The Wife Next Door

by Amanda Brooke

How well do you really know your neighbours?

Following her mother’s death, Jane moved back to her childhood home hoping for a fresh start. Yet when she hears the young couple, Ashleigh and Evan, next door in a screaming row, long-forgotten memories of Jane’s troubled childhood come to the surface.

And then Ashleigh disappears, and Jane catches Evan digging a grave-shaped trench in his garden – could something more sinister have happened in the house next door?

Unable to let it drop, Jane knows that something – or someone – is buried in that garden…

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Crime, Psychological Thriller

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2023

About the author

Amanda Brooke lives in Liverpool with her teenage daughter, Jessica. When her three-year-old son died from cancer, Amanda was determined that his legacy would be one of inspiration. Yesterday's Sun is inspired by her experiences of motherhood.

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

**TRIGGER WARNING** Domestic Abuse - Coercive Behaviour

following her mother's death, Jane moved back home hoping for a fresh start. Yet when she hears the young couple, Ashleigh and Evan, nest door in a screaming row, long forgotten memories of Jane's troubled childhood come to the surface. And then Ashleigh disappears, and Jane catches Evan digging a grave-shaped trench in his garden - could something more sinister have happened in the house next door?

There are so many secrets buried within the pages of this book. We also get some character development that makes you understand why the characters have become who they are. The story has a dual timeline, the past - 1974 and the present day. Not everything is as expected, and appearances can be deceptive. Two similar stories are running though the book. The pace is fast from the beginning in this gripping read. We are always finding out something new. The final revels I didn't see coming.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #AmandaBrookes for my ARC of #TheWifeNextDoor in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah, it was fun!

Well, technically the wife was not next door… but ok, that’s just me nitpicking.

I finished the book quickly, it kept me company and was a fun read.

The book tackled (or more like, touched) topics like domestic abuse, lifelong relationships with trauma, friendships, deceit and appearances.

Due to my own upbringing, it was a little tough…

An average 3 star rating from me (once again, behold my indecisive nature!) - happy to pick up another book from the author soon.

Just a note about books written during the Pandemic - I’m just happy there’s an escape for the author. It truly doesn’t have to mean much for anyone else if that helps!

Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!

[andshe.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings - Domestic Abuse, Child Abuse (in small doses), coercive control, murder

Okay, let's start with how many twists this book had. I couldn't work anything out and didn't understand the full story until towards the end when it all came to light. This really kept me on the edge of my seat and added to the mystery of the storyline.

The characters were so well developed. The author really built on their strengths and weaknesses throughout the story. I honestly felt like Jane was sabotaging her relationships, but eventually, I'm glad she saw some sense to salvage what she had despite her traumatic childhood. Also, can I just say it was refreshing to see that there wasn't just a male abuser in this story. There are women in real life who are abusive and controlling, so as horrible as it is, it's good to see that in a storyline too.

I loved the friendship between Jane & Sheena it definitely gave off similar vibes of the bond their parents had.

This book was so unpredictable and full of so many twists and turns, which has made it into a fab thriller. The further in you get you realise how clever the writing is, luring you into the complex web of family, friendships, lies, betrayal and so much more.

This is my review for my tour Stop by @randomthingstours over on IG - my post will be on the 20th Jan.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane has moved back to her childhood home after the death of her mother Cynthia. She plans to clear and sell the house.

Jane hears her neighbours Ashleigh and Evan having a violent argument which triggers memories of her own troubled childhood.

When Ashleigh disappears and Jane sees Evan digging in his garden she jumps to the conclusion that something bad has happened.

A great book that kept me turning the pages, I was hooked by the many secrets.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How well do you really know your neighbours………”

I was swallowed whole by “The Wife Next Door” just like Alice in Wonderland and along with the many red herrings and rabbit holes I found this book to be a highly entertaining journey.

So many ways the story could have panned out and I have to say I was caught out many times (which was the author’s intent) and this kept me glued to the story until everything finally was revealed.

The differing character personalities were all portrayed very well, with Jane and her amateur but relentless sleuthing, Ashleigh and Evan as the troubled married couple next door and May, the old family friend and neighbour who holds her own secret past tied to Jane. There’s a dual timeline throughout, the current ongoing events and Jane’s childhood from the 1970’s. It was the latter that intrigued me the most, since it proved to be the centre point of the whole story.

Domestic abuse, coercive behaviour and bullying are the strongly mentioned themes throughout the story and is to be expected with the premise of this book, so a trigger warning must be mentioned but the scenes were apt to the storyline and therefore needed to set the sinister atmospheric setting.

Amanda Brooke is the author of eleven fiction novels and after reading “The Wife Next Door” I’d happily read more in the future and certainly check out her previous work.

#TheWifeNextDoor - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Anne Cater at #RandomThingsTours for inviting me on this tour and for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little predictable, especially if you read a lot of psychological thrillers, but a quick read and well paced. There is a lot about domestic violence in here and it was plotted very well with little sprinkles of flashbacks to the 70s. I did find the main character, Jane, a bit frustrating. She came across as such a nosy neighbour to begin with, I don't know how the neighbours tolerated her. I understand her behaviour came from a place of fear and trauma but just because you have experienced something you can't just assume the same about other people when you are spying on them - not great neighbourly behaviour - and not getting the whole picture.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and the author.

[Coral · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never really got going - had no interest in the characters.

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

As predicted!! I skimmed a lot of the book because every character was irritating in their own way and there was only a hint of a good plot underneath it all.
And I don't know if that's how police really conduct their investigations but I've seen more believable conduct in episodes of Midsomer Murders. I can not recommend this book at all.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this Arc, it was enjoyable but wasn't as thrilling as I had hoped

[Zelda FeatzReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not sure what to expect when reaching for this book. It is my second blog tour for the year and the 7th book I have read. I am new to the author, so I opened this one without any expectations. What I found was a slow burn that made a sudden turn to the edge-of-your-seat stuff. What a brilliant surprise when I least expected it.
Amanda Brooke starts the story slowly, allowing you to get to know the character as you turn the pages and just when you find yourself settling back expecting the entire book to be a slow, relaxed read, she speeds things up and leaves your head spinning as you race for this finish-line. I did not see this change in pace coming and I have to say I was about to walk away from this story when it hit me full on. Making it impossible to put this book down. I read the second half of this book in one sitting.
Jane moved back to her childhood home after the death of her mother. However, when she hears her neighbours, Ashleigh and Evan, screaming at each other, she is reminded of her childhood as memories long forgotten come flooding back. When Ashleigh disappears, and Jane sees Evan digging a hole in his back garden, she is convinced he is burying something or someone. Jane will not leave this alone. Despite what everyone else believes, Jane is convinced something sinister is happening in the house next door.
I battled to get caught up in the story at first. It was a slow start. However, about halfway through the book I was completely captivated. I read the second half of the book in one sitting because I just could not put it down. The sudden change in pace was a pleasant surprise.
The character’s in this book are strong independent women. Starting with Cynthia, Jane’s mother who dies at the beginning of the story. However, the author includes flashback chapters that give you the chance to get to know this woman. While the local community frowned on Cynthia for being a single mother during a time when it was unheard of, Cynthia suffered through serious domestic violence which she kept well hidden. All the while doing everything she can to protect her little girl. The lengths she went to, to keep Jane safe was remarkable. I love the strength she shows when she finally stood up to Les and told him to leave.
Jane inherited her mother’s strength even though she does not recognise this inner quality. I loved her determination to save Ashleigh, despite Ashleigh’s claims of not needing to be saved.
After the slow start and my near decision to walk away, the author managed to captivate me and keep me engrossed. This story about abuse and one woman’s desire to save another made a brilliant read. When you reach for this book, please do not give up on it, keep reading, and be prepared to read late into the night when you reach the second half.
If you are looking for a slow burn that turns to full speed when you least expect it, then this is the book for you.
https://featzreviews.com/the-wife-nex...

[Denis Wheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane watched from her window as Evan, her neighbour, dug a body sized hole in his garden. The next day his wife, Ashleigh, was reported as missing. Jane hadn’t been deliberately spying on the neighbours, she’d been in her late mother’s house and was taking a break from clearing it. She had a plan to improve the garden to make it more saleable, so was taking pictures of it from the attic window. Although Ashleigh reappeared after a few days, and appeared happily in love with her husband, Jane was convinced that she was an abused wife and he was a coercive bully.. Jane’s suspicions were driven by her own childhood, where her drunken father, Les, had beaten and controlled her mother, Cynthia, while she had cowered in a secret hideout in the attic. Then one morning, he was gone, and Cynthia told her he had gone back to sea. An occasional ‘exotic’ gift had reinforced this idea, but Jane spent years worrying that he might reappear. Jane had left clearing the attic to last, because of the memories it held, but when she started in on it with her husband Phil she suddenly panicked and told him to stop, that she needed to stay in the house and not return to their family home. Despite his entreaties, and those of their daughter, Megan, she was determined that she must leave him. Is her judgement being affected by mood swings due to the menopause? Or are traumatic memories of her abusive father leading to an obsession with trying to save Ashleigh from her mother’s fate? Or is nothing as obvious as it seems?
This is a very complicated story, which seems to be very straightforward on the surface; so very skilfully written. It starts slowly and builds slowly. Nothing is rushed. It is, in some ways, a domestic melodrama in which each little detail is placed, just so. It is told largely from Jane’s point of view, but we have access to information about the two relationships – Evan and Ashleigh in the present, Les and Cynthia in the late sixties and early seventies – which Jane does not; even though she is present in both cases. At heart, therefore, about how the interpretation of events is dependent on the preconceptions of the observer. The resolutions are not difficult to deduce, but the plot is deftly handled. I thought the epilogue felt a bit too long, but it does tie up the story lines.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Joanna Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wife Next Door is a gripping, twisty and thought provoking read that I really enjoyed. It’s a book that’s going to be difficult to review as I really don’t want to give anything away.

The story is told mainly from the point of view of Jane but we sometimes hear from the wife next door and have flashbacks to Jane’s childhood. I liked Jane who came across as a smart, confident woman. She had a very difficult childhood which has had a long lasting effect on her. I felt very sorry for her and the descriptions of everything she went through broke my heart. I wasn’t too sure about some of the decisions she made in the book though and often found myself cringing or wanting to shout at her as she tries to investigate what is happening next door.

The first half of the book is a bit slower than the second half as the author introduces us to the characters but I still found it very interesting and wanted to find out more about what was going on. The second half is very fast paced with lots of twists and revelations that made it hard to put down. The chapters are fairly short which makes it easy to promise yourself just one more chapter and then read way too late into the night. As mentioned above there are a few scenes that are hard to read so do check trigger warnings before you read.

The ending was brilliant and very unexpected which I always love. It has made me want to re-read the book again to see if I could have guessed earlier.

Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Harper Collins for my copy of this book.

[Lynsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘The Wife Next Door’ is an engaging look at how we don't really know what happens behind closed doors. This was a character-driven, slow burn of a book that allows the reader to be taken down meandering paths of what its truth and what is deception and manipulation.

When Janes moves back to her childhood home to care for her mum in her dying days she wasn't ready for the emotion and memories from her childhood. Whilst clearing out the house and getting it ready to put up for sale she gets to know her neighbours. They seem nice but then she hears an explosive row and begins to worry that history is starting to repeat itself. Then when she sees the husband digging a grave-shaped hole in the garden she begins to worry even more ...

I must say I was much more invested in Jane’s story and the flashbacks to the past than I was with Evan and Ashleigh’s story. Maybe because I worked out quite early where that side of the story was going. I just had more empathy for Jane and her horrendous flashbacks to her childhood and her father's abusive behaviour. I also quite enjoyed her Miss Marple-like sleuthing!

What I did appreciate is that the themes of abuse, both physical and mental, that are portrayed in this book come across as authentic and well-developed. The idea of keeping things hidden is certainly one that is true. It is clear that a lot of time and thought was poured into this story.

Let me know if you read this one.

[Mary H]

I couldn't quite remember what this was about, and then it came to me, and I had to exclaim out loud 'oh my god, it was so stupid; oh my god ,it was so bad.' And it was. Be warned.

Just ridiculous. For example, why would someone who's just left her job in her 50s decide to CASH IN HER PENSION when her husband is a head teacher at a private school, and she's able to live mortgage free and presumably her mother who has just died had not just one house as her assets. And there are many more nonsensical 'decisions' this woman makes, but that one particularly rankled me.

A book trying to show that domestic abuse victims are actually strong, but because it's so nonsensical actually presenting characters that are the complete opposite. And characters that are perhaps meant to be kind are incredibly cruel in how their stupid decisions and actions affect those closest to them.

And of course a book where apparently not one spark of humour exists in anyone's lives or interactions.

I knew that the next audiobook I had lined up would be excellent (and it really is) so I made myself listen to this first so I got the good one as a reward and to stop potentially ending up with nothing left on my shelves and having to yet again trawl through the library for available audiobooks. And that is the reason for my nonsensical decision to listen to this nonsensical book.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline of this book was so good and it kept me turning the pages and left me on the edge of my seat. The story was told from two time frames, that of 1974 and present day and this was written so well and really gave you an insight into Jane's background and made you understand her actions.

The book held so many layers and the title of the book held so much meaning. The wife could be referred to the main character Jane, the troubled woman across the garden, her mum from years ago or her mum's friend who helps her. This really added to the book for me and I loved how the women were such strong characters and who really stood up for not only each other but themselves.

There were trigger warnings in this book of domestic violence, abuse and controlling behaviour and these were written so well. There were so many twists relating to this throughout the book and I was adamant about a certain male character until the twist was revealed and then I was so shocked.

The ending of the book really brought the story together and I liked how Jane was not only able to put her past to rest, but also to gain back control of her life and her family.

I really enjoyed this book and found it to be gripping and completely engrossing. I can't wait to read more by @amandabrookeauthor soon.

[Joy Corkery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published here: https://joyfulantidotes.com/2023/01/2...

I want to start this review with the disclaimer that the storyline focuses very heavily on domestic abuse. Therefore, some may find this book triggering. I feel that the author also takes a rather new approach to the domestic drama genre. To be honest, it’s very hard to explain without giving any spoilers. What I will say is that it operates on the premise that not everything is black and white. I’d be interested to know how others react to this approach.

I quite liked Jane, although I sometimes struggled to understand her decisions. She was smart and sharp and went through a good character arc. To be fair, many of the characters in this book were well developed and that kept me reading, as well as the twists the story provided.

The Wife Next Door started a bit slowly and, to be honest, my expectations weren’t high. However, by the second half of the book, things began to pick up. The author started to unravel the web of lies many of the characters lives under. Once you see the first thread coke lose, it was difficult to put the book down.

[Soozee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane's mother has died and she is emptying the house ready for sale. But the memories are difficult to deal with, as she had a very abusive father and she and her mother were delighted when he left and they were able to live their lives without fear. However, the memories resurface as Jane learns her neighbours Ashleigh and Evan also have a volatile marriage, and then she sees Evan digging a trench in their garden.

The result is an interesting rollercoaster as the reader is led along one path, then another, as the two tales of abuse and distress unwind. It becomes hard to identify victim and perpetrator, and nearly costs Jane her marriage as she tries to deal with the legacy time has left her.

The author handles the difficult subjects of domestic abuse and alcoholism with great sensitivity, and if occasionally the reader feels 'cheated' because events weren't at all as originally portrayed, perhaps that is just reflecting life - we never really know what goes on in a marriage.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wife Next Door is a slow burning read initially but does turn into a faster paced read leaving me itching to find out what the heck had happened.
Jane has moved back to her family home in Liverpool due to her mothers death, the house brings back a lot of memories and not all of them good. She can see from the back windows her neighbours house and garden and thinks that the wife there is being abused but the she doesn’t see Ashleigh for a couple of days but does see her husband digging a body shaped grave in the back garden. This triggers a police enquiry and other thoughts start to occur in Jane’s mind that are a lot nearer to home.
I enjoyed this book, the duel timelines worked well bouncing from now and back to 1974. It does show that the wrong end of the stick can be grasped if the right evidence is fed to you. I haven’t read anything by this author before but will be looking out in the future.
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Natasha Fulcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit different to what I expected (judging from the cover) but it was really good! Not my favourite book ever but better than lots of others I’ve read! I was listening every chance I got which is always a good sign and I was always wanting to continue. I loved all the characters and how the story adapted to something else rather than a sudden twist which is what I’m used to (and love). It had a happy ending which is what I always want from a book!
.
Jane is clearing out her mother’s home who has recently passed away but she’s hit hard when her husband finds her dad’s suitcase. She struggles to understand what this is doing there, but more so why her abusive fathers wallet and passport is doing there when she spent most of her life believing he was travelling the world after her mum kicked him out for breaking Jane’s arm. Her fears are escalated when she suspects her neighbour Ashleigh is being abused by her partner Evan, but not all is as she thinks.

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wife Next Door is a thriller that draws you in - starting relatively slowly as you get to know the characters, it then takes off as the twists start coming and becomes a book you won’t want to put down. It’s not always an easy read, focusing as it does on domestic abuse, but it is nonetheless compelling.

Jane has moved back to her family home following her mother’s death. When she witnesses her neighbours arguing it brings back memories of her difficult childhood and she cannot help getting involved. The book switches between the present day and Jane’s childhood in the 1970s and it becomes clear that things are not always as they seem. It is a book that deals with some difficult issues but will keep you guessing and keep you turning the pages. My first book by Amanda Brooke but definitely an author I want to investigate more!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two stories are told throughout the book; the 1970's where main protagonist Jane is a child and living a life of fear with her abusive father and mother, and in the now, where Jane is now living in her childhood home after the loss of her mother. Next door neighbours Evan and Ashleigh seem to have a pretty volatile relationship at times, but all is not as it seems on the surface.

There should be more books like this, it's not always the man who is the abuser, it happens to them too, usually with them being to scared to speak up incase they don't appear 'manly'!

I found the characters to be credible, some more convincing than others.

The Wife Next Door is cleverly plotted, full of twists, suspense and intrigue.

Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is told in multiple POV’s and one POV is in the past. The chapters are not labeled with who’s POV it is so it was a little confusing at first. The past POV is labeled. A complex story that involves three couples, all with marriage problems. Trigger warning that physical abuse is involved in some of the marriages.
Jane is at the center of the story. She is trying to put her mothers house for sale but is finding it hard to let go of the past. When the couple next door have screaming fights and the wife has bruises, Jane wants to help.
This book will keep you guessing. Which couples will survive and which marriages will end? My favorite POV was the past. It is Jane’s mother and I loved hearing her story.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wife. Next Door is a psychological suspense thriller that I will admit to finding a bit of a slow burn to start off with. As I was reading the first few chapters I was starting to worry slightly that this was going to be to slow a read for me. However I needn’t have worried as after a while things started to speed up and the pace of the story increased a lot. The slow start actually suited this story and the reader will just want to keep on turning the pages to find out what is actually going on. By the second half of the book I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough and didn’t want to put this book down. A book with 2 time lines, early 1970’s and current day. This is a book that had well developed characters and an excellent story line.

[Emmajane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane has the sad task of emptying her mothers house after she’d passed away but along with this come nightmare neighbours, childhood friends and hidden family secrets. As Jane faces her past she fears history is repeating itself next door and decides she will do all she can to stop it.

This book was just a little drawn out for me, I enjoyed seeing the story line from all the different characters points of view and a big TW for domestic violence is needed. Easy read with a satisfying ending.

Thanks to @netgalleyuk for the opportunity to read this book and good luck to the author on its release.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be a good thriller but I didn't realise just how good it was going to be. Amanda is a new author to me, so I couldn't wait to start reading it. I liked the sound of the plot and the book moved at a great pace for me. I didn't want to put it down and I felt as though I was so caught up in the story and I couldn't wait to see what the outcome would be. I felt as though I was on a thrilling ride throughout the story and then there is an almighty twist that you would of never seen coming. Wow is all I have to say about that. Amanda is definitely going to be on my radar from now on.

[Kaytee · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is a story here, but the author is way too obsessed with banging on about the menopause. Pages and pages of exposition, internal monologue and musings about the menopause does not a story make,
Then we move on to child abuse.
And not forgetting alcoholism - as a reason for being a bad person.
Can authors please STOP using the illness of alcoholism as an indicator of a bad and violent character, it’s actually offensive.
If the author had concentrated on the story of the couple next door, then we would’ve had a story, as it stands, we just have a ghastly mess of the authors own issues.
Ditched at 50%

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to have a proof from Harper Collins.
If I could rate this book half stars, I would as this is a 4.5 star read for me. The characters are really devolped and you can really feel for some of the characters. The pace was excellent. I liked how in every chapter you would learn something new and the final reveals in the last couple of chapters. It has the vibe of a cosy read so if you dont want someting too intense but still have the thriller elements I highly reccommend this book when it comes out.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Brooke is one of my favourite authors so I was delighted to receive an arc of this book and couldn’t wait to start it. As always this author writes from the heart about real people and real
Situations and also keeps the reader on their toes.

This domestic thriller had lots of twists and turns and gasp out loud moments while at the same time exploring the sensitive issues of divorce, domestic violence and coercive control and bringing this often hidden behind closed doors relationship issues o it into the open and giving them a voice.

I read this in one sorting as couldn’t put it down and wanted to keep reading more. Already looking forward to this authors next book.

[Karen Makeham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing suspense story that weaves through past and present. A story of secrets, friendships, and the fallout of violence in the home.
Jane is clearing out her mother's house when she sees the neighbours next door arguing. She becomes worried when she sees the husband digging a trench in his garden, believing he is burying his wife.
I love the idea that we see may not be the whole truth or the truth being stranger than anything we could imagine!
A truly thrilling read from an excellent author

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but didn’t love it. It was billed as gripping and unputdownable and whilst it did hold my attention, I can’t say that it totally had me hooked. The plot does move at pace but I did find some aspects predictable and guessed the outcome quite early in and did fond it enjoyable. I would rate this book 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and the author for the chance to review.