The Girl Next Door is the second novel by the author Phoebe Morgan. Her first book, Doll House, is well reviewed and is a physiological thriller. On Morgan’s website, she even gives you an insight into her Novel Doll House, which delves into the mind of the author which is often hard to come by. Having the author reveal her feelings about a book, without it being written by a member of the press is refreshing and as a reader, you can really connects with what she writes. The book we are about to review isn’t detailed in the same way as Doll House, but Morgan does feature and talk about a town where she grew up as a child in this novel, even though the occurrences from the book are fictional and not linked to the town in any way. Bearing that in mind, it is still fascinating to know that the author is talking about a town in which she used to live in. Keep reading our review to find out more about what we thought of her new book.
What we thought of the book
The compelling and absorbing book is a physiological thriller and within the first couple of very short chapters, you are already trapped within the darkness that has fallen upon the seemingly perfect town of Ashdon. You are lead through the story by three female characters, the first is called Jane, a picture-perfect wife of the local Doctor with a brood of three children, a beautiful house and a bunch of gossipy ‘mum’ friends! Throughout the book Jane irritates me, her character is pleasant in so many ways but self-centred in other ways, I found myself at times dreading her chapters.
The other characters are Clare, who is talking to us from beyond the grave, she is pleasant and young and talks about complicated situations and the time leading up to her demise. But the character that was most captivating was that of Madeline the DS leading the investigation of Clare’s death. Possibly because there is so much suspense and mystery involved that really has you speculating such as when you have to figure out what has happened ….these are the moments that got me through the book.
Phoebe Morgan has a real skill with the development of her characters and the way in which you think you know them, but then maybe you don’t. There are twists that you don’t expect in the book and outcomes that you don’t like, but this is what makes the book terribly ensnared within itself.
This leaves you with the thought of ….”What will happen and how?”
If you like manipulative physiological thrillers with the nature of suspicion, hidden secrets, and claustrophobic local communities then this book is worth exploring further but if you want a fluffy outcome and a happy ending this might not be the book for you.
How much is the book and how can you buy it
The paperback version is £7.99 and there is a kindle version on Amazon for £1.99 (this is extremely reasonable and may only be for a limited time due to the recent release of the book). You can buy the paperback version here.
About Phoebe Morgan
Phoebe Morgan is originally from a small Village in Essex which inspired her chosen location for the setting of her latest book. She studied English at Leeds University after growing up in the Suffolk countryside. She has previously worked as a journalist and now edits crime and women’s fiction for a publishing house during the day, and writes her own books in the evenings. She lives in London and you can follow her on her social media pages or visit her website for tips on writing and publishing. Her debut novel, The Doll House, was a #1 ebook bestseller. The Girl Next Door is her second psychological thriller.
About the book
Title: The Girl Next Door
Publisher: HQ an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers Ltd
ISBN: 978-0-00-8314842
Pages: 336
Review by: Lex Ward
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* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
52 comments
I have to read this! Books like “The Girl Next Door” are my favorite kind to read. This sounds like one I wouldn’t be able to put down.
I could not put it down, so you would surely love it as well
Sounds interesting. I like watching movie with psychological thrillers but not yet tried on reading books. Thanks for sharing these.
Hope you get the chance to read a thrilled themed book as its so much different to watching on tv
I’ve read this one. It is quite unputdownable and full of twists. A great read that I remember reading far too late into the night to finish!
Oh wow, glad you have Fiona, we could not stop reading it too and finished it quite quickly
Oh I’ve been curious on this! AWesome book review. Its good to know that it might not have the happy ending I love. I’ll probably wait to try this one.
You will enjoy reading this Elizabeth
I’m on the lookout for a new book, and this one sounds great! I always like thrillers too.
Glad to hear that Lisa
Oh, I’ve never read this one. Sounds like my type of book. Thanks for the honesty review. Perhaps I’ll check it out; always love a thriller.
Its always nice discovering new books Christa, thanks for stopping by
adding this book to my book list!! it sounds fantastic and I haven’t read a good psychological thriller in a while
Glad to hear that Brianna, hope you do add this book to your collection
From the title of the book, it seems like a thriller one. From the way you describe the plot, it seems like the kind of book i couldn’t put down until done.
Yes its full of suspense and the thrill of wanting to know what happens next
I would love to read this. sounds exciting and fun. Overall it might be my next book to read. I wanted to stick with my list but it doesn’t inspire me any longer
Its always nice to change up your reading list to make it more interesting and exciting
I’ve been trying to make more time to read. I have 4 books waiting for me but this is definitely going on my list.
Oh how lovely to hear that! I am reading one at the moment and have 2 more to finish this month too
I have been looking for books to read this year, this looks like a good title to add to my list. Thanks for sharing the review.
Yes it sure is John, you will find it thrilling
Oh I love a thriller! This looks fab off to buy the kindle version while it is so cheap!!
Yes, we would totally recommend that
I love thrillers and true crime! I’ll have to pick this up or download it on Audible!
I am not too sure if an audible copy is available, but you can get a copy downloaded for sure
This looks like a great book to read. And it is something that could hook at its first page. I love reading a thriller story.
Glad to hear that, reading is so eye-opening and interesting as well
I have heard a lot of good things about this book. I haven’t read much lately and it is nice to have some good recommendations. I like a good suspenseful book!
Glad to hear that, hope you do get the chance to get hold of a copy of the book to read it
I always love a good thriller! Thanks for the recommendation; I’ve been looking for a new read!
Glad to be of help Sara
It sounds like a book I could really get into. adding to my flowing wish list of reading material
We think so too Jasmine, it does captivate your attention
I love manipulative physiological thrillers so I will def. check this book out.
Hope you do Miss J
Ooh this sounds so interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Your welcome, glad you enjoyed the read
Looks like I need to add this to my to do list!! Thanks for the great review!!
Your welcome, hope you do get a chance to read the book
Looks like an intriguing book to read. Nice reading your review.
Thank you for your lovely comments, appreciate it
*adds to my reading list* – almost finished my current book so need a new one
Fabulous!! You would love it
This sounds like a very interesting book to check out. Very excited to look into it.
Glad to hear that, hope you get your hands on a copy
We’re going to add this to our reading list and love the police perspective on how things unravel in crime thrillers!
So glad to hear that!! Enjoy reading it
I am a big fan of thrillers so I need to check this one out! Its the perfect time of year for a good book!
Hope you do Emily, you will enjoy reading it
This sounds like an intriguing book. Clare sounds like an interesting character while Jane comes across as very self-centered. Would love to read this!
So glad to hear that Khushboo, it is a fabulous book and you would enjoy it thoroughly x