The Couple Next Door: A Novel

The Couple Next Door is a twisty domestic thriller that begins with a couple attending a dinner party next door—only to return home and find their baby missing. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets and lies begin to surface, revealing that nothing about this seemingly ordinary couple—or their neighbors—is as it seems. The story spirals through betrayals, hidden motives, and shocking revelations. With each chapter, Lapena masterfully ratchets up the tension in this fast-paced and chilling read. The Couple Next Door was my first Shari Lapena read—and it absolutely didn’t disappoint. I was hooked from the opening chapter and completely consumed by the fast pace, the constant twists, and the unraveling secrets that just kept piling up. The writing was crisp and addictive, and every time I thought I had figured something out, Lapena threw in another curveball that left me second-guessing everything. It’s the kind of domestic thriller that grips you with the anxiety of “what would I do in that situation?” and doesn’t let go until the final page. If you love fast-paced domestic thrillers with unreliable characters and jaw-dropping twists, The Couple Next Door is for you. Fans of authors like Freida McFadden, B.A. Paris, or Lisa Jewell will likely devour this one in a single sitting. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy unraveling secrets layer by layer and being kept constantly on edge. Whether you're new to thrillers or a seasoned fan, this one delivers the suspense in all the right ways.

A little confusing, the twist was not the best.

I loved this book. Complete page-turner for me. I read so many conflicting reviews before I opened it, I was worried it wouldn't be a thriller as advertised. But, I'm so glad I was wrong. Are there some plot holes - maybe - but I don't spend my time exploiting the wide world of kidnapping either so maybe I missed them out of lack of experience (seems to be the biggest complaint in other reviews which makes me wonder just what they are doing with their spare time?).

The Couple Next Door is a mystery/thriller novel by Shari Lepena. Anne and Marco are just going to a party next door. They had a baby-sitter lined up, but due to a family emergency, she cancels at the last minute. It's too late to get another sitter and Anne has really been struggling with postpartum depression; Marco just wants her to have a nice evening. And so it goes. The couple decides (chapter one here folks...giving nothing away) to attend the shindig next door and take the baby monitor, but not the baby. Their daughter Cora is asleep, she's barely six-months so she doesn't do a lot at this point. They place her lovingly in her crib and are off to the birthday dinner. They will check on her every thirty minutes - Anne will still do all her timed feedings - they share a wall with the other home as they live in "row" style housing - what could possibly go wrong? So. Much. Goes. Wrong.

Of course, I can't tell you the nitty-gritty of it all, but I will say it has a few surprises here and there. Lapena does an excellent job leading the reader down one path only to have you doubting what you thought you knew in the next chapter. Which is the mark of a good thriller.

I easily give this book a solid ☕☕☕☕☕ and would recommend it as a must read. Not quite as "insane" at Gone Girl, but definitely enough thrill to keep me guessing.

Now - for the plot. I feel I would be remiss if I didn't say this. What kind of moron leaves their six-month old baby at home alone to attend a dinner party?!?!?!? As a parent, I must question everyone involved in this choice. Whew - I feel better now.

For more information about Shari Lapena, visit her website at http://sharilapena.com
where you can read an excerpt of her book.

While The Couple Next Door is a good read, there are a number of events in the novel that readers are expected to accept that simply make no sense in the 21st century when women are strong and savvy and generally in control of their lives.

'The Couple Next Door' could have been a look at postpartum depression and how it breaks a marriage; instead, it attempts to be a procedural.