This was good. The characters felt familiar and not too memorable. In the spirits of all other books about murder in a perfect neighborhood where everyone has secrets, this one holds up. No groud is broken. No setting is memorable. No true originality in plot. No characters I care much to read more about. A good book in it’s niche.

What the Neighbors Saw is a domestic thriller with a lot of emphasis on the domestic side.

Sam and Alexis buy a home in a exclusive neighborhood that they cannot afford due to all the renovations that it needs. Alexis is on maternity leave while Sam works extra hard to pay the bills. Just months after moving in they are bickering about the state of the home.

When one of their new neighbors is murdered Alexis becomes fixated on solving it. Oddly enough, it doesn't really seem like anyone else cares all that much.

A really slow build to the big reveal. While I wasn't all that surprised by it, it kind of came out of nowhere. I do love a really good twist but something was missing for me with this one.

Overall a good but not great read for me.

Thanks to netgalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.

Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy.

Alexis and Sam have found their future home - unfortunately though, it is the worst house in the best neighborhood. It’s beyond a fixer upper and could even be considered a money pit. But with a toddler and another on the way, the couple is mesmerized by he propriety and the neighborhood surrounding. Spacious lots, a private trail, and neighbors who look like they belong in a catalog push any woes out of their heads as they purchase the home. But after one of their neighbors ends up dead just down the street, they quickly realize that their new home isn’t as picture perfect as they thought.

I get that this book has a lot to do with the homes, but it genuinely became so boring hearing about them again and again. The main characters move into a decrepit house and resent each other for it constantly and it gets old, fast. The drama surrounding the homes and the neighbors was dull. The whole point of the appeal should’ve been the murder, but it seemed like no one really cared about it all that much. We finally got to the meat of the situation far too late and there were so many side-situations that just seemed to not add much importance to the story at hand.

Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books ​and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
According to Goodreads, the book was likened to a blend of "Desperate Housewives" and "The Couple Next Door" by Shari Lapena. I had a strong feeling that I would enjoy it, and my instincts proved right. The narrative began with a gripping start, had a slight lull in the middle, but then regained momentum around the last 65%. What truly captivated me was the enchanting backdrop of historical DC suburbs. Almost all the characters were unlikable, but I couldn't help but wonder if this was intentional. Even the protagonist, Alexis, came across as obnoxious. Nevertheless, the engaging plot kept me engrossed throughout. This was an enjoyable debut and I'm looking forward to reading what Adelman does next.

I'm always down for a neighborhood drama, but I've read so many lately that they have to be really worth it to hold my attention. The premise and setup were good and I was interested to find out what happened to Teddy. I also love scenes of catty rich women behaving badly. Despite that, the middle of this book dragged a bit.

I wasn't surprised by the ending, so that was a disappointment. There was a reveal I wasn't expecting, but I wanted a little more drama from it.

I'll happily read more by Adelman in the future--her writing style was intriguing even if this story didn't completely do it for me.

What the Neighbors Saw by Melissa Adelman ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to @netgalley and @minotaur_books for the ARC. Happy pub day! 🎉

This one can be summed up simply with - it was rich people behaving badly. I was completely wrapped up in this one until the ending, and then I was just bummed. I thought the author built up the tension enough to make the ending a bit more sinister. I felt similarly about this ending as I did about the Dexter ending (iykyk).

First, this was not a thriller. I’d label it a domestic drama. Nothing much happened after the death of Teddy, and the investigation was background noise.

I throughly enjoyed the alternating POVs, and I loved how the author used the neighborhood almost as a character. I never liked any of the characters, but I still wanted to find out what happened next.

All in all, this is a good palate cleanser book. I didn’t particularly care for the ending, but I believe it will work for some readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut novel by Melissa Adelman and wonderfully narrated by Hillary Huber and Sarah Hollis - 4.5 stars!

Alexis and her husband Sam go beyond their means to buy a neglected house in the best neighborhood in a DC suburb. They have a toddler, Alexis is pregnant, and they convinced the nanny to move in as well. The neighbors seem welcoming, especially Blair and Teddy. But when Teddy's body is found on the banks of the Potomac, fear runs through the neighborhood. Alexis starts seeing people in the yard, and rumors are flying around.

I love a juicy neighborhood story and this one fit the bill. As long as you are willing to overlook a bit of men bashing (not a likable one in the bunch!) and a bit of an over-the-top twist, it's a book that is tough to put down. The story is told from the POV of both Alexis and Blair, and both are keeping secrets about their pasts. And those twists - you'll never see some of them coming! It's a great escape book and I can't wait to read more from this author!

Well this was a wild ride from this debut author. The book begins with Alexis and Sam moving into a large run down house in a sought after suburb. Sam is thrilled to be living in such a prestigious area as he is on an upward trajectory in his law firm and he thinks this will help enhance his status. Alexis initially loves the house but after their neighbour is murdered she starts to wonder about their choice to live there. As Alexis deals with a toddler, a newborn and her crumbling house she slowly starts to fit into their new community amid the murder hanging over all of them. What is happening in this neighbourhood? Is the murderer among them? Why does Alexis allow Sam to treat her so poorly? (This is a side note from me).
Overall I thought the book had a great pace and I really enjoyed my time with this engaging story. This is a captivating debut novel and I am excited to see what this author writes next.

I was so excited to get both an advanced egalley via Netgalley and the most amazing bookmail package from Minotaur books with a print advanced copy of What The Neighbors Saw by Melissa Adelman, along with some fantastic goodies! What a treat. I binge read this in a day, so plan accordingly!

In a Virginia enclave outside of DC there are quiet neighborhoods that have a deep, quiet feeling of time, security, a sense of power. This is old money. When Sam and Alexis find a home they can just barely afford at $1.5M it seems like a great investment in a dream neighborhood. They’ll have to do some renovations over several years, but they’ll make it work.

Their entrance to the neighborhood is rocky and awkward as their neighbor is found murdered, repairs are much more extensive than anticipated and Sam and Alexis aren’t aligning on priorities. Sam is pushing hard to make partner, and wants to see his hard work in nicer things than safe windows. Alexis has just given birth to their second child, moved to a nonprofit, and has no intention of getting back on the fast track. During her maternity leave she’s left lonely and wondering where she fits into the effortless, unspoken social rules of the neighborhood. Alexis finds an unexpected ally in the widow across the street. Could she be lonely and craving authenticity as well? As things get stranger in the neighborhood they also become worse between Alexis and Sam.

This is a story of wealthy people behaving badly, of the twisted hierarchy that can grow in neighborhoods similar to ones you think you left behind in high school…but the stakes are so much higher. Adelman asks the question, how well do we actually know our partners and the people around us? Even when I thought I’d figured out part of a storyline, there was so much more to the thread the more I tugged. Readers who appreciate morally grey characters, this is your book! I think this makes a fantastic summer read!

I enjoyed this domestic suspense. It was very slow to start, but got better as the story went along. There’s murder, secrets, lies, deceit and drama. The revelation of the killer’s identity was not a total surprise. It’s an enjoyable read.

All I had to be told was "Desperate Housewives meet The Couple Next Door", and I was sold.

I am so grateful to the good ole folks at Minotaur books for putting What the Neighbors Saw, on my radar (those emails are the best surprises!!)

Melissa Adelman has hit the ground running and this debut is all the proof we need! Adelman is sure to become a favored author among many (she already won me over!)

This is a domestic thriller that circulates around an upscale DC neighborhood and I don't know about you but I love to hate on these snotty little housewives! The amount of detail that is packed into this book will leave all of your questions answered and fully satisfied when you finish. The storyline was well developed and the characters were realistic! The twist? Oh boy, you are going to have to check this book out for yourself to find out but I can promise you, it does not disappoint !

Thank you Minotaur for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for an honest review!

Now, check out this teaser!

Desperate Housewives meets The Couple Next Door in a chilling story of murder and intrigue set in a well-to-do DC suburb.

Sometimes the darkest acts occur in the most beautiful houses…

When Alexis and her husband Sam buy a neglected Cape Cod house in an exclusive DC suburb, they are ecstatic. Sam is on the cusp of making partner at his law firm, Alexis is pregnant with their second child, and their glamorous neighbors welcome the couple with open arms. Things are looking up, and Alexis believes she can finally leave her troubled past behind.

But the neighborhood’s picture-perfect image is shattered when their neighbor Teddy – a handsome, successful father of three – is found dead on the steep banks of the Potomac River. The community is shaken, and as the police struggle to identify and apprehend the killer, tension in the neighborhood mounts and long-buried secrets start to emerge.

In the midst of the turmoil, Alexis takes comfort in her budding friendship with Teddy’s beautiful and charismatic widow, Blair. But as the women grow closer, the neighborhood only becomes more divided. And when the unthinkable truth behind Teddy’s murder is finally uncovered, both Blair and Alexis must reexamine their friendship and decide how far they are willing to go to preserve the lives they have so carefully constructed.

"Desperate Housewives meets The Couple Next Door in a chilling story of murder and intrigue set in a well-to-do DC suburb."

This is the third book I've read based in the DC area, and I have to say it's a great setting. A few diabolical characters, very good suspense, and a great page turner! Dream Home or Nightmare? It's a good one and a great debut!
Thank you to the publisher for my e-arc, all thoughts are my own.

Alexis and her husband Sam have found their dream home. It needs a lot of work, but they can figure it out, especially when Alexis finishes her maternity leave and goes back to work. Shortly after they move in, their neighbor is found dead near the running trail in their neighborhood. Alexis doesn’t know her neighbors well. They all bought gifts to welcome them but haven’t made an effort to become friends except for Blair, the wife of the dead man. Alexis isn’t sure if her skin tone has anything to do with their attitude as she has been mistaken for the help by a few people. The story is narrated by both Alexis and Blair which shows completely different points of view. There are a lot of secrets in this neighborhood and the ending blew me away!

Also reviewed on B&N under 1IrishEyes430 and Kobo under IrishEyes430

Alexis and Sam buy a house in a very wealthy neighborhood. Granted, their house will need a lot of work and time to get it up to par with the others, but Alexis is confident she and Sam can make it work. They have a small son and Alexis is pregnant with their second and this is the life they want for their children. Until their neighbor Teddy is found murdered on the trail by their house. As Alexis becomes friends with the widow Blair, she starts to question all of her neighbors and wonders what kind of situation she'd moved her family into.

A good whodunit, with a bit of "who's who they say they are" thrown in for fun. Alexis isn't used to this kind of neighborhood and these kinds of people so she definitely falls into the outsider role. The story dragged a little in the middle, but there was enough story that it didn't necessarily bother me too much. Alexis's backstory definitely added to the interest.

I liked this one and would read more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Available June 20, 2023.

I love, love, love a good neighborhood drama, full of secrets and all sorts of hijinks. Melissa Adelman's What the Neighbors Saw is a fresh take on what can be a genre that feels, at times, repetitive. Not this one. The streets, people, and homes of River Forest are beautiful, but the backstabbing is plentiful and oh so fun to read.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to review. With this being Melissa's debut, I'm already anxiously awaiting her next twisty novel!

Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the ARC.

This was a fun ride! I always enjoy a good mystery and this one held up.

I went into this book expecting high drama and that's exactly what I got!

I've seen reviews saying this is a fast paced thriller, but I found it to be on the slower paced side. That's not a negative for me. I often like my mysteries and thrillers to spend more time on character development in the beginning so that I care more about the stakes in the end.

What kept me reading were the characters. Now, they aren't likable characters. Not even Alexis, the main character who moves with her husband Sam to an exclusive neighborhood, buying a fixer-upper they really can't afford. The book focuses mostly on the small group of neighbors in this cul-de-sac and digs into their secrets and lies. When one of the neighbors, Teddy, is found dead on a trail near the homes, Alexis questions whether this neighborhood is safer than their previous home or if the rich are just better at hiding their crimes.

What dampened my reading experience was that the author withheld information from the reader that the characters clearly knew. We'd be in the head of a character and even though it made sense that they would be thinking about something connected to the murder, we'd never see those thoughts. There were just a lot of logical inconsistencies that drew me out of the story over and over again. The ending was also pretty absurd for me.

So, for me this was just an average thriller. The drama will pull you in, but just be prepared not to think too hard about if the plot makes much sense.

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital arc. All opinions are my own.

What the Neighbors Saw by Melissa Adelman

This seemed to be a dream neighborhood for Sam and Alexis. Huge homes on huge lots, they'd own the least of the homes in the area that they wanted to see as the place they would raise their children. But once in the house and with the second baby born, we see that the marriage leaves a lot to be desired. Sam is quick to criticize and demean Alexis, he seems to be the cruelest of a book full of unlikeable characters.

Alexis spends hours looking out her "front of the house" kitchen window, spying on whatever is happening outside. She covets the happy family of Blair, a woman about ten years older with an already successful husband and three teenagers. The other neighbors seem a bit standoffish or weird so she stays pretty lonely for the first few months after moving into the new to them house. But, Alexis's past, a life of living with a mother who worked non stop to feed herself and her daughter while they lived in dangerous apartments and dangerous areas, has Alexis grateful to finally live in a safe and secure neighborhood, even if they had to put themselves close to the financial brink just to buy this house which they can't afford to furnish.

Then the mirage of a safe haven is blown to smithereens when Blair's husband is murdered on the neighborhood trails. No longer feeling safe in this neighborhood they can barely afford, Alexis wants to know more, wants the killer to be found. At least this murder gives Alexis and Blair a reason to become friends, to bond. But too many secrets can destroy everything. How will these women deal with what they learn?

As a reader who doesn't mind slow burns this story came close to burning too slowly for me. It certainly took way too long for me to figure out where it was going or even if it was going anywhere. We get hints that there might be secrets and/or hidden pasts while getting bogged down in Alexis's dissatisfaction with her "miserable" life. Alexis is on a six month maternity leave while having the luxury of a live in nanny residing in the basement of her 1.5 million dollar fixer upper. Yes, I'd panic at having to fix up a house I bought for 1.5 million if I was short on funds, too, and I'd more than bristle a little at having such a horrible husband, but surely Alexis can find something to enjoy with this life of hers. I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for this book and decided to go with 4 stars although I do think the story could be tightened up a bit. It's almost like everything we learn is a red herring for something and most of that something never happens. Still, there is a payoff at the very end which rated the 4 stars from me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you for allowing me to read this book as an ARC.
This book captured me from the start. While I thought I had things figured out in the beginning, I was quite a bit off and definitely did not see this ending coming at all! I loved the story written from alternating view points. The story was captivating and kept everyone guessing but definitely felt like some parts were a little weak in explaining the background. I also felt that the protagonist, Alexis, seemed entitled and unlikable especially with her nanny, just leaving her with the kids even though she stressed so often that she didn't seem to really care for her. That part seemed a very unrealistic, I know I would never leave my kids with someone I don't care for. The entire situation also with her eating only once a day and the background behind that seems very unclear. Was she trying to lose weight or was she bulimic? What was the purpose of that part in the story? I never figured out what role this was supposed to play.
Also, even though Sam is Alexis' husband, it seems a strange way that she all of a sudden started disliking and hating him. It seemed brought up out of the blue. Was she suffering from postpartum depression or did something else happen that wasn't mentioned? She seemed too focused on how he called her an old lady and I don't understand why she put up with that?
The sudden interest of Alexis into Blair's background and life was strange and came all of a sudden. The ending felt rushed and not well thought out.
Even though with these questions and unknowns, the story line is a good one and I enjoyed it. Since this is an advanced readers copy. I would think that some additions and edits will still be made to clear up or take out some of these parts. I also hope the ending won't be rushed.

What the Neighbors Saw by Melissa Adelman is a twisty, fun read. I enjoyed being led along and each time a new twist came, I was surprised. This was a slow burn with two different POV’s. I agree that there was a Desperate Housewives vibe.