Neighborhood Watch by Author Kevin Patrick Kenealy is a slow burn tale that tells the story of the Casey family who move into Ridgeport, an affluent area with a seemingly zero crime rating. Soon after the family’s arrival they are provided with a book full of rules and conditions that all citizens must abide by in order to live in this happy and seemingly peaceful neighbourhood. The consequences of breaking such rules however become all too clear, and appearances are certainly deceiving, as the Casey’s are drawn into the Neighborhood Watch committee and the influence of its matriarch, Sue Ellen Norris.
With a feel of the ‘Stepford Wives’ which the author also makes reference to, Neighborhood Watch builds the tension and drama nicely throughout. The pace is good, bearing in mind the author’s intent to slowly lead up to its exciting and dramatic finale, which also paves the way for a potential sequel. The characters are an interesting mix and easy for the reader to relate and connect to in the story, and the dialogue is credible. There were no significant issues that detracted from the story, although the author does need to address the formatting of the book, in regards to the print margins and chapter headings.
My only critique is in relation to the plot, and that there was a thread in the story, which I felt the author had not fully satisfied. It was alluded to a suspicion, that a key characters death was not of natural causes or accidental, but this statement was then felt to be left hanging in the air. The reader to make up their own mind around the circumstances. In doing so it just raised more questions for me, of the how and why, and created some frustration. I will state that despite this particular element, it was overall an enjoyable, and thrilling read. I therefore award, Neighborhood Watch, 4 stars.
