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The Good Neighbor
Sometimes the past just won’t stay buried.
When 14 year old Brittany disappears one night, her parents are devastated, certain she has been taken.
They can’t bear to think about who has done this and what might be happening to their precious girl.
Even worse, the police seem to see them as suspects, implying that they may have had a part in their own daughter’s disappearance. Only their neighbor, Taylor, is a rock. She organizes search parties, feeds the volunteers, works night and day to help them find Brittany.
But as this affluent California community becomes focused on the hunt for the missing girl, it slowly becomes clear that her disappearance is linked to terrible secrets from the past.
Secrets that must be kept hidden at all costs….
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2019
2701 people are currently reading
2293 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Grant
81 books388 followersCathryn is the author of over forty novels. She writes psychological thrillers, psychological suspense, and the ALEXANDRA MALLORY series which features a sociopath you can’t help but love. Readers say they're “absolutely addicted” to the series.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
September 26, 2019
This is the first novel by Cathryn Grant I’ve read, and all I can say is WOW. A fourteen-year-old girl goes missing from her bedroom one night from a cul de sac. The family had just moved there two months ago, and because the girl is home schooled and the mother is the teacher and the dad works from home, no one in the community knows this family. However, their neighbor, Taylor, who’s married but has no kids of her own, decides she’ll start a Facebook page to try and help track Brittany down. That page ultimately brings out a whole lot of crazies, but also a lot of dark secrets.
There was a time in the novel where I pretty much didn’t like the decisions of anyone I thought I was supposed to be rooting for, but by the surprising end, I had empathy for just about everybody. This wasn’t a fun read in that it's cast by some very damaged people, but it is fun in that I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and discover a new-to-me author.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
There was a time in the novel where I pretty much didn’t like the decisions of anyone I thought I was supposed to be rooting for, but by the surprising end, I had empathy for just about everybody. This wasn’t a fun read in that it's cast by some very damaged people, but it is fun in that I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and discover a new-to-me author.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
September 5, 2019
Omg, this is a totally and utterly AMAZING book. It's an intense tale of manipulation,lies,suspicion,deception and secrets that poses the question. Is it always best to do the right thing?
From the moment that her new neighbours,the Cushing's moved in next door,Taylor had a feeling that something about them didn't quite fit. That things in their quiet cul de sac were never going to be the same again. Her suspicions seemed to be proven correct when as time passed,the new family didn't seem interested in interacting with the other residents.
Then one night Taylor is woken by someone banging frantically on her front door. It's a frantic and hysterical Moira Cushing who insists that her daughter Brittany has been snatched from her bed. Where is the mysterious young girl? Has she been kidnapped or ran away? Is she alive or dead? Taylor see's the young girl's disappearance as an opportunity to get the neighbourhood working together,the chance for some proper community interaction and maybe,just maybe they might find the missing girl. Only the more time that passes,the more obsessed Taylor becomes with being involved with the search for Brittany,little realising that not everything is what it seems. And the truth may be far more shocking than anything she could have imagined even in her worst nightmares.
This totally gripping thriller is voiced by various vivid characters including Taylor and Moira. Some of the characters were likeable,some of then not so. Some caused me to have conflicting emotions and a couple I felt a lot of sympathy for. A couple of them needed to spend some serious time on a psychiatrist's couch and maybe a bit of time in a padded cell actually make that a lot of time in a padded cell. The characters were so believable that they could be any one of our neighbours,after all,no one ever knows what goes on behind closed doors. Although this is a story about a missing girl and the police do feature at times throughout the book,this is not a police procedural. You don't get any insight into the police investigation,this is a story about families,community,obsession,suspicion and paranoia. Interspersed throughout the story were chapters voiced by Brittany that give the reader a insight into her life,thoughts and upbringing.
The Good Neighbour is a fast paced,tightly plotted,twist packed,mesmerising thriller that had me hooked in from the first page. I didn't want to put this book down but on the other hand,I didn't want the exhilarating,thrilling ride to end. There was times when this story was very chilling and shocking.This is the first book that I have read by this obviously talented author and it definitely will not be my last. Worth far more than five stars, Very very highly recommended.
Many thanks to Emma Welton of DamppebblesBlogTours and Inkubator Books for a arc of this amazing book and an opportunity to take part in the Blog tour
From the moment that her new neighbours,the Cushing's moved in next door,Taylor had a feeling that something about them didn't quite fit. That things in their quiet cul de sac were never going to be the same again. Her suspicions seemed to be proven correct when as time passed,the new family didn't seem interested in interacting with the other residents.
Then one night Taylor is woken by someone banging frantically on her front door. It's a frantic and hysterical Moira Cushing who insists that her daughter Brittany has been snatched from her bed. Where is the mysterious young girl? Has she been kidnapped or ran away? Is she alive or dead? Taylor see's the young girl's disappearance as an opportunity to get the neighbourhood working together,the chance for some proper community interaction and maybe,just maybe they might find the missing girl. Only the more time that passes,the more obsessed Taylor becomes with being involved with the search for Brittany,little realising that not everything is what it seems. And the truth may be far more shocking than anything she could have imagined even in her worst nightmares.
This totally gripping thriller is voiced by various vivid characters including Taylor and Moira. Some of the characters were likeable,some of then not so. Some caused me to have conflicting emotions and a couple I felt a lot of sympathy for. A couple of them needed to spend some serious time on a psychiatrist's couch and maybe a bit of time in a padded cell actually make that a lot of time in a padded cell. The characters were so believable that they could be any one of our neighbours,after all,no one ever knows what goes on behind closed doors. Although this is a story about a missing girl and the police do feature at times throughout the book,this is not a police procedural. You don't get any insight into the police investigation,this is a story about families,community,obsession,suspicion and paranoia. Interspersed throughout the story were chapters voiced by Brittany that give the reader a insight into her life,thoughts and upbringing.
The Good Neighbour is a fast paced,tightly plotted,twist packed,mesmerising thriller that had me hooked in from the first page. I didn't want to put this book down but on the other hand,I didn't want the exhilarating,thrilling ride to end. There was times when this story was very chilling and shocking.This is the first book that I have read by this obviously talented author and it definitely will not be my last. Worth far more than five stars, Very very highly recommended.
Many thanks to Emma Welton of DamppebblesBlogTours and Inkubator Books for a arc of this amazing book and an opportunity to take part in the Blog tour
October 3, 2019
There was so much blood. It wasn't at all what I'd expected.
And so begins this manipulative little story about love, lies, and deception. Told from multiple voices, those of Moira (the mother), Alan (the father), Taylor (the helpful neighbor), Luke (another neighbor), Brittany (the daughter), and Crystal (the drug addict), this is a quick, fast-paced, easy read. Having never read a Cathryn Grant novel prior, I was pleasantly surprised by the tight plot line and excellent writing. Although a fairly common theme--a missing child--I felt as though this novel went in a direction I hadn't seen before. It's fairly unique to the genre.
I personally wouldn't call this book twisty. The prologue actually clued me in on quite a bit, and I had a good deal of the book figured out early on. Didn't matter though...the story was still gripping. I do wish the characters had been slightly more developed; their motivations more clear. And while the ending felt a little rushed, and maybe a bit...?cheesy?...I still feel this is well worth reading.
My one gripe was the depiction of homeschooling. A homeschooling momma myself, it left quite the bitter taste in my mouth.
3.5 stars rounded up
**Many thanks to the publisher for my advanced copy.
And so begins this manipulative little story about love, lies, and deception. Told from multiple voices, those of Moira (the mother), Alan (the father), Taylor (the helpful neighbor), Luke (another neighbor), Brittany (the daughter), and Crystal (the drug addict), this is a quick, fast-paced, easy read. Having never read a Cathryn Grant novel prior, I was pleasantly surprised by the tight plot line and excellent writing. Although a fairly common theme--a missing child--I felt as though this novel went in a direction I hadn't seen before. It's fairly unique to the genre.
I personally wouldn't call this book twisty. The prologue actually clued me in on quite a bit, and I had a good deal of the book figured out early on. Didn't matter though...the story was still gripping. I do wish the characters had been slightly more developed; their motivations more clear. And while the ending felt a little rushed, and maybe a bit...?cheesy?...I still feel this is well worth reading.
My one gripe was the depiction of homeschooling. A homeschooling momma myself, it left quite the bitter taste in my mouth.
3.5 stars rounded up
**Many thanks to the publisher for my advanced copy.
September 21, 2019
Absurdly implausible, awkward and just downright silly.
This might be the most amateurish and poorly written book I've ever read. I don't like to leave bad reviews but really, I'd be angry at the waste of my money and my time if I hadn't gotten it through unlimited. But other people are going to spend money on it, so I feel I should warn them. I kept reading until the end mostly out of profound puzzlement that the author actually thought this was ready for publication. It could have been a good idea, if she had taken even a bit of time to consider how actual people behave, speak and interact. The dialog was juvenile and strange at times. The characters were stiff, awkward, one dimensional. The ending just bizarre. I gave it two stars because I thought with a lot of work and practice this author could improve.
This might be the most amateurish and poorly written book I've ever read. I don't like to leave bad reviews but really, I'd be angry at the waste of my money and my time if I hadn't gotten it through unlimited. But other people are going to spend money on it, so I feel I should warn them. I kept reading until the end mostly out of profound puzzlement that the author actually thought this was ready for publication. It could have been a good idea, if she had taken even a bit of time to consider how actual people behave, speak and interact. The dialog was juvenile and strange at times. The characters were stiff, awkward, one dimensional. The ending just bizarre. I gave it two stars because I thought with a lot of work and practice this author could improve.
October 27, 2019
I really didn't like this book. Every single character was annoying and obnoxious. I pushed through in hope that at least there would be some redeeming quality but unfortunately it just wasn't there for me. The conversation between characters was awkward and the story itself was just too unbelievable. Real people don't behave or speak the way these characters do so I found it difficult to immerse myself.
August 29, 2019
Is doing a good thing the same as doing the right thing? Would I do what the good neighbor did? A missing child arc always gets to me and makes me want to pick up the book.
A missing teen Brittany, a devastated mother Moira, a caring neighbor Moira, and a friendly community of the cul-de-sac made them the pillars of the story. The chapters with different POV left me confused initially but gave me a fresh look at the situation from all angles. The author's deft hand gave a different perspective to the story, different characters with different views.
My first book by author Cathryn Grant, and I was pulled in by the tiny invisible threads that kept me entangled for long. As the chapters sped, I gathered the plot and understood the story but couldn't imagine the reason. I liked how the author pulled me in slowly with her writing, moments of it made me gasp.
A plot predictable, a path quite easily led, the book still managed to get to me and evoke my thrill. A bit more reasoning and depth to the characters would have made it perfect. Suspense was hidden, yet I was sure it followed making me stay focused into the book. The story from beginning to end took hardly any time.
A good story overall. And I was left with the burning question that I have never ever thought. Is doing a good thing always the right thing?
A missing teen Brittany, a devastated mother Moira, a caring neighbor Moira, and a friendly community of the cul-de-sac made them the pillars of the story. The chapters with different POV left me confused initially but gave me a fresh look at the situation from all angles. The author's deft hand gave a different perspective to the story, different characters with different views.
My first book by author Cathryn Grant, and I was pulled in by the tiny invisible threads that kept me entangled for long. As the chapters sped, I gathered the plot and understood the story but couldn't imagine the reason. I liked how the author pulled me in slowly with her writing, moments of it made me gasp.
A plot predictable, a path quite easily led, the book still managed to get to me and evoke my thrill. A bit more reasoning and depth to the characters would have made it perfect. Suspense was hidden, yet I was sure it followed making me stay focused into the book. The story from beginning to end took hardly any time.
A good story overall. And I was left with the burning question that I have never ever thought. Is doing a good thing always the right thing?
January 2, 2021
From beginning to end, I just couldn't take this book seriously.
It just jumped right into Brittany's disappearance without any set up or character development.
I can't help but feel this would have been a good (maybe even great) book if the characters had been fleshed out better. But, alas, they weren't. Not even close.
The story is told from multiple perspectives. This was more distracting than helpful to the plot and surprisingly didn't help with the characterization. Everyone in the book feels more like a caricature than real person based on their questionable behaviors and odd thought processes.
Much like the characters, the plot is also unrealistic, overblown and ridiculous. The 'twist' and the ending were set up like a bad comedy sketch.
I'm sorry to say, I won't be reading anything else from this writer.
It just jumped right into Brittany's disappearance without any set up or character development.
I can't help but feel this would have been a good (maybe even great) book if the characters had been fleshed out better. But, alas, they weren't. Not even close.
The story is told from multiple perspectives. This was more distracting than helpful to the plot and surprisingly didn't help with the characterization. Everyone in the book feels more like a caricature than real person based on their questionable behaviors and odd thought processes.
Much like the characters, the plot is also unrealistic, overblown and ridiculous. The 'twist' and the ending were set up like a bad comedy sketch.
I'm sorry to say, I won't be reading anything else from this writer.
October 28, 2019
A 14 year old girl disappears from her bed, was she abducted? Did she runaway? There is a lot going on in this crazy, twisted book and I rather enjoyed it. This was my first time reading a book by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this fun book.
October 31, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Cathryn Grant and Inkubator Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Sometimes you read things into other people that you’re feeling yourself. It’s rarely possible to know what someone is thinking just by looking at them, but we always think it is.
5 stars.
This was utterly fascinating to read! It was beyond my expectations. From near the beginning I could easily tell that something wasn't right with this neighbourhood. But I guess maybe most people will come to that conclusion based on the synopsis of this story.
Brittany is a 14 year old girl who has a Mother named Moria and a Father, Alan. They move to California to begin a new life there. The neighbours don't really see or hear much from the household until that is, one night Moria comes racing out of the house knocking on doors, frantic because Brittany is nowhere to be found. Pretty soon it becomes obvious that Brittany has been kidnapped. Or has she?
Spread out in the story are little secrets that reveal that things aren't exactly as they seem. Are the neighbours hiding something? One neighbour, Luke, in his early 20s spends quite a lot of time watching the neighbourhood occupations. While Taylor, who also lives on the street, at first seems to be just a kind and caring person, but she seems overly eager to be so 'helpful.' She made even me feel smothered at times. There is definitely an uneasy feeling I get from these people.
Then there is another character, Crystal, who pops up in the story after discovering the Facebook page that is there to try and get help from people to find Brittany. She sends a message to Taylor. What she reveals, is a twist I didn't see coming.
This story was different to most missing person stories that I have read. It was captivating the whole way through and because it was a bit different to my usual storylines, it made it feel like I couldn't predict what had happened. Moria was a character that got creepier and creepier. Something just wasn't right with her. I had thought the same with Taylor as well so I was really interested to see how the story would pan out. I wasn't disappointed. The story wrapped up nicely at the end and I felt satisfied with it. The ending can make or break a story and this one gets a tick for doing it well. I would definitely recommend this.
Sometimes you read things into other people that you’re feeling yourself. It’s rarely possible to know what someone is thinking just by looking at them, but we always think it is.
5 stars.
This was utterly fascinating to read! It was beyond my expectations. From near the beginning I could easily tell that something wasn't right with this neighbourhood. But I guess maybe most people will come to that conclusion based on the synopsis of this story.
Brittany is a 14 year old girl who has a Mother named Moria and a Father, Alan. They move to California to begin a new life there. The neighbours don't really see or hear much from the household until that is, one night Moria comes racing out of the house knocking on doors, frantic because Brittany is nowhere to be found. Pretty soon it becomes obvious that Brittany has been kidnapped. Or has she?
Spread out in the story are little secrets that reveal that things aren't exactly as they seem. Are the neighbours hiding something? One neighbour, Luke, in his early 20s spends quite a lot of time watching the neighbourhood occupations. While Taylor, who also lives on the street, at first seems to be just a kind and caring person, but she seems overly eager to be so 'helpful.' She made even me feel smothered at times. There is definitely an uneasy feeling I get from these people.
Then there is another character, Crystal, who pops up in the story after discovering the Facebook page that is there to try and get help from people to find Brittany. She sends a message to Taylor. What she reveals, is a twist I didn't see coming.
This story was different to most missing person stories that I have read. It was captivating the whole way through and because it was a bit different to my usual storylines, it made it feel like I couldn't predict what had happened. Moria was a character that got creepier and creepier. Something just wasn't right with her. I had thought the same with Taylor as well so I was really interested to see how the story would pan out. I wasn't disappointed. The story wrapped up nicely at the end and I felt satisfied with it. The ending can make or break a story and this one gets a tick for doing it well. I would definitely recommend this.
November 15, 2019
The Good Neighbor is a twisty and gripping read that is unputdownable. The plot and premise of this book are super creepy and keeps you turning the pages. I had quite a few issues with the characters and the accuracy/believability of this one. I still liked it- a lot!
When 14-year old Brittany Cushing disappears from her cushy home in California, her parents are left devasted and certain its a kidnapping. Through all the drama is their rock-steady neighbor Taylor who holds their hands, lends a listening ear, counsels them and even sets up a page to get the word out. Taylor believes the world has regressed into technology and is growing increasingly dependent on their virtual devices and living virtual lives. Taylor who abhors technology reluctantly sets up a Facebook page to find Brittany but quickly gets drawn into the world of social media. She quickly uncovers dark secrets from the Cushings' past, secrets that must be kept at all costs!
I loved this book, but I disliked almost all the characters! Told from the POV of Taylor, Brittany, Moira & Alan- Brittany's parents, Crystal & Luke, we see the story take shape from many angles and that's one of what I liked about this book. The plot is tense and can keep one hooked till the very end- well, almost! The ending is a bit predictable but not entirely plausible. The main character - the good neighbor - Taylor was the most irritating of the lot. While her behavior may have been irksome to me, it gave the story lot of flavor. The chapters on Brittany were brilliant! Hence, I could not put this one down. The cops in this book are complete duds and despite the many chapters of them running around for answers, they do not have much to add to the story. Even though this is isn't a police procedural, I would have liked to see some of the concrete steps they took to find Brittany. This was half-assed police investigation at best. The books ending was not the greatest in my opinion. I'm also not sure the ending is legally believable hence I am reluctant to add another star to the rating. Otherwise, all said and done, I enjoyed reading this book overall.
Thank you, NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Cathryn Grant for an arc!
When 14-year old Brittany Cushing disappears from her cushy home in California, her parents are left devasted and certain its a kidnapping. Through all the drama is their rock-steady neighbor Taylor who holds their hands, lends a listening ear, counsels them and even sets up a page to get the word out. Taylor believes the world has regressed into technology and is growing increasingly dependent on their virtual devices and living virtual lives. Taylor who abhors technology reluctantly sets up a Facebook page to find Brittany but quickly gets drawn into the world of social media. She quickly uncovers dark secrets from the Cushings' past, secrets that must be kept at all costs!
I loved this book, but I disliked almost all the characters! Told from the POV of Taylor, Brittany, Moira & Alan- Brittany's parents, Crystal & Luke, we see the story take shape from many angles and that's one of what I liked about this book. The plot is tense and can keep one hooked till the very end- well, almost! The ending is a bit predictable but not entirely plausible. The main character - the good neighbor - Taylor was the most irritating of the lot. While her behavior may have been irksome to me, it gave the story lot of flavor. The chapters on Brittany were brilliant! Hence, I could not put this one down. The cops in this book are complete duds and despite the many chapters of them running around for answers, they do not have much to add to the story. Even though this is isn't a police procedural, I would have liked to see some of the concrete steps they took to find Brittany. This was half-assed police investigation at best. The books ending was not the greatest in my opinion. I'm also not sure the ending is legally believable hence I am reluctant to add another star to the rating. Otherwise, all said and done, I enjoyed reading this book overall.
Thank you, NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Cathryn Grant for an arc!
September 6, 2019
14 year old Brittany disappeared during the night, her parents believe she has been abducted….they’re only thoughts are for her safety, is she being hurt and why was she taken?
Taylor, their neighbour, is their lifeline….in her element, doing everything to help with search parties to find missing Brittany. The neighbourhood all rally round on the hunt for her, but there are secrets from the past that rear their head……is there a link to current events?
I found this to be an engrossing and chilling read, with well developed characters and a marvellously tense and twisty plot to keep you guessing. I can recommend this for anyone who loves a psychological thriller.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Taylor, their neighbour, is their lifeline….in her element, doing everything to help with search parties to find missing Brittany. The neighbourhood all rally round on the hunt for her, but there are secrets from the past that rear their head……is there a link to current events?
I found this to be an engrossing and chilling read, with well developed characters and a marvellously tense and twisty plot to keep you guessing. I can recommend this for anyone who loves a psychological thriller.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
February 3, 2024
I can see this one worked for many people before me - so if the synopsis sounds good (or if you love this very popular author), then you should give this one a try.
I just personally struggled with this one. I found it a bit over the top. I found the conversations stilted and unrealistic. I struggled with the characters and I knew very early on this just wasn't going to be for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I just personally struggled with this one. I found it a bit over the top. I found the conversations stilted and unrealistic. I struggled with the characters and I knew very early on this just wasn't going to be for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 15, 2020
This book is terrible and I don’t understand the high ratings. The characters are stupid and unlikable. The writing is repetitive and dull. I have no idea what the “shocking plot twist” was because it was all pretty obvious.
I finished reading it because I hate starting a book and not finishing it but pass on this one if you’re fortunate enough not to have started it. The best part about it was when I finished it.
I finished reading it because I hate starting a book and not finishing it but pass on this one if you’re fortunate enough not to have started it. The best part about it was when I finished it.
September 30, 2019
I enjoyed the first 70% of this book very much. Told from multiple points of view the story is about the disappearance of a 14 year old girl - runaway ... abducted...? The story was fast paced and the writing style kept me engaged. I found the ending over dramatic and unbelievable which spoiled it a little for me.
March 6, 2021
The premise of this book is great, but every single person, except Taylors’ husband and Brittany, is a neurotic mess.
The voice of each person sounds exactly the same although POV is “supposedly” changing.
It was tortuous to read. I wanted most of the characters to die so they would STFU.
The voice of each person sounds exactly the same although POV is “supposedly” changing.
It was tortuous to read. I wanted most of the characters to die so they would STFU.
February 15, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
OK, The Good Neighbor was totally not what I expected. I thought it would be a story about looking for the missing girl with her family's terror and some police procedural detail and the suspense of not knowing what had happened to her. I also kind of expected that the neighbor would be a key support for the family (based on the title). I will not spoil this story by sharing any of the twisty, mind-bending facts.
We do get the point of view of each of the parents a little bit, and two of the neighbors, a woman, Taylor, and a teenage boy, Luke and the girl herself, Brittany. Until I went back and checked I would have said it was almost all from the point of view of the neighbor, Taylor. Perhaps that is because some of the others, particularly Moira doesn't seem very reliable. We get a better sense of how the loss and search affects Taylor than the parents. I guess the title would hint at this, and actually it has a double meaning in the end.
I was blown away with the world created, with everything seeming unusual. The police don't act the way I would expect, especially with the parents. There was a lot which didn't seem to make sense, until it did. I enjoyed this odd and creepy story.
Narration:
I really enjoyed the female narrator and she handled both the adult women and the teen, Brittany with different voices which seemed appropriate. I thought the male narrator was fine, although maybe too old sounding for Luke. I definitely enjoyed both in the audio performance. Each chapter was a different character point of view, with Durante narrating if the character was female and Marvel narrating if it was a male character view. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
OK, The Good Neighbor was totally not what I expected. I thought it would be a story about looking for the missing girl with her family's terror and some police procedural detail and the suspense of not knowing what had happened to her. I also kind of expected that the neighbor would be a key support for the family (based on the title). I will not spoil this story by sharing any of the twisty, mind-bending facts.
We do get the point of view of each of the parents a little bit, and two of the neighbors, a woman, Taylor, and a teenage boy, Luke and the girl herself, Brittany. Until I went back and checked I would have said it was almost all from the point of view of the neighbor, Taylor. Perhaps that is because some of the others, particularly Moira doesn't seem very reliable. We get a better sense of how the loss and search affects Taylor than the parents. I guess the title would hint at this, and actually it has a double meaning in the end.
I was blown away with the world created, with everything seeming unusual. The police don't act the way I would expect, especially with the parents. There was a lot which didn't seem to make sense, until it did. I enjoyed this odd and creepy story.
Narration:
I really enjoyed the female narrator and she handled both the adult women and the teen, Brittany with different voices which seemed appropriate. I thought the male narrator was fine, although maybe too old sounding for Luke. I definitely enjoyed both in the audio performance. Each chapter was a different character point of view, with Durante narrating if the character was female and Marvel narrating if it was a male character view. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
September 6, 2019
Wow…
And you thought you had problems?
Insanity is only one tragedy away.
This is Cathryn Grant’s first book I have read and holy shit it packs a punch. This book is the tipping point for me to immediately add a few more of hers to my TBR (I seriously don’t need to be adding more but screw it…I can rest when I’m dead). I love the way she has weaved a chilling tale that in all honesty is completely believable. How real it was scared me acutely. I’m in awe how she used the enormity of a mother’s love and twisted and twisted and twisted until it became something else entirely. How far will a mother’s love go? Can you love someone too much?
It’s no secret that I love a psychological thriller, and this delivered, straight.to.the. door. The synopsis had me at the first sentence and I was already buckled in and ready for a tale of thrills, suspense and a secret that was better of buried, or was it? Can a good intention be done for the wrong reasons? Do we deserve to make decisions for vulnerable people no matter the consequence? This is what Cathryn Grant examines under the microscope.
The prologue is a shit your pants opener. It quite literally goes for the jugular. “There was so much blood.” This instantly had my attention and the author held it there for the entirety of the story. The story picks up in a privileged Californian community and you get a real feel of how secluded and out of the way they are. You also start to get little hints about how something is off – What’s the issue with Moira? Why is there something so off about the daughter, Brittany? From the offset the visual doesn’t match what they are being told. Warning bells are ringing, and they are deafening. The authors writing style had me captivated and I was on the edge of my seat awaiting the next twist to be revealed. The main characters are strong but with flaws but equally the supporting characters are just as relatable. They don’t suffer or stand in the shadow of the MC’s; they enrich the story and give it a 3D quality. Taylor is one of these characters – she is what I would hope humanity is all about. She has that never give up approach to life, she has hope and love and wants to see the best in people even it has a detrimental effect in her own life.
Moira was an odd character to me right from the bat. She behaved oddly, she had odd reactions to her neighbors and how she was with her daughter. Christ on a bike! I get the whole you want to protect your daughter from all the bad in the world, keep them from harm and keep them innocent for as long as possible but you really can’t wrap them in cotton wool! Children need to grow up, they need to be given the freedom to make their own mistakes, otherwise there is going to come a day when your child is going to turn against you for not allowing them to experience these things. She proclaims to the police that they were a happy family and that they never argue…the police are baffled. I’m baffled. What teenager doesn’t argue with their parents over this or that. They time and time again insist that Brittany isn’t like normal teenagers, she doesn’t argue over the rules, she doesn’t want what other teenagers battle over. Why is that exactly? Why is she so different? Moira and Alan are hiding something. They protest just a bit too much.
The novel is a swift descend into madness. Everything happens very quickly, and I read this book in two sittings (damn the need for sleep). Who is guilty of Brittany’s disappearance? It’s like whispers, over time they change, and the original is no longer the same. You can tell where its leading, but the journey shocks you all the same. There is a sinister figure in the corner and it’s never quite forgotten. The ending is off the charts, can a perceived good thing cover up a world of hurt or are you so broken that you can’t see past your reasoning and won’t let anyone stand in your way. No-one. Nothing.
The Good Neighbor packs a swift punch. You’ll stagger, you’ll trip and before you know it, you’re on your knees reeling from the truth. It’s addictive and terrifying as hell. A story so tragic you don’t know which way is good and bad. A toxic tale of motherly love.
Thanks to Emma @ Damppebbles for my spot on the blog tour and for the copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
And you thought you had problems?
Insanity is only one tragedy away.
This is Cathryn Grant’s first book I have read and holy shit it packs a punch. This book is the tipping point for me to immediately add a few more of hers to my TBR (I seriously don’t need to be adding more but screw it…I can rest when I’m dead). I love the way she has weaved a chilling tale that in all honesty is completely believable. How real it was scared me acutely. I’m in awe how she used the enormity of a mother’s love and twisted and twisted and twisted until it became something else entirely. How far will a mother’s love go? Can you love someone too much?
It’s no secret that I love a psychological thriller, and this delivered, straight.to.the. door. The synopsis had me at the first sentence and I was already buckled in and ready for a tale of thrills, suspense and a secret that was better of buried, or was it? Can a good intention be done for the wrong reasons? Do we deserve to make decisions for vulnerable people no matter the consequence? This is what Cathryn Grant examines under the microscope.
The prologue is a shit your pants opener. It quite literally goes for the jugular. “There was so much blood.” This instantly had my attention and the author held it there for the entirety of the story. The story picks up in a privileged Californian community and you get a real feel of how secluded and out of the way they are. You also start to get little hints about how something is off – What’s the issue with Moira? Why is there something so off about the daughter, Brittany? From the offset the visual doesn’t match what they are being told. Warning bells are ringing, and they are deafening. The authors writing style had me captivated and I was on the edge of my seat awaiting the next twist to be revealed. The main characters are strong but with flaws but equally the supporting characters are just as relatable. They don’t suffer or stand in the shadow of the MC’s; they enrich the story and give it a 3D quality. Taylor is one of these characters – she is what I would hope humanity is all about. She has that never give up approach to life, she has hope and love and wants to see the best in people even it has a detrimental effect in her own life.
Moira was an odd character to me right from the bat. She behaved oddly, she had odd reactions to her neighbors and how she was with her daughter. Christ on a bike! I get the whole you want to protect your daughter from all the bad in the world, keep them from harm and keep them innocent for as long as possible but you really can’t wrap them in cotton wool! Children need to grow up, they need to be given the freedom to make their own mistakes, otherwise there is going to come a day when your child is going to turn against you for not allowing them to experience these things. She proclaims to the police that they were a happy family and that they never argue…the police are baffled. I’m baffled. What teenager doesn’t argue with their parents over this or that. They time and time again insist that Brittany isn’t like normal teenagers, she doesn’t argue over the rules, she doesn’t want what other teenagers battle over. Why is that exactly? Why is she so different? Moira and Alan are hiding something. They protest just a bit too much.
The novel is a swift descend into madness. Everything happens very quickly, and I read this book in two sittings (damn the need for sleep). Who is guilty of Brittany’s disappearance? It’s like whispers, over time they change, and the original is no longer the same. You can tell where its leading, but the journey shocks you all the same. There is a sinister figure in the corner and it’s never quite forgotten. The ending is off the charts, can a perceived good thing cover up a world of hurt or are you so broken that you can’t see past your reasoning and won’t let anyone stand in your way. No-one. Nothing.
The Good Neighbor packs a swift punch. You’ll stagger, you’ll trip and before you know it, you’re on your knees reeling from the truth. It’s addictive and terrifying as hell. A story so tragic you don’t know which way is good and bad. A toxic tale of motherly love.
Thanks to Emma @ Damppebbles for my spot on the blog tour and for the copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
September 3, 2019
Wow! Just Wow!
I am speechless when I finally finished this book. I had to take a full day of complete sleep and distractions from any form of reading before I can finally make this review. I want to completely understand what just happened and confirm with myself how I feel about this book with a clear mind.
In the beginning, I was a bit bored with how the story started and its style of telling the story by using each character's perspective. I had to skip a few narratives about character development or past events because I'm in a hurry to find out what is happening.
I have read and enjoyed a lot of Detective and crime mystery but this is definitely on a different level. You know how it is, we like to guess what is happening and who is the culprit of the crime,...if there was a crime. But with how the book was intelligently written, I can't quite guess what's going to happen next. Until of course I reach the last 2 or 3 chapters.
It started very slow for me that I had to read the first 10 chapters for 2 days, but after the book kept me on its hook until I realized it's already the wee hours and I can't put it down. In the end, I was gasping in disbelief and I had to ask myself if I would've done differently if I was in Taylor's shoes. I guess I won't know the answer until I'm in the same scenario.
Overall, I really liked this book and after pondering for a day, I can't think of any other way to end the book than what is already written. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. It will be in one of those mystery crime suspense books that I really enjoyed but also forgettable after a while, which is not the books fault but mine. As I really like mystery novels but I also enjoy a bit of action and scares which this book lacks, but it doesn't make it bad.
I got a free Kindle copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I am speechless when I finally finished this book. I had to take a full day of complete sleep and distractions from any form of reading before I can finally make this review. I want to completely understand what just happened and confirm with myself how I feel about this book with a clear mind.
In the beginning, I was a bit bored with how the story started and its style of telling the story by using each character's perspective. I had to skip a few narratives about character development or past events because I'm in a hurry to find out what is happening.
I have read and enjoyed a lot of Detective and crime mystery but this is definitely on a different level. You know how it is, we like to guess what is happening and who is the culprit of the crime,...if there was a crime. But with how the book was intelligently written, I can't quite guess what's going to happen next. Until of course I reach the last 2 or 3 chapters.
It started very slow for me that I had to read the first 10 chapters for 2 days, but after the book kept me on its hook until I realized it's already the wee hours and I can't put it down. In the end, I was gasping in disbelief and I had to ask myself if I would've done differently if I was in Taylor's shoes. I guess I won't know the answer until I'm in the same scenario.
Overall, I really liked this book and after pondering for a day, I can't think of any other way to end the book than what is already written. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. It will be in one of those mystery crime suspense books that I really enjoyed but also forgettable after a while, which is not the books fault but mine. As I really like mystery novels but I also enjoy a bit of action and scares which this book lacks, but it doesn't make it bad.
I got a free Kindle copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 8, 2019
UPDATED: Every once in a while, after I have had time to reflect on a book, I find myself re-evaluating my original review. I did not do this book justice in my initial one. The twists in this book are exceptional and designed to give the reader a serious gut punch. They really were stellar. I have changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars to reflect the additional information. Below is my original reviews.
You will find everything from commentary on social media to accurate descriptions of homeschooling in this psychological thriller. The characters are realistic, the action is plausible, and the author gives the story depth by weaving the topics mentioned above into what could be a run-of-the-mill basic plot. It was definitely a page-turner, and I highly recommend it. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.
You will find everything from commentary on social media to accurate descriptions of homeschooling in this psychological thriller. The characters are realistic, the action is plausible, and the author gives the story depth by weaving the topics mentioned above into what could be a run-of-the-mill basic plot. It was definitely a page-turner, and I highly recommend it. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.
September 5, 2019
If we completely disregard the fact that no one would ever act the way a single one of these characters did (which I'm surprisingly willing to do), then this was a super-fun, twisty good read.
November 26, 2020
Not as riveting as her other two books I've read, but it's ok. A mother who has secrets to hide and her daughter that suffers at her hands. The daughter disappears and seemingly was abducted, but perhaps she ran away on her own. We discover more about her mother as the story progresses. The neighbor is a pushy over involved neighbor that tries to help but is on the annoying side. Story moves pretty slow, not much of a thriller. More like a domestic drama. Three stars.
September 3, 2019
4 Stars from me
Wow! To say this book 'packs a punch' is such an understatement - it more 'smacks you around the head with a 9 iron!'
The Good Neighbor starts off softly, albeit with a traumatic and shocking event - 14 year old Brittany has disappeared during the night, seemingly snatched from her bed. I have to confess I was lulled into thinking it would jog along nicely so boy was I taken by surprise!
The pace accelerates and accelerates before plunging you into free fall as more and more of the story is revealed. There were twists and turns around every corner all neatly packaged within this highly readable tale.
Be warned though, there are several moral questions hidden within these pages... Would you? Could you? How far would you go if you were in Taylor's shoes, Moira's shoes, Crystal's shoes, Brittany's shoes?
I haven't read anything by Cathryn Grant before but she is certainly an author I will look out for now!
My thanks to @CathrynGrant and @damppebbles for letting me be a part of #damppebblesblogtours
Synopsis: Sometimes the past just won’t stay buried.
When 14 year old Brittany Cushing disappears one night, her parents are devastated, certain she has been taken.
They can’t bear to think about who has done this and why, about what might be happening to their precious daughter.
Their neighbor, Taylor, is a rock, doing everything she can to help – organizing search parties, setting up a Facebook page, …
As this affluent California community becomes focused on the hunt for the missing girl, it slowly becomes clear that her disappearance is linked to terrible secrets from the past.
Wow! To say this book 'packs a punch' is such an understatement - it more 'smacks you around the head with a 9 iron!'
The Good Neighbor starts off softly, albeit with a traumatic and shocking event - 14 year old Brittany has disappeared during the night, seemingly snatched from her bed. I have to confess I was lulled into thinking it would jog along nicely so boy was I taken by surprise!
The pace accelerates and accelerates before plunging you into free fall as more and more of the story is revealed. There were twists and turns around every corner all neatly packaged within this highly readable tale.
Be warned though, there are several moral questions hidden within these pages... Would you? Could you? How far would you go if you were in Taylor's shoes, Moira's shoes, Crystal's shoes, Brittany's shoes?
I haven't read anything by Cathryn Grant before but she is certainly an author I will look out for now!
My thanks to @CathrynGrant and @damppebbles for letting me be a part of #damppebblesblogtours
Synopsis: Sometimes the past just won’t stay buried.
When 14 year old Brittany Cushing disappears one night, her parents are devastated, certain she has been taken.
They can’t bear to think about who has done this and why, about what might be happening to their precious daughter.
Their neighbor, Taylor, is a rock, doing everything she can to help – organizing search parties, setting up a Facebook page, …
As this affluent California community becomes focused on the hunt for the missing girl, it slowly becomes clear that her disappearance is linked to terrible secrets from the past.
August 28, 2019
A young girl goes missing in the middle of the night. Has she been taken from her bed? This is a good neighbourhood so who and why?Taylor is a neighbour who wants to help and takes on the facebook page for missing Brittany. She won’t settle until she feels that everything possible is being done to find this young girl. Brittanys family only moved in a short time ago and so no-one knows them well. When their furniture was being moved in Taylor saw a bed more suited to an eight year old than a preteen and thought at the time something didn’t quite add up. With Brittany now missing more and more is adding to that theory.
This is one of those reads that slowly but surely envelopes you. Before you know it you are turning seemingly faster and faster to find out what is going on. Chapters are “by” different characters to give their side of the story. When secrets from the past resurrect themselves the truth always outs. A clever and well thought out premise and well rounded characters. I took to Taylor and her determination not only to find Brittany but for the truth. There is a subplot, I won’t spoil anything other than to say that we get occasional chapters from Brittany herself about her life and what has been going on which adds to the tension of the plot. A tense, gripping emotional read
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
This is one of those reads that slowly but surely envelopes you. Before you know it you are turning seemingly faster and faster to find out what is going on. Chapters are “by” different characters to give their side of the story. When secrets from the past resurrect themselves the truth always outs. A clever and well thought out premise and well rounded characters. I took to Taylor and her determination not only to find Brittany but for the truth. There is a subplot, I won’t spoil anything other than to say that we get occasional chapters from Brittany herself about her life and what has been going on which adds to the tension of the plot. A tense, gripping emotional read
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
September 13, 2019
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Good Neighbor.
I’m honestly not sure how to review this book... I’ve been thinking about it since I finished reading a few hours ago. This is about teenager Brittany who goes missing from her bed one night and what follows is the search for her by her parents, Moira and Alan, and some helpful (and not so helpful) neighbors. The parents however have secrets and the neighbors have secrets and even Brittany has secrets, a home-schooled child who is barely allowed out of the house alone and can only go on a computer with parental supervision at the age of 14.
I can’t decide if this is a book worth reading or too unrealistic/unbelievable? The (what seems like) the reason for Brittany’s disappearance and a connection to another child from Moira and Alan’s past was just a little odd/too awkward for me. While there were some good twists, I was just waiting for that big climax and there was nothing. I also felt like a few of the characters (specifically Moira and the way she spoke to police) were so incredibly unlikeable and I just wanted to get through the chapters from her point of view as quickly as possible. Although after reading the whole book I guess I can see why she acted the way she did but as much as I tried to sympathize I just really couldn’t stand her.
I’m honestly not sure how to review this book... I’ve been thinking about it since I finished reading a few hours ago. This is about teenager Brittany who goes missing from her bed one night and what follows is the search for her by her parents, Moira and Alan, and some helpful (and not so helpful) neighbors. The parents however have secrets and the neighbors have secrets and even Brittany has secrets, a home-schooled child who is barely allowed out of the house alone and can only go on a computer with parental supervision at the age of 14.
I can’t decide if this is a book worth reading or too unrealistic/unbelievable? The (what seems like) the reason for Brittany’s disappearance and a connection to another child from Moira and Alan’s past was just a little odd/too awkward for me. While there were some good twists, I was just waiting for that big climax and there was nothing. I also felt like a few of the characters (specifically Moira and the way she spoke to police) were so incredibly unlikeable and I just wanted to get through the chapters from her point of view as quickly as possible. Although after reading the whole book I guess I can see why she acted the way she did but as much as I tried to sympathize I just really couldn’t stand her.
September 21, 2019
A 3.5 star read rounded up to a 4 due to the fast pace and easy writing style of the book. There were some characters who could have used a lot more development, including our lost girl, Brittany. Others were written in a completely unrealistic way - Taylor could drive anyone to madness with her obsessive behavior and in the end, it felt like her character would have had more challenges and consequences in real life.
But this book is not real life and as usual with a thriller/mystery, there should be some suspension of disbelief. With that, this book is a fun whodunit/whatreallyhappened with a few red herrings. I would not have minded some further background into our main family and a few more suspicious - I mean, good - neighbors.
Thank you Netgalley for this preview!
But this book is not real life and as usual with a thriller/mystery, there should be some suspension of disbelief. With that, this book is a fun whodunit/whatreallyhappened with a few red herrings. I would not have minded some further background into our main family and a few more suspicious - I mean, good - neighbors.
Thank you Netgalley for this preview!
September 11, 2019
The Good Neighbor has readers asking questions as the read though the book making them wonder what would they do? What should they do? Is it the right things to do?
The author pulls at readers as they are taking on a spellbinding mystery with more secrets and questions that seem to get answered until the end of the book
The author is a gifted writing bring her world to life and having reader needing more from her.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Cathryn Grant The Good Neighbor.
The author pulls at readers as they are taking on a spellbinding mystery with more secrets and questions that seem to get answered until the end of the book
The author is a gifted writing bring her world to life and having reader needing more from her.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Cathryn Grant The Good Neighbor.
August 28, 2019
I devoured this book in just one afternoon - I couldn’t put it down. It’s told from different characters perspectives and there’s some twists and turns you don’t expect.
July 23, 2023
So many twists I didn't see coming!
April 28, 2022
Book 76 of 2022
I was completely hooked by this story line. Every character is so messed up. I wasn’t sure there was anyone I could really root for. I didn’t know who I could trust. I loved the multiple POVs. It kept the story moving & interesting. Won’t lie…a little disappointed with the “where was Brittany” conclusion. I feel like that was a missed opportunity, but maybe the author kept it that way because there was already so much going on with all the characters. Overall, a great story that would be a good book for discussion. I’m so glad this was recommended to me!
Format: audiobook (hoopla-Avon library)
*loved the female narrator, but didn’t care for the male narrator
*I did have to re-listen to a few chapters because I felt like I’d surely missed something
I was completely hooked by this story line. Every character is so messed up. I wasn’t sure there was anyone I could really root for. I didn’t know who I could trust. I loved the multiple POVs. It kept the story moving & interesting. Won’t lie…a little disappointed with the “where was Brittany” conclusion. I feel like that was a missed opportunity, but maybe the author kept it that way because there was already so much going on with all the characters. Overall, a great story that would be a good book for discussion. I’m so glad this was recommended to me!
Format: audiobook (hoopla-Avon library)
*loved the female narrator, but didn’t care for the male narrator
*I did have to re-listen to a few chapters because I felt like I’d surely missed something
Read
June 11, 2020For some reason it will not let me rate this book. 3.5 stars
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