The People Next Door

A new home in the English Countryside, sounds like a dream. But sometimes dreams turn into nightmares.

Ellie and Ash have moved into a country home in Norfolk, England! They are excited, in love, and taking a big step in their relationship! Soon Ellie befriends their next-door neighbor, or perhaps it is the other way around, perhaps it is Benjamin who has befriended Ellie. Whatever the case, he seems nice, quiet, normal and who doesn’t want to have a friendly, helpful neighbor?

Soon after meeting Benjamin, Ellie meets Virginia, his sister. She is not as welcoming or nice as Benjamin. Soon Ellie learns that Benjamin has been taking care of her since their mother died. People in the village are quick to tell her what a sacrifice Benjamin has made looking out for Virginia. She’s different but harmless.

Soon strange things begin to happen. They seem small at first, just things that don’t seem right, they don’t feel right. Those nagging things you can’t quite figure it out. You did lock the door, right? But it’s unlocked, maybe not. You know, situations where you begin to doubt yourself even though you are certain you locked the door, because the alternative is frightening.

This was a fun listen and I enjoyed how the story unfolded. AS Ellie begins to learn the dark history of the house, the tension ramps up, there is a serious creepy vibe, with an underlying feeling of uncertainty. I loved the Gothic and atmospheric feel to this as well. One important thing to take away – never ignore those little hairs when they stand up on the back of your neck. They never lie!

I enjoyed the narrator and thought she pulled off the creepiness in the book. This made my time driving from here to there more enjoyable!

This was a great psychological thriller which delivered.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.