The Good Neighbour

by Alison James

Will her new home turn into a nightmare?

As I stare out the window of my beautiful apartment, I hope that I’ve made the right decision to move back to the city that holds so many memories. I’ve chosen my home on the top-floor and in a quiet area because feeling safe and secure is important to me.

But on my first day, I’m involved in a heart-stopping accident on the leafy-green street. A stranger comes to my rescue – if it wasn’t for his actions, I wouldn’t be alive. I’m shaken but grateful, so I invite him in.

And that’s the moment that everything changes. I shouldn’t have trusted him. I should have kept myself to myself, like I planned to do.

Because the truth is, I might look like the perfect new neighbour but if anyone finds out my secret it could destroy me…

A completely gripping psychological thriller that will keep you hooked until the final page. Perfect for fans of Behind Closed Doors, My Lovely Wife and The Perfect Couple.

What readers are saying about The Good Neighbour:

‘WOW!! Just wow! This book was mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, gripping. I just couldn’t put it down my jaw was locked open… Never did I imagine that ending!’ arcreviews_by_m, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Wow!! Oh so many twists! Should keep you on the edge of your seat.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Wowza!... Intense… Wild…. Will grab you by the throat and steal your breath… A wild ride from start to finish…. Dangerously delicious!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘What a read!... I absolutely loved the FMC… I really felt the thrills with her. The more past secrets from the characters are revealed, the more the tension rises… shocking me with a huge twist at the end!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I was on the edge of my seat! It had my heart pounding… Amazing… A fast paced read full of drama… Loved. This book was epic!’ askawayblog, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘PERFECT! An instant hook… dripping in guilt, lies and deceit.’ morbid_thrillerbooks, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Grabbed me at the very beginning and did not let go. Kept me guessing the whole way and I wanted to be turning pages faster than I could physically read’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I could not put this book down.

Genres: Thriller

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

About the author

I was born in the Cotswolds but spent most of my formative years abroad. I studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after my two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, I worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This "totally gripping and addictive psychological thriller" was painfully slow.

Yes, "The GOOD Neighbor" was not GOOD.

I kept waiting for this "GOOD" book with the very GOOD book cover to get better, but it never did.

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Melanie Crawley and David Monteath.

DNF at Chapter 22.

Not a GOOD use of my time.

[Paul Flint · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever read any book by Freida McFadden then this book is for you. I quite enjoyed this one and read it for free on Kindle app. The main protagonist has to deal with an accident involving a car and a person, not going into too much detail or i will head into spoiler territory which I really don’t like doing. There are some very intriguing situations involving various relationships, and one that may cost her more than she bargained for… I will be reading more of her books too. I like how she writes. Really good.

[Melody McNamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read, entertaining enough to hold my interest yet somewhat predictable. The MC made so many questionable decisions, leading to several eye-rolling moments, and a few things just didn't make sense. But there was enough suspense to keep me reading, although the ending felt awkward and unnecessary.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good neighbor was a decent thriller. The story held my attention and I enjoyed the secrets and twists. I honestly was pleasantly surprised by the final twist, I actually had another character pegged as the bad guy!

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Good Neighbour is an ok read.
It held my attention just enough to complete.
I mostly enjoy a book by this author but it’s not her best.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryony has returned to England with a new job at the hospital and a flat she adores. On the day of her move, a young man saves her from being run over, and she sees him as her savior. But soon, strange events begin to unfold at work, and it becomes clear that someone knows about her past. It's a gripping read and highly recommended.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychological thriller like The Good Neighbour is a great example of an addictive read! Bryony moves into a new flat in London after living in Australia for the previous five years. She is excited for her fresh start and is looking forward to making her flat her safe place and a home. Then she meets Kyle, a man who saves her from disaster and everything changes, although she doesn't know it yet!


Told from the present day with flashbacks to her past, we are slowly drip fed information about Bryony's past, and the story unfolds. I did puzzle over how Kyle knew things about Bryony, and this got my mind working overtime! 


The pacing of the book is fast, and the momentum keeps it there. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see if I could work out who, what, and even why! 


Bryony, as a character, is pretty complex with unlikeable traits that stood out a mile. We all love to hate, though, and I felt a bit like this. It was almost like watching a car crash and not being able to tear your eyes away! 


There are twists and turns that add to the suspense, with a conclusion that I found satisfyingly good. I look forward to more from Alison James.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced book that kept me invested from page 1. I've never read any of Allison's books before and I'm intrigued and would like to read more.
It was a good read that has sparked some interest.

[Kimberly Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed onto me at the very beginning and it did not let go.
It was full of suspense, hidden plot twists, manipulation, damaging secrets and so much more.

It kept me guessing the whole way and I wanted to be turning pages faster than I could physically read. A really great choice to keep you on edge.

***Thank you so much to Alison James, the publisher and NetGalley for this early read opportunity.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t find this author until recently and am so glad
I did this was another excellent read. A fast paced thriller which has been eager to keep turning the page and find out what had happened.

A story of how events of the past catch up with the present with Lots of twists and turns and gasp out loud moments.

This would make an excellent tv adaptation.

[Steffi Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line was interesting enough that I was kept intrigued so 3.5 stars. I was deciding between 3-4 stars but I wouldn’t read it again, and the title of the book did nothing to justify the story or ending?

[Nathalie Najibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars – A deliciously tense, twist-packed thriller that had me side-eyeing my own neighbors

Alison James has done it again—The Good Neighbour is a masterclass in psychological suspense, and I devoured it in two sittings, heart pounding and mind racing. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the eerie calm of Bryony’s new apartment and the creeping dread that something wasn’t quite right. The setup is deceptively serene: a fresh start in a quiet city neighborhood, a top-floor flat with leafy views, and a stranger who seems too good to be true. Spoiler: he is.

What makes this book sing is how personal it feels. Bryony isn’t just a protagonist; she’s a woman with secrets, regrets, and a fierce desire to protect her new life. I found myself rooting for her even when I wasn’t sure I could trust her. James layers her backstory with just enough breadcrumbs to keep you guessing, and the dual timelines—present day and flashbacks—are woven so seamlessly that each reveal hits like a gut punch.

The pacing is electric. Every chapter ends with a little jolt, a new clue, or a fresh suspicion. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” and suddenly it was 2 a.m. and I was clutching my Kindle like a lifeline. The tension builds beautifully, and the final twist? Absolutely wild. I gasped. Out loud. Alone in my living room.

I especially loved how James plays with the idea of appearances—how we curate our lives, how we hide our truths, and how danger can wear a charming smile. The supporting characters are just as compelling: some are unsettling, some are heartbreakingly human, and all of them add depth to the story’s central mystery.

Why not a full five stars? There were a few moments where I wished for a bit more nuance in the villain’s motivations, and one subplot felt slightly rushed toward the end. But honestly, that’s nitpicking. This book is a knockout.

If you love thrillers that are emotionally charged, full of secrets, and impossible to put down, The Good Neighbour is your next obsession. Think Behind Closed Doors meets The Perfect Couple, with a dash of Gone Girl energy. Just maybe double-check your locks before you start reading.

Verdict: Unputdownable. Creepy. Clever. And absolutely worth the read.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this masterpiece, all opinions are my own.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good Neighbour by Alison James is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night. The story follows Bryony, a radiographer returning to London after five years in Australia, hoping for a fresh start. But her new beginning quickly spirals into a tense and unpredictable nightmare after a stranger, Kyle, saves her from a near-accident. What seems like a lucky encounter soon morphs into a creeping sense of unease, as Kyle begins inserting himself into Bryony’s life in increasingly unsettling ways.

The novel is expertly paced, with short chapters and dual timelines that reveal Bryony’s secrets and her complicated past with Robbie. James builds a slow-burning tension, and when the twists start to unfold in the second half, the story becomes almost impossible to put down. There were moments where Bryony’s decisions frustrated me—some of her choices felt naïve or overly trusting—but these flaws also made her feel human and heightened the suspense, as the consequences of her past mistakes come back to haunt her.

What I particularly enjoyed was the careful layering of suspense. Every character feels suspect, and the creeping sense of paranoia makes the story immersive. The final reveal was shocking, well-executed, and a satisfying payoff to the tension that had been building throughout.

Overall, The Good Neighbour is a well-crafted thriller full of secrets, misdirection, and psychological tension. While the first half takes a little patience, the payoff in twists, thrills, and emotional depth makes it worth the ride. I would highly recommend this to fans of domestic and psychological thrillers who enjoy being kept guessing until the very last page.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryony is ready for a fresh start, and that begins with moving into her new apartment. A small moment of carelessness almost had huge consequences, but luckily her guardian angel - she didn't know she had -Kyle was nearby to prevent a disaster. And what do you do with someone like that? You invite him over to your home as a thank you. And that’s exactly the beginning of the end…

From the very first description of Kyle, you know something isn’t right. Okay, I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but there’s an ominous vibe in the air.

You immediately start wondering: what does Kyle have to do with Bryony? They clearly don’t know each other, yet he seems to know certain things about her—things she would rather not dig up. And he eagerly uses that knowledge to his own advantage.

There are also a number of other events that happen to our main character that make you wonder about the reason behind them. You have to wait a while to find out, as it all has its roots in the past, which is revealed piece by piece.

The story is well put together and really makes you think, puzzling over how everything fits together. Of course, I also had a name in mind, but once again, I was wrong.

I especially enjoyed reading how the manipulations were described in detail at the end, and I honestly don’t know if I find Bryony particularly likable. Both she and the mastermind have their reasons for being angry, but they have both made mistakes too.

I hope I’ve made you curious enough to read the book yourself and see whether you agree with me or not. I definitely found it worthwhile—though that’s true for all of this author’s books. 5 stars.

Thank you,

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Neighbour by Alison James is a highly recommended psychological thriller. Rounded up from 3.5

After living in Australia for five years, Bryony, a radiographer, returns to London and buys an apartment near the hospital and her friend Claire. A near accident on move-in day introduces her to Kyle, a strange young man who subsequently continues to insert himself into her life. As Bryony begins work and attempts to start dating, she also recalls her previous relationship with Robbie, a young man she dated briefly before moving to Australia and a past she would like to keep hidden. Soon it becomes clear that keeping the secret is no longer up to her.

The first half of the novel is glacially slow moving but the second half makes up for it and actually raised my rating. Just read through the first part of the novel as quickly as you can and try to overlook all of Bryony's bad decisions. The sense that something is wrong does begin to very slowly grow. Then, when the big secret is exposed, things finally do begin to happen. As the action takes off, the tension also rises.

The plot does require you to set a large dose of disbelief aside while reading as Bryony is the queen of bad choices and poor decisions. Really, she annoyed me throughout the whole novel, mainly because she never made a logical, intelligent decision. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Neighbour is one of those thrillers that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go. I started it expecting a suspenseful read, but what I got was a deeply unsettling, twist-filled ride that had me questioning everything—and everyone.

The story begins with a fresh start: a woman moves into a beautiful top-floor apartment in a quiet part of the city, hoping for peace and security. But from the moment she’s rescued from a near-fatal accident by a seemingly kind stranger, things begin to unravel. What follows is a tense, psychological game of trust, secrets, and survival.

Alison James writes with a crisp, engaging style that makes the pages fly by. The atmosphere is perfectly pitched—suburban calm laced with creeping dread. I found myself completely absorbed, constantly second-guessing the characters and their motives. The protagonist’s vulnerability is palpable, and her secret adds a compelling layer of tension that builds beautifully throughout.

There’s a real elegance to how the twists are delivered—never overdone, always just enough to keep you hooked. And the final reveal? Let’s just say I didn’t see it coming, and I loved that.

If you enjoy thrillers with emotional depth, sharp writing, and a few gasp-worthy moments, this one’s well worth adding to your list. I read it in a single sitting—and I’d do it again.

With thanks to Alison James, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Darby Tobolka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I just finished reading The Good Neighbour by Alison James, and honestly, it was a really solid read. I ended up giving it 4 out of 5 stars, which, in my book, means it was definitely worth the time.

The thing I enjoyed most was probably how invested I got in the people—the characters felt genuinely compelling, and Alison James really takes her time letting you get to know them and their messed-up lives. You understand their motivations, even the complicated ones, and that's what makes a thriller work for me.

Coupled with the great character development, the plot itself was fantastic. The story didn't rush things; it just unfolded at a really nice, steady pace. It kept me guessing without ever feeling like the author was holding back just for the sake of it. Everything leading up to the end was building tension beautifully, and I was completely hooked, just waiting for that big reveal or breakdown.

Now, if I had one tiny critique, it would have to be the climax. After all that amazing buildup and tension, I was expecting something totally different. It felt a little like the resolution wasn't as intense as the journey that led to it.

But seriously, don't let that stop you from picking it up. Overall, I truly enjoyed the whole reading experience and getting pulled into that complex web of neighborhood secrets. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that excels at character depth and masterful pacing, this is a great one.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I stare out of the window of my beautiful apartment, I hope that I've made the right decision to move back to the city that holds so many memories. I've chosen my home on the top-floor and in a quiet area because feeling safe and secure is important to me. But on my first day, I'm involved in a heart-stopping accident on the leaf-green street. A stranger comes to my rescue - if it wasn't for his actions, I wouldn't be alive. I'm shaken but grateful, so I invite him in. And that's the moment everything changes. I shouldn't have trusted him. I should have kept myself to myself, like I planned to do. Because the truth is, I might look like the perfect new neighbour but if anyone finds out my secret it could destroy me.

With hidden plot twists, secrets and suspense, I was quickly pulled into this story. Bryony, a raidographer, has just returned from Australia, and is soon starting work as the local hospital. But it quickly turns into a nightmare for her.

The pace is sready. We are descriptively told of the events that were taking place. Bryony has made a lot of bad decisions in her life. This is a quick and twisted read.

Published 12th September 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AlisonJames for my /arc of #TheGoodNeighbour in exchange for an honest review.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that sure was a roller coaster of a ride of a story, very fast paced and plenty going on, not to mention intense with a fair bit of nail biting going on in anticipation as to what might happen next.

I thought the story was great, very well written and certainly had me guessing throughout wondering how it was all going to pan out. I liked all of the characters bar one, being Bryony, the main character. I just didn’t gel with Bryony, I found her self centred, dishonest, gullible, way too trusting of new people and lacking in common sense in some situations. I mean leaving your phone in the hands of a guy you only been out with a couple of times, whilst you in the other room. I who does that!. Not to mention a whole host of other things she did.

Despite all of that, I did feel a little for Bryony, all that she went through, even if a lot of it could have been avoided, if she had only done the right thing. And lastly come the end of the story, did she learn nothing of her experiences that she’d been through, clearly not. If it was me, I’d be staying well clear of men, dating and relationships.

Anyway despite my rant above and my dislike of Bryony, I did still enjoy the story lols. So another well done to author Alison James, on the release of another book which I have no doubt will do well.

[Leila Sophie ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Bookouture for letting me read an advance copy of this book – I loved getting the chance to dive into it early as an ARC!

★★★★ 4 great stars!

What a read!
I really enjoyed this one – thrilling from beginning to end.
Bryony has just moved back to England from New Zealand and found herself the perfect apartment in the neighborhood of her dreams. Everything seemed perfect from the very first moment. But that was just the calm before the storm.

This book didn’t have an unnecessarily long introduction and started right away with the plot, yet it didn’t skip any important information about the past, which I really appreciated.

Throughout the whole book, you could sense that some things (and people) are just too good to be true and that no one can be fully trusted. I absolutely loved the FMC and that the story was mainly told from her point of view. Bryony is a strong, determined, smart, and confident woman, but she still faces some struggles along her journey. While sharing her thoughts and feelings with the reader, I really felt the thrills with her. The more past secrets from the characters are revealed, the more the tension rises, until it kind of turns in a creepy, psychological direction, shocking me with a huge twist at the end!

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this book had me completely hooked - no wonder why I smashed this book under 24 hours!! 😍👩🏼‍🏫
Bryony has returned to South East London and bought a flat after 5 years of living in Australia. She is happy to be reunited with her bestie Claire who lives close by.
Bryony met a guy called Kyle, who rescued her from a lorry incident, who she invited back to her flat to say thank you. 🥰 After she invited Kyle around that day he started to bother her and she wondered why… 🤔Little does she know what happened that night 6 years ago would come back to haunt her! Who would that person be and why have they come back for her now?! 😳🧐
I would recommend you to get your hands on this book!! 📕 🙌🏼 This book kept me on my toes and trying to figure out who was behind all this! 🤯

I love the fact that this storyline taken place locally so I’m more familiar with the areas except some of the buildings in the story are fiction… 🏠🥹

I wish I could tell Alison James how much I enjoyed this book and I would love a paperback for a trophy on my bookcase! 📕🥰 I’ll definitely be investing in more of her books in the future! 📚

I would like to say thank you to NetGallery and Bookouture for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. ♥️📱

✨ Pub date - 12th September 2025 ✨

[lacie goodlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and bookouture for this arc! i’m always down for a fun little thriller, but this one unfortunately just did not speak to me. it took me until half way through to actually get into it, but even then, i found that i really just did not connect with our main character at all. even in the most “tense” moments, i had to force myself to keep reading. the ending and “twists” were also extremely predictable, which isn’t always a bad thing in a book, but if you’re wanting something that will keep you guessing and shock you, this one may not be the best pick. also, may i just say that the thing with bryony and tom at the end was so odd and unnecessary? girl, please stay single for a while, you almost just died. focus on yourself for two whole seconds. this was a running theme with the main character though: pure stupidity. i don’t care if he pulled you out of the path of a bus, inviting a random man into your home and then continuing to let him in whenever he shows up even when you can tell he’s being creepy is not a okay, miss byrony. she makes me feel like i need a nap and a handful of ibuprofen.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟 | ARC Review – The Good Neighbour by Alison James

Alison James has crafted a twisty, addictive thriller in The Good Neighbour that kept me on my toes from beginning to end.

From the opening, the tension is simmering, with that uneasy feeling that not everything—or everyone—is what they seem. The pacing is sharp, and just when you think you’ve got a handle on where the story is heading, the shift into Part 2 changes everything. The twist of perspectives here completely hooked me and added a new depth to the unfolding drama.

James layers suspicion expertly, with characters you can’t quite trust and secrets lurking behind closed doors. I loved how the narrative kept me second-guessing my theories right up until the final reveal.

Overall: A gripping, cleverly plotted thriller that’s full of tension, misdirection, and intrigue. A solid 4-star read for fans of domestic thrillers who enjoy being kept guessing right until the very end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Morag Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a definite contender for my favourite book of the year. It is a page-turner, a masterclass in psychological fiction, and one of those books that stays with you - setting the bar scarily high for your next read!

The story is told through 2 distinct time lines, the present has Bryony moving back to London following a lengthy stint down under, and starting a new job at a hospital. This timeline follows her life, including flirtations with a handsome doctor and a growing friendship with a male neighbour. Things start to go wrong for Bryony however, and these appear to be related to events from her past.

In the past time line we learn of an emerging relationship between Bryony and a male character Robbie, who gives of faintly incel vibes. I really love how this relationship is told through the differing perspective of both Robbie and Bryony - it is SO powerful.

Such a great read! 5 stars and 100% recommended.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryony’s move to a beautiful new apartment marks a fresh start for her. However, her life takes a terrifying turn when her new neighbor, Kyle, begins stalking her. Initially indebted to him for saving her from a near-fatal car accident, Bryony soon discovers that Kyle’s actions are far from altruistic. He is tormenting her, and she has no idea why.

Kyle’s relentless pursuit of Bryony is accompanied by a haunting past that seems to have come to life. The tension escalates as Bryony’s life hangs in the balance more than once. This book is a masterful blend of multiple layers, each intricately connected to the others.

There is the additional craftiness of dual timelines and perspectives that keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat, unable to put it down. Unlike some books that you can read while engrossed in others, or some that you can step away from, this book is a gripping and immersive experience that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished it.

Many thankst to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Jennifer TW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryony, a radiographer, returns to London after 5yrs in Australia. She has saved hard to buy a lovely flat in a Georgian conversion near the hospital where she works. On the day she moves in, she is saved from an oncoming car as she crosses the road, by a stranger. Feeling grateful, this man, Kyle, now enters her life whether she wants him to or not. Soon Kyle is showing up at random and in the meantime she is struggling to deal with the dating scene back home having ended a 5yr relationship leaving her ex in Australia. She is haunted by memories from before she left the UK, her old boyfriend Robbie, playing on her mind. Because Bryony has a secret of her own. And she’s terrified the truth will come out. Brilliant gripping story from this author. Thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in one evening. Highly recommended. Thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick, twisty read by Alison James. I quite like her books, and this one was exactly like I've learned to expect from this author.
Bryony moves back to London after living 5 years abroad in Australia. She's found a new job, bought herself a beautiful flat where she feels safe and secure, and is back near her closest friend, Claire.
Turns out her new flat isn't the safe and secure home she was hoping for it to be, especially after she meets Kyle, who just happens to save her life after she accidentally steps out infront of traffic.
She invites Kyle up to her flat, thinking it will be a one-time thank you. After all, he did just save her life.
But when Kyle keeps showing up seeming odder and odder to Bryony, she discovers Kyle isn't just her innocent savior and is attached to a past she'd rather keep hidden.
I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you, Netgalley, Bookouture, and Alison James for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Chantal Agapiti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Thriller I have ever read, as I’m slowly expanding my reading ventures.
Nonfiction is my go-to genre, and I write it as well. I don’t trust easily, and I’m rarely surprised by plot twists.
Looking at the title I was intrigued as this one would be a good first for me, and see if it could surprise me after all.

Although I appreciated the author’s writing style and tone, I couldn’t get in sync with the lead female character.
I prefer strong female characters, yet Bry is anything but that. I could see her bad decisions coming from a far,
which caused some frustration while reading. This, of course, could be intended by the author.

Even after being halfway through the book, I couldn’t sympathize with Bry and her ill choices.
Not to reveal any particular parts from the book, let’s just say this one didn’t do it for me.
But I’m not yet giving up on the genre.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity.
I’ll keep looking out for others.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay, I didn’t find myself sucked into it found myself reaching for my phone to doom scroll. The beginning of the book seemed to drag out and to be honest Bryony was annoying like girl you are stood up a crap ton of times and the dude doesn’t acknowledge you at work major red flag but she continues to be gullible and falls for the impersonator haha. Near the end it started to pick up so the book was saved. I would still recommend to pick the book up and read it but just know power through the beginning.

Bryony moves into her new flat and starts a job at the local hospital during her move in she was almost hit by a car and a man was there to save her ironically. After that day strange things start to happen and he is constantly showing up, she’s getting random texts from “a hot co worker” . Her past starts unfolding and she is desperate for it not to come to light.

I received this arc copy from NetGalley for my honest review

[Amy Saggers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good Neighbour by Alison James had the potential to be a really gripping story, but it didn’t quite land for me. The premise is strong — a revenge-driven plot where people are made to pay for someone else’s mistakes — but the execution felt drawn out. There was a lot of over-explaining, and at times it seemed like whole sections or characters weren’t really necessary to move the story forward.

The female main character was especially frustrating at times. Some of her decisions felt agonisingly silly, which made it hard to connect with her or root for her. The story also stretched believability in a few places, which pulled me out of the suspense.

That said, there is a good story buried in here — the central idea is engaging and could have been really powerful if it had been tighter and more focused. Overall, a decent read, but not one that will stick with me.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to ARC.
Xx

#TheGoodNeighbour #NetGalley