A review by faeriefox
The Neighbor's Secret by L. Alison Heller

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.