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The House on Cold Creek Lane
An unflinching examination of motherhood and the dark side of domesticity set against a suburban backdrop that's anything but blissful. This twisty tale invites readers to a slow motion unravelling that culminates in a devastating finale.
Who was I? What had I become? Breathe, I commanded. You're doing this for your family.
When Laurel and Rob West move into their new home in New Jersey, it seems too good to be true. But Laurel can't shake off her old feelings of anxiety. The neighbour who pays far too much attention to the Wests' two young children . . . Rob watching her every miss step . . . and there's something people aren't telling her about this house . . .
I promised myself I wouldn't go to that neighborhood again. Not that street. Not so soon. But I couldn't help it. They made it too easy.
Corey Sutton is trying to outrun her past. Recently divorced and reeling from a devastating loss, she moves into her widowed mother's retirement condo in Florida. Everyone says she just needs some time to recover and rebuild . . . but is Corey beyond saving? She wants answers. And there's very little she won't do to get them.
Though Laurel and Corey have never met, the women have something in common, and if they're not careful, it may just destroy them both . . .
Who was I? What had I become? Breathe, I commanded. You're doing this for your family.
When Laurel and Rob West move into their new home in New Jersey, it seems too good to be true. But Laurel can't shake off her old feelings of anxiety. The neighbour who pays far too much attention to the Wests' two young children . . . Rob watching her every miss step . . . and there's something people aren't telling her about this house . . .
I promised myself I wouldn't go to that neighborhood again. Not that street. Not so soon. But I couldn't help it. They made it too easy.
Corey Sutton is trying to outrun her past. Recently divorced and reeling from a devastating loss, she moves into her widowed mother's retirement condo in Florida. Everyone says she just needs some time to recover and rebuild . . . but is Corey beyond saving? She wants answers. And there's very little she won't do to get them.
Though Laurel and Corey have never met, the women have something in common, and if they're not careful, it may just destroy them both . . .
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
About the author
Liz Alterman
5 books378 followersLiz Alterman lives in New Jersey with her husband, three sons, and two cats.
Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents, McSweeney's, and other publications.
She spends most days microwaving the same cup of coffee and looking up synonyms.
For information on events and new releases or to have Liz join your bookclub, visit lizalterman.com.
Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents, McSweeney's, and other publications.
She spends most days microwaving the same cup of coffee and looking up synonyms.
For information on events and new releases or to have Liz join your bookclub, visit lizalterman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
August 21, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Setting ~ New Jersey & Florida
Publication date ~ August 6, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 346 (34 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 30 minutes
Narrator ~ Emily Ellet & Gail Shalan
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ gaslighting, death of a child
Laurel & Rob have just moved into the house on Cold Creek Lane in New Jersey with their toddler, Jasper, and newborn baby, Poppy. There are a few neighbors we meet, who don’t give off a likable vibe, and neither does Rob. What a right douche he was, and it apparently runs in the family since his sister was not any better.
Corey is in Florida and we slowly learn how she’s connected to Cold Creek Lane and it’s heartbreaking. I really liked her no nonsense ways and how her part in the story played out.
Even though I totally had the culprit pegged, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The pace was steady and the conclusion was satisfying. Also, I liked the quick nod to a character in Liz’s last book The Perfect Neighborhood, (Rachel) which I don’t think I would have caught if I hadn’t just read it recently.
Narration notes:
Not sure which one is Laurel’s narrator, but oof with her kid voice, a bit grating on the ears. She did fine for all other voices. Corey’s sounded perfect for how her character seemed, which was just over it and mad at the world.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Setting ~ New Jersey & Florida
Publication date ~ August 6, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 346 (34 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 30 minutes
Narrator ~ Emily Ellet & Gail Shalan
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ gaslighting, death of a child
Laurel & Rob have just moved into the house on Cold Creek Lane in New Jersey with their toddler, Jasper, and newborn baby, Poppy. There are a few neighbors we meet, who don’t give off a likable vibe, and neither does Rob. What a right douche he was, and it apparently runs in the family since his sister was not any better.
Corey is in Florida and we slowly learn how she’s connected to Cold Creek Lane and it’s heartbreaking. I really liked her no nonsense ways and how her part in the story played out.
Even though I totally had the culprit pegged, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The pace was steady and the conclusion was satisfying. Also, I liked the quick nod to a character in Liz’s last book The Perfect Neighborhood, (Rachel) which I don’t think I would have caught if I hadn’t just read it recently.
Narration notes:
Not sure which one is Laurel’s narrator, but oof with her kid voice, a bit grating on the ears. She did fine for all other voices. Corey’s sounded perfect for how her character seemed, which was just over it and mad at the world.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
August 12, 2024
Packed to the brim with suspicious characters, dastardly deeds, and a slowly unrolling plot, The House on Cold Creek Lane filled me with dread. And while this tale of domestic suspense mixed nicely with a neighborhood drama, it was the gaslighting and misdirection that utterly turned my head. Step by step, I reveled in how this storyline had them all walking toward an unthinkable end.
As for the characters, they were all thoroughly unlikeable. Two, in fact, had me itching to shake them good and hard. From a belittling husband to his spineless wife, both of them hit the mark with their irritating behavior. That’s not to say that I was turned off of this book in the slightest. Oh no. Their action—or inaction—totally got my blood boiling and, IYKYK, but only the best authors seem to manage to pull that feat off.
The only fly in the ointment was my ability to see through the twists. Now how much of that was merely down to my insatiable love of all things thriller and suspense, I’ll never know. Despite that, however, the multiple mysteries and unreliable narrators kept my fingers flying. So while I managed to work it all out, it just might be perfect for anyone looking for an utterly chilling novel. Especially if you’re new to the genre.
By the end of this slow burning plot, I was delighted by the eventually cascade of dead bodies. With plenty of foreboding and just enough suspense to whet my appetite, it’s clear as can be that Ms. Alterman nailed it in one. It’s also unsurprising why all of my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this dark and twisted tale. After all, I did inhale it in just a single night. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Who was I? What had I become?
Breathe, I commanded. You're doing this for your family.
When Laurel and Rob West move into their new home in New Jersey, it seems too good to be true. But Laurel can't shake off her old feelings of anxiety. The neighbor who pays far too much attention to the Wests' two young children…Rob watching her every misstep…and there's something people aren't telling her about this house...
I promised myself I wouldn't go to that neighborhood again. Not that street. Not so soon. But I couldn't help it. They made it too easy.
Corey Sutton is trying to outrun her past. Recently divorced and reeling from a devastating loss, she moves into her widowed mother's retirement condo in Florida. Everyone says she just needs some time to recover and rebuild…but is Corey beyond saving? She wants answers. And there's very little she won't do to get them.
Though Laurel and Corey have never met, the women have something in common, and if they're not careful, it may just destroy them both…
Thank you to Liz Alterman, Severn House, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Trigger warning: death of a child, mention of: infidelity
As for the characters, they were all thoroughly unlikeable. Two, in fact, had me itching to shake them good and hard. From a belittling husband to his spineless wife, both of them hit the mark with their irritating behavior. That’s not to say that I was turned off of this book in the slightest. Oh no. Their action—or inaction—totally got my blood boiling and, IYKYK, but only the best authors seem to manage to pull that feat off.
The only fly in the ointment was my ability to see through the twists. Now how much of that was merely down to my insatiable love of all things thriller and suspense, I’ll never know. Despite that, however, the multiple mysteries and unreliable narrators kept my fingers flying. So while I managed to work it all out, it just might be perfect for anyone looking for an utterly chilling novel. Especially if you’re new to the genre.
By the end of this slow burning plot, I was delighted by the eventually cascade of dead bodies. With plenty of foreboding and just enough suspense to whet my appetite, it’s clear as can be that Ms. Alterman nailed it in one. It’s also unsurprising why all of my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this dark and twisted tale. After all, I did inhale it in just a single night. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Who was I? What had I become?
Breathe, I commanded. You're doing this for your family.
When Laurel and Rob West move into their new home in New Jersey, it seems too good to be true. But Laurel can't shake off her old feelings of anxiety. The neighbor who pays far too much attention to the Wests' two young children…Rob watching her every misstep…and there's something people aren't telling her about this house...
I promised myself I wouldn't go to that neighborhood again. Not that street. Not so soon. But I couldn't help it. They made it too easy.
Corey Sutton is trying to outrun her past. Recently divorced and reeling from a devastating loss, she moves into her widowed mother's retirement condo in Florida. Everyone says she just needs some time to recover and rebuild…but is Corey beyond saving? She wants answers. And there's very little she won't do to get them.
Though Laurel and Corey have never met, the women have something in common, and if they're not careful, it may just destroy them both…
Thank you to Liz Alterman, Severn House, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Trigger warning: death of a child, mention of: infidelity
April 21, 2024
You know when a thriller is good when you look at the clock and realize it's 90 minutes past your normal bedtime and you're still reading.
This happened with The House on Cold Creek Lane, a quintessential domestic suspense thriller filled with all the expected and unexpected tropes so beloved by thriller fans.
In this story there are two female main characters (1st person pov's): Laurel and Corey. Both of them are grieving losses and are connected through a Cape Cod-style house in New Jersey.
Corey used to live there.
Laurel just moved in.
This simple yet intriguing set-up swiftly morphs into a scary, suspenseful plot. Why did Corey move out of the house and is now living in Florida in the guest room of her mother's condominium? Why is Laurel not quite comfortable in her new home and what's up with the neighbors? On one side is a sweet old lady who wants nothing more than to help watch over Laurel's young kids. On the other side is Addie: single, beautiful and snarky--exactly the kind of friend Laurel needs, especially since Laurel's husband Rob is being a bit of a dick lately.
We go back in forth between both women as they deal with their personal ghosts from the past, an ever-rising terror shadowing them along the way.
Alterman writes like a pro--I totally related to her depictions of motherhood, daughterhood, and the oft-times fraught foray into trying to make new friends in a new hood. Her dialogue rocks. She's also very funny at times.
This was a great read.
This happened with The House on Cold Creek Lane, a quintessential domestic suspense thriller filled with all the expected and unexpected tropes so beloved by thriller fans.
In this story there are two female main characters (1st person pov's): Laurel and Corey. Both of them are grieving losses and are connected through a Cape Cod-style house in New Jersey.
Corey used to live there.
Laurel just moved in.
This simple yet intriguing set-up swiftly morphs into a scary, suspenseful plot. Why did Corey move out of the house and is now living in Florida in the guest room of her mother's condominium? Why is Laurel not quite comfortable in her new home and what's up with the neighbors? On one side is a sweet old lady who wants nothing more than to help watch over Laurel's young kids. On the other side is Addie: single, beautiful and snarky--exactly the kind of friend Laurel needs, especially since Laurel's husband Rob is being a bit of a dick lately.
We go back in forth between both women as they deal with their personal ghosts from the past, an ever-rising terror shadowing them along the way.
Alterman writes like a pro--I totally related to her depictions of motherhood, daughterhood, and the oft-times fraught foray into trying to make new friends in a new hood. Her dialogue rocks. She's also very funny at times.
This was a great read.
June 23, 2024
I loved Liz Alterman's previous novel The Perfect Neighborhood, and I feel like I have been waiting forever for a new release from her. So, I wasn't wasting any time starting The House on Cold Creek Lane, and I'm glad I didn't! I was hooked from the very first page and I wish I would have had more time to read it because it would have been an easy one-sitting read. The story alternates between Laurel and Corey and each one brings something different to the table. I HATED Laurel's husband Rob and was upset I had to wait the entire book for her to get a backbone, but things worked out in a very pleasing way for me, so I was finally happy.
I think I liked Corey's viewpoint the most, and even though I really wanted her to work through her grief differently (support group or therapy), she was well-fleshed out and felt so real and relatable. I especially enjoyed her no-nonsense personality and her bluntness. I loved the way Alterman ended up tying the two storylines together, and even though I had an inkling of what was going on, I still got a couple of fantastic twists. There are certain parts I wish would have ended a bit differently (one real one), but it was quite the climax and left me feeling satisfied. The House on Cold Creek Lane had lots of foreshadowing which I loved and was tense the entire way through. My new favorite from Alterman!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I think I liked Corey's viewpoint the most, and even though I really wanted her to work through her grief differently (support group or therapy), she was well-fleshed out and felt so real and relatable. I especially enjoyed her no-nonsense personality and her bluntness. I loved the way Alterman ended up tying the two storylines together, and even though I had an inkling of what was going on, I still got a couple of fantastic twists. There are certain parts I wish would have ended a bit differently (one real one), but it was quite the climax and left me feeling satisfied. The House on Cold Creek Lane had lots of foreshadowing which I loved and was tense the entire way through. My new favorite from Alterman!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 4, 2024
I feel like there was too much buildup, BUT the ending was pretty good. 3.5
June 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House Imprint for the early release of The House on Cold Creek Lane. This was a popcorn thriller that had major lifetime movie vibes. I found it entertaining but a bit predictable. The last quarter of the book was very quick and I had a feeling how it would all be wrapped up and I was correct. If you are a new thriller reader I think you will definitely enjoy this book. It has a fast paced story line , unreliable narrators, and questionable characters. For seasoned thriller readers like myself I feel that it would be a very predictable read.
This book is about motherhood, family, and grief. It demonstrates the extremes a mother will go to to protect their children. Something sinister is happening on Cold Creek lane. Do you really know who you’re living next to? No one knows what goes on during four walls of a home. Who is to blame for these occurrences of children dying and freak accidents happening? You’ll find out soon enough!
For new thriller readers read this you’ll enjoy it but for seasoned thriller readers I recommend you skip this one.
This book is about motherhood, family, and grief. It demonstrates the extremes a mother will go to to protect their children. Something sinister is happening on Cold Creek lane. Do you really know who you’re living next to? No one knows what goes on during four walls of a home. Who is to blame for these occurrences of children dying and freak accidents happening? You’ll find out soon enough!
For new thriller readers read this you’ll enjoy it but for seasoned thriller readers I recommend you skip this one.
August 23, 2024
(( audiobook ))
Kind of a standard domestic thriller setup with possibly creepy neighbors and a gaslighting/I’m always right/clueless fuckwit of a husband, and good godDAMN did I love where this ended up.
I clearly need more Liz Alterman in my life/ears.
Kind of a standard domestic thriller setup with possibly creepy neighbors and a gaslighting/I’m always right/clueless fuckwit of a husband, and good godDAMN did I love where this ended up.
I clearly need more Liz Alterman in my life/ears.
September 11, 2024
TITLE: The House On Cold Creek Lane
AUTHOR: Liz Alterman
PUB DATE: 08.06.2024
An unflinching examination of motherhood and the dark side of domesticity set against a suburban backdrop that's anything but blissful. This twisty tale invites readers to a slow motion unravelling that culminates in a devastating finale!
THOUGHTS:
From the Queen of domestic suspense and author of The Perfect Neighborhood, which I read and loved, is another even more exciting read between Laurel and Corey’s POV, and the weaving of their stories. I enjoyed the atmospheric tension throughout and how it kept on for the entirety of the book to a surprising end for me. I love these kinds of stories and the strength the women brings that made this book so satisfying.
Well done!
AUTHOR: Liz Alterman
PUB DATE: 08.06.2024
An unflinching examination of motherhood and the dark side of domesticity set against a suburban backdrop that's anything but blissful. This twisty tale invites readers to a slow motion unravelling that culminates in a devastating finale!
THOUGHTS:
From the Queen of domestic suspense and author of The Perfect Neighborhood, which I read and loved, is another even more exciting read between Laurel and Corey’s POV, and the weaving of their stories. I enjoyed the atmospheric tension throughout and how it kept on for the entirety of the book to a surprising end for me. I love these kinds of stories and the strength the women brings that made this book so satisfying.
Well done!
August 2, 2024
What a great way to kick off August. This was a great book to start the month. I completely devoured it.
The House On Cold Creek Lane is a dual POV book and I absolutely loved both characters.
Laurel was completely relatable and I could feel everything she was feeling about her life as a new mom and her struggles to balance it all. It's been a while since my girls were that young, and I so wish I had someone like Laurel in my life to share those woes. I was often enraged on her behalf.
Corey's story was completely heart breaking and I loved the evolution of her character as she tended to her broken heart.
These two women, although strangers, are intimately connected. You have to read it to find out how.
This one was even better than I expected and I highly recommend this tale of domestic suspense. And that ending 🤯It packed and emotional punch.
The House On Cold Creek Lane is a dual POV book and I absolutely loved both characters.
Laurel was completely relatable and I could feel everything she was feeling about her life as a new mom and her struggles to balance it all. It's been a while since my girls were that young, and I so wish I had someone like Laurel in my life to share those woes. I was often enraged on her behalf.
Corey's story was completely heart breaking and I loved the evolution of her character as she tended to her broken heart.
These two women, although strangers, are intimately connected. You have to read it to find out how.
This one was even better than I expected and I highly recommend this tale of domestic suspense. And that ending 🤯It packed and emotional punch.
August 24, 2024
I got an ARC of Alterman's last book to review and I've been waiting for another since! When I saw this, I pre-ordered the audiobook and was not disappointed. This tale was as juicy and sordid as the last and the narration was wonderful. I love a good neighborhood drama.
June 8, 2024
You ever wanted to reach into a book and just smack some of the characters silly? Well, that's how I felt throughout most of this one.
Laurel has just had their second child, recovering from a c section, dealing with sleepless nights, and on top of it all is moving into a new home. Her husband Rob somehow manages to undermine her and belittle her every chance he gets. When Laurel tells Rob she's worried about the nosy next door neighbour, he calls her paranoid and refuses to acknowledge her feelings. He continuously makes Laurel feel like she is going crazy. The way I wanted to take a swing at that man is not healthy. Honestly, men in thrillers are the worst.
Meanwhile, the previous tenant of their new home, Corey, is dealing with a loss that has taken over her life. She swears someone else was to blame and is determined to put it right.
I really enjoyed this one, despite the fact that aside from a handful of characters, the rest were all incredibly unlikeable. I'd correctly predicted some of the twists, but it didn't take away from the story, as I sat with my heart in my throat, waiting for the worst to happen.
Another new to me author that I can't wait to read more from.
Laurel has just had their second child, recovering from a c section, dealing with sleepless nights, and on top of it all is moving into a new home. Her husband Rob somehow manages to undermine her and belittle her every chance he gets. When Laurel tells Rob she's worried about the nosy next door neighbour, he calls her paranoid and refuses to acknowledge her feelings. He continuously makes Laurel feel like she is going crazy. The way I wanted to take a swing at that man is not healthy. Honestly, men in thrillers are the worst.
Meanwhile, the previous tenant of their new home, Corey, is dealing with a loss that has taken over her life. She swears someone else was to blame and is determined to put it right.
I really enjoyed this one, despite the fact that aside from a handful of characters, the rest were all incredibly unlikeable. I'd correctly predicted some of the twists, but it didn't take away from the story, as I sat with my heart in my throat, waiting for the worst to happen.
Another new to me author that I can't wait to read more from.
May 16, 2024
Synopsis: Laurel and Rob West have just moved into a house on Cold Creek Lane. It is a beautiful home which had been languishing on the market due to a tragedy that occurred there. But Laurel doesn’t know anything about the history of the house. Corey Sutton used to live on Cold Creek Lane, until she lost her beloved daughter Frankie and her marriage imploded. Corey is still in the throes of deep grief and living in a Florida retirement community with her elderly mother, who wants her to get her life together and move on. If Laurel isn’t careful, history might repeat itself.
Thoughts: This domestic thriller pulled me right in and had me flipping pages like a mad woman! For much of the book, I was cursing Rob and screaming (in my head) at Laurel to grow a spine. When she finally does, the results are catastrophic and yet very satisfying. I appreciated the way the author takes society’s negative assumptions and stereotypes about older women, in the characters of Marian and Helen, and turns them upside down. If you are a fan of domestic thrillers with the trope of damaged and unreliable female characters, then you will love this!
Thoughts: This domestic thriller pulled me right in and had me flipping pages like a mad woman! For much of the book, I was cursing Rob and screaming (in my head) at Laurel to grow a spine. When she finally does, the results are catastrophic and yet very satisfying. I appreciated the way the author takes society’s negative assumptions and stereotypes about older women, in the characters of Marian and Helen, and turns them upside down. If you are a fan of domestic thrillers with the trope of damaged and unreliable female characters, then you will love this!
May 6, 2024
This was my first by this author, and definitely NOT my last.
I love a good disturbed book about suburbia. We NEVER know what goes on behind closed doors.
Rob West has bought a home in New Jersey without his wife Laurel seeing it. She is on bed rest as she is about to give birth. The house was a STEAL.
Neighbors are watching their children, and give them extra attention.
The other story line involves Corey Sutton who has ties to the area. She used to live in laurel and Rob's home.
What do these women have in common? What secrets are the neighbors harboring? As a mother some parts were hard to read.
The final twist created angst for me.
I love a good disturbed book about suburbia. We NEVER know what goes on behind closed doors.
Rob West has bought a home in New Jersey without his wife Laurel seeing it. She is on bed rest as she is about to give birth. The house was a STEAL.
Neighbors are watching their children, and give them extra attention.
The other story line involves Corey Sutton who has ties to the area. She used to live in laurel and Rob's home.
What do these women have in common? What secrets are the neighbors harboring? As a mother some parts were hard to read.
The final twist created angst for me.
July 19, 2024
4 stars
"No kids? No spouse? NO REGRETS!" is what readers may be thinking as they enjoy this disturbing (partially) domestic thriller!
Laurel's life isn't entirely distinct on its surface, but she's struggling. As a wife, mom of two, and new co-owner of the titular house on Cold Creek Lane, her life may even appear idyllic. However, the pressures of motherhood and the impending release of her mother's killer (!!!!) have her questioning reality and making wild choices.
While Laurel is having her own challenges, another character, Corey, has some unexpected connections to Laurel and troubles of her own. The emerging ties between the characters are a highlight of this read.
Novels like this make me consistently even more thrilled about my life choices, and other people's problems are a nice break from the realities of our own. While many elements of this novel feel expected, there are some absolutely solid twists, along with an ending I found quite satisfying, that knock this read up a few notches in my estimation.
Domestic life many not always be bliss, but we can all find some joy in an escape like this.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
"No kids? No spouse? NO REGRETS!" is what readers may be thinking as they enjoy this disturbing (partially) domestic thriller!
Laurel's life isn't entirely distinct on its surface, but she's struggling. As a wife, mom of two, and new co-owner of the titular house on Cold Creek Lane, her life may even appear idyllic. However, the pressures of motherhood and the impending release of her mother's killer (!!!!) have her questioning reality and making wild choices.
While Laurel is having her own challenges, another character, Corey, has some unexpected connections to Laurel and troubles of her own. The emerging ties between the characters are a highlight of this read.
Novels like this make me consistently even more thrilled about my life choices, and other people's problems are a nice break from the realities of our own. While many elements of this novel feel expected, there are some absolutely solid twists, along with an ending I found quite satisfying, that knock this read up a few notches in my estimation.
Domestic life many not always be bliss, but we can all find some joy in an escape like this.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 8, 2024
I hadn’t intended to read a domestic thriller at this time, I’d just finished one, but this was such a good one! Well developed plot and characters, believable questioning. The characters weren’t totally unlikable, I felt empathy for almost all of them. The emotional traumas made this a heart wrenching read. I’ll gladly read the author’s next book, very well written and had me turning the pages from start to finish!
Full post on Instagram @on_a_sandbar
Full post on Instagram @on_a_sandbar
July 26, 2024
This book is a character-driven, suspenseful, and twisted tale that's perfect for a single sitting because it has that devourable quality. Laurel's struggles with motherhood come across as real. I'm sure mothers out there who struggled with a pair of young children will feel for her. I liked the addition of the creepy neighbor paying way too close attention to her kids, and the husband being so dismissive and genuinely unlikeable. Then you add in Corey's perspective with her emotional struggles, and the connection between the two women that you're waiting to see play out. I would definitely recommend this one for fans of domestic suspense and thrillers.
August 6, 2024
A suspenseful, multiple POV domestic thriller with lots of twists I didn't see coming and a fairly shocking ending. Stay at home mom, Lauren is finding it hard to fit into her new neighborhood especially with a newborn at home, a demanding toddler and a mostly absent husband. When she makes friends with the one woman she thinks she can trust things take a turn for the worse. Great on audio with dual narration and definitely recommended for fans of authors like Shari Lapena or Mary Kubica. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2024
✨WOAH! This was a fantastic read and should be at the top of every domestic suspense lover’s list! I’ll wait while you go add it to your TBR.
✨Oh good, you’re back. I need to tell you that this book was absolutely addictive. It grabbed my attention from the beginning, and I absolutely could not look away.
✨The cast of characters was expertly written – and with the exception of one or two, they were all utterly unlikeable. Infuriatingly so. And yet, they were written in such a way that their unlikability only served to enhance the storytelling. Instead of a disconnect, I was glued to the pages (so to speak , as this was an audiobook.)
✨This was so fast-paced, and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how it would all come together – and boy does it ever come together at the end!
🌿Read if you like:
✨Domestic suspense
✨Suburban settings
✨Unlikeable characters
✨Neighborhood drama
✨Stories of motherhood
✨Family dynamics
✨Grief narratives
🎧The audiobook was narrated by Emily Ellet @emilyellet and Gail Shalan @grshalan. They both did such a fantastic job, and this was an excellent audiobook reading experience.
✨Oh good, you’re back. I need to tell you that this book was absolutely addictive. It grabbed my attention from the beginning, and I absolutely could not look away.
✨The cast of characters was expertly written – and with the exception of one or two, they were all utterly unlikeable. Infuriatingly so. And yet, they were written in such a way that their unlikability only served to enhance the storytelling. Instead of a disconnect, I was glued to the pages (so to speak , as this was an audiobook.)
✨This was so fast-paced, and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how it would all come together – and boy does it ever come together at the end!
🌿Read if you like:
✨Domestic suspense
✨Suburban settings
✨Unlikeable characters
✨Neighborhood drama
✨Stories of motherhood
✨Family dynamics
✨Grief narratives
🎧The audiobook was narrated by Emily Ellet @emilyellet and Gail Shalan @grshalan. They both did such a fantastic job, and this was an excellent audiobook reading experience.
August 8, 2024
4.5 stars.
I appreciate that this books main tagline was about motherhood, but there was so much more to the book. I didn't feel like motherhood was being crammed down my throat, and that is so hard to find in these 'motherhood domestic thrillers'. I hated the husband, hated his family, and hated that the main character really had no one except her kids. Plus everyone was trying to make her seem unstable, but she knew herself enough to realize they were all wrong.
I appreciate that this books main tagline was about motherhood, but there was so much more to the book. I didn't feel like motherhood was being crammed down my throat, and that is so hard to find in these 'motherhood domestic thrillers'. I hated the husband, hated his family, and hated that the main character really had no one except her kids. Plus everyone was trying to make her seem unstable, but she knew herself enough to realize they were all wrong.
August 9, 2024
Review to come
July 30, 2024
This book was exactly what I needed in this moment. After coming off of a run of several “ok” books, I was thrilled to have one that I absolutely loved and devoured! Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy of this fantastic book!
This multiple POV book tells the story of Laurel, mom of two young children and wife to Rob. And Corey, a grieving mother who lost her daughter and is trying to navigate her new life full of heartache and pain.
Rob purchases a new family home, while Laurel is in the throes of having a baby and caring for a toddler. Laurel is a bit hesitant being as she’s moving into this home, site unseen and knowing nothing about it. Their purchase of the home seems to be too good to be true. Which is possibly why Laurel seems a bit apprehensive to settle in comfortably.
With a nosy neighbor giving her unsolicited advice and stepping in to help with the children, even though it’s unwanted and her husband critiquing her every move with her toddler and new born, Laurel tries her best to be a great mother despite the scrutiny. Thankfully, she’s made a great friend in Nina, a new neighbor who just seems to get what Laurel is going through.
Corey, the grieving mother who is now living unwanted in her mother’s retirement community, appears to have lost her mind as she’s nosing around the neighborhood that she promised she wouldn’t return to. Stealing items that remind her of her little girl who was lost in a tragic accident. With the sympathy of people who understand grief, she is encouraged to join a support group, recover and figure out her new life. She meets someone and seems to build a connection. Can she turn her life around and start again? Or has the loss of her daughter too big for her to recover from?
While Laurel and Corey are complete strangers, they have a tie that binds them. And if they aren’t careful, it may affect everyone they both come into contact with. Watch out, you never know who you can trust on Cold Creek Lane.
This multiple POV book tells the story of Laurel, mom of two young children and wife to Rob. And Corey, a grieving mother who lost her daughter and is trying to navigate her new life full of heartache and pain.
Rob purchases a new family home, while Laurel is in the throes of having a baby and caring for a toddler. Laurel is a bit hesitant being as she’s moving into this home, site unseen and knowing nothing about it. Their purchase of the home seems to be too good to be true. Which is possibly why Laurel seems a bit apprehensive to settle in comfortably.
With a nosy neighbor giving her unsolicited advice and stepping in to help with the children, even though it’s unwanted and her husband critiquing her every move with her toddler and new born, Laurel tries her best to be a great mother despite the scrutiny. Thankfully, she’s made a great friend in Nina, a new neighbor who just seems to get what Laurel is going through.
Corey, the grieving mother who is now living unwanted in her mother’s retirement community, appears to have lost her mind as she’s nosing around the neighborhood that she promised she wouldn’t return to. Stealing items that remind her of her little girl who was lost in a tragic accident. With the sympathy of people who understand grief, she is encouraged to join a support group, recover and figure out her new life. She meets someone and seems to build a connection. Can she turn her life around and start again? Or has the loss of her daughter too big for her to recover from?
While Laurel and Corey are complete strangers, they have a tie that binds them. And if they aren’t careful, it may affect everyone they both come into contact with. Watch out, you never know who you can trust on Cold Creek Lane.
May 13, 2024
The House on Cold Creek Lane is a dark thriller about motherhood, grief and loss, and the lengths we will go to protect our own. Told in dual points of view, it was a quick read that made my anxiety spike and kept me flipping pages.
I was so angry for Laurel and frustrated that her husband Rob kept undermining and belittling her. So much falls on a mom's shoulders and I could feel Laurel's burdens through the pages. She so desperately wanted to make her family happy and to just be enough and it was at times heartbreaking to read.
Corey's grief also emanated from this novel. I couldn't fathom the loss she had endured and her anger and devastation were palpable.
Though I found the novel fairly predictable, I did really enjoy the story and the writing was excellent. The characters were well developed, easy to relate to, and some were really fun to dislike!
This is a quick read and definitely one I recommend!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Severn House, and NetGalley for the copy.
I was so angry for Laurel and frustrated that her husband Rob kept undermining and belittling her. So much falls on a mom's shoulders and I could feel Laurel's burdens through the pages. She so desperately wanted to make her family happy and to just be enough and it was at times heartbreaking to read.
Corey's grief also emanated from this novel. I couldn't fathom the loss she had endured and her anger and devastation were palpable.
Though I found the novel fairly predictable, I did really enjoy the story and the writing was excellent. The characters were well developed, easy to relate to, and some were really fun to dislike!
This is a quick read and definitely one I recommend!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Severn House, and NetGalley for the copy.
July 28, 2024
The House on Cold Creek Lane by Liz Alterman. Thanks to the author for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Laurel and Rob’s new home and neighborhood seem to good to be true. Laurel feels there’s something about the home no one’s telling her and there’s a neighbor taking too much interest in her family.
This is the perfect summer suburban thriller! I did figure out one of the twists early on but enough was left until the end that it did not affect my enjoyment at all. There was a tragic backstory that was the basis of the plot but the full story was not revealed until the end. The story follows two women who are emotionally breaking down in different ways, with different results. There are some seriously unlikeable characters. This is a hard book to put down!
“That’s the thing about choices, you don’t know which will be the one that blows your world apart until you’re trying to piece it back together.”
The House on Cold Creek Lane comes out 8/3.
Laurel and Rob’s new home and neighborhood seem to good to be true. Laurel feels there’s something about the home no one’s telling her and there’s a neighbor taking too much interest in her family.
This is the perfect summer suburban thriller! I did figure out one of the twists early on but enough was left until the end that it did not affect my enjoyment at all. There was a tragic backstory that was the basis of the plot but the full story was not revealed until the end. The story follows two women who are emotionally breaking down in different ways, with different results. There are some seriously unlikeable characters. This is a hard book to put down!
“That’s the thing about choices, you don’t know which will be the one that blows your world apart until you’re trying to piece it back together.”
The House on Cold Creek Lane comes out 8/3.
May 3, 2024
I’m kind of meh on this one.
While it’s entertaining, it’s also predictable. I knew exactly who was behind things very early in the book and nothing ever happened to make me wonder if I was right or wrong.
Most of our characters are objectionable and all of them do things that make no sense.
I found myself frustrated with our main character and a bit frustrated with the story itself when the only truly interesting plot line seemed to disappear with a whimper.
It’s readable, but kind of in the low-salt popcorn kind of way. What I actually wanted was something more indulgent.
• ARC via Publisher
While it’s entertaining, it’s also predictable. I knew exactly who was behind things very early in the book and nothing ever happened to make me wonder if I was right or wrong.
Most of our characters are objectionable and all of them do things that make no sense.
I found myself frustrated with our main character and a bit frustrated with the story itself when the only truly interesting plot line seemed to disappear with a whimper.
It’s readable, but kind of in the low-salt popcorn kind of way. What I actually wanted was something more indulgent.
• ARC via Publisher
August 10, 2024
This didn’t do much for me. Part of it may have been the audio - the voice for the kid was super annoying. It was also predictable.
July 24, 2024
The House on Cold Creek Lane by Liz Alterman and narrated by Emily Ellet; Gail Shalan is a stunner of a psycholgical thriller that had me guessing throughout.
The narrators both did an incredible job, creating characters that were equally relatable and haunting (and in the case of little Jasper, oh my crikey, toddler to a t!)
Following the birth of their second child, Poppy, Laurel and Rob West move to COld Creek Lane with their toddler Jasper. Laurel suffered the loss of her mother at a young age, she was shot at her job in the bank. Laurel has never quite been able to see the positive side of life since, something that her "Every day is sunshine" husband berates her for. As a quick note, Rob and his family really irked me, especially his sister, but I digress. Laurel is suspicious of how they could have got the house so cheap, but as ever, Rob is elusive on the facts, she worries too much he says focus on this or that. By eckers he grated me the wrong way and that shows just how good the writing is!
The beauty of this audiobook is that it is dual pov, the second character being Corey West, the previous inhaitant of the house, the mother whose daughter drowned in the creek at the bottom of her garden, an accident which she is convinced was no accident
The characters each play a definitive role that builds an intricate framework of deception and lies. Who can Laurel trust around her family?
Absolutely 100% recommend this audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, the author Liz Alterman and narrators for this awesome ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
The narrators both did an incredible job, creating characters that were equally relatable and haunting (and in the case of little Jasper, oh my crikey, toddler to a t!)
Following the birth of their second child, Poppy, Laurel and Rob West move to COld Creek Lane with their toddler Jasper. Laurel suffered the loss of her mother at a young age, she was shot at her job in the bank. Laurel has never quite been able to see the positive side of life since, something that her "Every day is sunshine" husband berates her for. As a quick note, Rob and his family really irked me, especially his sister, but I digress. Laurel is suspicious of how they could have got the house so cheap, but as ever, Rob is elusive on the facts, she worries too much he says focus on this or that. By eckers he grated me the wrong way and that shows just how good the writing is!
The beauty of this audiobook is that it is dual pov, the second character being Corey West, the previous inhaitant of the house, the mother whose daughter drowned in the creek at the bottom of her garden, an accident which she is convinced was no accident
The characters each play a definitive role that builds an intricate framework of deception and lies. Who can Laurel trust around her family?
Absolutely 100% recommend this audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, the author Liz Alterman and narrators for this awesome ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
July 9, 2024
Alterman’s newest is every bit as good as her debut, and I am HERE FOR IT! Her true gift is riding the line between good and bad behavior. Squint one way and a neighbor is helpful; squint another, they’re out for blood. Squint one way and a husband knows what’s best for his wife; squint another, and he’s controlling and domineering. It’s only as you go deeper into their motivations and reasonings that you begin to understand the characters for who they really are, which is not always the same as who other people think they are, or even who they themselves think they are. I love love love this kind of complication. Add in women pushed to the limit who find their strength one way or another, and I am SOLD.
So if you’re looking for:
🏡 Suburban drama
👯♂️ Complicated relationships
🏋️♀️ Strong women
🕵️♀️ Past secrets
👥 Two povs
🍤 Deadly allergies
This should be your next read!
So if you’re looking for:
🏡 Suburban drama
👯♂️ Complicated relationships
🏋️♀️ Strong women
🕵️♀️ Past secrets
👥 Two povs
🍤 Deadly allergies
This should be your next read!
August 6, 2024
Laurel and Rob West have just moved into their dream home, but Laurel doesn’t know about the tragedy that happened there with the previous owners. She doesn’t have a good feeling about things and she’s suspicious of some of the neighbors. Corey Sutton used to live in the house on Cold Creek Lane until her daughter drowned in the creek and her marriage imploded. Lost and grieving, Corey decides she won’t let the same thing happen to the new residents that happened to her.
This domestic thriller was gripping and suspenseful and I couldn���t put it down. I enjoyed the writing and the dual perspectives of Laurel and Corey. None of the characters were particularly likable, but I still wanted to know how things would turn out. There were times that I wanted to shake Laurel and tell her to get a spine. Her husband, Rob, was awful. Just awful. And the neighbors were just a bit much for me to deal with at times.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Emily Ellet and Gail Shalan did a great job narrating this story. They each did amazing with telling their character’s story and were the perfect choices for this audiobook.
This book was a bit of a slow burn, and although I was able to figure out some of the major twists, it was an enjoyable thriller that had me hooked. It’s no wonder everyone at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse has been raving about it!
Thank you Severn House, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
This domestic thriller was gripping and suspenseful and I couldn���t put it down. I enjoyed the writing and the dual perspectives of Laurel and Corey. None of the characters were particularly likable, but I still wanted to know how things would turn out. There were times that I wanted to shake Laurel and tell her to get a spine. Her husband, Rob, was awful. Just awful. And the neighbors were just a bit much for me to deal with at times.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Emily Ellet and Gail Shalan did a great job narrating this story. They each did amazing with telling their character’s story and were the perfect choices for this audiobook.
This book was a bit of a slow burn, and although I was able to figure out some of the major twists, it was an enjoyable thriller that had me hooked. It’s no wonder everyone at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse has been raving about it!
Thank you Severn House, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
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August 19, 2024The House on Cold creek Lane by Liz Alterman
The House on Cold Creek Lane has this undertone of something sinister and I was hooked from page one. The narration was fantastic too!
So Laurel and her family move into a new home. Little does she know what transpired at the house before she bought it. Something tragic happened there and now Laurel can feel something lurking in the shadows.
The book comes from POV from Laurel the new owner of the house and Corey. Corey lives with her mother after the loss of her daughter.
The book is loaded with family drama and unreliable characters and I loved being so wrong footed. It was moderately paced which worked for the book and I enjoyed the suspense. It will lead you on a merry chase in circles before it blows your mind!
If you love thrillers, add this one to your TBR
4 stars
The House on Cold Creek Lane has this undertone of something sinister and I was hooked from page one. The narration was fantastic too!
So Laurel and her family move into a new home. Little does she know what transpired at the house before she bought it. Something tragic happened there and now Laurel can feel something lurking in the shadows.
The book comes from POV from Laurel the new owner of the house and Corey. Corey lives with her mother after the loss of her daughter.
The book is loaded with family drama and unreliable characters and I loved being so wrong footed. It was moderately paced which worked for the book and I enjoyed the suspense. It will lead you on a merry chase in circles before it blows your mind!
If you love thrillers, add this one to your TBR
4 stars
July 18, 2024
This was a quick domestic suspense read. Told from the perspectives of two young mothers, the story touched on motherhood, loss, and coming to terms with past trauma. The pacing kept my interest and there were some twists and turns. Having read a lot of thrillers, I figured out who the villain was midway through and saw some of the twists coming but I did enjoy how the plot unfolded. One part of the ending even caught me by surprise!
This quick, easy to read suspense novel is one that I think readers new to the domestic suspense genre will enjoy.
Thanks to Severn House for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
This quick, easy to read suspense novel is one that I think readers new to the domestic suspense genre will enjoy.
Thanks to Severn House for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
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