The Neighbors' Secret is a fast-moving middle-grade book about Maddie, who has a much too active imagination! She still gets laughed at over the Yeti incident, but this time, she is sure about what she saw, and it makes a much larger mystery and problem. Maddie's best friend doesn't believe her and is far more concerned with makeup and boys nowadays.
Diana Sussman's portrayal of preteen conduct and dialogue is spot on. She perfectly describes the empty feeling of being left out, even by one's best friend. The book flows nicely and is a quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Everimagine Books(Harbor Lane Books, LLC). I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by Everimagine Books via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

At first glance, I assumed this book was geared towards younger children, judging by the cover. However, my 8-year-old showed no interest at all, themes are too mature for her (not into boys yet).

So, I decided to give it a try with my tween, (who loves Nancy Drew and The Babysitter's Club) and she grew increasingly frustrated and annoyed with it and stopped joining me for reading at about 30% mark.

The overuse of words throughout the book and Maddie, the MC, jumping to conclusions became tiresome quickly.

While I managed to finish it, I have to agree with my 12-year-old's assessment. Too much school drama, and superficial mystery. ( )

This is an engaging young adult/middle school mystery. The main character, Maddie, is very into spy stories. She even wants to do an oral presentation on Agent 355 for her history class and has her own theory on the identity of that agent. After a while, it seems Maddie is seeing spies even in her own neighborhood! Is she right? You'll have to read the book to find out.

There's a bit of middle school drama within the pages too. Maddie and her BFF of many years, Rachel, are maturing at different rates and starting to have different interests. Maddie also has a tendency to "jump to conclusions" in some instances and to take unwise actions in others.

There is mention of Maddie and Cooper liking to decode messages and cryptograms though we don't see them do it often in this book. Maddie and Annie do solve one that Maddie thought was Greek (I recognized the alphabet used and didn't think it was Greek.)

Disclosure: I was awarded a free copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Group. LTER asks for an honest review in return and reviewing books awarded does increase chances of winning in future months's lists. ( )