Good Neighbors

By: Russell C. Connor

Narrated by: Jeffrey A. Hering

How well do you know your neighbors?

Elliot Jefferson moved to the isolated Estates of North Hills to work on his sobriety and avoid other people at all costs. But when the electric transformers around the complex begin emitting a horrible buzz that he calls "the Squall", neither is easy to achieve.

Because some of his neighbors are acting strange. Twitching, fighting, and muttering about voices only they can hear.

Soon Elliot will find himself face-to-face with the worst humanity has to offer, as wives imprison husbands, children butcher parents, and those under the Squall's influence go to insane lengths to keep their secret safe. If he wants to survive, Elliot must discover the awful truth for himself, and lead a small group of innocents to safety...before they're all just as doomed as their neighbors.

©2015 Russell C Connor (P)2017 Russell C Connor

Not for the squeamish...

I'm not sure if the author would describe his style as scatterpunk horror, but you could say that this story contains elements reflective of that genre - violent sex, rape, near-rape, cruelty to animals, mutilation, forcible confinement, near-rescues/escapes. It's not a genre that I read frequently and it nudges old memories of reading authors such as Richard Laymon during the 90's. It's not a sandbox that I'm entirely comfortable playing in, but I would definitely recommend it to fans of this flavour of horror fiction.

Here are some things I liked about the story: the author's observation that we don't really know our neighbours, with whom we live in close proximity; the idea that there's a flimsy neuro-chemical boundary between our civil selves and our 'id' selves; the idea that when there's nothing governing our 'id' selves, we inevitably and immediately revert into ultra-violent and ultra-sexual animals; our tendency to make sense of anomalous behaviour; the behaviours/emotions of the captives in the apartment; and, the ending.

Here are some things that I didn't enjoy as much: the protagonist (I didn't like him. I had more sympathy for his ex-wife than I did for him, and I didn't have much respect for him as a teacher. And I scratched my head about his relationship with his new neighbour. And I read more about the temperature and emotion-driven movement of a man's testicles in this story than in any other story I've read in a long time - it's like they have a life of their own...); and, the plot link between the main antagonist character and the technological menace (I'm still a wee bit confused about how they're related).

The narration was good, except I winced each and every time the narrator pronounced 'amygdala'. In every instance that I've heard this term, the emphasis is placed on the second syllable, not the third. (As an aside, if this topic is an area of interest to you, may I suggest that you read 'Unthinkable' by Amanda Ripley. As someone with a background in search and rescue, I find it to be a topic that's both fascinating and relevant.)

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

What a good book.

It keeps you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed every minute of it. I received this audio book for free at my request and voluntarily reviewed.

Weird and graphic

This book was so weird. It’s also pretty graphic so if your put off by that best skip this one. Still I did enjoy it and it keep my interest till the end. I liked the narrator. Good performance.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Love Thy Neighbor...

This book was freely given to me for the purpose of an unbiased review. Well written, unique in story and good narration. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this book. I don't give spoilers but if you want a different twist on horror, you will not be disappointed.

Watch Out P. Clines, Russell Connor is moving In!

What a great, dark and well crafted thriller. Right on the good side of edgy that keeps you listening till the end. If you are a fan of 14, then this is right up your alley. Looking forward to more of his books getting added to the Audible library! Well worth the credit!