'Neighborly' by Ellie Monago follows the story of Kat and Doug as they move into a seemingly perfect neighborhood called Aurora Village. However, their dream quickly turns into a nightmare as they receive threatening notes, face marital problems, and unravel dark secrets about their neighbors. The plot unfolds with a mix of mystery, psychological suspense, and a focus on relationships within the community, leading to a surprising resolution that ties up loose ends neatly. The writing style includes elements of suspense, subtle clues, and alternating narrators to keep the readers engaged until the end.

Characters:

The characters are varied and relatable, representing a spectrum of community dynamics, though some are perceived as underdeveloped.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and original, yet the narrative sometimes appears scattered. Character development is strong but can be confusing due to rapid introductions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a couple's move to a desirable neighborhood, where they face threats and uncover unsettling truths about their neighbors. It highlights serious issues but lacks resolution, leaving several questions unanswered.

Setting:

The story is set in a suburban neighborhood that initially appears perfect but hides darker secrets and interpersonal tensions.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, with an initial slow build-up that transitions into a rapid and potentially unsatisfying conclusion.

Notes:

The story revolves around Kat and her family moving into an upscale neighborhood they can't afford.

Kat receives threatening notes after moving in, which adds suspense to the story.

The author skillfully drops subtle clues about the identity of the note writer throughout the book.

There are numerous serious topics addressed, such as child abuse, low self-esteem, and marital issues.

The character development is praised, despite some confusion due to the large cast of neighbors introduced quickly.

The use of alternating narrators in the last quarter of the book received mixed reviews from readers.

Some readers noted that the plausibility of certain events, such as hospital visits, felt unrealistic.

The emotional themes of the book resonate with many young couples facing similar struggles.

The book includes strong adult themes and language, making it suitable for older readers.

Readers appreciated the engaging writing, but many felt the conclusion left too many unanswered questions.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains medium content warnings, including themes of child sexual abuse, mental health struggles, and marital difficulties.

From The Publisher:

A not-to-be-missed novel of suspense about the secrets hidden in a young couple's new neighborhood.

Kat and Doug felt like Aurora Village was the perfect community. Minutes from the city, affluent without pretension, low crime with a friendly vibe-it's everything Kat never had, and that she's determined to provide for her infant daughter. Snagging a nice bungalow in this exclusive enclave was worth all the sacrifice. But everything changes overnight when Kat finds a scrawled note outside their front door.

That wasn't very neighborly of you.

As increasingly sinister and frighteningly personal notes arrive, each one stabs deeper into the heart of Kat's insecurities, paranoia, and most troubling, her past. When the neighbors who seemed so perfect reveal their open secret, the menace moves beyond mean notes. Someone's raising the stakes.

As suspicious as she is of every smiling face and as terrified as she's become of being found out, Kat is still unprepared for the sharp turn that lies just ahead of her on Bayberry Lane.

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Neighborly

Ellie Monago