Book Review: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Book: The Couple Next Door

Author: Shari Lapena

Pages: 344

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 9/10

Who should read this book: Domestic thriller fans, fans of police driven plot.

This was my second book by Shari Lapena, and I loved it! The story is about Anne and Marco, an early thirties couple with a 6-month-old baby girl, Cora. While they are at their neighbours for a party, their baby is kidnapped from their house. When they get to home to find her missing they call the police and panic of course. There is tension between them, the police think they are involved somehow and everyone is a little bit crazy, or making crazy decisions. There is a colourful cast of characters, some you love and some you love to hate. I could not put this one down.And now spoilers but the ending was amazing!!!!

Hook 2/2 points: Within the first 10 pages the baby is kidnapped and everyone is already freaking out. It’s a great hook.

Writing 2/2 points: I really like Shari Lapena’s style. Her writing is easy to read quickly, there’s plenty of detail but not too much, and her dialogue is great. All the characters are well developed, and Lapena is especially good at writing liars.

Plot 2/2 points: I really liked the story line of this one. It was similar to Someone We Know in that it’s a small neighbourhood full of liars. All the neighbours are keeping secrets, but this one is about a kidnap.

Twist 1/2 points: The main twist was crazy, Lapena keeps you guessing the whole time. But there were a few hints I picked up on that helped me figure out a few of the early twists. But I was still shocked by the ending!

Feel 2/2 points: I could not put this one down. I read it in two days, staying up past midnight to finish it the second night because I had to know.

Overall a great thriller, the fact that the victim is a baby makes you even more stressed and really need to know what happens. The plot is driven mostly by the police detectives trying to solve the case, which I always enjoy. I can’t wait to read more of Lapena’s work.

Happy Reading!