Matthew Betley is back in a big way with The Neighborhood, an action-packed, bloody, highly immersive thriller that is guaranteed to elicit fist-pumps and gasps from readers as they progress through this entertaining novel.
Hidden Refuge is a safe and idyllic suburban neighborhood filled with big homes, each on 2 acres of land and inhabited by wealthy residents. However, their world gets turned upside down when law enforcement personnel show up in the middle of the night, asking the residents to evacuate due to a chemical spill a few miles away. However, there is no chemical spill and these are not police officers. This is a band of violent and highly capable mercenaries who will stop at nothing to retrieve an item hidden somewhere in this neighborhood. Prepared with a solid plan and thinking this operation will be in and out, they didn’t account for Zack Chambers, a man with a certain set of skills from his former life. And Zack is highly motivated to protect his neighbors at all costs, ruthlessly taking the flight to the enemy with some unlikely allies. Because this time, it’s personal!
The Neighborhood is a summer blockbuster movie waiting to happen. It’s got everything you’d expect from a cinematic thrill ride. Tons of action and bloodshed. A psychotic megalomaniac bad guy who thinks he’s smarter than everyone, leading a band of trigger-happy mercenaries in it for the money. A suburban family man who thought he left his past behind, only to be thrust into a situation he didn’t want but finding it invigorates him and allows him to address some unfinished business. Improbable heroes stepping up and finding strength they didn’t know they possessed. Young love blossoming under intense circumstances. Acts of courage and self-sacrifice for the greater good. Big blindsiding twists. A satisfying conclusion to the siege. And the door being left ever so slightly ajar for a sequel. What more could you possibly want?
The result is The Neighborhood containing all the makings of the classic action flicks from the 80’s and 90’s. Think Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Under Siege and The Rock. Which is totally awesome and highly enjoyable, speaking as someone who grew up with those movies. Big Props to Matthew Betley for crafting a fun, edge-of-your-seat thriller with a likable protagonist you can’t help but stand up and cheer for as he brings the fight to the detestable bad guys. A very enjoyable experience!
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