The Downstairs Neighbor

By: Helen Cooper

Narrated by: Jasmine Blackborow

Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's Summary

An addicting and twisty debut about an apartment building devastated by the disappearance of a teenage girl - and by the secrets that won't be kept behind each closed door - that will thrill fans of Lisa Jewell and Shari Lapena.

One House. Three Families. Countless Secrets.

From her downstairs apartment in suburban London, Emma has often overheard the everyday life of the seemingly perfect family upstairs - Steph, Paul and teenage daughter Freya - but has never got to know them. Until one day, she hears something that seizes her attention: Freya has vanished and the police are questioning Steph and Paul about their life. Do either of you have any enemies? Anyone who might want to harm or threaten you?

The effects of Freya's disappearance ripple outward, affecting not just her parents, but everyone who lives in the building, including Emma and local driving instructor Chris, who was the last person to see the teenager before she went missing. Each character's life is thrown into sharp focus as devastating mistakes and long-held secrets are picked apart and other crimes come to light - including a child gone missing 25 years earlier, and a shocking murder - that make clear that the past never stays where we leave it, and that homes can be built on foundations of lies.

©2021 Helen Cooper (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Fans of British mysteries will love this debut...It is difficult to put down. This is one that readers may not figure out fully, if at all, in advance of the denouement, but the author ties all the secrets together in a most satisfying reveal." (Library Journal, starred review)

“[A] heart-pounding debut...Even avid suspense readers won't be able to predict all the twists. Cooper is off to a strong start.” (Publishers Weekly) 

“Cooper skillfully builds a house of cards, demolishes it, reshuffles the deck, and deals an even stronger hand, while keeping a few cards up her sleeve. An emotionally charged domestic-suspense debut, perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.” (Booklist) 

Never a dull moment

Fast paced story with lots of unexpected twists and turns, interesting characters and plot shifts enough to keep you guessing. Very entertaining read

So drawn out

This story was just ok. So many characters made it really confusing sometimes. The last few chapters could have definitely been condensed to tie everything up. Just way too much filler for it to ever get suspenseful.

Beware the twists

Terrific. One of those books you can’t put down. Many characters each with ghosts in their closets. Narration was very good.

Great book!

I really enjoyed this book. It was well worth the time and credit investment.
The narrator was great!