The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Rating: ★★★✰✰

Dates Read: 5/22/23 - 5/23/23

    At a dinner party hosted by your neighbor, you're told that your six-month-old daughter isn't welcome due to her crying. Despite your husband assuring you it'll be fine, you leave her sleeping at home next door, relying on a baby monitor and taking turns to check on her.

    However, when you rush back to your house later, you discover your worst nightmare has come true—your daughter is missing. Panic sets in as you realize she's gone, and you're forced to call the police, who now have to investigate the unsettling scene in your once peaceful home.

    This intense thriller revolves around Anne and Marco, a couple whose baby is kidnapped on the night of a dinner party. The story delves into the lives of various messed-up characters, making you question everyone's motives and trustworthiness.

    While I enjoyed the book and its intriguing premise, I'm not a big fan of third-person narration, and I found the twists to be quite predictable. Despite these drawbacks, the book kept me engaged and was a fun read overall. 

    Though the characters are unlikable, the plot twists at the end were good, adding depth and unexpected turns to the story. I particularly enjoyed Detective Rasbach's character, though I wished for more insight into his background. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the multiple twists and turns, making the story much more than a simple kidnapping case. I recommend giving this thriller a chance. I'll definitely be exploring more works from this author.