The Neighbour ★★★ Fiona Cummins, Pan Macmillan, R290

It’s action a go go from the first page. As soon as the Lockwoods move into a lovely big house — which comes cheap because so far there have been five murders in the neighbourhood, another body is found in the woods near their home. This time it’s a police officer. His wife (also a detective) is committed to finding the murderer. But everyone in The Avenue is a suspect as they are all hiding secrets — even her husband. Not top shelf by any means, but its short chapters, creepy cast of neighbours and fast pacing make it a worthwhile cosy mystery.