The Couple Next Door

Author - Shari Lapena

Anne and Marco’s baby disappears while they attend a dinner party next door. As the investigation unfolds, shocking secrets come to light, revealing that no one can be trusted—not even those closest to you.

Genre - Thriller

Notes: The Couple Next Door

• • Anne and Marco are a young couple with a baby named Cora.
• • They live in a nice, safe neighborhood.
• • Anne suffers from postpartum depression and anxiety.
• • She feels overwhelmed and often struggles to cope with motherhood.
• • Marco works long hours and is often away.
• • Anne feels isolated and alone, especially at night.
• • One evening, Anne and Marco are invited to a dinner party next door.
• • Their neighbors are the wealthy and seemingly perfect Ciminos.
• • Anne is reluctant to leave Cora alone, but Marco insists.
• • They agree to check on Cora frequently.
• • Anne drinks more than she usually does at the party.
• • She becomes very drunk and eventually falls asleep.
• • Marco also drinks and is somewhat inebriated.
• • They eventually leave the party and go back to their house.
• • They realize they forgot to check on Cora.
• • They rush to Cora's room and find the crib empty.
• • Cora is gone, she has been taken.
• • Panic and terror set in immediately.
• • They call the police, and the investigation begins.
• • Detective Rasbach is assigned to the case.
• • The police start questioning the couple and neighbors.
• • Anne's past struggles with mental health become a focus.
• • People start to doubt Anne's story and her capabilities as a mother.
• • Marco's business dealings and potential financial problems are explored.
• • The Ciminos, their neighbors, also come under scrutiny.
• • Anne and Marco's relationship begins to fray under the pressure.
• • They start to suspect each other.
• • Secrets and lies begin to surface.
• • Anne discovers Marco has been gambling away their savings.
• • Marco admits to having an affair.
• • The police find evidence that suggests Anne might have a role in Cora's disappearance.
• • Anne is arrested and questioned intensely.
• • The media sensationalizes the story, painting Anne as a neglectful mother.
• • Marco tries to get Anne out of jail, but his own secrets complicate things.
• • The pressure on the couple is immense.
• • A key piece of evidence is found – a note.
• • The note points to a different suspect or motive.
• • It's revealed that Cora was not taken by a stranger.
• • The kidnapping was orchestrated by someone close.
• • The motive is related to money and revenge.
• • The Ciminos are revealed to have a hidden agenda.
• • Their son, Dylan, is also involved.
• • Dylan had a relationship with Anne years ago.
• • He felt scorned and wanted revenge.
• • The Ciminos were aware and complicit, wanting to hurt Anne and Marco.
• • Cora is found safe in the Ciminos' basement.
• • The Ciminos and Dylan are arrested.
• • Anne is cleared of any wrongdoing.
• • The ordeal has deeply scarred Anne and Marco.
• • Their relationship is forever changed by the secrets and trauma.
• • They are left to rebuild their lives and their trust.