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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
3.5, rounded down because the pace was a little slow and somehow lacking in tension. The characters were well written though, so I'd probably still read more by Cooper.
A very exciting and compelling thriller. I loved multiple perspectives and building a picture of the story from the different characters viewpoints. There is also two different timelines which took some getting used to but once I got it I was in and gripped. This book really kept me guessing right up to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to fans of who-dunits.
mysterious
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
I loved this tense mystery thriller with all the twists and turns! What a fantastic debut!
The story starts with the disappearance of 17 year old Freya who lives with her parents Paul and Steph in a large apartment. Downstairs live Chris and Megan in the basement and Emma in the smaller adjoining apartment.
It is told in short pacy chapters from the viewpoint of each of these characters.
At the same time there is a parallel story, set 25 years earlier, told from the viewpoint of 16 year old Kate living with her mum and new boyfriend.
As the storyline progresses secrets, lies and mysterious pasts begin to unravel. The reader starts to suspect each character along the way. Who knows what happened to Freya? Someone knows more than they appear to!
There were so many twists and turns and I loved finding out more about each character's back story as I read. I couldnt stop turning the pages to find out more. The ending was very satisfying and a great conclusion. I would definitely recommend this book and I'll be looking out for more books by this author.
The story starts with the disappearance of 17 year old Freya who lives with her parents Paul and Steph in a large apartment. Downstairs live Chris and Megan in the basement and Emma in the smaller adjoining apartment.
It is told in short pacy chapters from the viewpoint of each of these characters.
At the same time there is a parallel story, set 25 years earlier, told from the viewpoint of 16 year old Kate living with her mum and new boyfriend.
As the storyline progresses secrets, lies and mysterious pasts begin to unravel. The reader starts to suspect each character along the way. Who knows what happened to Freya? Someone knows more than they appear to!
There were so many twists and turns and I loved finding out more about each character's back story as I read. I couldnt stop turning the pages to find out more. The ending was very satisfying and a great conclusion. I would definitely recommend this book and I'll be looking out for more books by this author.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Georgian townhouse in London is the setting for this engaging thriller. Steph and Paul Harlow and their daughter Freya live on the top two floors. The first floor is home to Emma. Chris and Vicky live in the basement. When 17 year old Freya goes missing, everyone who lives in the house is questioned. Each one has secrets that are slowly revealed. The story shifts to 25 years ago and the life of Kate and her single mother. When she becomes terrified that her mother’s boyfriend might be dangerous, she enlists the aid of her cousin.
There is a lot to keep track of and it takes a while for all the pieces to fall into place. The multiple points of view shift by chapter and tell each person’s story including the bad choices made in their lives. Everyone turns out to be much more complex than how they originally appear. And what does the story of Kate have to do with the present-day search for Freya? I found The Downstairs Neighbor, which does have some elements that strain credulity, worth the ride. It’s an impressive debut by author Helen Cooper that will keep you guessing.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
There is a lot to keep track of and it takes a while for all the pieces to fall into place. The multiple points of view shift by chapter and tell each person’s story including the bad choices made in their lives. Everyone turns out to be much more complex than how they originally appear. And what does the story of Kate have to do with the present-day search for Freya? I found The Downstairs Neighbor, which does have some elements that strain credulity, worth the ride. It’s an impressive debut by author Helen Cooper that will keep you guessing.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
This book reads like a British tv crime show which is pretty great! I think this is a good crime book, the suspense was there. I will say that one of the plot twists was kind of easy to figure out but I wouldn't say that it ruined the story. Would recommend if you are on a crime binge like I am right now.