There Goes The Neighborhood

by S. Reed

They say there are only five kinds of alien contact…
But what if there is a sixth kind?

Befriending one…

Poppy Field Lane is the place to be in the 90’s. It’s a quiet,affluent New York suburb filled with a few eccentric residents. One in particular, Ignatius Feltrap.

Ignatius doesn’t abide by the snobbish rules of her cliché cul de sac, but when she stumbles upon the secret of a lifetime while walking on the beach…her life is thrown for an out of this world loop.

Turns out, extra-terrestrials are real.

Enter Væson, a sassy alien on the run from their home planet. Væson has blended in for years, while trying to evade capture from their own evil government along with Earth’s mysterious agency until, of course, Ignatius and her trusty Labrador, Alfie, blunder upon them. It doesn’t take long for a once in a lifetime friendship to form, and Ignatius vows to protect Væson at any cost.

Can they solve the mystery of Ignatius’s late husband’s death before the alien government and Earth’s top secret one find where Væson is? And more importantly; can they do it before the annual Neighborhood Christmas Fete…

Paperback

Published April 1, 2022

About the author

Has also published as S.D. Reed

Hello, I'm S. Reed. Reed for short, and S for shorter.

I like to think of myself as the purveyor of literary ice-cream, because who loves just one flavour, right? So, I'll be brining you stories from varying genres such as: Horror, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Romance, Thriller, Fantasy, and so much more!

A cool thing about all my novels is that they will all connect in some way or another - whether that be via a direct reference, a character, or something else. Oh, and I love long term storytelling, so if your beloved character doesn't get what you hoped for - just keep an eye out because they may just show up down the line in a different book - or even a collection of short stories.

When I'm not writing I can be found either gaming, reading, or watching movies/tv shows with my family and pets.

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I was hooked. I loved the vibes it was giving, very reminiscent of my childhood in the 90s. I loved all of the cultural references, as well as the vivid descriptions of what people were wearing and how they were acting. I had an idea of how the story was going to turn out. The Author exceeded my expectations, the story was so much more in depth and I thought it would be. It wasn’t just the typical alien meat human story. This book dealt with grief, greed, family structures, and much more.

While Ignatius‘s story was heart wrenching, I enjoyed watching her bloom into the person that she used to be before the grief. Vaeson definitely helped her along that journey and it was wonderful to see. They also helped Ignatius get closure which I thought was amazing.

Vaeson also has a rough past, I really enjoyed the story of their life. Every piece of their history was like a time capsule into the past. The small tidbits into their home planet as well as their partner really painted a vivid picture. It was exactly how I would imagine if a alien crash landed and became my best friend. The gender neutrality of the planet of M.O.R.K was a great addition. The human obsession with Probing was a running joke and I cackled several times.

I felt very connected to all of the characters that were introduced minus Carol but she is the character that you’re meant to hate. I am praying for another book to hear more about Ignatius and Vaeson story/adventures. As well as to see if someone from Vaesons past shows back up.

I am looking forward to reading more of the authors work as I love their writing style and their subjects. Who doesn’t love aliens 90s and closure. If you’re looking for an out of this world book with nostalgia, mystery, and secret government agencies this is for you.

Thank You to the Author as well as Lake County Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Elizabeth Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*

I’ve never read anything that combines comedy, sci-fi and relationships. There Goes the Neighbourhood is different in every possible way and it makes it a spectacular read.



There Goes the Neighbourhood is a wonderfully quirky comedy centred around an alien and its unlikely friendship with a widower, Ignatius. Set in the 90s, Poppy Field Lane is stuck in the 50s. With its ‘Stepford Wives’ vibe, the neighbourhood dislikes Ignatius. Igantius’ dog, Alfie, finds Væson when they are on the run. The pair soon become friends and realise they have a lot to learn from each other. Væson is wowed by human concepts, meanwhile they show Ignatius the joy in living. Together, they’re a formidable team, which is just what is needed when they uncover one of Poppy Field Lane’s darkest secrets.

This story is quirky, with wonderful description and some witty crossovers with the author’s writing. Despite the comedy genre of the book, it addresses some real problems and shows the various constraints humanity has put on life. Væson quickly asserts their pronouns. It’s a rather thought-provoking aspect of the story and allows a prevalent topic to be (very well) addressed.

I’m a nineties child and so I loved the nostalgia within the story. The author has wonderfully captured it. I had a little ‘omg’ moment when they took a trip to Blockbusters.

A wonderfully written, refreshing story with a fabulous plot! The complete package of the book and its various little additions make it a true five star read. Looking forward to reading more from S. Reed in the future.

[B.F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There Goes The Neighborhood is a quirky, fun sci-fi that is completely different from anything else I've ever read in all the best ways. The author has taken some of the typical gritty science fiction tropes (escaped aliens, government involvement, etc.) and turned them on their head to create a hilarious protagonist. I loved the human MC as well, and together the duo gets into the most entertaining predicaments. This entire book was a delight, a breath of fresh air, and I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future!

[Chai with Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stepford Wives meets Lilo & Stitch? This was random but pretty hilarious 😂 I loved how independent and nonchalant Iggy was to everyone's gossip and thoughts of her. She also sounds like the coolest person's house to land in.

I loved seeing Vaeson settle in to Poppy Field Lane and make friends. His first Mario Kart race was so cute 😂❤️
At times the chapters seemed a bit choppy like they were going on random tangents..but the end made up for it.

Some of my favourite Vaeson lines:
"It's a sedated shock caused by, well,me being awesome. Don't worry"

"I just won't think ever again, then." "Do that and you'll be President within a month.."

Thank you Love book tours and the author for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review ❤️

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

There Goes The Neighborhood as a fun story. A mix of sci-fi and comedy, this book is full of 90's vibes and I absolutely love that. It also has a stepford wives vibe going as well. The Blockbuster part was great. It really stood out and I enjoyed that part. This story is quirky, fast paced and an overall joy to read. This book would be right up your alley if you enjoy Third Rock From the Sun.

[Clare Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congrats Seb on your book release!!! Sorry it took me so long to finish lol, but it was definitely me and not the book, because Seb has crafted a fun, funny, wholesome story that reminds me a ton of The Humans by Matt Haig. I laughed out loud several times reading this! I’m so lucky to be in a publishing house with such talented people and I can’t wait to go back and read Seb’s debut!

[Caron McKinlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an imaginative and creative premise that I was really looking forward to reading it. The prose is often hilarious and the throwbacks to the nineties make for great nostalgia. The Blockbuster scene was a real stand out.

The characterisations are good and there are plenty of secrets to discover. The pace is fast moved and there's lots to like here.

Perfect for fans of Third Rock From The Sun or maybe Red Dwarf.

[Katherine Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet and nostalgic sci-fi adventure.

S. Reed promises a light-hearted top back to the 90s with this book, and he certainly delivers that. The unusual present-tense third-person omniscient narrative style takes some getting used to, but works well to bring tension to the story as we see each viewpoint building up to the climactic scene.

There's a light-heartedness throughout which helps the comedic scenes shine, but it can make the darker elements a bit jarring when they come into play. The character of Vaeson is a joy to read, and they are really the star of the book. The villains are a little cartoonish for my taste, but they suit the overall tone of the story and you are compelled to keep reading in hope of seeing their downfall. I would have liked to have seen some more emotion come through, especially in the penultimate chapter where we're led to believe a terrible tragedy has occurred, but the action moves on too quickly to let it sink in.

Overall, this is a quirky, enjoyable read which would suit anyone wanting some light-hearted, Rosewell-style adventure.

[Danii Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into this book but the ending was worth it can't wait to see what more this author will bring out in the future be prepared to be laughing at parts

[Hayley Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful quirky tale of an unlikely friendship between an alien and a widow. It combines sci-fi, drama and comedy. Like nothing I have read before. An enjoyable read.

[Erin Mainord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly a delight to read. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up since this book is outside the usual genres I gravitate towards, but I am so glad I did because this book had me grinning ear to ear many times.
The story takes place in Poppy Field Lane which is a suburban neighborhood and very much gave me 'fancy gated housing community with extremely strict and ridiculous HOA' vibes. The main character, Ignatius, has always been an outcast in this community, as her eccentric style and 'doesn't give a damn' attitude doesn't mesh well with the town's uppity self-proclaimed matriarch, Carol.
Væson (they) is an alien on the run from a place called "The Facility" after their ship crashes and they finds themselves on Earth. Væson and Ignatius soon cross paths and Ignatius quickly falls in love with the quirky blue alien with big eyes and an even bigger heart. They embark on many adventures together and as their friendship blossoms, they uncover a secret that will prove to have life changing consequences for both of them.
There Goes The Neighborhood is a lighthearted sci-fi comedy filled with cheeky humor and 90s references that incite pure blissful nostalgia. I especially loved the chapter Væson and Ignatius played Mario Kart and I adored the reference to Rainbow Road. Also, BLOCKBUSTER. That entire chapter was a vibe in itself and made me want to curl up with a blanket and popcorn and junior mints and watch a movie.
S. Reed meets the reader at the very first page and writes in such a way it feels as if he is telling you the story like you're an old friend. I love the author's subtle inclusions of relevant modern day topics such as pronoun usage, autism, domestic abuse, and daring to live outside of societal norms. I read a note that S. Reed connects all his stories together through subtle details and so I would love to read more of his work to see if I can spot some of these easter eggs.
This book makes for an excellent read for when you're craving something lighthearted, wholesome, and downright fun.
Thank you to the book's publisher, Lake Country Press, for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book for a couple of reasons. Chief among them is the mixing of sci-fi with comedy. The pairing immediately made me think of the TV show 3rd Rock From The Sun, which I thoroughly enjoyed some years ago. I was also intrigued by the book being set in the 90s, of which I have a few vague early memories.

This book did not disappoint! I was captivated almost immediately, and remained so straight through to the end. The plot was phenomenal! The author, S. Reed, did an amazing job of mixing not only comedy and science fiction, but mystery, adventure, tragedy and present day real-world issues as well. With the wide range of topics, it could have easily felt forced, but everything flowed very nicely and it all seemed so natural to me.

The characters were very well introduced and developed and I was really able to relate to them. The level of detail was just right as well. Some of the things that were mentioned did bring back a few old memories - the mention of Blockbuster in particular put a smile on my face and had me thinking "I remember that place!" I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future works by S Reed!

💭 Things I liked: 
* Setting the story in the 90s yet expertly including present day topics
* The concept of a genderless planet was intriguing
* The character development was bang on
* The entire story just flowed so well and naturally
* The humour - I had a few instances where I couldn't help but to laugh

💭 Things I didn’t like: 
* I've tried to come up with something I didn't like, or felt could have been handled better/differently, but the fact of the matter is- I wouldn't change a thing. This book is as close to perfect as any I've ever read.

[Tigs_bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

There Goes The Neighborhood by S. Reed

Blurb
They say there are only five kinds of alien contact...
But what if there is a sixth kind?
Befriending one...

Poppy Field Lane is the place to be in the '90s. It's a quiet, affluent New York suburb filled with a few eccentric residents. One, in particular, Ignatius Feltrap.

Ignatius doesn't abide by the snobbish rules of her cliché cul de sac, but when she stumbles upon the secret of a lifetime
while walking on the beach... her life is thrown
for an out of this world loop.

Turns out, extra-terrestrials are real.

Enter Væson, a sassy alien on the run from their home planet.
Væon has blended in for years, while trying to evade capture from their own evil government along with Earth's mysterious agency until, of course, Ignatius and her trusty Labrador,
Alfie, blunder upon them. It doesn't take long for a once in a lifetime friendship to form, and Ignatius vows to protect Væson at any cost.

Can they solve the mystery of Ignatius's late husband's death before the alien government and Earth's top-secret one find where Væson is? And more importantly; can they do it before the annual Neighborhood Fete...

My Thoughts💭
I found this book, at times, laugh out loud funny and very engaging. I really enjoyed it. I liked the writing style, the pace is good and the characters well-rounded and developed.
The 90’s nostalgia is spot on. The scene-setting and description is fab, and I could see it all so clearly.
If you’re after a lighthearted, wholesome,
and fun read, then There Goes The Neighborhood is for you.

Thank you to Love Books Tours and Lake Country Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my own honest review.

[ML Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a silly, light hearted, wistful, fun book! I loved every second of this! Vaeson is a fun, obnoxious, snarky non binary alien guaranteed to make you laugh until the very last page! I couldn't help falling in love with them immediately.
Reed did a good job with the antagonists in this story, making them ruthless with a fistful of insane mixed in for good measure and again I am in awe of the way he writes these characters. Poppyfield lane was the perfect setting for this book. Another small town where nothing ever happens *wink*
This book was filled with so much humor and it kept me laughing from beginning to end. I absolutely loved it! I was very disappointed when Vaeson and Ignatius's story had to end.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, humorous, light read. Or heck, please just read it, you will love it and get lots and lots of laughs!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great palate cleanser if you are between reading epic space operas! The 90s comedy and immersive world building make for a hilariously zany adult comedic sci-fi book. This book felt like I was watching an adult version of the 3rd rock from the sun TV show, which is a show I loved. My favorite part was probably Vaeson’s experience with Blockbuster. It made me miss the 90s staple more than I thought possible!

Sure, this book has a few editing flaws like other e-ARCs, but you can really feel the heart behind it. If you want a book that *feels* like a quirky 90s sci-fi show, then There Goes The Neighborhood is definitely for you!

Thank you so much to the publisher for the free advanced reader copy! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[R.D. weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is just so great, the world building and the characters are so relatable and real! I loved watching the adventure expand!

[Hobart · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I was never going to get this (and 31 others) properly written up, so I posted quick, tweet-length thoughts about some things that have needed reviewed for far too long:I stopped working with a book tour company because they wouldn’t let me be honest about this book ever. So I won’t be. Loved ALL of it. <3<3<3<3

[Molly Toone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to give this book more stars because I enjoyed it but the editor/publisher/proofreader etc have done a real disservice to the author :(