Katie Sise has built a reputation for writing twisty, binge-worthy domestic thrillers, and You Must Be New Here is no exception. Set in the seemingly idyllic community of Sycamore Glen, this story exposes the cracks beneath perfect lawns and friendly smiles, reminding readers that no neighborhood is as safe as it looks from the outside.
The Premise
Sloane Thompson has lived in Sycamore Glen for a decade, raising her daughter Daisy, maintaining a cordial relationship with her ex-husband, and doing her best to fit into the rhythms of suburban life. But true friendship has eluded her until Harper and Ben Wilson move in next door. Harper is lively, magnetic, and quick to draw Sloane into an intoxicating new friendship.
Their bond, however, is disrupted when Daisy’s babysitter, Margaret, suddenly disappears. Margaret is reliable, a model student, and seemingly destined for Princeton. Her vanishing sends shockwaves through the town. As police dig deeper, secrets rise to the surface, alliances fray, and the community begins to question just how well they know each other.
What Works
The novel is told through multiple perspectives, alternating between present-day investigation and the days leading up to Margaret’s disappearance. This structure adds suspense and gradually reveals how intertwined the neighbors’ lives really are. Everyone has something to hide, and nearly every character has a motive that could explain what happened to Margaret.
Sise captures the unease of suburbia brilliantly: the PTA politics, the cracks in marriages, the way secrets fester behind closed doors. Harper’s manipulative charm, Sloane’s vulnerability as a single mother, and Clara’s strained marriage with her controlling husband Evan all feed into a tense and layered mystery.
Another strength lies in the audio edition, which features multiple narrators. This helps bring clarity to the shifting voices and adds depth to the characters’ experiences, particularly when suspicion starts to spread like wildfire.
Where It Falters
While the book is undeniably suspenseful, some readers may find the large cast difficult to keep track of, especially as backstories are introduced at a rapid pace. The twists, though entertaining, are not always surprising, and the resolution feels somewhat predictable once the pieces start falling into place. For those who devour thrillers, the final reveal may not shock as much as expected.
Final Thoughts
You Must Be New Here is a solid, fast-paced domestic thriller that keeps readers hooked with its multiple perspectives, neighborhood drama, and dark secrets lurking just beneath the surface. Though it may not reinvent the genre, it succeeds as an addictive, popcorn-style read that will satisfy fans of suburban suspense and book club thrillers.
If you’re drawn to stories where the picture-perfect neighborhood hides dangerous truths, this one deserves a spot on your reading list.
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