Born the same long-ago summer in Sheffield, four friends remain close throughout the years, despite the inevitable ups and downs of life. Until something happens that changes everything...

Because when one of them finds out her husband is cheating, and he turns up dead shortly thereafter, they all know things are going to get complicated!

This story is less a thriller and more of a drama/slice of life novel. The pacing could have been better, as it did drag on at times. The dead husband provides a thriller element of sorts and there is a good twist.

Not as fast paced as I’d hoped, but once it grips you in the psychological thriller twists and turns, it’s impossible to put down.

The Girls Next Door is the first Anita Waller novel I have reviewed.

Jess, Erin Melissa and Chantelle: all born within 6 months of each other in Sheffield. Friends and so close throughout their lives. The were uniquely portrayed characters It’s an interesting premise.

I loved the fact that there were twins in the story too, having been born one myself.

The novel has mystery, family secrets loss grief and friendship. There’s a sense of mystery that did make me feel uneasy. What happened to Chantelle’s husband?

Anna’s subplot was pretty mysterious too. The bookshop was atmospheric and has a unique name which you’ll have to read/ listen to the book to find out. There were good things about the book, as I’ve said. However, the general pace of the book is slow and some parts felt monotonous.

Thanks to Anita Waller and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review

3 stars

A slow burn, and then the hook! I enjoyed unraveling the secrets everyone kept and seeing how it all fit together at the end.

I seriously enjoyed this book! I loved the way the author portrayed her characters in a way that the reader has to identify with at least one, if not all four of them. The story was told across time in a then and now sort of format. The plot builds slowly as the characters and story led the reader to what I considered a very surprising ending!

This was an ok book for me. I was hoping for more. At first, I was really into the book, but then, it seemed to drag on and go slow. There were parts of the story I did enjoy, but found myself wishing it would be over. The ending was good but rushed. I did think the twist at the end was good.

Loved this book from start to finish... So captivating it can be read in one sitting. Telling the story of 4 girls who grew together on the same street and became like sisters this focuses on one dreadful time of life with deaths and marriage break ups although the twist at the end i didnt see coming....

Would give more stars if i could highly recommend

Although this was a pleasant read about four girls who subsequently were all born within the same summer and grew up just as close as sisters, this in my opinion, wasn’t a mystery or psychological thriller. There was some “suspense” but nothing that I would categorize as a psychological thriller or mystery. They have each other’s backs and although they are all facing different struggles during this book, it was still more of a warm and pleasant read. It was a bit of a slow read and halfway through the book found myself struggling to figure out what the actual plot was.

All in all, it still had a cute storyline and the characters were fun , so I rate it a 3.

This was my first book by this author. At first I found myself unable to put this book down, but after a while it seemed to drag on. I did enjoy the story, but found myself wishing it would be over. The ending was good, but kind of rushed. I did like the extra twist the end!

What an amazing book . Really enjoyed the closeness of the woman and families. Lots of twist and turns and that ending!!

A good story different than what I expected but in a good way, I loved the bond between the characters and how that continued into adulthood. The sudden deaths were unexpected but at the end all made sense.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, you could feel their strong bond with each other. There were enough things happening in each of their lives to keep the story going well and keep it interesting. Though I didn't find the "mystery" element very strong in the book, I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened. Overall I would rate this 3.5 stars.

Four girls born within 6 months of each other in the same small road. Four girls who are like sisters, who always have each other's backs.

And so, when each one has a problem, who do they turn to?

Even when that problem involves murder?

Utterly compelling

Thankyou for letting me read the arc for this book. I LOVED it. It kept me reading and wanting to find out more. The characters were relatable and each of their personalities shone through. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will be keeping an eye out for any other books by the author

This was an unexpected read... I loved the family/close friends component intertwined with death and mystery. It definitely had a nice mix and it kept me guessing until the end.

What an interesting book . I loved the relationships between the women and their families and their backgrounds and stories . Of course we have murder in the mix to make it more interesting. I loved the twists and turns and the brilliant ending. The books from this author are very enjoyable and I can’t wait to read more . 5 stars from me

I wasn’t a huge fan of this book. At the start I was really interested and I liked the feel of it but the pace was just so slow and it took ages for anything to happen. For about 3/4 of the book I actually wondered if I was just going to be reading about these women’s lives, that wouldn’t have been a problem but I went into this thinking it was a mystery novel. It turned out to be a mystery novel with a twist at the end but it was just too slow for me.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

It is my 3rd by this author and I find her books a super quick read. The plots are never anything new but very well written.

Four women , all born very near to each other and on the same street. They’ve grown up as best friends and will always be there for one another. This book takes place with them all as adults now, all in major life changing positions, helping each other as women do. This is a story of friendship, trust and love

After finishing this book I agree with other reviewers that is is more women's fiction than psychological thriller genre.

I found the 4 female main characters fairly bland/indistinguishable and I didn't connect with anyof them. There wasn't any character development and it felt ploddy and bogged down by dull dialogue and unnecessary descriptions.
Im sorry to say I felt fairly deflated after reading this.

I have never read anything by Anita Waller before but I really enjoyed the book and managed to read in it one day.
It’s all about 4 women who were born within 6 months of each other in the same street and share an unbreakable bond.
I loved the characters of all the women and the connection they all shared.
A great story full of heartbreak with a great twist at the end which really added to the story.
That’s to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Anita Waller for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.