Next To Heaven 👄

By James Frey.

Next to Heaven by James Frey is a dark, unflinching exploration of privilege, desire, and the rot that festers beneath the polished surface of suburban perfection.

Set in the fictional town of New Bethlehem, Connecticut, this book peels back the pristine façades of the wealthy elite to expose the betrayals, secrets, and devastating consequences lurking behind closed doors.

The setting is richly drawn, almost becoming a character in its own right. New Bethlehem, with its manicured lawns, country clubs and multi-million dollar homes, is presented as a glittering yet hollow world where appearances mean everything. Frey’s depiction of this environment is detailed and convincing, capturing the suffocating pressure to maintain perfection at any cost.

At the heart of the story are two women, Devon and Belle, who appear to have it all: beauty, status, money. Yet beneath their outward success lies a deep dissatisfaction and a yearning for something dangerous, something real. Their decision to host a lavish, carefully curated party sets off a chain of events that will ultimately shatter their lives and the lives of those around them.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. From a disgraced ex-NFL quarterback to a hockey coach with a penchant for married women, Frey populates his world with characters who are complex, flawed, and deeply human. Each one is trying to maintain an illusion of success, even as their private lives crumble.

The pacing of the book is deliberate, allowing the tension to build slowly before plunging the reader into a night of chaos and betrayal. The use of flashbacks is particularly effective, offering glimpses into the past that slowly reveal the full picture of New Bethlehem’s twisted dynamics.

Frey’s writing style is sharp and visceral. He is unafraid to bend grammatical conventions, creating a sense of urgency and emotional rawness that suits the story well. Occasionally this technique risks feeling a little affected, but for the most part it serves to pull the reader further into the characters’ worlds.

Next to Heaven is much more than a thriller. It is a razor-sharp commentary on the corrupting influence of extreme wealth, the toxic performance of perfection, and the lies people tell themselves to maintain their privileged positions. The ending is both satisfying and unsettling, forcing readers to confront the uncomfortable truths the book lays bare.

Thank you to the team at Swift Press for sending me an early review copy of the book. The book is out now and available to purchase.

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