What the Neighbors Saw by Melissa Adelman is a debut psychological thriller novel with jaw dropping twists and a diverse lead with a compelling backstory
Book Recommendations,  Book Review,  Psychological Thriller

Book Recommendation: What the Neighbors Saw | Melissa Adelman

There are a lot of neighborhood noir psychological thrillers out there and they range from the popcorn-thriller variety, to heart-pounding terror, and everything in between. The best ones for my personal tastes are the ones that engross the reader so deeply into the dynamics among the neighbors that I forget for just a moment that there is a broader mystery going on.

The latter type is what I found in Melissa Adelman’s debut novel, What the Neighbors Saw. Layered, well-crafted, and compelling, I was so immersed in the stories of the two leading female characters that I almost forgot the book started with a murder! This was without question one of the best books I’ve read in 2023. I didn’t want it to end, I obsessively marked passages I wanted to come back to, and I have thought about it nearly daily since I finished it. If you are a fan of well-developed characters and relationships, captivating settings, and complex layered stories, this book should be top of your to-be-read list.

Goodreads | Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Instagram

What the Neighbors Saw | Characters

Alexis is married to attorney Sam Crawford. They have a toddler Caleb and when the book opens Alexis is pregnant with their second child Carter. With a second child on the way, the two to purchase a home in a wealthy suburb of DC, River Forest. Elena is their live-in nanny. Alexis is the primary narrator and one of the only diverse residents of their new neighborhood.

Blair is married to Teddy Bard and they have three children in their early teens. Blair was formerly an interior designer and they live in the largest and most beautiful house on the block, diagonally across the street from Alexis and Sam. Teddy’s murder is the instigating mystery in the book. The two detectives working the case are Officer Bryan and Officer Kim. Blair’s mother Beryl is a widow and visits after Teddy’s death. Blair is the second narrator.

There are several other neighbors who are more central to the story. Laura and her husband Shawn have two preteen boys. Shawn is tall and muscular while Laura is shorter and heavyset. Emily and her husband Dylan are young and made their money from a start up in the tech industry. They live a few houses up the block. Jennifer is mid-thirties and beautiful and married to an older, wealthy man named Jeff. They live next door to Alexis and Sam. Mack is in his late 60s and a widower. He lives across the street from Alexis and Sam.

What the Neighbors Saw | Plot

Alexis and her husband Sam are thrilled at the possibilities when they buy a fixer upper Cape Cod style house in one of the most exclusive suburbs of Washington D.C. Sam is close to making partner and Alexis is pregnant with their second child. This is a dream house, if only they can budget the money to make the necessary updates over time.

At first this is a dream come true. Their neighbors are all so glamorous and wealthy. But soon after moving in, Alexis and Sam realize the house needs more work than they thought and they are constantly fighting over where to spend their money on the house. Alexis sometimes wonders if they should have never left their downtown brownstone. She’s the only black resident on their block, and she never truly feels like she fits in. Add in the fighting with Sam…were they happier before?

The dream truly shatters when their neighbor Teddy Bard is murdered while out for a run. Teddy’s wife Blair is the reigning queen of the neighborhood, but in the wake of her husband’s sudden death, she doesn’t know where to turn. Appreciating Alexis’s humble kindness and distinct outside status to neighborhood gossip, Blair and Alexis form an unlikely friendship. But as the women grow closer, things in the neighborhood seem to grow darker.

After all, the most beautiful neighborhoods often hide the darkest secrets…

What the Neighbors Saw | Review

Why you should read it…

At the forefront, What the Neighbors Saw is a gripping psychological thriller about a couple moving to an affluent neighborhood and finding themselves living with front row seats to a murder investigation that is exposing secrets previously hidden behind closed doors. The murder is more of the instigating factors for everything else that unfolds. It is both central to the plot and almost takes a backseat to the other dynamics within the block.

This is also a story about Alexis, a black woman who was raised by a distant mother with no family and very few friends. Alexis was alone from a young age and relied on her intelligence and hard work to create a life that couldn’t be more different from the one her mother led. As an adult, Alexis is constantly aware of being the “other” in a world populated by largely white men and affluent women who struggle to look past her surface characteristics and see her for who she is.

Blair, who is probably the most welcoming to Alexis once they form their friendship, often muses that Alexis seems terrified or skittish. Blair likes Alexis, but I question whether she really appreciates Alexis as anything other than a friend who is less glamorous or wealthy than her who she can feel superior to. I know this sounds harsh, I actually like Blair as a character and felt she also had way more depth to her than others think she has.

The twists and turns in this book are subtle but also shocking. The story starts about a couple moving to a new neighborhood and trying to fit in, then it is about a murder, and then it is about what is really going on behind the gorgeous facades of the neighborhood homes. The story weaves through different secrets and deception, exploring the lack of diversity in a neighborhood like this and how that can change someone’s role within the group depending on their past or race. It deeply explores the relationships among the characters, even the ones who are less prominent.

Alexis’s story was so compelling, I loved getting glimpses into her past. Her mother was cold, distant, and often punishing. And yet at times, though I never felt any of her actions we justified, I could feel her pain even through the second-hand account by Alexis. I thought the character of Alexis was the best part of the book, followed by the twisted ending that had me spinning.

For fans of…

I’ve seen this book compared to Desperate Housewives and to be honest I don’t think that fully captures how great it is it. It definitely has the neighborhood setting, and the secrets behind closed doors. It kicks off with a new neighbor coming to town, Alexis, and with a murder of one of the street’s most prominent residents.

At the same time, it has a lot more tension to it than the show does. I wouldn’t call anything about Melissa Adelman’s debut psychological thriller “soapy” or flippant like the television series is. I love both, to be clear, but I found What the Neighbors Saw to have a lot more depth and subtext, particularly in how the predominantly white neighborhood treats Alexis, than the television show. They have some of the same appeal, and some unique elements that make them distinct.

I would highly recommend this book to people who love neighborhood noir and layered, complex mysteries with compelling character dynamics. The suspense of being a new neighbor in a small community with dark secrets was one of the best parts of this book, and if you enjoy that element I recommend checking out The Therapist by B. A. Paris and The Perfect Neighbors by Sarah Pekkanen. You might also try Louise Candlish, who is an expert at building plots that surround neighborhood tension. Check out Our House or The Sudden Departure of the Frasers by Candlish.

Another thing in this book is seeing a seemingly happy relationship face the pressures that are going on around them. Two books that don’t get enough credit are The Poison Garden by A. J. Banner and Raven Lane by Amber Cowie (you should be able to find both on Kindle Unlimited for subscribers!). Also with Alexis peeking out her kitchen window while doing the dishes and observing the things the neighbors are trying to keep hidden, I thought of Watching You by Lisa Jewell.

About Melissa Adelman

Melissa Adelman was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, a first-generation American with parents from Haiti and Chile. When she is not traveling the world for her job as an international development economist, her favorite place to be is at home, an old house full of surprises just outside D.C. Melissa lives with her husband, two energetic little boys, and long-suffering shih tzu. What the Neighbors Saw is her first novel.

76 Comments

  • Kimberly Belcher

    I was completely devastated when my husband left me. The heartbreak pushed me into deep depression, and I felt like my world had collapsed. In desperation, I reached out to Dr. Peter, and to my amazement, within 24 hours, my husband came back, full of regret and love. I can’t thank Dr. Peter enough for saving my marriage and bringing happiness back into my life: Reach out to him on Call or Text via drpeterspellcaster21@gmail .com

  • THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT

    PROFESSIONAL CRYPTO RECOVERY EXPERT→THE HACK ANGELS

    I want to use this Medium to say big thanks to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT for helping me recover my stolen crypto worth $960,000 through their hacking skills. I tried it. I was skeptical but it worked and I got my money back. I lost access to my digital wallet and lost all my crypto assets. I was devastated and felt like the world was pulling down on me. I had no idea of how to get back access to my crypto assets and gave up trying to get it back. I was scrolling through the internet and saw a post about a Crypto recovery company that goes by the name THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I didn’t hesitate to contact them and provided them with all the information. Throughout the process, communication was essential, and frequent updates gave much-needed transparency and assurance. They have a track record of successful cryptocurrency recovery, the firm has assisted several clients in recovering their lost or stolen digital assets. I highly recommend their services if you ever need a professional and reliable crypto recovery team.

    You can contact them through their hotline at (support@thehackangels.com) They also have a great website at (www.thehackangels.com)
    WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320)

    I promised to give back a review on their wonderful job well done

  • Anonymous

    HOW I FINALLY GOT MY STOLEN FUNDS BACK // ALL THANKS TO THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT

    Have you lost money in a cryptocurrency or online investment scam? Are you desperately searching for help recovering your stolen funds? If you find yourself in such difficulty, get in touch with THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT to recover your scammed funds back. I was devastated when I lost over $975,000 in an investment trading company. I was down because the company refused to let me make withdrawals and kept asking for more money. My friend introduced me to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I was able to recover my money back. They are knowledgeable professionals, and I am grateful for their assistance. You can contact them using the details below

    Email: support@thehackangels.com
    Website at http://www.thehackangels.com
    WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320
    If you’re unsure of what to do next. In a few days, you will see the efforts they took to recover the money they stole from you.

  • Jay Williams

    A FIRST CLASS RECOVERY HACKER THAT IS TRUSTWORTHY AND RELIABLE. THE HACK ANGELS

    I suffered in the hands of scammers losing my crypto assets worth $380,000 to a binary option site online with so much debt on me. I seriously needed the help of a legitimate hacking firm to assist in my case. I went searching for a hacker through the Internet seeking for a possible solution to my predicament and I saw comments about THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I had to trust the reviews and contacted them to inquire about their recovery services and what it takes to hire them, they laid down their working terms and conditions which I accepted before they commenced with the recovery. I can’t thank THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT enough for retrieving back my funds from these heartless scammers,
    My sincere gratitude goes to the woman who commented on how she used THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT to recover her Bitcoin and return it to her wallet. If you ever find yourself in a similar predicament, I highly recommend reaching out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. They are truly a Godsend, and their services can make a significant difference. Thank you once again, THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT, for restoring my lost funds. Get in touch with the team through the info below.

    Email at support@thehackangels.com
    Website at http://www.thehackangels.com
    WhatsApp +1(520)2 0 0-2 3 2 0

    If you’re in London, you can even visit them in person at their office located at 45-46 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4PF, UK. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help!

  • THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT

    HIRE THE REAL CRYPTO RECOVERY EXPERT // THE HACK ANGELS

    The crypto market is very volatile and a lot of individuals have lost some of their crypto coins and crypto assets to these online scams. I was scammed over ( $798,000) by someone I met online on a fake investment project. I started searching for help legally to recover my money, and this left me devastated and depressed. I came across a lot of Testimonies about THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I contacted them providing the necessary information and it took the experts about 48 hours to locate and help recover my stolen funds. I’m very thankful for their help and I’m glad there is a safe way to fully recover crypto assets since the authorities cannot do anything to help get back lost funds. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT is who you need to turn to! YOU can contact them via:

    WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320 ) or shoot them an Email at (support@thehackangels.com) They also have a great Website at (www.thehackangels.com )

  • THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT

    HIRE THE REAL CRYPTO RECOVERY EXPERT // THE HACK ANGELS

    The crypto market is very volatile and a lot of individuals have lost some of their crypto coins and crypto assets to these online scams. I was scammed over ( $798,000) by someone I met online on a fake investment project. I started searching for help legally to recover my money, and this left me devastated and depressed. I came across a lot of Testimonies about THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I contacted them providing the necessary information and it took the experts about 48 hours to locate and help recover my stolen funds. I’m very thankful for their help and I’m glad there is a safe way to fully recover crypto assets since the authorities cannot do anything to help get back lost funds. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT is who you need to turn to! YOU can contact them via:
    WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320 ) or shoot them an Email at (support@thehackangels.com) They also have a great Website at (www.thehackangels.com )

  • GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER

    HIRE A CERTIFIED CRYPTO RECOVERY EXPERT GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER

    Greetings to everyone who read my testimony. When it comes to retrieval of lost investment funds. GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER is a formidable force and a group of exceptionally skilled professionals who are specialized and knowledgeable with the intricate complexities of the crypto realm. Life comes with different experiences. I don’t know what you have experienced but this is my short testimony. I was a victim of an online cryptocurrency heist that left me with a devastating loss of $850,000 worth of Bitcoin. After a few days of losing this huge funds I did a thorough search for help and I found GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER whom I reported my situation to. I opened a case with this team and they assured me of swift action immediately. To my surprise, within a few hours I reached out to them and they were able to retrieve my stolen funds. I was really proud of working with GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER which has become a go to solution for victims of scam all over the world. I will recommend anybody who wants to recover scammed bitcoin, stolen cryptocurrency, funds lost to binary options forex, investment and any other form of online scam to reach Out to GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER

    Email: geovcoordinateshacker@gmail.com

    Website; https://geovcoordinateshac.wixsite.com/geo-coordinates-hack

  • 1 gram of meth today

    When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time
    a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Appreciate it!

  • 789bet ฝากถอน

    Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
    I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and
    would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would enjoy your
    work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot
    me an e mail.

  • 9winz Casino

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that
    I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  • usa based research chemical vendors​

    Greetings! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you
    know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone.
    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!

  • kid nipples

    Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar
    one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?
    If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so
    any assistance is very much appreciated.

  • trang chủ u888

    Hey There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. That is a really neatly written article.

    I will be sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your
    helpful info. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  • Gemwin

    Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice
    while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for
    a weblog website? The account aided me a appropriate deal.
    I had been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast
    provided vibrant clear concept

  • 링크모음

    My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was entirely right.
    This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just
    how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  • website

    Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely fantastic.
    I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say
    it. You make it entertaining and you still take care
    of to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you.
    This is really a terrific web site.

  • 开云体育

    Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to death at work so
    I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break.
    I really like the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not
    even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome site!

  • انگیزه و رشد فردی

    When I originally commented I seem to have
    clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now
    on every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment.
    Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service?
    Many thanks!

  • web site

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful
    to you.

  • website

    Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely
    long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
    Anyhow, just wanted to say excellent blog!

  • hk1.site

    Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you, However I am going through issues with your
    RSS. I don’t understand why I can’t join it. Is there
    anybody else having similar RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  • pepek gratis

    This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively professional blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and look ahead to in the hunt for more of
    your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks

  • 华体会

    Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with
    SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not
    seeing very good results. If you know of any please share.

    Thank you!

  • Paitosdy

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but
    after looking at a few of the posts I realized it’s new
    to me. Anyways, I’m definitely pleased I stumbled upon it
    and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!

  • 九游体育

    Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity to your put
    up is just excellent and i can suppose you are an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to stay up to date with forthcoming post.
    Thanks 1,000,000 and please keep up the gratifying work.

  • Game Tài xỉu

    Just wish to say your article is as astounding.
    The clarity for your publish is simply cool and i can assume you are a professional in this subject.
    Fine with your permission allow me to seize your feed to stay updated with coming near near post.
    Thank you one million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  • แทงบอลวันนี้

    Very good blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.

    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or
    go for a paid option? There are so many options out there
    that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any ideas? Thank you!

  • sumclub

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required
    to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would
    cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
    Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

  • OKFUN

    Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year
    old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her
    ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic
    but I had to tell someone!

  • Ty le keo

    Hello excellent blog! Does running a blog like this take a great deal of
    work? I have virtually no knowledge of computer programming
    however I had been hoping to start my own blog
    in the near future. Anyway, if you have any recommendations or
    techniques for new blog owners please share. I know this is off
    subject but I simply needed to ask. Many thanks!

  • 爱游戏

    What i do not realize is in truth how you’re not really much more smartly-favored than you may be now.

    You are very intelligent. You recognize thus considerably with regards to this matter,
    made me individually imagine it from numerous numerous angles.
    Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated until it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga!
    Your individual stuffs outstanding. All the time
    care for it up!

  • 乐鱼体育

    Greate pieces. Keep writing such kind of info on your site.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hi there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and individually suggest to my friends.
    I am confident they will be benefited from this website.

  • britain business directory

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before
    but after going through many of the articles I realized it’s new to me.
    Regardless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and
    I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

  • canadacasinoexpert.com

    Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after looking at many of
    the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless,
    I’m certainly happy I stumbled upon it and I’ll be book-marking it and
    checking back often!

  • lawyer in karachi shabbir sheikh

    You really make it seem so easy along with your presentation however I find
    this matter to be really something that I think I’d by no means
    understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely vast for me.
    I am taking a look forward for your subsequent publish, I’ll
    try to get the hold of it!

  • a lawyer near me

    I believe what you said was actually very logical.
    However, think on this, what if you composed a catchier title?

    I ain’t suggesting your information isn’t solid., but suppose you added something to maybe grab
    people’s attention? I mean Book Recommendation: What
    the Neighbors Saw | Melissa Adelman – The PhDiva reads books is kinda boring.
    You should glance at Yahoo’s front page and watch how they
    create news headlines to get viewers to open the links.
    You might add a related video or a related pic or two to grab readers interested about everything’ve got to say.

    In my opinion, it would bring your posts a little livelier.

  • edu sites for backlinks

    Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
    My website discusses a lot of the same topics as
    yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you happen to be interested feel free to
    shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Superb blog by the way!

  • longevity healthcare

    Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that
    I have truly loved surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing in your rss feed and I’m hoping you write
    again very soon!

  • padel5000

    Unquestionably consider that which you stated. Your favourite reason appeared to be at the
    net the simplest thing to have in mind of.
    I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while other folks consider concerns that they plainly do not recognise about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , other
    people could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more.
    Thank you

  • car tools

    Thhanks a bunch for sharing tһis with alll folks you аctually realize what yοu aгe speaking аbout!
    Bookmarked. Pleasе also talk oveг wkth my web site =).
    We will hаvе a hyperlinnk alternate agreement Ьetween us

    Here iѕ mу website – car tools

  • Saigon Cable

    Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?

    I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of
    a good platform.

  • socolive

    Great article! That is the kind of information that should be shared across
    the internet. Shame on Google for no longer positioning this put up higher!
    Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)

  • click to read more

    I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles
    or blog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at
    last stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i’m glad to convey that I have
    a very good uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what
    I needed. I most indubitably will make certain to don?t put out of your
    mind this web site and give it a look on a relentless basis.

  • video generation tool

    Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured
    I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa?

    My site covers a lot of the same subjects as yours
    and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you are interested feel free to shoot me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

  • reference-aware video

    Hey there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post
    reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this.

    I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he
    will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *