I loved The Wife Next Door. The premise of a divorced couple living next door with their new partners is a hot mess. I cringed so much. This book is everyone versus Jess, which makes you loathe many characters and cheer for one. Some of these characters made me so mad that I wanted to throw my kindle, but that's the point, and it kept me turning the page. Thanks for the advance review copy.

Jess and Rob, soon to be exes remain friends and get along well. In the interest of their son, they decide to move in next door to each other, each with their new partner.

While I believe divorce can be amicable, and doing what's best for the kids is always most important, this did not seem like a good idea to me!

At first everything seems wonderful. They all get along and Toby is thrilled to be able to see both his mother and his father whenever she wants.

But then things start to go wrong for Jess. Small things at first. A note. A broken cup. Everyone seems to think she is stressed and over reacting. And when things really go wrong, it's almost like she is the girl who cried wolf. She even doubts herself at times.

This author had me suspecting everyone. I mean EVERYONE. Even Jess' mom was on my radar.

Then you get to the twist and I was shocked! Very clearly written and kept me on the edge of my seat!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a gripping read, with a very original storyline. The story is that of Jess, who has recently split from husband Rob. In a somewhat unusual step, they move in with their respective partners - in houses right next door to each other. This 'blended' approach feels like a good fit for them, freely enabling them to co-parent son, Toby. Great on paper, but no sooner have they moved in than Jess starts to experience a chain of unpleasant happenings. As is often the case, only she witnesses these occurrences, such that others doubt the accuracy of her claims and suspect she is delusional/stressed/paranoid....you get the idea! A number of suspects hit Jess' radar - Robs' new partner, carol, .Ruby, the hostile teenage daughter of her own partner, Ben (also a suspect!).. Even Jess' own mother is not above suspicion - but who is it that means harm to Jess?! Well worth reading to find out!

This book absolutely does what it sets out to do - entertain!! This is a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

Let me catch my breath. The Wife Next Door by Rona Halsall is a psych thriller that kept me guessing the entire time.
That’s no lie. I was at about 80% of the book and still didn’t know where the author would take the story. It’s a difficult feat these days to keep me that engaged, but I honestly had no clue.
I mean, I had several theories, but just when I was certain I was right, the author would drop something that made me re-think my position.
Because of that, Jess (the main character) is inherently relatable. She lives in a pinball machine, with one thing after another pushing and spinning her around until she pretty much starts to even question her own sanity.
That’s not to say that she is a shrinking violet heroine who thinks she’s going nuts. But the author does a great job of crafting the events in Jess’s life in a way that makes her (and the reader) suspicious of everyone and everything.
It is very entertaining.
There are a few parts that I feel were a bit overdone. Ruby, for example, seems more like a plot point or caricature at times. And her part in the bigger scheme was….well, I was going to say something, but I just realized why the author wrote her the way she did.
So, scratch that – because now I realize that everything that happens in the book has a point. Whether it is an actual point, a red herring, a clue to something later…there is nothing that is unimportant in this story.
I’m going to stop there, because I could dig myself a hole. But I loved how Jess finally figured everything out, and I loved this book. Rona Halsall has written an absolute stellar psych thriller in The Wife Next Door. It should vault to the top of your TBR list.

When your dream new start turns into your worst nightmare who can you trust?
This is the problem Jess has and her suspicions falls on those closest to her. We follow her fears and doubts, the book flows well and keeps the reader engaged and puzzled as to who is behind it all.

Blending a family after divorce takes interesting turns in The Wife Next Door. I guessed who the culprit was behind all of the mischief and chaos … but Rona Halsall had me guessing myself until the very end! The last few chapters really left me shocked. Loved this book & read it in 24 hours!

Did not finish. The main character is whiny and ignorant, I could not connect. She tries to foreshadow what’s upcoming but it’s so obvious.

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Rona Halsall's tense domestic thriller THE WIFE NEXT DOOR.

I have read all but two of this author's thrillers and I have to say that this is one of my favourites. It's in a close running with "The Honeymoon" (my first ever read by Rona) and "The Liar's Daughter" - both of which are 5 star reads. It's just one of those "love to hate but damn it was brilliant" type of reads. I was constantly irritated throughout the book with the stupid decisions and gaslighting going on but I just knew by the end I would lapping it all up having enjoyed it anyway. There are just some books with some characters that seriously get under your skin. This is one of them. And boy, did it mess with my head!

So...we have Jess, recently separated from hubby Rob and currently going through the divorce process. Together they have son Toby, whom I estimate to be around 9 years old though I'm not entirely sure. Having moved on from their marriage both now have new partners when someone came up with the hairbrained idea of blending their families and co-parenting them together. Not only that, but they purchase two houses next door to each other and each couple with their respective children move into each respective house. And thus blending their families.

What could possibly go wrong?

When Jess discovers the last two houses in a new-build estate come up for grabs, the couples couldn't resist making the most of the opportunity by purchasing them and moving in next door to each other. That way, Toby can get the benefit of living with his mum while still being able to see his dad next door. There is, of course, the added bonus that Rob's new girlfriend Carol has a 5 year old son Mo on whom Toby dotes, having always wanted a little brother. Jess' new family is not so smooth sailing. Her boyfriend Ben has a 14 year old daughter Ruby from a teenage relationship and the girl has her dad wrapped tightly around her finger with Ben always choosing the path of least resistance. Thus creating a spoilt and moody teenager adept in playing her dad and Jess off against each other.

Again, I ask...what could possibly go wrong? The answer is...everything!

Jess and Rob wanted their divorce to be amicable but this whole blended family thing takes that concept to a whole new level. Soon, things begin to go wrong though no one but Jess can see it. This in turn makes her look paranoid thus planting the idea in everyone's heads that she isn't coping with this whole new arrangement...as much as she wanted it to.

First, there is the viciously worded note written inside a "welcome to your new home" card; her defaced divorce papers; and finding herself locked inside the house - without any keys or phone. But then things are ramped up a notch when social services are called in and a false accusation is made against her that could destroy her life. Jess knows then that someone is out to discredit her. But why?

What makes it worse is that no one believes her. Least of all her partner Ben! The one who is supposed to be on her side, supporting her. Instead she finds him chumming up to her ex and his girlfriend next door while they talk about her behind her back...seemingly under the guise of "being worried about her". But are they really? Or is one of them hell-bent on destroying her life?

As the reader, we are thrust headlong into this fast paced thrill ride with barely a chance to come up for air. We wonder if Jess is actually a reliable narrator or not, if she has some mental health issues or if someone really is out to get her. But who and why? Everyone is a suspect in this addictive domestic thriller as no one escapes suspicion. I had my eye on every single one of them. Even her mother! Who had what to gain by destroying Jess' perfectly constructed life? But honestly, a blended family living next door to one another? It was a recipe for disaster.

In all honesty, I was tearing my hair out throughout this book. The complete disregard, lack of understanding or support or even care for Jess was mind-boggling! Ben, of all people, should have been on her side. But no, he was quick to jump in the boat that painted Jess as paranoid. No one was on her side. Even her mother, who I thought was at first, started singing from the same song sheet as the others. I really loved to hate everyone in this book for their complete rush to judgement towards Jess...so quick to believe she was imagining things or was being unreasonable. I wanted to bash all their heads together and drown Ruby in the Irish Sea.

But oh, what a tangled tale!

THE WIFE NEXT DOOR is an excellent psychological and domestic thriller that is a little unique. Why on earth would you want to move in next door to your ex? How could you possibly be so naive as to think it would be all smooth sailing? No matter how amicable the split, NO separation or divorce is that harmonious.

As the description states - two houses, two front doors, one family. What could possibly go wrong?

After a complex process of elimination, I narrowed it down to one person before their big reveal wondering why it took me so long. Because Rona had us chasing red herrings, that's why! Of course, it all made perfect sense. And that ending. I loved that ending. I was fist pumping the air with a resounding "YESSSS!!" at the outcome that was so expertly and neatly tied up in the most fitting of conclusions.

Overall, THE WIFE NEXT DOOR is a fast paced addictive entertaining read that can easily be devoured in one sitting. One of her best yet!

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheWifeNextDoor in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Psychological thrillers always get under my skin and the premis of this one made me feel uncomfortable from the start!

A couple in the process of an amicable divorce decide to buy identical semi-detached houses  next to each other with their new partners. The idea is that they can easily share parental responsibility for their son  and he can also spend more time in the company of his younger step brother Mo.

After a surprise joint moving in party on the first night Jess finds a card among those on the mantlepiece with a threatening message. Then her ex husband takes down the fence dividing their gardens without asking her first and she starts to realise that their setup may not be quite what she imagined.

Strange things happen: her favourite mugs are found smashed, her house keys disappear and she is locked in and the divorce forms she was in the process of filling in are found defaced with a profanity. Jess begins to think that someone in the house has it in for her.. but who? Is it her ex husbands new partner Carol or her new partner Ben's teenage daughter Ruby?

When you are no longer safe in your own home you are at your most vulnerable! This is a great thriller and I swayed between each member of the household in turn as the perpetrator.  I thought I had worked it out halfway through, but then chamged my mind. I stayed up far to late to finish reading this one!

It was meant to be the perfect break-up…

Jess and Rob had been happy for a while, but they'd drifted apart and decided to split, still staying friends for the sake of their son Toby, now they both have new partners, each with children of their own and, because they are all friends, they decide to buy adjoining houses, so Toby can still see his dad and they can all be one big happy blended family. But as soon as they move in strange things begin to happen to Jess, culminating in a false accusation that threatens to blow their world's apart, someone clearly isn't happy about this new arrangement and will do anything to destroy it.

The Wife Next Door is set on the Isle of Man, Jess and Rob's home throughout their childhood, it's a place where everyone knows you and your business, so when they split and then decide to set up home next door to each other, you can imagine what some of the community think, it's a disaster waiting to happen, right?? This latest psychological thriller by Halsall starts off slow, picking up the pace as it goes. It's a compelling read with twists galore, some of them beyond belief, but making the story all the more intriguing. I was hooked right from the prologue, and, in true Halsall style, she kept me on the edge of my seat right to the end. The plot was dark, the characters were well crafted and what an ending! I've read a few of this authors books and loved them all but, I have to say, this is her best one to date! If you love a thriller that you struggle to put down and keeps you guessing throughout, this is one for you.

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

The Wife Next Door by Rona Halsall is a very atmospheric and tense read that I couldn't put down.

Even from the starts when everything looks perfect you can't stop thinking that something bad is going to happen and you wait for the ax to fall. I kept reading to see what will happen.

There were moments when main herioine's inner dialogue was a bit repetitious.
The story is fast paced, the chapters are relatively short.
Characters are well drawn-out, they are not stereotypical but relatable and realistic.
There is never a dull moment, something is always happening.
I liked the ending even though I thought it would be more dramatic but it was satisfying regardless.

Highly recommended for those who do not enjoy the darkest and grittiest thrillers but would like something dramatic.

I enjoyed this book. It as the first I have ever read from this author. I love a good thriller that holds your attention from the first chapter and this book did just that for me. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I absolutely Loved "The Wife Next Door" By Rona Halsall.
I found the storyline an easy -to get sucked into- read, I was easily able to follow the characters, and at first read the characters are all pretty likeable!! -That is, until you start questioning everyone, who has the motive? and who is behind trying to make Jess' life a living "Nightmare"?. I was continuously flipping the blame from one suspect to another. So expect the unexpected!.

Towards the end of the book, it did start to become a tad rushed and unrealistic. Some of the things being said in the storyline- in real life just wouldn't pan out that way, especially regarding social services, dying twice would probably equal brain damage and not awake the next day- that sort of thing. But without giving too much away, I will go on to say the last 2 chapters, absolutely brilliant, another little plot twist and it reeled me back in and had me back at 5 stars instead of 3.5! Very clever indeed. LOVED IT! Would definitely read again and recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller!.

This thriller is completely gripping. From the very first moment you pick it up to the very last page. If you are a fan of pyscologocal thrillers do not miss.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Bookouture and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Fantastic, I didn’t want to put it down. You’ll be on the edge of your seat.

The Wife Next Door is an unputdownable psychological thriller and had me hooked from the beginning. The writing was edgy, fast paced and I was drawn into Jess's life. The book starts off with Jess and Rob moving into new houses, as next door neighbours and soon to be exes. They have their own partners and between the two couples, three kids. A nice and perfect blended family or so it seems on the surface. The writer did a great job building up the trust of the reader and later pulling the rug.
But as a reader, you could see that it was going to be a a massive snowball and everything started falling into place. The plot was crisp, highlighted major issues like stalking, obsession and abuse of trust along with some great psychological twists.
I had a hunch about the real perp all along but the author kept throwing me off. Jess is my hero, she persevered in the face of adversity, stood her ground and eventually came around. The ending was different though abrupt and I wish it was done in more detail. This was a perfect read for Spooktober!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honet review.

A fabulously gripping thriller, full of twists and turns and surprises. A recommended read.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookoture for an ARC of The Wife Next Door!

This. book kept me absolutely hooked! The story of an ex-husband and wife who move in next door to each other whose idea seems ideal until strange and scary things begin to happen. It kept me guessing the entire time!

I did take one star off because the ending felt a bit abrupt, but overall very much enjoyed this!

Once I started this book, I could not put it down! Wow. This is such a great psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! Highly recommend!

A couple that have split up amicably move next door to each other with their new partners. Surely that's a recipe for disaster?
This book had me turning the pages and had such a twist to it that I thought I knew who it was but I was totally wrong. Absolutely loved it