The Bad Neighbor is the ninth book in the Agent Victoria Heslin series by Jenifer Ruff. I haven’t read any of the other books but I didn’t find it difficult to keep up with this story. Victoria is a special agent with the FBI and lives with her fiancé in a upscale gated community, complete with a home owners association. For anyone who has had experiences with an HOA, you know there’s bound to be some conflict, if not some downright nastiness.

Victoria has lived in the neighborhood for several years, but doesn’t really know any of her neighbors. But, when a woman disappears she’s asked to help look for her and meeting the neighbors becomes a top priority.

The Bad Neighbor was an easy read and, for the most part, quite enjoyable. The various characters ranged from sympathetic to distasteful and some of their behaviors were a little unbelievable. But, on the other hand, these are dedicated HOA members, so there’s that.

I enjoyed the plot and how it all came together throughout the investigation. But, the repetition concerning Victoria’s reasons for joining the Agency and reminding the reader several times that’s she a highly regarded special agent of the FBI was a bit unnecessary.

The Bad Neighbor was an entertaining book and I’m definitely interested in reading the previous books in the series. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.

Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery thriller where a couple move into a new community and it’s not long before the wife goes missing while walking the dog. Enter one of her neighbours who just happens to be an FBI agent currently on vacation but she soon steps in to help with the search. Didn’t guess what had happened and it was wrapped up nicely. Good characterisation and vividly portrayed with a fast pace that had me hooked until the very end.

I really enjoyed this book. Although it is a series starring the main character, I did not feel like I needed to ready the other books before diving into this one. It was a quick whodunnit and I will start reading the other books in the series now.

Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read once again,a book by this author.
It captured my attention from the first pages, building to the end. It was a thriller and with great
characters, short chapters. I recommend this book.

I would give this book 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. The book was believable with the threats and perceptions of the FMC. However I was not a fan of the crazy baby fever. Yea that is a part of wanting a family but it was to much of the main focus for a lot of the book.

I didn’t realize this book was part of a series, but it didn’t hinder my experience. I was able to follow along even though I hadn’t read any of the other books. It was a page turner and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I was not expecting this book to be a 5-star read! I was hooked from the beginning, and devoured this in a day! A brilliant psychological thriller with some awesome characters. The bad neighbor is a "who dunnit" style novel that will have you going back and forth trying to figure out who is guilty. We have multiple POV's in this book that are executed well. I love that we can get a glimmer into likable and unlikeable characters and their mindset. I seriously couldn't put it down.

Going into this book I had no idea that this is book 9 in a series, that being said, it is a standalone in the series and I love that you can jump in at any point without reading the other books. I will be reading the earlier books!

This book starts with a couple that move to a very well-off area that buy a house that needs some renovations after leaving their home in California. One of our lead couples, Chris and Zoey encounter a few neighbors; Grace, a snotty woman who is the head of the community, and Faith, Grace's nicer counterpart. All is well until Chris and Zoey's dogs get loose and we are introduced to Victoria and Ned who return the pups to Chris out on their walk. Victoria is our badass, FBI agent who is supposedly on vacation with her fiance until Chris informs Victoria and Ned that he cannot find his wife Zoey, which leads to an investigation at that point. There were so many times where I thought I figured it out until I was taken down another rabbit hole.

If you are looking for a fast, can't put down, easy-flowing read, I highly recommend The Bad Neighbor!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC!

This is an unpredictable page turner filled with complex interesting characters, a twisted story that kept me guessing to the very end! Truly a must read!

This was my first read by this author, but it won’t be my last. I hadn’t realized when I started that this was book 9 in a series. I had absolutely no problems following along, so it can be read as a stand-alone (but I plan to read the others, I really enjoyed the writing & characters). It’s well-written and kept me turning the pages in anticipation of what would happen next! The characters were interesting and well developed. The storyline was engaging. I don’t usually figure out the “who” in a book, but was pleasantly surprised that my hunch was right. It’s a quick and great read. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.

The Bad Neighbor by Jennifer Ruff is a wonderful book. It kept my attention from the very beginning. It is very well written. The characters are described wonderfully as I could picture them perfectly. It even has that one person you just don’t like that never has anything nice to say about anyone. The twists and turns that the story takes is exactly what I like in a book. When you think you have it figured out you realize that you don’t! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day. I didn’t know that it was the 9th book in a series until I was finished but it didn’t make a difference as they are all standalone novels. I highly recommend this book and will be reading others by this author.
Thank you NetGalley, Jennifer Ruff and BooksGoSocial for the advanced copy.

3.5 stars

The writing style of this book leads to a fast paced read. I enjoyed the book, but it’s probably not one that would stay with me.

This was my first book I’ve read in the series. It honestly had a Frieda McFadden vibe about it. Short chapters that draw you in, and keep the story humming along at pace. I liked the different perspectives between then and now, and felt the author did a good job bringing them together to form a cohesive plot.

I wish the stakes had been higher. I know they were for Zoey but everyone else seemed to be coasting along. I really disliked Grace, and well karmas a b*tch.

Not only did I devour this book I'm beyond delighted to find it is the latest in a series, number nine in fact. This feels like I've had coffee at the end of a meal with the meal still to look forward to.

The novels all feature a standalone premise with Victoria's back story running through so this is actually a great place to start, it is often how I discover new series.

This really held my attention. Characterisation was excellent with enough information to allow you to develop your own idea of the folk without every little detail being fed to you. The pace is cracking and I liked the shorter chapters so that you rapidly move on.

I hugely reccomend you add this to you autumn reading pile as it has just been released the timing is perfect.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC which as you can tell I really enjoyed.

I requested this book because it was recommended by JE Rowney, one of my favorite authors. This story is about a husband and wife who move to a new place to start over, but just like the home owner before them, Zoey disappears. Good thing one of the neighbors is a heroic FBI agent who will stop at nothing to find out what is happening in their neighborhood. This story is full of suspense and thrill. It’s very well written and if you like a good suspenseful, thrilling mystery, then this one’s for you!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Bad Neighbor: Agent Victoria Heslin Series Book 9 by Jenifer Ruff is a gripping and intricately woven domestic thriller that plunges readers into the seemingly idyllic yet sinister world of Mountain Meadows. This latest installment in the Agent Victoria Heslin series showcases Ruff’s talent for creating suspenseful narratives filled with unexpected twists and deeply buried secrets.

The story begins with newcomers Chris and Zoey Hamilton moving into the affluent community of Mountain Meadows, hoping to build a peaceful life together. However, their dreams quickly turn into a nightmare when Zoey vanishes without a trace, eerily mirroring the disappearance of the previous homeowner five years earlier. Enter FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin, known for her relentless pursuit of the truth.

Ruff’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the tension and unease that permeates Mountain Meadows. The plot is meticulously crafted, with layers of mystery that keep readers guessing until the very end. The setting of the affluent community, with its manicured gardens and picture-perfect facades, adds a chilling contrast to the dark secrets lurking within.

Victoria Heslin is a compelling protagonist, driven by a strong sense of justice and a keen intuition. Her interactions with the residents of Mountain Meadows reveal the complexities and hidden depths of the seemingly perfect community. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each with their own secrets and motivations that add to the suspense.

Ruff excels in creating a palpable sense of danger and urgency. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, as Victoria navigates the treacherous waters of deception and betrayal. The climax is thrilling and satisfying, tying together the various threads of the story in a way that is both surprising and inevitable.

The Bad Neighbor is a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers and suspenseful mysteries. Jenifer Ruff’s expert storytelling and intricate plotting make this novel a strong addition to the Agent Victoria Heslin series.

This installment in this series and it had a lot of suspense and who did what vibes all through the book. I think it was well written so you were pushed one way and the story took a great turn making it even better.

This book was really well written. It had me engaged and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would recommend to a friend.

The Bad Neighbor by Jennifer Ruff is definitely a must read! It is the ninth book in the Agent Victoria Heslin Series. If you haven’t read this series yet, never fear. Each of the books in her series read as standalones. That is really nice. In fact I started the series on book 3 and own one and two. I hope to find time this winter to go back and read them. The perk of reading them in order is that you learn Victoria’s past and get to know her as she excels with her career with the FBI.

I have to say that out of the seven books I’ve read of this particular series, I’ve enjoyed every one of them. The cases are all so different and they hold your interest from the very first page. I love a book that grabs your interest and won’t let you go. Don’t you?

This book was very different because it takes place in her own exclusive neighborhood. She doesn’t often spend a lot of time at home. She is on the road a lot solving cases and looking for criminals. Consequently she doesn’t know her neighbors that well. A new couple moved in down the street recently and the wife went missing. Victoria is on vacation and immediately lends a hand in the search. All of the neighbors and even the husband are looked at as the culprit.

I have to say she kept me guessing. I had a hint of where she might be and I also thought it might be the teenage son of one couple. She kept me reading and I had a hard time putting this page-turner down. I even dreamed of this book at night. That is always a good indication to me that this is an exceptional book. I don’t dream about every book that I read. It has to be one my mind is working on in the background.

If you love a good mystery and one that just happens to include an old murder that was thought to be a disappearance then this book should be your next engrossing read. It certainly needs to be on your nightstand. I highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #Jenifer Ruff. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Bad Neighbor by Jennifer Ruff is definitely a must read! It is the ninth book in the Agent Victoria Heslin Series. If you haven’t read this series yet, never fear. Each of the books in her series read as standalones. That is really nice. In fact I started the series on book 3 and own one and two. I hope to find time this winter to go back and read them. The perk of reading them in order is that you learn Victoria’s past and get to know her as she excels with her career with the FBI.

I have to say that out of the seven books I’ve read of this particular series, I’ve enjoyed every one of them. The cases are all so different and they hold your interest from the very first page. I love a book that grabs your interest and won’t let you go. Don’t you?

This book was very different because it takes place in her own exclusive neighborhood. She doesn’t often spend a lot of time at home. She is on the road a lot solving cases and looking for criminals. Consequently she doesn’t know her neighbors that well. A new couple moved in down the street recently and the wife went missing. Victoria is on vacation and immediately lends a hand in the search. All of the neighbors and even the husband are looked at as the culprit.

I have to say she kept me guessing. I had a hint of where she might be and I also thought it might be the teenage son of one couple. She kept me reading and I had a hard time putting this page-turner down. I even dreamed of this book at night. That is always a good indication to me that this is an exceptional book. I don’t dream about every book that I read. It has to be one my mind is working on in the background.

If you love a good mystery and one that just happens to include an old murder that was thought to be a disappearance then this book should be your next engrossing read. It certainly needs to be on your nightstand. I highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #Jenifer Ruff. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I loved the 9th novel in the Victoria Heslin series, The Bad Neighbor. In this book, we find Victoria and Ned helping to investigate what happened to one of their missing neighbors. The story was full of twists and surprises. Also, one neighbor is a perfect villain and I’m so glad none of my neighbors are like her (hmmm…Grace, girl, I’m talking about you). I did not guess the ending of this one either.

Like the rest of Jenifer’s books, I highly recommend reading this book especially if you like dark crime novels with a strong female protagonist.

(This same review was shared on the Barnes & Noble website).

Author name: Jenifer Ruff @author.jenifer.ruff
Book name: The Bad Neighbor (Agent Victoria Heslin Series Book 9)
Publisher: Greyt Companion Press
Pub date: October 1, 2024
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Summary:
In the idyllic Mountain Meadows neighborhood, a fresh start can quickly become a fatal ending.
For newcomers Chris and Zoey Hamilton, the affluent community seems like the perfect location to build a life together. Instead, history repeats itself when Zoey vanishes without a trace—just like the previous homeowner five years ago.
Enter FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin, known for her relentless pursuit of the truth. Her investigation uncovers a history of lies and betrayal festering beneath manicured gardens and picture-perfect smiles.

The more Victoria digs, the clearer it becomes: the secrets in Mountain Meadows run deep, and the greatest threats aren’t lurking in the shadows...they’re hosting dinner parties, attending parent-teacher conferences, going to yoga, and waving hello from behind their perfectly trimmed hedges. One of those polite, smiling individuals will stop at nothing to keep the past buried.

My thoughts:
Thank you, @NetGally for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

My October started with a BAM!!! I found a new author to crush on again, and Jenifer Ruff didn’t disappoint! The Bad Neighbor is gripping and so interesting that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the first page until the very last.

A missing case in the perfect neighborhood, and FBI Agent Victoria Heslin is on the hunt for the truth. Everyone in the neighborhood is suspicious, including Zoey’s husband. The deeper the investigation goes, the more layers of betrayal and lies are uncovered—leading back to past secrets that refuse to stay hidden.

This book is a feast for crime thrillers and mystery lovers. It’s nail-biting suspense with so many twists, it’ll have you guessing until the end. I absolutely loved the strength of Victoria as a detective, and characters like Ned and Sullivan added so much to the plot.

This is a must-read for crime, thriller, and suspense fans! Trust me, it’s totally worth it.

Book released today—go get it!
#NetGalley #TheBadNeighbor

Thanks to Net galley for making this available. This is the first book I've read by Jennifer Ruff and I will definitely be checking out more of her books. I really liked most of the characters and thought this was a really good read. I wish it gave me the option to leave 4-1/2 stars because I would definitely give it that.