⭐⭐⭐⭐
Other People’s Houses turned out to be a great way to stumble into a series. This was my first time reading a DC Morgan novel, and I’m officially in—now I want to read the rest.
Set in a glossy UK suburb where everyone appears successful, the story peels back the carefully curated lives of neighbors who are desperate to keep up appearances. When a wealthy couple is murdered in their pristine home, the investigation exposes tangled relationships, financial secrets, and resentments that have been quietly festering for years. Mackintosh does a nice job juggling multiple perspectives, keeping you guessing about who’s lying, who’s hiding something, and who’s capable of crossing the line.
The characters are a real strength, especially DC Morgan, who anchors the story with grit and humanity. Everyone here has something to lose, and watching those secrets unravel is half the fun. I also appreciated the setting—this was my first time reading a novel partially set in Wales, which added a fresh sense of place and atmosphere. It feels real and lived-in, not postcard-pretty.
This isn’t a breakneck thriller, and that works in its favor. The tension builds steadily, the social commentary is sharp without being preachy, and while the pacing sags in spots, the payoff is satisfying. For you audiophiles, the narration by Joe Eyre, Chloe Angharad Davies, and Penelope Rawlins is excellent.
A clever, quietly menacing read where the real danger lives next door—and smiles at you over the hedge.
** Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Highbridge Audio for copies of the eBook and audiobook. Opinions are my own.