The first thing (and only negative, which probably isn't the best way to start out), is that I don't like the title of this book. To me it implies some sort of sinister activities associated with the people who live next door to the protagonists of the novel, which is not the case.
That being said, this can't-put-it-down novel is about a neighborhood in Melbourne, Australia. Essie and Ben live there with their 2 small daughters, Mia and Polly, Essie has had problems with major postpartum depression in the past, so Ben, who runs a fitness studio, and Essie's mother Barbara, who lives next door, are concerned when she starts acting a bit off again. Barbara moved to the neighborhood to help out after Essie's problems when Mia was an infant. Lucas, a photographer, and Ange, a successful real-estate agent, also live here, with sons Will and Owen. Lucas is extraordinarily handsome and not the best in the fidelity department, but Ange is madly in love him and chooses to believe that he has mended his ways. Nigel and Fran, a lawyer, complete the group of couples. They are the parents of Rosie and Ava, but since Ava's birth Fran has been troubled and uses running to try and escape her demons.
Everything seems relatively normal, as normal as life can be with small children, when Isabella moves into the neighborhood. Since most of the people on the cul-de-sac are families, it is intriguing to have a friendly single woman with a mysterious background move into their midst. Isabella is not afraid to introduce herself and offers to babysit, although a few disturbing issues pop up as the story progresses.
I won't tell you anymore. All I can say is that I read this novel in less than a day and a half (while also working full time!) because I couldn't get it off of my mind. While I suspected what might be going on, I was surprised at what was eventually revealed. I would highly recommend it!
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