An excellent neighborhood with good schools and caring neighbors, Cottonwood Estates is an excellent choice for families. There is even a rather unusual book club. The neighborhood is safe. Or is it?
The story gives a thoughtful portrayal of three women coming to terms with the difficult decisions they have made in their lives. Jen's son may be a sociopath, Annie's past casts a shadow on her life and Lena's story is, perhaps, the most mysterious.
The tension builds slowly throughout the entire narrative. Though the well-developed characters are certainly flawed, they are interesting people with unique perspectives on not only their lives but that of others. Minor vandalism surfaces, a normally well-behaved teenager acts out and a recluse slowly emerges. Is there something dark brewing in the neighborhood?
Oozing with tension and absorbing, THE NEIGHBOR'S SECRET by L. Alison Heller is an expertly crafted tale; well-plotted, full of secrets, and a surprising conclusion. I couldn't put it down! Highly recommended.
L. Alison Heller, whose work has been praised by Liane Moriarty as "warm, witty…refreshingly true to life,” explores the ultimate sacrifices of parenting in The Neighbor’s Secret, a propulsive and juicy novel filled with gripping twists and instantly recognizable characters.
How well do you really know your neighbors?
With its sprawling yards and excellent schools, Cottonwood Estates is the perfect place to raise children. The Cottonwood Book Club serves as the subdivision’s eyes and ears, meeting once a month for discussion, gossip, and cocktails. If their selections trend toward twisty thrillers and salacious murder mysteries, it’s only because the members feel secure that such evil has no place in their own cul-de-sacs.
Or does it?
What happened to Lena’s family fifteen years ago was a tragic accident, and she will never admit otherwise. Devoted wife and mother Annie refuses to acknowledge—even to herself—the weight of a past shame. And new resident Jen wants friends, but as always, worry about her troubled son gets in the way.
When late-night acts of vandalism target the women of the book club in increasingly violent and personal ways, they will be forced to decide how far to go to keep their secrets. At least they all agree on what’s most important: protecting their children at any cost—even if it means someone has to die.