Book Review: The Neighbors

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Neighbors     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Carol Smith
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Warner, Nov 1999, $23.95, 372 pp.

Always a bit frightened about life, Kate Ashenberry returns to her English home after suffering through an abusive relationship in New York City. Her family does not welcome the prodigal daughter home. Instead, Kate leases an apartment in a Victorian house in the Kensington area that she believes is safe.

As Kate begins to know her neighbors, she finds herself feeling even more secure by the welcome of most of the residents. However, her safe harbor changes when someone murders one of Kate's neighbors. This is not the first killing in recent times as someone was killed just before Kate moved into the building. Kate begins to feel paranoid as she thinks someone is watching her every movement. The once friendly residents all turn frightened victims wondering who amongst them is the killer. Kate's worse nightmare engulfs her in a phobia that she will be the next victim.

THE NEIGHBORS is an exciting suspense filled murder mystery that will provide much pleasure to the audience. The story line is filled with tension highlighted by Kate's fears of everything. Though the personalities of the secondary characters are fully developed, the sheer number somewhat overwhelms the reader. The building seems more like one of the main characters as Carol Smith breathes much life into it with her loving description. Though Kate is not an empathetic protagonist, the audience will feel for her current predicament. This is an entertaining novel that will bring new FRIENDS FOR LIFE to Ms. Smith.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner