Written by: Liz Alterman
Thanks so much to Randi for allowing me to share the first chapter of my suspense novel, The Perfect Neighborhood. Chapter one was probably my favorite to write because it uses dialogue to establish both the tone and the setting.
Readers (or listeners, for those who watch the YouTube video ) know almost instantly that they’ve entered a world where neighbors are keeping a close eye on one another. Through their voices, we learn that one of the main characters, Allison Langley, has left her husband in the middle of the night, sparking a flood of speculation within the Oak Hill community. Neighbors wonder if this “perfect” couple can’t make it, how can anyone?
But, weeks later, when Billy Barnes goes missing on his walk home from kindergarten, residents realize they’ve been focused on the wrong things, especially as they worry about how long a possible predator has been lurking among them.
The idea for this novel came to me in a dream. I woke up with the beginning and ending in mind and then had to painstakingly develop the middle. I wrote and revised most of this story during the pandemic, and having a project to return to throughout that time really kept me sane (when the writing itself wasn’t driving me crazy 🙂 ).
Having the opportunity to read this chapter for Readers Intrigue reminded me what a true skill it is to narrate audiobooks and it made me grateful once again for the wonderful cast who voiced the audiobook production of The Perfect Neighborhood.
If you choose to purchase it or pick it up at the library, thank you so much. I hope you enjoy it!
To learn more about me or my work, please visit lizalterman.com. I’m happy to pop in to book clubs via Zoom to say ‘Hi!” Happy reading!
Get Liz’s book here (affiliate link)
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