Wow. What a book. Gripped me from start to finish and was cursing work and sleep for getting in the way. The themes throughout- fertility, mental health, the judgements you make about strangers- had my head spinning with how believable they were portrayed, and how quickly the decline in mental health can start. This will stay with me for a while!

I always find it fascinating to hear what inspired an author to write a particular story, and Caroline Corcoran’s acknowledgements are particularly moving, as she recounts her struggles with infertility treatments and complications after giving birth. Whilst I was reading the story, I was deeply moved by the emotional depth the author had lent her character of Lexie, whose grief and despair over her inability to conceive really touched me. It came of little surprise to me that the author had obviously channelled some of her own emotions into her characters, which really added substance to them.

THROUGH THE WALL is the story of two women who live next door to one another in an apartment complex, but have never officially met. The walls are thin, and tenants can hear their neighbours going about their daily lives. As each woman is dealing with personal issues and emotional pain, they soon form a picture of their elusive neighbour, endowing them with the very things they are missing in their own lives. From the snippets of music and partying coming from next door, Lexie is convinced that Harriet is more beautiful and confident than herself, and must surely have her life together. Whilst Harriet, who is drowning her own sorrows in alcohol and meaningless parties, is convinced that Lexie has everything she has ever wanted but cannot have: a loyal husband, a harmonious family life, friends and a fulfilling career. With those pictures in mind, each woman is envious of the other. Only one of them will act on it.

I found the premise of neighbours who have never met but have formed a vivid picture of the other fascinating and could easily imagine how this would cause discord and envy. Especially with social media, which only shows the best snapshots of daily life, carefully editing out all the ugly bits – how easy it is to imagine that someone else has the perfect life, whilst we struggle on a daily basis! Each woman is dealing with issues relevant today. Harriet, who has recently come out of an abusive relationship is still struggling with self esteem and the loss of the life she had pictured for herself and her fiancé. Lexie has become so focused on wanting a baby that everything else has become unimportant, including her husband and her career. In their own way, each woman has become obsessive over what they want but cannot have, projecting these fears and insecurities on their neighbour. A fascinating if scary concept!

THROUGH THE WALL was not a feel-good read, and readers who are sensitive to issues of domestic abuse and infertility should tread carefully here. I admit that at times the sheer despair and hopelessness each woman experienced made for tough reading, even though the slow unravelling of the mystery kept me reading on eagerly to find out the answers. Living in a small town where everyone knows each other’s business I found it difficult to imagine not knowing your immediate neighbour, and it made me grateful not to live in a city.

All in all, THROUGH THE WALL was an intriguing character-driven mystery revolving around two women who believe that “the grass is always greener”, in this case projecting all their lost hopes and dreams onto the picture they have formed of their elusive neighbour. Dealing with issues such as infertility, grief, domestic abuse and mental illness, it sometimes made for tough reading but was offset by complex characters and a contemporary big city setting.

Do you know your neighbours? Because Through The Wall is a story told between two different neighbours, Lexie and Harriett, one seems to have the perfect life, the other is so jealous that is capable of anything to take it from her.
This is a book of jealousy, but so much more that I don’t know if I’ll be able to share with you much without making any spoiler.
Lexie is a happy woman, has a lovely husband and a job she loves, but the only thing she desires is to get pregnant. She will become so obsessed with it that her relation with the people around her will start melting and putting the reader in a direct perspective of how is the suffering to want something that is not on your hands to make it possible. I really liked the insight of Lexie’s thoughts, trying to be pregnant could be something really easy or difficult, the problem is that we can not choose which ones we are. I have friends that had deep troubles getting pregnant and I was a little ashamed that for me it was so easy, seeing how they suffer while I was pregnant but they couldn’t be it was difficult for us, I can’t imagine how it was for them. That’s why I liked Lexie story, it’s not easy to suffer in silence and not being able to be happy for the people around you because what you want is not possible.
Let’s talk about Harriett, she was engaged, a long time ago, now she wants Tom, but Tom is with Lexie, she only has to convince him that she is better. Harriett was in an abusive relation until he left her, but she didn’t accept it, it will take a lot of effort for her to get over it.
There are twists, surprises and a very addictive read that you’ll finish in one stand.
Ready for Through The Wall?

Through the wall

I really enjoyed this psychological thriller.

The story was told from the viewpoints of the two main characters Harriet and Lexie.

Lexie and her partner Tom are struggling with fertility issues.

Next door, Harriet thinks Lexie has it all and wants what Lexie has.

Neither woman is happy with their life, but only one is out to destroy the other.

Creepy, tense, and unputdownable.

A must read for those that love a good suspenseful psychological thriller.

With thanks to Netgalley, the publishers, and the author for a free ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.

I was eagerly anticipating this novel but now I’ve read it I’m still not absolutely sure what I thought of it. It follows two women – Lexie who lives with her boyfriend Tom, and Harriet who lives on her own. They live next door to each other in an apartment block and they share a wall. I loved the early part of this book as we learn more about each of these women and see what they think of each other based on what they’ve heard through the wall. Each seems to think the other has a happier life, which I thought was really interesting to read about. As the novel went on though it required more and more suspension of disbelief and I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I had been. I was expecting it to go in a particular direction and when it didn’t I felt deflated. Perhaps this is much more a reflection on me than the book though. I’d still recommend it if you like novels about obsession!

I’d probably give this a 3.5, rather than a 5. I am *a little bit* disappointed by it, it felt mega mega long to read, and it really took me a long time. This usually only really happens in books that don’t ‘grip me’ - but I was still rather intrigued to see how it all ended, thus not wanting to stop reading halfway through. In the end I probably gave it a 4/5, until I spoke to my friend who has also read it, who may have swayed me slightly. I’m not sure if I’m fully satisfied by the ending, or the portrayal of mental health throughout the book. It didn’t ~sit 100%~ with me. I feel it reinforces ‘people with mental health problems are crazy’ - aside from this, I do think it was written well and certainly an interesting storyline, I’m quite glad I don’t live in an apartment block! Thank you for my copy.

The premise for this book is brilliant. Everyone has that feeling of FOMO and assume everyone else is leaving an exciting life. This just highlights that. A so so read.

This is one of those books where questions run through your head and you just gotta keep on reading to find the answers.

Harriet and Lexie are neighbours who haven’t met. They’ve heard one another and googled each other. Each is jealous of the others life.

This is a compelling read from start to finish. We get to read both point of view from Harriet and Lexie.

A really well written psychological thriller that had me gripped from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you Negalley for this advanced copy. I had a hard time getting into this book. It was slow moving. I feel like I skimmed more than anything. Messed up. This is really messed up how someone would toy with someone else's life.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3. I liked the whole idea behind this book which sounded intriguing. Unfortunately I found it very hard going and slow. Nothing much seemed to happen and it struggled to keep my attention.

Unfortunately I didn’t finish this book. I tried but I found the characters completely unlike able and I really didn’t enjoy what I read. ⭐️

Sadly I had to give up on this novel. I found the characters involved were boring and selfish and I had little interest in following their stories.

So sorry.

It is hard to talk about this book without giving anything away, but I do feel that some people can relate to it. I was really looking forward to reading it but I couldn't help but be a little disappointed. It is a good psychological thriller but I struggled to continue reading it. A lot of people have enjoyed it so please don't let this put you off. It is worth a read.

I've been seeing really mixed reviews for this one, but I personally loved it! Hattie is such a twisted character and yet, at times, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. However, I also really enjoyed Lexie's chapters, and found myself hoping that things would work out for her. The parts about trying for a baby and fertility issues (not a spoiler, we find this out right away) were hard to read, but only because they were so brilliantly accurate. An unusual, more slow paced thriller - but great if you're looking for something with a bit more depth and slow building tension.

Through the Wall by Caroline Corcoran

This novel is one of those quick, easy to read thrillers that you can spend a gripping few hours with one afternoon. It hinges on the modern dilemma of being connected to the whole world but not being connected to the people who live closest to us - our neighbours. It also features two heroines dealing with problems central to women’s lives in the 21st Century: fertility problems and recovering from domestic abuse. Harriet and Lexie share a wall, but have up till now, never been in contact with one another. Their impressions of each other’s lives are based around snatches of music and conversation heard through the wall.

Lexie lives with her boyfriend Tom and has recently begun working freelance from their flat while they are also trying to start a family. Lexie has had one miscarriage and since then hasn’t conceived, despite trying for two years. Alone all day, Lexie seems to be sinking into depression. She’s staying in pyjamas all day, staying indoors and only connecting with people via social media. She envies the life of her successful and outgoing neighbour Harriet who is a composer for musicals.

Harriet lives alone since the breakdown of her relationship with her fiancé Luke. She seems to have no close friends and holds parties to have company when she comes home, but often doesn’t know the guests well. There is a hint that she has spent some time in hospital after becoming the sort of person who does bad things. This hint becomes stronger as the novel continues and we realise Harriet has been seriously mentally ill following the breakdown of her relationship with Luke. She becomes jealous of Lexie after hearing her through the wall. She sees that Lexie has friends, and also a very settled relationship with Tom where they watch films together on the couch in the evening. When Harriet sees Tom in the corridor she sees a resemblance to Luke and decides to find a way of making contact with him. Then when she hears the couple arguing through the wall, she discovers their fertility problems and sees an opening that she can exploit.

Both of these women are portrayed as mentally unwell and Harriet, described as psychopath and sociopath, is the stereotypical mentally ill person following a dangerous obsession out of control. Lexie is seriously depressed and suffering the grief of losing her first baby and I don’t think this is given equal weight in the novel. We are made to feel sympathy for Lexie, but not for Harriet who has been a victim of domestic abuse. As Harriet’s story unfolds we get hints of emotional abuse from Luke: keeping her on edge, gaslighting her, making observations about her behaviour and character that are not true until she isn’t even sure who she is anymore. This seems to be the trigger for her obsessive and dangerous behaviour and it is Tom’s resemblance to Luke that seems to be a trigger.

Both women struggle with behaviour I see a lot from young women in my counselling room. They have either left behind or isolated themselves from real friends and family, and seem to be conducting their interactions with others solely from social media. Lexie in particular is haunted by old friends flaunting fairy tale marriages and pregnancy, without wondering if they are portraying their lives accurately. I tell clients the old adage that ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ and this advice would certainly change the outcomes here. Harriet thinks Lexie is living in the perfect relationship and doesn’t appreciate Tom. Lexie thinks Harriet is a proper grown-up with an exciting job and loads of friends. If either of them actually spoke to each other they would know differently. When Lexie makes real contact with friends on a night out and is honest about being depressed over their fertility problems a friend is able to empathise. She too has been struggling to have a baby, and they can share their feelings. Afterwards, Lexie feels much better and it is clear that both would benefit from spending time in the real world, being open and allowing those close by to support them. Harriet has slowly isolated herself as friends and family showed their doubts about Luke. This is classic abuser’s behaviour and means Harriet is alone, with only Luke as company, leaving her easier to abuse.

I would liken the novel as fast food, as opposed to fine dining. It is quick, tasty and enjoyable, but not exactly memorable. It is perfect for those times when you want a page turner you can devour in a weekend.

Lexie and Harriett are next door neighbors. Both of them have issues but when this novel opens, one of them is hospitalized for her mental health. Which one? The story alternates their voices. Are they both reliable narrators? No spoilers but know that Harriett, a talented woman, has been left by her love interest and that Lexie is struggling with infertility and other concerns. The grass isn't necessarily greener but that doesn't mean one won't want to try it there. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This one zips along.

This book is a scary dark thriller about the secrets and horrors that live behind closed doors. How many of us really know our neighbours. We spend days, months and years living next door to these people hearing their lives through the wall and wondering if their life is better than ours. What happens when that curiosity turns into an obsession. Maybe the person you might nod at In the hall is not quite 100% who they seem and why are odd things happening around you. Are you loosing your mind or is something more sinister to blame?

Finished this book in a couple of sittings - which isn’t like me. It starts off introducing Harriet and Lexie who are neighbours. Harriet wants what Lexie has and Lexie appears to want what Lexie has. But there’s so much more to this story.
Harriet’s previous relationship has left her with many issues. The rollercoaster ride of the lengths she will go to to get what she wants is scary.
Lexie and Tom’s story of their IVF struggles was also well
portrayed too.
A very good read that I will be recommending to friends.
Thank to Net Galley for the chance to read this book.

https://twitter.com/rockchicklau/status/1177841101308416001?s=21

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2990332343

Thank you to Net Galley and Avon Books UK for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Through The Wall tells the story of Harriet and her neighbour Lexie. Both are women who think the grass is greener and who envy the lives of others on social media, or more specifically, envy each others lives.

Lexie is on one side of the wall with her partner Tom, craving a child, craving the life she has always assumed she would have. Hearing the hedonistic lifestyle her neighbour Harriet has, her pangs of jealousy become all consuming.

On the other side of the wall is Harriet, desperate for the life she thinks she should have, and that her perfect neighbour Lexie has it all. Although Harriet has a secret. A dark past that is threatening to return with a vengeance to finally get Harriet what she wants.

What transpires is a story you see from both sides, and how easily you can fall prey to believing everything you see on social media.

Its a gripping and twisty page turner that will have you reading into the wee small hours.

But be warned... you might not want to share a cup of tea with your neighbour after reading this!

Through The Wall is THE most intensely, scary thriller I’ve read!!
Lexie and Tom live in a nice apartment in London, Harriet is their next door neighbour but they don’t know each other, they can just hear each other through the wall. This is definitely a book I shan’t be divulging any plot spoils in as you have to read this yourself. Yes it starts off a bit slow but stick with it this part is making you feel for all characters and get to know their situations and their histories so you feel the punch much, much harder. I was twenty minutes off finishing this and had to do dinner but I couldn’t hardly eat any as I was so swept up with the drama of Will she won’t she! By the end it felt like I’d run a marathon. This a dark, intense thriller that I could not put down and finished in hours!! Well done Caroline Corcoran for making me feel like this. A very different disturbing thriller.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.