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The Good Neighbour
He isn’t who you think he is…
When Leah Talbot hits a deer on a deserted road near her village she spots a light on in a nearby house and approaches, hoping that someone is home.
He is.
Charming, handsome, Martin Tate answers the door to the bedraggled and traumatised Leah, inviting her in. Though she’s not there for long, Leah feels an indescribable pull to the man who has helped in her hour of need.
But when she returns the next morning to say thank you, it isn’t Martin who answers the door this time. It’s the police.
There’s been a brutal murder and the sole female resident is dead.
There’s no sign of Martin…
Until he comes looking for Leah.
An absolutely thrilling crime thriller that does not let up the pace! Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Alex Michaelides.
When Leah Talbot hits a deer on a deserted road near her village she spots a light on in a nearby house and approaches, hoping that someone is home.
He is.
Charming, handsome, Martin Tate answers the door to the bedraggled and traumatised Leah, inviting her in. Though she’s not there for long, Leah feels an indescribable pull to the man who has helped in her hour of need.
But when she returns the next morning to say thank you, it isn’t Martin who answers the door this time. It’s the police.
There’s been a brutal murder and the sole female resident is dead.
There’s no sign of Martin…
Until he comes looking for Leah.
An absolutely thrilling crime thriller that does not let up the pace! Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Alex Michaelides.
7 pages, Audiobook
First published March 18, 2021
227 people are currently reading
3235 people want to read
About the author
Richard Jay Parker
13 books168 followersR J Parker's creative career began as a TV script writer, script editor and producer. It was this background that fed into a series of cinematic, high-concept thrillers that grabs the reader from the very first page and doesn't release them until the last. R J Parker now lives in Salisbury. One More Chapter/HarperCollins have published THE DINNER PARTY, WHILE YOU SLEPT and THE GOOD NEIGHBOUR. Out April 29th 2022 -THE REMOVAL MAN.
As Richard Jay Parker he has written the thriller STOP ME and as Richard Parker - SCARE ME, STALK ME, FOLLOW YOU, HIDE AND SEEK, KEEP HER SAFE, NEVER SAY GOODBYE and THE SONGBIRD GIRLS.
Check out: www.richard-parker.com
Insta: bemykiller
Twitter @Bookwalter
As Richard Jay Parker he has written the thriller STOP ME and as Richard Parker - SCARE ME, STALK ME, FOLLOW YOU, HIDE AND SEEK, KEEP HER SAFE, NEVER SAY GOODBYE and THE SONGBIRD GIRLS.
Check out: www.richard-parker.com
Insta: bemykiller
Twitter @Bookwalter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews
April 25, 2022
Omg! It’s fascinatingly riveting page turner makes you anxious, sit at the edge of your seat squirming but you cannot help yourself and you turn the pages a little faster to pump the full adrenaline into your veins till you feel better the crush!
This is one of my fastest reads and it was quiet entertaining mouse-cat chase, action packed, heart pounding, twisty ride!
Let’s give you more clues about story line if you didn’t already read the blurb!
Leah Talbot hits the deer on the deserted road close to her village. She realizes there’s a house lights on nearby. She knocks the door to get help, meeting with charismatic Martin Tate who becomes her knight in shiny armor, inviting her into his place. Poor Leah is shaken, hysterical but also appreciative the help she gets from her mystic charming man.
Then very next day she rings the door twice like a postman to say thank you with hope to see her charming man again but alas her dreamy man is product of her vision. The police welcomes her, telling her the resident of the house is brutally murdered!
Don’t worry the charming boy is not dead! The resident of the house is a woman. Chill out!
Of yes, there’s a some detail: now we gotta worry about Leah because she’s the one who spent her time with a killer all night long! She’s the one who saw his face which makes her
quiet delicious prey/ target for her deer hunter!
Buckle up and get ready the crazy chase between Leah and Martin! It’s fast, it’s jaw dropping, it’s absolutely thrilling!
I’m giving my 4 ultra exciting, mind spinning, whirlwind, crazy wild stars!
It’s easy to read, unputdownable, very addictive!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
This is one of my fastest reads and it was quiet entertaining mouse-cat chase, action packed, heart pounding, twisty ride!
Let’s give you more clues about story line if you didn’t already read the blurb!
Leah Talbot hits the deer on the deserted road close to her village. She realizes there’s a house lights on nearby. She knocks the door to get help, meeting with charismatic Martin Tate who becomes her knight in shiny armor, inviting her into his place. Poor Leah is shaken, hysterical but also appreciative the help she gets from her mystic charming man.
Then very next day she rings the door twice like a postman to say thank you with hope to see her charming man again but alas her dreamy man is product of her vision. The police welcomes her, telling her the resident of the house is brutally murdered!
Don’t worry the charming boy is not dead! The resident of the house is a woman. Chill out!
Of yes, there’s a some detail: now we gotta worry about Leah because she’s the one who spent her time with a killer all night long! She’s the one who saw his face which makes her
quiet delicious prey/ target for her deer hunter!
Buckle up and get ready the crazy chase between Leah and Martin! It’s fast, it’s jaw dropping, it’s absolutely thrilling!
I’m giving my 4 ultra exciting, mind spinning, whirlwind, crazy wild stars!
It’s easy to read, unputdownable, very addictive!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
March 22, 2021
EXCERPT: 'Come and have a seat. I hope you don’t mind me saying but you’re looking a bit pale.’
‘That’s OK.’ She held up a hand. ‘I’ve disturbed your evening enough.’ Her gaze went to the lit kitchen beyond.
‘It’s no problem. Just me here.’ He’d read her mind.
‘You live here alone?’
‘Put it this way, you’re not disturbing a romantic dinner.’
That wasn’t an answer. Leah heard a small internal alarm bell. Her car was down the road and she hadn’t told Elliot in her message that she was inside a stranger’s house on Plough Lane.
‘Come and sit down while I call the AA.’
Despite feeling light-headed, Leah nodded but didn’t move.
He obviously sensed her unease. ‘Does my cooking smell that bad?’
Leah was about to smile but at that moment a dog came down the stairs. It was a white and brown basset hound and its ears flapped about its head as it descended awkwardly.
‘He doesn’t bite either.’
The animal slid down the last few green stairs on its stomach and made a beeline for Leah.
She bent to pet the dog. ‘What’s his name?’
‘Her. It’s Sheila.’
She tried to pat its head while it snuffled at her jeans. ‘Hi, Sheila.’ Leah held out her hand so Sheila could sniff it, but the dog ignored her. She stood up but felt giddy and staggered back.
‘Whoa.’ Tate caught her firmly by the arm.
He had a very tight grip but as soon as she’d regained her balance, he released her.
‘Sorry.’ He pulled both his arms in as if he shouldn’t have touched her.
‘That’s OK. I think I do need to sit down though, if you wouldn’t mind.’
‘Just in here.’ He immediately turned and led her towards the doorway of the kitchen.
Leah followed and found herself in a very impressive and modern space. More dark slate walls were broken up by bright white splash tiles behind the huge sink and cooking range. In the middle was a long breakfast bar and several stools. A half-eaten meal lay on it with a full bowl-glass of red wine beside it.
Leah’s scalp prickled cold. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve interrupted your dinner.’ Her mouth felt dry.
‘Not at all.’ He pulled out a stool. ‘Sit yourself down.’
But Leah stumbled, fell and blacked out before she reached it.
ABOUT 'THE GOOD NEIGHBOUR': He isn’t who you think he is…
When Leah Talbot hits a deer on a deserted road near her village she spots a light on in a nearby house and approaches, hoping that someone is home.
He is.
Charming, handsome, Martin Tate answers the door to the bedraggled and traumatised Leah, inviting her in. Though she’s not there for long, Leah feels an indescribable pull to the man who has helped in her hour of need.
But when she returns the next morning to say thank you, it isn’t Martin who answers the door this time. It’s the police.
There’s been a brutal murder and the sole female resident is dead.
There’s no sign of Martin…
Until he comes looking for Leah.
MY THOUGHTS: This was a fast-paced, fun read and I am glad I gave this author a second chance after really not liking the only other book I have read by him, While You Slept.
There were not so many characters as to be confusing, and they were each quite distinct from the others. The plot is one I have not come across before, and it is very clever and well thought out.
I became quite involved with the characters, mentally screaming at Leah at times because she made some really dumb decisions. But then, had I been in her place, I may well have made those same decisions, although I would like to think that I wouldn't.
Yes, this was crazy, and in places improbable, but it was also enjoyable. I think that had it gone on any longer it would have been too over the top, but the author wisely knew when to call time.
Narrator Rose Robinson was excellent and used exactly the right tones and inflections in her voice to suit the circumstances. I would listen to more books narrated by her.
And I will definitely be looking for more to read from Mr Parker.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheGoodNeighbour #NetGalley #rjparkerauthor #harpercollinsuk
@netgalley @harpercollins
#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama #psychologicalthriller
THE AUTHOR: R J Parker's creative career began as a TV script writer, script editor and producer. It was this background that fed into a series of cinematic, high-concept thrillers that grabs the reader from the very first page and doesn't release them until the last. R J Parker now lives in Salisbury.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK Audio for providing an audio ARC of The Good Neighbour by R.J. Parker for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
‘That’s OK.’ She held up a hand. ‘I’ve disturbed your evening enough.’ Her gaze went to the lit kitchen beyond.
‘It’s no problem. Just me here.’ He’d read her mind.
‘You live here alone?’
‘Put it this way, you’re not disturbing a romantic dinner.’
That wasn’t an answer. Leah heard a small internal alarm bell. Her car was down the road and she hadn’t told Elliot in her message that she was inside a stranger’s house on Plough Lane.
‘Come and sit down while I call the AA.’
Despite feeling light-headed, Leah nodded but didn’t move.
He obviously sensed her unease. ‘Does my cooking smell that bad?’
Leah was about to smile but at that moment a dog came down the stairs. It was a white and brown basset hound and its ears flapped about its head as it descended awkwardly.
‘He doesn’t bite either.’
The animal slid down the last few green stairs on its stomach and made a beeline for Leah.
She bent to pet the dog. ‘What’s his name?’
‘Her. It’s Sheila.’
She tried to pat its head while it snuffled at her jeans. ‘Hi, Sheila.’ Leah held out her hand so Sheila could sniff it, but the dog ignored her. She stood up but felt giddy and staggered back.
‘Whoa.’ Tate caught her firmly by the arm.
He had a very tight grip but as soon as she’d regained her balance, he released her.
‘Sorry.’ He pulled both his arms in as if he shouldn’t have touched her.
‘That’s OK. I think I do need to sit down though, if you wouldn’t mind.’
‘Just in here.’ He immediately turned and led her towards the doorway of the kitchen.
Leah followed and found herself in a very impressive and modern space. More dark slate walls were broken up by bright white splash tiles behind the huge sink and cooking range. In the middle was a long breakfast bar and several stools. A half-eaten meal lay on it with a full bowl-glass of red wine beside it.
Leah’s scalp prickled cold. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve interrupted your dinner.’ Her mouth felt dry.
‘Not at all.’ He pulled out a stool. ‘Sit yourself down.’
But Leah stumbled, fell and blacked out before she reached it.
ABOUT 'THE GOOD NEIGHBOUR': He isn’t who you think he is…
When Leah Talbot hits a deer on a deserted road near her village she spots a light on in a nearby house and approaches, hoping that someone is home.
He is.
Charming, handsome, Martin Tate answers the door to the bedraggled and traumatised Leah, inviting her in. Though she’s not there for long, Leah feels an indescribable pull to the man who has helped in her hour of need.
But when she returns the next morning to say thank you, it isn’t Martin who answers the door this time. It’s the police.
There’s been a brutal murder and the sole female resident is dead.
There’s no sign of Martin…
Until he comes looking for Leah.
MY THOUGHTS: This was a fast-paced, fun read and I am glad I gave this author a second chance after really not liking the only other book I have read by him, While You Slept.
There were not so many characters as to be confusing, and they were each quite distinct from the others. The plot is one I have not come across before, and it is very clever and well thought out.
I became quite involved with the characters, mentally screaming at Leah at times because she made some really dumb decisions. But then, had I been in her place, I may well have made those same decisions, although I would like to think that I wouldn't.
Yes, this was crazy, and in places improbable, but it was also enjoyable. I think that had it gone on any longer it would have been too over the top, but the author wisely knew when to call time.
Narrator Rose Robinson was excellent and used exactly the right tones and inflections in her voice to suit the circumstances. I would listen to more books narrated by her.
And I will definitely be looking for more to read from Mr Parker.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheGoodNeighbour #NetGalley #rjparkerauthor #harpercollinsuk
@netgalley @harpercollins
#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama #psychologicalthriller
THE AUTHOR: R J Parker's creative career began as a TV script writer, script editor and producer. It was this background that fed into a series of cinematic, high-concept thrillers that grabs the reader from the very first page and doesn't release them until the last. R J Parker now lives in Salisbury.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK Audio for providing an audio ARC of The Good Neighbour by R.J. Parker for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 22, 2021
::SIGH::
This started off strong, and I was truly invested. Then it devolved into repetitious craziness, which was not only implausible, but silly. Think Lifetime movies.
Not recommending this one either.
Available March 18, 2021
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for my review copy.
This started off strong, and I was truly invested. Then it devolved into repetitious craziness, which was not only implausible, but silly. Think Lifetime movies.
Not recommending this one either.
Available March 18, 2021
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for my review copy.
August 22, 2021
After hitting a deer in the road late one night she’s pretty shuck up, she sees a light on in someone’s house and knocks on the door for assistance and falls into the mans arms.
The next day she decides to revisit him to give her sincere thanks for helping her out……
Except, the police are there, there’s been a murder!
This is fast paced, nailbitingly thrilling!
Although I did listen on audio I could imagine me sitting and turning these pages so fast….
With the audio I just went around with my earplugs on listening to it, it’s intense.
This is one book I’d recommend.
The next day she decides to revisit him to give her sincere thanks for helping her out……
Except, the police are there, there’s been a murder!
This is fast paced, nailbitingly thrilling!
Although I did listen on audio I could imagine me sitting and turning these pages so fast….
With the audio I just went around with my earplugs on listening to it, it’s intense.
This is one book I’d recommend.
March 31, 2021
This is a creative, fun thriller with a fantastic setup. Leah is driving late at night and hits a deer. She goes to a neighboring house for help with her broken down car and a handsome stranger comes to the door, helping this damsel in distress. (She literally passes out in his arms.) When she goes back to thank him the following day, she learns that he’s not exactly who he said he was....Oh, and the police are there, because there’s been a murder.
This was a quick and fun page-turning read that started off fast-paced and nail-biting. The writer is talented and the plot was devilishly fun. Unfortunately though, things then went a little off the rails as the plot fell victim to two of my pet peeves: 1) a heroine who is too frozen in shock or (worse) too dense to make good choices, and 2) a heroine who doesn’t call the police at the first obvious opportunity, or even. (Or here, even at the second, third, or fourth opportunity, or in the face of total mayhem.) Things had gotten totally outlandish by the end and it could have easily been stopped by a call to the police....and yet, the author never gives us any kind of compelling reason why this doesn’t happen.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, his devious imagination, and the breakneck speed of the action. I’ll definitely try another book by him but I’ll beg him to make his heroine a little less easily frazzled next time.
Thanks to NetGalley, One More a chapter and the author for the ARC! I’ll look forward to seeing what this author can do with his next book.
This was a quick and fun page-turning read that started off fast-paced and nail-biting. The writer is talented and the plot was devilishly fun. Unfortunately though, things then went a little off the rails as the plot fell victim to two of my pet peeves: 1) a heroine who is too frozen in shock or (worse) too dense to make good choices, and 2) a heroine who doesn’t call the police at the first obvious opportunity, or even. (Or here, even at the second, third, or fourth opportunity, or in the face of total mayhem.) Things had gotten totally outlandish by the end and it could have easily been stopped by a call to the police....and yet, the author never gives us any kind of compelling reason why this doesn’t happen.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, his devious imagination, and the breakneck speed of the action. I’ll definitely try another book by him but I’ll beg him to make his heroine a little less easily frazzled next time.
Thanks to NetGalley, One More a chapter and the author for the ARC! I’ll look forward to seeing what this author can do with his next book.
January 13, 2021
Leah accidentally hits a deer with her car on a country road on her way home.
He phone has no charge so she knock the door of a house to asked to use their phone to call the police and the AA to take her car to be repaired.
The man who answered the door is helpful and charming.
The next day Leah goes back to the house to thank him and finds that the house is surrounded by police cars. She is then told that a terrible crime had been committed the evening before at the property.
I enjoyed this book and read it in one day. It was fast paced and entertaining.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
He phone has no charge so she knock the door of a house to asked to use their phone to call the police and the AA to take her car to be repaired.
The man who answered the door is helpful and charming.
The next day Leah goes back to the house to thank him and finds that the house is surrounded by police cars. She is then told that a terrible crime had been committed the evening before at the property.
I enjoyed this book and read it in one day. It was fast paced and entertaining.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2021
2.5 Stars
This book was a conundrum. On one hand, the story hooked me from page one and kept me engaged until the end. On the other hand, the heroine was a complete moron, and the ending felt like the author just tired of writing the story. I mean, we couldn't get at least a couple chapters of them dealing with the police??!! 🤷
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This book was a conundrum. On one hand, the story hooked me from page one and kept me engaged until the end. On the other hand, the heroine was a complete moron, and the ending felt like the author just tired of writing the story. I mean, we couldn't get at least a couple chapters of them dealing with the police??!! 🤷
**ARC Via NetGalley**
December 25, 2020
This is a fast-paced thriller that takes place entirely within a 24 hour period. I read the book pretty much in one sitting. It centers on Leah, who hits a deer and knocks on the door of the closest house to use their phone. She has a strangely unsettling encounter with Martin, who answers the door; only to find out the next day when she returns to thank him that Martin is not the homeowner at all, and in fact that person was murdered around the same time Leah was there. The rest of the book is a cat and mouse game between Leah and Martin where he tries to endear her to him while she tries to figure out his intentions.
The book moves as a fast clip the entire way through. Some chapters go back a few hours to whatever Martin did to set up the situation that Leah is encountering in real time. I liked that approach and actually would have liked more of those chapters to help build depth in Martin's character as well as the decisions he made to work towards his end goal. There is a lot of action and were some definite creepy situations throughout the book.
While there was excitement throughout the book, I found myself constantly frustrated with the stupid decisions Leah made, and the fact that she seemed to be a step ahead of the police even when she did really dumb things. I also wish the author would have gone a little deeper into the characterization of Leah and Elliot and into the things that happened to make their marriage on the brink of ending. There was enough information thrown in there to make it make sense, but I think I would have cared more with a little more depth.
All in all, the book is a little shallow but is fast-paced and exciting. I would recommend to those that enjoy thrillers and are looking for a quick read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book moves as a fast clip the entire way through. Some chapters go back a few hours to whatever Martin did to set up the situation that Leah is encountering in real time. I liked that approach and actually would have liked more of those chapters to help build depth in Martin's character as well as the decisions he made to work towards his end goal. There is a lot of action and were some definite creepy situations throughout the book.
While there was excitement throughout the book, I found myself constantly frustrated with the stupid decisions Leah made, and the fact that she seemed to be a step ahead of the police even when she did really dumb things. I also wish the author would have gone a little deeper into the characterization of Leah and Elliot and into the things that happened to make their marriage on the brink of ending. There was enough information thrown in there to make it make sense, but I think I would have cared more with a little more depth.
All in all, the book is a little shallow but is fast-paced and exciting. I would recommend to those that enjoy thrillers and are looking for a quick read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2021
Woooo what a book!!! I cannot believe I've had this on my kindle since December and haven't read it until today!!
So you are driving home and on one of the lines hit a deer, it's late and you are close to a "neighbour's" house only a few streets away from home. They let you use their phone to call the AA and you have a moment but you feel a tad uncomfortable so you wait outside the following day you go to say thank you bottle of wine in hand only to come face to face with loads of police officers they inform you the owner of the house has been murdered!!! But you only saw him 8 hours ago but turns out he wasn't the occupant he is the killer and you know his face the questions are why did he open the door and are you in danger? This is the predicament Leah finds herself in!
This book is literally one of my worst nightmares, mainly because it's believable. We all know there are sociopaths out there and this is the kind of thing they can do. I had actually forgotten what the plot of the book was and I quite glad I had as when the plot kicked in it was completely unexpected.
Leah is an interesting choice as the lead protagonists as she doesn't appear that strong as a person. But I really enjoyed watching how she develops throughout the book. Over the course of 24 hours her life is turned upside down. Her relationship with her husband is Elliott is at breaking point she seems to look the other way at some very obvious signs that her marriage is completely over. Yet she is willing to risk herself for him! I wasn't keen on that but I understood the point.
The killer is one messed up guy and he has an obsession with Leah before she even knocked on the door, he thinks it's a sign! Now here's the thing he is not right in the head but I thought he made a great villain I found him quite "relatable". You almost want to feel sorry for him but then we'll he took it to far for me. But I found the dynamic between him and Leah very interesting they seem to be quite similar with the hurt they both suffer.
The writing is done extremely well. Description of different scenes is done so well, at times I felt like I was there. The begining chapters when Leah hits the deer the description is done so well I could unfortunately picture it.
Plus it's written in third person, I normally prefer first person narrator but this felt like I was on the outside looking in it added to the narrative.
In summary would I recommend this book? Yes there is no doubt about it. This is one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read, big statement I know but the fear that this could actually happen in real life messes with my head even more. I sat and ran through his in one setting 6 hours and I was gutted when it ended I wondered how it would be rounded off and woop amazing a part 2 should happen but I doubt it will.. I know u will be re reading this book at some point to see if there is anything I kissed.
Easy 5 stars actually 5+ stars
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for the digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest options.
So you are driving home and on one of the lines hit a deer, it's late and you are close to a "neighbour's" house only a few streets away from home. They let you use their phone to call the AA and you have a moment but you feel a tad uncomfortable so you wait outside the following day you go to say thank you bottle of wine in hand only to come face to face with loads of police officers they inform you the owner of the house has been murdered!!! But you only saw him 8 hours ago but turns out he wasn't the occupant he is the killer and you know his face the questions are why did he open the door and are you in danger? This is the predicament Leah finds herself in!
This book is literally one of my worst nightmares, mainly because it's believable. We all know there are sociopaths out there and this is the kind of thing they can do. I had actually forgotten what the plot of the book was and I quite glad I had as when the plot kicked in it was completely unexpected.
Leah is an interesting choice as the lead protagonists as she doesn't appear that strong as a person. But I really enjoyed watching how she develops throughout the book. Over the course of 24 hours her life is turned upside down. Her relationship with her husband is Elliott is at breaking point she seems to look the other way at some very obvious signs that her marriage is completely over. Yet she is willing to risk herself for him! I wasn't keen on that but I understood the point.
The killer is one messed up guy and he has an obsession with Leah before she even knocked on the door, he thinks it's a sign! Now here's the thing he is not right in the head but I thought he made a great villain I found him quite "relatable". You almost want to feel sorry for him but then we'll he took it to far for me. But I found the dynamic between him and Leah very interesting they seem to be quite similar with the hurt they both suffer.
The writing is done extremely well. Description of different scenes is done so well, at times I felt like I was there. The begining chapters when Leah hits the deer the description is done so well I could unfortunately picture it.
Plus it's written in third person, I normally prefer first person narrator but this felt like I was on the outside looking in it added to the narrative.
In summary would I recommend this book? Yes there is no doubt about it. This is one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read, big statement I know but the fear that this could actually happen in real life messes with my head even more. I sat and ran through his in one setting 6 hours and I was gutted when it ended I wondered how it would be rounded off and woop amazing a part 2 should happen but I doubt it will.. I know u will be re reading this book at some point to see if there is anything I kissed.
Easy 5 stars actually 5+ stars
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for the digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest options.
December 29, 2020
Leah Talbot is on her way home when she hits a deer. She sees a house ahead and approaches it, hoping a kind neighbour will let her use their phone.
She is greeted by handsome Martin Tate who is more than happy for her to come inside and use his phone. He helpfully calls the police and arrangesfor her damaged car to be towed away.
The next day she decides to take Martin a bottle of wine as a thank you present. On her arrival she is stopped by the police and informed that the home owner was murdered ... and the homeowner is not Martin!!
What happens next is a cat and mouse game between Martin and Leah as Martin gives out instructions for Leah to follow.
I was completely drawn into this book with its fast pace and practically read it in one sitting.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
She is greeted by handsome Martin Tate who is more than happy for her to come inside and use his phone. He helpfully calls the police and arrangesfor her damaged car to be towed away.
The next day she decides to take Martin a bottle of wine as a thank you present. On her arrival she is stopped by the police and informed that the home owner was murdered ... and the homeowner is not Martin!!
What happens next is a cat and mouse game between Martin and Leah as Martin gives out instructions for Leah to follow.
I was completely drawn into this book with its fast pace and practically read it in one sitting.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
February 16, 2021
Leah Talbot is driving home alone on Valentines night when she hits a deer on the road and wrecks her car. As her phone battery has died, she goes to the nearest house to ask them if she can use their phone to call for a recovery team to collect her car and her husband. When she arrives at the nearest house, she meets charismatic Martin Tate were there is an instant attraction between them and invites her in. Leah calls her husband, but she knows that he will not be home. There marriage is a loveless one. Martin is extremely helpful and calls his own recovery team to aide Leah to get her car towed.
The next day Leah returns to the house with a bottle wine to say thank you for the help. Only to find the house cordoned off by the police and the owner of the property has been murdered and that Martin Tate was not neighbour but the killer of the woman that lived there.
Thank you Harper Collins One more Chapter for a copy of the Good Neighbour the first book that I have read by Richard Jay Parker. This is a fast paced and somewhat crazy, over the top thriller and also a fast read. Which I did enjoy some what but, just wondered when Leah was making all these decisions and do what the killer was asking. Why didn’t she contact the police? 4 stars from me.
The next day Leah returns to the house with a bottle wine to say thank you for the help. Only to find the house cordoned off by the police and the owner of the property has been murdered and that Martin Tate was not neighbour but the killer of the woman that lived there.
Thank you Harper Collins One more Chapter for a copy of the Good Neighbour the first book that I have read by Richard Jay Parker. This is a fast paced and somewhat crazy, over the top thriller and also a fast read. Which I did enjoy some what but, just wondered when Leah was making all these decisions and do what the killer was asking. Why didn’t she contact the police? 4 stars from me.
April 30, 2021
“The Good Neighbor” unfolds like a line of dominoes, one is pushed and then one by one, each of the others goes tumbling into the next. The events are unstoppable, destructive, connected, and inevitable. Leah Talbot was in an accident; an animal jumped in front of her car. She was not to blame. Her neighbor was kind enough to let her use his phone to call a service truck. Surely he was a good neighbor. Events are logical, natural, even expected; however, when the owner of the house, a woman, is found murdered, things for Leah become illogical, unnatural, and definitely unexpected. Who was the man she had spent part of the evening with? A murderer, a polite, considerate executioner?
R. J Parker unfolds the story mostly from Leah’s perspective, but flashbacks let readers know what she does not. The timelines eventually converge in a terrifying manner. Events spiral downward at a frantic gripping pace, and readers do not whom to believe. The line between good and evil blurs, the choices become untenable. Is there a way for Leah to get things under control, or are the circumstances unwinnable?
“The Good Neighbor” is a story filled with comprehensive geographic details, complex thought processes, and gloves, always a fresh pair of surgical gloves. I received a review copy of “The Good Neighbor” from R. J. Parker, One More Chapter, and Harper Collins Publishers.
R. J Parker unfolds the story mostly from Leah’s perspective, but flashbacks let readers know what she does not. The timelines eventually converge in a terrifying manner. Events spiral downward at a frantic gripping pace, and readers do not whom to believe. The line between good and evil blurs, the choices become untenable. Is there a way for Leah to get things under control, or are the circumstances unwinnable?
“The Good Neighbor” is a story filled with comprehensive geographic details, complex thought processes, and gloves, always a fresh pair of surgical gloves. I received a review copy of “The Good Neighbor” from R. J. Parker, One More Chapter, and Harper Collins Publishers.
March 15, 2021
Driving along late at night on a familiar country road, Leah Talbot narrowly avoids a motorbike but then crashes into a deer. Receiving help at a nearby house, she decides to call back the next morning to thank the man, only to be greeted by a policeman. The tension mounts as the police investigate the murder and Leah’s life is turned upside down. The increased danger begins to affect the people in Leah’s life and ultimately puts her family at risk. A slow burner of a psychological thriller that ends in a crescendo, with a three-star rating. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.
March 14, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
When Leah Talbot hits a deer on a deserted road near her willage, she spots a light on in a near by house and approaches, hoping someone is home. Handsome Martin Tate answers the door to a bedraggled and traumatised Leah, inviting her in. She doesn't stay long but Leah feels an indescrible pull to the man who helped her in her hour of need. But when she returns to say thank you, it isn't Martn who answers the door. It's the police.
This is a gripping fast paced read. It's quite far fetched at times. Full of suspense, twists and a few oh my gosh moments, all the things you need to keep you turning the pages. I did orefer the first half of the story. There was not sos much suspense in the second half. The killer is quite creepy. There's a surprising twist at the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #RJParker for my ARC #TheGoodNeighbour in exchange for an honest review.
When Leah Talbot hits a deer on a deserted road near her willage, she spots a light on in a near by house and approaches, hoping someone is home. Handsome Martin Tate answers the door to a bedraggled and traumatised Leah, inviting her in. She doesn't stay long but Leah feels an indescrible pull to the man who helped her in her hour of need. But when she returns to say thank you, it isn't Martn who answers the door. It's the police.
This is a gripping fast paced read. It's quite far fetched at times. Full of suspense, twists and a few oh my gosh moments, all the things you need to keep you turning the pages. I did orefer the first half of the story. There was not sos much suspense in the second half. The killer is quite creepy. There's a surprising twist at the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #RJParker for my ARC #TheGoodNeighbour in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2021
Characters:
Leah Talbot - Married to Elliot. Works remotely as an accountant for two property management company. Her husband Elliot doesn’t love her anymore and having an affair. They are in the process of becoming separated. Her father has advanced Alzheimer’s. Her younger sister Olivia died, after being hit by a car retrieving Leah’s frisbee when they were children. Her mother also passed.
Elliot (Deceased) - Leah’s estranged husband. Had multiple affairs during their marriage. Tate came back to life and poisoned him to death.
Martin Tate (Not his real name) - Killer. Deranged, psychopathic and loves to score the faces of his victims using razor blades.
Alice Booth (Deceased) - Murder Victim.
Sheila - Alice’s pet dog.
DI Helen Byrne - Detective in charge of the Alice Booth murder case
Sergeant Fitch
Mr. and Mrs. Trent (Deceased) - Leah’s next door neighbour who saw Martin Tate coming out of Leah’s house. Tate went back the next day and overheard them talking about Leah and Elliot’s private affairs. Leah found them both in the bathtub.
Katya Boyers (Deceased) - Elliot’s girlfriend. Lives three streets away from them (19a Medford Ave). Murdered by Martin Tate when he followed her home and she saw her face. Stuffed her mouth with nylon and suffocated her using his belt.
Lownes (Deceased) - homeless man who Martin Tate used to distract the police by having him approach DI Byrne in the park. Leah found him dead inside an abandoned pig farm with his throat slashed and his face scored by a razor. Tate got to him a few hours after he was released from the police questioning after being interrogated
• Leah Talbot was driving home on Valentine’s night. She had been called into the office for a meeting. Her estranged husband of eight years, Elliot most likely won’t be home yet.
• After narrowly avoiding hitting a motorcyclist in a dangerous bend, her luck ran out and she hit a deer.
• The wheel arch of her car is crushed so she got it off the main road and into a ditch. She also tried to move the deer in case other cars comes by. She tried to phone for help but found that her phone is dead, the battery completely drained.
• She located a house on Plough Lane with the lights on, so she decided to walk towards it to see if she can use their phone to call for help.
• When she arrived, the gates were open so she knocked on the yellow door. She also noticed two cars parked. One blue and one silver.
• An attractive man opened the door and invited her in to use the phone. Noticing that her hand was bloody, he suggested that she use the downstairs washroom to clean up.
• When she came out, he was ending a call. He told her that he had called the police for her.
• While waiting, he invited her to the kitchen where he was in the middle of his meal. Upon reaching the kitchen, Leah collapsed and woke up lying on a couch in the lounge. The man, who introduced himself as Martin Tate , assured her that she had passed out for only a few minutes. He went to get her a glass of brandy to steady her nerves and called a tow service for her car.
• For some reason, they kissed. Leah wasn’t sure if she kissed him or she kissed him.
• She then felt uncomfortable and asked to wait outside. Martin tried to get her to stay but she insisted. So she took an umbrella and went to wait by the gate. Before leaving, she provided him with her exact address.
• The tow service arrived, Leah returned the umbrella by placing it on the front and arrived home.
• When she arrived, her husband Elliot, whom she has been married to for eight years, but now estranged (he told her he doesn’t love her anymore) was still not home.
• The next day, Saturday, Leah woke up and decided to drive Elliot’s car and return to thank Martin properly with a bottle of red win and to check if the police had moved the dead deer off the road. Martin’s property is only about a 5 min drive from her place on 33 Minster Street
• When she drove by, she noticed that there were police car parked in front of the house.
• She told the police that she was just at the house no less than 8 hours ago. (Around 11 to midnight per Leah’s statement)
• She met Detective Byrne, who along with Sergeant Fitch, took her statement. From the detective, she learned that the owner of the house, Alice Booth, was found dead by her housekeeper that morning. Apparently, Alice was suppose to be leaving for vacation on a red eye flight.
• In her statement, Leah left out that she and Martin had kissed.
• She was sent home to check on Elliot with Sergeant Fitch. Fitch was also asked to look around the house. When they arrived, the front door was unlocked. However, Leah wasn’t sure if Elliot may have left it unlocked when he went on his morning run. Then, they heard a noise in the kitchen.j
• When Fitch went to investigate, Elliot arrived home. The noise from the kitchen turned out to be a duck who had managed to enter the house.
• Leah and Elliot no longer feel safe in the house. They decided to stay somewhere else for the rest of the weekend. They quickly packed bags. Leah planned to stay with her father who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Elliot chose to “stay with a friend”
• Elliot refused to leave Leah alone in the house. While Elliot was packing his bag, Leah received a text message from Martin saying they should talk about their kiss.
• Leah tried to get Elliot out of the house but Elliot refused. She also like to Elliot telling him that she will be walking back to the crime scene to retrieve his car and then drive to her dad from there.
• While packing her bag, Leah messaged Martin back telling him to turn himself in to the police.
• Leah and Elliot left the house at the same time. Elliot walked down the street and Leah was about to leave when she encountered their next door neighbours, the Trents.
• The Trents seemed to have made several observations from the night before.
• They observed Elliot being driven home by another woman, they kissed and she left him appearing to be angry at him.
• They also disclosed that they saw a man leaving their house. This coincided with the time that she was in the shower.
• When Fitch arrived back to the house, he wasn’t driving Elliot’s car. Leah told him about what the Trents saw and Fitch went to speak with the neighbour to confirm the information.
• Leah rode back with Fitch to the crime scene (the house on Plough Lane) bec Byrne wanted to speak with her before returning Elliot’s car.
• Martin apparently called the house and spoke with DI Byrne. He mentioned that he is surrendering himself to the police. He set up an appointment for Byrne to meet him at 11am in a park.
• Byrne then roped Leah into going with the police so she can identify Martin.
• While Leah is a safe distance away trying to see if Martin shows up in the park, she received another text message from Martin indicating that he is with Elliot. (Text Message: Elliot says hi and not to tell police anything about our conversation)
• Martin even sent her a photo of the back of Elliot as he walked down the street THAT VERY morning.
• The meeting was a bust. A guy came up to DI Byrne but it was not Martin (no surprise).
• Leah decided not to tell the police about Martin contacting her. After being released from the police station, she didn’t know where to go.
• That’s when she received a call from Martin. She could hear Martin touring Elliot. Martin tested her about Katya and sent Leah to head to her place.
• When Leah arrived at Katya’s place, she tried the door buzzer but was instead let in by her flatmate. She encountered Leah’s roommate who told her that this wasn’t the first time Leah has ruined marriages before leaving for work.
• When Leah arrived in the room, she discovered Katya’s body after turning her body over. Katya’s mouth was stuffed with what looked like nylon and Martin’s belt was on her throat.
• Leah was walking dazed on the streets, unsure of where to go when Tate contacted her again and directed her to the Trents.
• When Leah arrived, she found a gruesome scene where the Trents were lying face down in the upstairs tub.
• Tate then directed Leah to head to an abandoned pig farm. Leah returned to the original crime scene to retrieve her car.
• When she arrived at the abandoned pig farm, she was alarmed to find a body wearing Elliot’s jacket. It turned out to be Lownes, the man who approached DI Byrne at the park who was released from police custody only a few hours ago.
• Unbeknownst to her, the police had followed Leah when she picked up Elliot’s car. When a police car was investigating her whereabouts in the big, abandoned pig farm, Leah got another call from her father. Tate is with her dad. Leah then sneaked back to her car and after a brief car chase, managed to lose her police tail.
• She arrived at her father’s cottage and Tate was there to meet her. He cooked them a meal and tried to convince Leah to get rid of Elliot and her father who are weighing her down.
• Tate learned from Elliot that Leah feels guilty for her younger sister’s death from when they were children. Olivia was retrieving Leah’s kite on the street when she was struck by a car. Leah’s father never forgave Leah for it her entire life. Then Leah’s mother died.
• Elliot had engaged in several extramarital affairs behind Leah’s back. The first one just three months after they wed.
• After Leah ate and drank, Tate finally told her where her father and Elliot are hidden. He even placed the key on the table for her.
• She grabbed the serrated steak knife from the table to defend herself as she leave her father’s dining room to head to the unused apple storage shed at the back of the property.
• When she unlocked the shed, she found her father tied to a metal chair. Elliot is unconscious and also tied. He has suffered a number of cuts all over his body.
• Leah was desperately trying to untie her dad who was experiencing some seizure.
• Tate was in the doorway still trying to ask Leah to choose between her dad or Elliot. His point was, both men have negatively affected her life and therefore, have a negative impact on her life. He wanted Leah to get rid of these men in her life.
• Leah managed to untie one of her father’s hand and was trying to help Elliot. Tate has stepped into the shed.
• In a moment of speed, Leah stabbed TATE in the neck with the steak knife.
• Leah, her father and Elliot planned to head back to the house, lock the doors and call the police. Unfortunately, Tate has both Leah’s and her father’s phone with him.
• The new plan then was to get into the car and drive to the nearest neighbour’s house to call the police.
• While they were struggling to get into the car, Tate managed to come out. Leah tried to confront him but he hit her on the head with a rake. While Leah was stunned, Tate tried to kill off her father and Elliot. Leah managed to hit him on the head with a bottle. On the third hit, the bottle broke and Leah used the jagged edge to violently stab Tate in the neck.
• Leah and Elliot returned home after being treated at the hospital and the police has interviewed them. Leah was once again in the shower and she left Elliot in the downstairs sofa.
• When Leah came down, she found Elliot dead. Unbeknownst to them both, when Tate broke into Leah’s house, not only did he leave a duck, but he also injected poison into a bottle of red wine knowing that Leah does not drink red wine.
We get chapters from Martin’s POV:
• Martin was cleaning up blood from his hand after murdering Alice Booth when he heard a knock at the front door. Peering from the upstairs. Bedroom, he recognized Leah.
• He locked the room and headed downstairs to receive Leah.
• While Leah was in the WC washing up, he pretended to call the police.
• When Leah collapsed, he carried her to the couch and kissed her while she was unconscious.
• When she came to, he used Alice Booth’s membership information to call the tow service for Leah.
• When the tow car arrived, he followed her home.
• Not only did Tate follow her home, he sneaked into her house via the garage and watched her shower almost getting caught by Leah.
• He managed to slip out the front door.
• While hiding behind a tree, Martin spied Elliot arriving home with Katya. He saw as well as overheard their interaction. He also noticed that the Trent’s was watching the interaction from their window.
• He then followed Katya home. She noticed and asked him point blank if he was following her. Quick on his feet, he lied and told her that he is a private investigator hired by Leah to follow her and see who Elliot is having an affair with.
• When she turned to enter her apartment, Martin subdued her and murdered her by stuffing her mouth and strangling her with his belt. He wanted to cut her up like Alice Booth, except he was interrupted by Katya’s roommate coming home.
• Tate then had to lure Lownes to an abandoned pig farm promising Lownes to pay him the remainder of the money. He also murdered Lownes by slitting his throat.
• Martin has been hurt and disappointed by people he becomes obsessed with. This is the reason why he killed Alice Booth. He was her obsession years earlier. With Alice Booth dead, Martin’s obsession came to an end until he spotted Leah at the coffee shop. That’s when he transferred his attention to her.
Leah Talbot - Married to Elliot. Works remotely as an accountant for two property management company. Her husband Elliot doesn’t love her anymore and having an affair. They are in the process of becoming separated. Her father has advanced Alzheimer’s. Her younger sister Olivia died, after being hit by a car retrieving Leah’s frisbee when they were children. Her mother also passed.
Elliot (Deceased) - Leah’s estranged husband. Had multiple affairs during their marriage. Tate came back to life and poisoned him to death.
Martin Tate (Not his real name) - Killer. Deranged, psychopathic and loves to score the faces of his victims using razor blades.
Alice Booth (Deceased) - Murder Victim.
Sheila - Alice’s pet dog.
DI Helen Byrne - Detective in charge of the Alice Booth murder case
Sergeant Fitch
Mr. and Mrs. Trent (Deceased) - Leah’s next door neighbour who saw Martin Tate coming out of Leah’s house. Tate went back the next day and overheard them talking about Leah and Elliot’s private affairs. Leah found them both in the bathtub.
Katya Boyers (Deceased) - Elliot’s girlfriend. Lives three streets away from them (19a Medford Ave). Murdered by Martin Tate when he followed her home and she saw her face. Stuffed her mouth with nylon and suffocated her using his belt.
Lownes (Deceased) - homeless man who Martin Tate used to distract the police by having him approach DI Byrne in the park. Leah found him dead inside an abandoned pig farm with his throat slashed and his face scored by a razor. Tate got to him a few hours after he was released from the police questioning after being interrogated
• Leah Talbot was driving home on Valentine’s night. She had been called into the office for a meeting. Her estranged husband of eight years, Elliot most likely won’t be home yet.
• After narrowly avoiding hitting a motorcyclist in a dangerous bend, her luck ran out and she hit a deer.
• The wheel arch of her car is crushed so she got it off the main road and into a ditch. She also tried to move the deer in case other cars comes by. She tried to phone for help but found that her phone is dead, the battery completely drained.
• She located a house on Plough Lane with the lights on, so she decided to walk towards it to see if she can use their phone to call for help.
• When she arrived, the gates were open so she knocked on the yellow door. She also noticed two cars parked. One blue and one silver.
• An attractive man opened the door and invited her in to use the phone. Noticing that her hand was bloody, he suggested that she use the downstairs washroom to clean up.
• When she came out, he was ending a call. He told her that he had called the police for her.
• While waiting, he invited her to the kitchen where he was in the middle of his meal. Upon reaching the kitchen, Leah collapsed and woke up lying on a couch in the lounge. The man, who introduced himself as Martin Tate , assured her that she had passed out for only a few minutes. He went to get her a glass of brandy to steady her nerves and called a tow service for her car.
• For some reason, they kissed. Leah wasn’t sure if she kissed him or she kissed him.
• She then felt uncomfortable and asked to wait outside. Martin tried to get her to stay but she insisted. So she took an umbrella and went to wait by the gate. Before leaving, she provided him with her exact address.
• The tow service arrived, Leah returned the umbrella by placing it on the front and arrived home.
• When she arrived, her husband Elliot, whom she has been married to for eight years, but now estranged (he told her he doesn’t love her anymore) was still not home.
• The next day, Saturday, Leah woke up and decided to drive Elliot’s car and return to thank Martin properly with a bottle of red win and to check if the police had moved the dead deer off the road. Martin’s property is only about a 5 min drive from her place on 33 Minster Street
• When she drove by, she noticed that there were police car parked in front of the house.
• She told the police that she was just at the house no less than 8 hours ago. (Around 11 to midnight per Leah’s statement)
• She met Detective Byrne, who along with Sergeant Fitch, took her statement. From the detective, she learned that the owner of the house, Alice Booth, was found dead by her housekeeper that morning. Apparently, Alice was suppose to be leaving for vacation on a red eye flight.
• In her statement, Leah left out that she and Martin had kissed.
• She was sent home to check on Elliot with Sergeant Fitch. Fitch was also asked to look around the house. When they arrived, the front door was unlocked. However, Leah wasn’t sure if Elliot may have left it unlocked when he went on his morning run. Then, they heard a noise in the kitchen.j
• When Fitch went to investigate, Elliot arrived home. The noise from the kitchen turned out to be a duck who had managed to enter the house.
• Leah and Elliot no longer feel safe in the house. They decided to stay somewhere else for the rest of the weekend. They quickly packed bags. Leah planned to stay with her father who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Elliot chose to “stay with a friend”
• Elliot refused to leave Leah alone in the house. While Elliot was packing his bag, Leah received a text message from Martin saying they should talk about their kiss.
• Leah tried to get Elliot out of the house but Elliot refused. She also like to Elliot telling him that she will be walking back to the crime scene to retrieve his car and then drive to her dad from there.
• While packing her bag, Leah messaged Martin back telling him to turn himself in to the police.
• Leah and Elliot left the house at the same time. Elliot walked down the street and Leah was about to leave when she encountered their next door neighbours, the Trents.
• The Trents seemed to have made several observations from the night before.
• They observed Elliot being driven home by another woman, they kissed and she left him appearing to be angry at him.
• They also disclosed that they saw a man leaving their house. This coincided with the time that she was in the shower.
• When Fitch arrived back to the house, he wasn’t driving Elliot’s car. Leah told him about what the Trents saw and Fitch went to speak with the neighbour to confirm the information.
• Leah rode back with Fitch to the crime scene (the house on Plough Lane) bec Byrne wanted to speak with her before returning Elliot’s car.
• Martin apparently called the house and spoke with DI Byrne. He mentioned that he is surrendering himself to the police. He set up an appointment for Byrne to meet him at 11am in a park.
• Byrne then roped Leah into going with the police so she can identify Martin.
• While Leah is a safe distance away trying to see if Martin shows up in the park, she received another text message from Martin indicating that he is with Elliot. (Text Message: Elliot says hi and not to tell police anything about our conversation)
• Martin even sent her a photo of the back of Elliot as he walked down the street THAT VERY morning.
• The meeting was a bust. A guy came up to DI Byrne but it was not Martin (no surprise).
• Leah decided not to tell the police about Martin contacting her. After being released from the police station, she didn’t know where to go.
• That’s when she received a call from Martin. She could hear Martin touring Elliot. Martin tested her about Katya and sent Leah to head to her place.
• When Leah arrived at Katya’s place, she tried the door buzzer but was instead let in by her flatmate. She encountered Leah’s roommate who told her that this wasn’t the first time Leah has ruined marriages before leaving for work.
• When Leah arrived in the room, she discovered Katya’s body after turning her body over. Katya’s mouth was stuffed with what looked like nylon and Martin’s belt was on her throat.
• Leah was walking dazed on the streets, unsure of where to go when Tate contacted her again and directed her to the Trents.
• When Leah arrived, she found a gruesome scene where the Trents were lying face down in the upstairs tub.
• Tate then directed Leah to head to an abandoned pig farm. Leah returned to the original crime scene to retrieve her car.
• When she arrived at the abandoned pig farm, she was alarmed to find a body wearing Elliot’s jacket. It turned out to be Lownes, the man who approached DI Byrne at the park who was released from police custody only a few hours ago.
• Unbeknownst to her, the police had followed Leah when she picked up Elliot’s car. When a police car was investigating her whereabouts in the big, abandoned pig farm, Leah got another call from her father. Tate is with her dad. Leah then sneaked back to her car and after a brief car chase, managed to lose her police tail.
• She arrived at her father’s cottage and Tate was there to meet her. He cooked them a meal and tried to convince Leah to get rid of Elliot and her father who are weighing her down.
• Tate learned from Elliot that Leah feels guilty for her younger sister’s death from when they were children. Olivia was retrieving Leah’s kite on the street when she was struck by a car. Leah’s father never forgave Leah for it her entire life. Then Leah’s mother died.
• Elliot had engaged in several extramarital affairs behind Leah’s back. The first one just three months after they wed.
• After Leah ate and drank, Tate finally told her where her father and Elliot are hidden. He even placed the key on the table for her.
• She grabbed the serrated steak knife from the table to defend herself as she leave her father’s dining room to head to the unused apple storage shed at the back of the property.
• When she unlocked the shed, she found her father tied to a metal chair. Elliot is unconscious and also tied. He has suffered a number of cuts all over his body.
• Leah was desperately trying to untie her dad who was experiencing some seizure.
• Tate was in the doorway still trying to ask Leah to choose between her dad or Elliot. His point was, both men have negatively affected her life and therefore, have a negative impact on her life. He wanted Leah to get rid of these men in her life.
• Leah managed to untie one of her father’s hand and was trying to help Elliot. Tate has stepped into the shed.
• In a moment of speed, Leah stabbed TATE in the neck with the steak knife.
• Leah, her father and Elliot planned to head back to the house, lock the doors and call the police. Unfortunately, Tate has both Leah’s and her father’s phone with him.
• The new plan then was to get into the car and drive to the nearest neighbour’s house to call the police.
• While they were struggling to get into the car, Tate managed to come out. Leah tried to confront him but he hit her on the head with a rake. While Leah was stunned, Tate tried to kill off her father and Elliot. Leah managed to hit him on the head with a bottle. On the third hit, the bottle broke and Leah used the jagged edge to violently stab Tate in the neck.
• Leah and Elliot returned home after being treated at the hospital and the police has interviewed them. Leah was once again in the shower and she left Elliot in the downstairs sofa.
• When Leah came down, she found Elliot dead. Unbeknownst to them both, when Tate broke into Leah’s house, not only did he leave a duck, but he also injected poison into a bottle of red wine knowing that Leah does not drink red wine.
We get chapters from Martin’s POV:
• Martin was cleaning up blood from his hand after murdering Alice Booth when he heard a knock at the front door. Peering from the upstairs. Bedroom, he recognized Leah.
• He locked the room and headed downstairs to receive Leah.
• While Leah was in the WC washing up, he pretended to call the police.
• When Leah collapsed, he carried her to the couch and kissed her while she was unconscious.
• When she came to, he used Alice Booth’s membership information to call the tow service for Leah.
• When the tow car arrived, he followed her home.
• Not only did Tate follow her home, he sneaked into her house via the garage and watched her shower almost getting caught by Leah.
• He managed to slip out the front door.
• While hiding behind a tree, Martin spied Elliot arriving home with Katya. He saw as well as overheard their interaction. He also noticed that the Trent’s was watching the interaction from their window.
• He then followed Katya home. She noticed and asked him point blank if he was following her. Quick on his feet, he lied and told her that he is a private investigator hired by Leah to follow her and see who Elliot is having an affair with.
• When she turned to enter her apartment, Martin subdued her and murdered her by stuffing her mouth and strangling her with his belt. He wanted to cut her up like Alice Booth, except he was interrupted by Katya’s roommate coming home.
• Tate then had to lure Lownes to an abandoned pig farm promising Lownes to pay him the remainder of the money. He also murdered Lownes by slitting his throat.
• Martin has been hurt and disappointed by people he becomes obsessed with. This is the reason why he killed Alice Booth. He was her obsession years earlier. With Alice Booth dead, Martin’s obsession came to an end until he spotted Leah at the coffee shop. That’s when he transferred his attention to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2021
The Good Neighbour is a gritty cross between a domestic drama and a serial killer thriller and illustrates just how well those who are psychopathic hide behind a charming and affable facade. 30-year-old Leah Talbot is living in an unhappy marriage. She and her estranged husband, Elliotq, sleep in separate beds in separate rooms and pretty much have completely separate lives. It's clear that it has become a marriage of convenience as there is no love lost between the two of them, and they tend to only communicate with each other when absolutely necessary. Leah strongly suspects Elliot to be having an affair; in fact, she knows it she just doesn't have any solid proof. Call it women’s intuition. It's Valentine's day - a day that is perfect when in love but hell if not, at least for Leah. She knows Elliot will be out late romancing his strumpet so she resolves to stay out late even if she is just driving round in circles. He must be busy, busy enough to not answer his mobile phone. Leah will make sure she returns home later than Elliot just to spite him. All of a sudden, she has a near-miss with a motorcycle but continues on her way home, and at 11:45 she's driving along a country road towards her picture-postcard village of Forley when a deer appears in the lane ahead. She's only doing 40mph but due to the wet road she cannot stop and there is no time to swerve. The Fiat 500 smashes into flesh and bone and Leah feels the seat belt cut into her and her neck snap from the impact. Realising the car would not be moving any further due to the damaged front wheel and seeing that her mobile battery was dead she starts walking along Plough Lane towards the beautiful house concealed behind ornate wooden gates she passes each day on her way to work to gain assistance.
A minute later she arrives at the three-storey house and approaching the canary-yellow door she raps on it three times; despite the late hour a man answers and she relays the unfortunate story to him. She then asks to borrow a phone to call the police, as the scene could be a hazard to other drivers, as well as AA recovery services to get her car out of the ditch. The man’s name was Martin Tate, a seemingly kind, empathetic and caring person who was more than happy to oblige. He invited her in and she made the calls, he looked after her when she went into shock and they had a pleasant conversation while awaiting the recovery vehicle to tow the car and take her home. The two also share a secret smooch as there was no denying the chemistry that sizzled between them. The next morning, Leah returns to the house to see Martin and take him a bottle of wine to show her gratitude, but when she arrives the place is surrounded by swarms of police. Apparently, they've discovered the brutally murdered body of Alice Booth, the woman who owned the house and her time of death was right around the time Leah visited the previous evening; it had been at the hands of Martin. But that one meeting between them was enough for him to now be infatuated with her. Then things begin to get a whole lot darker and more dangerous. This is a riveting and scintillating thriller from first page to last and the original, wickedly twisted plot is full of drama, action, twists, revelations and exciting developments. It's a slow-burner allowing plenty of time for Parker to weave a creepy, unsettling and atmospheric tale with most of the premise being a situation that could very much happen to any of us in real life. Chilling and brilliant. Highly recommended.
A minute later she arrives at the three-storey house and approaching the canary-yellow door she raps on it three times; despite the late hour a man answers and she relays the unfortunate story to him. She then asks to borrow a phone to call the police, as the scene could be a hazard to other drivers, as well as AA recovery services to get her car out of the ditch. The man’s name was Martin Tate, a seemingly kind, empathetic and caring person who was more than happy to oblige. He invited her in and she made the calls, he looked after her when she went into shock and they had a pleasant conversation while awaiting the recovery vehicle to tow the car and take her home. The two also share a secret smooch as there was no denying the chemistry that sizzled between them. The next morning, Leah returns to the house to see Martin and take him a bottle of wine to show her gratitude, but when she arrives the place is surrounded by swarms of police. Apparently, they've discovered the brutally murdered body of Alice Booth, the woman who owned the house and her time of death was right around the time Leah visited the previous evening; it had been at the hands of Martin. But that one meeting between them was enough for him to now be infatuated with her. Then things begin to get a whole lot darker and more dangerous. This is a riveting and scintillating thriller from first page to last and the original, wickedly twisted plot is full of drama, action, twists, revelations and exciting developments. It's a slow-burner allowing plenty of time for Parker to weave a creepy, unsettling and atmospheric tale with most of the premise being a situation that could very much happen to any of us in real life. Chilling and brilliant. Highly recommended.
March 11, 2021
Leah Talbot hits a deer while driving late at night and ends up killing the deer and damaging her car. She seeks help from the nearest house, which send to be inhabited by the charming and friendly Martin Tate. When she decides to gift him a bottle of wine the next day to show her gratitude, she gets the shock of her life: Martin Tate is the killer of the actual owner of the house. (Not a spoiler; this is revealed on the book cover itself.) What follows is a deadly game of cat and mouse, and Leah scrambling around to make sense of the sudden upheaval of her mundane life.
The book starts off very well and hooks you in till a few chapters after the discovery that Tate is a murderer. Though I wish the tagline on the cover wouldn’t have revealed such an important spoiler, it is still interesting to see Leah initially converse with Tate as if he is a neighbour while you know all the while that he is a “killer” though you don’t have any more details. After this initial interaction though, the plot just goes haywire. It's repetitive, it's dragged out, and it has hardly any surprise twists/thrills. The ending contains the best twist of the book but by then, my interest was dead and buried.
What could have helped was the presence of a strong lead character. Unfortunately, Leah Talbot is one of the silliest leads I've ever seen in a thriller. She takes such foolish decisions at so many points that you can't help but wonder if the entire mess is a result of her stupidity alone. At hardly any point do her decisions make sense, especially when she knows that she is dealing with not just any ordinary criminal but a sadistic psychopath.
What could have also helped (somewhat) was crisper editing. Sadly, the narrative structure and writing style isn't up to the mark. Throughout the book, and especially in the initial chapters, every single action made by Leah gets a sentence of its own. I think except for instinctive actions like breathing or blinking, everything else found a place of mention. A varied sentence structuring might have worked to a certain extent. But we have paras and paras of "Leah (insert verb) A and she (insert verb) B. She (insert verb) C. Leah (insert verb) D. She (insert verb) E." I mean, gerundial and participle modifiers exist in the language for a reason; use them to enhance the thrill!
Another problem with the writing is with the way the chapters are ended. The chapters are very short (which is ok) but end at any possible small suspense.
"Leah opened the door to see who it was." - Chapter ends.
"Leah turned around." - Chapter ends.
"Tate walked in the room." - Chapter ends.
(These are not actual lines from the book but an approximation of how it goes.)
Ending a chapter on important points of suspense is expected in a thriller. But if there's a new chapter at every tiny bit of tension, it just irritates rather than enthrals, especially when you are hearing the audio and at every such point, the next thing you hear is the new chapter number rather than what happened next.
The narrator of the audiobook, Rose Robinson, does a pretty good job, especially with the way she voices Leah and Tate. She helped me complete a book I would have certainly DNFed if I were reading it. 1 of the stars I’ve given is entirely for her efforts to insert life into a dead book.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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The book starts off very well and hooks you in till a few chapters after the discovery that Tate is a murderer. Though I wish the tagline on the cover wouldn’t have revealed such an important spoiler, it is still interesting to see Leah initially converse with Tate as if he is a neighbour while you know all the while that he is a “killer” though you don’t have any more details. After this initial interaction though, the plot just goes haywire. It's repetitive, it's dragged out, and it has hardly any surprise twists/thrills. The ending contains the best twist of the book but by then, my interest was dead and buried.
What could have helped was the presence of a strong lead character. Unfortunately, Leah Talbot is one of the silliest leads I've ever seen in a thriller. She takes such foolish decisions at so many points that you can't help but wonder if the entire mess is a result of her stupidity alone. At hardly any point do her decisions make sense, especially when she knows that she is dealing with not just any ordinary criminal but a sadistic psychopath.
What could have also helped (somewhat) was crisper editing. Sadly, the narrative structure and writing style isn't up to the mark. Throughout the book, and especially in the initial chapters, every single action made by Leah gets a sentence of its own. I think except for instinctive actions like breathing or blinking, everything else found a place of mention. A varied sentence structuring might have worked to a certain extent. But we have paras and paras of "Leah (insert verb) A and she (insert verb) B. She (insert verb) C. Leah (insert verb) D. She (insert verb) E." I mean, gerundial and participle modifiers exist in the language for a reason; use them to enhance the thrill!
Another problem with the writing is with the way the chapters are ended. The chapters are very short (which is ok) but end at any possible small suspense.
"Leah opened the door to see who it was." - Chapter ends.
"Leah turned around." - Chapter ends.
"Tate walked in the room." - Chapter ends.
(These are not actual lines from the book but an approximation of how it goes.)
Ending a chapter on important points of suspense is expected in a thriller. But if there's a new chapter at every tiny bit of tension, it just irritates rather than enthrals, especially when you are hearing the audio and at every such point, the next thing you hear is the new chapter number rather than what happened next.
The narrator of the audiobook, Rose Robinson, does a pretty good job, especially with the way she voices Leah and Tate. She helped me complete a book I would have certainly DNFed if I were reading it. 1 of the stars I’ve given is entirely for her efforts to insert life into a dead book.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
December 19, 2020
The Good Neighbour by R.J. Parker is just the fast-paced, high energy, and engrossing read that I needed at this busy time of year. You will want to devour this one in a single sitting, so do plan accordingly.
Leah Talbot is on her way home one night when she hits a deer. She is unscathed, but the same cannot be said for either the deer or her car. Approaching the nearest house, Leah rings the doorbell hoping for assistance and is greeted by Martin Tate who seems only too happy to oblige, offering the use of his phone and an umbrella. The two share a few awkward moments, and then Leah is on her way. But when she returns to the house the next day to offer Martin a bottle of wine as thanks for his help, she finds herself at a crime scene where the sole occupant of the home has been found murdered. What follows is a cat and mouse game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This was a riveting read from beginning to end. The tension and suspense is palpable throughout, and while Leah's actions are, admittedly, cringe-worthy at times, they do not detract in any way from the fun of it all. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC.
Leah Talbot is on her way home one night when she hits a deer. She is unscathed, but the same cannot be said for either the deer or her car. Approaching the nearest house, Leah rings the doorbell hoping for assistance and is greeted by Martin Tate who seems only too happy to oblige, offering the use of his phone and an umbrella. The two share a few awkward moments, and then Leah is on her way. But when she returns to the house the next day to offer Martin a bottle of wine as thanks for his help, she finds herself at a crime scene where the sole occupant of the home has been found murdered. What follows is a cat and mouse game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This was a riveting read from beginning to end. The tension and suspense is palpable throughout, and while Leah's actions are, admittedly, cringe-worthy at times, they do not detract in any way from the fun of it all. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC.
December 26, 2020
A murderer has you in his sights. I will say, this story was not what I had expected however, I’m not complaining. This is a fast paced, far fetched, and addictive read. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 3, 2021
When Leah runs into a deer and crashed her car on a deserted country road on the other side of their village, she makes her way to the nearest house to ask for help. The door is answered by a handsome and charismatic man who introduces himself as Martin Tate. He’s not only helpful but there’s also a certain chemistry that leads to a secret kiss. His friendly and caring attitude stands in shrill contrast to the reaction of her own husband Elliot when he finally comes home. The next morning Leah goes over to Martin’s place with a bottle of wine to thank him. The place is swarmed by the police who tell Leah that the house owner, a woman called Alice Booth, was murdered the previous night. So, Leah did not only came face to face with a killer but she kissed him. That last detail she leaves out of her statement though and she gave him her address as well. But contrary to the expectation, he’s not after her to kill her but has taken a shine to her and wants a relationship with her, and will do anything to get that as well.
I read an earlier book by this author “While You Slept” and expected this to be another psychological thriller. This story contains more elements of a police procedural than those of a psychological thriller, although there is a compact cast of characters and a psychological cat and mouse game. It was suspenseful and sometimes even funny and once I knew what I was dealing with, I enjoyed what I read even when it was different, from what I expected.
I had to suspend my disbelief a bit to accept the premise of this book. Why does the killer open the door at all? He could have remained silent and pretended that the light was left on to ward of burglars as that’s something that happens often enough. The reason he gives her for that later on, are meagre and not realistic.
Apart from his unconventional problem solution, Martin is a very charming and friendly man. If he likes you, that is. Elliot on the other hand is a right prick. It’s a wonder that Leah stuck with him as long as she did, but she’s just too nice for her own good and she has low self-esteem. If the situation was reversed, I don’t think he would think twice about saving his own bacon. So in a way, Elliot gets what he deserves.
I understand completely why Leah omits the kiss from her police declaration. It’s not something that you go telling about. But later on, when she receives the first text messages, she could have told the police. But then again, until you find yourself in the situation, you don’t know how you’ll react.
The best and funniest scene is that of the dinner party, reminiscent of the one that Hannibal Lecter served to Clarice. But I think that Clarice has a lot more class than Leah but she manages to her best ability.
I thank Harper Collins, One More Chapter and Netgalley for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
I read an earlier book by this author “While You Slept” and expected this to be another psychological thriller. This story contains more elements of a police procedural than those of a psychological thriller, although there is a compact cast of characters and a psychological cat and mouse game. It was suspenseful and sometimes even funny and once I knew what I was dealing with, I enjoyed what I read even when it was different, from what I expected.
I had to suspend my disbelief a bit to accept the premise of this book. Why does the killer open the door at all? He could have remained silent and pretended that the light was left on to ward of burglars as that’s something that happens often enough. The reason he gives her for that later on, are meagre and not realistic.
Apart from his unconventional problem solution, Martin is a very charming and friendly man. If he likes you, that is. Elliot on the other hand is a right prick. It’s a wonder that Leah stuck with him as long as she did, but she’s just too nice for her own good and she has low self-esteem. If the situation was reversed, I don’t think he would think twice about saving his own bacon. So in a way, Elliot gets what he deserves.
I understand completely why Leah omits the kiss from her police declaration. It’s not something that you go telling about. But later on, when she receives the first text messages, she could have told the police. But then again, until you find yourself in the situation, you don’t know how you’ll react.
The best and funniest scene is that of the dinner party, reminiscent of the one that Hannibal Lecter served to Clarice. But I think that Clarice has a lot more class than Leah but she manages to her best ability.
I thank Harper Collins, One More Chapter and Netgalley for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
February 5, 2021
I read this book in an afternoon. I have to say that I did not really warm to any of the characters but in saying that they probably weren't meant to be that likable. The plot itself kept me turning the pages but I think I was looking for something more complex in both the story and the characters, I found I predicted what was going to happen from two thirds of the book on. I would have liked to know more about the personality and history of the lead character and what his agenda actually was, I came to the conclusion he was a sociopath that was disgruntled with people in his life of whom he then committed acts of revenge. I would liked to have known more about the what lead him to be like this. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 21, 2020
Wow I couldn’t put this down! Leah Talbot hits a deer on a deserted road wrecking her car, she sees a light on in a nearby house and walks towards it. The charming and handsome, Martin Tate answers the door inviting her in and was very helpful calling a tow truck. Leah drives over to say thanks the next morning, but finds police there - the homeowner is murdered. Now Martin comes after Leah and it becomes a crazy, intense ride! That being said the characters are not well developed as I would have liked, but still a good book to enjoy! Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.
March 2, 2021
**audiobook version**
You know what makes this story REALLY creepy.. Somewhere in this twisted world there has probably been a man at some point of time that has actually done this to some poor individuals! And that's what makes this book truly terrifying.
Narrator 5 stars!!
Rose Robinson was fantastic as the female character but let's take a moment to talk about her as Tate. When we are first introduced to Tate, Rose made him sound like Hugh Grant's Notting Hill character and then BOOM he sounds like the psychopath Hugh Grant character from The Undoing!
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
You know what makes this story REALLY creepy.. Somewhere in this twisted world there has probably been a man at some point of time that has actually done this to some poor individuals! And that's what makes this book truly terrifying.
Narrator 5 stars!!
Rose Robinson was fantastic as the female character but let's take a moment to talk about her as Tate. When we are first introduced to Tate, Rose made him sound like Hugh Grant's Notting Hill character and then BOOM he sounds like the psychopath Hugh Grant character from The Undoing!
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
February 12, 2021
Ugh. I was really enjoying the first half of this. Fast paced, intriguing premise--seemed like just the thing to get me out of a months-long reading slump! But around the 50% mark, things went haywire. The main character started behaving like a moron (as I kept yelling, "JUST TELL THE POLICE" at her) and things got really gruesome and brutal in ways I was just not here for. Do not recommend.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2021
This one was suspenseful and fast moving and there were some fantastic scenes in the novel. While I do acknowledge the need to suspend belief in fiction, as writing about real life would be quite dull, this one went beyond my ability to suspend belief. I did finish it, as I was waiting for a twist to explain the actions of the characters but it didn't eventuate.
November 12, 2022
3.5-3.75
If you're a fan of the Netfilx show YOU, give this novel a shot.
I really enjoy most of the novel. The story was intriguing and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The only downfall was the ending. It was a bit unsatisfying. I wanted more from this mystery man.
If you're a fan of the Netfilx show YOU, give this novel a shot.
I really enjoy most of the novel. The story was intriguing and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The only downfall was the ending. It was a bit unsatisfying. I wanted more from this mystery man.
July 11, 2022
I am honestly torn as to what rating I should give this book.
Leah has really got to be the DUMBEST female protagonist, and I thought I had reached the threshold. I've never been so happy to get to the ending of a novel just so I never have to read about her again or listen to her insanely stupid inner thought processes.
Leah has really got to be the DUMBEST female protagonist, and I thought I had reached the threshold. I've never been so happy to get to the ending of a novel just so I never have to read about her again or listen to her insanely stupid inner thought processes.
March 18, 2021
The Good Neighbour by R.J. Parker is a chilling story that takes stalking to next level madness with a huge side of creepy serial killer to keep things interesting. Leah’s life hasn’t been quite the same since her accident a few years ago; her estranged husband is self-centered and uncaring, at best and she works from home. One dark night after hitting a deer, she’s kindly assisted by a welcoming light on the deserted road near her village. Martin Tate has helped Leah at her most vulnerable time, a time when she’s feeling particularly lonely and unloved so naturally, she can’t help feeling drawn to this warm and charming man, right? It’s not until the next day when she finds out that charming Martin is a serial killer that she realizes she’s lucky to have escaped with her life but has she?
What a thrill ride this is! I will not go into any spoilery details except to say that this cat and mouse game kept me turning pages and I read this in one day – nothing got done but I have zero regrets! This is a suspenseful and chilling read that I’d recommend to any fan of the genre.
Merged review:
The Good Neighbour by R.J. Parker is a chilling story that takes stalking to next level madness with a huge side of creepy serial killer to keep things interesting. Leah’s life hasn’t been quite the same since her accident a few years ago; her estranged husband is self-centered and uncaring, at best and she works from home. One dark night after hitting a deer, she’s kindly assisted by a welcoming light on the deserted road near her village. Martin Tate has helped Leah at her most vulnerable time, a time when she’s feeling particularly lonely and unloved so naturally, she can’t help feeling drawn to this warm and charming man, right? It’s not until the next day when she finds out that charming Martin is a serial killer that she realizes she’s lucky to have escaped with her life but has she?
What a thrill ride this is! I will not go into any spoilery details except to say that this cat and mouse game kept me turning pages and I read this in one day – nothing got done but I have zero regrets! This is a suspenseful and chilling read that I’d recommend to any fan of the genre.
What a thrill ride this is! I will not go into any spoilery details except to say that this cat and mouse game kept me turning pages and I read this in one day – nothing got done but I have zero regrets! This is a suspenseful and chilling read that I’d recommend to any fan of the genre.
Merged review:
The Good Neighbour by R.J. Parker is a chilling story that takes stalking to next level madness with a huge side of creepy serial killer to keep things interesting. Leah’s life hasn’t been quite the same since her accident a few years ago; her estranged husband is self-centered and uncaring, at best and she works from home. One dark night after hitting a deer, she’s kindly assisted by a welcoming light on the deserted road near her village. Martin Tate has helped Leah at her most vulnerable time, a time when she’s feeling particularly lonely and unloved so naturally, she can’t help feeling drawn to this warm and charming man, right? It’s not until the next day when she finds out that charming Martin is a serial killer that she realizes she’s lucky to have escaped with her life but has she?
What a thrill ride this is! I will not go into any spoilery details except to say that this cat and mouse game kept me turning pages and I read this in one day – nothing got done but I have zero regrets! This is a suspenseful and chilling read that I’d recommend to any fan of the genre.
March 16, 2021
A hugely enjoyable audiobook!
I wasn't expecting much from this, after not hearing of the author or narrator before. That should not detract from my enjoyment, as the combination of an extremely gripping plot and a wonderfully engaging narrator, makes a perfect thriller for me.
My attention was kept throughout which is hugely rare, and the character of Leah was likeable and I was completely taken in by her escapades and what would happen.
It says a lot when I only take 2 days to finish listening to the book!
Rose Robinson as the narrator is now definitely on my radar, as is Parker!
Thank you HarperCollins Audio, One More Chapter for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't expecting much from this, after not hearing of the author or narrator before. That should not detract from my enjoyment, as the combination of an extremely gripping plot and a wonderfully engaging narrator, makes a perfect thriller for me.
My attention was kept throughout which is hugely rare, and the character of Leah was likeable and I was completely taken in by her escapades and what would happen.
It says a lot when I only take 2 days to finish listening to the book!
Rose Robinson as the narrator is now definitely on my radar, as is Parker!
Thank you HarperCollins Audio, One More Chapter for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2021
The Good Neighbour by R. J. Parker is a fast paced, cat and mouse style page turner. It started off great and was an easy read however, I feel that it began to get quite far fetched and unrealistic as it went on, especially Leah’s decisions and reactions and I don��t really think the ending gave any real rhyme nor reason for anything that happened.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
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