The Couple Next Door Audiobook By Shari Lapena cover art

The Couple Next Door

A Novel

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The Couple Next Door

By: Shari Lapena
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
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A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Another thrilling domestic suspense novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Not a Happy Family

“The twists come as fast [as] you can turn the pages.”—People

“I read this novel at one sitting, absolutely riveted by the storyline. The suspense was beautifully rendered and unrelenting!”—Sue Grafton

It all started at a dinner party. . .

A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors—a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. . .

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night, when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately lands on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story.

Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they've kept for years.

What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family—a chilling tale of deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.

©2016 Shari Lapena (P)2016 Penguin Audio Crime Thrillers Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Marriage Crime Exciting Scary Mystery

Critic reviews

“Meticulously crafted and razor-sharp. The Couple Next Door lingers long after you turn the final page.”—Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fool Me Once

"Provocative and shocking. One crime, an entire neighborhood of suspects, secrets and lies. How well do we ever know those around us? The Couple Next Door will keep you glued the pages in search of the answer. Even then, you'll never guess the truth...until it's too late.”—Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Find Her

“I read this novel at one sitting, absolutely riveted by the storyline. The suspense was beautifully rendered and unrelenting!”—Sue Grafton, New York Times bestselling author of Y is for Yesterday
Engaging Plot Twists • Captivating Suspense • Excellent Narration • Addictive Storytelling • Shocking Revelations
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So, yes, this is a page turner, but the plot twists are so numerous that the plot becomes overwhelmed by the next "surprise", and the outcome is almost predictable. As for characterization, it's non-existent. Entertaining but shallow.

Plot twist overload

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

No, I would not recommend this book to a friend... it's not worth the $. First, I did not enjoy the narrator. This is probably my 15th audio book and unfortunately, the narrator for this was the worst I've heard.

The story line was very predictable as well. About a quarter of the way into the book, I thought I knew how it was going to end. If this makes any sense, I was waiting for the big twist, the moment when what seems too obvious shows itself to be exactly that, and the story takes a turn in a direction no one saw coming but that never happened.

Lastly, if the author uses the term "said" one more time, I was going to scream... It seemed to anchor every statement. "Where are you going", said Anna. "Over here", said Marco. "What?", said Johnny, etc. You get the point.

What didn’t you like about Kirsten Potter’s performance?

Her voice just was not pleasing to listen to. Although she did change her tone for each character, it was all somewhat monotone, except for the occasional breakdown of Anna's. I couldn't handle listening to another book read by this narrator.

Predictable Storyline

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Exciting, interesting heart wrenching and full of twists! Leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat!

Wow

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Didn't expect that to happen. Overlords book for my first book club! Will read more from her in the future for sure!!!

Great ending!!

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This story catches you quickly and moves steadily to what you think is the conclusion, but there are surprises along the way. Very enjoyable!

Steady buildup

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This story kept me entertained, but I thought it was predictable. The narrator was also an acquired taste for me, too.

Entertaining but predictable

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as always there will be no spoilers in my reviews
this book was in my wish list for quite some time
I didn't buy it sooner because the sample turned me off. it was like Ann bla bla bla & Marco bla bla bla . I thought I will be annoyed by that if they do it throughout the book. but then it went on sale ... this book was fabulous. it had me talking back to the book engaging completely it had everything you want in a mystery/thriller
you will not regret getting this book at all.
the sample that annoyed me wasn't a very good representation of the content throughout.

don't let the sample discourage you 6 stars

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Loved this book! It was very suspenseful with a lot of twists. I would definitely recommend it.

Great read!

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Wow! Great ending & storyline. My first audible book, it was well read & fun to listen to.

What a book!

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To many twists and turns through it’s shorter run time. It feels like the author kept piling on twist after twist because there was really very little story to be told. And once the first major twist is reveled about halfway through, the second half, while more entertaining, becomes predictable. Plus, the grand finale of a twist ending is completely unnecessary and muddled, the characters go through all these twists and turns and trials and tribulations only to really throw everything out that was worked for the entire time. I was let down by this one.

Too many twists and an unnecessary ending

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