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The People Next Door
"Hooked from the start . . . absolutely brilliant. Wish I could rate it higher . . . Just wow!" --Amazon reviewer, five stars
Her new house has a mysterious past--and her new life in the English countryside is about to take a dark turn . . .
When Ellie and Ash move into a beautiful old house in rural Norfolk, England, they believe they've found their perfect home. Intrigued by the people next door, Ellie befriends shy but sweet Benjamin, and as time goes by, becomes ever more curious about his elusive sister, Virginia.
But when she discovers that her new home has a darker past and that Ash has been keeping secrets, what she thought was a perfect life in the countryside begins to unravel. Is her best friend to be trusted, are the new neighbours all that they really seem, and why is her new puppy so obsessed with the cellar? Most worrying of all is the mystery of what happened to the former occupants of the house.
When Ash goes away on business and strange things begin to happen, Ellie's paranoia goes into overdrive. But are these all coincidences--or is she really in danger?
Her new house has a mysterious past--and her new life in the English countryside is about to take a dark turn . . .
When Ellie and Ash move into a beautiful old house in rural Norfolk, England, they believe they've found their perfect home. Intrigued by the people next door, Ellie befriends shy but sweet Benjamin, and as time goes by, becomes ever more curious about his elusive sister, Virginia.
But when she discovers that her new home has a darker past and that Ash has been keeping secrets, what she thought was a perfect life in the countryside begins to unravel. Is her best friend to be trusted, are the new neighbours all that they really seem, and why is her new puppy so obsessed with the cellar? Most worrying of all is the mystery of what happened to the former occupants of the house.
When Ash goes away on business and strange things begin to happen, Ellie's paranoia goes into overdrive. But are these all coincidences--or is she really in danger?
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
793 people are currently reading
4789 people want to read
About the author
Keri Beevis
25 books1,801 followersHi, I'm Keri Beevis, and I'm the author of the bestselling psychological suspense thrillers, Deep Dark Secrets, Dying To Tell, The Sleepover, and The Summer House.
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
January 18, 2022
The People Next Door by Keri Beevis
Narrated by Shakira Shute
Be sure to read other reviews for this story because many other reviewers enjoyed this story much more than I did. Somewhere in the first half of the story I came down with f-bomb overload and felt that if I heard one more f-bomb I was going to throw my phone across the room. Alas, I heard many, many more f-bombs although I held myself back from throwing my phone because actions have consequences and I really like my phone.
This is a modern day story with a very gothic feel to it. Ash and Ellie have been together about three years when they move into an old, worn down, rural home in Norfolk, England. They both describe themselves as quick to anger but quick to forgive so they have frequent spirited spats but they are nothing really. Just Ash and Ellie being Ash and Ellie. Ash's best friend is Pete, whose wife is Ellie's friend, Roxanne. If Roxanne ever had any redeeming qualities, we don't see them here, because she is about the most abrasive "friend" in the history of fiction. That Ash and Ellie would spend any time around her shows that they have problems with their decision making abilities. You should hear her voice in the audiobook, if you didn't already know she was a witch, you'd know it by listening to every word she utters.
There is a huge issue with Ash and Ellie's new house and location that the realtor failed to disclose. Add to that fact that their only neighbors are very creepy. Benjamin is the caretaker of his unwell sister, Virginia, and although Virginia seems to be the most strange, it doesn't take long for Benjamin to close in on Virginia in the creepiest neighbor category. There is also a dark basement that is a lot more than Ash and Ellie ever bargained for and what you have is a story that will make your skin crawl and make you want to sleep with the lights on at night.
But Ellie makes some very unwise decisions and being in her head as she drops f-bomb after f-bomb, sometimes, three in a row, began to overshadow the story for me. I listened to the audiobook so it was right in my ears, every single f-bomb. I'd like to think most people use a more varied supply of obscenities, even in the privacy of their own mind. This is a very spooky story which gets a lot of things right but could have used some restraint in other areas.
Published January 18th 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Shakira Shute
Be sure to read other reviews for this story because many other reviewers enjoyed this story much more than I did. Somewhere in the first half of the story I came down with f-bomb overload and felt that if I heard one more f-bomb I was going to throw my phone across the room. Alas, I heard many, many more f-bombs although I held myself back from throwing my phone because actions have consequences and I really like my phone.
This is a modern day story with a very gothic feel to it. Ash and Ellie have been together about three years when they move into an old, worn down, rural home in Norfolk, England. They both describe themselves as quick to anger but quick to forgive so they have frequent spirited spats but they are nothing really. Just Ash and Ellie being Ash and Ellie. Ash's best friend is Pete, whose wife is Ellie's friend, Roxanne. If Roxanne ever had any redeeming qualities, we don't see them here, because she is about the most abrasive "friend" in the history of fiction. That Ash and Ellie would spend any time around her shows that they have problems with their decision making abilities. You should hear her voice in the audiobook, if you didn't already know she was a witch, you'd know it by listening to every word she utters.
There is a huge issue with Ash and Ellie's new house and location that the realtor failed to disclose. Add to that fact that their only neighbors are very creepy. Benjamin is the caretaker of his unwell sister, Virginia, and although Virginia seems to be the most strange, it doesn't take long for Benjamin to close in on Virginia in the creepiest neighbor category. There is also a dark basement that is a lot more than Ash and Ellie ever bargained for and what you have is a story that will make your skin crawl and make you want to sleep with the lights on at night.
But Ellie makes some very unwise decisions and being in her head as she drops f-bomb after f-bomb, sometimes, three in a row, began to overshadow the story for me. I listened to the audiobook so it was right in my ears, every single f-bomb. I'd like to think most people use a more varied supply of obscenities, even in the privacy of their own mind. This is a very spooky story which gets a lot of things right but could have used some restraint in other areas.
Published January 18th 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
September 22, 2022
Hoopla Audio
Narrated by: Shakira Shute
Length: 10 hrs 35 mins
I can't believe I finished it after the dive it took in the second half! The story turned into a horror-ish type of tale. One scene brought back memories of Norman Bates, EEK. We all know he was off his rocker!
I was so enjoying the first half with Ellie and Ash moving into a home with a very dark past. Oh boy, the secrets that were lingering. It was creepy (but not scary), I'll give it that!
I do want to try more from the author. I really enjoyed With Friends Like These, so I'm chocking it up to this was NOT a trope that I enjoy or was expecting!
Narration was entertaining. Three stars for keeping me listening to the end,plus I liked the dog. Others enjoyed it more, so if you like a little house of horrors, go for it!
Narrated by: Shakira Shute
Length: 10 hrs 35 mins
I can't believe I finished it after the dive it took in the second half! The story turned into a horror-ish type of tale. One scene brought back memories of Norman Bates, EEK. We all know he was off his rocker!
I was so enjoying the first half with Ellie and Ash moving into a home with a very dark past. Oh boy, the secrets that were lingering. It was creepy (but not scary), I'll give it that!
I do want to try more from the author. I really enjoyed With Friends Like These, so I'm chocking it up to this was NOT a trope that I enjoy or was expecting!
Narration was entertaining. Three stars for keeping me listening to the end,plus I liked the dog. Others enjoyed it more, so if you like a little house of horrors, go for it!
January 9, 2022
A new home in the English Countryside, sounds like a dream. But sometimes dreams turn into nightmares.
Ellie and Ash have moved into a country home in Norfolk, England! They are excited, in love, and taking a big step in their relationship! Soon Ellie befriends their next-door neighbor, or perhaps it is the other way around, perhaps it is Benjamin who has befriended Ellie. Whatever the case, he seems nice, quiet, normal and who doesn't want to have a friendly, helpful neighbor?
Soon after meeting Benjamin, Ellie meets Virginia, his sister. She is not as welcoming or nice as Benjamin. Soon Ellie learns that Benjamin has been taking care of her since their mother died. People in the village are quick to tell her what a sacrifice Benjamin has made looking out for Virginia. She's different but harmless.
Soon strange things begin to happen. They seem small at first, just things that don't seem right, they don't feel right. Those nagging things you can't quite figure it out. You did lock the door, right? But it's unlocked, maybe not. You know, situations where you begin to doubt yourself even though you are certain you locked the door, because the alternative is frightening.
This was a fun listen and I enjoyed how the story unfolded. AS Ellie begins to learn the dark history of the house, the tension ramps up, there is a serious creepy vibe, with an underlying feeling of uncertainty. I loved the Gothic and atmospheric feel to this as well. One important thing to take away - never ignore those little hairs when they stand up on the back of your neck. They never lie!
I enjoyed the narrator and thought she pulled off the creepiness in the book. This made my time driving from here to there more enjoyable!
This was a great psychological thriller which delivered.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Ellie and Ash have moved into a country home in Norfolk, England! They are excited, in love, and taking a big step in their relationship! Soon Ellie befriends their next-door neighbor, or perhaps it is the other way around, perhaps it is Benjamin who has befriended Ellie. Whatever the case, he seems nice, quiet, normal and who doesn't want to have a friendly, helpful neighbor?
Soon after meeting Benjamin, Ellie meets Virginia, his sister. She is not as welcoming or nice as Benjamin. Soon Ellie learns that Benjamin has been taking care of her since their mother died. People in the village are quick to tell her what a sacrifice Benjamin has made looking out for Virginia. She's different but harmless.
Soon strange things begin to happen. They seem small at first, just things that don't seem right, they don't feel right. Those nagging things you can't quite figure it out. You did lock the door, right? But it's unlocked, maybe not. You know, situations where you begin to doubt yourself even though you are certain you locked the door, because the alternative is frightening.
This was a fun listen and I enjoyed how the story unfolded. AS Ellie begins to learn the dark history of the house, the tension ramps up, there is a serious creepy vibe, with an underlying feeling of uncertainty. I loved the Gothic and atmospheric feel to this as well. One important thing to take away - never ignore those little hairs when they stand up on the back of your neck. They never lie!
I enjoyed the narrator and thought she pulled off the creepiness in the book. This made my time driving from here to there more enjoyable!
This was a great psychological thriller which delivered.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 30, 2022
A seriously messed-up and downright creepy physiological thriller. This was my first book by this author, and wow, that was a wild ride!
Ellie and Ash have been together for about a year and decide to move to the countryside for some peace away from London. They buy an old house in Norfolk, England and plan to redo it. They only have one neighbor, the Torne’s. There’s Benjamin who’s quiet but friendly, and Victoria who tends avoids social contact due to a mysterious condition.
Ellie and Ash are shocked when they find out that a murder took place in their house five years ago. While her husband was away, Louise Tanner was brutally stabbed, and their daughter Naomi went missing. However, Ellie and Ash are determined to let the past go and build happy memories in the house.
When odd and distressing events start occurring, Ellie gets a little spooked. One night while Ash is away on business, something horrible happens to Ellie. Can she stay strong and get out of her dire situation? Though much suspense and a rollercoaster of emotions, we find out.
This was an intense physiological thriller to say the least! Instead of the main character trying to uncover a mystery they’re involved with, the main character here is a direct part of the mystery itself. This made the story’s events all the more terrifying, as the reader experiences them through the lens of the protagonist.
The book had a nice flow to it. The author does a good job at pulling you in and holding your attention. The mystery was revealed in a piece by piece fashion. Once a dramatic turn of events occurred about halfway through, I found myself racing to the end to find out how everything played out. The ending was clever and satisfying as it all made sense.
This was an enjoyable read, but it definitely had some disturbing and sinister elements to it! If you’re looking for a gut-wrenching psychological thriller, this is your book.
Ellie and Ash have been together for about a year and decide to move to the countryside for some peace away from London. They buy an old house in Norfolk, England and plan to redo it. They only have one neighbor, the Torne’s. There’s Benjamin who’s quiet but friendly, and Victoria who tends avoids social contact due to a mysterious condition.
Ellie and Ash are shocked when they find out that a murder took place in their house five years ago. While her husband was away, Louise Tanner was brutally stabbed, and their daughter Naomi went missing. However, Ellie and Ash are determined to let the past go and build happy memories in the house.
When odd and distressing events start occurring, Ellie gets a little spooked. One night while Ash is away on business, something horrible happens to Ellie. Can she stay strong and get out of her dire situation? Though much suspense and a rollercoaster of emotions, we find out.
This was an intense physiological thriller to say the least! Instead of the main character trying to uncover a mystery they’re involved with, the main character here is a direct part of the mystery itself. This made the story’s events all the more terrifying, as the reader experiences them through the lens of the protagonist.
The book had a nice flow to it. The author does a good job at pulling you in and holding your attention. The mystery was revealed in a piece by piece fashion. Once a dramatic turn of events occurred about halfway through, I found myself racing to the end to find out how everything played out. The ending was clever and satisfying as it all made sense.
This was an enjoyable read, but it definitely had some disturbing and sinister elements to it! If you’re looking for a gut-wrenching psychological thriller, this is your book.
June 27, 2022
Creepy. creepy, creepy describe this Gothic thriller! I couldn’t stop listening as the spine chilling story unfolded. This is without a doubt one of the most frightening, eerie, atmospheric thrillers I have enjoyed in a very long time. I would especially recommend the audiobook. The narration literally gave me goosebumps. The epilogue made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It’s highly entertaining and spooky beyond words. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audiobook. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 18, 2021
Great cover and simple yet alluring title which with my love of books dealing with houses and neighbours was a given to intrigue me
Ellie and Ash can’t wait to get their new house decorated and sorted to how they like it, it was a big move from City life to Corpusty, and even more so as their house has only 1 neighbour in any direction, Ellie wants them to get on, Ash is not so worried
Benjamin is the perfect neighbour and his Sister Virginia, well she may be a tad odd but she is harmless…they both are
As time goes on and a few strange events happen it seems all may be not as Ellie first thought next door and then things take a much more sinister turn and the realisation of where they have moved hits home…..too late….
A brilliantly spooky tale of moving house, new beginnings, fresh neighbours and the drip drip feed of stark terror as reality and fear mix in this chilling psychological thriller
Loved the characters and the setting ( and the local gossips in the Spar Shop ) and the way the book turned into a very tense, and yes at points scary read that had me sat up at certain bits shouting encouragement to the victim (s), dark but enjoyable and have to give a big mention for 3 legged doggy Poppy 😍
Loved it
10/10
5 Stars
Ellie and Ash can’t wait to get their new house decorated and sorted to how they like it, it was a big move from City life to Corpusty, and even more so as their house has only 1 neighbour in any direction, Ellie wants them to get on, Ash is not so worried
Benjamin is the perfect neighbour and his Sister Virginia, well she may be a tad odd but she is harmless…they both are
As time goes on and a few strange events happen it seems all may be not as Ellie first thought next door and then things take a much more sinister turn and the realisation of where they have moved hits home…..too late….
A brilliantly spooky tale of moving house, new beginnings, fresh neighbours and the drip drip feed of stark terror as reality and fear mix in this chilling psychological thriller
Loved the characters and the setting ( and the local gossips in the Spar Shop ) and the way the book turned into a very tense, and yes at points scary read that had me sat up at certain bits shouting encouragement to the victim (s), dark but enjoyable and have to give a big mention for 3 legged doggy Poppy 😍
Loved it
10/10
5 Stars
September 9, 2024
This was just too slow the rating says enough.
January 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. It was creepy and atmospheric. I listened to the audiobook and while I could not stand the narrators’ voice, she did do a decent job with the story. Her accent also definitely added something to the story. The twist I definitely did not see coming and that is always exciting when you read as many thrillers as I do.
Ellie and Ash are so excited to move into their new cottage in Norfolk, England. Ellie is curious about her strange neighbors and quickly becomes friends with Ben. As time passes she wonders about his reclusive sister Virginia.
Her world comes crashing down when Ellie learns the truth about what happened in her house and that Ash has been keeping secrets from her. What happened to the former owners of the house? Who are these weirdos next door? And why is Ellie’s puppy obsessed with getting into the creepy cellar?
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC.
Ellie and Ash are so excited to move into their new cottage in Norfolk, England. Ellie is curious about her strange neighbors and quickly becomes friends with Ben. As time passes she wonders about his reclusive sister Virginia.
Her world comes crashing down when Ellie learns the truth about what happened in her house and that Ash has been keeping secrets from her. What happened to the former owners of the house? Who are these weirdos next door? And why is Ellie’s puppy obsessed with getting into the creepy cellar?
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC.
January 8, 2022
Wow! The People Next Door by Keri Beevis, is one of the creepiest psychological thriller's I have ever read! Ellie and Ash move into a big house in the countryside, where soon they meet their new friendly, seemingly harmless neighbor, Benjamin. Hoping for a fresh start in a new area, they are thrilled to get the house for a bargain, Ellie reasoning it is cheap because there is a lot of work to do on it. However, Ash has held something back from Ellie, a big secret that has to do with the house and it's former occupants.
Little by little, strange things start happening and new discoveries are being made in the house.. Ellie becomes more fearful, but she honestly doesn't know if her fear is real or imagined.
This book totally hooked me from the start, it's gripping, well-paced, twisty, with a WOW ending (as in wow... didn't see that coming!) There were parts of the book I figured out early on, but this did not take enjoyment away from the overall story..
I was privileged to listen to the audio version recording, and unequivocally, I highly recommend the audiobook. I fell in love with the narrator Shakira Shute! Extremely talented in her expressions and character voices - completely believable! She definitely has a part in making this good book, great! I would listen to any book she chose to narrate.
The one bit of criticism I have to offer is the use of foul language. The swearing and f*bombs were used liberally throughout the story. Although, I appreciate that swearing is used to convey intensity of emotion, I don't appreciate the use of so much of it in regular vocabulary and conversation.
4.5 Stars
PUBLICATION DATE: JANUARY 18, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Keri Beevis for the AAC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Little by little, strange things start happening and new discoveries are being made in the house.. Ellie becomes more fearful, but she honestly doesn't know if her fear is real or imagined.
This book totally hooked me from the start, it's gripping, well-paced, twisty, with a WOW ending (as in wow... didn't see that coming!) There were parts of the book I figured out early on, but this did not take enjoyment away from the overall story..
I was privileged to listen to the audio version recording, and unequivocally, I highly recommend the audiobook. I fell in love with the narrator Shakira Shute! Extremely talented in her expressions and character voices - completely believable! She definitely has a part in making this good book, great! I would listen to any book she chose to narrate.
The one bit of criticism I have to offer is the use of foul language. The swearing and f*bombs were used liberally throughout the story. Although, I appreciate that swearing is used to convey intensity of emotion, I don't appreciate the use of so much of it in regular vocabulary and conversation.
4.5 Stars
PUBLICATION DATE: JANUARY 18, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Keri Beevis for the AAC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2022
Ellie and her boyfriend, Ash, take a huge step in their relationship when they buy a fixer-upper in the English countryside. Everything seems to be moving forward beautifully until they meet their creepy neighbors and find out a tragedy happened in the house five years earlier that was not disclosed by the realtor. Soon they begin hearing sounds in the house when they are home alone and finding doors open they are sure they closed. When the tragedies of the past start to repeat themselves, Ellie finds herself in grave danger and Ash the prime suspect.
This was a fun, fast read that I could not put down. The twists and turns kept me guessing most of the way through. I listened to the audiobook version and could not stop listening.
Potentially offensive content includes language and violence. I thought the foul language was excessive and really took away from the story. It didn't fit the characters at all.
I particularly loved the narrator of the audiobook, Shakira Shute. The nuances of her tone when portraying the unstable and mentally ill characters were chilling. Her portrayals were absolutely perfect. I think she did a 5-star performance of a 4-star book. I also loved how the book really kept me guessing. All the breadcrumbs were there in a perfectly paced trail.
This was a fun, fast read that I could not put down. The twists and turns kept me guessing most of the way through. I listened to the audiobook version and could not stop listening.
Potentially offensive content includes language and violence. I thought the foul language was excessive and really took away from the story. It didn't fit the characters at all.
I particularly loved the narrator of the audiobook, Shakira Shute. The nuances of her tone when portraying the unstable and mentally ill characters were chilling. Her portrayals were absolutely perfect. I think she did a 5-star performance of a 4-star book. I also loved how the book really kept me guessing. All the breadcrumbs were there in a perfectly paced trail.
November 16, 2021
When I first started reading this book, my brain could not resist the temptation of playing Blur’s 'House in the Country' over and over because of how idyllic Ellie and Ash’s life seem. However, like a needle being abruptly pulled off a record, this pretty much stops when Ellie discovers the history of their lovely house. Embroiled in murder and abduction, suddenly this very nice house in the country feels isolated, remote and far, far away from any help.
Caught up in Ellie’s enthusiasm, I was keen for her to follow Ash’s advice: move away from the history of the house and to create their own memories. Yet, there are too many signs for Ellie to ignore that unsettle her. Relying on her only neighbour, Benjamin, for support, Ellie soon realises that even with Benjamin’s silent, unnerving sister, Virginia, next door, Ellie cannot feel truly safe. As the story unfolds, Ellie realises she sounds more like a paranoid housewife rather than the confident, out-going person she was when they first moved in.
The writing in this story is truly atmospheric and I felt like I was experiencing it at the same time as Ellie. Although there were elements of the plot that I predicted, there were still plenty of engrossing, toe-curling surprises. Whilst I don’t think this is as dark as perhaps some of Beevis’s other novels, there were some scenes that were pretty horrific. I think this added to the intensity of the story, making it perfect for these dark, winter nights.
Neighbours Benjamin and Virginia appear to have plenty of secrets but I liked watching how Ellie felt comfortable enough to try and develop a friendship. The description of Benjamin’s garden sounded envy-inducing and I could vividly imagine such a lush, colourful landscape. It actually made me want to go and emulate some of his successes in my own garden, if it wasn’t for the fact that we are rapidly approaching winter!
Keri Beevis is one of the few authors where I have successfully managed to read all of her releases. Each time, I have not been disappointed but this book, I think shows Beevis’s writing go to another level. Frequently I felt my heart-rate increase with the tension that Beevis creates in the narrative. It was a spooky, chilling, atmospheric read and I loved immersing myself in the story. I actually forced myself to slow down reading it, rather than consuming the book in one sitting, because I was enjoying it so much. If you have yet to sample any of this writer, this should certainly be your first choice.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Caught up in Ellie’s enthusiasm, I was keen for her to follow Ash’s advice: move away from the history of the house and to create their own memories. Yet, there are too many signs for Ellie to ignore that unsettle her. Relying on her only neighbour, Benjamin, for support, Ellie soon realises that even with Benjamin’s silent, unnerving sister, Virginia, next door, Ellie cannot feel truly safe. As the story unfolds, Ellie realises she sounds more like a paranoid housewife rather than the confident, out-going person she was when they first moved in.
The writing in this story is truly atmospheric and I felt like I was experiencing it at the same time as Ellie. Although there were elements of the plot that I predicted, there were still plenty of engrossing, toe-curling surprises. Whilst I don’t think this is as dark as perhaps some of Beevis’s other novels, there were some scenes that were pretty horrific. I think this added to the intensity of the story, making it perfect for these dark, winter nights.
Neighbours Benjamin and Virginia appear to have plenty of secrets but I liked watching how Ellie felt comfortable enough to try and develop a friendship. The description of Benjamin’s garden sounded envy-inducing and I could vividly imagine such a lush, colourful landscape. It actually made me want to go and emulate some of his successes in my own garden, if it wasn’t for the fact that we are rapidly approaching winter!
Keri Beevis is one of the few authors where I have successfully managed to read all of her releases. Each time, I have not been disappointed but this book, I think shows Beevis’s writing go to another level. Frequently I felt my heart-rate increase with the tension that Beevis creates in the narrative. It was a spooky, chilling, atmospheric read and I loved immersing myself in the story. I actually forced myself to slow down reading it, rather than consuming the book in one sitting, because I was enjoying it so much. If you have yet to sample any of this writer, this should certainly be your first choice.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2022
We were hit by another snow storm in Colorado since New Year's Eve/Day. I can't think of a better way to keep myself entertained during this freezing early days of the year by listening to a suspenseful thriller. Kept me awake at night, because I'm glued to the story, not because of the howling wind and falling snow outside.
A couple moved to an old house in the countryside. A cat paid them a visit one night. It belongs to the neighbor who lives behind them. Something sinister happened to that house a few years ago. The boyfriend has been keeping secrets from her. And the new neighbors are being too neighborly it seemed dubious.
Audiobook Review
The narrator, Shakira Shute, has a soft voice, however she fits the character she is narrating especially for Benjamin. She did sound sinister with a patronizing tone that perfectly fits Benjamin's character. I didn't mind that there's only one narrator. She changes her voice very well that I can distinguish one character from the other. Brought the book to life especially the exchanges between Ellie and Benjamin. She also did a good job with the Australian accent for both Ash and Pete.
I received a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. Thank you to Dreamscape Media for allowing access to the title and I'm reviewing it voluntarily.
Read the full review on Nica's Musings.
A couple moved to an old house in the countryside. A cat paid them a visit one night. It belongs to the neighbor who lives behind them. Something sinister happened to that house a few years ago. The boyfriend has been keeping secrets from her. And the new neighbors are being too neighborly it seemed dubious.
Audiobook Review
The narrator, Shakira Shute, has a soft voice, however she fits the character she is narrating especially for Benjamin. She did sound sinister with a patronizing tone that perfectly fits Benjamin's character. I didn't mind that there's only one narrator. She changes her voice very well that I can distinguish one character from the other. Brought the book to life especially the exchanges between Ellie and Benjamin. She also did a good job with the Australian accent for both Ash and Pete.
I received a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. Thank you to Dreamscape Media for allowing access to the title and I'm reviewing it voluntarily.
Read the full review on Nica's Musings.
April 24, 2025
The first half of The People Next Door crawled by at a snail's pace. It was obvious immediately who the perp was, so the "twist" at the end wasn't a surprise. No savvy reader could possibly miss that.
I got into the story around 65%. I knew what to expect but not how it was all going to play out. The entire thing was super creepy!
I was very worried about Poppy the three-legged pup the entire time. Ellie though was an idiot with like five brain cells, so I didn't much care about what happened to her.
Why, why, WHY must authors (esp. those who identify as women) write such utterly clueless, pathetic female MCs? Why did Ellie act so confoundingly stupid? I don't expect every literary heroine to be Katniss Everdeen, but is not opening the door to strangers when you're home all alone in the country where no one can hear you scream too much to ask?
The ending was a bit sloppy but provided enough closure. Even though Ellie's friend was not a great human, I still felt terrible about what happened to her.
Overall, this was an okay read, but I'm not sure I'd do another book by this author.
I got into the story around 65%. I knew what to expect but not how it was all going to play out. The entire thing was super creepy!
I was very worried about Poppy the three-legged pup the entire time. Ellie though was an idiot with like five brain cells, so I didn't much care about what happened to her.
Why, why, WHY must authors (esp. those who identify as women) write such utterly clueless, pathetic female MCs? Why did Ellie act so confoundingly stupid? I don't expect every literary heroine to be Katniss Everdeen, but is not opening the door to strangers when you're home all alone in the country where no one can hear you scream too much to ask?
The ending was a bit sloppy but provided enough closure. Even though Ellie's friend was not a great human, I still felt terrible about what happened to her.
Overall, this was an okay read, but I'm not sure I'd do another book by this author.
April 11, 2025
3,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
November 1, 2021
Thank you Keri Beevis for the advance copy in exchange for a honest review. Ellie and Ash have just moved to a isolated house in the countryside with only one other house nearby. When Ellie first meets their neighbour Benjamin she thinks he is a kind gentleman. Then she bumps into his eccentric sister. First Ellie finds out the house has a dark past. Then sinister things start to happen and she finds out Ash hasn't been honest with her. Who can she trust? Absolutely brilliantly written creepy psychological thriller.
January 13, 2022
The narrator of this audiobook did a fantastic job. She was excellent at the different voices of the characters. Benjamin’s voice was super creepy! The narration definitely made the book!
I was able to predict some of the twists, but the story was entertaining, so it was still a great read. There were a few surprising shocks and the conclusion was disturbingly twisted!
I received a copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape, through Netgalley. This review is my honest opinion.
#thepeoplenextdoor #keribeevis #netgalley #justfinishedreading #bookreview #audiobookreview #dreamscapeaudio
I was able to predict some of the twists, but the story was entertaining, so it was still a great read. There were a few surprising shocks and the conclusion was disturbingly twisted!
I received a copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape, through Netgalley. This review is my honest opinion.
#thepeoplenextdoor #keribeevis #netgalley #justfinishedreading #bookreview #audiobookreview #dreamscapeaudio
January 6, 2022
I discovered Keri Beevis last year & ever since then I’ve been pushing Every Little Breath into the hands of as many people as possible. I then went and devoured most of her backlist (check Hoopla) So when I saw The People Next Door listed on NetGalley I hit request real fast.
I went into this book completely blind & I’m recommending you do the same so I’m not going to talk about the plot. This is a creepy psychological thriller so if you scare easily, this might not be the book for you. I saw someone describe this as atmospheric & Hitchcockian and that is spot on. I won’t say why because it would spoil the entire story. There’s a few directions the plot could’ve gone as the story is setup in part one. Once part 2 hits, you start to see which direction it’s going. You probably won’t be shocked at the reveals, but you also won’t be disappointed in them. This creep fest was a total winner for me. 5/5
Thank you so much to Keri Beevis, NetGalley & Dreamscape for providing an advanced listeners copy in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book completely blind & I’m recommending you do the same so I’m not going to talk about the plot. This is a creepy psychological thriller so if you scare easily, this might not be the book for you. I saw someone describe this as atmospheric & Hitchcockian and that is spot on. I won’t say why because it would spoil the entire story. There’s a few directions the plot could’ve gone as the story is setup in part one. Once part 2 hits, you start to see which direction it’s going. You probably won’t be shocked at the reveals, but you also won’t be disappointed in them. This creep fest was a total winner for me. 5/5
Thank you so much to Keri Beevis, NetGalley & Dreamscape for providing an advanced listeners copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2022
After reading the first 16 pages I found that this book was extremely slow and the character building was virtually non-existent. The story dragged on without any interesting things happening to either of the characters plus the characters have very boring storylines which made me lose interest in their role in the story.
March 12, 2023
Ellie Summers and her boyfriend Ash Brady move into their dream home. It’s in the boonies and needs a lot of work, but it has a beautiful garden. In between working on the home and adopting a dog she accidentally hit with her car, Ellie befriends her neighbor, Benjamin, who lives next door with his sister, Virginia.
Upon learning that a brutal murder occurred in the house five years before and the seventeen-year-old daughter of the murder victim is missing, Ellie is less than happy that she was not made aware of this before purchasing the home. This right here is why I prefer to buy my homes brand spanking new. I want to be the first owner in the home. I want my bum to be the first on the toilet. I can’t be having no murder nonsense happening in the home prior to my owning it.
Ellie comes across as very skittish and highly nervous and slightly paranoid. Several scenes made me feel more tense probably because she was. Maybe if she hadn’t let her guard down later on in the book, she wouldn’t have ended up in the horrific situation she finds herself. See what I did just there? Now you are just going to have to read this book to find out what the horrific situation is. I will say the mounting terror and suspense made me feel like I was in the middle of an Alfred Hitchcock movie and Norman Bates is lurking around every corner with a giant butcher knife.
Overall, I liked Ellie and Ash and thought they were good together. Ash’s best friend, Pete seemed a likable character as well. I detested Pete’s wife, Roxanne. I found her to be an overbearing and controlling character. She talks down to Ellie and is hyper-critical of everything Ellie does, from the house to the dog. The more I learned about Roxanne, the less I liked her.
Benjamin and his sister Virginia set off my creeper alarm almost immediately. Ellie meets Benjamin at the veterinarian’s office when she brings in the dog she hit with her car. They strike up a conversation and realize they are neighbors, so Ellie befriends him. The more he comes around, the more creepy he seems. It doesn’t take me long to realize he’s obsessed with Ellie and it seems like he’s always finding an excuse to come over. As creepy as he appears, he also seems harmless. His sister, on the other hand, comes across as even more creepier. She’s mentally ill, doesn’t verbalize and never leaves the house. Ellie tries to interact with her but is unsuccessful.
Things become really sinister for Ellie when Ash leaves for a week-long business trip and I’m still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor at what went down. Some of the events didn’t come as a surprise to me, but there were many twists and turns that shocked me.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the performance by Shakira Shute for the most part. Her use of various accents was performed flawlessly. Ash is from Australia and living in England and I enjoyed hearing the inflection in his voice. I found Benjamin’s voice to be highly annoying and pictured myself probably not wanting to engage in conversation with him because of it. I am going to chalk it up to not liking him in the first place, so my subconscious was probably looking for reasons to dislike him more.
My Final Verdict: This was my first Keri Beevis novel and I look forward to reading more of her work. She weaves a story that is filled with dark thoughts and darker deeds that left me tiptoeing up to doors and cautiously peering around corners in case she had something waiting to jump out at me. Readers who enjoy suspenseful mysteries and thrillers should pick this one up. I highly recommend the audiobook, as it adds to the suspense.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The People Next Door from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Upon learning that a brutal murder occurred in the house five years before and the seventeen-year-old daughter of the murder victim is missing, Ellie is less than happy that she was not made aware of this before purchasing the home. This right here is why I prefer to buy my homes brand spanking new. I want to be the first owner in the home. I want my bum to be the first on the toilet. I can’t be having no murder nonsense happening in the home prior to my owning it.
Ellie comes across as very skittish and highly nervous and slightly paranoid. Several scenes made me feel more tense probably because she was. Maybe if she hadn’t let her guard down later on in the book, she wouldn’t have ended up in the horrific situation she finds herself. See what I did just there? Now you are just going to have to read this book to find out what the horrific situation is. I will say the mounting terror and suspense made me feel like I was in the middle of an Alfred Hitchcock movie and Norman Bates is lurking around every corner with a giant butcher knife.
Overall, I liked Ellie and Ash and thought they were good together. Ash’s best friend, Pete seemed a likable character as well. I detested Pete’s wife, Roxanne. I found her to be an overbearing and controlling character. She talks down to Ellie and is hyper-critical of everything Ellie does, from the house to the dog. The more I learned about Roxanne, the less I liked her.
Benjamin and his sister Virginia set off my creeper alarm almost immediately. Ellie meets Benjamin at the veterinarian’s office when she brings in the dog she hit with her car. They strike up a conversation and realize they are neighbors, so Ellie befriends him. The more he comes around, the more creepy he seems. It doesn’t take me long to realize he’s obsessed with Ellie and it seems like he’s always finding an excuse to come over. As creepy as he appears, he also seems harmless. His sister, on the other hand, comes across as even more creepier. She’s mentally ill, doesn’t verbalize and never leaves the house. Ellie tries to interact with her but is unsuccessful.
Things become really sinister for Ellie when Ash leaves for a week-long business trip and I’m still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor at what went down. Some of the events didn’t come as a surprise to me, but there were many twists and turns that shocked me.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the performance by Shakira Shute for the most part. Her use of various accents was performed flawlessly. Ash is from Australia and living in England and I enjoyed hearing the inflection in his voice. I found Benjamin’s voice to be highly annoying and pictured myself probably not wanting to engage in conversation with him because of it. I am going to chalk it up to not liking him in the first place, so my subconscious was probably looking for reasons to dislike him more.
My Final Verdict: This was my first Keri Beevis novel and I look forward to reading more of her work. She weaves a story that is filled with dark thoughts and darker deeds that left me tiptoeing up to doors and cautiously peering around corners in case she had something waiting to jump out at me. Readers who enjoy suspenseful mysteries and thrillers should pick this one up. I highly recommend the audiobook, as it adds to the suspense.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The People Next Door from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2022
Teikšu to skaļi. Man ir apnicis, ka trilleru rakstnieki izmanto trakos cilvēkus, lai attainotu jebkuru sižeta līnijas virzienu. Ja tas ir mazās proporcijās un darbs pats par sevi ir prasmīgi uzrakstīts, tad uz “trako” kārti pieveru acis. Bet, ja romāns balstās uz trakajiem…. 🫣
January 31, 2022
Ellie and Ash have just moved to a new house. As they work to restore it they learn more about its history. Mysterious disappearances of the previous occupants have Ellie feeling jumpy. She does take up an easy friendship with her new neighbor Benjamin. But his sister Virginia scares her. And as more and more weird things happen Ellie becomes paranoid and isn't sure who to trust.
So to start with, I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator Shakira Shute did a good job in my opinion. Nice distinct voices and I felt she really added the emotion that was appropriate to the scenes at the time.
The story itself was good. I enjoyed the writing and felt the author really captured the quiet isolated sort of feeling of the MC. It wasn't anything particularly surprising though. I really did see pretty much all the twists coming. Except for the boyfriend, Ash. I misjudged his character for sure. All in all, I did enjoy the story and there were some big-time creepy factors going on too.
I did see all the twists coming though. It wasn't that I wasn't surprised by them, I literally had them figured out almost from the first quarter of the book. I really thought the author wanted us to think it was what I guessed and then I'd be hit with a big plot twist. But nope, totally predictable.
Recommendation 16+
This book was meant for an adult audience but there was much that was too bad content-wise. Some swearing and violence.
Thank you to Netgalley, Publisher, and Author for chance to listen to this book. This does not in any way influence my opinion or review.
So to start with, I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator Shakira Shute did a good job in my opinion. Nice distinct voices and I felt she really added the emotion that was appropriate to the scenes at the time.
The story itself was good. I enjoyed the writing and felt the author really captured the quiet isolated sort of feeling of the MC. It wasn't anything particularly surprising though. I really did see pretty much all the twists coming. Except for the boyfriend, Ash. I misjudged his character for sure. All in all, I did enjoy the story and there were some big-time creepy factors going on too.
I did see all the twists coming though. It wasn't that I wasn't surprised by them, I literally had them figured out almost from the first quarter of the book. I really thought the author wanted us to think it was what I guessed and then I'd be hit with a big plot twist. But nope, totally predictable.
Recommendation 16+
This book was meant for an adult audience but there was much that was too bad content-wise. Some swearing and violence.
Thank you to Netgalley, Publisher, and Author for chance to listen to this book. This does not in any way influence my opinion or review.
January 14, 2022
How well do you know your neighbors? The People Next Door looks at this age-old question as Ellie and her boyfriend Ash move into a charming home in the English countryside. Not long after their arrival, things turn darker than she could have expected. The house is isolating- the friendly man next door and his troubled sister the only people around, and there are secrets hidden seemingly everywhere.
When Ellie goes missing not long after moving in, things really get creepy. The tension in this book is great and the narrator did a great job conveying that and the slightly unsettling tone to some of the characters.
This book really did have all the makings of a good psychological thriller and left me uncertain of who to trust and what to believe. There are parallels to a certain classic horror/thriller film and while I did guess a couple of the main twists later in the book based on that there were still plenty of things I didn't see coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
When Ellie goes missing not long after moving in, things really get creepy. The tension in this book is great and the narrator did a great job conveying that and the slightly unsettling tone to some of the characters.
This book really did have all the makings of a good psychological thriller and left me uncertain of who to trust and what to believe. There are parallels to a certain classic horror/thriller film and while I did guess a couple of the main twists later in the book based on that there were still plenty of things I didn't see coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
April 7, 2022
Ahh!! It felt slow at the beginning yet my interest was piqued. At one point i knew what was going to happen which annoyed me a little but then the ending was completely unexpected. I did not see that coming! This was my first one from the author and i liked it. Good read!
April 4, 2023
I know it's only April but this might be the worst book I've read this year. I am sure that there is an audience for it and I'm not putting it down. I just didn't like it.
December 5, 2021
All I have to say is Wow! This is my second book by this author and she does not disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book and just had to race through to know what would happen.
January 13, 2022
Ash and Ellie had been together for a few years when they decided they were ready to buy a house together. They come across one they can’t resist-it was an amazing deal in the country side, perfect for a young couple with dreams of a family in the future. Once they move in, their best friends, Pete and Roxanne come and visit and Roxanne is hyper critical over the house and reminds them of the history in the town, which Ash and Ellie wanted to put out of their minds because of how much they liked their new home.
Unfortunately, there’s a problem with the house that the realtor didn’t disclose and as Ash goes away to work, leaving Ellie to work on getting the house settled, she gets to know the only nearby neighbor, who seems creepy but spends most of his time taking care of his unwell sister, Virginia.
While Ash is away on a work trip, he finds he can’t get a hold of Ellie and starts to worry. He comes home and can’t find her or their dog, Poppy. Little does he know that there is more to their house than he knows and definitely more to his neighbors than he could ever imagine.
This was a gothic story with potential to be amazing but it was way too long and drawn out and at times I was thinking it was never going to end! Overall, I enjoyed listening to it. And the narrator was good but her accents were questionable.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my review.
Unfortunately, there’s a problem with the house that the realtor didn’t disclose and as Ash goes away to work, leaving Ellie to work on getting the house settled, she gets to know the only nearby neighbor, who seems creepy but spends most of his time taking care of his unwell sister, Virginia.
While Ash is away on a work trip, he finds he can’t get a hold of Ellie and starts to worry. He comes home and can’t find her or their dog, Poppy. Little does he know that there is more to their house than he knows and definitely more to his neighbors than he could ever imagine.
This was a gothic story with potential to be amazing but it was way too long and drawn out and at times I was thinking it was never going to end! Overall, I enjoyed listening to it. And the narrator was good but her accents were questionable.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my review.
June 18, 2022
This just got better right through to the creepy as hell epiologue. What a fantastic mess of a gothic thriller to end the year on.
👏👏👏👏👏👏
👏👏👏👏👏👏
July 30, 2022
Brilliant!! Hitchcock would love this!
December 7, 2023
Suspenseful
How did I know Benjamin was batshit crazy??? The twists and turns and craziness had me so all over the place. If you're into suspense thrillers this book is for you. Just read the damn book.
How did I know Benjamin was batshit crazy??? The twists and turns and craziness had me so all over the place. If you're into suspense thrillers this book is for you. Just read the damn book.
January 8, 2022
1.5 stars
A young couple moves to the idyllic countryside of Norfolk, but a series of break-ins and odd noises escalate into something much worse. I appreciated the prose and the way the story is structured, but key plot points and character motivations either lacked adequate explanation or were logically inconsistent to the point that the story felt contrived. The ending is horrendous, with a sadistic & cruel act passed off as justice, thus the low rating.
[What I liked:]
•I’m not a huge fan of novels with multiple first person POV’s, but in this book the different perspectives add nuanced layers to the story. The information the reader gets is filtered through the perceptions of the different narrators, not resulting in something as drastic as an unreliable narrator, but leaving room for doubt about where each narrator’s perceptions fall short of the full picture. The result is some nice added subtlety as the story unfolds.
•Ellie & Ash have a convincing romantic connection. Their uncertainties & strength of feeling for one another made it feel realistic.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•A lot of Ellie’s decisions don’t make sense. Would a person who’s terrified of heights really risk breaking their neck by recklessly climbing a trellis rather than ask for help from a kind neighbor, simply because they feel awkward around him? And for someone as anxious as Ellie, it makes no sense why would she stay in a house she *knows* isn’t secure when she believes she’s in imminent danger. Why not tell Benjamin what she found out so he can keep his sister safe? Why decide to get drunk now & go to a hotel in the morning? Why not just go now?
•I can’t mention examples without ruining the ending, but things start getting really weird by the 80% mark. Weird, yet clichéd.
•The ending is horrendous. Cruelly, slowly murdering a mentally ill person extra-judicially isn’t justice. No supposedly compassionate person would do such a thing. I hated this ending.
•This is minor considering all the above questions, but why wasn’t Ellie doing any freelance work? She mentions multiple times that money is tight (she feels guilty spending money on wine, she lets men she doesn’t trust into her house against her better judgment because she needs the 50 pounds from selling the washer, etc.). Despite this, she doesn’t work even part time after the move, spending all her time on replacing the wallpaper 🤷♀️
CW: murder, kidnapping, mental illness, substance abuse, infidelity, torture
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A young couple moves to the idyllic countryside of Norfolk, but a series of break-ins and odd noises escalate into something much worse. I appreciated the prose and the way the story is structured, but key plot points and character motivations either lacked adequate explanation or were logically inconsistent to the point that the story felt contrived. The ending is horrendous, with a sadistic & cruel act passed off as justice, thus the low rating.
[What I liked:]
•I’m not a huge fan of novels with multiple first person POV’s, but in this book the different perspectives add nuanced layers to the story. The information the reader gets is filtered through the perceptions of the different narrators, not resulting in something as drastic as an unreliable narrator, but leaving room for doubt about where each narrator’s perceptions fall short of the full picture. The result is some nice added subtlety as the story unfolds.
•Ellie & Ash have a convincing romantic connection. Their uncertainties & strength of feeling for one another made it feel realistic.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•A lot of Ellie’s decisions don’t make sense. Would a person who’s terrified of heights really risk breaking their neck by recklessly climbing a trellis rather than ask for help from a kind neighbor, simply because they feel awkward around him? And for someone as anxious as Ellie, it makes no sense why would she stay in a house she *knows* isn’t secure when she believes she’s in imminent danger. Why not tell Benjamin what she found out so he can keep his sister safe? Why decide to get drunk now & go to a hotel in the morning? Why not just go now?
•I can’t mention examples without ruining the ending, but things start getting really weird by the 80% mark. Weird, yet clichéd.
•The ending is horrendous. Cruelly, slowly murdering a mentally ill person extra-judicially isn’t justice. No supposedly compassionate person would do such a thing. I hated this ending.
•This is minor considering all the above questions, but why wasn’t Ellie doing any freelance work? She mentions multiple times that money is tight (she feels guilty spending money on wine, she lets men she doesn’t trust into her house against her better judgment because she needs the 50 pounds from selling the washer, etc.). Despite this, she doesn’t work even part time after the move, spending all her time on replacing the wallpaper 🤷♀️
CW: murder, kidnapping, mental illness, substance abuse, infidelity, torture
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
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