🏠 Book Review: The Neighbor by Dean Koontz (Kindle Single Edition)
A suspenseful, atmospheric short story that blends childhood curiosity with creeping dread—Dean Koontz delivers a compact thriller that serves as a prequel to his novel The City, offering a glimpse into the strange and unsettling world next door.
🧠 Overview
Published in January 2014, The Neighbor is a 33-page Kindle Single by bestselling author Dean Koontz, set in 1967 and centered on twelve-year-old Malcolm Pomerantz and his older sister Amalia. Living in a dysfunctional household, the siblings find solace in each other and their shared love of music. But when a mysterious new neighbor moves into the house next door—once owned by the reclusive Rupert Clockenwall—their quiet lives take a sinister turn.
As strange noises and flickering lights disturb the night, Malcolm’s curiosity leads them into a chilling mystery that tests their bond and their courage.
✨ Key Themes & Highlights
- 🧒 Sibling bond: Malcolm and Amalia’s relationship is the emotional core of the story, offering warmth amid the growing tension
- 🕯️ Suburban unease: The quiet neighborhood setting becomes increasingly eerie as supernatural hints emerge
- 🎷 Musical motif: Their love for Big Band music and instruments adds depth and contrast to the suspense
- 🚪 Mystery next door: The new neighbor’s secretive behavior and the house’s dark history build a slow-burning sense of dread
“Even the troubled Pomerantz household will seem to be a haven compared to the house next door, after an enigmatic and very secretive new neighbor takes up residence in the darkest hours of the night.” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.90/5 from over 10,000 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s atmosphere, tight pacing, and emotional resonance
- 🧾 Some note that it feels like a teaser for The City, but still works as a standalone tale
- 💬 “A short but satisfying read… Koontz captures the innocence of childhood and the creeping fear of the unknown.” — New Book Recommendation review
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 33 pages, it’s a quick read—best enjoyed as a mood piece or character sketch
- 📚 Prequel status: While it stands alone, readers familiar with The City may appreciate deeper context
- 🧾 Subtle horror: The story leans more on suspense and psychological unease than overt supernatural action
🏁 Final Verdict
The Neighbor is a moody and evocative short story that showcases Dean Koontz’s talent for blending emotional depth with creeping suspense. With its nostalgic setting, strong sibling dynamic, and eerie mystery, it’s a perfect bite-sized thriller for fans of quiet horror and character-driven storytelling.
