![Good Neighbours by [Sarah Langan]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51P3Sz64EPS.jpg)
Welcome to Maple Street, a picture-perfect slice of suburban Long Island, its residents bound by their children, their work, and their illusion of safety in a rapidly changing world. But when the Wilde family moves in, they trigger their neighbours’ worst fears. Arlo and Gertie and their weird kids don’t fit with the way Maple Street sees itself. As tensions mount, a sinkhole opens in a nearby park, and neighbourhood Queen Bee Rhea’s daughter Shelly falls inside. The search for Shelly brings a shocking accusation against the Wildes. Suddenly, it is one mother’s word against the other’s in a court of public opinion that can end only in blood.
A riveting and ruthless portrayal of suburbia, Good Neighbours excavates the perils and betrayals of motherhood and friendships and the dangerous clash between social hierarchy, childhood trauma, and fear.
It’s me, I haven’t been a part of the blogging ON the blog game for a good while, life has been busy, and the blog posts have dwindled because…. Well life. Anyways, we are here now and I’m here to shout about one of Titan Book’s newest releases, Good Neighbours by Sarah Langan. This taut, heatwave of a novel is available now in both paperback and ebook format. My thanks goes to Sarah who kindly invited me to be a part of the tour and sending me a copy for its preparation.
Good Neighbours begins with a newspaper article concerning murders that have occurred in Maple Street, a suburban community in Long Island, so the book begins with tasters of the end. I loved this, the attention to the storyline detail and a map of resident locations was a genius idea from the author. I really enjoyed how the newspaper articles and maps were injected throughout the storyline.
The Wilde’s live at number 116 Maple Street, they’re new to the street and feel like they have integrated themselves well into the picturesque setting, until July 4th, when everyone has been invited to a party on the street except for them. Confused and adamant they’ve been missed off the guest list by old pal, and the street’s party planner, Rhea Schroeder, Gertie Wilde goes to confront her. This moment in time, linked with the scorching heat and an apocalyptic event has somewhat of a domino effect for, not only the neighbours, but also the once thought of friends. As the earth below their feet begins to crumble away, so does the tight, entanglement of the residents’ lives.
Suburbia is seen as a quiet place to live one’s life but not Maple Street. With the feel of Desperate Housewives on twisty steroids, Good Neighbours will lift the mask on the perceived perfection on tranquility, as heads lock together, accusations fly, and childhood trauma comes bubbling to the surface. Good Neighbours is a blistering literary thriller that will have you hooked…. And possibly falling down a YouTube sinkhole!
The Reading Closet 