The Woman Next Door: An unputdownable psychological thriller with a stunning twist

Sue Watson

May 2019 · Bookouture

About this ebook

‘Wow!! I could not put this book down!! From the very beginning I was hooked… Tons of twists and thrills. I was completely blown away.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Have you ever had a secret that you couldn’t tell a soul, even the people you love? I have.’

Lucy has a kind and adoring husband, a job she loves as a teacher, and a house on Mulberry Avenue with floaty curtains and the softest bed linen. After her troubled childhood, she knows life will never be perfect, but it’s pretty close.

She’s also got Amber, right next door. They never run out of things to talk about. Even if Amber’s life – with her high-profile job and handsome, wealthy boyfriend – is more glamorous than Lucy’s.

But then Amber starts to hint that her life isn’t all it seems, and when she comes to Lucy, terrified, saying that she’s getting threatening messages, Lucy promises to protect her.

The closer Lucy gets to anyone, the harder it is to keep her past to herself. But Amber’s boyfriend has left her just when she needs him most, and she doesn’t have anyone else.

Lucy knows all too well that people aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes they have secrets. And they’d do anything to keep them. Lucy’s still sure: she can trust her friend... can’t she?

Gripping and unputdownable, The Woman Next Door tells a story about the dark side of friendship, and has a final twist that will shock every reader. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Friend Request, and Clare Mackintosh.

Readers can’t put down The Woman Next Door:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Can I give this 10 stars? That's what it deserves! Sue Watson is an amazing storyteller… she perfectly wove together a web of lies, paranoia, deceit, and friendship that created one big twisty and twisted story… I could not put this book down… This is why I read! For books like this!... LOVED LOVED LOVED this one!’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Left me speechless!! I loved every page and after waking up early on a Saturday to finish it I can truly say the ending was unbelievable. (Worth my sacrificed weekend lie in)… Mind blowing.’ Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘OMG! My head is still spinning with the amazing non stop intense action packed thrills!... Suspenseful, mind blowing, beyond words… A must read for 2019!’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A dark and twisty book… Perfect for those who love The Girl on the Train.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Sue Watson never disappoints, this is a gripping psychological thriller with a shocking ending that I never saw coming… A truly gripping and unforgettable twisty journey.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The ending was totally shocking, I thought I figured it out. But nope no idea!! Every time I put it down, I wanted to pick it right back up.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Well what a darkly woven story this turned out to be!... The author has got messing with the reader’s head down to a fine art and I was blown away by the end… Loved it!’ By the Letter Book Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I had the breath taken out of my body. No way did I ever see this coming. You must read this book. I am still trying to pick my chin up off the floor.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Captivating, intriguing, riveting… Many thrills, chills, and twists and turns! A must read… Grips you and sends chills down your spine!’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Will leave you breathless… It is completely engrossing, intriguing and compelling… I was drawn in and could not escape until the very last page!’ Confessions of a Bookaholic

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Sue Watson has done it again! 5 shiny stars for this fantastic, twisty thriller… It is sooooo good!... ONE HELL OF AN ENDING!!!!’ It’s All About the Thrill

Ratings and reviews

Homely Lucy and her loving husband Matt lead a happy and peaceful existence on Mulberry Avenue. After a troubled childhood, Lucy’s life now appears to be on track with a loving husband and a job teaching which she loves. It is all very “Pleasantville” where everything seems to be perfect on the inside as well as the outside. And for awhile it is.. Then Amber moves into the grandess house on the street. A minor celebrity weather girl, who Lucy instantly tries to befriend. But on their first meeting, Lucy is shunned by Amber. Awestruck by Amber’s celebrity status, and her perception of Amber’s perfect life, Lucy does not give up and eventually the two women become close friends. But then Amber starts to receive threatening text messages and Lucy soon becomes aware that Amber’s life may not be as perfect as she thought, and she instantly goes into protective mode, and invites Amber to stay in her home with Matt where she will be safe. But the more time she spends with Amber little cracks start to form in their relationship and Lucy must face the fact that the woman who she calls her best friend, may not be all that she is cracked up to be. Or maybe it is Lucy who Amber needs to watch out for! Do I recommend this book: I sure do! A thrilling ride that had me hooked right from the get go until the final page. A great psychological thriller that has it all and keeps you guessing throughout. This is the first book that I have read from Sue and it defiantly will not be my last!

Far from being an unputdownablepsychological thriller, The Woman Next Door is neither thrilling nor even very psychological. The plotting is okay, but the characters unlikeable (excepting the baby, who is well..a baby). A book like this reveals what a big part of success being a good prose stylist is. Ruth Rendell and PD James are enjoyable because they write with grace, skill and sublety. Not so Ms. Watson. Finishing this book was like dragging a truck tire around a field with a rope. Not enjoyable.I finished because I'm stubborn and don't like to quit on an author.

Absolutely brilliant. What am amazing book. I can't begin to imagine how the writer could have thought of such a story. The story of friendship when it goes wrong is always scary. This book had it all for me and the end was just shocking. I cannot praise Sue Watson enough. Unputdownable. The best book I have read in a very long time. If you like thrillers read this book it will not disappoint.