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The New Neighbour
A small community. A deadly secret.
Until recently, Isobel has always loved The Close. A quiet road of large houses tucked away in the beautiful English countryside, it seemed like the perfect place to live.
Then, six months ago, a young man was killed in a mysterious hit-and-run incident. The police investigated but no one was charged.
It’s left a bad feeling in this little community, a feeling that someone knows more than they are saying.
So when new neighbour Linette arrives, Isobel thinks it’s the perfect chance to make a fresh start, to repair relationships and rebuild her community.
But someone else has a very different plan, and bad things start to happen.
When there’s another death, Isobel realises her home, her marriage, and her family are all in terrible danger. She is certain that what’s happening is connected to the hit-and-run. But how? What really happened on the night of the fatal accident? And above all, who is Linette and what does she really want?
Until recently, Isobel has always loved The Close. A quiet road of large houses tucked away in the beautiful English countryside, it seemed like the perfect place to live.
Then, six months ago, a young man was killed in a mysterious hit-and-run incident. The police investigated but no one was charged.
It’s left a bad feeling in this little community, a feeling that someone knows more than they are saying.
So when new neighbour Linette arrives, Isobel thinks it’s the perfect chance to make a fresh start, to repair relationships and rebuild her community.
But someone else has a very different plan, and bad things start to happen.
When there’s another death, Isobel realises her home, her marriage, and her family are all in terrible danger. She is certain that what’s happening is connected to the hit-and-run. But how? What really happened on the night of the fatal accident? And above all, who is Linette and what does she really want?
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2021
982 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Rijks
42 books889 followersMiranda Rijks is the author of 26 psychological thrillers, many of which have been Amazon bestsellers. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
June 19, 2022
3.75*
A close-knit community coming apart at the seams!
Isobel loves living in the English countryside with her husband and son. Until recently, it had always been a close, friendly community. Until one of the neighbors’ teenage kids was killed on a road just down the street from their homes. The police never finding who was behind the lethal hit and run. Eventually the grief was too much to bear for the surviving family, who packed up and moved away.
Today someone new has moved in. A single woman with little in the way of furniture or reason to be there. No one can really put their finger on what exactly her agenda is. She just seems completely out of place here. Never been a big believer in coincidences, but guess what? Since she moved in, there has been nothing but trouble!
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narration for the most part. The main narrator had one word that was on high repetition throughout. In a voice filled with disbelieving indignation she delivered a drawn out “Whaaaaatt?!”😱 Over and over (and over). I found myself repeating it out loud after a while as it permanently settled into my brain. Even now when something happens I will just belt out “whaaaaat” with the best British accent I can muster!🤣 And yes, I’ve garnered a few strange looks. Ok, maybe more than a few. But it’s stuck in there now, and I have to play it out!🤷🏻♀️
Overall, it was an engaging family/neighborhood drama. This was my first read/audio by this author and looking forward to more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.🎧
A close-knit community coming apart at the seams!
Isobel loves living in the English countryside with her husband and son. Until recently, it had always been a close, friendly community. Until one of the neighbors’ teenage kids was killed on a road just down the street from their homes. The police never finding who was behind the lethal hit and run. Eventually the grief was too much to bear for the surviving family, who packed up and moved away.
Today someone new has moved in. A single woman with little in the way of furniture or reason to be there. No one can really put their finger on what exactly her agenda is. She just seems completely out of place here. Never been a big believer in coincidences, but guess what? Since she moved in, there has been nothing but trouble!
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narration for the most part. The main narrator had one word that was on high repetition throughout. In a voice filled with disbelieving indignation she delivered a drawn out “Whaaaaatt?!”😱 Over and over (and over). I found myself repeating it out loud after a while as it permanently settled into my brain. Even now when something happens I will just belt out “whaaaaat” with the best British accent I can muster!🤣 And yes, I’ve garnered a few strange looks. Ok, maybe more than a few. But it’s stuck in there now, and I have to play it out!🤷🏻♀️
Overall, it was an engaging family/neighborhood drama. This was my first read/audio by this author and looking forward to more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.🎧
April 10, 2023
This was a decent psychological thrillers. I wanted to know who drove that car that killed their former neighbor’s son, and was surprised by the events that unfolded. But at times I felt bored and just wanted things to move along faster.I didn’t quite ‘buy’ the last twist, due to unclear motivation.
November 27, 2021
I always enjoy novels by this author and this one is no exception. A fast paced psychological thriller that is full of suspense and twists.
Isobel lived in the in a quiet road situated in the beautiful English countryside, a lovely place to live, what could go wrong. But the atmosphere of the close changed around six months ago when a young man was killed in an hit and run incident in curious circumstances. The police undertook vast enquiries but the killer was never found and the case remained open.
The local community never returned back to normal and there was an eerie undertone and a feeling that someone knew more about the death of the young man. The young mans family moved away from the area and Linette moved into the house completely unaware of the tragic story surrounding the house. Isobel is hoping that a new neighbour will be the tonic to help repair the relationships in the area. Unfortunately someone else has a very different plan, and bad things start to happen.
Another death follows and Isobel realises her home, her marriage, and her family are all in terrible danger. She suspects that the latest happening’s are somehow connected to the hit and run and the answer to the current incidents lies with what happened six months ago.
This is a typical Miranda Rijks novel, full of suspense, fast paced plots that are genuine page turners.
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Isobel lived in the in a quiet road situated in the beautiful English countryside, a lovely place to live, what could go wrong. But the atmosphere of the close changed around six months ago when a young man was killed in an hit and run incident in curious circumstances. The police undertook vast enquiries but the killer was never found and the case remained open.
The local community never returned back to normal and there was an eerie undertone and a feeling that someone knew more about the death of the young man. The young mans family moved away from the area and Linette moved into the house completely unaware of the tragic story surrounding the house. Isobel is hoping that a new neighbour will be the tonic to help repair the relationships in the area. Unfortunately someone else has a very different plan, and bad things start to happen.
Another death follows and Isobel realises her home, her marriage, and her family are all in terrible danger. She suspects that the latest happening’s are somehow connected to the hit and run and the answer to the current incidents lies with what happened six months ago.
This is a typical Miranda Rijks novel, full of suspense, fast paced plots that are genuine page turners.
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2021
Isobel, married with two young children, lives in a small neighbourhood known as The Close in the English countryside. Linette, a young woman on her own, moves into a vacant house which belonged to a family whose teenage son was killed in a hit and run accident in the neighbourhood. The driver was never found and the family eventually moved away. Isobel tries to befriend Linette but gets mixed messages from her and the cold shoulder from other neighbours with whom she was previously friendly.
I've read a couple of Miranda Rijks' books and found them to be good stories and her writing to be very easy on the brain. Good characters and plot without a lot of wasted words or descriptions. The New Neighbour is no different and I really enjoyed Isobel as a character. She responds to people and events more like a real person would and not like some characters in other books who make dumb decisions that cause excessive eye rolling. There were some good reveals and a twist or two that kept me guessing. Even though I think the terms "neighbour/neighbor", "neighborhood", etc. have been overused in book titles recently, I don't hesitate to recommend this one. It's a bit different and easy to read.
My thanks to Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Available December 10, 2021
I've read a couple of Miranda Rijks' books and found them to be good stories and her writing to be very easy on the brain. Good characters and plot without a lot of wasted words or descriptions. The New Neighbour is no different and I really enjoyed Isobel as a character. She responds to people and events more like a real person would and not like some characters in other books who make dumb decisions that cause excessive eye rolling. There were some good reveals and a twist or two that kept me guessing. Even though I think the terms "neighbour/neighbor", "neighborhood", etc. have been overused in book titles recently, I don't hesitate to recommend this one. It's a bit different and easy to read.
My thanks to Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Available December 10, 2021
December 8, 2021
So as you know I love books on neighbours especially new ones that for whatever reason intend to cause trouble, but of late was maybe thinking I had read too many as they were all a bit samey….not so with this book, yes it’s a new neighbour and yes they cause chaos but there is a unusual backstory to their arrival and many secrets on ‘The Close’ and not the usual ones, the story plays well, the characters exactly as you would want in a book like this and I didn’t guess the outcome until literally a few sentences before
I loved the main characters narration and that she didn’t constantly have dizzy do’s or palpitations or go for a run when anxious but was almost stoic in her dealings with what was turning into a nightmare for her, a great bold character to find yourself in a thriller with
A nore than fine psychological whodunit read, all bases for a great read covered and sprinkled with bits of ‘not the norm’ that made it stand out
10/10
5 Stars
I loved the main characters narration and that she didn’t constantly have dizzy do’s or palpitations or go for a run when anxious but was almost stoic in her dealings with what was turning into a nightmare for her, a great bold character to find yourself in a thriller with
A nore than fine psychological whodunit read, all bases for a great read covered and sprinkled with bits of ‘not the norm’ that made it stand out
10/10
5 Stars
July 18, 2022
Loved this book. It kept me glued to the pages.
August 19, 2022
I certainly do not find it enjoyable to read about the main character with no brain power, no critical thinking abilities & little going for them in terms of personality or depth. It is even more utterly frustrating when said character brings about the demise of a long-con murder plot which is resolved by their ability to be at the right place at the most acutely perfect time, no thanks to their inabilities to read the room. To top all of this off; if I had to read one more character say: “let it go”,…I might have totally lost my mind.
The reader is introduced to Isobel Floyd, a thirty-something mother of two (2) children under the ages of seven (7), married to a successful city architect; living in a corner of the countryside surrounded by neighbours with whom she has never had anything to do, save for exchanging a passing greeting. We follow Isobel’s point of view as she navigates the habitual dullness of her privileged middle-class life as a stay-at-home mom working as an aesthetician part-time from her home. From the introductory chapter, it is evident that this book struggles to find its tone. The writing is choppy & evokes a difficulty in settling itself in a way as to render the reader interested in any of the plot or the characters.
Isobel reads like an absolute moron. This is partly due to the writing as we spend an absolutely glorified amount of time reading repetitive events. For example, she tells her client that she’s never been inside the house of Number 2 The Close, then we read about her inner monologue repeating said fact to the reader a couple of pages later when Linette brings up the topic. This same thing happens repeatedly throughout the story. An event will transpire or a character will express something, whether to themselves (inner monologue) or in a shared dialogue, then we re-read this same thought or event a couple of pages later & it is always presented to us as though for the first time.
This resulted in my feeling as though Isobel did not have a clue as to what was going on in the reality around her because she would have conversations with her kids & then totally lapse & seem beyond stunned when they would bring up the exact thing we were just reading about, again, a couple of pages later. I appreciate that mothers have a lot on their plates & it is not ridiculous to acknowledge that they wouldn’t/can't remember every little detail. However, bringing up the fact that Linette was visiting Josie’s home while her kids were around, more than twice, was insulting to everyone. Events lose their suspense & carry little weight in terms of reinforcing the genre when they are not properly employed.
Another reason that I found Isobel’s character so poorly in terms of traditional intelligence was due to her focus on such inconsequential aspects of life. She states she doesn't want to be a housewife from the 1950s then explains that she has no problem fulfilling the role because she wanted to spend time with her children. Fine, that’s wonderful, we can leave it at that. Unfortunately, we then have the entirety of the story to work through in which Isobel rehashes her decision to quit her job to be a stay-at-home-mom; we get it, you quit your job, there are only so many times we can go over this event before it reads as Isobel having nothing going on in her life so she overly fixates on past events & things of no consequence.
If you’re unhappy because you want to return to the workplace, make a change, & choose what you want. We should not be spending the entirety of the story fixated on this one decision. Isobel reads like a 10-year-old child filling the role of an adult parent, put on for a school production of a familial-based drama. She felt completely inauthentic & by the end of the book, I found her thought process insulting. You’re really going to apply for a job at the firm where your criminal husband used to work? Do you have no pride? Do you not feel that you have an ounce of self-worth? Evidently not because we had to read chapters on end about her random babbling about her ‘brave’ husband who only ever told her to ‘let it go’ any time she brought up any topic of conversation.
There is a lot of work left to be done in terms of editing. I often came across grammar errors, & sentence structure problems which rendered it to feel as though it were poorly translated rather than demonstrating a clear flow of thoughts & plot development. There were times when character names were employed in error. However, these are things that can be dealt with during a diligent editing process. So, should you decide to read this book after publishing, take this part with a grain of salt for, these kinks might have been worked out by said time.
Though this book might fall under the Mystery & Thriller genres, I found that much of what might attribute it to them fell flat. For example, when Isobel questions how Linette would have known that she & Mike were away for three (3) days. Rather than look at this situation as a creepy questioning from a person you barely know, one might simply grasp the fact that Linette has no job, she lives directly across the street from Isobel & Mike, who have two (2) children who most probably play outside when the weather permits. Therefore, it’s not far-fetched to think that Linette might have noticed the kids playing with a grandmother-type rather than either of their parents, therefore deducing that they were away. The same could be said for almost every other situation in which reflective questioning is brought-up.
Much of my review centres around Isobel as she was the main character & narrator of the story. However, Linette did have her own chapters on occasion & therefore merits some criticism as well. As a character who was meant to come across as secretive, conniving, vengeful & smart, the mark was severely missed. Instead, Linette reads like a teenager on the cusp of an emotional fit. I appreciate that she got sober & had little time left with two of her family members but, that doesn’t mean that every single neighbour is to blame because your sister was unwell. Mona having Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was no one’s responsibility but her own.
Mona’s son being bludgeoned to death was cast aside by the fault of the investigating bodies. It would have been fairly obvious that Wilson was bludgeoned & not simply hit by a vehicle on a residential street. However, no one seemed to put forth any work in solving the case because if they had, they would have taken note that a neighbour had their car in a mechanics shop the day after the assault. We have to wait for Isobel to randomly find a receipt for something the police could have garnered by simply doing basic investigative work. Then we have to read about Linette wanting to enact revenge for her family members. What was her plan? Was she going to kill people? What happened when you found out who killed Wilson? What was the actual thought process behind moving to this neighbourhood & causing an uproar? It doesn’t bring anyone back. If anything, it resulted in the worst-case scenario for her.
This review could rave on forever; why was Mike brought into custody for the hammer (murder weapon) whereas Isobel was left to her own devices? She also lived in the house, she also had ample time to either commit or assist in the murder yet, no one cared. What was the purpose of introducing the green burial site, it brought nothing to a story which was already walking in circles because Isobel could only focus on her superficial complaints. Why did we have to read about Isobel constantly presenting what she knew as being truths she could not reveal to the police, only for her to spill her guts two phrases later? This brought no conflict, & induced no suspense, it was simply annoying to read & rendered me frustrated in her inability to gauge the importance of information she was going out of her way to collect.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this book. I laughed when I shouldn’t have been laughing & I read on in the hopes that something might actually come of the story. This book requires a lot of editing & proofreading. The characters require more depth as, where it stands, they appear one-dimensional with few redeeming factors to entice a reader to connect. When the editing is done, this story could have the potential to be a good teen read. However, there is a long way to go, in my opinion, before that can be achieved.
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, & Miranda Rijks for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The reader is introduced to Isobel Floyd, a thirty-something mother of two (2) children under the ages of seven (7), married to a successful city architect; living in a corner of the countryside surrounded by neighbours with whom she has never had anything to do, save for exchanging a passing greeting. We follow Isobel’s point of view as she navigates the habitual dullness of her privileged middle-class life as a stay-at-home mom working as an aesthetician part-time from her home. From the introductory chapter, it is evident that this book struggles to find its tone. The writing is choppy & evokes a difficulty in settling itself in a way as to render the reader interested in any of the plot or the characters.
Isobel reads like an absolute moron. This is partly due to the writing as we spend an absolutely glorified amount of time reading repetitive events. For example, she tells her client that she’s never been inside the house of Number 2 The Close, then we read about her inner monologue repeating said fact to the reader a couple of pages later when Linette brings up the topic. This same thing happens repeatedly throughout the story. An event will transpire or a character will express something, whether to themselves (inner monologue) or in a shared dialogue, then we re-read this same thought or event a couple of pages later & it is always presented to us as though for the first time.
This resulted in my feeling as though Isobel did not have a clue as to what was going on in the reality around her because she would have conversations with her kids & then totally lapse & seem beyond stunned when they would bring up the exact thing we were just reading about, again, a couple of pages later. I appreciate that mothers have a lot on their plates & it is not ridiculous to acknowledge that they wouldn’t/can't remember every little detail. However, bringing up the fact that Linette was visiting Josie’s home while her kids were around, more than twice, was insulting to everyone. Events lose their suspense & carry little weight in terms of reinforcing the genre when they are not properly employed.
Another reason that I found Isobel’s character so poorly in terms of traditional intelligence was due to her focus on such inconsequential aspects of life. She states she doesn't want to be a housewife from the 1950s then explains that she has no problem fulfilling the role because she wanted to spend time with her children. Fine, that’s wonderful, we can leave it at that. Unfortunately, we then have the entirety of the story to work through in which Isobel rehashes her decision to quit her job to be a stay-at-home-mom; we get it, you quit your job, there are only so many times we can go over this event before it reads as Isobel having nothing going on in her life so she overly fixates on past events & things of no consequence.
If you’re unhappy because you want to return to the workplace, make a change, & choose what you want. We should not be spending the entirety of the story fixated on this one decision. Isobel reads like a 10-year-old child filling the role of an adult parent, put on for a school production of a familial-based drama. She felt completely inauthentic & by the end of the book, I found her thought process insulting. You’re really going to apply for a job at the firm where your criminal husband used to work? Do you have no pride? Do you not feel that you have an ounce of self-worth? Evidently not because we had to read chapters on end about her random babbling about her ‘brave’ husband who only ever told her to ‘let it go’ any time she brought up any topic of conversation.
There is a lot of work left to be done in terms of editing. I often came across grammar errors, & sentence structure problems which rendered it to feel as though it were poorly translated rather than demonstrating a clear flow of thoughts & plot development. There were times when character names were employed in error. However, these are things that can be dealt with during a diligent editing process. So, should you decide to read this book after publishing, take this part with a grain of salt for, these kinks might have been worked out by said time.
Though this book might fall under the Mystery & Thriller genres, I found that much of what might attribute it to them fell flat. For example, when Isobel questions how Linette would have known that she & Mike were away for three (3) days. Rather than look at this situation as a creepy questioning from a person you barely know, one might simply grasp the fact that Linette has no job, she lives directly across the street from Isobel & Mike, who have two (2) children who most probably play outside when the weather permits. Therefore, it’s not far-fetched to think that Linette might have noticed the kids playing with a grandmother-type rather than either of their parents, therefore deducing that they were away. The same could be said for almost every other situation in which reflective questioning is brought-up.
Much of my review centres around Isobel as she was the main character & narrator of the story. However, Linette did have her own chapters on occasion & therefore merits some criticism as well. As a character who was meant to come across as secretive, conniving, vengeful & smart, the mark was severely missed. Instead, Linette reads like a teenager on the cusp of an emotional fit. I appreciate that she got sober & had little time left with two of her family members but, that doesn’t mean that every single neighbour is to blame because your sister was unwell. Mona having Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was no one’s responsibility but her own.
Mona’s son being bludgeoned to death was cast aside by the fault of the investigating bodies. It would have been fairly obvious that Wilson was bludgeoned & not simply hit by a vehicle on a residential street. However, no one seemed to put forth any work in solving the case because if they had, they would have taken note that a neighbour had their car in a mechanics shop the day after the assault. We have to wait for Isobel to randomly find a receipt for something the police could have garnered by simply doing basic investigative work. Then we have to read about Linette wanting to enact revenge for her family members. What was her plan? Was she going to kill people? What happened when you found out who killed Wilson? What was the actual thought process behind moving to this neighbourhood & causing an uproar? It doesn’t bring anyone back. If anything, it resulted in the worst-case scenario for her.
This review could rave on forever; why was Mike brought into custody for the hammer (murder weapon) whereas Isobel was left to her own devices? She also lived in the house, she also had ample time to either commit or assist in the murder yet, no one cared. What was the purpose of introducing the green burial site, it brought nothing to a story which was already walking in circles because Isobel could only focus on her superficial complaints. Why did we have to read about Isobel constantly presenting what she knew as being truths she could not reveal to the police, only for her to spill her guts two phrases later? This brought no conflict, & induced no suspense, it was simply annoying to read & rendered me frustrated in her inability to gauge the importance of information she was going out of her way to collect.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this book. I laughed when I shouldn’t have been laughing & I read on in the hopes that something might actually come of the story. This book requires a lot of editing & proofreading. The characters require more depth as, where it stands, they appear one-dimensional with few redeeming factors to entice a reader to connect. When the editing is done, this story could have the potential to be a good teen read. However, there is a long way to go, in my opinion, before that can be achieved.
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, & Miranda Rijks for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
DRAMA!
Isobel has always enjoyed where she lived. Six months ago, a young man was killed in a hit and run. There was never an arrest and it left residents uneasy. When Linette moves in, Isobel believes this will be a time of new beginnings but then things begin to happen, and Isobel feels the danger.
This is a book with a fair amount of danger and tension. There was a suspenseful whodunit with lots of drama. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. The book progresses at a nice pace and was just the right length. There are a nice number of characters who went into my suspect pool. I did not figure out whodunit which I quite enjoyed.
#TheNewNeighbour #NetGalley.
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
Isobel has always enjoyed where she lived. Six months ago, a young man was killed in a hit and run. There was never an arrest and it left residents uneasy. When Linette moves in, Isobel believes this will be a time of new beginnings but then things begin to happen, and Isobel feels the danger.
This is a book with a fair amount of danger and tension. There was a suspenseful whodunit with lots of drama. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. The book progresses at a nice pace and was just the right length. There are a nice number of characters who went into my suspect pool. I did not figure out whodunit which I quite enjoyed.
#TheNewNeighbour #NetGalley.
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
June 11, 2022
This classic neighborhood thriller checks all of the boxes.
It's well-written, fast-paced, and character-driven, with a surprise twist ending.
Isobel Floyd lives in The Close, a quiet community in the lush English countryside.
When a young man from The Close is killed in a mysterious hit-and-run accident, Isobel begins to question whether "The Close" is the perfect neighborhood to raise her two children.
When the family of the hit-and-run victim exits The Close and a new neighbor moves in, complete chaos in The Close begins and another life is lost.
This was my second book by author Miranda Rijks and I am a fan.
Even though "The New Neighbour" lacked the tension, suspense, and sizzle of the author's previous book ("I Want You Gone"), it was still an entertaining read.
I listened to the audiobook and both narrators did a superb job.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
It's well-written, fast-paced, and character-driven, with a surprise twist ending.
Isobel Floyd lives in The Close, a quiet community in the lush English countryside.
When a young man from The Close is killed in a mysterious hit-and-run accident, Isobel begins to question whether "The Close" is the perfect neighborhood to raise her two children.
When the family of the hit-and-run victim exits The Close and a new neighbor moves in, complete chaos in The Close begins and another life is lost.
This was my second book by author Miranda Rijks and I am a fan.
Even though "The New Neighbour" lacked the tension, suspense, and sizzle of the author's previous book ("I Want You Gone"), it was still an entertaining read.
I listened to the audiobook and both narrators did a superb job.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
December 13, 2021
I love finding new authors to read and thanks to a friend of mine setting up the cover reveal for The New Neighbour by Miranda Rijks, I was able to find another one to love! I knew I had to read this book right away and I'm glad I did since it was very pacy and suspenseful throughout. It made for one super quick read, and it was very easy to find myself saying one more chapter during it. I always love a good neighborhood drama, and the addition of the new neighbor really creates quite a stir. Most of the story is told from Isobel's viewpoint and I really enjoyed it that way. It was a great way to build suspense, and I found myself suspecting every single neighbor of devious deeds. I especially liked the way the first chapter drew me in, and I found myself going back to reread it after I had finished seeing it with new eyes.
I also really liked the fact that The New Neighbour was something different from the typical thriller I am used to reading. Rijks manages to fit in more than a couple of surprises and made it a great blend of twisty neighborhood drama, domestic drama, and suspense all rolled into one. I also enjoyed Isobel as a character and appreciated that she wasn't a pushover since I don't like that type of protagonist at all. As the neighbor's secrets slowly unravel and tensions run high, I found myself regretting the times I had to put it down. Really, the only issue I had with the book was the repetitiveness I found which maybe because of the ARC and not in the finished copy. There were quite a few phrases and facts repeated which always bugs me, but I had zero other complaints. I would love to get my hands on a finished copy to double-check the repetition so be sure to take that with a grain of salt. Definitely looking forward to checking out more from Rijks and I recommend reading The New Neighbour if you want something quick and twisty.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I also really liked the fact that The New Neighbour was something different from the typical thriller I am used to reading. Rijks manages to fit in more than a couple of surprises and made it a great blend of twisty neighborhood drama, domestic drama, and suspense all rolled into one. I also enjoyed Isobel as a character and appreciated that she wasn't a pushover since I don't like that type of protagonist at all. As the neighbor's secrets slowly unravel and tensions run high, I found myself regretting the times I had to put it down. Really, the only issue I had with the book was the repetitiveness I found which maybe because of the ARC and not in the finished copy. There were quite a few phrases and facts repeated which always bugs me, but I had zero other complaints. I would love to get my hands on a finished copy to double-check the repetition so be sure to take that with a grain of salt. Definitely looking forward to checking out more from Rijks and I recommend reading The New Neighbour if you want something quick and twisty.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 27, 2021
Isobel enjoyed living on a quiet street in a neighborhood called, The Close. Everything changed however when there was a hit and run accident involving the neighbor's son Wilson Walker. The family has since moved out and has now rented the house out to a lady named Linette. Isobel thinks Linette’s arrival is a perfect chance to help repair the community. Linette is unaware of the events that occurred in The Close, but she soon finds out. First, strange things begin to happen after Linette moves in and then another death occurs. Isobel fears that her family is in danger. Who killed Wilson? Were these two deaths somehow related?
This was another entertaining read by Miranda Rijks. I loved the quick pace and exciting twists in this book. I did not predict the ending, which is always a nice surprise. Pick up, THE NEW NEIGHBOUR, if you are in the mood for a page turner. I will be looking forward to reading more of Miranda Rijks' future books.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This was another entertaining read by Miranda Rijks. I loved the quick pace and exciting twists in this book. I did not predict the ending, which is always a nice surprise. Pick up, THE NEW NEIGHBOUR, if you are in the mood for a page turner. I will be looking forward to reading more of Miranda Rijks' future books.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
December 19, 2021
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
I love neighbourhood thrillers. You are given a glimpse into the lives of those you think you know but really you don't and then from out of nowhere you are hit head on with a twist you very probably didn't see coming! In this case, with regards to the culprit, I did because well...now that would be telling...lol
Seriously, I cannot believe I haven't discovered Miranda Rijks before now. Well, I had...I just hadn't gotten around to reading one of her books though I have a few stored on my cloud. But what an introduction. The reader is thrown headlong into the midst of a tragedy from which the residents of the affluent area of The Close are still trying to come to grips with six months on.
The story begins with a prologue from the first person narrative of someone seemingly up to no good. They appear to be trespassing but for what reason that isn't clear at this stage. But their presence is soon noticed as they are warned off before running out into the lane...and smack bang into a car that was driving with its headlights off. The victim doesn't appear to be hurt and yet is found in a pool of blood in the road.
Six months on and the residents of The Close are still reeling from the thus far unsolved hit and run of 19 year old Wilson Walker. His family was so distraught they upped and left and their house was put on the market to let. Now a new neighbour has moved into the house and is keen to make friends with the other residents who largely keep themselves to themselves. But Linette Smith will not be swayed. She meets Isobel on the first day, afterwhich she invites all the ladies over for a kind of meet and greet, and surprisingly she appears to make friends with the other two women in the Close - Josie Abbott and the elderly Mrs Quinn. Isobel can hardly believe it particularly as the Quinns have lived in the Close for near on forty years and have never been known to mingle with anyone. Maybe Linette is the breath of fresh air the community needs.
Before settling in the house of their dreams, Isobel was an architect along with her husband Mike. That is until their son Harry was born and it became apparent that he needed extra care that as a mother she wasn't able to provide if she was working. So Isobel became a stay-at-home-mum. A couple of years later, Harper joined the family and Isobel began a nail and beauty salon business run out of the front rooms of their sprawling house. She had a steady flow of customers which helped bring in a little extra income.
But then one day, Isobel's regulars began cancelling their appointments. Some didn't even show at all. And Isobel was puzzled. But then one of her friends informed her that there was some malicious gossip about her business going around - something about not properly sterilising equipment or keeping her premises clean resulting in one of her clients now in hospital with an infection. Isobel can hardly believe it. Who would say such a thing? But that's not the only strange thing happening. Her neighbour Josie was always something of a friend now visibly snubs her in public and even ostracises her son Harry, who is on the spectrum and didn't understand why his friend didn't invite him to his Halloween party. And then when she tries voicing her concerns to her husband, he dismisses them with his interest more on his phone than his wife.
Then there are loud parties across the road at Linette's place, disruptive teenagers burning rubber down the lane, bonfires dousing them all in smoke, drones flying around their properties seemingly spying on them and then Linette gets herself a pig for a pet who promptly escapes and churns up Isobel and Mike's carefully manicured garden as well as the Abbotts' farm next door. Suddenly the residents are not so thrilled with their new neighbour and the disruption she seems to have brought with her. Isobel doesn't know where it all went wrong because Linette appeared friendly and eager to get to know everyone. But is she really?
Then when Linette has a surprising piece of information to impart on Isobel, she is so angered by her news that she denies all probability before ordering the woman off her property. Whilst on the one hand she is devastated, on the other she begins an investigation of sorts to get to the bottom of who Linette really is and what is she doing in The Close. And how does any of this relate to Wilson Walker's death six months ago? What has happened to their quiet little lane and their beautiful forever home?
And then another tragedy occurs in The Close that sends another shockwave through the residents. Another death...and this time it's murder. Who has a motive to commit these crimes? Can anyone be trusted? And how well do we really know our neighbours?
Secrets abound in this tight-knit little community as one by one they unravel revealing the truth, the lies and the deception and the link between past and present crimes.
THE NEW NEIGHBOUR was an unexpected delight that I devoured, enjoying the twists and reveals as they gradually unfolded. The narrative is primarily from Isobel's perspective apart from the Prologue, who we learn is Wilson, and a couple of chapters from Linette's viewpoint. We also learn very early on who Linette really is and why she has chosen this quiet neighbourhood. Why? Because the story takes a different and surprising direction peppered with red herrings throughout as we try to unravel the clues.
The cast of characters were a delight, if not all likeable.
First we have Isobel who is married to Mike with two children Harry and Harper. As Isobel is the main narrator we are privy to the goings on in their house from the get-go. What Isobel doesn't know is why is Mike working such long hours and withdrawn affection from her? Aside from that she has to juggle Harry's specific needs where he has decided not only will he not eat anything brown but he's also decided he no longer eats anything that is yellow after someone at school told him food that is green is better for you. So now Isobel has to cook and colour foods for Harry to actually eat.
Then there is Josie, her neighbour, who was once a relatively good friend if not a close one but now visibly and publicly snubs Isobel. For what reason, she has no idea. As farmers, Josie and her husband Jack appear to be struggling financially and surprise the residents with submitting a planning application that will most certainly disrupt Isobel and Mike's life, if not everyone else's.
The Quinns are septuagenarians who have lived on The Close for around forty years and keep themselves to themselves, never socialising with the other residents, which is why Isobel found it so surprising to find Mrs Quinn at Linette's get together and Mr Quinn's friendly acceptance of her. Mrs Quinn suffers from dementia, barely leaves her home and is closely monitored by her husband.
Thomas Adler is a bachelor with a lavish lifestyle funded by a suspected shady online business, most notably when he trades in his modest VW Golf for a Lamborghini as well as purchasing the latest Tesla. He's a little creepy particularly when he continues to fly his drone around his neighbours' properties despite pleas for him to refrain.
So when Linette moves in as the new neighbour at Number 2, she raises merry hell that The Close have no idea what has hit them. Which begs the question amongst residents...who is Linette and why is she here?
I thoroughly enjoyed THE NEW NEIGHBOUR which I devoured in a matter of hours. It is a quick read that is engaging, thrilling and so completely absorbing you won't want to put it down either! None of the neighbours are particularly likeable as they all have something to hide...the question is what? The addition of Twiglet is amusing. I mean, she is not a cute little pot belly pig either but an actual large farm pig!! And then wreaks havoc, which was bound to happen, and did bring a smirk to my face.
Cleverly crafted and well-written, THE NEW NEIGHBOUR is a delightful read and addictive whodunnit as you try to unravel the mysteries and secrets that lay buried on The Close.
If you love a good domestic thriller sprinkled with psychological mystery, then you will love THE NEW NEIGHBOUR. And I can safely say that, although this may be my first, it will not be my last Miranda Rijks thriller.
Edit: It's actually NOT my first Miranda Rijks thriller, as I had previously read "Roses are Red" .
I would like to thank #MirandaRijks, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheNewNeighbour in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I love neighbourhood thrillers. You are given a glimpse into the lives of those you think you know but really you don't and then from out of nowhere you are hit head on with a twist you very probably didn't see coming! In this case, with regards to the culprit, I did because well...now that would be telling...lol
Seriously, I cannot believe I haven't discovered Miranda Rijks before now. Well, I had...I just hadn't gotten around to reading one of her books though I have a few stored on my cloud. But what an introduction. The reader is thrown headlong into the midst of a tragedy from which the residents of the affluent area of The Close are still trying to come to grips with six months on.
The story begins with a prologue from the first person narrative of someone seemingly up to no good. They appear to be trespassing but for what reason that isn't clear at this stage. But their presence is soon noticed as they are warned off before running out into the lane...and smack bang into a car that was driving with its headlights off. The victim doesn't appear to be hurt and yet is found in a pool of blood in the road.
Six months on and the residents of The Close are still reeling from the thus far unsolved hit and run of 19 year old Wilson Walker. His family was so distraught they upped and left and their house was put on the market to let. Now a new neighbour has moved into the house and is keen to make friends with the other residents who largely keep themselves to themselves. But Linette Smith will not be swayed. She meets Isobel on the first day, afterwhich she invites all the ladies over for a kind of meet and greet, and surprisingly she appears to make friends with the other two women in the Close - Josie Abbott and the elderly Mrs Quinn. Isobel can hardly believe it particularly as the Quinns have lived in the Close for near on forty years and have never been known to mingle with anyone. Maybe Linette is the breath of fresh air the community needs.
Before settling in the house of their dreams, Isobel was an architect along with her husband Mike. That is until their son Harry was born and it became apparent that he needed extra care that as a mother she wasn't able to provide if she was working. So Isobel became a stay-at-home-mum. A couple of years later, Harper joined the family and Isobel began a nail and beauty salon business run out of the front rooms of their sprawling house. She had a steady flow of customers which helped bring in a little extra income.
But then one day, Isobel's regulars began cancelling their appointments. Some didn't even show at all. And Isobel was puzzled. But then one of her friends informed her that there was some malicious gossip about her business going around - something about not properly sterilising equipment or keeping her premises clean resulting in one of her clients now in hospital with an infection. Isobel can hardly believe it. Who would say such a thing? But that's not the only strange thing happening. Her neighbour Josie was always something of a friend now visibly snubs her in public and even ostracises her son Harry, who is on the spectrum and didn't understand why his friend didn't invite him to his Halloween party. And then when she tries voicing her concerns to her husband, he dismisses them with his interest more on his phone than his wife.
Then there are loud parties across the road at Linette's place, disruptive teenagers burning rubber down the lane, bonfires dousing them all in smoke, drones flying around their properties seemingly spying on them and then Linette gets herself a pig for a pet who promptly escapes and churns up Isobel and Mike's carefully manicured garden as well as the Abbotts' farm next door. Suddenly the residents are not so thrilled with their new neighbour and the disruption she seems to have brought with her. Isobel doesn't know where it all went wrong because Linette appeared friendly and eager to get to know everyone. But is she really?
Then when Linette has a surprising piece of information to impart on Isobel, she is so angered by her news that she denies all probability before ordering the woman off her property. Whilst on the one hand she is devastated, on the other she begins an investigation of sorts to get to the bottom of who Linette really is and what is she doing in The Close. And how does any of this relate to Wilson Walker's death six months ago? What has happened to their quiet little lane and their beautiful forever home?
And then another tragedy occurs in The Close that sends another shockwave through the residents. Another death...and this time it's murder. Who has a motive to commit these crimes? Can anyone be trusted? And how well do we really know our neighbours?
Secrets abound in this tight-knit little community as one by one they unravel revealing the truth, the lies and the deception and the link between past and present crimes.
THE NEW NEIGHBOUR was an unexpected delight that I devoured, enjoying the twists and reveals as they gradually unfolded. The narrative is primarily from Isobel's perspective apart from the Prologue, who we learn is Wilson, and a couple of chapters from Linette's viewpoint. We also learn very early on who Linette really is and why she has chosen this quiet neighbourhood. Why? Because the story takes a different and surprising direction peppered with red herrings throughout as we try to unravel the clues.
The cast of characters were a delight, if not all likeable.
First we have Isobel who is married to Mike with two children Harry and Harper. As Isobel is the main narrator we are privy to the goings on in their house from the get-go. What Isobel doesn't know is why is Mike working such long hours and withdrawn affection from her? Aside from that she has to juggle Harry's specific needs where he has decided not only will he not eat anything brown but he's also decided he no longer eats anything that is yellow after someone at school told him food that is green is better for you. So now Isobel has to cook and colour foods for Harry to actually eat.
Then there is Josie, her neighbour, who was once a relatively good friend if not a close one but now visibly and publicly snubs Isobel. For what reason, she has no idea. As farmers, Josie and her husband Jack appear to be struggling financially and surprise the residents with submitting a planning application that will most certainly disrupt Isobel and Mike's life, if not everyone else's.
The Quinns are septuagenarians who have lived on The Close for around forty years and keep themselves to themselves, never socialising with the other residents, which is why Isobel found it so surprising to find Mrs Quinn at Linette's get together and Mr Quinn's friendly acceptance of her. Mrs Quinn suffers from dementia, barely leaves her home and is closely monitored by her husband.
Thomas Adler is a bachelor with a lavish lifestyle funded by a suspected shady online business, most notably when he trades in his modest VW Golf for a Lamborghini as well as purchasing the latest Tesla. He's a little creepy particularly when he continues to fly his drone around his neighbours' properties despite pleas for him to refrain.
So when Linette moves in as the new neighbour at Number 2, she raises merry hell that The Close have no idea what has hit them. Which begs the question amongst residents...who is Linette and why is she here?
I thoroughly enjoyed THE NEW NEIGHBOUR which I devoured in a matter of hours. It is a quick read that is engaging, thrilling and so completely absorbing you won't want to put it down either! None of the neighbours are particularly likeable as they all have something to hide...the question is what? The addition of Twiglet is amusing. I mean, she is not a cute little pot belly pig either but an actual large farm pig!! And then wreaks havoc, which was bound to happen, and did bring a smirk to my face.
Cleverly crafted and well-written, THE NEW NEIGHBOUR is a delightful read and addictive whodunnit as you try to unravel the mysteries and secrets that lay buried on The Close.
If you love a good domestic thriller sprinkled with psychological mystery, then you will love THE NEW NEIGHBOUR. And I can safely say that, although this may be my first, it will not be my last Miranda Rijks thriller.
Edit: It's actually NOT my first Miranda Rijks thriller, as I had previously read "Roses are Red" .
I would like to thank #MirandaRijks, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheNewNeighbour in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 6, 2024
Isobel thought she had it all, a wonderful husband, two children, and a community of neighbors who, not exactly close, but would help one another when needed. After a tragic incident, the neighborhood gets a new person who helps reveal the dark secrets that some people were trying to keep buried. I enjoyed the book, even though I did not particularly like any of the main characters.
April 20, 2023
A very nice book if you want to read something not too complicated. I really felt for Isobel who's desperately trying to live a wonderful life. Sadly, she gave up her job and her career and is now stuck in a beautiful home in a small community that is not really a community. All neighbours have something to hide and it's getting worse and worse.
The tension builds up nicely and the story kept my interest. Sometimes that's just what you need. Nothing more, nothing less.
The tension builds up nicely and the story kept my interest. Sometimes that's just what you need. Nothing more, nothing less.
June 9, 2022
Clocking in just over 250 pages, The New Neighbour is a fast-paced whodunit murder mystery that kept me guessing up until the last 20% of the book.
Nestled in the countryside of England, Isobel and her family are one of five homes in their “neighborhood.” A family moves out shortly after the mysterious hit and run death of their 19 year-old son, leaving the neighbors to wonder who could have possibly done it and was it one of them? A new neighbor moves into the vacated home and quickly stirs up drama, pinning the neighbors on each other. When someone else winds up dead, we have two murders to solve and wonder if they’re connected.
The New Neighbour had well-developed characters, a good plot, plenty of drama and speculation and a nice twist at the end. I would have give it 5, but I felt invested in the family and the ending left me wanting to know more. I really enjoyed this and will definitely pick up more of Miranda Rijks work in the future. If you like murder mysteries without all the extra fluff, I highly recommend this one. Thanks to the author and publisher for my gifted e-copy. The New Neighbour is available now.
Nestled in the countryside of England, Isobel and her family are one of five homes in their “neighborhood.” A family moves out shortly after the mysterious hit and run death of their 19 year-old son, leaving the neighbors to wonder who could have possibly done it and was it one of them? A new neighbor moves into the vacated home and quickly stirs up drama, pinning the neighbors on each other. When someone else winds up dead, we have two murders to solve and wonder if they’re connected.
The New Neighbour had well-developed characters, a good plot, plenty of drama and speculation and a nice twist at the end. I would have give it 5, but I felt invested in the family and the ending left me wanting to know more. I really enjoyed this and will definitely pick up more of Miranda Rijks work in the future. If you like murder mysteries without all the extra fluff, I highly recommend this one. Thanks to the author and publisher for my gifted e-copy. The New Neighbour is available now.
December 1, 2021
The New Neighbour by Miranda Rijks is another page-turner from an author who has become a fast favourite. Thank you, Ms Rijks, for bringing to us these compelling, twisty, and virtually unputdownable tales of psychological domestic suspense.
Isobel has always loved her idyllic neighbourhood, The Close. But something changes when a hit and run accident that leaves a young man dead goes unsolved, and nothing is as innocent as it once seemed. Suspicions begin to take root, and aspersions are cast, and when another murder takes place in the midst of the small community, Isobel is certain that the two incidents are somehow connected. As tensions and fears mount, nothing will ever be the same on The Close.
I cannot wait to read whatever comes next from the talented Ms Rijks.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
Isobel has always loved her idyllic neighbourhood, The Close. But something changes when a hit and run accident that leaves a young man dead goes unsolved, and nothing is as innocent as it once seemed. Suspicions begin to take root, and aspersions are cast, and when another murder takes place in the midst of the small community, Isobel is certain that the two incidents are somehow connected. As tensions and fears mount, nothing will ever be the same on The Close.
I cannot wait to read whatever comes next from the talented Ms Rijks.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
July 15, 2022
The New Neighbor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 6/30/22
Author: Miranda Rijks
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Narrators: Danielle Cohen and Chris Devon
Goodreads Rating: 4.08
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Isobel has always loved her small neighborhood. Six months ago, a young man was killed in a mysterious hit-and-run incident but no one was charged. So when new neighbour Linette arrives, strange things happen, then bad things start to happen. When there’s another death, Isobel realises her home, her marriage, and her family are all in terrible danger. She is certain that what’s happening is connected to the hit-and-run. But how? What really happened on the night of the fatal accident? And above all, who is Linette and what does she really want?
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the narration on this audiobook and I will forever say “what” in British in my head. Narration can make or break an audiobook and felt the narration was good on this one. Another reviewer had mention the overuse of the term “neighbor, neighbors, and neighborhood” in recent book titles, I agree with as well. Just this year, I have read at least 3 titles with some variation of “neighbor” in it. They were all good in their own right, just noticed a little trend going on. The story starts out with a prologue in an unknown mysterious perspective that appears to be up to no good, which is fully developed throughout the story. Then the book is primarily narrated in the perspective of Isobel. The characters are well developed, numerous, but their role is clear, they have depth, are mysterious, creative, and not all are likable, which makes for good fiction. The author’s writing style is complex, flows easy, suspenseful, provides a good amount of tension, and kept me engaged from cover to cover. The plot was full of twists and the whodunnit unfolds and keeps you guessing, was fast paced, and a page turner. This book and audiobook is already out and I do recommend you pick up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 6/30/22
Author: Miranda Rijks
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Narrators: Danielle Cohen and Chris Devon
Goodreads Rating: 4.08
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Isobel has always loved her small neighborhood. Six months ago, a young man was killed in a mysterious hit-and-run incident but no one was charged. So when new neighbour Linette arrives, strange things happen, then bad things start to happen. When there’s another death, Isobel realises her home, her marriage, and her family are all in terrible danger. She is certain that what’s happening is connected to the hit-and-run. But how? What really happened on the night of the fatal accident? And above all, who is Linette and what does she really want?
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the narration on this audiobook and I will forever say “what” in British in my head. Narration can make or break an audiobook and felt the narration was good on this one. Another reviewer had mention the overuse of the term “neighbor, neighbors, and neighborhood” in recent book titles, I agree with as well. Just this year, I have read at least 3 titles with some variation of “neighbor” in it. They were all good in their own right, just noticed a little trend going on. The story starts out with a prologue in an unknown mysterious perspective that appears to be up to no good, which is fully developed throughout the story. Then the book is primarily narrated in the perspective of Isobel. The characters are well developed, numerous, but their role is clear, they have depth, are mysterious, creative, and not all are likable, which makes for good fiction. The author’s writing style is complex, flows easy, suspenseful, provides a good amount of tension, and kept me engaged from cover to cover. The plot was full of twists and the whodunnit unfolds and keeps you guessing, was fast paced, and a page turner. This book and audiobook is already out and I do recommend you pick up.
December 8, 2021
The main character was too cringey for me. Between that and the huge gaps in her thought process/inability to reason/total obliviousness, I don't really recommend this except to anyone looking for a thriller that will not keep them up at night.
January 6, 2026
Release date: 06-30-22
Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
Narrated by: Danielle Cohen and Chris Devon
Isobel has always loved The Close, a quiet road of large houses tucked away in the beautiful English countryside. Then, six months ago, a young man was killed in hit-and-run incident. The police investigated, but no one was charged, which left a bad feeling in this little community, a feeling that someone knows more than they are saying.
So when new neighbor Linette arrives, Isobel thinks it’s a fresh start, a chance to repair relationships, and rebuild her community. But someone else has a very different plan, and bad things start to happen...
This story managed to hook me from the beginning. I wondered who killed that young man and why the new neighbour wanted the revenge. Some of the story was predictible but still interesting story.
Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
Narrated by: Danielle Cohen and Chris Devon
Isobel has always loved The Close, a quiet road of large houses tucked away in the beautiful English countryside. Then, six months ago, a young man was killed in hit-and-run incident. The police investigated, but no one was charged, which left a bad feeling in this little community, a feeling that someone knows more than they are saying.
So when new neighbor Linette arrives, Isobel thinks it’s a fresh start, a chance to repair relationships, and rebuild her community. But someone else has a very different plan, and bad things start to happen...
This story managed to hook me from the beginning. I wondered who killed that young man and why the new neighbour wanted the revenge. Some of the story was predictible but still interesting story.
December 6, 2021
Miranda Rijks has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, and her latest offering, a thrilling tale of domestic suspense, will surely earn her some new readers.
Set in the lushly atmospheric English countryside, THE NEW NEIGHBOUR features Isobel and her family, who enjoy residing in a neighborhood called The Close, even though its charm was marred by a hit-and-run six months prior. In the stunning prologue, you experience the terror of the victim as you realize an errant car is not what claimed this young man's life.
New neighbor Linette arrives shortly after, and Isobel is anxious to welcome this single woman to the community and return to a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately, Linette brings with her a litany of problems straight from an episode of Fear Thy Neighbor, and shockingly, there is another suspicious death. Who exactly is Linette, and why did Isobel's life go south when she arrived?
If this author is not on your radar, she definitely should be. I have loved all of her previous books, and she has a talent for making her characters both relatable and complex; her plots both realistic and shocking. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to get to the answers I needed. Thank you so much to the author and her publisher for granting me an early e-ARC.
Set in the lushly atmospheric English countryside, THE NEW NEIGHBOUR features Isobel and her family, who enjoy residing in a neighborhood called The Close, even though its charm was marred by a hit-and-run six months prior. In the stunning prologue, you experience the terror of the victim as you realize an errant car is not what claimed this young man's life.
New neighbor Linette arrives shortly after, and Isobel is anxious to welcome this single woman to the community and return to a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately, Linette brings with her a litany of problems straight from an episode of Fear Thy Neighbor, and shockingly, there is another suspicious death. Who exactly is Linette, and why did Isobel's life go south when she arrived?
If this author is not on your radar, she definitely should be. I have loved all of her previous books, and she has a talent for making her characters both relatable and complex; her plots both realistic and shocking. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to get to the answers I needed. Thank you so much to the author and her publisher for granting me an early e-ARC.
June 23, 2022
THE NEW NEIGHBOUR by the Miranda Rijks is a complex plot-driven multi-layered whodunit domestic thriller that will keep you guessing until the final shocking page!
The Close is a quiet road of large houses tucked away in the beautiful English countryside. It seems like the perfect place to live. But appearances can be deceptive. There are many dark secrets buried in this posh neighborhood.
In the Close, everyone is a suspect and has a motive.
Until recently, Isobel Floyd has always loved this neighborhood. She, a successful architect partner, is also married to architect partner, Mike. She decided to give up her career to stay home with her two children, Harry and Harper. Harry is on the spectrum and takes a lot of care. She also owns a successful nail salon in her home.
Six months earlier, a young man, Wilson, was killed in a mysterious hit-and-run incident they knew in the neighborhood. The police investigated, but no one was charged. It's left a bad feeling in this little community, a feeling that someone knows more than they are saying.
So when a new neighbor, Linette, arrives, Isobel thinks it's the perfect chance to make a fresh start. To repair relationships and rebuild her community. However, Linette becomes a big TROUBLEMAKER, stirring up problems in the neighborhood and her business.
Bad things start happening, and now someone else is dead. Two deaths related to #2 The Close. A murder.
As the story progresses, the reader learns new information, and Isobel soon suspects everyone around her as the possible killer. The readers are right there with her, wondering who to trust or if anyone is trustworthy.
The plot twists will surprise you and keep you flipping through the pages until the end. Suspicion, betrayal, and dark hidden secrets abound in this tense story―all hidden just beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect suburban life.
For fans of authors: B.A. Paris The Therapist, Kimberly Belle My Darling Husband, Samantha M. Bailey Watch Out for Her, and Carter Wilson The New Neighbor.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. The narrators,Danielle Cohen, and Chris Devon delivered a spine-tingling performance.
A special thank you to #NetGalley and #Dreamscape Media for an ARC audiobook to listen to, enjoy, and review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
Pub Date: June 30, 2022
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 2022 Must-Read Books
My listening thoughts:
I loved the audiobook, the narrator, and the UK setting, but honestly, I was about to give up before I was halfway through due to all the ongoing DRAMA (not a fan of drama): the pig, the burial ground project, the drone, nosy neighbors causing problems with her nail business, bickering, talk of a suspected affair, the issues with the husband, wife, and Isobel's suspicions, and worries about the killer which seemed to drag on. But all this is a setup for what is to come.
Trust me, you must HANG IN THERE because the novel HEATS up about halfway to three-quarters through to the end with fast-paced jaw-dropping action. THEN. You could not tear me away. So Good!
Expect the unexpected. That scene is so bloody good! It will blow your mind, and the author does a killer job with the unexpected twist when the killer's identity is unveiled. I did not see this coming. The author wraps us everything nicely, and we get all the details and answers.
First half: 3 stars (lots of drama)
Second half: 5 Stars (fast-paced and gripping)
Rounding to 4 stars.
I am intrigued by this author (my first book) and look forward to reading more of her titles. Love discovering new authors.
For this reason is why I love NetGalley and audiobook ARCs to get to know new authors, typically not on my radar. Highly recommend this one.
The Close is a quiet road of large houses tucked away in the beautiful English countryside. It seems like the perfect place to live. But appearances can be deceptive. There are many dark secrets buried in this posh neighborhood.
In the Close, everyone is a suspect and has a motive.
Until recently, Isobel Floyd has always loved this neighborhood. She, a successful architect partner, is also married to architect partner, Mike. She decided to give up her career to stay home with her two children, Harry and Harper. Harry is on the spectrum and takes a lot of care. She also owns a successful nail salon in her home.
Six months earlier, a young man, Wilson, was killed in a mysterious hit-and-run incident they knew in the neighborhood. The police investigated, but no one was charged. It's left a bad feeling in this little community, a feeling that someone knows more than they are saying.
So when a new neighbor, Linette, arrives, Isobel thinks it's the perfect chance to make a fresh start. To repair relationships and rebuild her community. However, Linette becomes a big TROUBLEMAKER, stirring up problems in the neighborhood and her business.
Bad things start happening, and now someone else is dead. Two deaths related to #2 The Close. A murder.
As the story progresses, the reader learns new information, and Isobel soon suspects everyone around her as the possible killer. The readers are right there with her, wondering who to trust or if anyone is trustworthy.
The plot twists will surprise you and keep you flipping through the pages until the end. Suspicion, betrayal, and dark hidden secrets abound in this tense story―all hidden just beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect suburban life.
For fans of authors: B.A. Paris The Therapist, Kimberly Belle My Darling Husband, Samantha M. Bailey Watch Out for Her, and Carter Wilson The New Neighbor.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. The narrators,Danielle Cohen, and Chris Devon delivered a spine-tingling performance.
A special thank you to #NetGalley and #Dreamscape Media for an ARC audiobook to listen to, enjoy, and review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
Pub Date: June 30, 2022
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 2022 Must-Read Books
My listening thoughts:
I loved the audiobook, the narrator, and the UK setting, but honestly, I was about to give up before I was halfway through due to all the ongoing DRAMA (not a fan of drama): the pig, the burial ground project, the drone, nosy neighbors causing problems with her nail business, bickering, talk of a suspected affair, the issues with the husband, wife, and Isobel's suspicions, and worries about the killer which seemed to drag on. But all this is a setup for what is to come.
Trust me, you must HANG IN THERE because the novel HEATS up about halfway to three-quarters through to the end with fast-paced jaw-dropping action. THEN. You could not tear me away. So Good!
Expect the unexpected. That scene is so bloody good! It will blow your mind, and the author does a killer job with the unexpected twist when the killer's identity is unveiled. I did not see this coming. The author wraps us everything nicely, and we get all the details and answers.
First half: 3 stars (lots of drama)
Second half: 5 Stars (fast-paced and gripping)
Rounding to 4 stars.
I am intrigued by this author (my first book) and look forward to reading more of her titles. Love discovering new authors.
For this reason is why I love NetGalley and audiobook ARCs to get to know new authors, typically not on my radar. Highly recommend this one.
February 8, 2023
With every dramatic event, there is the time before and the time after. This book starts with a bang (or rather a crash) and spirals into a series of murders.
After a hit-and-run accident rocked the calm suburbia of The Close, the arrival of a new neighbour promises to shake the residents out of their discomfort zones.
Despite their close proximity, the neighbours of this quiet West Sussex area are anything but close-knit. Everyone seems harmless enough, but no one can be trusted. Between them, they share secrets, lies, betrayal and more than one motive to have finished off a missing pig. Not to mention that someone must surely know something about the actual murders of other residents.
The story is told from the perspective of Isobel and, in parts, new neighbour Linette.
Isobel soon learns that what happens right on your doorstep is always too close to home. When she begins to look behind the façade of polite (and sometimes impolite) neighbourliness, she finds dodgy dealings and repugnant behaviour.
Meanwhile, Linette tries to bring everyone together in the wake of the still-unsolved hit-and-run tragedy. But are they too divided? And why are her actions often so at odds with what she says?
When tragedy strikes again, local police seem more adept at catch-and-release fishing than actually closing the case. There's always a little tension to keep you on the edge of your seat in this book and I'm certain even super sleuths will find some surprises between the pages.
This was my second read by Miranda Rijks, and I'd definitely pick up more. Thanks very much NetGalley and Inkubator Books for a copy of The New Neighbour in exchange for an honest review.
After a hit-and-run accident rocked the calm suburbia of The Close, the arrival of a new neighbour promises to shake the residents out of their discomfort zones.
Despite their close proximity, the neighbours of this quiet West Sussex area are anything but close-knit. Everyone seems harmless enough, but no one can be trusted. Between them, they share secrets, lies, betrayal and more than one motive to have finished off a missing pig. Not to mention that someone must surely know something about the actual murders of other residents.
The story is told from the perspective of Isobel and, in parts, new neighbour Linette.
Isobel soon learns that what happens right on your doorstep is always too close to home. When she begins to look behind the façade of polite (and sometimes impolite) neighbourliness, she finds dodgy dealings and repugnant behaviour.
Meanwhile, Linette tries to bring everyone together in the wake of the still-unsolved hit-and-run tragedy. But are they too divided? And why are her actions often so at odds with what she says?
When tragedy strikes again, local police seem more adept at catch-and-release fishing than actually closing the case. There's always a little tension to keep you on the edge of your seat in this book and I'm certain even super sleuths will find some surprises between the pages.
This was my second read by Miranda Rijks, and I'd definitely pick up more. Thanks very much NetGalley and Inkubator Books for a copy of The New Neighbour in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2021
T̟h̟e̟ N̟e̟w̟ N̟e̟i̟g̟h̟b̟o̟u̟r̟
By Miranda Rijks
Release Date 12/10/2021
Isobel lives in the English countryside in a community called The Close. There was a hit-and-run accident,causing a young man’s death. The family moves, and one of the houses is up for sale.
Isobel is a stylist living in her dream home with her two children, Harry and Harper, and her architect husband, Mike. He works long hours, and she’s often alone to do it all. Harry has autism, and she’s left alone to deal with his daily needs. The neighbors who were once their friends plan to put a graveyard next to their home—dropping the value by thousands. Shifty things continue to happen as this book paces along. I couldn’t put it down 25%.
The new neighbor Linette moves in next door, and does she stir up the pot. She’s hiding a secret from them all; she’s the aunt of the boy who was murdered six months before. What happens to the neighbors at The Close? Grab this book go find out 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 S҉҉T҉҉A҉҉R҉҉S҉҉
#booklover #instabook #bibliophile #booknerd #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #goodreads #bookstagrammers #bookrecommendation #bookblogging #booknerds #readmorebooks#mirandarijks #arcbooks #netgalley#thenewneighbour#netgalley
By Miranda Rijks
Release Date 12/10/2021
Isobel lives in the English countryside in a community called The Close. There was a hit-and-run accident,causing a young man’s death. The family moves, and one of the houses is up for sale.
Isobel is a stylist living in her dream home with her two children, Harry and Harper, and her architect husband, Mike. He works long hours, and she’s often alone to do it all. Harry has autism, and she’s left alone to deal with his daily needs. The neighbors who were once their friends plan to put a graveyard next to their home—dropping the value by thousands. Shifty things continue to happen as this book paces along. I couldn’t put it down 25%.
The new neighbor Linette moves in next door, and does she stir up the pot. She’s hiding a secret from them all; she’s the aunt of the boy who was murdered six months before. What happens to the neighbors at The Close? Grab this book go find out 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 S҉҉T҉҉A҉҉R҉҉S҉҉
#booklover #instabook #bibliophile #booknerd #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #goodreads #bookstagrammers #bookrecommendation #bookblogging #booknerds #readmorebooks#mirandarijks #arcbooks #netgalley#thenewneighbour#netgalley
March 19, 2022
Erm, this is a tough one to review.
I felt like the set up was ok, the story too, it dealt with some everyday bits familiar to living in an English countryside with odd acting neighbours … but, but. There was something lacking!
I think 3 stars is appropriate, as I enjoyed reading the book, it was quick to read, but after putting it down I feel like I do not have anything much to say about it, nor I will ever come back to thinking about this book and in my books, that is just an average book, nothing more or nothing less.
I felt like the set up was ok, the story too, it dealt with some everyday bits familiar to living in an English countryside with odd acting neighbours … but, but. There was something lacking!
I think 3 stars is appropriate, as I enjoyed reading the book, it was quick to read, but after putting it down I feel like I do not have anything much to say about it, nor I will ever come back to thinking about this book and in my books, that is just an average book, nothing more or nothing less.
July 5, 2022
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed both the female and male that read this audiobook. They were very pleasant to listen to and helped to differentiate between characters. The story had me guessing until the end and I love when I don’t know what’s going to happen next or who’s telling the truth! It was the perfect small town, quiet neighborhood mystery with lying, cheating, and deception all thrown into the mix. I would definitely recommend to anyone into this genre. I loved the whole “keep your friends close, but your neighbors closer” vibe!
I really enjoyed both the female and male that read this audiobook. They were very pleasant to listen to and helped to differentiate between characters. The story had me guessing until the end and I love when I don’t know what’s going to happen next or who’s telling the truth! It was the perfect small town, quiet neighborhood mystery with lying, cheating, and deception all thrown into the mix. I would definitely recommend to anyone into this genre. I loved the whole “keep your friends close, but your neighbors closer” vibe!
March 16, 2023
Six months ago, in Isobel's ideal neighborhood, a man was killed in a hit and run. Now she has a new neighbor--Linette. And things start getting worse . . .
This was a decent thriller but written in very British language (I'm American and didn't understand a lot of it).
This was a decent thriller but written in very British language (I'm American and didn't understand a lot of it).
December 26, 2022
This is a domestic drama with mystery/crime elements.
I liked it overall, but the characters are just so awful and not particularly convincing. All the relationships are a shambles and they're all either nimbys or 'do as I say not as I do' types
That's probably part of what people find amusing about this but I just found it annoying.
However, it's fast-paced and a decent story so not all bad.
I liked it overall, but the characters are just so awful and not particularly convincing. All the relationships are a shambles and they're all either nimbys or 'do as I say not as I do' types
That's probably part of what people find amusing about this but I just found it annoying.
However, it's fast-paced and a decent story so not all bad.
November 10, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for the kindle copy in exchange for a honest review. Isobel and her family live in a quiet close of houses in the beautiful countryside. The small community were rocked by a hit and run that resulted in the death of a teenage boy. The family moved away and they now have a new neighbour Linette. To start with she is the perfect neighbour trying to bring the community back together. Then Isobel’s business and family life starts to fall apart. Who is Linette and what is she really doing in the close?
June 22, 2022
3.5 Rounded Up!
Don't you just love some good neighborhood drama? In my old neighborhood we had "Nextdoor"-almost like a private Facebook group for the neighborhood, things could get pretty heated on there. But since I have moved out I just crave some good neighborly gossip, thus I turn to my psychological thriller novels. (Thankfully my old neighborhood there were no crazy murders.....just dogs pooping in yards, speeding, petty theft etc.)
So as you can imagine by the title. A New Neighbor (please note the spelling, I believe this must be the UK spelling with the u?) moves into the Close. She is off beat compared to the other Traditional residents. Upon her arrival things in their docile little street get stirred. The house Lynette moves into, is where a teen boy was killed by a hit and run the previous year. The story centers on Isobelle Floyd, and we are told the story from her perspective. As a character she is pretty decent, I did become frustrated with her reminding us of what a boss woman she was in the architecture world--but I am glad she did the right thing and stayed out home with her kiddos and seemed like a pretty good mom--, and the amount of toast she ate...anywho.
So as things start getting hostile between neighbors and Isobelle learns she cannot even begin to trust her husaband, her best friend, the elderly couple....
What I liked:
-Very quick/easy read
-Kept me guessing, I had a sneaky suspicion but defiantly caught me off gaurd
-THe author does a great job building up the characters and back story.So I was totally invested in the characters and wanted to find out what happened.
Things I did Not Like:
-A little bit of repetition
-A pet pig....?? Really?
-Without spoiling the hit and run scenario was a bit far fetched...
-The big reveal was boarderline trope-ish
Bottom line: Would I tell you to go to B&N and buy this book? Yeah, its a good read. Ask me in a year details of this book....I probably will have forgotten everything except the Pig
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced audio book listen. I was not paid or influenced in anyway for this honest review.
Don't you just love some good neighborhood drama? In my old neighborhood we had "Nextdoor"-almost like a private Facebook group for the neighborhood, things could get pretty heated on there. But since I have moved out I just crave some good neighborly gossip, thus I turn to my psychological thriller novels. (Thankfully my old neighborhood there were no crazy murders.....just dogs pooping in yards, speeding, petty theft etc.)
So as you can imagine by the title. A New Neighbor (please note the spelling, I believe this must be the UK spelling with the u?) moves into the Close. She is off beat compared to the other Traditional residents. Upon her arrival things in their docile little street get stirred. The house Lynette moves into, is where a teen boy was killed by a hit and run the previous year. The story centers on Isobelle Floyd, and we are told the story from her perspective. As a character she is pretty decent, I did become frustrated with her reminding us of what a boss woman she was in the architecture world--but I am glad she did the right thing and stayed out home with her kiddos and seemed like a pretty good mom--, and the amount of toast she ate...anywho.
So as things start getting hostile between neighbors and Isobelle learns she cannot even begin to trust her husaband, her best friend, the elderly couple....
What I liked:
-Very quick/easy read
-Kept me guessing, I had a sneaky suspicion but defiantly caught me off gaurd
-THe author does a great job building up the characters and back story.So I was totally invested in the characters and wanted to find out what happened.
Things I did Not Like:
-A little bit of repetition
-A pet pig....?? Really?
-Without spoiling the hit and run scenario was a bit far fetched...
-The big reveal was boarderline trope-ish
Bottom line: Would I tell you to go to B&N and buy this book? Yeah, its a good read. Ask me in a year details of this book....I probably will have forgotten everything except the Pig
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced audio book listen. I was not paid or influenced in anyway for this honest review.
June 21, 2022
I hope this book will still get some editing, but I'm not sure they will rework the writing as much as I'd like to see it. Although it was interesting, it never grabbed me and I wasn't rushing to get back to it. It was just a book I listened to while I waited on something else to come in. I enjoyed it until I started to get annoyed with Isobel, the main character, and tired of waiting around to figure out who was responsible for the mysterious death in the neighborhood.
Isobel was frustrating to me. I'm not even sure how to describe her, but she seemed very one-dimensional. She was supposedly intelligent with an enviable career and prestigious position, however she seems a bit clueless in the present. I really hate reading about women who constantly make excuses for their husband's behavior and can't see reality. This woman went on and on about giving up her career too, but then she also said she wanted to be home with her children. She goes over this detail a few different times in the book, but it doesn't add anything else to the story. After the half way point, I was ready to get some answers and be finished with this book. I don't want to spoil this for anyone, but there were some things that came to light which had me questioning how in the world they were overlooked in an investigation, so the believability factor went down for me.
The narrator did an okay job. Nothing to go on about, but no complaints either.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and #Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Isobel was frustrating to me. I'm not even sure how to describe her, but she seemed very one-dimensional. She was supposedly intelligent with an enviable career and prestigious position, however she seems a bit clueless in the present. I really hate reading about women who constantly make excuses for their husband's behavior and can't see reality. This woman went on and on about giving up her career too, but then she also said she wanted to be home with her children. She goes over this detail a few different times in the book, but it doesn't add anything else to the story. After the half way point, I was ready to get some answers and be finished with this book. I don't want to spoil this for anyone, but there were some things that came to light which had me questioning how in the world they were overlooked in an investigation, so the believability factor went down for me.
The narrator did an okay job. Nothing to go on about, but no complaints either.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and #Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
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