Review of The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
I’ve always been an avid reader when it comes to thrillers and domestic suspense novels, so when I heard about The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena, I was immediately intrigued. The premise of a seemingly perfect couple facing a nightmarish reality during a dinner party sounded like my cup of tea, especially with the promise of twists that would keep me turning the pages quickly. Given its status as a New York Times bestseller, I had high hopes for this read.
The story revolves around Anne and Marco Conti, who appear to have a loving relationship, a beautiful home, and a charming baby girl named Cora. However, during a dinner party next door, a sinister crime occurs—their baby goes missing. The immediate fallout becomes a thrilling unraveling of secrets and suspicions as Detective Rasbach digs into the lives of the disturbed parents. The narrative is expertly crafted, giving us glimpses into the hidden layers of their relationship and the internal struggles they each face.
One aspect of the novel that I found particularly appealing was the fast-paced nature of the plot. The short chapters made it incredibly easy to read, and I often found myself wanting to pick it up for “just one more chapter” while I was supposed to be doing something else. This aligns well with the comments from reviewers like Starseed, who noted how thrilling the book was and appreciated the constant twists and turns that kept them engaged. It certainly made for a captivating weekend read, and I managed to finish it in just one sitting!
However, the book isn’t without its drawbacks. While the complex character development is a strength, it can also feel overwhelming at times. CC highlighted that the story is rife with internal monologues that can become repetitive, which can slow down the pacing. I occasionally felt this too, especially as the characters grappled with their insecurities and secrets. These reflections added depth but also weighed down some moments, making me wish for slightly tighter narrative momentum.
Another point worth mentioning is the book’s narrative style. The perspective shifts between different characters can be disorienting. While this technique certainly keeps you guessing, it can also dilute some of the suspense, revealing details that might have been more effective if saved for later. I identified with the critique from Finds and Faves, who mentioned that the sudden shifts sometimes made it hard to stay fully immersed in the story. Still, the unpredictability of the characters kept the tension alive, as their flaws surfaced and intertwined with the main mystery.
Regarding the ending, opinions seem to be quite divided. For some, the twist is jaw-dropping and satisfying. I personally found the conclusion to be intriguing and fitting for the story, though I can see why it might polarize other readers. It certainly made an impact, leaving me with a sense of unease that lingers even after finishing the book.
Lapena’s prose is engaging and, while some moments could use more polish, I enjoyed the directness of her writing style. She effectively captures the high stakes of the situation—an innocent child gone, the panic and fear of the parents, and the unraveling of a seemingly flawless life.
Overall, I would rate The Couple Next Door as a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a remarkably thrilling read that kept me on my toes and made for a great escape into the world of domestic suspense. While the book has its drawbacks, including pacing issues and some character introspection that could feel a bit redundant, the rollercoaster of twists and the compelling narrative definitely outweigh these flaws. If you enjoy gripping psychological thrillers that dive deep into personal secrets and the façade of a perfect life, I highly recommend giving this book a try. It’s an engaging read that will keep you guessing until the very end.