First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

Really lovely read. A perfect summer holiday book!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my feedback.

Freya Sampson's "Nosy Neighbours" is a delightful and engaging novel that weaves together themes of community, curiosity, and the unexpected ways people can impact each other's lives. Set in a cozy neighborhood where everyone knows each other, the story explores the dynamics between residents as they navigate daily life and the small mysteries that unfold around them.

Sampson's writing is charming and imbued with warmth, bringing to life a cast of characters that are both quirky and endearing. Each neighbor has their own story, and as their lives intertwine, they discover that their nosiness might just be the thing that brings them closer together. "Nosy Neighbours" is a heartwarming read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about community spirit, friendship, and the surprising depth of seemingly ordinary lives.

A delightful read and a reminder that so many people are putting on a brave front and it takes so much for them to face the world every day. If we take the time to dig a little deeper and get to know people, they might just surprise us! Also, a good look at what ‘home’ means: “A home is not made by bricks and mortar but by the people in it."

Dorothy Darling sits at her window every day, surveying her kingdom … well, she pays close attention to the comings and goings outside her building, the once elegant Shelley House. With her trusty diary in hand, she also ventures out early each morning and does a daily inspection of the interior, listening in the doorway of each apartment and taking note of anything she perceives as untoward. She then sends daily letters of complaint to the indifferent landlord, who never responds.

Kat Bennett arrives at Shelley House, only intending to stay for a short stint. She doesn’t hang around for long in most places, but for some reason she’s returned to the town of Chalcot, a place that holds some painful childhood memories for her – not that she’s going to share those with anyone! Kat doesn’t get attached to places or people. Certainly not the nasty neighbour in the building she’s now sub-letting in, who made it clear from Day One that she didn’t want her there! But she is quite fond of old Joseph who’s apartment she’s living in (illegally), and his adorable dog Reggie is a keeper.

But one day, everything changes. Brown envelopes are delivered for each apartment, and the news is not good. The building is under threat and there’s a very real possibility that they will all lose their homes in the near future. Are they going to get together to fight, or are they going to allow a seemingly dodgy developer get the better of them?

What a wonderful, heartwarming read. The characters are well-developed, and even though you know that they aren’t going to turn out to be what they initially appear, you still can’t quite anticipate the direction the plot will take. So although there’s a note of the predictable in that you’re aware that each person here has a secret or two, you really have no clue what that might be, which makes for compelling reading. There’s even an element of mystery involved.

By far, my favourite character has to be Reggie the dog! He’s the glue that binds everyone together in this story. He’s quirky and lovable and gets under everyone’s skin in the best way possible! But the other character that I also couldn’t help harbouring a deep affection for is Shelley House herself (yes, I think she’s female!), because she really is a central character in the story – after all, although the plot is character based, their lives and so much of their history, revolve around the building where they live. The author describes her in detail and the reader gets to wander around her apartments and public spaces together with her residents, so that we become as much a part of the fabric of daily life within her walls as they are.

This was my first Freya Sampson book but it certainly won’t be my last. I loved this story so much it was such a comforting read and pure escapism. The book is brimming with community spirit and the characters are so well written and realistic and the stories are illustrated beautifully I will definitely pick up more books by this author. If you want a heartwarming, emotional read then this is perfect.

I was pleased to receive an ARC of this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It’s a sweet story about neighbours, isolation and how our perspective defines our realities. I really liked the ‘action’ of this book, where those key themes really came through. But I found it kind of slow in places and I didn’t feel super connected to the story.
Still a very enjoyable read if you’re looking for something light (even still - check content warnings)

Having enjoyed the girl on the 88 bus, I was eager to read this upcoming release. Sadly, it wasn't for me. I get it's fictional but what old lady sits at their window multiple times a day writing about the coming and goings of her neighbours and visitors. DNF'ed for now. I may come back to it at a much later date.

Absolutely wonderful. Full of the trademark warmth I’ve come to expect, I think this is my favourite Freya Sampson yet. There are several strands of the story that run through the book and I loved how it all came together. This is a story about reconciling your past and found family at its finest. Highly recommend.

Nosy Neighbours ARC Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Bonnier Books UK for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy of Nosy Neighbours by Freya Sampson in return for an honest review.

In this story, a mix of people, all so different in personality and stages of life, come together to try to save their beloved Victorian building known as Shelley House.

This story is a cosy mystery that explores people’s connections through friendship, love, loss and grief.

I loved this story so much. Uncovering the mysteries and getting to know the residents of Shelley house was a rollercoaster of emotions. Each character had secrets and depth and this really kept me intrigued, unable to put this book down until I had devoured every page.

In particular, Dorothy Darling - first painted as the neighbour from hell who couldn't stay out of everyone else's business and seemed to always be complaining - turned out to be my favourite character. Getting to know her had me laughing, crying and enjoying how everything happened in this story. It was very heartwarming.

This was my first Freya Sampson book but it certainly won’t be my last. I can’t wait to read more!

Thank you once again for this ARC. I will post my review on Goodreads and Instagram.

Another lovely book by Freya Sampson. I loved both her previous books and enjoyed this one that is in a similar vein - uplifting and full of interesting characters who range in age from 15 to 77. Admittedly it's quite predictable but is a gorgeous escapist read.

⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️
Rounded up to 4 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I really enjoyed Nosy Neighbours; I did think it was quite slow to start with, but it picked up a steady pace after the first few chapters. It’s well written, with excellent characterisation — a great motley crew of characters.

Not my favourite book by Freya Sampson, but still an entertaining read.

Shelley House is the only mansion left of the original houses built on Poets Road, in the village of Chalcot, more than a century ago. Once a beautiful mansion, now it’s in constant need of repairs that the landlord keeps ignoring. The residents are a group of people with not much in common who barely acknowledge each other, but when they face eviction, they come together to save the building they call home, especially two women.

Dorothy Darling is the oldest resident of Shelley House, having been living there for more than thirty years, and every day she checks that everything is in order, recording the comings and goings of the other residents in her diary. She has her routine which includes making sure that the post is sorted, that the trash is in the correct bin, and, above all, that she doesn’t have any kind of relationship with the other residents.

Kat Bennet is the newest resident. Chalcot is the only place where Kat Bennet had ever felt at home, until she was ten years old. Since then, she’s been moving around, never finding a permanent place to stay. Back after fifteen years, she is renting a room from Joseph Chambers and his adorable dog Reggie, in the flat right in front of Dorothy’s, but she has no intention to stay long, just a few weeks until she figures out what to do next.

Dorothy and Kat couldn’t be more different and yet so similar. Dorothy has lived in Shelley House for more than thirty years and has no intention of ever leaving, even if the building collapses around her. For Kat her stay at Shelley House is only temporary, just a few weeks, and she is ready to leave without a notice. Both are haunted by a past that it’s slowly revealed and that keeps them from forming any kind of relationship with anyone, but the demolition of the building and a cute Jack Russel may change that.

I really enjoyed Nosy Neighbours. While stopping the eviction from Shelley House is at the centre of the story, there is so much more to keep you engrossed. The personal lives of the residents, the sense of community, the friendships and the love stories, and a cast of wonderful and relatable characters that keep you entertained from beginning to end. Beautifully-written, heartwarming, and humorous, I can’t recommend this book enough!

DNF at 28%.

I really expected to like this story of two neighbours coming together as unlikely allies to find out what happened to one of their own and saving their building at the same time but sadly, so far, it has been very slow and I've come to realize this is not a mystery at all. I don't like any of the characters or the storyline so far, unfortunately.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the e-copy.

A great read, I liked all the main characters and wanted everything to work out for them. The story keeps you interested as you get further in to the book. An enjoyable read.

My first Freya Sampson book, but I suspect not my last.

This enjoyable read concerns the no fault eviction of a group of residents who are as disparate as they come! As the story unfolds they come to realise that they may have more in common than they first thought.

In addition to the topical storyline, the characters are well-drawn, complete with an adorable dog, and the backstories cover a wide array of topics.

This is a great read if you want something heart-warming.

This one was so lovely, another one that I went into blind, so I’m not really sure what I was expecting. But oh my was it heartwarming 😍

We’re following Kat, who is looking for somewhere new to live, she goes to a block of flats knowing that flat 1 had a room to rent, but when she gets to the intercom she accidentally presses flat 2 and gets a delightful introduction to Dorothy Darling 😂

What we don’t know at the time is that Kat is keeping a big secret, one that threatens to be revealed so she can’t stay too long, can she?

What she doesn’t expect is to get attached to Joseph, Reggie and the other neighbours.. the question is can she help them keep their home?

This story really is the epitome of what can happen when a community pulls together and that things aren’t always what they seem.

I really really enjoyed it and will be looking out for more from Freya in the future, I know I’ve been vague in this review but I have done it on purpose, if you trust my judgement when it comes to books at all, just go and pick it up!

Nosy Neighbours by Freya Sampson

Do you have nosy neighbours? If you have, do you ever wonder why they are like they are? Perhaps they are missing something in their lives.

Dorothy Darling is the oldest resident of Shelley House and she runs a tight ship. Her neighbours can’t get away with anything without it being reported. Until Shelley House is put up for demolition and all the neighbours have to move out. Dorothy is not going without a fight.

Dorothy may sound like a character you would love to hate, but you soon warm to her. She has good reason to be the way she is and as her story unfolds, you can’t help but want to give her a hug. She forms an unlikely friendship with Kat, the pink haired, rough looking illegal resident and it is heartwarming to watch as they find in each other, the thing they both desperately want. All the characters are diverse and very real.

This had a mystery element to it as the story unfolds and you find yourself rooting for all the residents to discover the truth of what is really going on in Shelley House. At times the story is funny and others heartbreaking as each resident shows the secrets they keep hidden. One of the stars of the book is Reggie, the adorable Jack Russell, who brings the residents together.

This book is such a feel good read reflecting on family and loss, yet revealing that with a little community spirit, you can find your own family. I shall miss spending time with the residents of Shelley House. This book is perfect for fans of Clare Pooley.

Kat is a mysterious character. She doesn’t really feel like she belongs anywhere and is someone who’s an intriguing slow-burn to warm to. Dorothy on the other-hand isn’t the nicest of people and also harbours a deep secret.
As you delve deeper into their lives and those of other residents of Shelley House, you soon learn why they are how they are. There are moments of great emotion and others that are rather funny.

Cantankerous Dorothy is the longest serving tenant of Shelley House and likes to keep a good, keen eye on everything and everyone. She’s quite possibly the nosiest woman, but it turns out not to be a bad thing. Apart from sorting the mail, taking the rubbish out, she knows everyone, which turns out to be good for trying to work has the motive and opportunity to attack Joseph, the landlord.
This and the horrifying news that their home is going to be demolished, has the residents rallying around and unexpected alliances being forged. This, in-turn gives it the feel-good factor.

It’s an involving book that’s easy to get caught up in.

I do love books with older characters, especially awkward ones, and not having read anything by Freya Sampson before, this immediately appealed.

The story is set around an imposing Victorian building known as Shelley House. It was once a much desired property in the area but now in its later years has fallen into a rather dilapidated condition and there are plans for its demolition and redevelopment. However it is still home to several people, one of which is 77 year old Dorothy Darling. Dorothy has lived there for several decades and has no intention of moving out – despite the eviction notices that come through the door.

Dorothy could be regarded by some as the neighbour from hell. She keeps a notebook and records the comings and goings of everyone in and out of Shelley House and the immediate area – a one woman neighbourhood watch. Her inspections and complaints are a regular part of life at Shelley House and mostly the other tenants try to keep out of her way.

When 25 year old Kat with her pink hair arrives at Shelley House enquiring about a room advert, she is rudely sent on her way by Dorothy. Luckily for Kat, elderly neighbour Joseph comes to the rescue so begins Kat’s relationship with Shelley House, Joseph and his dog Reggie.

I do love a cantankerous character and Dorothy is one of the best. However with so many of these residents here there is more to their story than you might think with more than one person having their own secrets and regrets. I was keen to know what Kat was hiding as she seemed determined to stay off the radar but when danger comes to Shelley House it is time to come together and fight.

This may have been my first Freya Sampson book but certainly not my last and I can’t wait to read more. With the feel of a cosy mystery, it was a joy to read with an eclectic mix of characters, each with their own backstory and troubles, including long held festering resentments.

I also learnt my favourite new word from Nosy Neighbours. ‘Rapscallion‘ (disreputable person; rascal or rogue, or to put it into context here, a scoundrel!).

Nosy Neighbours is a fantastic read with superbly drawn characters and a sense of community spirit. Definitely one to recommend.

Nosy Neighbours is about the inhabitants of Shelley House , a historic house that is home to 6 flats. There are some fantastic occupants in these flats including Dorothy Darling is the resident who has lived there the longest and is a little cantankerous she knows everything that is going on and reports every misdemeanour that she comes across - Kat Bennett has just moved in as a sublet to Josephs house and this is when Dorothy feels that everything starts to go wrong! I loved all of the characters and getting to know their back stories and why they were really there . I shed tears, laughed and enjoyed how everything happened and changed them all. A lovely uplifting read.