Anne and Marco Conti appear to have an ideal life—a beautiful home, successful careers, and a new baby, Cora. However, beneath this facade, Anne struggles with postpartum depression and insecurity, while Marco grapples with financial problems and a deteriorating marriage. One evening, they attend a dinner party at their neighbors’ house, Cynthia and Graham, leaving Cora asleep at home. Despite initial reluctance, they decide to leave their baby unattended, checking on her every half hour. However, when they return home after the party, they are met with their worst nightmare—Cora is gone.

The police, led by Detective Rasbach, launch an investigation, quickly uncovering inconsistencies in Anne and Marco’s statements. Suspicion falls on both parents, particularly as details emerge about their personal struggles. The case takes a complicated turn when it is revealed that Marco’s business is failing, and he had recently approached Anne’s wealthy parents for financial help. Anne’s mother, Alice, detests Marco and is unwilling to offer support, adding tension to their already strained relationship.

As the investigation progresses, it is revealed that Cora’s kidnapping was not a random act but a carefully orchestrated crime. Marco, desperate to save his business, had secretly conspired with a shady associate to stage the kidnapping, planning to demand ransom from Anne’s parents. However, the plan spiraled out of control when his accomplice betrayed him, taking Cora for himself. Marco, consumed by guilt, confesses to Anne, leading to a devastating rift in their marriage.

Meanwhile, Detective Rasbach remains skeptical of Anne’s involvement. As he delves deeper, Anne’s suppressed memories and mental instability come to light. Flashbacks reveal a childhood marked by psychological trauma, raising the possibility that she may have harmed Cora in a dissociative episode. However, as more clues surface, the real mastermind behind the kidnapping is uncovered—Anne’s own father, Richard. He orchestrated the crime to manipulate Marco and ultimately gain control over Anne’s trust fund. The shocking revelation shatters Anne, leaving her grappling with betrayal on all fronts.

In a tense climax, the police recover Cora, arresting Richard and Marco’s associate. However, the trauma leaves Anne irreparably broken. As she struggles to comprehend the nightmare she endured, she takes a drastic action in a moment of emotional turmoil, violently confronting Marco. The novel ends on a chilling note, leaving readers questioning the true depth of Anne’s psychological scars.

Shari Lapena weaves a fast-paced, nerve-wracking thriller that explores themes of trust, deception, and the dark secrets people hide behind closed doors. The Couple Next Door is a heart-pounding read that keeps readers hooked until its shocking conclusion.