The Couple Next Door

Discuss the multiple points of view. For instance, what impact does the chapter in which Marco admits he kidnapped Cora have on the novel as a traditional mystery? Alternatively, consider the chapter from Alice’s point of view when Richard’s affair is revealed (Chapter 35). How do these narrative shifts both create and solve the mystery?

Marco declares multiple times how much he loves his daughter. How do you square those protestations with his part in Cora’s kidnapping? What motivates Marco? Does the ending, in which Cora is returned to Marco, seem a happy ending? 

Discuss the role alcohol plays in pivotal moments in the novel. Does alcohol help explain motivation?

Richard emerges as the novel’s villain. What motivates Richard? At what point does he reveal that he is actually more involved than anyone believes?

The figure of Detective Rasbach embodies the traditional detective in a police procedural. He seldom shows much unique character. Does he operate as a stand-in for the reader? Research the figure of the gumshoe detective in the film and novel noir tradition. How does Rasbach fit within that genre?

What does the novel posit about money and greed in relationship to family? Can a person be wealthy and moral? Does Rasbach have it right when he says, “It’s much easier to make money if you don’t care who you hurt. If you have scruples, it’s much harder to get rich” (284).

Research dissociative disorder. Then offer a close reading of the last chapter in which Anne presumably kills Cynthia. Why does the novel not share the details of the killing? Is Anne guilty of murder?

How do you read the title? Who is the couple next door—Cynthia and Graham or Anne and Marco? What does the novel suggest about neighbors?