The Girl Next Door

I read this book in under a night. I wouldn't say that i am a real horror buff and have only recently started exploring the genre. After purchasing this book, i read some of the reviews and thought "oh no what have i done" decided to read and thought if it got too bad, ill just stop reading.Not at any point did this book get too extreme to read. Yes it is an extreme subject but the way it is written and addressed is not distressing to the reader. The book is much more about the boy's struggle with what is going on. While the subject matter is generally disturbing, not once are the actual acts described vividly, i have read more distressing discriptions of heinous acts in Karin Slaughter novels.Amazingly written book, and can understand with the basis for the book coming from a true story why people are negative, but not once did this book make me want to stop reading. I think the reader should just be prepared for what you know the book is about.

Im actually torn with how I feel with this book, I feel on one hand it sensationalizes and exploits a horrific abusive short life of such a beautiful child. On the other hand it brings it to the forefront and makes us feel real emotions at the cruelty involved and you genuinely cannot put this book down.Jack Ketchum changed some of the characters but followed the true story in some parts. Its written from David Moran's perspective as a fictitious neighbor who is now much older and witnessed these disturbing events. Ketchum describes in graphic detail what these events may have been like from the point of view of one child (David Moran).The Chandler house becomes the neighborhood hangout for the local kids and David takes a genuine liking to Megan as she's a spunky lively fun child.But the Ruth Chandler starts to take a dislike to Megan beginning at simply verbal abuse escalating to harsh discipline, cruelty and extreme torture at her hands and of Ruth's own children who happily joined in with the tormenting; often including Megan's disabled sister in the punishment. She convinced her own children that Megan was dirty and deserved her punishments and eventually they became so extreme it led to her death.This book shows the true horror by using some facts of what actually happened. There actually isn't a full plot as its true-life and there is no explanation to Ruth's increasing madness and cruelty towards Megan. Her children became actively involved and take real enjoyment at being violent towards the two girls and often came up with more and more disturbing ways to torture them.This book is horrific and extremely sadistic and not for the feint hearted, it will break your heart to know that this was based on a true story NOT a completely fictional book...it...really....happened, this child and her sister suffered unspeakable cruelty so you need to decide for yourself whether you wish to read this.But reviewing as a book and storyline it was extremely well written with powerful characters that you genuinely care for or despicably hate. Its a highly emotional read especially as we start to see Meg gradually accept and give up as her captors think up more gruesome, sick ways to torture her.Ketchum shows David showing small acts of kindness and does indeed try to help her near the end, but it was too late and it did frustrate me how he was slightly fascinated by her teenage body with his own sexual awakening and believes he was in love with her, but cannot decide whether to join in the cruelty or get help....this fact alone made me feel sick.I get the sense that he feels his helping her by just being there and watching even though he isn't actively participating as some sort of support to Megan. But this is what makes this book even more horrific and heart wrenching and depraved. David then realizes too late his in too deep and is caught up in this families sadistic games.It is a disturbing, extremely graphic read which will shock you and take you on an emotional roller-coaster so you need to read this at your own risk as once you start reading you wont be able to stop this horrifically engrossing read.

A teenage girl is held captive and tortured by neighbourhood children. Jack Ketchums “The Girl Next Door” is based on a true story. This novel reveals the depraved and terrible things of which we are all capable. The monsters are human which makes it all the more horrifying. 5/5 🌟

I already knew the true crime story before buying this book, and Ketchum did not disappoint with his version.This is told from the perspective of one of the village children who witnessed the abuse on the girl and it has great (if not slightly uncomfortable) imagery. I think the fact that this story is true makes it all the more harrowing. Very sad story of neglect, abuse and manipulation written with emotion and almost makes you feel bad for the children who took part in the abuse at the hands of the mother. First time Ive read Ketchum and would definitely read more.

The content of the book is actually quite good, it is based off of a true crime case so a lot of it was quite predictable as I know the actual case quite well, but still enjoyable.My main criticism is the fact that this book is published by amazons own print house, and the physical quality of the book is atrocious.It is a print on demand book and the quality control seems to be non existent.Lots of the pages in the book had text that was printed crookedly and was hard to read.The front and back cover was made from a really weird paper that bends ridiculously easily. I read this book once and it’s held up worse than books I’ve read over 20 times.

I gave this five stars because it's well written. It's my first outing with this author, and I will be checking out his other work.Having said that, here's the "but..."It's based on a true story that will make you sick to your stomach. I'm a huge horror fan, but I've read nothing like it ever before. It's deeply disturbing, and the descriptions are graphic and dark, made worse because of how closely the story follows that of the case it's referring to. I know other reviews have included the real name of the victim, but I don't recommend you search for info. It is sick, and not in a good way. I've only just finished reading it. It's a good book that I couldnt put down, but honestly, I don't recommend it. It's left me in quite an emotional state, and I'm pretty much unshakeable.

This book was fantastic, and written very well....so disturbing, so scary and so cruel. It's a bone-chilling, true story of torture, and abuse. Its difficult to accept and believe what some humans can do to other humans.This was my first book I've read by Mr. Ketchum, (and only my 2nd Extreme Horror book ever) but definitely wont be my last. Extreme Horror is my new favorite genre, in fact, I've just purchased 8 more of his books, cause I enjoyed The Girl Next Doorand his extreme style of writing so much! I highly recommend purchasing a copy of this book, or any of his Extreme Horror books....you will not be disappointed, I know I wasn't, and look forward to reading many more of his books!

Great book. Not for the faint of heart

Wandering across the internet looking for something worth reading or watching I stumbled upon this book. Triggered by the countless reviews, none of which was less that amazing, I decided to give it a try. I already knew the story and I was eager to know how the author succeeded in making a novel out if it. I had absolutely no clue what I was about to step into. Honestly, it’s been a living hell. Hardly ever I have experienced something so strong. The story is hunting, disturbing it goes right to your guts and makes you sick. It drags you into a bottomless pit of desperation, anger and hopelessness. Being based on real events this true-crime story really has a completely different taste from everything I’ve ever red before. The more you go through the pages the more you want to know. Knowing becomes a strong addiction, you want to know how far the story goes and how bad it turns. It is so stunningly written that I found myself cringing and flinching. All that pain and suffering those poor girls had to go through while kept captive as well as their tormentors are so vivid that you feel you have to turn your head the other way. It is said that no beast is so fierce but knows some touch of pity, yet everyone who met those girls and took part in her agony felt like having none of it. The story is told by a teenage boy next door, the only character you soon start to have some hope he could do something right, taking into action and turn things around. Someone said this book is not meant for everybody but everybody should read it. It well describes the human wickedness and its banality. As for me it’s almost impossible to not rate this book with anything less of 5 stars.

intense

Me encantooo- debi a leerlo en 4 semanas (un reto mensual- este fue x “Autor con tus iniciales”) había visto en YouTube reseñas muy buenas del autor- lo q leí en 3 semanas fue muy poco la verdad, menos de la mitad, pero faltándome tanto comencé a quedarme si poder parar! Debía saber que estaba ocurriendo con los personajes!!!! 😱 SUPER recomiendo 👍🏻 Horrible sensación de WTF pero así es como sabes que en vdd es una buena historia - y si sucedió!!!