New neighbours from hell might not be the most original of ideas for a whodunit, but in those people, author Louise Candlish has skilfully produced a right page turner that will leave you fully satisfied.

The premise might not be that original, however what is fresh is how the chapters are constructed.  Most of them open with a statement to the police by one of central characters.  

This storytelling formula lends itself to making it feel like we the readers are also interviewing them.  It feels like privileged access. 

Lowland Way is where the action is set, an idyllic middle-class suburb of South London.  As indicated, all is blissful and peaceful with life until number 1 has new inhabitants. 

Darren Booth and his partner Jodie, are the extreme opposites to their established next-door neighbours. They are loud, brash, and totally inconsiderate.  Loud music until 2am as well as loud drilling till all hours.  They also operate a car business on the street which means alpha male Ralph Morgan, ends up with an orange old rusty campervan in his car parking space.

As the narrative unfolds at a good steady pace, we find out that all of Booth’s neighbours have an axe to grind with him.  They all have a motive for wanting to see his demise.  Even the award-winning Play Out Sunday (where kids can play on the road safely), gets knocked on the head due to his impatience with children.

There is great narrative tension that builds throughout.  It is one that makes you want to keep on reading to find out what happens next.  Narrative exhaustion does not exist at any point here. It keeps on giving to the reader with a series of wonderful twists.

One of the most significant parts of this novel, is that the plot is believable.  It was never too far fetched or too fanciful.  I believed it as a story and so my imagination was fully transported there.

If you love your whodunits, then put this novel down as one to try over the coming months. This is worthy of being made into a TV drama it is that polished. This is most definitely worthy of your attention! 4/5.