the perfect neighborhood, by liz alterman

i received a copy of the perfect neighborhood from the publisher (via netgalley) in exchange for an honest review.

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star rating

★★★★

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the perfect neighborhood review

i’ve seen a new trend that’s been happening for a wee while now: books about the perfect neighborhood, the perfect family, the not so perfect family, etc. i’m in no way using that to judge this book, seeing as it’s what drew me into it in the first place. i’m loving seeing these well to do towns have a crisis. it reaffirms that despicable acts can happen even in the nicest of areas.

the perfect neighborhood includes famous actors, washed up musicians, and well of families. everything i could’ve ask for and more.

very few of the characters in this book were likeable. everyone has something to hide. and i can’t complain, because i love reading about rich people.

while i didn’t connect with the characters, i loved the writing style. everything flowed nicely and swiftly. i started this book and found i couldn’t put it down. the author definitely has a talent – this won’t be the last of her books that i read.

that aside, the plot was rather lacking. it was like reading gossip girl, where you get immersed in pointless gossip and forget that there should be a plot. the perfect neighborhood is easily a character driven book, as most of the plot twists and reveals happened in the last 10%. there was little build up, or clues as to what was going to unfold.

so yes, 90% of this book was relatively boring. kids disappear, but there’s no clues to lead you anywhere. but the writing really carried this book. i read it in one sitting – and couldn’t put it down. (i should clarify, that by “boring”, i mean uneventful).

all in all, this book managed to keep my interests where many others seem to fail. props to liz alterman for keeping me hooked while nothing happened! i wish more books were written like this.