Overall, the book was quite good, presenting an interesting storyline about the struggles and secrets within a blended family. However, I found the execution somewhat lacking. The multiple POV storytelling was well done; it kept you guessing about why we hear from some characters and not others, highlighted slight inconsistencies in perception, made everyone seem suspicious, and added a lot of depth.

In the middle, the story felt unnecessarily dragged out, whereas the ending seemed very rushed. The conclusion came very much out of left field. Ideally, I want twists and an ending I could not have guessed, but I cannot recall anything in the book indicating where we were headed.

Once revealed, everything fell neatly into place—too neatly, considering the reader just learned about something completely inconsistent with the rest of the story. The epilogue fully threw me.

I would recommend this to someone who enjoys domestic and popcorn thrillers.

The novel “Girl Next Door” skillfully explores the complexities and relationships of a blended family in a suburban setting, revealing how even the most idyllic households can harbor hidden secrets. The story unfolds with the arrival of new neighbors next door, disrupting the peace and uncovering buried tensions and darker truths.

One highlight of this novel is its clever incorporation of unexpected twists. Author Karen King expertly introduces plot twists that keep the story unpredictable and engaging, simultaneously adding depth to the characters and their relationships while building suspense. The element of surprise is complemented by a satisfying conclusion that neatly ties up all The novel “Girl Next Door” skillfully explores the complexities and relationships of a blended family in a suburban setting, revealing how even the most idyllic households can harbor hidden secrets. The story unfolds with the arrival of new neighbors next door, disrupting the peace and uncovering buried tensions and darker truths.

One highlight of this novel is its clever incorporation of unexpected twists. Author Karen King expertly introduces plot twists that keep the story unpredictable and engaging, simultaneously adding depth to the characters and their relationships while building suspense. The element of surprise is complemented by a satisfying conclusion that neatly ties up all storylines without feeling rushed.

Moreover, the narrative effectively depicts conflicts within families, showcasing authentic arguments, tension, and discord that illustrate the complex dynamics of familial relationships. Additionally, the focus on a blended family adds another layer to this depiction. The authenticity of the story enhances the characters and makes their struggles and motivations that much more relatable.

This novel is well-suited for fans of psychological thrillers with a nuanced approach to graphic content. By emphasizing the psychological elements of suspense as opposed to explicit content, it appeals to a wider audience within this genre.

However, there are areas in which this novel can be improved. The repetitive use of phrases such as “my son” and “precious child” was somewhat distracting and took away from my engagement with the story. This repetition was quite prevalent throughout the narrative. Additionally, there were pacing issues in certain parts of the book, particularly in the middle, where the plot slowed down, impacting the overall momentum and tension that had been established earlier.

The ending of the book was unexpectedly surprising and while it tied up loose ends neatly without feeling rushed, it left me feeling somewhat disoriented. The sudden revelation of certain details may require readers to take a moment to fully grasp the implications. Although this element of unpredictability adds to the novel, it could potentially disrupt the flow for those who were anticipating a more straightforward outcome.

I found great pleasure in listening to this novel, as narrator Tamsin Kennard demonstrated exceptional skill in providing distinct voices for each character. One challenge I sometimes encounter with narrators is their ability to voice both genders with equal proficiency. However, in this instance, I strongly feel she did an outstanding job in handling dialogue-heavy chapters involving both genders.

In general, I found this book to be both enjoyable and engaging. It was a nice change of pace to read a book with a compelling plot that did not rely on excessive violence. Due to the challenges faced in the novel, it falls just short of a solid 4-star rating for me, but I would still rate it higher than 3 stars. Unfortunately, some review platforms do not allow for half-star ratings. Therefore, my official rating for this book is 3.5, but I am rounding up to a 4-star rating given that it aligns more with a 4-star than a 3-star rating.

I received a free advanced listeners copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving my review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
without feeling rushed.

Moreover, the narrative effectively depicts conflicts within families, showcasing authentic arguments, tension, and discord that illustrate the complex dynamics of familial relationships. Additionally, the focus on a blended family adds another layer to this depiction. The authenticity of the story enhances the characters and makes their struggles and motivations that much more relatable.

This novel is well-suited for fans of psychological thrillers with a nuanced approach to graphic content. By emphasizing the psychological elements of suspense as opposed to explicit content, it appeals to a wider audience within this genre.

However, there are areas in which this novel can be improved. The repetitive use of phrases such as “my son” and “precious child” was somewhat distracting and took away from my engagement with the story. This repetition was quite prevalent throughout the narrative. Additionally, there were pacing issues in certain parts of the book, particularly in the middle, where the plot slowed down, impacting the overall momentum and tension that had been established earlier.

The ending of the book was unexpectedly surprising and while it tied up loose ends neatly without feeling rushed, it left me feeling somewhat disoriented. The sudden revelation of certain details may require readers to take a moment to fully grasp the implications. Although this element of unpredictability adds to the novel, it could potentially disrupt the flow for those who were anticipating a more straightforward outcome.

I found great pleasure in listening to this novel, as narrator Tamsin Kennard demonstrated exceptional skill in providing distinct voices for each character. One challenge I sometimes encounter with narrators is their ability to voice both genders with equal proficiency. However, in this instance, I strongly feel she did an outstanding job in handling dialogue-heavy chapters involving both genders.

In general, I found this book to be both enjoyable and engaging. It was a nice change of pace to read a book with a compelling plot that did not rely on excessive violence. Due to the challenges faced in the novel, it falls just short of a solid 4-star rating for me, but I would still rate it higher than 3 stars. Unfortunately, some review platforms do not allow for half-star ratings. Therefore, my official rating for this book is 3.5, but I am rounding up to a 4-star rating given that it aligns more with a 4-star than a 3-star rating.

I received a free advanced listeners copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving my review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reading Between the Wines book review #65/130 for 2024:
Rating: 3 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Girl Next Door
Author: Karen King
RELEASES on July 9, 2024!!!

Sipping thoughts: I was really enthralled in this mystery because I just had to find out who pushed Rachel out of the window or did she just fall or even worse, jump! I pegged how she “fell” out the window very early on and really felt confident when everyone gave their story about what they saw or was doing when she got hurt. I thought I was going to give this a 4-star review, but I did not like the additional element to Rachel’s story because I think it was just extra for no reason and a little unbelievable. Overall, this was a quick, easy, and interesting read.

Cheers and thank you to @BookoutureAudio and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @GirlNextDoor.

#GirlNextDoor #KarenKing #BookoutureAudio #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult

Different POVs made the story fuller and even more exciting. It worked very well in the Girl Next Door. This thriller is utterly gripping and captivating. The narrator creates a great atmosphere for the thriller which kept you guessing who to trust! The twisty ending was a good one. It’s such an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy.

Pub date: July 9, 2024

🩺ARC Review🔪

Genre: mystery, thriller, adult fiction
🌶️ Spice: there is no spice in this book
My rating: 4⭐️
Pub date: July 9th!

This was a good thriller, I was honestly blaming everyone at one point. I really enjoyed myself while reading this story. My fave part was getting all the different POVs. I think that added to this story so much! Also I loved the short chapters! I really wanted to find out the truth, therefore I couldn’t stop reading!

This was an interesting one for me. The plot was gripping for about the first 3/4 of the book, it’s a real “make you think” type story.

When new neighbours quickly become firm friends, everything looks idyllic, but cracks soon begin to appear when both sons seem to be crushing on Rachel, the new girl next door, fractures begin to appear, arguments and fights break out, and then Rachel has a near fatal accident when she falls from her bedroom window and is left in a coma. Somebody is to blame and everyone is under suspicion.

The plot was well laid out, it portrays just how fragile life is in every way. How easily trust falls apart and how quickly we can become suspicious of those closest to us. Especially when everything seems to be wrapped up in secrets and lies. Lots to ponder.

As I said this was gripping for around the first 3/4 mark, then there seemed to be a lot of repetition and some real hoops to jump to get to the conclusion. I have to admit there was no way I was getting the twist so that’s a massive plus, I’d really have liked a bit more evidence to get us there, but it was an enjoyable read regardless, perhaps we could have a follow up on the cards?! There seems to have been a lot left unsaid.

Fantastic narration by Tamsin Kennard!

3.5 🌟

Thank you to Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to this title via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Ok so we started off great.
A lovely blended family living happily in a lovely house in the lovely sunshine on a lovely street, all lovely, great.
A new family move in next door and the teenage children all make friends and so do the mums until one day there is a terrible accident or was it an accident?
The writing was great and as a mother to two sons I could relate to the main character but somewhere we got a little lost.
Things started to get repetitive and, I’m sorry, a little boring in the middle and I found the ending completely unsatisfactory.
The amount of times the police ‘shared a knowing look’ or she ‘lent into his open arms’ started to get annoying. It’s a shame because the writing was so good and I was really invested until just over halfway.
Without giving anything away I felt like the ending really let this book down.
Narrator was great.

Really enjoyed this Audio book lots of twists and turns which keeps you guessing right up to the epilogue

I enjoyed this audiobook so much! It’s a about a blended family who has new neighbors move in next door. Both teenage boys develop a crush on the new girl next door, and are in competition to win her affection. When the new girl is taken to the hospital after suffering a fall from her second story window, and it is determined not to be an accident, both teenage boys are under scrutiny and are suspected of having something to do with it.
I will say that I correctly guessed the twist about halfway through the book, however, I second guessed myself several times because of all of the twists!

Karen King has done it! She has written a story that translates so successfully into an audiobook that I walked for hours on one Saturday morning just so I didn’t have to pause the story. Vanessa’s struggles as her family is investigated for the suspected attack of the new girl next door is better than any mystery movie and should in fact be made into a movie. It would be a blockbuster! The fear of the attacked girl (Rachel) and the suspicions of her mother (Suzy) are so well presented and yet hidden that I nearly died being unable to flip forward to see the ending and reassure myself that everything would be alright. Never before have I enjoyed an audiobook the way I did Girl Next Door. Absolutely a 5/5 audiobook and the book is no doubt the same when read. Just incredible!

I was intrigued by this book and drawn in by the characters right away. Also I liked seeing a stepfamily dynamic in the main character/family, as I’m a stepparent and know all too well all of the complications that can arise. The battle of “my son” and “your son” played heavily in this book and created much more tension. I liked the book and the story, though the way the twist went wasn’t where I would have liked it to go. Also the strong hints towards the red herring made it a bit obvious that it was not going to be the true story in the end. But still, 4 stars! ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook!

I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!!!

Ok, I didn't know it.

The Girl Next Door is a domestic thriller with enough suspects, and red herrings, that about half way through, my ego absolutely guessed the ending. A few chapters later, I guessed a different ending.

I absolutely love these crazy plots where anything is possible but the one guarantee in life.....I will not guess it.

The story features two neighboring families - one a family with two single parents each with similar aged boys who then have their own child and the new neighbors who bring a teenaged daughter and younger son onto the scene. As will happen amongst hormonal teens, their is serious tension when both boys set their sights on the girl.

The girl gets hurt and we spend the rest of the novel playing guessing games. It had shades of Picoult with even bigger shades of McFadden. Overall, a great way to spend an afternoon.

*Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity & Bookouture Audio*

My copy of this specific book was an audiobook. I love a physiological thriller that keeps me listening, and this one was no exception. Thinking I’d split it between two days, I started it this morning. My plan was to listen to HALF. Instead, I became so wrapped up in this book I didn’t take my headphones off until it ended. 🤍

First- I loved this listen. I really enjoyed the characters, the back stories, and the family dynamic (because I can relate, and blended families can be SO HARD sometimes).

Second- this book kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next twist to drop and that did NOT disappoint. Some of those twists had me stopping what I was doing altogether and just staring into space like “whaaaaa?!!”. SUPER JOB on those.

Third- all in all, I did really enjoy the story. I felt in some parts it went slow, but I wasn’t upset about it. I was just itching to get to the next part. The ending however felt a little wild and rushed. It went from 8+ hours of unnerving, intense thrill to wait what? Who’s that? What’s happening? Why? “But they don’t even go here though!” I feel like there could’ve been a lot more there that would’ve made it feel like a good thriller punch whereas everything seemed concluded in mere sentences.

Regardless, the build up, the story, was soooo good. I am definitely going to be reading more from this author! 4 stars because of the ending, but truly this is a read I’d def recommend. 😍

Wow! Twisted read. I listened to this book on audiobooks and I am so glad I did. The characters are brought to life vividly. Rachel and her family ( mother, father, little brother)move next door to Vanessa and her family (a husband, two teenage boys and little sister). Life twists and turns as Rachel and the two boys grow close. Old demons come to visit both families and trouble follows all around. Very good read. Recommend. I was given an advanced reader copy by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review.

This was a good book. I thought I had it figured out several times, but I was wrong. This definitely kept me engaged. All of the secrets that were kept hurt a lot of people. This was an enjoyable book. I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed it.

Thank you to Karen King, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for an arc of this audiobook, narrated by Tamsin Kennard, in exchange for my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. I was able to listen to it in a day while on a roadtrip. Two boys interested in the same girl next door, Rachel. When she takes a tumble out her window and ends up in a coma, the suspicion is placed on one of the boys. Just how well does a mother know their child? Between all the drama, tension, red herrings, family secrets, this one had me guessing until the very end. I highly recommend getting your hands on it when it releases on 7/9/24.

Well!... My first Karen King book definitely won't be my last! I really enjoyed this one as an audiobook. Plenty of story, a little bit twisty, lots of drama and very well narrated too.

Thanks very much to Bookouture Audio via Netgalley for gifting me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Girl Next Door by Karen King in exchange for an honest review. I read the whole book last night, staying up till 5 in the morning as I had to know who pushed Rachel out her window. On the way to finding out the answer, all sorts of secrets were revealed, making everyone look guilty. This was a well written book that kept me guessing and interested till the last page.

My favorite day of the year is Christmas, followed by my birthday, followed by the day Karen King drops a book.😍 AH THIS WAS SOOOOOO GOOD!

Premise: a blended family has their world rocked when the girl next door - and love interest of both boys - takes a terrible tumble out of her bedroom window. Now the girl is in a coma and one of the boys is the prime suspect…

The red herrings are wild, I got snookered multiple times and LIVED for it! You also just can’t beat the classic Karen King writing style, it’s popcorn thriller at its most bingeable.

If you like Frieda McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Minka Kelly, etc. then you *NEED* this book! I had just read two books I didn’t enjoy much (in a row!) and was worried one more did would put me in a slump, but this one sent me, saved me, kept me addicted!!📚

I listened to the audio version and could not stop listening - I was legitimately looking for more housework to do so I had an excuse to keep going.😂

The audiobook is narrated by Tamsin Kennard, aka one of the best narrators ever, so seriously - get the audiobook version if at all possible. This duo cannot be beat!

Thanks, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.