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The Neighbors We Want
This psychological page-turner, perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn, explores how far couples will go to keep their marriage intact—unless their secrets tear it apart first.
Adam is having a hard time adjusting to the stay-at-home-dad life. The sleepless nights and the constant diaper changing are not what he expected after he was abruptly fired from his job. Then again, Adam wasn’t prepared for his relationship with his wife Sarah to slowly come apart at the seams either. One thing, however, keeps him going—his growing obsession with his neighbor, Ali.
But one night, something changes. While staying up with his baby, instead of seeing Ali in the window across the way, he sees her ex-boyfriend, Crispin, lurking around her house before disappearing within. When Adam hears that Ali doesn’t show up for work the next day, and she doesn’t seem to be home, he fears the worst—that she’s been abducted, or possibly killed. His search for the truth will lead Adam on a path filled with deceit and lies.
Adam knows the answers are lurking somewhere in the shadows of his small suburban town—the trouble is, the truth is hard to find when everyone has something to hide.
Adam is having a hard time adjusting to the stay-at-home-dad life. The sleepless nights and the constant diaper changing are not what he expected after he was abruptly fired from his job. Then again, Adam wasn’t prepared for his relationship with his wife Sarah to slowly come apart at the seams either. One thing, however, keeps him going—his growing obsession with his neighbor, Ali.
But one night, something changes. While staying up with his baby, instead of seeing Ali in the window across the way, he sees her ex-boyfriend, Crispin, lurking around her house before disappearing within. When Adam hears that Ali doesn’t show up for work the next day, and she doesn’t seem to be home, he fears the worst—that she’s been abducted, or possibly killed. His search for the truth will lead Adam on a path filled with deceit and lies.
Adam knows the answers are lurking somewhere in the shadows of his small suburban town—the trouble is, the truth is hard to find when everyone has something to hide.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2023
32 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Timothy S. Lane
2 books30 followersTim Lane’s words have appeared in The Los Angeles Review, Emerald City, X-R-A-Y, BULL, and Monkey Bicycle among others. He lives in Portland, Oregon where he has been a Writer in the Schools for Literary Arts. These days, he is a stay-at-home father for two boys. His novel, Rules for Becoming a Legend, is out now from Viking Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
April 7, 2023
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK my reviews are ALWAYS honest.
3.5 rounded down
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
SYNOPSIS
Everyone in this neighborhood is fked up.
MY OPINION
Yes, I rated this 4 stars, but would I recommend it? Not really LOL. First of all, this is NOT a thriller. It's barely a mystery. This is some kind of fked up domestic drama with a lil sprinkle of what's happening here????
This is classic "quirky male writing." I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek observations about liberals and their lawn signs. He said what he said and he wasn't wrong. I don't read a lot of male-authored books, in fact, I often go out of my way to avoid them, because they either 1) John Wick a totally normal mystery 2) write women like they're just flesh and orifices to be entered 3) write characters that are mad at the world for god knows what reason and think being an asshole is humorous. Timothy S. Lane somehow avoids all of these, in fact, I think he did a spectacular job describing postpartum struggles from breastfeeding to feeling like your body isn't yours. Not that I can relate, but from what I've heard from other mothers/read in books authored by women, this sounded pretty on-point.
I hated Adam. Shocker. It's rare I find a male character that I like, and my search continues. I'm not sure if we were supposed to empathize with Adam, but I wanted to beef tf outta him. He really is playing the world's smallest violin and loves a good ole self-sabotage. The whole window thing with Ali was absolutely disgusting (ok – this entire section is definitely male authored vibes, even when Ali explains her side you're like.... sure, Jan). He reminds me of that quote from Brooklyn 99: "well, well, well, if it isn't the consequences of my won actions." I double dawg dare him to take responsibility for being fiendishly horny to the point where it ruins his own life.
Tbh, none of the characters were likeable. Sarah is really on some shit, and that whole first scene with Kemp aka Crispin (what kind of name is this??? sounds like a type of low-calorie chip) was 1) classic male author and 2) ??????. Ok random sidetrack but I think I hate male authored books because the way they describe sex makes it seem like they're all sexual deviants and I just don't wanna know. Just pretend to be normal PLEASE. Anyways... Crispin was a freakazoid and we never really get an answer as to why. He's just on some shit and has way too much money. And then there's his mom... the classic Tiger Mom but plot twist! she's NOT Asian. I liked how her pov was written – sorta breaking the third wall. This is difficult to execute (usually comes off sounding "dear diary") but he did it properly so props.
I did see some reviews saying that Ali's pov made readers uncomfy given that she's African American and the author is most certainly not. I can see their point, but from black-authored books I've read, I would say he was pretty dead on with Ali's observations and feelings. It didn't make me feel uncomfy and I'm easily spooked when it comes to white people writing BIPOC povs... but to each their own and I can certainly respect the opinion of other readers.
Anyways. Like I said, I wouldn't recommend this to everyone... I'm not even sure who this is for. Me and my strange ass brain I guess. The prose was different and I liked his introspectiveness about political posturing but this isn't "perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn" like the blurb says. Ya'll gotta stop with these types of marketing blurbs... you aren't fooling anyone and tbh lots of people will dock stars solely based on being promised Flynn and ending up with whatever tf this is 😂
PROS AND CONS
Pros: unique prose, great insights of political posturing, motherhood, and race, distinct povs (not everyone sounded the same)
Cons: not a thriller... not even sure what to classify this as, everyone was punchable (even baby Maddie was painted a bad guy 😂), ending was unrealistic let's be fking for real
_____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
3.5 rounded down
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
SYNOPSIS
Everyone in this neighborhood is fked up.
MY OPINION
Yes, I rated this 4 stars, but would I recommend it? Not really LOL. First of all, this is NOT a thriller. It's barely a mystery. This is some kind of fked up domestic drama with a lil sprinkle of what's happening here????
This is classic "quirky male writing." I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek observations about liberals and their lawn signs. He said what he said and he wasn't wrong. I don't read a lot of male-authored books, in fact, I often go out of my way to avoid them, because they either 1) John Wick a totally normal mystery 2) write women like they're just flesh and orifices to be entered 3) write characters that are mad at the world for god knows what reason and think being an asshole is humorous. Timothy S. Lane somehow avoids all of these, in fact, I think he did a spectacular job describing postpartum struggles from breastfeeding to feeling like your body isn't yours. Not that I can relate, but from what I've heard from other mothers/read in books authored by women, this sounded pretty on-point.
I hated Adam. Shocker. It's rare I find a male character that I like, and my search continues. I'm not sure if we were supposed to empathize with Adam, but I wanted to beef tf outta him. He really is playing the world's smallest violin and loves a good ole self-sabotage. The whole window thing with Ali was absolutely disgusting (ok – this entire section is definitely male authored vibes, even when Ali explains her side you're like.... sure, Jan). He reminds me of that quote from Brooklyn 99: "well, well, well, if it isn't the consequences of my won actions." I double dawg dare him to take responsibility for being fiendishly horny to the point where it ruins his own life.
Tbh, none of the characters were likeable. Sarah is really on some shit, and that whole first scene with Kemp aka Crispin (what kind of name is this??? sounds like a type of low-calorie chip) was 1) classic male author and 2) ??????. Ok random sidetrack but I think I hate male authored books because the way they describe sex makes it seem like they're all sexual deviants and I just don't wanna know. Just pretend to be normal PLEASE. Anyways... Crispin was a freakazoid and we never really get an answer as to why. He's just on some shit and has way too much money. And then there's his mom... the classic Tiger Mom but plot twist! she's NOT Asian. I liked how her pov was written – sorta breaking the third wall. This is difficult to execute (usually comes off sounding "dear diary") but he did it properly so props.
I did see some reviews saying that Ali's pov made readers uncomfy given that she's African American and the author is most certainly not. I can see their point, but from black-authored books I've read, I would say he was pretty dead on with Ali's observations and feelings. It didn't make me feel uncomfy and I'm easily spooked when it comes to white people writing BIPOC povs... but to each their own and I can certainly respect the opinion of other readers.
Anyways. Like I said, I wouldn't recommend this to everyone... I'm not even sure who this is for. Me and my strange ass brain I guess. The prose was different and I liked his introspectiveness about political posturing but this isn't "perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn" like the blurb says. Ya'll gotta stop with these types of marketing blurbs... you aren't fooling anyone and tbh lots of people will dock stars solely based on being promised Flynn and ending up with whatever tf this is 😂
PROS AND CONS
Pros: unique prose, great insights of political posturing, motherhood, and race, distinct povs (not everyone sounded the same)
Cons: not a thriller... not even sure what to classify this as, everyone was punchable (even baby Maddie was painted a bad guy 😂), ending was unrealistic let's be fking for real
_____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
October 16, 2023
Adam once had the kind of job other men envied, but ever since he took on the role of raising his daughter, Maddie, life has been anything but easy. Between 3 A.M. feedings and incessant dirty diapers, his life most definitely no longer feels like his own. But then, he and his wife, Sarah, have no real choice in the matter anymore after he was so unceremoniously fired from his job.
Ever since Maddie was born, in fact, his work life is hardly the only thing to come under fire. With a marriage that seems to be falling apart more every day and bills that are just barely getting paid, Adam’s only real joy is his neighbor, Ali, who lives across the street. Bewitching and so very hypnotic, he has well and truly become obsessed. One night, however, while doing his typical middle of the night baby watch, Adam sees her ex skulking about outside before walking straight into her house. What is he doing there? And why is he behaving so strangely?
The next morning when Adam hears that Ali hasn’t shown up at work, his often overactive brain begins to think the worst. Surely her ex has something to do with her disappearance. Could she be kidnapped or—even worse—murdered? As he hunts for the truth, Adam encounters one lie after another, but nothing will stop him from getting to the bottom of everything. After all, if something truly awful has happened like he suspects, who else, besides him, will uncover what really happened to Ali?
I’m not sure what I just read. Outside of some very real flaws that ran alongside a mostly enjoyable plot, The Neighbors We Want was, quite simply, fairly odd and altogether weird. I’ll try to explain to the best of my ability, but let’s start with the positives first, shall we?
The biggest selling point in this book were easily the characters. While not likeable in the least, I had no trouble seeing how each of them ended up in the difficulties they found themselves in. Out of a cast of truly bizarre individuals, stay-at-home-dad Adam was probably one of the most well-written unreliable narrators that I’ve read. So bravo, Mr. Lane, you hit the nail on the head with that one.
Next up was how realistic yet also totally over-the-top said characters’ reactions were. There is no getting around that this book had a definite dip toward exaggeration, but at the same time, I could easily see how the tit-for-tat in a marriage could lead to such circumstances. Would I stay in one such relationship? Heck no, but it made for great reading to be sure.
As for the genre, this was no thriller, in my opinion. More along the lines of domestic suspense, I guess, although even that doesn’t quite fit the bill as there was ultimately very little mystery, all said and done. As for my biggest pet peeve, it was undeniably the rather confusing plot. With no clear timeline, multiple POVs, and a definite lack of cohesion within the storyline, I found myself lost more than once.
Following up a close second was how unbelievably uncomfortable it all made me feel. Specifically the excessive and rather disturbing sexual encounters. Part of me wondered if this was, in fact, how men see the world. Either that or it’s purely down to something I’ve seen before: male authors trying to be offbeat. You know the kind—pushing the limits beyond where they really should go. Sigh. Perhaps I just wasn’t the right audience for this kind of story.
All in all, however, once I got beyond my mild aversion, it was a mostly easy read that I breezed through pretty darn quick. At only just over 260 pages, it may have been better thinned down to a much shorter novella. After all, when push came to shove, the plot just wasn’t all that complex. Just the same, I had fun digging into something so, well, strange and I look forward to whatever Lane comes up with next. Do I recommend it? Now that’s quite the quandary as I’m not really sure. If you’re intrigued, give it a try. Just be aware that there will most likely be moments where you’ll be thoroughly uncomfortable given the overarching background of the plot. Ultimately, if that doesn’t give you pause, I think I give it a hesitant thumbs up. Rating of 3 stars.
Thank you to Tim Lane and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: postpartum depression, peeping Tom, infidelity, intrusive thoughts, drug use, stalking, house fire, mention of: fertility problems, drug overdose
Ever since Maddie was born, in fact, his work life is hardly the only thing to come under fire. With a marriage that seems to be falling apart more every day and bills that are just barely getting paid, Adam’s only real joy is his neighbor, Ali, who lives across the street. Bewitching and so very hypnotic, he has well and truly become obsessed. One night, however, while doing his typical middle of the night baby watch, Adam sees her ex skulking about outside before walking straight into her house. What is he doing there? And why is he behaving so strangely?
The next morning when Adam hears that Ali hasn’t shown up at work, his often overactive brain begins to think the worst. Surely her ex has something to do with her disappearance. Could she be kidnapped or—even worse—murdered? As he hunts for the truth, Adam encounters one lie after another, but nothing will stop him from getting to the bottom of everything. After all, if something truly awful has happened like he suspects, who else, besides him, will uncover what really happened to Ali?
I’m not sure what I just read. Outside of some very real flaws that ran alongside a mostly enjoyable plot, The Neighbors We Want was, quite simply, fairly odd and altogether weird. I’ll try to explain to the best of my ability, but let’s start with the positives first, shall we?
The biggest selling point in this book were easily the characters. While not likeable in the least, I had no trouble seeing how each of them ended up in the difficulties they found themselves in. Out of a cast of truly bizarre individuals, stay-at-home-dad Adam was probably one of the most well-written unreliable narrators that I’ve read. So bravo, Mr. Lane, you hit the nail on the head with that one.
Next up was how realistic yet also totally over-the-top said characters’ reactions were. There is no getting around that this book had a definite dip toward exaggeration, but at the same time, I could easily see how the tit-for-tat in a marriage could lead to such circumstances. Would I stay in one such relationship? Heck no, but it made for great reading to be sure.
As for the genre, this was no thriller, in my opinion. More along the lines of domestic suspense, I guess, although even that doesn’t quite fit the bill as there was ultimately very little mystery, all said and done. As for my biggest pet peeve, it was undeniably the rather confusing plot. With no clear timeline, multiple POVs, and a definite lack of cohesion within the storyline, I found myself lost more than once.
Following up a close second was how unbelievably uncomfortable it all made me feel. Specifically the excessive and rather disturbing sexual encounters. Part of me wondered if this was, in fact, how men see the world. Either that or it’s purely down to something I’ve seen before: male authors trying to be offbeat. You know the kind—pushing the limits beyond where they really should go. Sigh. Perhaps I just wasn’t the right audience for this kind of story.
All in all, however, once I got beyond my mild aversion, it was a mostly easy read that I breezed through pretty darn quick. At only just over 260 pages, it may have been better thinned down to a much shorter novella. After all, when push came to shove, the plot just wasn’t all that complex. Just the same, I had fun digging into something so, well, strange and I look forward to whatever Lane comes up with next. Do I recommend it? Now that’s quite the quandary as I’m not really sure. If you’re intrigued, give it a try. Just be aware that there will most likely be moments where you’ll be thoroughly uncomfortable given the overarching background of the plot. Ultimately, if that doesn’t give you pause, I think I give it a hesitant thumbs up. Rating of 3 stars.
Thank you to Tim Lane and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: postpartum depression, peeping Tom, infidelity, intrusive thoughts, drug use, stalking, house fire, mention of: fertility problems, drug overdose
August 19, 2023
Getting straight to the point with this one - there were some elements of a good story in this BUT I could not bring myself to like any of the characters in this book. The plot is based on a multiple, weird and intersecting relationships that were hard to believe. A husband and wife, Adam and Sarah, having secret affair/liaisons with a younger couple one of whom is their neighbour, Ali, and the other who is the son, Kemp, of the strange principal, Evie, at the school in which Sarah is a teacher.
The story is told from the perspective of each of these quite selfish and unlikeable characters. In the midst of this is a baby, Maddie, for whom Adam is a resentful stay at home Dad, who has been fired after getting caught masturbating in his office at work.
I could go on, but I won't. Being a middle aged working mother, I am probably in the wrong demographic for this book and others may quite enjoy it. I, however, am unable to recommend the book.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
The story is told from the perspective of each of these quite selfish and unlikeable characters. In the midst of this is a baby, Maddie, for whom Adam is a resentful stay at home Dad, who has been fired after getting caught masturbating in his office at work.
I could go on, but I won't. Being a middle aged working mother, I am probably in the wrong demographic for this book and others may quite enjoy it. I, however, am unable to recommend the book.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
April 28, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: September 5, 2023
New father, Adam, lost his job unexpectedly and is now struggling to adapt to his life as a stay-at-home Dad. Not only that but his wife, Sarah, has changed since the baby and the two of them are quickly losing what they once had. Desperate for something, anything, to change up the doldrums of Adam’s life, he catches a glimpse of his new neighbour, Ali, in the window and after she performs a quick striptease, he finds a new obsession. Until the night he looks for Ali and finds Kemp, Ali’s extremely obsessive and overly creepy ex-boyfriend, stalking outside Ali’s house. And then Ali disappears……..
Timothy S. Lane’s second novel, “The Neighbours We Want” is a psychological fiction novel that focuses on obsession; obsession with sex, obsession with possession, and, of course, obsession with power. Sarah, Adam, Ali and Kemp are all obsessed with something, and their interconnected relationship is so twisted you can’t help but keep reading.
All four characters play a narrative role, with each chapter being told by one of the four neighbours. There are also a few chapters told by Kemp’s mother, who also happens to be Sarah’s principal. Still with me? If you can keep up with who the characters are, who they’re married to, who they’re sleeping with (not necessarily one and the same) and what their motivations are, then this book is worth sticking around for. The plot is right up there with a soap opera storyline (or a soft-core porn, but with limited sex) so it’s chock full of drama and intrigue and will keep you engaged.
I did not connect to any of the characters but I felt invested enough in them to continue reading to see how their storylines played out. Lane reveals the plot slowly, teasingly almost, pulling the reader along for a guessing-game of a thrill ride. The ending is exactly as expected and I was happy about it, as no questions had been left unanswered.
Lane is a new author to me, as I have not yet read his debut novel, “Rules for Becoming a Legend”, but I’m interested enough to keep my ear to the ground for any of his future works.
Expected publication date: September 5, 2023
New father, Adam, lost his job unexpectedly and is now struggling to adapt to his life as a stay-at-home Dad. Not only that but his wife, Sarah, has changed since the baby and the two of them are quickly losing what they once had. Desperate for something, anything, to change up the doldrums of Adam’s life, he catches a glimpse of his new neighbour, Ali, in the window and after she performs a quick striptease, he finds a new obsession. Until the night he looks for Ali and finds Kemp, Ali’s extremely obsessive and overly creepy ex-boyfriend, stalking outside Ali’s house. And then Ali disappears……..
Timothy S. Lane’s second novel, “The Neighbours We Want” is a psychological fiction novel that focuses on obsession; obsession with sex, obsession with possession, and, of course, obsession with power. Sarah, Adam, Ali and Kemp are all obsessed with something, and their interconnected relationship is so twisted you can’t help but keep reading.
All four characters play a narrative role, with each chapter being told by one of the four neighbours. There are also a few chapters told by Kemp’s mother, who also happens to be Sarah’s principal. Still with me? If you can keep up with who the characters are, who they’re married to, who they’re sleeping with (not necessarily one and the same) and what their motivations are, then this book is worth sticking around for. The plot is right up there with a soap opera storyline (or a soft-core porn, but with limited sex) so it’s chock full of drama and intrigue and will keep you engaged.
I did not connect to any of the characters but I felt invested enough in them to continue reading to see how their storylines played out. Lane reveals the plot slowly, teasingly almost, pulling the reader along for a guessing-game of a thrill ride. The ending is exactly as expected and I was happy about it, as no questions had been left unanswered.
Lane is a new author to me, as I have not yet read his debut novel, “Rules for Becoming a Legend”, but I’m interested enough to keep my ear to the ground for any of his future works.
May 31, 2023
Ohhh how I hate to write reviews for books that I didn’t like. I’m usually good at picking out books that I know I’ll enjoy, but I struck out on this one. This is your typical neighborhood thriller, though I must say, there wasn’t much thrill. It took me a few days to get through, because I just wasn’t compelled to keep picking it up.
Adam is the father of infant daughter, Maddie, and the husband of Sarah - a teacher struggling with being a working mom. Adam stays at home with their child and pervs on the young girl across the street. Neither of them seem to be in love with their daughter, and their marriage is a disaster.
Ali is the younger woman who lives across the street from Adam and Sarah. She always undresses in front of him, as he looks into her window. She was dating our next character until things went south…
Kemp, also known as Crispin for no good reason, is Ali’s ex-boyfriend. One night while doing his peeping Tom act, Adam sees Kemp urinate on her house and gets even more possessive of Ali. Kemp also is having an affair with Sarah, Adam’s wife.
Then we have Evie - Sarah’s boss, and Crispin’s mom. She’s the principal of the school that Sarah works at, and aside from that, she really doesn’t need to be in the book.
That’s it. That’s the book - finding out about these boring people and how their lives work when affairs are happening left and right. The characters were all quite pedestrian, there really wasn’t much of a plot, and I guess the ending was fine, but none of it ever came together for me.
This felt like it took ages to get through, because I felt nothing for these people and their lives. There wasn’t really a big thrill, there weren’t any big twists, and it all felt rather random and washed out. Overall, this one just wasn’t for me. 2.5 stars.
(Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Timothy S. Lane, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on September 5, 2023.)
Adam is the father of infant daughter, Maddie, and the husband of Sarah - a teacher struggling with being a working mom. Adam stays at home with their child and pervs on the young girl across the street. Neither of them seem to be in love with their daughter, and their marriage is a disaster.
Ali is the younger woman who lives across the street from Adam and Sarah. She always undresses in front of him, as he looks into her window. She was dating our next character until things went south…
Kemp, also known as Crispin for no good reason, is Ali’s ex-boyfriend. One night while doing his peeping Tom act, Adam sees Kemp urinate on her house and gets even more possessive of Ali. Kemp also is having an affair with Sarah, Adam’s wife.
Then we have Evie - Sarah’s boss, and Crispin’s mom. She’s the principal of the school that Sarah works at, and aside from that, she really doesn’t need to be in the book.
That’s it. That’s the book - finding out about these boring people and how their lives work when affairs are happening left and right. The characters were all quite pedestrian, there really wasn’t much of a plot, and I guess the ending was fine, but none of it ever came together for me.
This felt like it took ages to get through, because I felt nothing for these people and their lives. There wasn’t really a big thrill, there weren’t any big twists, and it all felt rather random and washed out. Overall, this one just wasn’t for me. 2.5 stars.
(Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Timothy S. Lane, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on September 5, 2023.)
April 9, 2023
I really liked this book and read it over a period of a few hours. It was, as others have said, a little weird, but I like weird! I also would consider it more domestic suspense than thriller. I also thought the synopsis didn’t accurately tell me what the book was about (all the way down to describing them as living in a small suburban town when it appears they were actually in Portland, OR). The story centers on Adam and Sarah who have recently had a baby and feel like they are losing themselves and each other through the big changes to their family. Sue to this, they both so stupid things related to the neighbor across the street and Sarah’s boss’ son; these storylines converge.
I thought the characters were well written and, though they made bad decisions and often treated each other horribly, I felt that I could at least understand where they were coming from. I wouldn’t say I LIKED any of these characters but I do feel like I GOT them. I thought the ending of the book was satisfying and an appropriate way to tie everything that happened together.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read eBay may be a letdown if you are looking for a thriller, but is very satisfying as a domestic suspense. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the characters were well written and, though they made bad decisions and often treated each other horribly, I felt that I could at least understand where they were coming from. I wouldn’t say I LIKED any of these characters but I do feel like I GOT them. I thought the ending of the book was satisfying and an appropriate way to tie everything that happened together.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read eBay may be a letdown if you are looking for a thriller, but is very satisfying as a domestic suspense. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2023
Nope. Just nope.
I thought this would be a fun and entertaining suspense or domestic thriller – kind of Rear Window-like. Instead it’s just…oddly racist people who can’t control their hormones.
These people are awful. Not in a fun, scandalous way, but in a very much no thank you kind of way.
I semi-liked one character, Ali, but she’s also the least developed of all characters. I mean her main characteristic seems to be that she’s Black and “big-boned”.
Adam is whiny, irritating, and weirdly desperate.
Sarah is whiny, irritating, and (here we go again) weirdly desperate.
Crispin is oddly one-dimensional for someone who clearly has issues. But don’t worry, he’s also whiny, irritating, and weirdly desperate.
And Crispin’s mother (whose name I can’t remember) is just weird. Whiny, irritating, and weirdly desperate and I really didn’t understand the whole relationship with Sarah.
I wanted to kill everyone but Ali – and I only didn’t want to kill her because she was surprisingly a non-entity.
Most definitely not for me.
• ARC via Publisher
I thought this would be a fun and entertaining suspense or domestic thriller – kind of Rear Window-like. Instead it’s just…oddly racist people who can’t control their hormones.
These people are awful. Not in a fun, scandalous way, but in a very much no thank you kind of way.
I semi-liked one character, Ali, but she’s also the least developed of all characters. I mean her main characteristic seems to be that she’s Black and “big-boned”.
Adam is whiny, irritating, and weirdly desperate.
Sarah is whiny, irritating, and (here we go again) weirdly desperate.
Crispin is oddly one-dimensional for someone who clearly has issues. But don’t worry, he’s also whiny, irritating, and weirdly desperate.
And Crispin’s mother (whose name I can’t remember) is just weird. Whiny, irritating, and weirdly desperate and I really didn’t understand the whole relationship with Sarah.
I wanted to kill everyone but Ali – and I only didn’t want to kill her because she was surprisingly a non-entity.
Most definitely not for me.
• ARC via Publisher
July 2, 2024
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book from the perspective of a stay at home dad, so this was fun! The plot was twisty and turny and the characters were easy to love or hate right away. Overall, not a home run, but an enjoyable read!
November 14, 2023
Review coming soon.
March 3, 2023
A small community/neighborhood thriller to keep you guessing!
Adam is a stay at home dad who spies something across the street that makes him weary. He is unsure whether to share this with his wife, as he was recently caught doing things he knew he should not be doing. Adam's wife Sarah is struggling with her job as a teacher and the quiet obsession of her principal. The Principal is obsessed with many things, including her badboy son. Her reports on him in a police questioning are scattered through the book, lending a tension that grows as you read closer to the end. If you like a neighborhood thriller, a domestic tale of doom or just are wondering about the neighbors, The Neighbors We Want is for you!
#TheNeighborsWeWant #TimLane #CrookedLaneBooks
Adam is a stay at home dad who spies something across the street that makes him weary. He is unsure whether to share this with his wife, as he was recently caught doing things he knew he should not be doing. Adam's wife Sarah is struggling with her job as a teacher and the quiet obsession of her principal. The Principal is obsessed with many things, including her badboy son. Her reports on him in a police questioning are scattered through the book, lending a tension that grows as you read closer to the end. If you like a neighborhood thriller, a domestic tale of doom or just are wondering about the neighbors, The Neighbors We Want is for you!
#TheNeighborsWeWant #TimLane #CrookedLaneBooks
July 12, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
The cover of this book caught my eye off the bat.
This book had me insanely hooked from the start. I mean, how often do we have a male stay-at-home-dad main character to start with?
We meet Adam, who was fired from his last job and is currently taking over diaper duty fulltime. His relationship with his wife Sarah is also falling apart for a few reasons. But Adam has a secret... you see, he's OBSESSED with his neighbor Ali. It's that very obsession that leads to him seeing Ali's ex creeping around her house one night... and she disappears right after.
The book is full of interesting twists and a great storyline. Read it.
The cover of this book caught my eye off the bat.
This book had me insanely hooked from the start. I mean, how often do we have a male stay-at-home-dad main character to start with?
We meet Adam, who was fired from his last job and is currently taking over diaper duty fulltime. His relationship with his wife Sarah is also falling apart for a few reasons. But Adam has a secret... you see, he's OBSESSED with his neighbor Ali. It's that very obsession that leads to him seeing Ali's ex creeping around her house one night... and she disappears right after.
The book is full of interesting twists and a great storyline. Read it.
September 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was just not what I was expecting after reading the summary.
It really wasn’t a thriller at all. I didn’t care for the characters. The story itself was a bit confusing at times. Definitely not a book I enjoyed at all.
This was just not what I was expecting after reading the summary.
It really wasn’t a thriller at all. I didn’t care for the characters. The story itself was a bit confusing at times. Definitely not a book I enjoyed at all.
September 26, 2023
Not much to say. Not good. Not bad. Everyone is crazy. Kind of like real life lol
June 13, 2023
Wooooweee...there is not even a facsimile of a sane, well adjusted person within these pages. Each one is crazier than the next. And it was a delightfully delicious read. I think the blurb of the book and categorizing this as a thriller is a bit misleading, but it was still a great way to spend a few hours going down the crazy train rabbit hole with these characters.
October 4, 2023
I bought a copy of "The Neighbors We Want" because of my love for books set in Portland, Oregon, the city I live in and adore. While it is categorized as a thriller, it's not all suspense. This is one of those stories that unfolds out of order, like pieces of a puzzle gradually coming together. It carries an ominous tone throughout, and the ending packs a pretty intense punch.
So make your favorite cup of coffee and get a snack because this is a really good read!
Rather than the heart-pounding thrills I initially anticipated, I found myself immersed in a compelling narrative that skillfully captures the eccentric charm of Portland. The lush residential landscapes, nestled within a bustling creative hub and tech forest, provide a perfect canvas for the intricate lives of the characters.
Initially, the characters might appear as exaggerated portrayals of real individuals, yet the reality is that numerous Portland residents exhibit these very traits. In today's social media-driven world, I became so engrossed in the characters that I yearned for a peek into their lives via Instagram accounts, eager to witness the personas they chose to present to the world with their "curated" highlights.
First in line, we have Sarah and Adam, a once-in-love but now unhappily married couple, navigating the tumultuous waters of parenthood with their new baby, Maddie. Sarah juggles the demands of her elementary school teaching job while nursing her postpartum blues and pumping milk for their darling daughter, Maddie. Sarah also embodies the stereotype of a virtue-signaling Portlander. Outwardly, she aligns with progressive ideals, but she's not as progressive as she pretends to be.
Meet Ali, the young, insecure but outwardly “hip”, self-absorbed neighbor across the street who catches Adam's eye. As a relatively new Portland transplant, Ali is desperate to effortlessly blend into the unique and quirky cultural tapestry of Portland. Her commitment to conforming to a preconceived notion of cool, aloof, and eccentric even extends to her steadfast refusal to use umbrellas, even during the heaviest rain showers. In a city that celebrates individuality, Ali's earnest effort to fit a specific mold creates a facade.
Then there's Kemp, a conventionally attractive young man in his early 20s, not unlike Ali. He rode the wave of the most recent tech bubble to amass a fortune and hails from a privileged background. Kemp comes across as someone who was obviously coddled by his mother growing up, and as an adult, he struggles with rejection and grapples with his emotions.
Finally, there's Evie – a character who is quite overwhelming. She breaks free from the norms and follows her own path, completely unique and eccentric -and not in a good way. Her presence injects an unexpected and captivating element into the narrative, leaving you both intrigued and perhaps grateful that you're not her friend!
"The Neighbors We Want" is a delightful exploration of marital and relationship intrigue that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. The unexpected twists and turns had me eagerly turning the pages, even well into the early hours of the morning. If you're seeking a read that goes beyond the conventional thriller, "The Neighbors We Want" is a must-read. It offers a fresh perspective on a city and its inhabitants while weaving a tale of intrigue that will leave you craving more.
I hope there’s a follow up book!
So make your favorite cup of coffee and get a snack because this is a really good read!
Rather than the heart-pounding thrills I initially anticipated, I found myself immersed in a compelling narrative that skillfully captures the eccentric charm of Portland. The lush residential landscapes, nestled within a bustling creative hub and tech forest, provide a perfect canvas for the intricate lives of the characters.
Initially, the characters might appear as exaggerated portrayals of real individuals, yet the reality is that numerous Portland residents exhibit these very traits. In today's social media-driven world, I became so engrossed in the characters that I yearned for a peek into their lives via Instagram accounts, eager to witness the personas they chose to present to the world with their "curated" highlights.
First in line, we have Sarah and Adam, a once-in-love but now unhappily married couple, navigating the tumultuous waters of parenthood with their new baby, Maddie. Sarah juggles the demands of her elementary school teaching job while nursing her postpartum blues and pumping milk for their darling daughter, Maddie. Sarah also embodies the stereotype of a virtue-signaling Portlander. Outwardly, she aligns with progressive ideals, but she's not as progressive as she pretends to be.
Meet Ali, the young, insecure but outwardly “hip”, self-absorbed neighbor across the street who catches Adam's eye. As a relatively new Portland transplant, Ali is desperate to effortlessly blend into the unique and quirky cultural tapestry of Portland. Her commitment to conforming to a preconceived notion of cool, aloof, and eccentric even extends to her steadfast refusal to use umbrellas, even during the heaviest rain showers. In a city that celebrates individuality, Ali's earnest effort to fit a specific mold creates a facade.
Then there's Kemp, a conventionally attractive young man in his early 20s, not unlike Ali. He rode the wave of the most recent tech bubble to amass a fortune and hails from a privileged background. Kemp comes across as someone who was obviously coddled by his mother growing up, and as an adult, he struggles with rejection and grapples with his emotions.
Finally, there's Evie – a character who is quite overwhelming. She breaks free from the norms and follows her own path, completely unique and eccentric -and not in a good way. Her presence injects an unexpected and captivating element into the narrative, leaving you both intrigued and perhaps grateful that you're not her friend!
"The Neighbors We Want" is a delightful exploration of marital and relationship intrigue that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. The unexpected twists and turns had me eagerly turning the pages, even well into the early hours of the morning. If you're seeking a read that goes beyond the conventional thriller, "The Neighbors We Want" is a must-read. It offers a fresh perspective on a city and its inhabitants while weaving a tale of intrigue that will leave you craving more.
I hope there’s a follow up book!
May 12, 2023
You know, I saw a lot of other reviews use the same word to describe this book: weird. I’ll tell you what…I agree. It’s weird. It’s a tad on the uncomfortable side. I’m not sure which genre this really fits into due to the….strangeness of it all. The way it’s put together, the situations the characters are in, the characters themselves. It’s all just very weird and I personally wasn’t a fan. There was no cohesion, nothing for me to appreciate about a well written story. Just not for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.
August 13, 2023
I enjoyed this read but I wish that it hadn't taken so long for some thrilling to happen. The neighborhood itself was interesting as well as the people in it. I enjoyed the eclectic cast of characters The last 10% of the book was by far the most exciting.
September 1, 2023
Thanks to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for the audio Arc of #TheNeighborsWeWant by #TimLane. It was an interesting book with a lot of lies, deceit and murder. I would recommend.
https://www.instagram.com/thrillology...
https://www.instagram.com/thrillology...
October 10, 2025
The Neighbors We Want by Timothy L Lane, this is a story about Adam who was recently fired from selling windows and Sarah a teacher who recently had a baby seven month old Maddie and she may as well just be an afterthought or the couples couch. Adam is obsessed with the young Artist Ollie who lives across the street and lets him see her naked at night because he’s addicted to watching out the window to see what’s happening at her home. Her ex-boyfriend Crispin a.k.a. Kemp, he is a coder for an up-and-coming software company that is about to be taken over and soon he will be a rich man but for now he is Allie’s ex but we mainly hear about the first girl he dated a married woman with a son. when the married woman tried to break it off the cop had to be involved because as Kristen‘s mother says he loves people and is willing to put in the hard work a.k.a. stalking and oh yes he’s great! All of these people are self-absorbed selfish problematic even mom is who works at the same school Sarah but to eaves Credit she is the only one who doesn’t find solace or self-worth in having sex with someone they shouldn’t. these are the prime example of new adult who create their own problems and blame others for it. Sarah had a baby and she’s suffering from depression instead of Adam being there for her and helping her get through it he has a pity party because no one’s paying attention to Adam. Sarah had a baby and wanted to be a working mom but doesn’t like the breast-feeding room they have arranged at her school and she would never give her child formula because she would then become a sociopath like Crispin. Eve never finds fault with her son Crispin and regardless of his stalking something she considers due diligence and trying to win back his loss Love. So basically all of these people are worthless they’re ridiculous and the sad thing is unlike most thrillers I absolutely know people just like this. Although I wouldn’t call this a thriller because it’s mainly a book about horrible people having or fantasizing about having sex with someone they shouldn’t. I didn’t like this book I found it pointless at first I thought the book was going somewhere but sadly it went nowhere. I did like the way the author wrote the story if that makes sense but not what he wrote about.#TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #NetGalley,
June 25, 2023
Do any of us ever really get truly lucky with our neighbors?
My husband and I live on a col-de-sac . Our neighbors are quiet and keep to themselves and after reading this book… I have no complaints.
Tim Lane did a magical job throwing us down the rabbit hole of secrets, lies and deceit.
I started out not liking Adam. Being a stay at home dad has its perks. He has a beautiful baby and a wife yet it doesn’t seem to be enough when Adam can’t keep his eyes off his neighbor, Ali.
Then Adam witnesses Ali’s ex boyfriend lurking around her house as Ali goes missing. Adam decides to play amateur detective to find out what happened to Ali.
Adam just didn’t expect his town to be filled with so many secrets and lies…
Before I blow the cover off this book, I won’t let a spoiler slip. I highly recommend you check out the teaser below and pre-order this showstopper! I absolutely loved it!
Teaser :
Adam is having a hard time adjusting to the stay-at-home-dad life. The sleepless nights and the constant diaper changing are not what he expected after he was abruptly fired from his job. Then again, Adam wasn’t prepared for his relationship with his wife Sarah to slowly come apart at the seams either. One thing, however, keeps him going—his growing obsession with his neighbor, Ali.
But one night, something changes. While staying up with his baby, instead of seeing Ali in the window across the way, he sees her ex-boyfriend, Crispin, lurking around her house before disappearing within. When Adam hears that Ali doesn’t show up for work the next day, and she doesn’t seem to be home, he fears the worst—that she’s been abducted, or possibly killed. His search for the truth will lead Adam on a path filled with deceit and lies.
Adam knows the answers are lurking somewhere in the shadows of his small suburban town—the trouble is, the truth is hard to find when everyone has something to hide.
My husband and I live on a col-de-sac . Our neighbors are quiet and keep to themselves and after reading this book… I have no complaints.
Tim Lane did a magical job throwing us down the rabbit hole of secrets, lies and deceit.
I started out not liking Adam. Being a stay at home dad has its perks. He has a beautiful baby and a wife yet it doesn’t seem to be enough when Adam can’t keep his eyes off his neighbor, Ali.
Then Adam witnesses Ali’s ex boyfriend lurking around her house as Ali goes missing. Adam decides to play amateur detective to find out what happened to Ali.
Adam just didn’t expect his town to be filled with so many secrets and lies…
Before I blow the cover off this book, I won’t let a spoiler slip. I highly recommend you check out the teaser below and pre-order this showstopper! I absolutely loved it!
Teaser :
Adam is having a hard time adjusting to the stay-at-home-dad life. The sleepless nights and the constant diaper changing are not what he expected after he was abruptly fired from his job. Then again, Adam wasn’t prepared for his relationship with his wife Sarah to slowly come apart at the seams either. One thing, however, keeps him going—his growing obsession with his neighbor, Ali.
But one night, something changes. While staying up with his baby, instead of seeing Ali in the window across the way, he sees her ex-boyfriend, Crispin, lurking around her house before disappearing within. When Adam hears that Ali doesn’t show up for work the next day, and she doesn’t seem to be home, he fears the worst—that she’s been abducted, or possibly killed. His search for the truth will lead Adam on a path filled with deceit and lies.
Adam knows the answers are lurking somewhere in the shadows of his small suburban town—the trouble is, the truth is hard to find when everyone has something to hide.
August 20, 2023
So, there's this neighborhood, right? And man, it's got secrets—more than you'd expect. And guess what? The whole deal turns into this home detective story that's a total rollercoaster. But here's the thing, it's not one of those jaw-dropping, mind-blowing rides. Nope, it's more like a wild yet sad and real journey. Think less heart-pounding thriller, more like domestic suspense.
Picture this: you're chilling in this normal neighborhood, but bam, there's a hidden world of secrets waiting to be cracked open. The story takes you on this wild ride that keeps you hooked, even if it's not trying to blow your socks off. It's like you're right there with the characters, feeling what they feel.
Oh, and speaking of characters, they're dealing with some heavy stuff. It's not your typical shock-value drama—it's all about those raw, real emotions. You're not gonna get jump scares; you'll get a punch in the feels instead.
Now, this ain't your high-octane thriller. Nah, it's more about peeking behind the curtain of everyday life and seeing the messiness that's hidden there. Relationships get all tangled up, secrets come out, and it's not some big, flashy showdown. It's like you're in on the inside scoop of your neighbor's lives.
So, all in all, this home detective story in a secret-laden neighborhood is one heck of a ride.
Picture this: you're chilling in this normal neighborhood, but bam, there's a hidden world of secrets waiting to be cracked open. The story takes you on this wild ride that keeps you hooked, even if it's not trying to blow your socks off. It's like you're right there with the characters, feeling what they feel.
Oh, and speaking of characters, they're dealing with some heavy stuff. It's not your typical shock-value drama—it's all about those raw, real emotions. You're not gonna get jump scares; you'll get a punch in the feels instead.
Now, this ain't your high-octane thriller. Nah, it's more about peeking behind the curtain of everyday life and seeing the messiness that's hidden there. Relationships get all tangled up, secrets come out, and it's not some big, flashy showdown. It's like you're in on the inside scoop of your neighbor's lives.
So, all in all, this home detective story in a secret-laden neighborhood is one heck of a ride.
May 17, 2023
Adam has recently lost his job and now finds himself a stay at home dad for his new baby Maddie. This new role is a hard adjustment for him and not only that, he finds his relationship with his wife Sarah isn’t going well either. Sarah is having problems of her own, struggling with PPD and juggling her teaching job as well. Adam develops a relationship with his neighbor Ali across the way which starts out innocent but becomes more of an obsession. One night, Adam sees Ali’s ex-boyfriend Crispin lurking outside of her house and is alarmed and concerned when Ali turns up missing the next day. Sarah is not without her own secrets and as the story continues, neither spouse knows who they can trust or where their relationship is headed. This was a twisty read that kept me intrigued throughout the story. I really like the way Lane writes and creates these truly ruthless characters who had me hating them and their selfish ways, but also wanting to know how this story was going to play out. I gave this novel 4 stars.
August 24, 2023
A fantastic fast paced page gripping read.
Told from multiple view points, this twisty thriller is about the depths of people.
A newly appointed stay at home dad learns the hard way how stressful it is to take care of his unhappy seven month old daughter: sleepless nights, keeping house, cooking/cleaning, all while dealing with a kick to his ego for no longer being the breadwinner.
Boredom sets in, stupid behavior, spying on his young neighbor, getting caught spying, loss of trust from his spouse, and then the fun really begins.
Obsessive behavioral problems, getting caught up in other people’s business, coupled with sleep deprivation and everything and everyone seems distorted.
Brilliant characterizations, twisty plot lines and several gasping moments, moves this story into a great domestic thriller read for fall.
Special thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the finished copy of this title.
Cannot wait to see what else this author will pen!
Told from multiple view points, this twisty thriller is about the depths of people.
A newly appointed stay at home dad learns the hard way how stressful it is to take care of his unhappy seven month old daughter: sleepless nights, keeping house, cooking/cleaning, all while dealing with a kick to his ego for no longer being the breadwinner.
Boredom sets in, stupid behavior, spying on his young neighbor, getting caught spying, loss of trust from his spouse, and then the fun really begins.
Obsessive behavioral problems, getting caught up in other people’s business, coupled with sleep deprivation and everything and everyone seems distorted.
Brilliant characterizations, twisty plot lines and several gasping moments, moves this story into a great domestic thriller read for fall.
Special thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the finished copy of this title.
Cannot wait to see what else this author will pen!
June 13, 2023
Adam is a stay at home dad with a baby less than a year old. Sarah, his wife, is a school teacher. Their marriage seems to be deteriorating and they are both struggling with emotions, control, and obsessions. There is Ali, a neighbor that Adam is watching through the window obsessively and there is Crispin, Ali’s ex-boyfriend creeping around. How are they all connected? Do we even care? I’m sorry to say, I didn’t. I did not care about any of these characters, non of them were likable. I feel you need a character or two to care about to enjoy a story so it follows that I did not enjoy this book. At times, the writing was good but it wasn’t enough to save the despicable characters. You could kind of sense where the story was headed also, which didn’t really help since the description of the book said it was a “psychological page-turner”. I expected more suspense. I can’t recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for a gripping thriller. I’m giving it 1 star out of 5.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2023
Adam is new to the stay-at-home-dad life and, as his relationship with his wife starts to unravel, he becomes obsessed with his neighbor Ali across the street. One night, through his window he sees something that makes him question if Ali might be in danger and starts to seek out answers.
Ooooof, THE NEIGHBORS WE WANT by Tim Lane was not the story we (I) want 🙃
Rereading the synopsis after reading this book made me question who was responsible for hooking me into this weird, dysfunctional book with that blurb!
This one is very much a domestic suspense (hold the suspense) with a lot of odd sexual encounters and relationships that happen and are then never explained.
I didn’t feel any connection to the characters and am, overall, feeling very hung up on the story and the elements that came into play.
This one, unfortunately, didn’t do a whole lot for me, but thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me a chance to read this one early!
Publication Date: September 5
Ooooof, THE NEIGHBORS WE WANT by Tim Lane was not the story we (I) want 🙃
Rereading the synopsis after reading this book made me question who was responsible for hooking me into this weird, dysfunctional book with that blurb!
This one is very much a domestic suspense (hold the suspense) with a lot of odd sexual encounters and relationships that happen and are then never explained.
I didn’t feel any connection to the characters and am, overall, feeling very hung up on the story and the elements that came into play.
This one, unfortunately, didn’t do a whole lot for me, but thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me a chance to read this one early!
Publication Date: September 5
June 8, 2023
The Neighbors We Want is written in one of those psycho stream of consciousness styles. Everybody in the story, except maybe Ali, seems to have an issue keeping them on the brink of something horrible. I actually feel a bit sorry for Crispin Kemp who is the villain and said to be an unlovable person who becomes 'too much' when his fascinations become obsessions. Adam hardly seems like the kind of new father I'd want to trust with my baby and his wife Sarah is not your average school teacher. Or a model mother. The twisted tale of these neighbors and their relationships unfolds at a good pace that keeps you reading.
This is not your average upbeat book that leaves you with good feelings. It's dark and not one of the characters is sympathetic unless it's baby Maddie. However, it's a good read for a dark and rainy night (or day). Give it a try!
My thanks go to Tim Lane, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
This is not your average upbeat book that leaves you with good feelings. It's dark and not one of the characters is sympathetic unless it's baby Maddie. However, it's a good read for a dark and rainy night (or day). Give it a try!
My thanks go to Tim Lane, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
April 28, 2023
I knew I had to read this book when I saw in the synopsis: “perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn” - I say throw a bit of Sally Hepworth in there and then it’s bang on the money!
I enjoyed the way the book was written - I love the multiple POV’s. I particularly enjoyed how Evie’s POV was written as I felt like this added a lot of tension and build up to the story.
This was a page turner for me and I read it in a couple of days! I was desperate to know what happened and never would have guessed the ending!
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a low stakes psychological thriller that’s easy to speed through. Would definitely read more from this author.
I enjoyed the way the book was written - I love the multiple POV’s. I particularly enjoyed how Evie’s POV was written as I felt like this added a lot of tension and build up to the story.
This was a page turner for me and I read it in a couple of days! I was desperate to know what happened and never would have guessed the ending!
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a low stakes psychological thriller that’s easy to speed through. Would definitely read more from this author.
June 13, 2023
This book was very strange. It felt very scattered. Didn’t seem like there was an actual plot, it just went in circles. I was confused half the time.
The storyline really grabbed me but I was very disappointed.
I wanted to throw in the towel, but I forced myself to finish it. This book wasn’t for me.
Adam is a new stay at home dad. He was fired from his job, and his marriage is slowly unraveling. But his obsession with his neighbour Ali is growing. When Ali doesn’t show up for work, Adam believes her recent ex-boyfriend has something to do with it.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a DRC. The Neighbours We Want is available September 5.
The storyline really grabbed me but I was very disappointed.
I wanted to throw in the towel, but I forced myself to finish it. This book wasn’t for me.
Adam is a new stay at home dad. He was fired from his job, and his marriage is slowly unraveling. But his obsession with his neighbour Ali is growing. When Ali doesn’t show up for work, Adam believes her recent ex-boyfriend has something to do with it.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a DRC. The Neighbours We Want is available September 5.
May 21, 2023
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I do not think I am the best audience for this book. I did not find the authors writing similar to the authors listed in the synopsis (Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins).
While the story started off interesting, I quickly became disgusted with the characters. That may have been the point but I like at least some emotional connection to the characters even if it’s a gritty thriller. 2.5 star rounded down
I do not think I am the best audience for this book. I did not find the authors writing similar to the authors listed in the synopsis (Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins).
While the story started off interesting, I quickly became disgusted with the characters. That may have been the point but I like at least some emotional connection to the characters even if it’s a gritty thriller. 2.5 star rounded down
June 18, 2023
Oh this was a mess of abysmal sad and awful characters. Not so much of a psychological thriller as it is a slog through awful psyches. No thanks, don't come to my neighborhood.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
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