Vickie Watts
Slow-paced at first and then picking up the pace as the book raced to a surprise conclusion, this was the author at her best. The story of Alice and Leo’s move into a new home in an exclusive neighborhood was relatable and at times horrifying because of all of the secrets that the neighborhood held close to the chest. Alice had no idea that the reason Leo could afford the home is that a murder happened in it. When she does discover the truth, she wants to know more about the victim, more about the killer, just more. Her quest for the truth leads her down a dangerous path and twisted me into the story, too. As more was revealed, I got more and more invested in the story and in the atmosphere of mystery. Alice is a protagonist but not particularly strong since she falls for every ploy and kept frustrating me with her lack of wisdom. The theme of neighbors with secrets was captivating, but I especially liked Alice’s “friendship” with the deceased therapist Nina. Determined to find out more about Nina and her death, Alice becomes obsessed and so did I as she delved more into the past and discovered layers of secrecy. The genre is psychological suspense and the author is at her best game in this genre. Entertaining and intriguing, this was a propulsive mystery that held me captive for hours until I reached a stunning and unexpected conclusion. Think roller coaster ride that just suddenly goes over a cliff. I enjoyed the ride but was not a fan of the ending, but that could just be me. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
6 people found this review helpful
Linda Strong
Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in the gated community called The Circle. There are 12 houses ... with everything anyone could imagine. Because it's so exclusive, Alice is a little worried about fitting in. But she grits her teeth and makes it her priority to make new friends. Almost everyone welcomes the new couple to their little community. With Leo working out of town for days, sometimes a week, at a time, she's glad to know there are neighbors she can count on. Those same neighbors are keeping secrets. She accidentally learns that the former tenant was a therapist, Nina Maxwell. Nina was murdered in Alice's new home. Her husband was the primary suspect and he ultimately killed himself. And what's even worse is that Leo knew about this before he bought the house. He decided that she didn't need to know the true history of the home. The more she learns about Nina, the more convinced she is that Nina's husband did not kill her. So who did? Who would want her dead? Maybe the man she was supposedly cheating on her with? And was it a man who lived in The Circle? Are the people there protecting one of their own? So many suspects and Alice accuses most of them one right after the other. She comes up with all kinds of scenarios is which Nina could have been murdered. There are many twists and turns .... leading to this person first, and then someone else later. Fast-paced suspense maintains throughout leading to an explosive conclusion. Many thanks to the author / Macmillan Publishers / Macmillan Reading Insiders Club / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
15 people found this review helpful