My darling son is accused of attacking the girl next door. He would never do this... Would he?
I have the perfect family: my loving, devoted partner. Our sons, so thoughtful and affectionate despite their teenage angst. But everything changes when our friendly neighbours move in.
Their daughter Rachel is so pretty and bubbly. Her giggles float over our garden fence. I can see our boys are falling for her, fighting for her affection.
Then Rachel falls from her bedroom window. Her life is hanging in the balance. And to my horror, her parents think my son Jacob pushed her.
I know my sensitive son would never do such a thing, but he is hiding something. A mother always knows, doesn't she? And who is spreading nasty rumours in our neighbourhood about me and my partner, about history repeating itself?
Then I find Rachel's broken sunflower necklace in my home, and my world falls apart. It's unbearable, but I must face the truth. Someone's child is fighting for their life. And someone in my family hurt her.
With Rachel at death's door, is Jacob in terrible danger too? And how far will I have to go to protect him?
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When I was younger I really wanted to fly. (PROLOGUE, RACHEL)
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(@bookouture, 9 July 2024, e-galley, 357 pages, ARC from the publisher via @NetGalley_UK, Blog Tour 9 July)
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This is a new author for me. The blurb made me really want to read Girl Next Door and I wasn't disappointed. I really enjoyed the use of multiple POV characters so you get into the head of everyone involved in the tragedy and are never quite sure whose telling the truth. This is the kind of thriller I tend to really enjoy. I thought I knew who'd attacked Rachel but the author led me down the garden path. I love it when I have no idea what's going on. I loved the twists and turns. I had a great time reading this and would recommend it.