The Family Next Door - Sally Hepworth

Sally Hepworth’s latest novel has just been released and it doesn’t disappoint. It sucks you in and you become completely engrossed in what goes on behind closed doors, especially with the mysterious woman who moves into the street.

I asked Sally a few questions about The Family Next Door.

I think we all have a curious nature when it comes to our neighbours. Was that curiosity your inspiration for this book?

Yes! I’m the local Mrs Mangel of my neighbourhood. I always have my nose in other people’s business and if they are not up to anything interesting, I’m imagining that they are. So it was a natural progression that I’d write a book about neighbours who are a little too interested in their neighbours.

Are any of the characters based on your actual neighbours?

Let’s just say that my neighbours were a little nervous when they found out the title of the book I was writing! But no, none of my characters are based on them. I find it much easier to write about made up people, because then I can make them do really bad things and I don’t have to worry about their feelings!

What are you currently working on?

Currently I’m working on promoting The Family Next Door. But as soon as I wrap that up, I’ll be back to editing my 2019 book, The Mother In Law.