There is something very wrong with….
Charlotte Stevenson
Perfect Neighbours, Perfect Lies…
When Viola’s new neighbours move into Number 33, everything seems picture-perfect.
But behind the manicured lawn and polite smiles, dark secrets lurk in the shadows. As Viola, a quiet retiree, digs deeper into the strange behaviour of the family next door, she uncovers a disturbing web of lies.
The father, Rhys, is hostile. The mother, Wendy, seems to be losing her grip on reality. And their daughter, Mirabelle is an eerie eight-year-old.
When Viola sneaks into Number 33, she discovers a locked room and a secret hidden inside. Soon her curiosity turns into obsession. But as she pushes closer to the truth, the family turns the tables and suddenly, Viola is the one questioning her own sanity.
Will Viola uncover the sinister truth… or is she the next victim in this twisted game of cat and mouse?
My Review:
This was my first time reading Charlotte Stevenson, and all I can say is WOW!!
Tense, chilling, and completely engrossing, The Family Next Door had me hooked from the very first page. If you’re looking for an original, dark, and shocking psychological thriller, you won’t be disappointed.
The pacing is spot-on—medium to fast—with things spiraling out of control early on, only to grow even more intriguing as the layers of mystery are peeled back.
Viola, a retired and widowed older neighbour, starts off as your typical well-meaning ‘nosey neighbour,’ but she quickly becomes tangled in the unnerving lives of the family who’ve moved into Number 33.
At first glance, everything about Rhys, Wendy, and their daughter Mirabelle appears picture-perfect. But soon, cracks begin to show. Wendy seems fragile and detached. Rhys is brimming with hostility. And Mirabelle? Let’s just say this eight-year-old gave me chills—eerie and unsettling in the best way.
What I loved most was the sense of unease that simmered throughout. The dual POV from Viola and Mirabelle added depth to their characters and heightened the suspense. I was constantly speculating, eager to unravel the mystery behind the locked room and the disturbing secrets hiding within Number 33. Just when I thought I had the answers, the plot would twist and turn in unexpected ways—keeping me firmly on the edge of my seat.
The writing is evocative and atmospheric, leaving me with a lingering sense of dread as I raced towards the shocking conclusion. This isn’t your typical ‘nosy neighbour’ thriller filled with petty disputes; it’s far darker and more gripping, offering an experience that felt truly unique.
If you’re after a creepy, heart-pounding tale with intricately developed characters and an unpredictable plot, The Family Next Door delivers. It’s easy to devour, impossible to put down, and will leave you questioning everything until the very last page—and beyond.
The Author:
Charlotte Stevenson is an author born and raised in North West Cumbria. Charlotte studied Medicine in Scotland and continues to work part-time as a doctor. Charlotte writes dark, twisty psychological thrillers with elements of psychological horror. She is fascinated by the complexity of human behaviour and the dark depths of the mind. Her debut- The Serial Killer’s Son was published in November 2023. Her second novel will be published on the 12th August 2024. Charlotte’s books are published by Bloodhound Books.
Charlotte now resides in Greater Manchester with her husband, three wonderful children and two rambunctious dogs. When not writing or working, Charlotte is a voracious consumer of audiobooks and has an ever-expanding TBR pile that she has no desire to control.
Follow and connect with Charlotte Stevenson on instagram
The Book:
Title: The Family Next Door
Publication Date: 10 January 2025
Number of pages: 270
Pre-Order Now: Amazon digital edition
The Review:
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the ARC team for Bloodhound Books and was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review this novel ahead of its publication. A huge thank you to Bloodhound Books, Charlotte Stevenson, and my fellow ARC readers for fostering such a warm and supportive space to discuss books. It’s a joy to champion authors and their work, one book at a time!
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.
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