Helpful Score: 5
Lisa Gardner at her best.
You'll find yourself see-sawing on "who dun it"!
Thriller to the end, and what a surprise ending! Can't go wrong with this one!
You'll find yourself see-sawing on "who dun it"!
Thriller to the end, and what a surprise ending! Can't go wrong with this one!
Helpful Score: 5
Beautiful school teacher Sandra Jones makes supper for her four-year-old daughter, gives her a bath, puts her to bed, and then disappears. Her husband comes home from work to find Sandra gone. Jason claims his wife would never leave their daughter unprotected in the house alone. Jason is not cooperating with the police. He will not let them see the family computer. He will not let them question his daughter. Sgt. D.D. Warren believes Jason killed his wife, but he isn't their only suspect. The neighbor down the street is a convicted sexual predator with no alibi. Sandy's estranged father shows up in Boston claiming he should have custody of his grandchild. And a 13-year-old computer genius may hold the key to the whole mystery.
This book grabbed my attention from the first sentence. I spent my time reading the book and wondering what exactly happened to Sandy Jones. There are a number of suspects, but I felt like each of them were being railroaded to look guilty. There are also a ton of secrets between Jason and his wife. What exactly happened in the past? Why are all the doors and windows kept locked? What does Jason look at on his computer at night? Where did their money come from? I did figure out Jason's secret, but I couldn't even imagine what happened to Sandy. When it finally became clear what was going on (in the last 25 pages), it felt like a hurried conclusion that wasn't thought out too well. I'm still left asking questions about one character in the book. So after reading the ending, I deleted a star from what could have been a 5 star book. My rating: 4 Stars.
This book grabbed my attention from the first sentence. I spent my time reading the book and wondering what exactly happened to Sandy Jones. There are a number of suspects, but I felt like each of them were being railroaded to look guilty. There are also a ton of secrets between Jason and his wife. What exactly happened in the past? Why are all the doors and windows kept locked? What does Jason look at on his computer at night? Where did their money come from? I did figure out Jason's secret, but I couldn't even imagine what happened to Sandy. When it finally became clear what was going on (in the last 25 pages), it felt like a hurried conclusion that wasn't thought out too well. I'm still left asking questions about one character in the book. So after reading the ending, I deleted a star from what could have been a 5 star book. My rating: 4 Stars.
Helpful Score: 3
I need to rate this book in two parts: 1: The entire book up until the last 25 pages 2: The last 25 pages. I would rate 1 5 stars, this was a fast paced edge of your seat thriller, it was none stop, you never knew who did it, there were so many suspects it was hard to keep track but riveting nonetheless, 2: 0 stars, it fell as flat as a thriller can fall, it was completely terrible. The ending (which I will not completely ruin for you here) was just without thought, poorly written and hurried to the point that it makes the rest of this fabulous book pathetic. I cannot recommend this one based ont he end, but I will say that the ride up until the end is not stop thrills. Quite a disappointment to say the least.
Helpful Score: 3
In Lisa Gardner's "The Neighbor," Jason Jones and his twenty-three year old wife, Sandra, appear to be a normal American couple. He works nights as reporter for a Boston newspaper and she is a conscientious middle school social studies teacher. They dote on their adorable and precocious four-year old, Clarissa, whom they call Ree. However, nothing in a Lisa Gardner novel is ever straightforward. When Jason and Sandra married, he was thirty and she was eighteen. Neither one revealed to the other certain horrific secrets that they preferred to keep buried. As Sandra says, "It seems we go longer in silence all the time." Her husband has a tendency to be morose, since "he believed at all times that the worst could happen."
The trouble begins when Jason comes home from work early one morning and finds his wife missing with Ree asleep in her bedroom. Jason knows that Sandra would never willingly depart without Ree. Did someone abduct Sandra or did she leave of her own accord? Working on the case is thirty-eight year old Sergeant D. D. Warren, a "dedicated [homicide] investigator and hard-core workaholic." With no useful conclusive physical evidence, there is not much that D. D. and her colleagues can do. However, they are looking both at Jason and his neighbor, Aidan Brewster, a convicted sex offender. Since Jason is egregiously uncooperative when the police question him, the cops soon suspect that he knows more about his wife's disappearance than he is willing to admit. Brewster is a pathetic loner who works in a garage, goes home, eats dinner, and watches television. He is required to report to his probation officer regularly. "The shrinks have a term for it: pretend normal," he says wryly. Since he had met Sandra briefly, it is not inconceivable that Aidan took an interest in this pretty young blonde.
Gardner teases us with subtle hints, but only slowly reveals the big picture. We wonder why Jason is so silent and testy when he is questioned by the cops. Yet, even the most jaded individual must acknowledge that Jason appears to be a phenomenal father who knows exactly how to handle Ree's moods. He does everything in his power to make his little girl feel special and loved. The scenes between Jason and Ree are tender and poignant. Questions that are raised but not immediately answered are: Why does Jason spend hours huddled over his computer? Where does Sandra go when she occasionally "takes a break" from her family? Why does this couple avoid discussing their childhood experiences with one another? As we get to know each character through affecting first-person accounts and flashbacks that alternate with third person narrative, we begin to sense that separating fact from fiction will prove to be extremely difficult. Gardner builds up suspense brilliantly and wraps up her story with a series of genuine surprises and a final clever twist.
"The Neighbor" is an edge-of-your seat thriller in which Gardner explores the ways in which computers can be used for good or evil, how horrific childhood traumas can scar a victim for life, and the need that every man and woman has to love and be loved in return. She also touches on the media frenzy that inevitably follows when an attractive wife and mother vanishes without a trace. The dialogue is sharp and laced with mordant humor. This is not your typical escapist beach read. There is a great deal of profanity and some disturbing references to unsavory subjects. "The Neighbor" is a gripping and intense police procedural, a moving portrait of a troubled family, and a complex murder mystery. Few readers will be able to put this book aside until they learn exactly what Jason and Sandra are hiding and why.
The trouble begins when Jason comes home from work early one morning and finds his wife missing with Ree asleep in her bedroom. Jason knows that Sandra would never willingly depart without Ree. Did someone abduct Sandra or did she leave of her own accord? Working on the case is thirty-eight year old Sergeant D. D. Warren, a "dedicated [homicide] investigator and hard-core workaholic." With no useful conclusive physical evidence, there is not much that D. D. and her colleagues can do. However, they are looking both at Jason and his neighbor, Aidan Brewster, a convicted sex offender. Since Jason is egregiously uncooperative when the police question him, the cops soon suspect that he knows more about his wife's disappearance than he is willing to admit. Brewster is a pathetic loner who works in a garage, goes home, eats dinner, and watches television. He is required to report to his probation officer regularly. "The shrinks have a term for it: pretend normal," he says wryly. Since he had met Sandra briefly, it is not inconceivable that Aidan took an interest in this pretty young blonde.
Gardner teases us with subtle hints, but only slowly reveals the big picture. We wonder why Jason is so silent and testy when he is questioned by the cops. Yet, even the most jaded individual must acknowledge that Jason appears to be a phenomenal father who knows exactly how to handle Ree's moods. He does everything in his power to make his little girl feel special and loved. The scenes between Jason and Ree are tender and poignant. Questions that are raised but not immediately answered are: Why does Jason spend hours huddled over his computer? Where does Sandra go when she occasionally "takes a break" from her family? Why does this couple avoid discussing their childhood experiences with one another? As we get to know each character through affecting first-person accounts and flashbacks that alternate with third person narrative, we begin to sense that separating fact from fiction will prove to be extremely difficult. Gardner builds up suspense brilliantly and wraps up her story with a series of genuine surprises and a final clever twist.
"The Neighbor" is an edge-of-your seat thriller in which Gardner explores the ways in which computers can be used for good or evil, how horrific childhood traumas can scar a victim for life, and the need that every man and woman has to love and be loved in return. She also touches on the media frenzy that inevitably follows when an attractive wife and mother vanishes without a trace. The dialogue is sharp and laced with mordant humor. This is not your typical escapist beach read. There is a great deal of profanity and some disturbing references to unsavory subjects. "The Neighbor" is a gripping and intense police procedural, a moving portrait of a troubled family, and a complex murder mystery. Few readers will be able to put this book aside until they learn exactly what Jason and Sandra are hiding and why.
Helpful Score: 2
3.5 - This one didn't grab me like 1, 2, and 4 did and for about three quarters of the book I thought it was me. I usually switch back and forth between many genres and don't usually read the same genre back to back to back. Before reading this though I had read (and loved!) the 1st and 2nd D.D. Warren books. Maybe I was getting burned out was my thought.
In the last quarter I started second guessing myself. I just don't think this is like the other three that I've read. It's not bad by any means - just not as good. I'm very happy that I read the 4th book before this one or I might have incorrectly assumed she'd fallen off.
This kept me guessing, the suspense level is almost on par with the others, and I think it may have been a bit too *busy*. I'm having trouble putting my thoughts into words.
I think the story just, for whatever reason, didn't feel all that real to me. The wife and her dissappearing act, her killing what's-his-name at the same time the other person dies (I'm marking this as having a spoiler but I don't want to say too much.... just in case..) It seemed to contrived.
I don't know - I'm still eager as hell to read [book:Love You More A Detective D.D. Warren Novel|8701129].
In the last quarter I started second guessing myself. I just don't think this is like the other three that I've read. It's not bad by any means - just not as good. I'm very happy that I read the 4th book before this one or I might have incorrectly assumed she'd fallen off.
This kept me guessing, the suspense level is almost on par with the others, and I think it may have been a bit too *busy*. I'm having trouble putting my thoughts into words.
I think the story just, for whatever reason, didn't feel all that real to me. The wife and her dissappearing act, her killing what's-his-name at the same time the other person dies (I'm marking this as having a spoiler but I don't want to say too much.... just in case..) It seemed to contrived.
I don't know - I'm still eager as hell to read [book:Love You More A Detective D.D. Warren Novel|8701129].
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed this book however toward the end I felt the plot got a little cumbersome and lost my interest.
Helpful Score: 2
I was very surprised by this book! I picked it up because I couldn't find anything else and needed to kill time while the kids were at the pool-now I'm looking for other books by this author!
Helpful Score: 1
What a really fabulous book. You feel as if you're solving the mystery right along with the author as she moves from one perspective and character to another. Frightening in a way, absorbing, complex story that will hold your interest to the very end. Highly recommended!!
Helpful Score: 1
Sandra and Jason Jones have been married for almost 4 years, raising her four-year-old daughter Ree. Their marriage isn't what the average person would assume as normal but besides that they are both devoted to their child's safety.
One night Jason returns from work and finds his wife missing and his daughter sleeping in her bed. Police soon considers him their main suspect when a registered sex offender from the neighborhood enters the scene, a secret affair of Sandra's turns up and her estranged father, a judge from Georgia, claims rights on his granddaughter.
And what's wrong with Jason who's behavior and gestures are as cold as ice, calculating and only warm towards his daughter.
-
At first I didn't really knew what to think about Gardner's newest novel until the suspense got me. The plot is slightly tied to the previous novel Say Goodbye and the "Burgerman" Gardner opens door after door after door with suspects, giving us a good glimpse of the characters and what they were thinking. I didn't really guess who's involved in Sandra's disappearance up until the almost the end.
I really enjoyed Sandra's flashbacks from the past, how she grew up with abusing parents, met Jason and discovered his terrible secret. The revelation in the end is shockingly twisted and rewarding with a conclusion that takes your breath away. It all fits and I for once closed a book I couldn't put away.
One night Jason returns from work and finds his wife missing and his daughter sleeping in her bed. Police soon considers him their main suspect when a registered sex offender from the neighborhood enters the scene, a secret affair of Sandra's turns up and her estranged father, a judge from Georgia, claims rights on his granddaughter.
And what's wrong with Jason who's behavior and gestures are as cold as ice, calculating and only warm towards his daughter.
-
At first I didn't really knew what to think about Gardner's newest novel until the suspense got me. The plot is slightly tied to the previous novel Say Goodbye and the "Burgerman" Gardner opens door after door after door with suspects, giving us a good glimpse of the characters and what they were thinking. I didn't really guess who's involved in Sandra's disappearance up until the almost the end.
I really enjoyed Sandra's flashbacks from the past, how she grew up with abusing parents, met Jason and discovered his terrible secret. The revelation in the end is shockingly twisted and rewarding with a conclusion that takes your breath away. It all fits and I for once closed a book I couldn't put away.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as her others. I wasn't sure there was a bad guy until close to the end of the book. I liked the tie-in to her previous book "Say Goodbye".
Helpful Score: 1
This gal can write. . .Im up to date on D D Warren series, and waiting for more ! The other stories are as good also.
Helpful Score: 1
I hadn't read any other books by Lisa Gardner, so I didn't know quite what to expect. I loved it. Not only was it suspenseful, it was interesting. There were multiple story lines that ran deep and the characters were very interesting and intense.
You will not be disappointed in this book. It has some follow ups to the book Say Goodbye. The good things is you can read them out of order and still understand both books. I really enjoyed this book although some of it was too predictable. This book is not as graphic as Say Goodbye and I think that is why I was able to finish it faster. I highly recommend this book and any other books by this author.
Read this in a couple of days and thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it highly. Enjoyed the way the author wrote from different characters perspectives. This is the first Lisa Gardner book I have read, and have ordered three more. Very enjoyable!
Sue H.
Sue H.
Very good! Kept me guessing til the end!
Great book. Leaves you guessing up until the last page.
Wow what a great book!! I thought I would read just a chapter or two and ended up reading the whole thing. Very engaging and keeps you wondering till the end. A great example of how a mystery thriller should be written. Highly recommend!
This was the best book I've read in a while. Very suspenseful...I couldn't put it down. I'm a new lisa Gardner fan....can't wait to read the next book I've requested, Alone. For those that enjoy mystery and suspense, you won't be disappointed!
Yet another good mystery from Lisa Gardner. Didn't want to put down and loved the ending.
Each book in this series just keeps getting better. This is the first series I have come across that makes me feel this way. Each time I start a new book I think I have it figured out half way through, but within the last 20 or so pages, the twists and revelations are not what you expect! These are not run of the mill mysteries. These are the type of books that make you get frustrated at the end because you didn't see it coming!
Very good book, that leaves you hanging in wonder of the true villan until the end.
This book is a page turner from the very beginning. There are so many twists and turns it really keeps you guessing who is the "good" guy....who is the "bad" guy, with a very surprising ending!!
FYI the book's plot deals with pedophiles and sex offenders. Nothing overly graphic, but I hate when books have to put that in there.
I'm the person that warned you if you were a survivor, not to to read Say Goodbye. This book if much "safer", even though the twist at the end ties to the previous book. It is by no means dependent upon reading any other book; this one stands alone.
My only complaint is that there are a few things she does that are NOT standard operating procedures in these cases. But that's a writer's prerogative. :)
I enjoyed this book, and it definitely has her writing style, you'd know she was the author without looking.
I picked it up by mistake, thinking it was another Quincy/Rainie book. It is not, but I'm not regretting my purchase. That's a good mark from me.
My only complaint is that there are a few things she does that are NOT standard operating procedures in these cases. But that's a writer's prerogative. :)
I enjoyed this book, and it definitely has her writing style, you'd know she was the author without looking.
I picked it up by mistake, thinking it was another Quincy/Rainie book. It is not, but I'm not regretting my purchase. That's a good mark from me.
Very good book.
loved this book!
I will be reading more from Lisa Gardner!
I will be reading more from Lisa Gardner!
This book was the first Lisa Gardner book I read. I was hooked at the beginning. It had several twist and turns through out the story. Midway through I was bored. I did enjoy the book so don't get me wrong. I have ordered other books of hers. I've read her reviews and it seems like this is different from her other ones so I am giving her another shot. The plot and twists were really good!
Very interesting with twists and turns. Not like Gardner's usual mystries.
A little slow at the beginning. Then it was a page turner. Surprise ending.
I have read a few other suspense novels by Gardner including HIDE, CRASH & BURN, and LOVE YOU MORE. I found all of these to be compelling reads. THE NEIGHBOR is the third book in the D.D. Warren series. D.D. is a female Detective Sergeant who works for the Boston PD. In this one, a young mother and sixth grade teacher, Sandra Jones, has disappeared from her South Boston home in the middle of the night leaving behind her four-year old daughter, Ree. Her husband, Jason, reports his wife's disappearance to police several hours after he had returned from his night job as a reporter and found his daughter sleeping and his wife missing. This immediately makes him the number one suspect in her disappearance by D.D. and the BPD. But there is also a registered sex offender living a few houses down. Could he be a suspect? Jason also seems to be involved in some illicit activity using his computer and he has over $4 million in his accounts. Where did the money come from? Then there is a young eighth grade student who teaches Sandra how to look into her husband's computer history. Could he be involved in her disappearance? And what about Sandra's father who shows up from Georgia after Sandra disappears? So was Sandra murdered and if so, who did it?
This was really a very compelling suspense novel from Gardner. It contained a lot of twists and turns and I was really surprised by the ending. I have enjoyed everything I've read by Gardner and will be looking forward to reading more.
This was really a very compelling suspense novel from Gardner. It contained a lot of twists and turns and I was really surprised by the ending. I have enjoyed everything I've read by Gardner and will be looking forward to reading more.
OMG!!! I could not put it down. This book had so many twist and turns that it kept me quessing. This is a good book.
Great twisting plot.
It was a case to spark a media feeding frenzy -- a young mother, blond and pretty, disappears without a trace from her South Boston home, leaving behind her four-year-old daughter as the only witness and her handsome, secretive husband as the prime suspect. But from the moment Detective Sergeant D. Warren arrives at the Joneses' snug little bungalow, she senses something off about the picture of wholesome normality the couple worked so hard to create.
On the surface, Jason and Sandra Jones were like any other hardworking young couple raising a four-year-old child. But it is just under the surface that things grew murkier. With the clock ticking on the life of a missing woman and the media firestorm building, Jason Jones seems more intent on destroying evidence and isolating his daughter than on searching for his "beloved" wife
On the surface, Jason and Sandra Jones were like any other hardworking young couple raising a four-year-old child. But it is just under the surface that things grew murkier. With the clock ticking on the life of a missing woman and the media firestorm building, Jason Jones seems more intent on destroying evidence and isolating his daughter than on searching for his "beloved" wife
Excellent page turner that really keeps you guessing. And oh so many suspects to choose from! It's a tightly woven story, interspersed with a lot of hints and clues. Even so, you won't see it coming and the twists will change everything.
good book
Interesting twists and turns.
FYI the book's plot deals with pedophiles and sex offenders. Nothing overly graphic, but I hate when books have to put that in there.
