Summary

The Couple Next Door is a gripping work of domestic suspense by Shari Lapena. Published in 2023, the novel riveted readers with its intense portrayal of a young couple's worst nightmare—the disappearance of their infant daughter during a dinner party next door. Unraveling a web of secrets, lies, and betrayal, it became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a six-part television miniseries for Starz in the US and Channel 4 in the UK.

Plot

Anne and Marco Conti, a seemingly perfect couple with a beautiful baby named Cora, attend a dinner party next door. They leave their infant at home, checking on her every half hour with a baby monitor. Uponing returning home, however, they discover Cora has vanished from her crib. The police are called, and suspicion immediately falls on the parents.

Detective Rasbach leads the investigation, sensing that Anne and Marco are hiding something. As the search for Cora intensifies, the couple's facade begins to crumble. Both Anne and Marco realize they've been keeping secrets from each other for years, adding layers of complexity to the case.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, revealing the events of that fateful night and the days that follow. The investigation uncovers a web of lies, betrayals, and hidden motives involving not just the Contis but also their neighbors and extended family. Each revelation brings new suspects and theories about Cora's disappearance.

As the pressure mounts, Anne and Marco's relationship is strained to the breaking point. They must confront their past decisions and current deceptions while desperately trying to find their daughter. The story builds to a series of shocking twists that challenge everything the characters—and readers—thought they knew about the crime and those involved.

Themes

• Deception and hidden secrets in relationships

• Consequences of impulsive actions

• Parental guilt and responsibility

• Trust and betrayal between couples

• Impact of tragedy on family dynamics

• Psychological effects of crime on victims

• Unraveling of seemingly perfect facades

Setting

Set in contemporary times, The Couple Next Door unfolds primarily in an affluent suburban neighborhood. The story centers around two adjacent houses, creating an intimate backdrop for the psychological drama that ensues. This close-quarters setting amplifies the tension and intrigue as the characters' lives become increasingly entangled.

While the specific city is not mentioned, the novel's atmosphere suggests a typical North American suburb. Tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, and well-maintained homes paint a picture of upper-middle-class domesticity. This seemingly idyllic environment serves as a stark contrast to the dark events that transpire, highlighting the notion that danger can lurk behind even the most pristine surfaces.

Key scenes unfold within the protagonists' homes, particularly during the fateful dinner party next door. The claustrophobic interior settings—from living rooms to bedrooms— become charged with suspicion and secrets as the investigation progresses. This interplay between public and private spaces underscores the theme of appearances versus reality that runs throughout the novel.

Characters

• Anne Conti: One of the main protagonists and mother of baby Cora. Anne struggles with postpartum depression and feels inadequate as a mother. She harbors deep secrets from her past that come to light during the investigation. Anne's mental state deteriorates as the story progresses, leading to unexpected twists.

• Marco Conti: Anne's husband and father to Cora. Marco appears supportive but is hiding financial troubles and a gambling addiction. He becomes a prime suspect in the kidnapping case due to his suspicious behavior and lies. Marco's actions throughout the novel raise questions about his true motives and involvement.

• Detective Rasbach: The lead investigator on the kidnapping case. Rasbach is shrewd and perceptive, sensing that the Contis are hiding information. He methodically unravels the complex web of lies and secrets surrounding the case.

• Cynthia Stillwell: The Contis' next-door neighbor who hosts the dinner party on the night of the kidnapping. Cynthia is outwardly friendly but harbors resentment towards the Contis. She becomes entangled in the investigation as a potential witness and suspect.

• Graham Stillwell: Cynthia's husband and the Contis' neighbor. Graham is a successful businessman who seems to have a perfect life. He plays a minor role in the investigation but becomes more significant as the story unfolds.

• Richard Dries: Anne's wealthy father, who disapproves of Marco. He becomes involved in the investigation and offers financial support to find his granddaughter.

• Cora Conti: Anne and Marco's six-month-old daughter who is kidnapped. While not an active character, Cora's disappearance drives the entire plot.

Quick facts

• The Couple Next Door was Shari Lapena's debut thriller, published in 2016.

• The novel became an instant New York Times bestseller.

• The story was partially inspired by the real-life disappearance of Madeleine McCann, a three-year-old British girl, while her parents were vacationing at a Portuguese beach resort in 2007.

• As Lapena has stated, she was also influenced by Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl.

• Lapena wrote the first draft of the novel in just six weeks.

• The book's original working title was The Babysitter.

• The novel was optioned for film by Paramount Pictures shortly after publication.

• The Couple Next Door has been adapted into a six-part TV miniseries, airing on Starz in the US and Channel 4 in the UK, starring Eleanor Tomlinson and Sam Heughan.

• The novel has sold more than three million copies globally since its release.

About the Author

Shari Lapena, a former lawyer and English teacher, has become one of the most prominent contemporary authors of domestic suspense. Her 2016 debut novel The Couple Next Door catapulted her to international acclaim. Her psychological thrillers are characterized by unexpected plot twists and revelations into the dark undercurrents lurking beneath seemingly ordinary suburban lives. Her subsequent novels, including A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, and Someone We Know, have consistently topped bestseller lists. Her most recent works, Not a Happy Family and Everyone Here is Lying, showcase her evolving craft and unwavering ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The author's success extends far beyond her native Canada. Lapena's books have been translated into numerous languages and sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, demonstrating the universal appeal of her storytelling. Despite her global reach, she continues to call Toronto home, drawing inspiration from the city and its surroundings.