Book Review: The Good Suburb – Angela Gould

First time author from Hemel Hempstead, Angela Gould writes an enticing and enthralling novel called The Good Suburb, taking readers on a fast paced journey of unpredictable turns and twists while balancing the responsibility of family and keeping them safe, at all costs!

The Good Suburb by Angela Gould is a gripping thriller that follows Andrea Mitchell, a former MI5 analyst, as she moves with her family of twin girls – Sophie and Alice and her husband – Greg, to a seemingly quiet American town. But from the very first chapter opening with ‘The Dead Body,’ found at the girls’ school, Andrea’s search for a peaceful life is shattered. What begins as an ordinary suburban relocation quickly spirals into a web of corruption and danger as Spring Town is not what it seems to be

Thrown into the unfamiliar world of American school mums and playdates, Andrea soon uncovers unsettling truths about the town of Spring Town. She attempts to catch herself up to speed with the occurrences of the town, that no one seems to be addressing, whilst also dealing with her two girls keep her on her toes, with their unhinged yet fascinating questions and conversations about evolution, food babies, sea animals and just about anything else you can think of!

As the town's darkness begins to unravel, Andrea is reluctantly pulled into working with the local police, particularly missing persons expert Natalie Bellino, and begins to unravel a terrifying drug operation involving children. Her MI5 skills make her sharp and methodical, but the case proves more complex and dangerous than she could ever imagine and far beyond the capability of a former analyst. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes the terrifying reach of the operation, and that the stakes are higher than she could have ever imagined. Trust becomes scarce, and as Andrea gets closer to the truth, the line between ally and enemy begins to blur.

Andrea’s character is the perfect mix of intellect and practicality to navigate the increasingly complex situation she finds herself in. She’s sharp and resourceful - traits that are invaluable as she works to uncover the sinister forces at play in the town. She gains the help of newly found friends whose expertise are essential to the case at hand and add depth to the story. Some are helpful allies, while others seem to have hidden agendas, keeping the reader guessing and on the edge of their seats.

The Good Suburb also explores the emotional complexity of Andrea’s relationships, especially with her distant husband, as the stresses of their move and the mysteries of the town pull them further apart. Andrea’s journey of self-worth and realizing what she truly deserves adds an emotional layer to the intense plot, encouraging readers to be compassionate and understanding to human character.

The novel’s strength lies in its unpredictability. The pace is relentless, and the stakes constantly rise, making it impossible to put the book down. While the story’s multiple twists can feel overwhelming at times, Gould’s rich character development and fast-paced action make this a thoroughly engaging read. Fans of suspenseful thrillers with unexpected turns will find The Good Suburb a captivating ride from start to finish.

Find the novel here: https://olympiapublishers.com/book/the-good-suburb