The Couple Next Door

A Novel

De: Shari Lapena

Narrado por: Kirsten Potter

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Lapena’s books are addictive!”—Freida McFadden, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Housemaid

“Shari Lapena is far and away one of the best psychological thriller writers in the world...She is intensely bingeable.” —Lisa Jewell
It all started at a dinner party. . .

A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors—a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. . .

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night, when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately lands on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story.

Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they've kept for years.

What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family—a chilling tale of deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.

Plot twist overload

So, yes, this is a page turner, but the plot twists are so numerous that the plot becomes overwhelmed by the next "surprise", and the outcome is almost predictable. As for characterization, it's non-existent. Entertaining but shallow.

Predictable Storyline

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

No, I would not recommend this book to a friend... it's not worth the $. First, I did not enjoy the narrator. This is probably my 15th audio book and unfortunately, the narrator for this was the worst I've heard.

The story line was very predictable as well. About a quarter of the way into the book, I thought I knew how it was going to end. If this makes any sense, I was waiting for the big twist, the moment when what seems too obvious shows itself to be exactly that, and the story takes a turn in a direction no one saw coming but that never happened.

Lastly, if the author uses the term "said" one more time, I was going to scream... It seemed to anchor every statement. "Where are you going", said Anna. "Over here", said Marco. "What?", said Johnny, etc. You get the point.

What didn’t you like about Kirsten Potter’s performance?

Her voice just was not pleasing to listen to. Although she did change her tone for each character, it was all somewhat monotone, except for the occasional breakdown of Anna's. I couldn't handle listening to another book read by this narrator.

don't let the sample discourage you 6 stars

as always there will be no spoilers in my reviews
this book was in my wish list for quite some time
I didn't buy it sooner because the sample turned me off. it was like Ann bla bla bla & Marco bla bla bla . I thought I will be annoyed by that if they do it throughout the book. but then it went on sale ... this book was fabulous. it had me talking back to the book engaging completely it had everything you want in a mystery/thriller
you will not regret getting this book at all.
the sample that annoyed me wasn't a very good representation of the content throughout.

Wow

Exciting, interesting heart wrenching and full of twists! Leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat!

Great ending!!

Didn't expect that to happen. Overlords book for my first book club! Will read more from her in the future for sure!!!