Meet the neighbours from hell, in the gripping thriller that reviewers and readers describe as “fast-paced,” “chilling,” and “impossible to put down.” When Jamie and Kirsty move into their first home together, they are full of optimism. The future, in which they plan to get married and start a family, is bright. The other residents of their building seem friendly too, including the Newtons, a … the Newtons, a married couple who welcome them to the building with open arms.
But then strange things start to happen. Dead rats are left on their doorstep. They hear disturbing noises, and much worse, in the night. After Jamie’s best friend is injured in a horrific accident, Jamie and Kirsty find themselves targeted by a campaign of terror.
As they are driven to the edge of despair, Jamie vows to fight back — but he has no idea what he is really up against…
The Magpies is a gripping psychological thriller in which the monsters are not vampires or demons but the people who live next door. It is a nightmare that could happen to anyone.
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Talk about neighbors from hell! “The Magpies” is a story that will strike a chord with anyone who ever had a doubtful pleasure of living in a building where floors aren’t soundproof. In Jamie’s (main protagonist) case though, the floors aren’t the problem but the neighbors are, who seem to be firmly set on slowly driving him and his girlfriend Kirsty mad, or driving them off their property altogether. What starts as innocent pranks soon escalate into something much more sinister, and now it’s not just a matter of civility, but a real struggle for survival.
All throughout the narration, I couldn’t help but sympathize with Jamie and Kirsty, and particularly after two tragic accidents that seem just that, accidents, but were they really? The author did a fabulous job in demonstrating not only a slow disintegration of Jamie’s personality, but he painted a frighteningly realistic picture of what can happen to a person driven to the point of no return. I admit I expected something more violent in the end, but I guess Jamie and I are very different people, and I do commend his handling the situation almost non-violently for the most part (I would have long had those neighbors for breakfast if I’m entirely honest, so his pacifistic approach was truly worth admiration). If you enjoy realistic urban suspense, this one is definitely for you. And make sure to read the author’s note – I’m sure you’ll find it very interesting! (I suspected it was partially based on a true story – it was far too realistic to be just fiction) Highly recommended!
I started this book loving the two main characters, Jamie and Kirstie as they fell in love and took the big step…buying a flat.
They had good jobs, her as a nurse and him with computers. The have wonderful friends and are excited about the possibilities ahead.
You meet the neighbors, Brian and Linda on top floor, Mary, second floor, and Lucy and Chris in the ground flat below with access to a garden.
Everything seens perfect and when there are misunderstandings, you figure they’ll be resolved. Some people give off a vibe and as hard as you try, you realize you don’t like them. Too picky, no sense of humor, nosey and etc. And in today’s world, houses are built just anout on top of each other and the neighborhood becomes a battleground.
In real life, people literally move just to get away from the neighbors.
The tension builds slowly over time and just pulls you in and it’s like driving by an accident, you tell yourself not to look…but you do. This is psychological warfare with neighbors that is just scary. Jamie adores Kirsty and they build a life together until the day Paul, a close friend is injured severely and they blame Lucy and Chris.
It began with hoaxes, then fire dept. racing to their flat for a non existent fire. Then letters full of complaints about the noise they made. The worst was finding a cd and listening to it and realizing, it is a recording of them…in bed!!
Creepy!!
The couple fight back but they might have taken on the wrong couple. These people are beyond difficult. And Kirsta becomes pregnant and the couple starts to fall apart under the tension that is permanent in their home. They have each other and finally enlist the other people in the building, but it’s too late. The ending was a shocker, and you feel for Jamie.
Paul, the friend has a total personality chsnge after his accident and I realize brain trauma can do that, but it was too much to believe it all.
I jumped several times reading this and held my breath, it sucks you in and the next thing you do is yell, move!! Very well plotted, likeable characters, and a bit scary and creepy. 4 stars
Have you ever thought that your neighbors were a pain in the keister? Well, they aren’t, not at all. Not compared to this…
This is really scary in that “this could totes happen” way that good authors know how to create. I loved every second of it.
This book is one that I always recommend. It was the second Mark Edwards book that I read (and I’ve read all of his) and I absolutely love it! It’s so unique and interesting and, like all of his books, you truly feel the horror of the situation right along with the characters.
10 STARS!!!!!!!!! It was So good amazing!!
The plot is simple: Kirsty and Jamie buy their first home together and plan to marry and start a family, getting all their ducks in a row. But they reckon without Lucy and Chris, the magpies in the downstairs flat who are intent on wrecking their love nest.
As the magpies’ nasty campaign and cruel behaviour escalate, Kirsty and Jamie fear for their safety and state of mind.