You’re almost certain your daughter didn’t kill the neighbour. But what if she did?
Richard Wellington is one of the country’s most recognised doctors. A morning TV regular, surgeon to the elite, and scandal-proof despite a malpractice case that should have ruined him.
But when his body is found sprawled in a harbourside park on a sweltering Sydney morning, the facade shatters. His murder dominates the headlines, and the normally quiet cul-de-sac he called home becomes a media circus, seething with speculation and unease.
For Liv Elliot, none of that matters – except for one her daughter, Gracie, was at the park that morning. As the investigation heats up and dark secrets about Richard begin to surface, Liv takes steps to shield her daughter from the storm – steps that could destroy them both if the truth comes out.
How far would a mother go to protect her daughter?
Print length: 353 pages. Publisher: HQ Digital. Publication date: 19 June 2025
My Thoughts:
Emma Babbington’s debut novel, The Neighbours, is a clever, twisty thriller set in a sun-drenched Sydney suburb where secrets simmer just beneath the surface.
The story kicks off with the murder of Richard Wellington, a high-profile surgeon and media darling, whose body is found in a local park.
This has shocked the neighbours to the core, however for one neighbour, Liv Elliott, her life has just become even more complicated. Her teenage daughter, Gracie was at the scene and Liv will do ANYTHING to protect her even if she is guilty or not.
Adding to this tragedy there is a newcomer to the neighbourhood. Meredith has recently moved back to the suburb, works in the same hospital as the victim AND has a very dysfunctional history with Liv which borders on obsession and revenge.
This is another story of how far you will go to protect your child and whilst I don’t agree with any of Liv’s actions and behaviour I did feel some elements of sympathy for her as a mother who just wants to protect her daughter.
The Neighbours centres around the themes of motherhood and allows the reader to ask themselves what would they do in that situation.
Overall I really enjoyed the story which I thought was packed with tension and some really good twists.
