This is a book I did not want to put down! It was an interesting read because I did not like any of the characters but still loved the story!

This is a difficult book to review. While I was thrilled for the first few chapters the book never regained its pace and in the end the short, sharp chapters fell flat, too forced.

No one is likable in this book but that didn’t need to leave me with such a gaping lack of empathy, which it did.

This fell flat for me as it wasn’t a thriller, nor really a mystery and ended carelessly.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. I did like the fast pace of it and the short chapters, however none of the characters were likeable and the plot was just too far-fetched for me.

This is one novel I could not put down. Kay is renting her parents' house next door to hers. Kay try's to be neighborly, but Gary and Beth want to be left alone. Kay does not let up. Beth disappears and Gary's story changes. A thrilling novel that has a number of twists.

The Neighbor by N.L. Hinkens keeps you hooked till the very end.
A well written suspense filled with twists that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
A quick and fun read that I finished in a few hours.
The characterization was superb, the writing pacey and flowing, and the tension delivered in a series of shocks and twists along the way.
This is a tightly written story, with well developed characters and enough suspense to keep you reading.

This was such an intense read right away, I found myself being hooked by the suspense and the twists.

A very entertaining story with more twists and turns than Lombard Street.

The Neighbor is the fourteenth book by N.L. Hinkens I’ve read. I’ always amazed that each of her books keeps me guessing until the very end. The Neighbor kept me not only engrossed in the story, but I constantly thought I had figured out where the story was going only to learn each of my theories were wrong until I hit on what was going on. Sure, I was right until I wasn’t because I could never have predicted the ending of this story.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, give The Neighbor a shot, you won’t’ be sorry. If you are new to N.L. HInkens writing, The Neighbor is a wonderful introduction. I promise it will take you on a thrilling roller-coaster ride of action and intrigue.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Neighbor and chose to provide my review.

I have read several books written by the talented N.L. Hinkens, and she never disappoints! “The Neighbor” was no exception; it was a fun twisty ride.

Though the protagonist, Kay, came off a bit strong and unpleasant, Hinkens has a way of writing her tales that makes me not want to stop reading. Kay is a character that is a bit nosy and is persistent in the thoughts she has about her new neighbors. At first, her suspicions seemed a bit far fetched, but as the story progresses, the reader can tell that something isn’t quite right with the new neighbors, Gary and Beth. It was fun seeing how everything came together in the end.

Every chapter was filled with great plot development that kept me glued to every page. Knowing this author’s writing style, I knew I’d be up late at night, wanting to finish the book and see how it all came together. True to Hinkens’ ability to capture readers, the constant question whether Kay had actual reasons to be skeptical of her neighbors or if she was letting her mind spiral in seemingly odd directions was so entertaining. There were a couple of minor loose ends when I finished the book. I’m curious to see if there will be a part two or if these loose ends are up for the reader’s discretion to decide what happens next.

Themes of trust, honesty, relying on your own hunches, betrayal, relationships, and more can be found within these pages. All of the themes helped in making this an enjoyable read.

Though Kay can be quite frustrating for a while in the book, it never deterred me for wanting to continue this fast-paced story. Its captivating plot, and the twists and turns included really made this a quick read. I can’t wait to see what N.L. Hinkens has in store next! I happily give “The Neighbor” a 5 out of 5 stars!

My opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Joffe’s Books) for giving me an ARC and the opportunity to read “The Neighbor”.

Hooked me in straight from the very beginning and didn't l;et me go until I finished, I read it in a couple of hours. Kept me guessing all the way through. I loved it

This is a new author for me and I was looking forward to getting to know her.

There are people who don't care what their neighbors are up to and then there are others who like to look out for them. Some call them nosy and meddling, some call the mcaring.

And when you see things you feel not comfortable with, you might like to go over and investigate. And that is exactly what Kay is doing. She tries to be the best possible neighbor. Mind you, not everybody puts up with that though...

This is a splendid thriller. Kay is getting obsessed with her neighbors and it might even be bordering on paranoia and where do you draw the line between concern and being intrusive?

The more you read, the more intriguing the story becomes and the more you realise you don't know who is telling the truth anymore. 

Just when you think you have figured it all out, the story takes an unexpected turn. It's a manipulation fest and it makes your head spin.

Masterfully written, this book keeps you questioning every character’s motives until the very last page. I never expected the book to follow this path, but I loved it. This author has gained a fan. 5 stars

Thank you

Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books, for providing early access in exchange for my honest review.

In "The Neighbor," we are introduced to Kay, a dedicated and somewhat obsessive head of the HOA, who eagerly takes on the roles of both landlord and neighbor after purchasing her late parents’ house. She rents the property to Gary and Beth, a new couple looking to start fresh. With a strong desire to maintain community standards, Kay is determined to ensure that her tenants fit seamlessly into the neighborhood. However, as she learns more about Gary and Beth, her initial excitement quickly shifts to suspicion, particularly regarding Gary's controlling demeanor and the potential risk he poses to Beth.

The plot grabbed my attention right away; however, Kay's nosiness and need for control were off-putting, making it difficult to connect with her character. At times, I wanted to take her and yank her because it got annoying.

While I preferred N.L. Hinkens' previous works, such as "I Know What You Did" and "Never Tell Them," this book was still full of suspense, keeping me eager to find out what would happen next.

The Neighbor is a exhilarating physcological thriller that had me riveted to my kindle and unable to take my eyes away from the book start until the surprising finish. It's about Kay and her husband Warren who are renting there property to a couple called Beth and Gary. Kay is watching them from her house next door and is suspicious of Gary and when Beth disappears Kay becomes more involved in determining whether Gary has done something to Beth. I feel blindsided by the twist ending and I am kicking myself that I didn't pick it because once it is revealed it became obvious. I wasn't a fan of the characters but the plot is so believable that it more than makes up for it. I held my breath as it grabbed my attention and I was fully invested in the outcome. So utterly breathtaking!

Such a great book. Couldn't stop reading it. Thank you for my advance reader copy. Can't wait to look up other books from this author.

Well played Norma, well played!! Everytime I thought I knew what was going on, the rug was pulled out beneath me. I eagerly turned the pages needing to know more details, how this story would unfold. "May the best con artist win" - a character in the book.

I went into this book expecting a solid thriller, and at first, it had me intrigued. Kay, our protagonist, immediately suspects her neighbors of something sinister, setting up an air of mystery. But wow—was she nosy! Her paranoia was so relentless that I found it hard to focus on any actual evidence (or lack thereof) because she was busy seeing ghosts everywhere.

The pacing threw me off, too. The story started out slow—really slow. And then, at about 70% in, it was like someone hit the fast-forward button, launching me into a whirlwind of twists that felt more chaotic than clever. I love a good plot twist as much as the next reader, but these came out of nowhere, making it feel less like a well-crafted mystery and more like a storm that materialized out of thin air. With Kay being so hyper-suspicious, you’d think she’d have at least anticipated *something*, but nope—she was just as blindsided as I was.

Character-wise, it was basically The Kay Show. Everyone else existed in the background, adding little to the story. I wish I had cared more about them, but they were barely developed.

Overall, this was a frustrating read. It had potential, but the pacing, the overwhelming twists, and the lack of depth in the supporting cast left me feeling more unsettled than satisfied.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Joffe Books and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read the book over the course of three days, off and on, finishing up at about 1AM on the third day. N. L. Hinkens is a favorite of mine and has never left me feeling less than wowed.
I can’t — won’t — divulge details about the book, but I can honestly say that I felt like I had just gotten whiplash from all the times I thought I knew what was happening, only to find that I was SO wrong!
I honestly NEVER saw the twists coming, let alone coming every single time I thought I had it all figured out.
An absolutely gripping story! Tension through and through!

This book was such a wonderful surprise to me, it was a really fantastic psychological thriller. This is set against an “idyllic” suburban community where the gossip mill thrives & the HOA is maybe a little too involved.

The Neighbor is set apart by the way N.L. Hinkens really crafted complex, believable characters and the way she wove the psychological states of the characters seamlessly into the story. It was so well done, and it never took away from the fast pacing of the story.

The twists were never ending, which did end up feeling like a popcorn thriller in some ways, but the story kept me intrigued the whole time. I was able to binge this book fairly quickly, and I will definitely keep a watch for more titles by this author!

3.75 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

N.L. Hinkens, The Neighbor, Joffe Books, expected publication date March 4, 2025

N. L. Hinkens delivers a riveting tale of suspense and intrigue in her latest novel, The Neighbor. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic suburban community, the story unfolds through the eyes of Kay, the determined and increasingly paranoid HOA President. When Kay and her husband, Warren, rent out the house across the street to the enigmatic couple Gary and Beth, the tranquil facade of neighborhood life begins to crack.

Hinkens masterfully captures the essence of suburban life, weaving a narrative that is both relatable and chilling. Kay’s character is brilliantly crafted; her initial warmth and hospitality quickly give way to a gnawing suspicion when Beth mysteriously disappears. The author skillfully explores themes of trust, secrecy, and the darker undercurrents that often lie beneath the surface of close-knit communities.

The pacing of The Neighbor is relentless, propelling readers through a labyrinth of twists and turns. Hinkens expertly builds tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Kay’s incredulous suspicions spiral into obsession. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, with moments of dark humor that provide brief relief from the mounting suspense. Each character is well-developed, and their interactions create a rich tapestry of motives and secrets, making it hard to discern who can be trusted.

What sets The Neighbor apart is Hinkens’ keen understanding of the psychological aspects of her characters. As Kay's paranoia intensifies, readers are drawn into her internal struggles, questioning the reliability of her perceptions. The exploration of her mental state adds depth to the narrative, transforming this thriller into a thought-provoking examination of human nature and the lengths one might go to protect their own.

The climax is both unexpected and satisfying, leaving readers with a sense of closure while also inviting them to ponder the implications of the story long after they turn the final page. Hinkens has crafted a compelling mystery that resonates with the complexities of modern life, reminding us that not everything is as it seems, even in our own neighborhoods.

Overall, The Neighbor is a five-star thriller that combines sharp writing, well-drawn characters, and an intricately woven plot. N. L. Hinkens has solidified her place as a master of suspense with this gripping novel, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a lover of psychological thrillers or simply enjoy a good mystery, The Neighbor will keep you guessing until the very end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

The Neighbor by N.L. Hinkens was a jaw-dropping twisty thriller full of shocking surprises and twists throughout the entire book.

We never really know our neighbors as well as we think and we never know who we can truly trust. Kay is finding this out quickly when a new couple, Gary and Beth, moves in next door. They are renting the property owned by Kay and her husband Warren. From the start Kay distrust Gary and knows he's up to something and vows to figure out what. As president of the neighborhood HOA she feels it's her job to know if her neighbors are safe. The extent she goes to is a bit overboard.

At first I found Kay very annoying and pushy. But she did grow on me and I found myself championing her. The story itself was very entertaining right up to the gasp out loud ending. The writing was smooth, making it easy to binge read. This was my first read by N.L. Hinkens and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be checking out more of her books. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy

OMG - what did I just read?!? Fantastic psychological thriller that kept me hooked from the first page to the last. The twists in this book are incredible—just when I thought I had it all figured out, something new would come up that completely changed the game! The perfect build up of suspense, and the pacing is spot on. The characters are complex and the tension is palpable, making it hard to put the book down. But it was the unexpected ending that really blew me away—did not see that coming! If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, this one is a must-read.

Absolutely loved it—definitely worth 5 stars!