Reviews

The Neighbor's Secret: A Novel by L. Alison Heller, L. Alison Heller

faeriefox's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was fascinating and such a quick read. I was in the edge of my seat the whole time and I loved how it was set up-- it was so fun to try to figure out who the "I" chapters were.

I loved the parallels between The Girl in the Woods that they discussed in their book club and the end of the story. It really ties the whole thing up-- the debate of whether one would kill for their child and then the resolution that yes, they would. I only wish that Annie would have been the one to protest the thought originally-- it would've made it so much more ironic. I also loved the commentary on racial and neurodivergent stigmas and how damaging they can be.

This book was fast-paced, stressful, and intriguing. The characters were so complex and I wouldn't call any of them good or bad people

except Colin-- I don't think I can let that one go--

. They were just people doing their best. The commentary was fascinating and it was interesting to see inside their minds.

I really wish we'd also seen from the kids' points of view-- but then we wouldn't really have the stress of the mystery. But I really would like to know what Abe and Laurel and Katie were thinking.

dellibro's review against another edition

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

manderzreadz's review against another edition

4.0

Honestly, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It quickly got you invested in the suburban drama and I loved how the book club was spaces throughout. I wish that we could have gotten a POV of Abe, or maybe even Colin, as well as some more closure on Lena/Rachael.

spatterson12's review against another edition

5.0

his is a top read for the year that kept me guessing until the end. There’s a mom who is trying her best to provide her son the education he deserves, one who watches as her daughter starts to pull away from her family, and one who has been isolated for years, holding onto guilt and deception.

trenshaw's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

Idk how I feel. That was weird. Super slow. Ending was surprising. It was a fine book. Wouldn’t recommend to a friend though. 

amyfeatonby's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

3.0

finnfrye11's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

megn317's review against another edition

4.0

Well this is def a boozey , suburban mom, scandalous yet thrilling read! Figuring out the narrator that “saw 2 people” was pretty easy but the events leading up to what that person “saw” is riveting and unpredictable at best! The things we Mama Bears would do for our kids, eh? Great quick read on this rainy day!

emilyb91's review against another edition

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

courtneynp09's review against another edition

3.0

The storyline was a bit sluggish for a majority of that book. There were also several POVs that made it hard to know which character is which. This made it hard to connect with the characters as well.

I won’t be picking this book back up to reread.