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The Neighbours
- Author
- Emma Babbington
- Narrator
- Nicolette Chin
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Publish Date
- 19 June 2025
- Run Time
- 9 hours 58 minutes
- Format
- x-book®
What to expect
You’re almost certain your daughter didn’t kill the neighbour. But what if she did?
Richard Wellington is one of the country’s most recognised doctors. A morning TV regular, surgeon to the elite, and scandal-proof despite a malpractice case that should have ruined him.
But when his body is found sprawled in a harborside park on a sweltering Sydney morning, the facade shatters. His murder dominates the headlines, and the normally quiet cul-de-sac he called home becomes a media circus, seething with speculation and unease.
For Liv Elliot, none of that matters – except for one detail: her daughter, Gracie, was at the park that morning. As the investigation heats up and dark secrets about Richard begin to surface, Liv takes steps to shield her daughter from the storm – steps that could destroy them both if the truth comes out.
How far would a mother go to protect her daughter?
Readers love The Neighbours:'I could not put this down! The twists and turns – I did NOT see them coming!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I haven’t read a book with such well developed characters in a long time and this book manages to match that with a fast, clever plot.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'You will not be able to out this one down.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'A twisty, atmospheric story that's deeper and more complex than your everyday domestic thriller' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I stayed up well past the time I should have been asleep. Five stars no doubt. Can't wait to see what else this author has to offer.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Critics Review
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'Dark, intriguing and at some times touching, this suburban Sydney drama packs a punch. With well-drawn characters, a high-speed plot and a handful of unexpected twists, this delightful debut kept me guessing – and wondering if I really know my neighbours at all' Ali Lowe
'When two childhood acquaintances end up living on the same street in an affluent Sydney suburb, is it just a coincidence? Or something more sinister? With its delicious twists and turns, THE NEIGHBOURS kept me on the edge of my reading chair right the way through. Emma Babbington absolutely delivers in this savvy and compelling debut' Hayley Scrivenor
'Tense, compelling and oh-so-twisty, Emma Babbington’s debut is perfect for anyone who has ever suspected that their neighbours might not be as perfect as they seem’ Pip Drysdale
'What a book! A genuine ‘I need to know what happened’ kind of story, I loved it’ Jess Kitching
'A delight to read. Amazing – I kept thinking I was reading a Lisa Jewell novel set in Sydney! A truly exceptional debut with everything you want in a thriller – intrigue, tension and characters you think you know. I couldn't put it down!’ Sarah Clarke
'Juicy family secrets, badly behaved neighbours and a mother who will do anything to protect her child, The Neighbours has all the ingredients for a killer read. This is such a compelling debut from Emma Babbington with a climax that has more twists and turns than a bush track. If you like Lisa Jewell mixed with a little Liane Moriarty, The Neighbours is the book for you’ Cassie Hamer
‘A brilliant debut novel that excavates a close-knit family and neighbourhood to reveal all their dirty secrets. The Neighbours has compelling characters, a vivid setting and themes that resonate. I couldn’t stop reading.’ BM Carroll
'A clever and compelling debut thriller' Bella
'A real treat of a read. I loved it' Bishop’s Stortford Independent
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Emma Babbington
- Narrator
- Nicolette Chin
- Duration
- 9 hours 58 minutes
- Release Date
- 19 June 2025
- ISBN
- 9780008764449
- Format
- x-book®
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Genre
- Psychological thriller, Family life fiction / Stories about family, Thriller / suspense fiction, Classic crime and mystery fiction, Crime and mystery: women sleuths / detectives
Synopsis
'Could not put this down! Excellent story telling, had me absolutely hooked! Will be recommending this to everyone who’ll listen.' Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You’re almost certain your daughter didn’t kill the neighbour. But what if she did? Richard Wellington is one of the country’s most recognised doctors. A morning TV regular, surgeon to the elite, and scandal-proof despite a malpractice case that should have ruined him. But when his body is found sprawled in a harborside park on a sweltering Sydney morning, the facade shatters. His murder dominates the headlines, and the normally quiet cul-de-sac he called home becomes a media circus, seething with speculation and unease. For Liv Elliot, none of that matters – except for one detail: her daughter, Gracie, was at the park that morning. As the investigation heats up and dark secrets about Richard begin to surface, Liv takes steps to shield her daughter from the storm – steps that could destroy them both if the truth comes out. How far would a mother go to protect her daughter? Readers love The Neighbours: 'I could not put this down! The twists and turns – I did NOT see them coming!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I haven’t read a book with such well developed characters in a long time and this book manages to match that with a fast, clever plot.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'You will not be able to out this one down.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A twisty, atmospheric story that's deeper and more complex than your everyday domestic thriller' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I stayed up well past the time I should have been asleep. Five stars no doubt. Can't wait to see what else this author has to offer.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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