Let me introduce you to the “Nosy Neighbors” seen peeking through the mail slot of this ADORABLE book cover!!

Flat #2 is the home of the cantankerous seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling -Shelley House’s longest resident. Always armed with a cup of tea, and her diary, she notes all of the coming and goings of the residence in her trusty notebook. She is seen on the left. (And, by the way that is MS. Darling to you!)

Beside her in that mail slot, on the right, is pink haired Kat Bennett. She has recently moved into Flat #1 as Joseph Chambers illegal subtenant, and she and Dorothy were not always accomplices-having gotten off on the wrong foot. Also in flat #1 is Reggie-an adorable Jack Russell terrier and scene stealer! (Or Reginald, according to Ms. Darling)

Rounding out the building is :
Flat #3 Omar Siddiq and his daughter, Ayesha
Flat #4 The anti-social tenant who frequently disturbs their peace
Flat#5 Tomas’s Wojcik and his pit bull, Princess and
Flat#6 Gloria Brown and her “latest” no good boyfriend.

This unlikely assortment of neighbors will have to band together if they have any hope of saving the historic Shelley House from demolition from an unscrupulous developer, Ferguson Alexander.

As eviction day nears, and things become dangerous, Dorothy and Kat must do something that neither one is comfortable doing-trust another person-each other-if they are to outwit and outlast Ferguson.

Once again, Freya Sampson has penned a delightful, COZY story of a community coming together, and written characters who will feel like friends by the end of the story!

There are reasons that Dorothy and Kat are both so closed off-and those secrets aren’t the only surprise revelations!

A new book from Freya Sampson is now something I am always watching for-she is three for three for me!!
If you haven’t read “The Lost Ticket” yet, it made my 2023 FAVORITES list.

And, Nosy Neighbors will be available on April 2, 2024.

Thank you to Berkley for the gifted copy provided through NeGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

mystery, thriller, cozy-fiction, chick-lit, contemporary, romantic, situational-humor, verbal-humor, eviction-notice, local-law-enforcement, local-politics, pet-dog, family-drama, sublet****

Shelley House is the main character in this collection of quirky characters who is each so engrossed in themselves and the others in the building. Delightful!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Berkley Publishing Group/Berkley via NetGalley. Thank you!
Pub Date 02 Apr 2024

This book had considerably heavier themes than I was expecting. I expected a bit of fun mystery in the suburbs of London but underneath that there was darker themes (child loss, abusive parents etc). I enjoyed it still but it wasn't quite as I expected from the jaunty cover.

3.75 stars

This offbeat novel features great characterizations and old secrets. The star of the show is Shelley House, a once beautiful older building that has suffered from neglect and lack of maintenance, The owner, an unscrupulous developer, wants to tear it down and build apartments.

But the residents, particularly 77 year old Dorothy Darling, are outraged. They believe the building owner has passively and actively tried to get rid of them to speed up the demolition process. Dorothy is a bitter, acerbic, secretive character. There has been a great tragedy in her past connected to the building that she will not speak of.

Enter the other pivotal character, Kat, as far removed from Dorothy as possible. Kat is in her twenties, pink-haired and tattooed. She has history with this village and there is one trait she and Dorothy have in common: Kat also has a hidden past that she wants to keep private. She had a wretched childhood with an addict mother. Her only solace was her grandfather, who lived in the village, but she hasn't seen him since she was 10.

There are other tenants in the building who are part of the plot. They are each nicely drawn and fleshed out. Mysterious incidents begin to happen: several break ins, some assaults on older occupants, and so on. Kat and Dorothy form an abrasive team when Kat's landlord is attacked.

The meat of this story is the slow destruction of all the emotional armor these two women have erected and their slow decision to re-engage with the world after all they have suffered. If this sounds sad and maudlin, it isn't. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Nosy Neighbors starts as a fun cozy mystery with an odd couple of tenants banding together to find the culprit who seriously hurt another tenant. They are also facing eviction as the owner of the property has decided to tear it down and build more units on the land.
Dorothy has been at Shelley House for decades. She is what one would call a busybody - she records everyone’s movements, writes letters to the council and religiously tells everyone what they’re doing wrong. Kat is a recent sub tenant. Young, she still has a history with the area and obviously is trying to hide something from her past. When Joseph, Dorothy’s nemesis and Kat’s direct landlord, is hurt, they surprisingly find common ground. And one by one, they slowly bring in others. But as the story goes on, it becomes much deeper.
The story alternates between the two POVs. Dorothy is an easy character to initially dislike. But I loved watching her thaw out, even becoming a dog lover. Likewise, Kat is afraid to connect with anyone and we get to see her lower her guard. Both have serious trust issues. They also are both consumed by guilt. I was surprised how engaged I became with both of these characters. Kudos to Sampson for such wonderful character development.
Sampson has written a heartwarming story with a strong dose of humor. But she also makes some very important points about parenting, guilt, regret and moving forward. I needed this feel good story after too many dark ones in a row. I’ve not read either of Sampson’s prior books but after this, I plan to seek them out.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.

I have loved both of Freya Sampson’s previous books, and this one is no exception. While the synopsis didn’t quite excite me, I’m happy to report that this is another sweet, funny, and emotional read. I laughed, I cried, and I loved. I can’t wait for her next book!

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Freya Sampson's new book is probably my favorite of hers. Nosy Neighbors is more than its cracked up to be. Tough and emotionally challenging threads are woven through the book. The characters live in the same place, Shelly House, and when it's targeted for demolition, the individual storylines mesh into a group of understanding neighbors.
Well done!

Seemed kind of a rip off of A Man Called Ove with a nosy tenant in England trying to enforce the rules of the building -- though with added twists of an evil housing developer trying to take over.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is about our characters coming together and learning each other’s secrets and lives and trying to save their homes at the same time. It was so easy to read, i flew through it in couple hours but know that i’m an extra fast reader. I really liked this one.
I also love the cover, look at this!

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Shelley House is an aging Victorian mansion that houses six flats and six very different people and families. None of them really know one another, but resident Dorothy Darling has spent the last 30 years taking notes of all the things that go on in the building and being the nosiest of neighbors. When Shelley House is faced with destruction, can the very separate residents band together to save their home or will they all be facing eviction? Will Dorothy's notebook of daily occurrences be any help in their fight? They all have secrets they've kept from the world and will have to let them go to save their home. I loved the characters and loved the whole arc of the story. Anyone who loved A MAn Called Ove or Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting will love Nosy Neighbors just as much.

This story is a timeless tale of being human, the cast was delightful and the plot pleasantly predictable. Definitely one to pass on to a friend to read next so you can talk about it over coffee

A group of neighbors-some older, some younger-ban together to save their homes at Shelley House. Along they way they discover new things about each other and opinions are changed.

In Nosy Neighbors, Freya Sampson crafts a heartwarming tale centered on the residents of Shelley House as they unravel the mystery surrounding their beloved home. Sampson skillfully explores the interconnected lives of characters like the cantankerous yet lovable Dorothy and the enigmatic Kat, infusing charm and warmth into their stories. Beyond a simple mystery, the novel delves into themes of forgiveness and redemption, highlighting the intricate relationships among characters. While the plot focuses on saving Shelley House, the heart of the story lies in the heartwarming bonds between characters, filled with humor and tenderness. Nosy Neighbors is a delightful read for those who enjoy feel-good stories with well-developed characters and a touch of mystery, reminding readers of the beauty of community, forgiveness, and embracing life's quirks.

* My in-depth-review will be posted online and links will be shared closer to release date

*Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review*

Another heartwarming story from Freya Sampson! I loved her other books; she is so talented at writing about the friendships that can blossom between people of different generations and this book is no exception. I would give this book a 3.5 only because I felt like the two main characters were a bit over the top this time. I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it if you're looking for an uplifting story that makes you feel good about humanity!

I love stories like this- the different age groups, different ethnicities, different beliefs and behaviors. Learning such valuable lessons on opening one’s mind. Giving second chances to those who would normally be tossed aside. Sweet friendships formed. Just a charming tale that warms the heart.

I really felt like i knew this building and it's occupants. This was a cozy, english mystery that had a sweet heart in it's center

The most magnificent duos are almost always the most unexpected. My work bestie is a woman twenty years older than me whose references and perspective are completely different than mine but that's what makes our connection so valuable and special. In the vein of True Grit and A Man Called Ove, Nosy Neighbors sets us up with an unexpected cast of characters thrown together in some unexpected circumstances. Heartfelt and cozy, Freya Sampson delivers the equivalent of a warm hug in this installment, sure to please readers of all ages and genres.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. It's the first I've read from this author.
The story is told in close third person, with the point of view alternating between crotchety septuagenarian, Dorothy Darling (reminiscent of Ove) and twenty-five-year-old Kat Bennett, a lost soul who has come back to the town where she spent part of her childhood. The two get off to a bad start, and their relationship is rocky throughout most of the novel, but they both share guilty secrets for which they cannot forgive themselves. These past events paralyze each woman from moving on with her life and letting others in.
The setting is the multi-family dwelling, Shelley House, on Poets Road in a quiet London suburb. The historic building has fallen into disrepair, and busybody Dorothy's complaints are ignored by their landlord. The tenants soon receive an eviction notice. The owner plans to raze Shelley House and build modern apartments in its place. The diverse band of tenants, with nothing in common except their residence, come together in a David vs. Goliath effort to try to save their home. When one neighbor is attacked and lands in hospital, Kat and Dorothy end up sharing care for his lovable Jack Russell terrier. Dorothy suspects everyone of the assault, but eventually, they solve the mystery. together
This was a poignant tale with richly developed characters. The ending is more bittersweet than happily ever after, but it is mostly satisfying. Recommended!

A great cozy story! Meet Dorothy, she is 77 and keeps very close tabs on what happens in her apartment complex. This doesn't make her any friends, but she doesn't care. When Kat Bennett sublets a room, Dorothy is on high alert. She is suspicious and she has a reason to be. The tenants in general do not seem to able to get long. But when the tenants are notified that the building is to be demolished they are forced to talk to each other and possibly band together.

Sampson creates a lovely community of different types of people. It was a delight to read and if you like a cozy story you will adore it!
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