I have read this entire series and love Victoria Healing as a character. The story was written in a slightly different style than past books but the storyline as usual was awesome. This is a series to read, but can be read as a stand alone

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! Great read!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It had great suspense, intriguing, action, mystery, murder, kidnapping, a great who done it and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting and had me glued to my kindle! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Ca faisait tellement longtemps que je n'avais pas été prise comme ça dans une intrigue. de thriller. Et quel bonheur. Je suis tellement fan de cette saga. Chaque tome est unique et incroyable. On est jamais déçu lorsqu'on se lance dans l'un des livres de Jenifer Ruff et quel plaisir !!

This is the ninth book about FBI Agent Victoria Heslin, but there’s no need to have read the previous eight. Well, unless you want to know how Victoria met the hunky veterinarian, Ned, who is now her fiancé.

Victoria and Ned are lucky enough to live in an upscale Virginia subdivision (thanks, grandpa!) called Mountain Meadows (which in Utah is a creepy name since there was a massacre named just that). Mountain Meadows is a bit more than a cul-de-sac within a larger HOA, with a newly sold home where the previous owner went suddenly missing 5 years; a loner guy collecting unfinished home-improvement projects; a vicious Karen who is the self-appointed “neighborhood president”; and two or three maybe normal couples. The newcomers (who, my goodness, dared to install colorful bird feeders out front) are not feeling very welcomed. Victoria worries about being a “bad neighbor” since she’s a bit of an introvert and reticent about her well-known FBI reputation, but she and Ned spring into action when they find a pair of wandering dogs without their owner. Their owner, the female half of the new couple, Zoe, has suddenly gone missing, unexpectedly leaving her dogs’ leashes behind on a gazebo near a nasty pond.

I love this series and this one was one of the best! You can always rely on and root for Victoria, there’s usually a few adorable dog moments, and the mystery will keep you guessing. As soon as I finish one of the Victoria Heslin books, I want a new one! 5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): SORT OF Author Ruff doesn’t ever have characters with green eyes, but this time there’s a cat!
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): Grace, there was no need to replace the yellow mums for an “autumnal” display! They are autumn flowers. That’s perennial abuse. Also, I totally get the fear of my dogs getting poisoned in a pond without proper maintenance….maybe the HOA should have addressed that sooner (like 5 years ago),

Thank you to Books Go Social/Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

Thank you to the publishers & Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in advance!

I couldn’t put this book down, I read it in a day! Each page just wants to keep you reading until there’s no more pages to read!

If you love mystery / thrillers then this book is definitely the one for you.

Once again thank you to NetGalley for choosing me to voice my thoughts on this book!

I have read a couple of books by this author. After reading The Bad Neighbor I can't wait to read more.
The characters are fascinating and the plot draws you in. I read this one in less than 24 hours!

5* Shades of Mercy Kilpatrick. I need more, like yesterday!

Wow, I devoured this book. Like the author says, every one stands on its own, though it's part of a series, and I wasn't lost at all.

It's very reminiscent of the murder-mystery books by Kendra Elliott and Melinda Leigh, with a strong female agent who gets to the bottom of a case, trusting her instincts as well as her solid detection skills.

There's not a ton to the plot - an abducted female - but there are plenty of shady characters and one female who's reminiscent of Delores Umbrage, who really deserves to be taken down a peg or few. At the end, though we don't get to specifically read about it, she's cancelled her cleaner and is having to clear up her own vomit.

I can't wait to read more and am off to check out the author's back catalogue.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Greyt Companion Press for my reading pleasure.

This was my first read by this author and I am hooked! 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. When I thought I had it figured out, something else happened to make me think a different way. It’s a quick and great read. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I enjoyed this this book. Though part of a series, you can really read it as a standalone. It was a good popcorn suspense. This was a quick read - I finished in two days.

Zoey and her husband Chris move to a new neighborhood. Something isn't right about the people in this town. Luckily FBI Agent Victoria lives here and is on the case.

I enjoyed the characters. Grace Fairchild was the perfect blend of nice-nasty. The story became a little predictable midway. I had an idea about what was happening, but the author threw in a nice twist at the end.

An unpredictable, unputdownable, page=turning mystery with great suspense and characters. One reviewer stated one character was similar to Delores Umbridge and honestly, that's pretty spot on if I do say so myself.

When I spotted this title, it piqued my interest and I did a little further investigating. I love a good mystery thriller and it has been a while since I’ve come across a modern day one, I really enjoyed. There are a few factors I consider as a praise worthy read. Everyone is a suspect; motives are running rapid; opportunity is the icing on the cake. Those things are easily contrived but not always easily blended in with the flow of the story. Too much misdirection can make things a bit chaotic and before you know it the plot is lost to say the least. There is also the “it factors” when it comes to the right amount suspense, pacing, trickery and well-drawn out characterization. Most of all, a solid plot to keep the readers interest.

Did this book meet all the requirements? Yes, and more! I came into this series with the ninth book. To be honest, I’m a bit taken back I have not heard of this series before or the author. I made the right decision to choose this book to read and can’t wait to read the others!

Ruff assembles a great cast of characters and the pacing, suspense, the crime, the victims, the neighbors, the neighborhood and the brilliantly written twist and turns had me completely glued to this story until the end. When I thought I knew who had done it, other developments would happen that made the suspense all the more intriguing. There was a detail in the end about one of neighbors and her family that wasn’t fleshed out and I’m hoping it is because it will be included in the next book in the series. I do hope Ruff is continuing the series. I’m hooked!
I like Victoria Heslin no nonsense attitude when finding out Zoey was missing. She could have easily shrugged it off as a couples spat but she had a good head on her shoulders about the situation and reacted the way all law enforcement should. Victoria has good instincts and Ruff does a great job in portraying that attribute. Ruff also does an amazing job at making you really dislike a character(s). There was this one character who thought the worse of everyone and everything it seemed and it was great to see her come to the realization of just how wrong she was and her reaction to it figures with people like that. You’ll just have to read the book to find out more about what I’m talking about. I would also like to add that It was so refreshing to read a story without profanity and explicit scenes.
A great stand alone and an intriguing mystery with all the right elements!

The Bad Neighbor is a terrific mystery with great suspense and characters. The fictional Mountain Meadows community is an intriguing setting and one of my favorites in recent years. I’ve not read the previous eight books in the FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin series, but as noted by the publisher, each book in the series can also be read as a standalone. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an ARC of this novel for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is my first Agent Victoria book, and I appreciate that each one in the series can be read as a standalone. This is the ninth installment, and there were clearly a few references to previous books, but they all felt well-explained and contextualized for a new reader.

I liked the fast-pace, short chapters, and felt the multiple POVs did a good job of building out the mystery that was afoot in Mountain Meadow. The cast of primary characters felt distinct, and I was definitely interested to see how the disappearance of the previous homeowner and alleged embezzler tied into Zoe’s eventual disappearance.

I think I would have appreciated more chapters from FBI Agent Victoria’s perspective — I went into this expecting it to be primarily from her perspective, and it ended up feeling like she wasn’t very present until the end of the story.

I could not put this book down. I liked the mystery and suspense promised from the very first chapter, it catches your attention pretty early on and I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing of this story. It never felt dull or as if it was dragging. Speaking of the chapters I could seriously appreciate a book with shorter chapters, it gives you a little sense of accomplishment as a reader every-time you finish a chapter. The book gives me similar vibes to the movie monster house so if that was something you loved growing up you would love this book. While this book can be read as a standalone, it is part of a nine book series I believe, I am looking forward to reading the others as this seriously caught my eye.

It has all the aspects of a mystery/thriller you need:
- Constantly questioning "who did it?"
- Feeling shivers during the eerie scenes
- Suspenseful moments that have you turning your page faster
- Realizing you don't know your environment as much as you thought you did

I like our main character and the world she's in. I just wish there was more POVs from Victoria's perspective as the whole "FBI agent" thing really intrigued me. Sometimes I wanted more of that.

All in all great book! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in advance.

Main Takeaways:
- Suspenseful
- Eerie vibes
- Multiple POVs
- Who did it?
- 100% Recommend this book

The story starts with an introduction to the neighbourhood and the neighbours, in the past and present. I found this slightly confused, but it soon settles into a strong path as it progresses with Zoey's disappearance which is a mirror of the previous resident 5 years prior and Victoria taking centre. The FBI agent works to unravel the mystery of Zoey's fate through a tangled web hiding under the outwardly perfect manicured lawns and forced smiles of the residents of Mountain Meadows. A thrilling, intriguing and addictive read.

Victoria Heslin, FBI agent turned suburbanite, finds herself embroiled in a neighbourhood mystery when a new neighbour vanishes. With her fiance Ned, she investigates the disappearance, uncovering a web of secrets and suspicious behaviour. This latest instalment in the series continues to deliver thrilling suspense, lovable characters, and a touch of canine charm.

This was the first book I read of the series and I didnt feel like I missed anything by skipping the other books. I was drawn in to the story from the first page. Victoria was full of all the stuff an FBI agent should have and when looking for the truth about what happened to Zoey. It was frustrating to have to put the book down to get back in to real life tasks. I will for sure be adding all of the Agent Victoria books to my TBR pile now!

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

An interesting premise. I enjoyed it the drama of everyone on the street and thought Victoria was an interesting character with a fraught past.

Jenifer Ruff hits it out of the park again with The Bad Neighbor! Book 9 in the Agent Victoria Heslin series delivers a perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, and tension. Set against the picturesque yet eerie backdrop of Mountain Meadows, this novel keeps you guessing as FBI Agent Victoria Heslin uncovers dark secrets buried beneath the polished facades of a seemingly perfect neighborhood. The plot twists and turns as the layers of deception unravel, leading to an edge-of-your-seat conclusion.

Victoria’s relentless determination and sharp instincts shine through as she digs deeper into a chilling mystery that spans years. The more she investigates, the more dangerous the neighborhood becomes, and I loved how even the most mundane suburban activities took on a sinister tone. Ruff’s ability to create nail-biting suspense while maintaining a rich sense of place is outstanding.

Although The Bad Neighbor can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from book 1 to truly appreciate the depth of Victoria’s character. Fans of Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh, and Lisa Regan will be thrilled with this compelling, twisty thriller. A must-read for any crime fiction lover!

Thanks to Ms. Ruff, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

When a new neighbor vanishes without trace in her neighborhood Veronica uses her skills as an FBI agent during a planned vacation to help locate her. Is this new case commented to a prior missing persons case from the same neighborhood (and home owner, too)?!

I really loved this well written suspenseful story! It’s always exciting when thrillers or mysteries don’t have the same ole format and plot and this book did not disappoint! I HAD to know what happened and was determined to finish the story ASAP to find out!

A great read and definitely worth a recommendation if you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was my first book from the Agent Victoria Heslin series and I enjoyed it so much, I will be picking up the previous books. The Bad Neighbor is book 9 in the series and can easily be read as a standalone. In this story, Agent Heslin helps to find her missing neighbor, Zoey. Zoey and Chris have recently moved into an affluent community. Zoey finds the move cross country difficult and has mixed feelings about her new home, especially knowing it’s history. When she goes missing, everyone in the neighborhood becomes a suspect. Is Zoey’s disappearance connected to the previous crimes committed in the small community or did she leave on her own, unhappy with her new living arrangement? I enjoyed the authors quick paced writing style. With so many possible suspects, I was kept guessing til the end. Small references the previous novels has me intrigued on how Agent Heslin ended up living in the neighborhood. The Bad Neighbor was a good afternoon read for fans of psychological thrillers.

I really enjoyed this suspenseful read! The setting of Mountain Meadows adds a perfect layer of eerie contrast to the unfolding mystery. The disappearance of Zoey Hamilton and the connection to the previous homeowner's vanishing set up a compelling mystery. FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin’s investigation reveals how the seemingly perfect neighborhood hides a web of deceit and danger. The way the story portrays the “perfect” neighbors as potential threats is both chilling and engrossing. It’s a gripping thriller that keeps you guessing about who might be hiding the darkest secrets.

I finished this last night - happy me. It's an easy read. Got two timelines - now and then.

I'm not a person who likes detective concept books but surprisingly I love this book. The chapters were nice and short. Fast-paced. Keeps me guessing who the bad guy is until the culprit appears. Unpredictable.

4.5 ⭐️ for me and definitely will read more from this author.

Thank you @netgalley and @booksgosocialgroup and the author for this eARC.

Pub date: 1st October 2024

Such a good fast paced thriller! My first book by this author. Will be going back to read the others in this series. I was happy that I didn’t miss a beat bumping right in with book 9. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this before release date on Oct 1, 2024.

I was captivated within the first few pages! I found myself unable to put it down. This book can be read as a stand alone, but it's actually book 9 in a series. The Bad Neighbor is my first read from this author and I will definitely be reading more.

The book has multiple points of view as well as going between the past and present.
This is definitely not a cozy mystery but for me, it read like one.

It was a real "who dunnit" mystery with multiple people looking guilty. I figured it out before the reveal but the author had me second guessing myself a few times.

I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

I rarely give 5 stars (even my favorite book is only 4 stars for me because of excessive foul language), but I truly enjoyed this book and the writing style.

The Bad Neighbor by Jenifer Ruff is a highly recommended investigative thriller. This is the ninth book in the series featuring FBI Agent Victoria Heslin but can easily be read as a standalone novel.

Chris and Zoey Hamilton have just moved from California into their dream home, a fixer-upper in the affluent Virginia community of Mountain Meadows. The house was the home of a notorious embezzler Steve Johnson who disappeared without a trace five years and his wife decided to sell it. The two are trying to fix it up while building a new life together when Zoey suddenly disappears.

FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin and her fiancé veterinarian Ned Patterson also live in Mountain Meadows. When out running early one morning they discover two dogs running free without an owner around. The dogs belonged to Zoey and while returning them Victoria learns that Zoey is missing. She and Ned help look for her on the trails and then Chris contacts the police. It appears that something happened to Zoey, leaving her dogs to run loose. Since Victoria and Ned were taking the week off, they become involved in the search for Zoey.

This is a nightmare neighborhood full of people who are potential suspects, with the exception of Victoria and Ned. The narrative moves back and forth in time through mainly three different viewpoints, with a fourth added later. Chapters follow Zoey's story leading up to her disappearance, the opinions of a snobbish neighbor named Grace, and Victoria in the present day investigation. All of the characters are delineated as individuals and it is easy to distinguish between them.

The investigation moves a quick pace with short chapters alternating the points-of-view and time periods. This choice helps keep interest high as clues are discovered in both timelines and it introduces all the suspicious neighbors. The pages flew by quickly as both timelines are equally compelling. Thanks to BooksGoSocial for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

The Bad Neighbor: Agent Victoria Heslin Series Book 9 by Jenifer Ruff delivers a compelling mystery with credible characters and an atmospheric locale. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the setting, which made me feel like I was really there. The plot was well-written.

Overall, I would rate The Bad Neighbor 4 out of 5 for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and skillful writing that kept me hooked throughout the book.

#TheBadNeighbor #NetGalley

I didn’t realize this was part of a series but I wasn’t lost at all. I’ll definitely be going back to read the other 8 books. I couldn’t put this book down, I read it in a day! Each page just wants to keep you reading until you finished.

Another addition of one of my favorite thriller series! Jenifer's writing style and character development are unmatched. I hope she continues this series for a long time.

Full of suspense and so thrilling! Every time I thought I knew what was happening, I was shocked. I can’t wait to read more from Jenifer Ruff!

Loved this book. It’s about the inner politics of an affluent neighborhood. The resident FBI agent fights time to save a new neighbor and to solve the 5 year old mystery of another neighbor. It gripped me by the hand and I didn’t put it down until the last page. Recommend!

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.

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

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).

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 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 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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 would definitely recommend this one. I really liked the story, I was engaged and rooting for the FBI lead character to solve the crime. I didn't realize this was part of a series, but I didn't really feel like I'd missed too much by not reading the others first.

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 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.

THE BAD NEIGHBOR is book 9 in the award-winning Agent Victoria Thriller Series by USA Today bestselling author, Jenifer Ruff. Each book features a unique investigation and can be read as a STANDALONE.

I really enjoyed Chris and Zoey's story. Cannot wait to read the others in the series. Jenifer Ruff has gained a fan.

When Chris and Zoey Hamilton move to the picturesque Mountain Meadows community, they expect perfection—gleaming smiles, polished lawns, and friendly neighbors. Instead, Zoey vanishes, echoing the mysterious disappearance of the previous homeowner years before.

Enter FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin, whose razor-sharp instincts and dogged determination drive her investigation into the community’s dark secrets. As she peels back layers of deceit, it’s clear the true danger doesn’t lurk in shadows but stands front and center in the most unsuspecting forms—hosting dinner parties and waving from their white picket fences.

Jenifer Ruff has delivered yet another pulse-pounding thriller with The Bad Neighbor. This ninth installment in the Victoria Heslin series can be read as a standalone, making it perfect for new readers to jump right in.

Book synopsis:
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.
Review:
This was a great book. I plan to read more by this author ASAP. The plot keeps you intrigued and guessing at possible suspects, but the end will surprise you. 5 stars!