I loved this book. I loved Gwen's voice and was really hooked in by her narrative, this was a hard to put down read...I loved the humour injected throughout...I actually laughed out loud a number of times. I loved the glamour and intrigue of Columbia Mansions (it kept reminding me of a British version of only murders in the building which I binge watched on TV). I found the authors perspective on the housing crisis and the cost of living as well as loneliness in older people to be cleverly woven in and it gave the story even more depth.

Clever, entertaining and hard to put down. Fantastic read!

When Gwen discovers that her neighbour is letting a room in his flat for free in exchange for sex, she knows she has to get the young woman out of the exploitative situation but she doesn’t quite know who is telling the truth and who is twisting the situation for their own needs

This is a fascinating book, exploring truth and lies , and how an older woman can be dismissed and situations manipulated . Well worth a read

A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder by Louise Candlish is a slow-burning, character-driven novel full of darkly comic observations, nosy neighbours, and tension - LOTS of tension...

We follow Gwen, a retired woman living in a south London flat, whose sharp tongue and even sharper observations make her both deeply entertaining and, at times, rather abrupt. We read the story through Gwen’s often critical view of the world around he. It’s through her eyes that we learn about the 'situation' that Pixie, a new tenant in Alec's flat across the hall from Gwen. Things start to snowball from there...

Though the title might suggest a fast-paced murder mystery, the 'killing' itself is just a small piece of the puzzle. The real drama is in the relationships, the long-standing resentments, the ridiculous communal politics of leasehold living (which I found especially relatable as a leaseholder myself!), and the slowly unravelling secrets that remind us we never really know the people who live around us.

As always, Louise Candlish excels at creating a real atmosphere. She draws us fully into Gwen’s world and her overactive mind - her daily routines, her gripes, her growing fears - with such authenticity that you feel like you're living inside her head. It’s clever, claustrophobic, and often humorous.

The cast of characters is excellent. There are some who you’ll absolutely love to hate - those people who feel just a bit too familiar - and others who it's a joy to watch unravel! You're never quite sure who’s telling the truth - something feels like it's simmering just beneath the surface.

There are darker moments - this is a book about murder, after all - but it’s never gratuitous. The darkness is more psychological: the slow reveal of how resentment and loneliness can fester, and what happens when they’re left unchecked.

I really enjoyed this novel. It’s an immersive, slow-burning story that blends social commentary with a satisfying, sinister edge. If you enjoy unreliable narrators, neighbourly tension, and plenty of dark humour, I think 'A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder' is well worth a read!

Set in the elegant yet quietly claustrophobic Columbia Mansions, A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder introduces us to Gwen, a retiree whose life takes a sharp turn when she befriends her new neighbour, Pixie, a younger woman with charm to spare and secrets to hide. Their unlikely age-gap friendship begins innocently enough, but when a crime surfaces, Gwen’s protective instincts spiral into something far darker, threatening to unravel the façade of civility that holds the building together.

Louise Candlish is known for her incisive portrayals of domestic tension, and this novel is no exception. The plot is meticulously constructed, with slow-burning suspense and a narrator whose reliability is as questionable as her motives. Gwen’s descent into obsession is both unsettling and compelling, and the setting—a character in its own right—adds a layer of social commentary on privilege, appearances, and the politics of neighbourly decorum.

While the book is undeniably well-plotted and features some standout character work, I found it didn’t quite match the impact of the author's strongest titles like The Sudden Departure of the Frasers or The Other Passenger. maybe because the emotional stakes felt slightly muted in comparison although the ending had me sitting up wanting more.

Still, A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder is a smart, stylish thriller that subverts expectations and offers a fresh take on the domestic noir genre. It’s a compelling read for fans of psychological suspense, especially those drawn to stories where doing the right thing can go very, very wrong.

Hugely enjoyable - it was a lovely slow build up to an unpredictable conclusion- well written and beautifully resolved. Highly recommended. 4 1/2 stars

Another property porn thriller from Louise Candlish sees an actual sex scandal develop as 70-year-old Gwen becomes convinced that 48-year-old has-been rocker Alec is exploiting Pixie, the young woman he rents a room to in his luxurious mansion flat. He denies it but is he lying? Is Pixie lying? Could it even be Gwen who is lying to the reader?
With a host of intriguing characters inhabiting Columbia Mansions, there is room for for plenty twists and turns in in this thrilling book, and they come satisfyingly thick and fast as it becomes clear there are more ways than one of exploiting women of any age. I loved how this kept me guessing as to who was the real villain, who was playing who, and who would finally come out the winner in this war for a place to call home.
Though it opens with a murder, the story is light-hearted in tone. But it has an added layer of depth in its exploration of the reality of homelessness for many young people, and the very real threat of the impermanence of a secure home for people of any age.
It also casts a light on the dark side of social media, with Instagram, TikTok and even WhatsApp all playing a part in the developing scandal.
And what about Gwen? This was a really masterful character portrayal of a woman defined, not by her age, but by life's experiences. She's difficult to like and difficult to trust, but she certainly engaged my whole attention.
Every character in this story is flawed, but the snobbery, deception, callous disregard for others and greed of some are balanced by the kindness, humour, wit, a sense of community and perceptiveness of others.
How I'd love to live in Columbia Mansions. But on balance, I think I'd choose different neighbours!

I do enjoy books by this author & this was no exception. I liked it straight away, It felt warm and welcoming. I liked Gwen and Pixie and how the story was told.
I'd definitely recommend this.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I've just finished reading Louise Candlish A Neighbour's Guide To Murder. Now I thoroughly enjoyed We Solve Murders, it was a great whodunit and I've read some great books this year but this, this is 100% 5 stars!

I knew immediately who the killer turns out to be but I don't think it was meant to be a secret and knowing didn't spoil it one bit.

Readers will be greeted by the lead female Gwen an aging and lonely divorcée, her voice consistent to the end.
I loved this character and rooted for her the entire way through.

Caught up in a 'he said, she said', where the she becomes her friend and the he is a neighbour, its understandable that eventually Gwen has doubts over who was really at fault but her instinct wasn't wrong. If only her young friend hadn't been, in my opinion, so, I'm not sure what the right word is; selfish, immature, ignorant, thoughtless, dishonest by omission.

Needless to say I didn't particularly like either of them although written extremely well.

Gwen fights for the cause and in the beginning is steadfast in her belief but as the story unfolds and one or two of her actions start her downfall it's also understandable that she might be inclined to switch sides.

If only she had the backing and support of a good friend. A good friend who she so selflessly backed and supported without any thought for how it would play out.
Because that's what friends do in times of need.

The she who became a friend, came out smelling of roses. Whilst I don't condone his behaviour it was hers that contributed to the actions Gwen takes.

Don't take my word for it, it's out now so grab yourself copy!

This was a really good book. Gwen lives in Columbia Apartments, but when Pixie moves in to another flat as a lodger, everything changes. I think it was a great subject and I’m sure it does happen, the author wrote about it very well. It keeps you engaged and was an interesting read. Highly recommend 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

As a huge fan of this author I started this book with lots of hope for another page turner and was not disappointed. As with all her writing Louise Candlish is a master at observational crime, looking at individuals and how their choices lead to the impossibility dark places they find themselves.

Living in a community in Columbia Mansions in London are a set of relatively wealthy people and this is the backdrop to the story. Our protagonist is Gwen, who is divorced from her husband and distant from her adult children. Next door is aging one hit wonder singer Alec, who enters the story as he takes in young lodger Pixi.

The story highlights the way that ideas and concepts are misunderstood and misconstrued and then turned into something they may or may not be is a vital part of this book. The spreading of rumour, where that leads and the huge waves of devastation that ends up soon start to spiral.

The characters are mainly loathsome and so well written. I could easily imagine Gwen and Alec crossing swords verbally and enjoyed the build up to the inevitable ending.

Hugely entertaining and brilliant thriller.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A thrilling read!

Columbia Mansions is a much sought after address and it's rare for any accommodation to be available; however, when Pixie moves in across the hall, Gwen is pleased to make a new friend. Despite the age difference, the feeling is mutual but when a crime comes to light, Gwen cannot let it go much to the annoyance of some other residents . . .

Louise Candlish novels are always worth reading and this one had me hooked from the very start. I wasn't quite sure where it was heading but journey was very worthwhile. I couldn't have predicted the ending and I really enjoyed the read. 4.5* and one I'm very happy to recommend.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

Having never read a book by this author before I’m now a fan. I really enjoyed this book!

I found the concept really interesting, this book wasn’t what I was expecting but I think in this case that was a good thing. I also really enjoyed her writing, this writing style really worked for me and kept me engaged.

Intriguing and different.
Gwen, an elderly residentof the beautiful Columbia Mansions, befriends Pixie, a young woman, who rents a room from a neighbour.
The plot thickens, characters develop, some likeable and some not. Who to believe, many twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for this ARC.

Candlish captures the claustrophobia of neighbourly surveillance and delivers well‑placed twists. Themes of trust, loneliness, and revenge keep the tension simmering. But pacing lagged in the middle, and Gwen’s narration sometimes drifts into overly cautious territory.

In the end, it’s a polished, intelligent read—entertaining and thoughtful, though it doesn’t quite bite deep enough for a knockout thriller.

I really enjoyed this book. @louisecandlish never disappoints. #ANeighboursGuideToMurder is such a brilliant read. Totally gripping and full of twists. I couldn’t put it down.
The story is told from the POV of Gwen, an elderly resident living in Columbia Mansions. When Pixie, a new tenant moves in they form an unlikely friendship despite the age gap. But when a crime comes to light Gwen’s protective instincts go into overdrive, and end with a murder.
The story is very cleverly written and is thought provoking. It keeps you guessing all the way through. You don’t know who is telling the truth which adds so much intrigue to the story.
The characters are all very well drawn and Gwen is such a likeable and annoying but fun character.
Definitely recommend this witty, engaging tense twisty domestic thriller. It’s well worth the read especially if you enjoy this genre.
With thanks to #NetGallery #HQ @hqstories for an arc in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 17 July 2025

I always enjoy Louise's books, so I knew this was going to be good, but it still surprised me. I love how she writes older characters trying to right wrongs and solve mysteries...and shows them getting it all twisted and revealing themselves (mostly) as not very nice and more than a little self-serving. It's like the opposite of The Thursday Murder Club (in a good way, I love those books), and that was so much fun to read. These people aren't wise and friendly; they're just as clueless and flawed as younger people, and our narrator, Gwen, is more than a tad unreliable.
The plotting is great, you're never quite sure what are facts and what are misunderstandings/red herrings, so that made me want to keep reading way past bedtime, just to unravel it all. There's a whole ecosystem within the walls of Columbia Mansions, with its own hierarchy and rules, and the depictions of that in the book made me determined to never move to an apartment block and have to navigate that for myself.
I thought that the first-person perspective worked very well for the way Louise has chosen to shape the story; it definitely helped to hide the twist from me until right as I was reading it. I know that some people don't enjoy reading first-person, but I think if it's done well, and it is here, then it can be really effective.
As with other books by the same author, there is social commentary woven into the story too - the vulnerability of renters, especially female ones, in particular, but also the effect that busy lives and distance have on parent/grown-up child relationships, where older people find their value, privilege, and cancel/influencer culture. It's a fascinating look into how these things impact lives.

This is quite a different book from Louise Candlish, focussing on an older group of characters in a gorgeous and desirable mansion block. These women are bored and protective of their surroundings, so when it appears that there may be a scandal that needs intervention they are quick to dive in without much thought.
It's a clever novel which manipulates the reader as the book progresses - who to believe, and why? Even as the book enters its final pages another deception is revealed. There are few pleasant characters, and some are downright nasty, most are just out for themselves. Even Gwen, our narrator and the heart of the story, makes some very bad decisions.
Great fun and a real page turner, A Neighbours Guide to Murder is Louise Candlish on to form.

I am a huge Louise Candlish fan, having read all her books in chronological order and having head the pleasure of hearing her read several times. In this, her latest novel, she draws once more on the familiar canvas of a contemporary middle-class London neighbourhood to set out the underlying tensions between the highly-strung members of what is a privileged community. This time, the main character through whose eyes the developments are presented is elderly “do-gooder” Gwen, who is disillusioned with her role in the neighbourhood committee and the lack of professional ambition exhibited by her adult son who still lives with her. When young female Pixie arrives to rent a room from one of Gwen’s neighbours who appears to make sexual demands in return, Gwen springs into action as her self-appointed protector and guardian. But is Pixie being exploited or has she got deeply-concealed ulterior motives of her own?

Several earlier reviewers of this novel have commented on the slow pace of the “mystery” or investigation, but this is hard to criticize when a slice of contemporary society is so adeptly and skilfully laid out in front of us. This is a well-written novel that raises all sorts of questions about modern-day relationships, entitlement, privilege and societal equality and it goes far beyond the realms of the “domestic thriller” category. Another five-star offering from Louise Candlish that I was able to review thanks to the free ARC gifted to me by the publishers and NetGalley.

I absolutely adored A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder. This might be my favourite Louise Candlish book yet!

Gwen is just the best character; her naivety, flaws and humour made her feel so real and I really enjoyed reading a book with an older main character. Gwen really tried to understand and support the younger generation who surround her in the book, yet no one seemed to have the same empathy and understanding for her. I really liked that the majority of the story was told from Gwen’s POV, I felt very much emerged in the unfolding events and even felt like I needed to intervene at points 😂

The luxury apartments were described beautifully and I found it fascinating that not everyone who lived in the apartments lived in luxury!

I enjoyed how the story challenges assumptions and explores peoples real intentions and how people can be incredibly selfish.

I was so surprised and a bit heartbroken by the ending and did not see it coming at all, but when I reflected on the story I realised there really couldn’t be any other outcome!

A truly fantastic book by Louise Candlish which had so much depth. I couldn’t recommend more.

Thank you so much for my ARC ❤️

The fifth Louise Candlish book I have read and I have seven more waiting to be read. Another cleverly crafted slow burner that had you gripped from first page to last. I looked forward to reading this book and discovered recently that several authors I follow were equally excited by this book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.