The Bad Neighbor by Jennifer Ruff is a wonderful book. It kept my attention from the very beginning. It is very well written. The characters are described wonderfully as I could picture them perfectly. It even has that one person you just don’t like that never has anything nice to say about anyone. The twists and turns that the story takes is exactly what I like in a book. When you think you have it figured out you realize that you don’t! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day. I didn’t know that it was the 9th book in a series until I was finished but it didn’t make a difference as they are all standalone novels. I highly recommend this book and will be reading others by this author.
Thank you NetGalley, Jennifer Ruff and BooksGoSocial for the advanced copy.

3.5 stars

The writing style of this book leads to a fast paced read. I enjoyed the book, but it’s probably not one that would stay with me.

This was my first book I’ve read in the series. It honestly had a Frieda McFadden vibe about it. Short chapters that draw you in, and keep the story humming along at pace. I liked the different perspectives between then and now, and felt the author did a good job bringing them together to form a cohesive plot.

I wish the stakes had been higher. I know they were for Zoey but everyone else seemed to be coasting along. I really disliked Grace, and well karmas a b*tch.

Not only did I devour this book I'm beyond delighted to find it is the latest in a series, number nine in fact. This feels like I've had coffee at the end of a meal with the meal still to look forward to.

The novels all feature a standalone premise with Victoria's back story running through so this is actually a great place to start, it is often how I discover new series.

This really held my attention. Characterisation was excellent with enough information to allow you to develop your own idea of the folk without every little detail being fed to you. The pace is cracking and I liked the shorter chapters so that you rapidly move on.

I hugely reccomend you add this to you autumn reading pile as it has just been released the timing is perfect.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC which as you can tell I really enjoyed.

I requested this book because it was recommended by JE Rowney, one of my favorite authors. This story is about a husband and wife who move to a new place to start over, but just like the home owner before them, Zoey disappears. Good thing one of the neighbors is a heroic FBI agent who will stop at nothing to find out what is happening in their neighborhood. This story is full of suspense and thrill. It’s very well written and if you like a good suspenseful, thrilling mystery, then this one’s for you!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Bad Neighbor: Agent Victoria Heslin Series Book 9 by Jenifer Ruff is a gripping and intricately woven domestic thriller that plunges readers into the seemingly idyllic yet sinister world of Mountain Meadows. This latest installment in the Agent Victoria Heslin series showcases Ruff’s talent for creating suspenseful narratives filled with unexpected twists and deeply buried secrets.

The story begins with newcomers Chris and Zoey Hamilton moving into the affluent community of Mountain Meadows, hoping to build a peaceful life together. However, their dreams quickly turn into a nightmare when Zoey vanishes without a trace, eerily mirroring the disappearance of the previous homeowner five years earlier. Enter FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin, known for her relentless pursuit of the truth.

Ruff’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the tension and unease that permeates Mountain Meadows. The plot is meticulously crafted, with layers of mystery that keep readers guessing until the very end. The setting of the affluent community, with its manicured gardens and picture-perfect facades, adds a chilling contrast to the dark secrets lurking within.

Victoria Heslin is a compelling protagonist, driven by a strong sense of justice and a keen intuition. Her interactions with the residents of Mountain Meadows reveal the complexities and hidden depths of the seemingly perfect community. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each with their own secrets and motivations that add to the suspense.

Ruff excels in creating a palpable sense of danger and urgency. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, as Victoria navigates the treacherous waters of deception and betrayal. The climax is thrilling and satisfying, tying together the various threads of the story in a way that is both surprising and inevitable.

The Bad Neighbor is a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers and suspenseful mysteries. Jenifer Ruff’s expert storytelling and intricate plotting make this novel a strong addition to the Agent Victoria Heslin series.

This installment in this series and it had a lot of suspense and who did what vibes all through the book. I think it was well written so you were pushed one way and the story took a great turn making it even better.

This book was really well written. It had me engaged and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would recommend to a friend.

The Bad Neighbor by Jennifer Ruff is definitely a must read! It is the ninth book in the Agent Victoria Heslin Series. If you haven’t read this series yet, never fear. Each of the books in her series read as standalones. That is really nice. In fact I started the series on book 3 and own one and two. I hope to find time this winter to go back and read them. The perk of reading them in order is that you learn Victoria’s past and get to know her as she excels with her career with the FBI.

I have to say that out of the seven books I’ve read of this particular series, I’ve enjoyed every one of them. The cases are all so different and they hold your interest from the very first page. I love a book that grabs your interest and won’t let you go. Don’t you?

This book was very different because it takes place in her own exclusive neighborhood. She doesn’t often spend a lot of time at home. She is on the road a lot solving cases and looking for criminals. Consequently she doesn’t know her neighbors that well. A new couple moved in down the street recently and the wife went missing. Victoria is on vacation and immediately lends a hand in the search. All of the neighbors and even the husband are looked at as the culprit.

I have to say she kept me guessing. I had a hint of where she might be and I also thought it might be the teenage son of one couple. She kept me reading and I had a hard time putting this page-turner down. I even dreamed of this book at night. That is always a good indication to me that this is an exceptional book. I don’t dream about every book that I read. It has to be one my mind is working on in the background.

If you love a good mystery and one that just happens to include an old murder that was thought to be a disappearance then this book should be your next engrossing read. It certainly needs to be on your nightstand. I highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #Jenifer Ruff. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Bad Neighbor by Jennifer Ruff is definitely a must read! It is the ninth book in the Agent Victoria Heslin Series. If you haven’t read this series yet, never fear. Each of the books in her series read as standalones. That is really nice. In fact I started the series on book 3 and own one and two. I hope to find time this winter to go back and read them. The perk of reading them in order is that you learn Victoria’s past and get to know her as she excels with her career with the FBI.

I have to say that out of the seven books I’ve read of this particular series, I’ve enjoyed every one of them. The cases are all so different and they hold your interest from the very first page. I love a book that grabs your interest and won’t let you go. Don’t you?

This book was very different because it takes place in her own exclusive neighborhood. She doesn’t often spend a lot of time at home. She is on the road a lot solving cases and looking for criminals. Consequently she doesn’t know her neighbors that well. A new couple moved in down the street recently and the wife went missing. Victoria is on vacation and immediately lends a hand in the search. All of the neighbors and even the husband are looked at as the culprit.

I have to say she kept me guessing. I had a hint of where she might be and I also thought it might be the teenage son of one couple. She kept me reading and I had a hard time putting this page-turner down. I even dreamed of this book at night. That is always a good indication to me that this is an exceptional book. I don’t dream about every book that I read. It has to be one my mind is working on in the background.

If you love a good mystery and one that just happens to include an old murder that was thought to be a disappearance then this book should be your next engrossing read. It certainly needs to be on your nightstand. I highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #Jenifer Ruff. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I loved the 9th novel in the Victoria Heslin series, The Bad Neighbor. In this book, we find Victoria and Ned helping to investigate what happened to one of their missing neighbors. The story was full of twists and surprises. Also, one neighbor is a perfect villain and I’m so glad none of my neighbors are like her (hmmm…Grace, girl, I’m talking about you). I did not guess the ending of this one either.

Like the rest of Jenifer’s books, I highly recommend reading this book especially if you like dark crime novels with a strong female protagonist.

(This same review was shared on the Barnes & Noble website).

Author name: Jenifer Ruff @author.jenifer.ruff
Book name: The Bad Neighbor (Agent Victoria Heslin Series Book 9)
Publisher: Greyt Companion Press
Pub date: October 1, 2024
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Summary:
In the idyllic Mountain Meadows neighborhood, a fresh start can quickly become a fatal ending.
For newcomers Chris and Zoey Hamilton, the affluent community seems like the perfect location to build a life together. Instead, history repeats itself when Zoey vanishes without a trace—just like the previous homeowner five years ago.
Enter FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin, known for her relentless pursuit of the truth. Her investigation uncovers a history of lies and betrayal festering beneath manicured gardens and picture-perfect smiles.

The more Victoria digs, the clearer it becomes: the secrets in Mountain Meadows run deep, and the greatest threats aren’t lurking in the shadows...they’re hosting dinner parties, attending parent-teacher conferences, going to yoga, and waving hello from behind their perfectly trimmed hedges. One of those polite, smiling individuals will stop at nothing to keep the past buried.

My thoughts:
Thank you, @NetGally for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

My October started with a BAM!!! I found a new author to crush on again, and Jenifer Ruff didn’t disappoint! The Bad Neighbor is gripping and so interesting that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the first page until the very last.

A missing case in the perfect neighborhood, and FBI Agent Victoria Heslin is on the hunt for the truth. Everyone in the neighborhood is suspicious, including Zoey’s husband. The deeper the investigation goes, the more layers of betrayal and lies are uncovered—leading back to past secrets that refuse to stay hidden.

This book is a feast for crime thrillers and mystery lovers. It’s nail-biting suspense with so many twists, it’ll have you guessing until the end. I absolutely loved the strength of Victoria as a detective, and characters like Ned and Sullivan added so much to the plot.

This is a must-read for crime, thriller, and suspense fans! Trust me, it’s totally worth it.

Book released today—go get it!
#NetGalley #TheBadNeighbor

Thanks to Net galley for making this available. This is the first book I've read by Jennifer Ruff and I will definitely be checking out more of her books. I really liked most of the characters and thought this was a really good read. I wish it gave me the option to leave 4-1/2 stars because I would definitely give it that.

Loved this book. It’s about the inner politics of an affluent neighborhood. The resident FBI agent fights time to save a new neighbor and to solve the 5 year old mystery of another neighbor. It gripped me by the hand and I didn’t put it down until the last page. Recommend!

I didn’t realize this was part of a series but I wasn’t lost at all. I’ll definitely be going back to read the other 8 books. I couldn’t put this book down, I read it in a day! Each page just wants to keep you reading until you finished.

Thanks to NetGalley for having this available to read!

I really liked this! It was my first book from this series and it was a really easy, fun read. The characters were all so well-developed, even the minor ones. Some plot points, at first, didn't seem like they'd end up being all that relevant and I thought they were mentioned to throw the reader off, but then everything came together so thoughtfully. I definitely plan to check out more of this series next time I need a quick thriller read.

Another addition of one of my favorite thriller series! Jenifer's writing style and character development are unmatched. I hope she continues this series for a long time.

Full of suspense and so thrilling! Every time I thought I knew what was happening, I was shocked. I can’t wait to read more from Jenifer Ruff!

The Bad Neighbor by Jenifer Ruff is a highly recommended investigative thriller. This is the ninth book in the series featuring FBI Agent Victoria Heslin but can easily be read as a standalone novel.

Chris and Zoey Hamilton have just moved from California into their dream home, a fixer-upper in the affluent Virginia community of Mountain Meadows. The house was the home of a notorious embezzler Steve Johnson who disappeared without a trace five years and his wife decided to sell it. The two are trying to fix it up while building a new life together when Zoey suddenly disappears.

FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin and her fiancé veterinarian Ned Patterson also live in Mountain Meadows. When out running early one morning they discover two dogs running free without an owner around. The dogs belonged to Zoey and while returning them Victoria learns that Zoey is missing. She and Ned help look for her on the trails and then Chris contacts the police. It appears that something happened to Zoey, leaving her dogs to run loose. Since Victoria and Ned were taking the week off, they become involved in the search for Zoey.

This is a nightmare neighborhood full of people who are potential suspects, with the exception of Victoria and Ned. The narrative moves back and forth in time through mainly three different viewpoints, with a fourth added later. Chapters follow Zoey's story leading up to her disappearance, the opinions of a snobbish neighbor named Grace, and Victoria in the present day investigation. All of the characters are delineated as individuals and it is easy to distinguish between them.

The investigation moves a quick pace with short chapters alternating the points-of-view and time periods. This choice helps keep interest high as clues are discovered in both timelines and it introduces all the suspicious neighbors. The pages flew by quickly as both timelines are equally compelling. Thanks to BooksGoSocial for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

The Bad Neighbor: Agent Victoria Heslin Series Book 9 by Jenifer Ruff delivers a compelling mystery with credible characters and an atmospheric locale. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the setting, which made me feel like I was really there. The plot was well-written.

Overall, I would rate The Bad Neighbor 4 out of 5 for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and skillful writing that kept me hooked throughout the book.

#TheBadNeighbor #NetGalley

I finished this last night - happy me. It's an easy read. Got two timelines - now and then.

I'm not a person who likes detective concept books but surprisingly I love this book. The chapters were nice and short. Fast-paced. Keeps me guessing who the bad guy is until the culprit appears. Unpredictable.

4.5 ⭐️ for me and definitely will read more from this author.

Thank you @netgalley and @booksgosocialgroup and the author for this eARC.

Pub date: 1st October 2024

4.5 ⭐️s

When I saw the opportunity to read this book, I ran to read what it was about and immediately knew that I needed to read it ASAP! And thankfully I was given that chance because it was so good.

I really love discovering new authors and getting the chance to brag about them and their work. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends.

It was thrilling and kept me guessing the entire time. I would have never guessed how it was going to end.