The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.75/5)

Dates Read: 10/27/23 - 10/27/23

    In the tranquil suburb of Pleasant Court, where everyone knows their neighbors and children play freely, Isabelle Heatherington stands out. Being unmarried and childless, she becomes the center of attention for three mothers in Pleasant Court: Ange, Fran, and Essie. However, each of these women harbors secrets. Ange's need for control, Fran's reluctance to let her husband near their baby, and Essie's mysterious incident at the park with her daughter three years ago all hide darker truths. As their obsession with Isabelle deepens, the hidden secrets of these women unravel, revealing that scrutinizing something too closely can unveil unsettling truths you never intended to see.

    Sally Hepworth knows how to spin a tale without drowning it in unnecessary subplots, and she sprinkles just enough red herrings to keep you guessing. I have to say, there was one plot twist that really caught me off guard, and that's no small feat considering how many thrillers I've devoured. The characters, while quirky and flawed, deal with relatable issues, making it easy to connect with them without having to suspend disbelief.

    The ending left me a bit uncertain, but overall, I enjoyed the ride. Hepworth has become a go-to author for me when I'm in the mood for a well-crafted, indulgent read. The novel is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the main mystery reaches a spectacular climax in the final chapters. I was completely engrossed in the story, feeling like a resident of Pleasant Circle thanks to Hepworth's immersive writing style. The ending, filled with hope, happiness, and reflection, wrapped up this emotional drama perfectly. The only reason this is not a full 4 star read is because I don't know how I felt about the very very end, but at the same time, the end seems pretty perfect for this story. I highly recommend basically anything by Hepworth at this point.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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