The Perfect Neighbors

A Novel

By: Sarah Pekkanen

Narrated by: Madeleine Maby

The New York Times bestselling coauthor of the “creepy-crawly tale” (The New York Times Book Review) An Anonymous Girl and The Wife Between Us questions just how well we really know our neighbors in this “deliciously fun beach read” (People) about an idyllic neighborhood whose sublime façade hides shocking secrets.

Newport Cove, where spontaneous block parties occur on summer nights and all of the streets are named for flowers, is proud of being one of the safest neighborhoods in America. It’s also one of the most secret-filled.

After a decade as a stay-at-home mom, Kellie Scott is back to work in an office. She’s adjusting to high heels, scrambling to cook dinner for her family, and—following years of feeling invisible—soaking in the dangerous attention of a handsome colleague.

Kellie’s neighbor Susan Barrett begins every day with fresh resolutions: She won’t eat any carbs, she’ll go to bed at a reasonable hour, and she’ll stop stalking her ex-husband and his new girlfriend.

Gigi Kennedy’s husband is running for political office, which means her old skeletons, ones she wants to keep hidden at any cost, are in danger of being dragged into the light.

Then a new family moves into this peaceful cul-de-sac. Tessa Campbell seems pleasant enough, if a bit quiet. But soon it becomes clear that Tessa is hiding the most explosive secret of all—one with deadly consequences.

Written in Sarah Pekkanen’s signature “gripping” (People) style, The Perfect Neighbors “transforms clichéd suburban troubles—from adolescent drama to infidelity—into a compelling, suspenseful tale” (Kirkus Reviews).

3 stars is geneerous...

I almost returned this book based on narration alone. Sometimes it's fine ( so I know she's capable) and other times it's as if she is speaking in slow motion and trying to make each syllable a seperate word for no reason. The storyline itself is just ok ,and the book feels like it ended abruptly ,with no real endings. I didn't hate it (except for the narration at times) but I also didn't really like it, and can't honestly recommend it.

The Narrator!

The storyline was just so-so. Something to pass the time; but the clipped, staccato, voice of the narrator almost made me stop listening on multiple occasions. That exaggerated stop/start tone was unnecessary.

No plot twists here

This book isn’t bad, just not my style. No plot twists or deep characters. This is a feel good light and fluffy read. Like a g-rated toned down version of desperate housewives.

There is no Family if There no Secrets

Wonderfully written and narrated. Keep me on the tip of my toes until the very very end. Well done.

Not one of her best

I’ve read several of Sarah Pekkanen’s books and enjoyed most of them a lot, but this book is definitely not one of best. The characters were well developed and parts of it were funny but overall it was pretty dull. The story is very anti climactic. I did grow to care for the characters so I finished it but almost stopped several times intending to exchange it.