Shari Lapena's The Couple Next Door offers a gripping tale of suspense with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on edge. Positive reviews highlight its engaging twists and ability to maintain tension. However, some criticism points to underdeveloped characters and predictability in certain plot elements. Overall, it's a captivating read for thriller enthusiasts.

Thriller enthusiasts who relish unpredictable plot twists and intense domestic suspense will enjoy The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. Similar to fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train, readers who appreciate psychological tales of suburban secrets will find this novel compelling.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena follows Anne and Marco Conti as their six-month-old daughter, Cora, is kidnapped while they attend a neighbor's party. Detective Rasbach investigates the case, suspecting both parents, while secrets unravel, revealing financial desperation, family discord, and emotional manipulation, ultimately leading to a tense climax and resolution. Explicit discussions of mental health issues and criminal activities appear.

Suspenseful / Dark / Mysterious / Unnerving / Emotional

Shari Lapena

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Couple Next Door reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Couple Next Door | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Couple Next Door and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Couple Next Door Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

The Couple Next Door Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-14 

The Couple Next Door Chapters 9-14  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-21

The Couple Next Door Chapters 15-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-29

The Couple Next Door Chapters 22-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-37 

The Couple Next Door Chapters 30-37  Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Couple Next Door Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Couple Next Door Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Couple Next Door Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Couple Next Door Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Couple Next Door Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Couple Next Door Essay Topics

The Couple Next Door

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Couple Next Door?

Reading Age

Book Details