overall, this was an entertaining book and is perfect for readers who like the "mystery next door" type of stories.
If you're a fan of Big Little Lies or Desperate Housewives type stories, be sure to pick this up when it releases on 05/23/19! 💜
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
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