This was a very enjoyable domestic suspense story. You can feel something is not right about the affluent neighborhood that Alexis and Sam move into. Everything seems to good to be true and everyone seems to be hiding something. I loved all of the twists and turns in this story.

Alex and Sam purchase a dilapidated home in a well-to-do DC suburb. It’s a total money pit, and they are fooling anyone, their financial status doesn’t come close to that of their neighbors. After they move into their new home, they realize it’s in worse shape than they ever could have imagined and they cannot afford to fix everything that needs to be fixed to make the home safe. But it’s what’s outside the home that could pose the biggest threat.

Their neighbor, Blair’s husband is killed just outside of his home and a murderer is on the loose. Alex decides to befriend Blair in her time of need. Although Blair looks down on Alex, they become fast friends. Alex craves friendship with someone so Blair will have to do.

Alex is a POC and constantly gets mistaken for the housekeeper or nanny which drives her insane although she takes it in stride. The author did such a nice job of conveying this and how Alex felt disconnected and unseen by those around her. She never struck me as a weak character but almost someone who doesn’t know her own strength, someone who could’ve just used a decent friend.

This book was cool because it gives you the sensation that you’re a fly on the wall in this neighborhood where none of the neighbors really seem to like each other but they pretend pretty well.

I did this as an audiobook which I liked but I think this one might be even better as a physical book bc you can see the dates / times which I sometimes don’t catch when I’m doing an audiobook.

What the Neighbors Saw by Melissa Adelman has a few things I love when done right: characters that are unlikable, secrets, lies, drama, and murder. However, I felt surprisingly bored by it all. It didn't help that a sentence less than 20% in let me know who the murderer is. This frustrated me as it took away all of the mystery.

I deducted one star because Alexis' hypocritical nature got on my nerves. She's living in denial about being in an abusive relationship. She judges other women for their relationship decisions and has a holier than thou persona about it all. She is unnecessarily rude to her nanny, Elena, bordering on entitled. She tries to be viewed as a victim because of her mother/parents, to the point that it seems like an excuse for her behavior. Lastly, she has body dysmorphia and anorexia (and was previously bulimic) for literally no reason at all in the book, which is distasteful of Melissa to do.

I deducted a second star for how bored I was reading it. I feel like there could have been more opportunities for drama. I also wish we experienced more of what was going on in Blair's home. I didn't see the purpose of her having three kids since she only has one interaction with two children through the whole book.

Hillary Huber is amazing, as always. Sarah Hollis is pretty good; I do wish she would speak evenly instead of the occasional halting of her words mid-sentence.

Overall, I rate What the Neighbors Saw 3 stars.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ALC.

I'm sorry to do this, but I did not enjoy this. It was so much description and I just did not care.

The narrators were fantastic though!

In this gripping audio experience, the thrilling story keeps you engaged from start to finish. While the killing isn't the main focus, it sets off a chain of events that explores complex emotions and the consequences of our choices.

What makes this audio production stand out is its ability to evoke strong feelings, even if they aren't always positive. As a listener, I couldn't forget the impact of the story, which had unexpected twists. It delves into the darker side of human nature, highlighting the effects of betraying family and how it hurts innocent lives.

The fast-paced narrative keeps you on your toes, immersing you in a world of secrets and personal desires. The talented voice actors bring the characters to life, making it easier to connect with their emotions and understand their struggles.

While it may not suit everyone's taste, this audio thriller-drama offers a thought-provoking story that leaves a lasting impression. It prompts reflection on our values and the consequences of our actions, emphasizing the importance of staying true to ourselves and prioritizing family.

In conclusion, this captivating audio thriller-drama delivers an engaging and emotional experience that stays with you. It explores moral dilemmas, complex characters, and the impact of personal choices. Although it may not resonate with everyone, its ability to evoke strong reactions and inspire self-reflection makes it a worthwhile listen.

When I started this book, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. I felt like I have read this story before. A murder in a rich neighborhood of secrets and affairs felt like a story I had read a million times. Even though, the premise was not unique, I was fond of the characters and was drawn into the story with lightening speed. I ended up really liking this story and the real-estate porn at the beginning didn't hurt!

This is my first Melissa Adelman book, but not my last. This novel moves quickly, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The backdrop is a beautiful neighborhood hiding a lot of ugly secrets. It all comes to a boil when a handsome neighbor with a picture-perfect family is murdered. I could tell you the rest, but then I'd have to kill you. The narration was brilliant!

3 stars for this debut. Again, I am a sucker for the "rich people behaving badly" trope, and this one fit the bill! The characters were mostly completely unlikable, but I was hoping to like Alexis more than I did. I think her treatment of the poor nanny is what really bothered me. Of all of the characters, for some reason, I liked Blair the most. The narrators were fantastic, tho, and perfectly suited for the roles.

Thank you to Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio arc! Admittedly, these types of thrillers aren’t usually my favorite- I find that they move slowly and not much happens. This time however, I found myself invested in the characters and the ongoing of the neighborhood. A classic rich people and their secrets trope type of thriller (with the obligatory dash of murder) this felt very Desperate Housewives and I very much enjoyed the interactions between characters. The writing is well done and the story keeps you hooked. This is an excellent debut and I’m intrigued to see what the author does next. 3.5 stars!

3.75ish stars

Another fun, twisty domestic thriller set in a well-off neighbourhood where, as expected, something goes horribly wrong. I enjoyed my journey through the story and thought the ending was okay, if not super unexpected and surprising. It was a good one I’ve been thinking amont for quite a while, and I’m glad I had time to get into it now.

What the Neighbors Saw by Melissa Adelman is a highly recommended domestic psychological suspense novel set in a wealthy DC suburb.

Alexis and Sam buy a fixer-upper in an exclusive DC suburb. It's a stretch for their budget, but Sam is sure to make partner at his law firm soon. Besides, they need the space for their family since Alexis is pregnant with their second child. It becomes clear that they may have taken on more than they can handle, especially after their second child is born. Having a space for their live-in nanny does help Alexis even though Sam is often away and becoming increasingly distant.

Alexis soon starts to meet the neighbors. After neighbor Blair's husband Teddy is found murdered on the steep banks of the Potomac River off a neighborhood walking trail, a friendship begins to form between Alexis and Blair. Blair actually helps Alexis meet other women in the neighborhood. Soon it becomes clear that the upscale neighborhood may not be as safe as Alexis first thought.

What the Neighbors Saw is a compelling novel that will hold your attention, like really good gossip. And the discussion of all the neighbors and their secrets is a very real thing in this novel domestic suspense. Many of the characters are simply caricatures of types of people, but there is a lot of juicy gossip that will be shared about them. Additionally, since Alexis just had a baby, even with a nanny she is exhausted all the time.

The novel alternates between chapters narrated by the first-person points-of-view of Alexis and Blair, so readers have real insight into their characters and thoughts. It becomes clear that social status and wealth has little impact on actual character. Alexis was embarrassed by her background, but she clearly had nothing to be ashamed of, especially as the novel progresses. What the Neighbors Saw is an entertaining domestic suspense novel, even if you guess where the plot is going.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Intriguing mystery and neighborhood drama.

When Alexis and her husband, Sam move to an exclusive neighborhood in a DC suburb, they think their biggest worry is remodeling the run down mini mansion. They have no idea that soon a neighborhood will show up dead and the focus on their neighborhood will suddenly blow up. When it does, you see how many of the neighbors aren't nice people and may even have something to hide. Meanwhile, Alexis is trying to settle into the new neighborhood after recently having their second child. She feels overwhelmed and insecure when dealing with some of these people. So, when one of the neighbors reaches out and befriends her, Alexis gobbles up the attention.

This was a well written story. Even though I suspected a few of the "twists," it still kept me turning the pages until the end.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I was fortunate enough to also receive an early listening copy and that enabled me to bounce back and forth between the ebook and audiobook. With that ability, I breezed right through this book and when I reached the end, I found myself so disappointed in all the characters as they were selfish and unkind people for the most part. The narration in this audio was really good and kept me immersed in the storyline. 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to review them and the opinions contained within are my own.

What the Neighbors Saw is the debut novel from Melissa Adelman.

"Alexis and Sam buy a Cape Cod fixer-upper in an exclusive neighborhood outside DC. Sam is about to make partner at his law firm. Alexis is pregnant with their 2nd child. Their glamorous neighbors welcome them with open arms. Everything seems to be going great - until one of their neighbors is murdered. Suddenly, it doesn't feel safe. Alexis is seeing shadows and hearing noises and some of her yard tools are missing. And she's not sure what to make of her new friendship with her neighbor, Blair. The neighborhood seems just a little...off."

I thought that this was going to be another "neighbors behavin badly" book. It is that a little but Adelman keeps you invested with little nibbles about the characters - what's happened before and clues about coming twists. And this book is as twisty as they come. I thought I knew what was going to happen but didn't guess it. And the ending is wild. And that one twist is nuts. How would you react?

Alexis has her issues and secrets but you still pull for her. Blair has issues and a murdered husband and secrets. Adelman tells the story through their POVs. And leaves a little grey in the ending.

Another great audiobook performance from Hillary Huber and Sarah Hollis. Their voices are perfectly matched to these characters.

Great debut from Adelman. Put this in the beach bag.

3.5 stars

If you're planning to pick up this twisty thriller, might i suggest the audiobook...After both reading and listening to this book, I much preferred the animated performances of both narrators playing Blair and Alexis. The story alternates between each woman's perspective. The ending surprised me.

Although the pacing was off in the first half and a little too much time was spent on Alexis ' childhood flashbacks, the second half made up for it. A gracious thank you to MacMillan Audio St. Martin's Press for advanced audio and e copies in exchange for an honest review.

What the Neighbors Saw was a complicated fiction. It had a bit of mystery and crime but to me it was mostly about the dynamics of a community or should I say neighborhood that were all kinds of screwed up. The writing was good and I couldn’t figure out who committed the murder. But in the end it felt like the author rushed the ending for me and I’m giving it a 3.5⭐️. I listen to most of this and read the rest. I loved the narrators! They were perfect in their roles and look forward to hearing more from them.
Thanks Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
June has been a great reading month for me and it’s not over yet💕! Wonderful audiobooks, great debuts…it would be AMAZING if it continues like this through the rest of the year. 🥰

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

“What The Neighbors Saw” is an outstanding and entertaining debut! I’ll be keeping my eyes open for more by Melissa Adelman. This psychological thriller had just enough trashy scenes to give it a “Desperate Housewife” vibe without going overboard. Dark and sexy fun with scandalous twists and unpredictable shocks!

I didn’t hesitate to download this ebook when I received a widget from St. Martin’s Publishing. Thank you so much! I started with the ebook but switched to the audiobook, which has two fantastic narrators. Audiobooks with multiple narrators are like ice cream with your favorite toppings! YUMMY!

Alexis and Sam have come across the opportunity of a lifetime. A big home in an affluent DC suburb at a steal. It’s priced so low (but still stretching their budget to the max) because it’s run down and needs major repairs. But Alexis is pregnant with their second child and they may never get a chance like this again.

Their neighbors—Teddy and Blair—have three children, but Teddy is murdered soon after they move in. Alexis is ecstatic when she becomes friends with Blair. Blair is accepting and friendly. Alexis feels so out of place in this flawless neighborhood. All the other families look so picture-perfect. Until Alexis starts to learn the dirty secrets they keep hidden behind closed doors! Have they bitten off more than they can chew?

Sincere thanks to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing these complimentary ARCs through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#WhatTheNeighborsSaw #MelissaAdelman #macmillanaudio #minotaurbooks #netgalley #GiftedARCs #StMartinsPublishing #debut #WashingtonDC #honestreview #thrillerfriendsunite #mysteryandthrills #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #justfinished #newrelease #igbookreels #thriller #suspense #mystery #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #lovetoreadbooks #fortheloveofbooks #booknerd #bookreviewer #minotaurinfluencers #booksbooksandmorebooks #ad #instabook #readaholic

love a good neighborhood drama. This one started a bit slow, but once it got going I was invested.

Many of the characters were unlikeable and unreliable. And it seemed everyone had a secret or something to hide.

Alexis and Sam are a young couple with a child and one on the way. They find a fixer upper in a lovely DC neighborhood. IT needs work, but it's the only way they can afford this area.

Shortly after they move in, Teddy - one of their neighbors - is found murdered along a wooded path along the river. Alexis has met his wife, Blair, earlier, and goes to offer her condolences. They becom friends and she gets to know other neighbors. Meanwhile the investigation goes on.

I wasn't totally shocked by who the murderer was, but leading up to that was fast and interesting.

Solid debut and I look forward to more from this author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW by Melissa Adelman and narrated by Hillary Huber and Sarah Hollis is out today!

A debut suspense, the story has Alexis and Sam buying the worst house in the best neighborhood with their last dime, almost. This stress of fixing up the house on a budget while keeping up appearances with the new neighbors weighs heavy enough, but then one of those neighbors is found murdered!

Blair's husband Teddy is found dumped in the Potomac near their home. He was the life of the party and she holds court, and still seems to even after his death.

Alexis and Blair forge an unlikely friendship under these circumstances. As Alexis pieces together more and more of her new neighborhood, things begin to fall into odd places that present a very different picture than what she first thought.

I enjoyed the suspense that built in this story and all the false paths that led to dead ends! I was pretty sure I had it figured out, but I didn't quite get it, and the motives were definitely not what I expected! I didn't really care for the characters in this one, and though that isn't always necessary, it would have been helpful for me. I strongly disliked most of them and felt like Alexis was a bit too naïve. But hey, we need a clueless aspect or there would be no story!

⭐⭐⭐💫

The audio was done really well. I was glad to have the distinct voices for each POV. The chapters switch back and forth, so the narration change was really helpful. Even though I never cared for Blair much, her narrator was fantastic! She oozed the confidence and slightly awful flair.

This is a pretty decent debut thriller, and I will be curious to see what she writes next! I do think the audiobook is a great option for this one.

I am so grateful to @macmillan.audio @minotaur_books & @netgalley for sharing this audiobook and letting me share my thoughts. I will have to keep my eyes open for more from Adelman!

I found this book to be a very slow story.
The multiple mentions of skin color didn’t fit in and are off putting. I kept waiting for the twist many reviewers mentioned. I must have missed it. I wanted to like this book but it just wasn’t for me.

The first word that comes to mind is Ehh. I hate being honest sometimes, but I really didn't like this book. I didn't hate it, but it is a book that I'll forget about in a few hours.

The ending was not exciting, and when it was all explained, all I did was shrug my shoulders. I liked the idea the story, but halfway through the book, it just wanted to slap Sam for being such a downgrading, egocentric terrible huband and mainly money hungrey asshole.

The only thing going for him was that he seemed to be a good father.

The storyline was all over the place and random. First a murder and the cops have no suspects, then you get to filler part of the book where you get to learn about the neighbors, they are all crappy rich people, and then you get to follow the path of the why the murder happened, who else dies and then you who did it. Whoopie! All done!

Thank you to NetGalley and McMillian Audio for the opportunity to read and leave an honest review of this ARC of What the Neighbors Saw by Melissa Adelman.