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Neighborhood Watch
"Superb characters headline this chilling, slow-burn crime tale," Kirkus Reviews
"Thoroughly enjoyable with just the right amount of suspense." - Readers Favorite
"This gripping story of a sinister small-town secret will keep you on the edge of your seat! It's completely unforgettable." - ReedsyWhen the Caseys move into affluent Ridgeport, Ill, searching for a better life for their newborn Scott, they are surprised to find a book entitled Ridgeport Welcomes Procedures and Guidelines for Happy Living. The book contains rules and ordinances that citizens must abide by to live in happy neighborhoods. Although mom Loretta Casey is hesitant to live by Ridgeport's strict rules, all that changes when she meets her neighbor Sue Ellen Norris.
Sue Ellen serves on the Neighborhood Watch Committee, overseeing the town's safety, and Loretta becomes engrossed in Sue Ellen's addictive personality. But as Loretta's son Scott and Sue Ellen's son Matt grow, they discover that Ridgeport is not as perfect as their moms make it out to be. As Scott and Matt form their band of friends, their journeys into the neighborhood woods prove to be much more than just a place of refuge.
Kevin Patrick Kenealy is in his eighth year teaching AP Literature, English, and journalism high school students. Before that, he wrote for Chicagoland newspapers, where he had the privilege to interview several famous people, including Barack Obama, former Illinois governors Jim Edgar, Rod Blagojevich, and Pat Quinn. He has also published two poetry books, 20 Something and Faith Journey, and the horror novel Life and Death.
"Thoroughly enjoyable with just the right amount of suspense." - Readers Favorite
"This gripping story of a sinister small-town secret will keep you on the edge of your seat! It's completely unforgettable." - ReedsyWhen the Caseys move into affluent Ridgeport, Ill, searching for a better life for their newborn Scott, they are surprised to find a book entitled Ridgeport Welcomes Procedures and Guidelines for Happy Living. The book contains rules and ordinances that citizens must abide by to live in happy neighborhoods. Although mom Loretta Casey is hesitant to live by Ridgeport's strict rules, all that changes when she meets her neighbor Sue Ellen Norris.
Sue Ellen serves on the Neighborhood Watch Committee, overseeing the town's safety, and Loretta becomes engrossed in Sue Ellen's addictive personality. But as Loretta's son Scott and Sue Ellen's son Matt grow, they discover that Ridgeport is not as perfect as their moms make it out to be. As Scott and Matt form their band of friends, their journeys into the neighborhood woods prove to be much more than just a place of refuge.
Kevin Patrick Kenealy is in his eighth year teaching AP Literature, English, and journalism high school students. Before that, he wrote for Chicagoland newspapers, where he had the privilege to interview several famous people, including Barack Obama, former Illinois governors Jim Edgar, Rod Blagojevich, and Pat Quinn. He has also published two poetry books, 20 Something and Faith Journey, and the horror novel Life and Death.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2022
15 people are currently reading
2751 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Patrick Kenealy
7 books48 followers I am a high school English teacher, author and journalist. But my goal in life is to just be a good husband and father, a good son, a good friend, and a good person in general.
When I'm not writing, I enjoy traveling (I have been to 48 out of the 50 states and to six countries outside the U.S.). I hope to make it to all 50 states one day as well as make it to every continent. On the other side of the coin, I like being a homebody, where I can work on home projects like improving the landscaping of my yard or fixing things around the house. I also enjoy hiking and indulging the kid in me by building Legos or watching cartoons.
When I'm not writing, I enjoy traveling (I have been to 48 out of the 50 states and to six countries outside the U.S.). I hope to make it to all 50 states one day as well as make it to every continent. On the other side of the coin, I like being a homebody, where I can work on home projects like improving the landscaping of my yard or fixing things around the house. I also enjoy hiking and indulging the kid in me by building Legos or watching cartoons.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 8, 2022
When I was looking for a house recently (not because I wanted to move, but because I liked the “idea” of moving), I avoided any that might have a Homeowners Association. There’s nothing wrong with them, and they certainly do have a way of keeping a neighbor neat (for the most part), but in a former life, I had people write me up if my grass was a centimeter too long or my trash can was out on the street five minutes after the garbage man passed by.
In Neighborhood Watch by Kevin Patrick Kenealy, the concept of a homeowners association extends to an entire town–the ideal-yet-creepy Ridgeport, Illinois. From the beginning, I started to feel that same sense of why I’d never want to find myself moving to a place like this. The tension started early, and after only the first few pages, I was so drawn in I wanted to know how bad things would get. Like passing by a train wreck. I was not disappointed. The phrase that will continually stick out in my head through all of this is “Love thy neighbor, love thy Ridgeport.” That’s creepy enough.
Some might find the narrative in Neighborhood Watch slow, but that’s actually what drew me in. I got to know the characters, empathize with them, and feel what they felt. The story is not sequential, but the bounce between timelines is fluid. That’s the sign of a great author, and this was a well-written and engaging book. World building is important to me, and nearly every element required for a good build is there: from the government structure of the town to the economics, the history, the daily life of its citizens, and the interactions of social groups.
With a careful build-up, Kenealy brings us into Ridgeport then whacks us upside our collective heads with the secrets of the town. Neighborhood Watch is a great read, and Kevin Patrick Kenealy is a great writer and one to “watch” for.
In Neighborhood Watch by Kevin Patrick Kenealy, the concept of a homeowners association extends to an entire town–the ideal-yet-creepy Ridgeport, Illinois. From the beginning, I started to feel that same sense of why I’d never want to find myself moving to a place like this. The tension started early, and after only the first few pages, I was so drawn in I wanted to know how bad things would get. Like passing by a train wreck. I was not disappointed. The phrase that will continually stick out in my head through all of this is “Love thy neighbor, love thy Ridgeport.” That’s creepy enough.
Some might find the narrative in Neighborhood Watch slow, but that’s actually what drew me in. I got to know the characters, empathize with them, and feel what they felt. The story is not sequential, but the bounce between timelines is fluid. That’s the sign of a great author, and this was a well-written and engaging book. World building is important to me, and nearly every element required for a good build is there: from the government structure of the town to the economics, the history, the daily life of its citizens, and the interactions of social groups.
With a careful build-up, Kenealy brings us into Ridgeport then whacks us upside our collective heads with the secrets of the town. Neighborhood Watch is a great read, and Kevin Patrick Kenealy is a great writer and one to “watch” for.
July 25, 2022
I loved the rich character development, I felt as though I should now keep an eye out for things in my town. The story kept me guessing until the end!
August 3, 2022
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
No spoilers:
Overall, this book would have been better condensed. Especially at the beginning, there’s a lot of info-dumping and unnecessary description (e.g., specific square mileages of the towns). Namely, most description should do “work” by characterizing or building tension as well. Some of it is great, and makes it clear that Kenealy hold promise as an author (e.g., describing the old house by saying Loretta wanted an old home and John a fixer-upper not only describes the house but also characterizes them).
I was intrigued to know what happened, so I did finish the book, which is a testament to the plot. That being said, I was disappointed by the ending as well.
Spoilers:
(Scroll down)
As a clinical psych PhD student, I was disheartened by ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) being villainized. Inclusion of things like this in art and media is incredibly stigmatizing, and harmful to those who will thus be put off from trying (very safe, but mis-portrayed) treatments. I was also disappointed by the ending. I spent the 2000-2010s reading almost exclusively realistic dystopian, and unfortunately this hit all the over-worked cliches for me.
No spoilers:
Overall, this book would have been better condensed. Especially at the beginning, there’s a lot of info-dumping and unnecessary description (e.g., specific square mileages of the towns). Namely, most description should do “work” by characterizing or building tension as well. Some of it is great, and makes it clear that Kenealy hold promise as an author (e.g., describing the old house by saying Loretta wanted an old home and John a fixer-upper not only describes the house but also characterizes them).
I was intrigued to know what happened, so I did finish the book, which is a testament to the plot. That being said, I was disappointed by the ending as well.
Spoilers:
(Scroll down)
As a clinical psych PhD student, I was disheartened by ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) being villainized. Inclusion of things like this in art and media is incredibly stigmatizing, and harmful to those who will thus be put off from trying (very safe, but mis-portrayed) treatments. I was also disappointed by the ending. I spent the 2000-2010s reading almost exclusively realistic dystopian, and unfortunately this hit all the over-worked cliches for me.
August 11, 2022
cool and creepy
The theme was definitely trust no one. The writer appears to be writing a story that has a classic thriller theme, but the characters are guarded right up until the end. There is a secret or mystery that is present throughout the story, and the characters don’t seem to be able to trust the people around them. They feel very suspicious of everyone.
The part I liked the most was the part where the character is standing on the edge and talking about how he felt like gravity was just sucking him down. I like that you have a character who is sort of meditating on this idea and then comes to the realization. There’s something about the way it was written. It told me a lot about the character and the passage and it was a good example of showing rather than telling. Although a sort of cliché to think about, gravity sucking you down, it was really interesting to me that the character thought about that. I’m guessing that’s an expression he heard from his parents so it will put you in the characters mind even more to let you know all about him.
The theme was definitely trust no one. The writer appears to be writing a story that has a classic thriller theme, but the characters are guarded right up until the end. There is a secret or mystery that is present throughout the story, and the characters don’t seem to be able to trust the people around them. They feel very suspicious of everyone.
The part I liked the most was the part where the character is standing on the edge and talking about how he felt like gravity was just sucking him down. I like that you have a character who is sort of meditating on this idea and then comes to the realization. There’s something about the way it was written. It told me a lot about the character and the passage and it was a good example of showing rather than telling. Although a sort of cliché to think about, gravity sucking you down, it was really interesting to me that the character thought about that. I’m guessing that’s an expression he heard from his parents so it will put you in the characters mind even more to let you know all about him.
July 19, 2022
Great book..met author..very intelligent guy and can't wait to read all his books...
November 1, 2022
Neighbourhood Watch by Author Kevin Patrick Kenealy is a slow burn tale that tells the story of the Casey family who move into Ridgemont, an affluent area with a seemingly zero crime rating. Soon after the family’s arrival they are provided with a book full of rules and conditions that all citizens must abide by in order to live in this happy and seemingly peaceful neighbourhood. The consequences of breaking such rules however become all too clear, and appearances are certainly deceiving, as the Casey’s are drawn into the Neighbourhood Watch committee and the influence of its matriarch, Sue Ellen Norris.
With a feel of the ‘Stepford Wives’ which the author also makes reference to, Neighbourhood Watch builds the tension and drama nicely throughout. The pace is good, bearing in mind the author’s intent to slowly lead up to its exciting and dramatic finale, which also paves the way for a potential sequel. The characters are an interesting mix and easy for the reader to relate and connect to in the story, and the dialogue is credible. There were no significant issues that detracted from the story, although the author does need to address the formatting of the book, in regards to the print margins and chapter headings.
My only critique is in relation to the plot, and that there was a thread in the story, which I felt the author had not fully satisfied. It was alluded to a suspicion, that a key characters death was not of natural causes or accidental, but this statement was then felt to be left hanging in the air. The reader to make up their own mind around the circumstances. In doing so it just raised more questions for me, of the how and why, and created some frustration. I will state that despite this particular element, it was overall an enjoyable, and thrilling read. We therefore award, Neighbourhood Watch, 4 stars.
With a feel of the ‘Stepford Wives’ which the author also makes reference to, Neighbourhood Watch builds the tension and drama nicely throughout. The pace is good, bearing in mind the author’s intent to slowly lead up to its exciting and dramatic finale, which also paves the way for a potential sequel. The characters are an interesting mix and easy for the reader to relate and connect to in the story, and the dialogue is credible. There were no significant issues that detracted from the story, although the author does need to address the formatting of the book, in regards to the print margins and chapter headings.
My only critique is in relation to the plot, and that there was a thread in the story, which I felt the author had not fully satisfied. It was alluded to a suspicion, that a key characters death was not of natural causes or accidental, but this statement was then felt to be left hanging in the air. The reader to make up their own mind around the circumstances. In doing so it just raised more questions for me, of the how and why, and created some frustration. I will state that despite this particular element, it was overall an enjoyable, and thrilling read. We therefore award, Neighbourhood Watch, 4 stars.
October 7, 2022
This book hooked me right from the first pages. That surprised me, because I thought the premise - that every resident of the town has accepted a book containing a set of rules governing every aspect of behavior, dress, and thought - was so outlandish as to be unworkable. However, the main characters were either so sinister or so likeable that the premise works. The hypocrisy of the town's leadership rings true, unfortunately, while the friendship that develops among the boys, along with the teenage rebelliousness as they grow, feels natural. I really wanted to find out how things turned out for them.
There were a few things that made me lower my rating. I felt that there wasn't quite enough explanation for why Loretta was so quick to accept the rules, and why she was so devoted to Sue Ellen to the detriment of her marriage and her son. After a fairly long build up, the climax felt rushed, with key details left unexplained. Finally, there were a few mistakes in word choice, at least one of which made me laugh. When Sue Ellen gets upset about finding a wrinkle on her forehead, she wanted to hide it with makeup, but she definitely would NOT have used mascara to do so!
All in all, a fun read, but some parts could have been less detailed, while others should have been much more complete.
There were a few things that made me lower my rating. I felt that there wasn't quite enough explanation for why Loretta was so quick to accept the rules, and why she was so devoted to Sue Ellen to the detriment of her marriage and her son. After a fairly long build up, the climax felt rushed, with key details left unexplained. Finally, there were a few mistakes in word choice, at least one of which made me laugh. When Sue Ellen gets upset about finding a wrinkle on her forehead, she wanted to hide it with makeup, but she definitely would NOT have used mascara to do so!
All in all, a fun read, but some parts could have been less detailed, while others should have been much more complete.
December 31, 2025
This is a sharp, unsettling thriller that taps into the universal anxiety of suburban conformity and the dark secrets that can fester beneath a picture-perfect facade. The story follows the Casey family as they move to the affluent, seemingly idyllic town of Ridgeport, Illinois, in search of a better life. Their welcome packet includes a sinister manual: Ridgeport Welcomes You: Procedures and Guidelines for Happy Living, a book of strict rules and ordinances that citizens must follow.
While mother Loretta Casey is wary, she becomes enthralled by her charismatic neighbor, Sue Ellen Norris, a key member of the powerful Neighborhood Watch Committee that oversees the town's safety. Loretta's immersion into this controlled world is contrasted by the experiences of the children. As Loretta's son Scott and Sue Ellen's son Matt grow up, they discover that Ridgeport is far from perfect. Their formation of a friend group and explorations into the "neighborhood woods" reveal that this sanctioned refuge holds terrifying truths about the community their mothers are so desperate to preserve.
While mother Loretta Casey is wary, she becomes enthralled by her charismatic neighbor, Sue Ellen Norris, a key member of the powerful Neighborhood Watch Committee that oversees the town's safety. Loretta's immersion into this controlled world is contrasted by the experiences of the children. As Loretta's son Scott and Sue Ellen's son Matt grow up, they discover that Ridgeport is far from perfect. Their formation of a friend group and explorations into the "neighborhood woods" reveal that this sanctioned refuge holds terrifying truths about the community their mothers are so desperate to preserve.
February 13, 2023
It is not what it seems, but much more and then some!
I am no stranger to long books; in fact, I love the creativity an author gets to show off. This book is also one such narrative. A story about a quiet neighborhood that is not what it seems. In US a good neighborhood is known by its accessibility to highways but not too close to it. Mature trees lining the streets with kids being able to lay outside is always a plus. This story is about such a place which you might believe is great to raise your kids in.
But not so fast as the plot thickens and thriller elements make their way creepily and slowly.
As with any book that has a word count of more than 100K, this one is long and has lot of slow burn type feel. I am always a fan of such writing style. A story should have detailed account with enough background to make you understand the depth of the plot. The author has done a great job of that.
Could it have been smaller? Sure.
But hey, it was worth the time.
I am no stranger to long books; in fact, I love the creativity an author gets to show off. This book is also one such narrative. A story about a quiet neighborhood that is not what it seems. In US a good neighborhood is known by its accessibility to highways but not too close to it. Mature trees lining the streets with kids being able to lay outside is always a plus. This story is about such a place which you might believe is great to raise your kids in.
But not so fast as the plot thickens and thriller elements make their way creepily and slowly.
As with any book that has a word count of more than 100K, this one is long and has lot of slow burn type feel. I am always a fan of such writing style. A story should have detailed account with enough background to make you understand the depth of the plot. The author has done a great job of that.
Could it have been smaller? Sure.
But hey, it was worth the time.
July 27, 2023
"Neighborhood Watch" is a captivating thriller that explores the dark side of suburban conformity and the hidden dangers of blind trust. Kevin Kenealy masterfully builds suspense and tension as he unravels the secrets of Ridgeport, a seemingly idyllic town with a sinister agenda. The characters are well-developed and realistic, especially the contrasting mothers Loretta and Sue Ellen, who represent different responses to Ridgeport's oppressive rules. The book also offers a coming-of-age story for Scott and Matt, who gradually discover the truth about their town and their own identities. The book is full of twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the end. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with complex characters and a chilling atmosphere, you will love "Neighborhood Watch". It's a must-read for fans of the genre.
August 16, 2022
Neighborhood Watch by Kevin Patrick Kenealy is a thoroughly entertaining and suspenseful new read that'll keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last page!
I loved reading this book because it had so many dark and delicious twists and turns that it kept me guessing the entire time. the writing was good and flowed very smoothly throughout the book making it a surprisingly quick read (especially given the length of the novel.) The characterization was good too and very well developed and I was able to relate to almost all the characters, primary and secondary alike.
I'd strongly recommend this book to all suspense and thriller fiction fans as it has a lot to offer to its readers.
_______________________
You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com
I loved reading this book because it had so many dark and delicious twists and turns that it kept me guessing the entire time. the writing was good and flowed very smoothly throughout the book making it a surprisingly quick read (especially given the length of the novel.) The characterization was good too and very well developed and I was able to relate to almost all the characters, primary and secondary alike.
I'd strongly recommend this book to all suspense and thriller fiction fans as it has a lot to offer to its readers.
_______________________
You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com
August 14, 2022
The story is about a town, called Ridgeport in Illinois. It is trying to be the safest town in America.
But it is a town with dark secrets., insane rules and regulations. Loretta Casey and neighbor Sue Ellen Norris are in a toxic relationship. They are parents in disfunctional families. People go missing.
I think the book drags on and could have moved along faster. Too much unnecessary information also. I also found some sentences had the person mixed up. I had to go back and read the prior sentence again to make sure.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
But it is a town with dark secrets., insane rules and regulations. Loretta Casey and neighbor Sue Ellen Norris are in a toxic relationship. They are parents in disfunctional families. People go missing.
I think the book drags on and could have moved along faster. Too much unnecessary information also. I also found some sentences had the person mixed up. I had to go back and read the prior sentence again to make sure.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
October 24, 2022
The writing seemed rudimentary and stilted which definitely detracted from the overall story. There was a lot of rambling and strange details that really had nothing to do with anything.
The plot was fantastic and I found it extremely intriguing up until the end... When we descended into the underground science lab, I checked out. That was just a bit too much and didn't really fit the vibe of the rest of the story. Finding dead bodies would have been the right touch in my opinion. I enjoyed the thrill of the book enough that I finished it but I think the lack of editing really hurt this awesome story idea.
The plot was fantastic and I found it extremely intriguing up until the end... When we descended into the underground science lab, I checked out. That was just a bit too much and didn't really fit the vibe of the rest of the story. Finding dead bodies would have been the right touch in my opinion. I enjoyed the thrill of the book enough that I finished it but I think the lack of editing really hurt this awesome story idea.
March 11, 2024
2.5 stars. Full transparency, I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I wanted to like it. It had good bones and a cool storyline was there. I liked the twists. There was just ALOT of information that could have been left out in order to keep the story moving. I got bogged down by all the details and unnecessary characters. It was supposed to be a small town vibe, but my town has roughly 9k people (this had 15k) and I still don't know everyone as well as is suggested in this book. Some editing mistakes with names and details. Some weird parent/child relationships. The ending felt incredibly rushed. That's all. Could be worse, but could also be better.
May 18, 2023
A Unique Spin
This is a strangle book but you will get sucked in as I did. I’m a sucker for quirky little towns with dark se rets, and this one is a doozy! No spoilers! It’s a little slow in the first chapter but that’s background you’ll need for later. This is going to knock your socks off
This is a strangle book but you will get sucked in as I did. I’m a sucker for quirky little towns with dark se rets, and this one is a doozy! No spoilers! It’s a little slow in the first chapter but that’s background you’ll need for later. This is going to knock your socks off
November 5, 2023
A must watch! I mean read!
Neighborhood watch is a great read full of twists and turns, different life situations and all around thriller! It was suspenseful, engaging, and ultimately left you trusting NO ONE! Wow! Although there were slower points, I still give it a 5 star because it was so unique and real at the same time!
Neighborhood watch is a great read full of twists and turns, different life situations and all around thriller! It was suspenseful, engaging, and ultimately left you trusting NO ONE! Wow! Although there were slower points, I still give it a 5 star because it was so unique and real at the same time!
January 3, 2023
Misguided Loyalties,
Obeying the rules, keeping secrets, and misguided loyalties, the price you pay is the loss of personal freedom. The storyline was long, and it took time to get into the book, but the great character-building and engaging mystery kept my attention till the end.
Obeying the rules, keeping secrets, and misguided loyalties, the price you pay is the loss of personal freedom. The storyline was long, and it took time to get into the book, but the great character-building and engaging mystery kept my attention till the end.
March 22, 2023
great plot
The buildup was great! The beginning of the story painted a picture that led to an unexpected ending! It covered many years of a community’s deterioration that can be symbolic of many things that are happening today!
The buildup was great! The beginning of the story painted a picture that led to an unexpected ending! It covered many years of a community’s deterioration that can be symbolic of many things that are happening today!
May 13, 2023
Has. Potential
Have you ever been to a movie that is just to long. You lose interest. I will echo many of the other reviews and say this has the makings of a great book but needs a good editing job. 4 stars for the effort. Keep working and use the feedback to make improvements.
Have you ever been to a movie that is just to long. You lose interest. I will echo many of the other reviews and say this has the makings of a great book but needs a good editing job. 4 stars for the effort. Keep working and use the feedback to make improvements.
December 5, 2022
Won this in a giveaway! Not my favorite. Definitely could have been condensed a bit. The twist at the end didn't do it for me.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2023
The cluttered info-dumps, hackneyed dialog and cliche characters, along with a clumsy writing style made this a hard book to finish.
September 16, 2023
Just dreadful
November 17, 2023
Really strange book. I did not like the writing style of the author. Sometimes confusing. Glad I finally finished it!!
January 14, 2024
This is a really well written book. At times it is a little slow but the plot is unique. The characters are fun and the plot has some fun twists.
December 29, 2022
I found many errors while reading the book with the wrong name being used. This added to my feeling about some of the plot being rushed. A lot of things weren’t really explained and overall wasn’t believable.
September 10, 2022
I am so glad I won this book in a giveaway. This book takes neighborhood watch to a whole new level.
December 20, 2023
As someone who grew up in Orland Park, I had to read this book. I saw it at the local library when I was visiting and put it on my to-read list. It was a good spooky book! I really liked the info dumping at the start of the book but I think that's just how my brain works. It was a really slow to start book but I thought it kind of worked for the book. Kind of like everything seems normal-ish, but then things start to just seem a little off, and then a little more off... The ending did throw me for a loop and I am not sure in a 100% good way but I would read another book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews