Why THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR is the Book You Can’t Put Down
This week’s Igloo Book Buzz is a clear candidate for “most buzzed about book of the summer” honors. THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR by Shari Lapena, on sale Tuesday (8/23), has generated wild enthusiasm from every corner. Pamela Dorman, Vice President, Publisher, Pamela Dorman Books, recalls, “When (Viking President & Publisher) Brian Tart handed me Shari Lapena’s THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, he told me that once I read the first chapter, I wouldn’t be able to put it down. He was right. I read straight through, on my commute, when I got home, when I got up at 5 am to finish it before work. It’s absolutely compulsive and the twists never stop. I think that’s what distinguishes Shari’s work from so many other suspense novels. She can plot like nobody’s business. And clearly, we weren’t alone in thinking so—some of the best writers in the business have raved about THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR. Best of all, Shari is already at work on her second novel, which is just what an editor hopes when you discover a commercial talent like Shari Lapena. “
“I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to be a Pamela Dorman Books/Viking author,” says Ms. Lapena. “I grew up reading Penguins in softcover (didn’t everyone?) and it’s a dream come true to now be part of Penguin Random House. I feel a bit like Cinderella must have felt, toiling in rags, until plucked from obscurity by her fairy godmother, (in my case, my agent, Helen Heller) and swept into a glamorous existence where all her dreams come true. In my case that means having a book come out with all the excitement, expertise, and enthusiasm that I’ve enjoyed at Viking.”
Pondering the origins of her book and its path to publication, Ms. Lapena says, “When I first sat down to write THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, I wrote it for myself. I knew I could write a book, but I wanted to see if I could write a thriller. I had no idea that the book would resonate with so many people. I owe so much to the people at Viking, especially Brian Tart, who so quickly recognized the strength of the book—which was soon affirmed by strong interest from so many other places. But it was Viking that showed interest first, and I am so glad to be at Viking, where everything from editorial to marketing and publicity is absolutely first rate!”
Here are some of the raves from among the chorus of A-level authors:
“I read this novel at one sitting absolutely riveted by the storyline. The suspense was beautifully rendered and unrelenting!” —Sue Grafton
“Meticulously crafted and razor-sharp. THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR lingers long after you turn the final page.” —Harlan Coben
“Shari Lapena has written a stunning debut thriller. Turn on the night lights and lock all your doors and windows. THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR grabs you with each twist and shocks you with every betrayal.” —Linda Fairstein
“A twisty, utterly riveting tale that will send readers on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions. Shocking revelations kept me turning the pages like a madwoman.” —Tess Gerritsen
“Real men read women writers – because of books like this. Trust me.”—Lee Child