by Fiona Barton
First published 2025
Sarah Chen thought she knew her quiet neighborhood until new residents moved into the house across the street. The family keeps odd hours and receives visitors at all times of night. When Sarah attempts friendly conversation over the fence, she meets polite deflection and nervous glances. Her curiosity grows into concern when she notices the teenage daughter rarely leaves the house and seems frightened during their brief encounters. Sarah must decide whether to respect boundaries or investigate further when she suspects something darker lies beneath the surface. As she digs deeper into her neighbors' lives, Sarah discovers that reaching out to strangers can uncover truths about both them and herself. Barton explores how well we really know the people around us and what happens when good intentions collide with hidden realities.
Genres: suspense, mystery, contemporary, thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: secrets, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Neighborhood
Period: 21st-Century
400 pages · Paperback · Penguin (Transworld)