Good Neighbors
A Novel
by Sarah Langan
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Feb 02 2021 | Archive Date Jan 17 2025
Description
“A modern-day Crucible….Beneath the surface of a suburban utopia, madness lurks.” —Liv Constantine, bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish
“A sinkhole opens on Maple Street, and gossip turns the suburban utopia toxic. A taut teachable moment about neighbors turning on neighbors.” —People
“One of the creepiest, most unnerving deconstructions of American suburbia I've ever read. Langan cuts to the heart of upper middle class lives like a skilled surgeon.” —NPR
Celeste Ng’s enthralling dissection of suburbia meets Shirley Jackson’s creeping dread in this propulsive literary noir, when a sudden tragedy exposes the depths of deception and damage in a Long Island suburb—pitting neighbor against neighbor and putting one family in terrible danger.
Welcome to Maple Street, a picture-perfect slice of suburban Long Island, its residents bound by their children, their work, and their illusion of safety in a rapidly changing world.
But menace skulks beneath the surface of this exclusive enclave, making its residents prone to outrage. When the Wilde family moves in, they trigger their neighbors’ worst fears. Dad Arlo’s a gruff has-been rock star with track marks. Mom Gertie’s got a thick Brooklyn accent, with high heels and tube tops to match. Their weird kids cuss like sailors. They don’t fit with the way Maple Street sees itself.
Though Maple Street’s Queen Bee, Rhea Schroeder—a lonely college professor repressing a dark past—welcomed Gertie and her family at first, relations went south during one spritzer-fueled summer evening, when the new best friends shared too much, too soon. By the time the story opens, the Wildes are outcasts.
As tensions mount, a sinkhole opens in a nearby park, and Rhea’s daughter Shelly falls inside. The search for Shelly brings a shocking accusation against the Wildes. Suddenly, it is one mom’s word against the other’s in a court of public opinion that can end only in blood.
A riveting and ruthless portrayal of American suburbia, Good Neighbors excavates the perils and betrayals of motherhood and friendships and the dangerous clash between social hierarchy, childhood trauma, and fear.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781982144364 |
| PRICE | $27.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 288 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
David O, Reviewer
Summary: A once family friendly neighborhood on Long Island is torn apart by family secrets, climate change, tar filled sinkholes, and nasty rumors.
Comments: A dramatic family driven suspense novel that is made of many genres convincingly weaved together. Desperate housewives, crime drama, dystopian future, and deep suspense drives this wonderful narrative. I’ve honestly never read such an original script with so many complex plot lines woven together. Don’t think for one second anything turns out well at the final few pages. We all have thought are neighbors are normal, well maybe not. Thank you to Atria publishing for the request.
Stephanie S, Reviewer
Whoa. This book was a helluva ride, from the start to the end! It’s “Real Housewives” meets “Snapped.” I found myself identifying with Gertie most, but surprisingly, also Rhea and the children. The underlying theme of climate change also illustrates a very real threat that we face, and how much worse it’ll be in the future if we don’t take control of it. Children should not disappear in sinkholes due to extreme heat. Mothers should not have homicidal ideation for their neighbors and friends. This story is ripe for unpacking so many woven layers and I loved every moment of it!
Heather C, Reviewer
Oh my! What a fabulous book! As a general rule, I enjoy psychological thrillers most. But every now & then I prefer a good, emotional bit of women’s fiction. This was the perfect blend of both! Due to the nature of this book there’s a good bit of suspense. But whereas most mysteries or thriller are mainly clues, red herrings & plots, Good Neighbors weaves a hefty amount of female friendships (the different types) with the “trying-ness” of motherhood, all wrapped up with a deep, delicious emotional bow🎁. I really enjoy a solid, substantial read now & then mixed with all scary, psycho thrillers. FIVE ABSOLUTE STARS
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