Mark Edwards really knows how to keep a reader enthralled. Excellent premise, a taut writing style that keeps you turning the pages and excellent plotting. My only slight criticism (far outweighed by all the positives) is that the psychopathic traits were laid on a bit thick, and – to my mind – could have been more subtle.
I only realised right at the end that this book is part of the Magpies universe – a trilogy that I raced through and thoroughly enjoyed. I really should have clicked - this had the same evil running through it, the same action-packed pacing, the same horror. It is, however, a standalone, which is how I read (and relished) it.
I thought the ending was absolutely brilliant – clever and chilling.
Well worth a read!

Let me just put it out there firstly, I'm a fan of Mark Edwards who really is the king of the masterful psychological thriller and delivers every single time.
This one was no exception and grabbed me early doors, and although you could see how the story was developing it was truly gripping.
No hesitation whatsoever in recommending.
If you make this your first Mark Edwards, I guarantee you it won't be your last.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for a review.

Ethan and his family have moved to a new home needing a fresh start. His daughter Rose has been having a few issues and he is grateful when new neighbour Fiona offers to help look after her. Only Fiona is not who she seems to be. She is plotting revenge and sees Rose as her perfect accomplice.

I have read a couple of Mark Edward’s books but feel I should be reading more since finishing this latest offer. This was a great thriller with plenty of dark, twisted scenes. I enjoy books around psychopaths and psychology (I don’t know what that says about me), so was really intrigued with the premise, as it seemed like an original take on this subject.

The writing and the characters were strong, I easily picked up their personalities and quirks. I was really invested in seeing what Fiona would do next and how far she would go. The story slowly builds up suspense until the shocking ending! It did not go the way I was expecting. I would certainly recommend this to someone who is looking for a chilling thriller with some twists and turns. It will definitely be sticking around in my thoughts for a while. 4.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

I have followed this author for many years since his Magpie days and never been disappointed. This was a brilliant read, great storyline and characters and I was involved from the very first page, dark and twisty all the way.

I can thoroughly recommend this book and what does Fiona want, read it and find out.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this brilliant ARC.

When Fiona is released from prison, she intends to check some names off her list. She buys a house in a nice area. Fiona is a psychopath, but she is trying to live a normal life. This book is set in The Magpies Universe, one of my favourite reads by Mark.

This is a dark and thrilling read. It lets you see that no matter how nice your neighbour is, you should never fully trust them. It's a suspenseful and atmospheric read. I started reading this book this morning and quickly became invested in the story. The pace is fast in this twisted read. The characters are well-developed. Fiona can come across as very creepy with just the way she looks at someone. I think this is my new favourite book by Mark Edwards/

Published 28th January 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #ThomasandMercer and the author #MarkEdwards for my ARC of #ThePsychopathNextDoor in exchange for an honest review.

A thrilling ride from Mark Edwards - who is the psychopath? Fiona who has just been released from prison is the most obvious candidate, but there may be another in the quiet north London neighbourhood she moves to.

REVIEW 📖 #adpr A family who have recently moved to the neighbourhood are quickly befriended by a neighbour who at first appears to be god send but she is anything but! I love me a bit of Mark Edwards so the second I saw this
pop up on Netgalley I JUMPED at the opportunity to read it early and I’m so glad I did.

The story was an intricate and twisty domestic thriller with all the characteristics that seasoned Edward’s readers will expect and love. The character and relationship building in particular was fab and really made for a deep and meaningful story.

Was the ending a bit of a reach?? Yes.. but I was entertained and throughly enjoyed it. It was exactly what I needed and what I was in the mood for over the holidays.

Thank you for the early copy @amazonpublish The Psychopath Nextdoor is published in the UK 28th Jan 2025 🖤🤩

The first ever Mystery/Thriller book I read was Here To Stay. I loved it that much I decided to read all his other books before I tried any others. So, as you can imagine I now get rather excited when I hear there's a new book coming out! Ooh, and Lucy from the Magpies? Yes please. This one is about a woman who befriends the next door neighbours, more so the little girl, she can tell that this girl is like her, something different..something dark. An incredible book, I cried towards the end. I NEVER CRY!! Damnit Mark, you got me. It's one of those books that will stay with me for a while. Highly recommended 5 stars, should be 10 stars.

If you prefer your revenge served on a silver platter, this book is for you. It features captivating characters, a suspenseful, and yet believable plot, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

This review is entirely voluntary, and all opinions expressed reflect my personal views.

Wow! What a crazy, twisted read!

You think you know where this story is going but I have to say you may just be surprised by the ending.

The deception is amazing. When people say adults “groom” children most of us think about sex trafficking and although that in itself is a horrible situation for anyone to be in let alone a child, this story is on a whole new lever.

If you like twisted tales this is a book for you.

The Dove family have moved into their new house and have been befriended by the woman who lives next door Fiona who takes a special interest in Rose their thirteen year old daughter.
Fiona has just got out of prison and she has scores to settle.
A chilling psychological thriller from the Magpie series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This was a wild ride. I couldn’t stop reading. Fast paced which I love. So good. Thank you NetGalley. I loved it!! I’m definitely recommending this one to others.

When Fiona Smith moves in next door to the Dove family she offers to babysit 12 year-old Rose during the summer holidays but does she have an ulterior motive?

At first Fiona seems nice and helpful but the reader soon discover she is a psychopath out for revenge. The story is told through Fiona and Ethan Dove’s (Rose’s father) POV.

This novel is set in the same universe as Mark Edwards’ previous book The Magpies and it’s two sequels, I need to go back and read them now as I was so impressed with the writing and plot of this one. The writing is fast paced and thrilling which kept me turning the pages as I was desperate to find out how it ended.

I would definitely recommend this for thriller readers.

Ethan, Emma, and their two kids, Dylan and Rose, have just moved house. They’re desperate for a fresh start - to save their marriage and keep their family happy and whole.

Enter Fiona Smith, the charming new neighbor who quickly becomes indispensable. She defends Rose against bullies and even offers to look after her during the summer holidays. Too good to be true? You betcha!

Fiona is not the kind of person you want looking after your child. Beneath her helpful facade lies a thirst for revenge against those she believes have wronged her. She sees a kindred spirit in Rose and is all too eager to nurture the darkness she detects in her.

This was my 18th Mark Edwards book, and, unsurprisingly, I loved it. It’s tense, twisty, and nearly impossible to put down. The plot is gripping, packed with brilliantly diabolical characters that make for a deliciously unsettling read.

Fiona is masterfully written - a manipulative sociopath who expertly pits Ethan and Emma against each other. And Rose? Watching her true nature unfold was both fascinating and disturbing.

I’m always slightly concerned when I find myself agreeing with some actions meant to highlight a character’s level of psychopathy 🫣🤣 but hey, at least she’s kind to animals :)

Set in the same universe as The Magpies trilogy, this can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone. That said, why deprive yourself of more Mark Edwards brilliance?

I would absolutely recommend this! A huge thanks to Mark, NetGalley, and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced copy 🙏🏻 Out 28th January, 2025 (UK)

"The Psychopath Next Door" by Mark Edwards is a dark and unsettling psychological thriller that delves into the chilling dynamics between a family seeking a fresh start and their seemingly benevolent neighbor. The story follows Ethan Dove, who moves his family to a new home in hopes of mending his strained marriage and providing a better environment for his children, Dylan and twelve-year-old Rose. When Rose faces bullying, their neighbor, Fiona Smith, steps in, offering assistance that appears too good to be true. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Fiona harbors sinister intentions, particularly as she identifies a kindred spirit in young Rose.

Edwards masterfully crafts a narrative that is both gripping and twisted, immersing readers in a suspenseful atmosphere. The exploration of psychopathy, especially in children, adds a layer of intrigue that is both fascinating and disturbing. However, while the novel maintains a consistent tension, it lacks a significant twist that might have elevated the suspense to a more impactful climax.

Despite this, the novel's strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of unease, making it a compelling read for those intrigued by the darker facets of human psychology. The interactions between Fiona and Rose are particularly noteworthy, as they delve into the manipulation and grooming that underscore the narrative's central theme.

Holy physiological thriller! I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for this masterpiece and it did not disappoint. The writing language was on point leading you through a story filled with shock, twists and turns you’ll be questioning even your own neighbors. I absolutely loved this.

Ethan moves his wife, Emma and two kids, Dylan, 15 and Rose, 12, to a new town, for a new start and to repair his marriage. Their new neighbor, Fiona, is a huge help when she offers to look after Rose while her parents work. But Fiona just got out of prison and can’t wait to train Rose to be her accomplice.
First off, my maiden name is Dove so I loved that this was the last name of the family in the book. As the secrets came out, I felt a sense of foreboding on how far Fiona would go, and what would happen to the people she targeted.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc.

Holy dooly - this book was the bomb! I couldn't get enough of reading Fiona the psychopath's antics and how far she was willing to go to infiltrate herself into normal life again after her prison stint. It really goes to show that you don't know who you have living on your street, especially when they seem trustworthy on the outside!!

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The suspense was fantastic and had me in knots as I kept reading and hoping things would work out. 

This was my first Mark Edwards book but it won't be my last. After reading other reviews, it seems I need to read the Magpies trilogy now.

The best I’ve read by this author. Told in dual pov by Ethan and his next door neighbor, Fiona. Fiona is the new mystery woman living. Ext door that Ethan & his wife, Emma, allow
To child mind over the summer. Fiona feels a kinship with Rose and decides to mentor her. Mentor her……a psychopath in training? Read this in one sitting. Fast paced, writing kept the momentum flowing, execution was great. Sequel? I hope so.

That ending!

This was a super unique thriller, that kept you on the edge of your seat. Mark Edwards is an automatic “must read” for me, as he is one of my favorite authors. His books are easy to read, thrilling, and down right creepy. This book was a bit different than the rest of his psych thrillers. This book didn’t have any real twists that you didn’t see coming, but was enjoyable nonetheless. The idea of psychopaths are intriguing & scary at the same time which made this one of Mark’s “scarier” books for me.

Too often, the main character’s dialogues & inner monologues can get repetitive and go on and on in books. This is NEVER the case for Mark. It’s one of the things I love most about his books. The substance of the story speaks for itself and doesn’t need any long winded explanations. He never makes it feel like he was a word quota to be met and has to add unnecessary commentary or descriptions. He is one of the best.

I would love a sequel to this book and enjoyed the mixing of the Magpies world.

Read this, you won’t regret it.