ARC Review - The Neighbors by Ania Ahlborn
Book Summary
Andrew Morrison sacrificed everything - his childhood, his education, and the girl of his dreams - to look after his alcoholic mother. But enough is enough, and now he's determined to get out and live his life.
That means trading the hole he grew up in for a rented room in the house of an old chidhood friend - both of which are in sorry shape.
The only thing worse than Drew's squalid new digs and sullen new roommate is the envy he feels for the house next door: a picture-perfect suburban domicile straight out of Norman Rockwell, with a couple of happy householders to match.
But the better acquainted he gets with his new neighbors - especially the sweet and sexy Harlow Ward - the more he suspects unspeakable darkness beyond the white picket fence.
THE NEIGHBORS is an insidiously entertaining tale of psychological suspense and mounting terror by the boldest new master of the form, Ania Ahlborn.
My Review - 3 1/2
We meet the sexy, picture perfect neighbor, Harlow. Well she is the ultimate soul mate of Norman Bates from the classic book, Psycho. I could not stop thinking about that book when I was reading this one. Harlow is a sick and twisted lady, multiple personalities for sure, even if no one knows it other than her beloved husband.
I enjoyed the idea of those running away from something in their past but as the saying goes, it is not always greener on the other side. Andrew was a sweet gullible young man. Reading about how he was manipulated seemed to simplistic but knowing he was not the 1st and maybe not the last victim created a mess with your head read. Harlow gave a new dimension to the idea of neighborly love.
I did fell like the book could have gave us so much more or took us down an edge of your seat scary path but it didn't. It was almost as if Ania restrained herself, thinking it may be to much or too dark.
Such a great dark read. Ania Ahlborn has a debut book Seed which was a #1 Kindle read on Amazon. I look forward to reading that one now. She has a dark artistic side that she has created as her own personal style and I think will become known for.
This cover reminds me of you! It fits your button :)
ReplyDeleteIt totally suits me doesn't it, lol. Of course that picqued my interest more.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great, the premise sounds so creepy.
ReplyDeleteI can picture Harlow asking Andrew to come over at 4 p.m. for a cup of tea? Sounds like a book right up my alley. As for me, I like dark, but just a little. I don't need additional terror or anything else. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBrian, this may be perfect for you then, definitely dark.
DeleteThis sounds pretty darn creepy!
ReplyDeleteWell now this sounds like a twisty little read!
ReplyDeleteSounds creepy! I'm sure if I read it, I won't talk to any of my weird neighbors again hehe
ReplyDeleteGaby the interesting part is that they are not 'weird', first impression is amazing actually, they pull you in with their neighborly love.
Delete