We start with a family getting the fresh start they need. Ethan Dove has moved to a "safe community" along with wife Emma and their two children Dylan and Rose. Ethan and Emma are having "issues" in their marriage, the main reason for the move, so hope this new beginning will help them save it.
But cracks start to appear again when Rose starts getting bullied by the two boys who live opposite. Ethan tries to fix it but it is next-door neighbour Fiona who steps in instead. Fiona who turns out to be a godsend when she bonds with Rose and offers to look after her during the school holidays.
But, as we find out, Fiona has an ulterior motive for wanting to spend time with Rose. She sees in Rose what she has inside herself, and can't wait to teach her all she knows...!
Normally I love this author's books. They are five stars all the way. They are chilling and scary, but always wholly plausible. Sadly, I didn't get all this with this book. It ticked most of the boxes I wanted but I really couldn't help rolling my eyes at some of the things that happened, or didn't. A couple of things I can ignore, but there were a few too many implausible scenarios for me. I guess a lesser author in my eyes might have been forgiven but I hold this author in such high esteem that maybe my standards for him are higher, but expectations have to be met. Even the inclusion of a couple of "old favourites" didn't sway my overall opinion, and I though actually made the book weaker.
But, all that said, he's still one of my favourite authors and I guess like all things in life, you can't please everybody all the time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

The Dove family have moved to a new area for a fresh start and they think everything appears to be going well until new neighbour, Fiona Smith becomes involved in their lives and takes an instant interest in twelve year old Rose. On the surface she appears lovely, she helps Rose when she gets bullied by the boys across the road and even offers to look after her during the holidays whilst Ethan and Emma are at work, a prospect that they are delighted at, so Fiona takes her under her wing, while their fifteen year old son Dylan does his own thing, but she isn't there to babysit a child, she's looking to exact revenge and nothing will get in her way.

The Psychopath Next Door is the latest thriller by this author and, in true Edwards style, this is just as dark and compelling as his others. The premise is clever and the read is well paced, drawing out Fiona's backstory which is explained throughout in this three part tale. It was great to see the return of Lucy Newton and, albeit briefly, Jamie and Kirsty from the Magpies trilogy and, even though this one is linked to those books, it's definitely a standalone read but, if you haven't read any of the Magpies books yet, now's your chance, they are a very chilling read. As always Edwards draws you in and keeps you hooked throughout, in a story that will have you on the edge of your seat second guessing what comes next, with some great twists and a fabulous ending. I definitely recommend!

I'd like to thank Thomas & Mercer, Netgalley and the author for inviting me to read this book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

Mark Edwards, you are seriously twisted and psychotic 🤣🤣 but really, your books just get better. I loved everything about this.

A fast paced thriller that really had you thinking. I was half expecting Ethan to be an Apex Predator at the end to overcome all, but the ending was fab just as it was

If you love a great psychological thriller get this and any other of Marks books. Run, don’t walk !!!

Amazing thriller.

First time hearing about Mark Edwards and it didn't disappointed me.

It was gripping from the start, so many twist until the end.

Totally recommend it.

Tense, Dark, Disturbing..
A new life or a huge mistake? When Ethan, Emma and family move to a new neighbourhood they are undoubtedly hoping for a fresh start. After all, surely they deserve that? It seems too good to be true, a safe and friendly community - and everyone knows what they say don’t they? If it seems too good to be true then it invariably is. When neighbour, Fiona, begins to inveigle herself into their lives it appears harmless - more than that, she seems just the perfect neighbour, but appearances can be very deceptive indeed. Tense and gripping, this psychological suspense is bubbling over with twists and turns with a cast of well crafted characters populating a taut plot. Dark and disturbing.

“The Psychopath Next Door” is a psychological thriller.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ethan and his family moved to a new home for a fresh start. Fiona moves next door and starts inserting herself in the neighbors’ life by offering to look after Rose, Ethan’s 12 year old daughter.

The story is gripping, with dual POV (Ethan and Fiona), full of suspense and secrets. As Fiona and Rose spend more time together we find some disturbing things about both of them.

The ending was not very surprising, but it is dark and makes you question things.

I found this to be an addictive story. The writing was descriptive and allowed me to feel engaged in the story. The characters had many layers which added to the intensity of the story. I felt this was more suspense than twisty. I enjoyed reading and I'll be sure to review and recommend.

“The Psychopath Next Door” is a chilling thriller by author Mark Edwards that in my opinion is one of his best novels since ‘The Magpies’.

Ethan Dove moves his family in search of a fresh start to rebuild his delicate marriage. He wants to create a perfect setting for his family but the idyllic setting quickly turns sinister when their next-door neighbour, Fiona Smith, steps into their lives at a time when they need support the most.
At first Fiona appears to be a great help to the family when she assists with their daughter Rose but Fiona soon shows a different side. Far from the perfect neighbour Fiona starts to manipulate Rose, using her to execute a plan of revenge that puts the entire Dove family in danger.

This is a well written novel, plenty of tension as Mark Edwards weaves a web of suspense and intrigue. I enjoyed the character Fiona Smith who proves to be a very complex antagonist. Ethan and Emma Dove are struggling to save their marriage as well as making a safe environment for their children so the realisation of danger next door is very real.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Another great read from Mark Edwards.

A gripping psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to shout ‘noooooo’ at the book in many places.

Was gripping from the start and fast paced and I loved the return of Lucy.

Great read
Loved it

New beginnings…
Hoping to leave the past behind and get a fresh start, Ethan, his wife and children all relocated to a new neighborhood. Unfortunately, things may just get even worse for his family! Come on Ethan, the grass isn’t always greener.💁🏼

The house across from them have two teenage sons that are full-blown bullies. Not surprisingly, the parents are no better.

But after a young easygoing single gal moves in next door, it may be the little ray of sunshine this neighborhood needs. She even offers to sit for Ethan and his wife’s two kids.

Too good to be true? Survey says…duh!

Mark Edwards always delivers a suspenseful and chilling thriller that will have you second guessing who you let into your life!

As with all neighborhood thrillers I read, it leaves me eyeballing my neighbors just a bit more closely.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas &Mercer

This was my first Mark Edwards book and it was SOO good! I read it in 2 sittings! I could not put it down. I 10000% recommend!!

Mark has done it again a gripping read with twists and turns that you can't turn the pages fast enough. Set in the Magpie universe you get to meet old friends and new ones. Well written that will stay with you long after you're finished. Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this review ARC.

Is it normal to enjoy a psychological thriller so much that you didn't want the book to end?
Mark Edwards has a devilishly disturbing mind indeed, so I'm not sure what that says about me as a reader!
The author grabs you from the very first page, those first few lines,
" There was no one to meet her outside the prison gates. She had left her only friend, if that term could be used for her relationship with Lucy"
That magical moment when you know that what you are about it read is going to be one heck of a ride if Lucy is involved in anyway shape or form.
After Fiona is released from prison she has just one thing on her mind and that is sweet, delicious revenge, what she didn't expect was to form friendship with her new neighbours daughter Rose. But Fiona sees something in Rose that has potential.
So many twists it had my head spinning like Regan from The Exorcist.
Bravo Mr Edwards for another fantastic read!

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Psychopath Next Door’ written by Mark Edwards in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Ethan and Emma Dove with their children Rose 12 and Dylan 15 have moved into a new home in a safe area hoping to make a fresh start but it isn’t long before Rose is bullied by the two boys living opposite. She’s brought home by their next-door neighbour, Fiona, who offers to look after Rose during the school’s summer holidays while her parents are working. But Fiona has a reason for wanting to get close to Rose as she feels a connection with her and it’s not long before she has Rose trained to play ‘pranks’ on the people Fiona wants to punish.

Mark Edwards has excelled himself with ‘The Psychopath Next Door’, an outstandingly chilling psychological thriller that’s had me gripped from the first page to the last. The suspense and shocking twists increase the tension until I’ve been unable to stop reading for fear of missing what happens next. The perfectly written plot has been cleverly thought out keeping me on tenterhooks throughout but I still wasn’t ready for the final chapter that shook me to the core and left me open-mouthed with disbelief. This has been a thoroughly entertaining though scary thriller that I recommend to all readers.

I loved this book. I loved the characters, the story line and the writing. It’s the first time I’ve read something from Mr Edward’s but I will definitely be reading more of his books!

Ethan, Emma, Dylan and Rose Dove have settled into their new home.

When Rose is bullied on the bus home from school, next door neighbour, Fiona Smith brings her home. As Fiona and Rose’s friendship grows, there are a lot of changes in Rose, and certainly not good.

This was a great, but actually quite scary read. Being the mother of a child around the same age as Rose, this book really made me stop and think.

I enjoyed how the author brought Lucy Newton in from the Magpies series briefly in this story.

A dark psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages, I was engrossed in the story.

My thanks to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

The Psychopath Next Door by Mark Edwards was an incredibly fast-paced and addictive read—I could not put it down! This dark and thrilling story is packed with shocking twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very last page.

The return of Lucy was a delightful surprise, and the dynamic between Rose and Fiona added layers of intrigue and complexity to the story. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, making it easy to get fully immersed in their world.

The plot is masterfully crafted, weaving suspense and drama seamlessly. Every revelation felt like a punch, and the ending tied everything together perfectly while leaving me eager to see where this universe will take us next.

Overall, The Psychopath Next Door is an unforgettable binge-worthy read for fans of psychological thrillers. Highly recommended!

When you start a book by Mark Edwards you know you are in for a thrilling ride and this didn't disappoint. I loved this book right from the start until the very last page, and what a last few pages they were. I am pleased I don't have a next door neighbour like this. A terrific book that I highly recommend, keep these thrilling, twisted dark stories coming Mark.

OMG, this book blew my mind. Full of twists and turns that just kept me on the edge of my seat. Without giving any spoilers away anyone who has read Mark's other book will totally be blown away by this. Absolutely loved it. Mark your books just keep getting better and better! An absolute must read for everyone!!

A great addition to the Magpie creation, which is a must-read series,for me this is the authors best so far.
I really enjoyed Fiona's antics even though I know I really shouldn't have, but such is Mark's writing that you are pulled into each characters world and find yourself totally immersed.
The music references are brilliant and made me wonder what records I've let slip through my fingers🤔
As usual, an unpredictable,tension filled read with an ending that delivers a big did that happen moment.
I am looking forward to hopefully being reacquainted with certain characters in the future.
Can be read as a standalone.
RECOMMENDED.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the ARC.