The Child Next Door: An unputdownable psychological thriller with a brilliant twist

By: Shalini Boland

Narrated by: Katie Villa

"Oh my. A captivating unputdownable evocative emotional twisted thriller. Oh that ending.... OMG that ending did NOT expect that. It blew me away...." (Read Along With Sue, 5 stars)

"Don’t take my baby."

Kirstie Rawlings is jolted awake by a child crying. Racing upstairs to check on her newborn, she is plunged into every parents’ worst nightmare. She hears an unknown voice in the baby monitor, saying: "Let’s take the child - and go."

Is someone trying to steal her little girl?

In the bedroom, her daughter is safe asleep in her cot. Is the voice coming from a nearby house? But there aren’t any other children living on her quiet country road....

The police don't believe her. And neither does her husband.

Kirstie knows something isn’t right. She thought she could trust her neighbours, now she isn’t sure. As she unravels the secrets of the people living on her street, Kirstie’s perfect life begins to fall apart.

Because someone is hiding a terrible lie. And they will do anything to stop Kirstie uncovering the truth. But is the danger closer to home than she thinks?

From the top 10 best-selling author of The Secret Mother, this completely gripping psychological thriller will make you wonder what really goes on behind closed doors. And will keep you guessing from the first minutes until the final shocking twist.

©2018 Shalini Boland (P)2018 Bookouture

Critic reviews

"Hooked from the very first page...I finished The Child Next Door in less than a day!.... I was left staring open-mouthed at the last page because I just couldn't believe what I just read...left me both speechless and wanting for more." (It's All About Books)

Thoroughly enjoyed!

This was my first Audible book, what a great choice! Exceptional character development, great build to the story, then pow....the lightning strike of the epilogue, just when you're left wondering at her decision, but knowing what her answer will be. Gripping tale, hard-hitting ending to both her story of female strength and independence, and of not knowing your neighbors, really! Excellently narrated as well. Going to read an opposite genre, Stephen King next, then Shalini Boland "The Secret Mother" !

New working mums unite!

After reading some poor reviews, I almost did not pick this book. I loved it. I think it really highlighted some of the postpartum issues of today’s world. How the mum is still expected to get it all done, time out from the job, but yet well educated and ready to work. And how despite the modern age, how a new mother can still feel very isolated. I really felt her anxiety. It reminded me of when I had my baby and I would blast the monitor so as not to miss anything that could happen in his room and running and checking that he was breathing multiple times throughout the night. I would be surprised if other new moms did not relate at least a little to the main character. Good character development, good story line, and good narration. Don’t let the negative reviews turn you away!

Ugh

Ugh I loved it but why did u have to end it like that!!!??? It was frustrating that things didn’t develop quicker but it was still great. And the twist was unexpected. I don’t really consider it a psychological thriller but I can honestly say that if I would have had similar things happen as a new mother I probably would have reacted the same way.

Good plot twist

This story had a good plot twist which I always enjoy. There is ere parts that seemed to lag a bit but it’s well worth your credit if you enjoy mysteries. It’s set in England and performed with an English accent.

Riveting

Could not stop listening! This book had me double locking my doors and bringing out the binoculars in my own neighborhood.

Holy crap! Didn’t see that coming.

WOW! The twists and turns take you on an ever evolving journey all the way through to the last sentence. Brava!

Recommended despite flaws

I did not enjoy this book quite as much as Boland's The Girl from the Sea or The Best Friend. Kristie's reasoning was just too illogical to be credible, e.g., if someone has bags from a toy store, then there must be a baby hidden somewhere in their house. But the book was fast-paced and held my interest throughout.

You must hear this!

Kirstie lives in a little suburban cul de sac where not everyone is as they seem. She overhears someone in ber baby monitor and is convinced someone is trying to steal her baby. What she finds out about her neighbours along the way is disturbing.

This story had a Desperate Housewives type of style. All the characters were cleverly placed into the story, each with their own type of spice making the story deliciously twisted. I liked the build up and did not expect the ending. It makes you think twice about your own neighbours and how well you think you know them.

Bring on the Anxiety..

I absolutely loved this..Katie Villa was an amazing Narrator which I will look for more of her work. The ending I didn't see coming at all.. The epilogue which is what I thought was going to happen. This is why you read Shailini Boland for Psychological Thrillers..sooo good!!

Meaty With Suspense

I Loved this book. Even when you start figuring parts of the story out , the direction turns over and over. One of the best thrillers I've read from beginning to the epilogue.