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JB Rowley
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A Charming Neighbour: A Short Mystery Kindle Edition

by JB Rowley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars 122 ratings
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When his wife left him for a graffiti artist she called him ‘vapid’, but John Hambleton-Smith did not accept her assessment. Then one day, through his neighbour’s open window, the word came back to haunt him. An award winning short story by JB Rowley - author of Whisper My Secret, and Murder in Murloo (under the pen name Brigid George).
Previous page
  1. Print length
    8 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    November 8, 2014
  5. File size
    1146 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00PEHW3UY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Potoroo Press (November 8, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 8, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1146 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 8 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars 122 ratings

About the author

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JB Rowley

JB Rowley

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My name is JB Rowley.

There are lots of things about me I won't tell you but I will tell you that I grew up in a small Australian town called Orbost in the state of Victoria. I spent my childhood chasing snakes and lizards down hollow logs, playing Hansel and Gretel in the bush with my brothers, climbing trees, searching the local rubbish tip for books to read and generally behaving like a feral child. We didn't have horses (apart from an old draught horse) but we had sheep so I used to ride on the back of a big ram. I also did a lot of reading, usually curled up in the hay shed. One book I remember reading as a kid was Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I was only around six when I read it and the character that I have never forgotten is the convict. He really frightened me!

These days I live in Melbourne (Australia) where, when I am not writing, I work as an English tutor. I nurture my soul with early morning walks around beautiful Albert Park Lake.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who read my books and to those who generously take the time to post reviews of the books I write.

PS: I also write the Dusty Kent Murder Mystery series under the pen name Brigid George.

Customer reviews

3.3 out of 5 stars
3.3 out of 5
122 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Gail Christian
3.0 out of 5 stars Don't call John "vapid".
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
THIS BOOK IS ONLY 2 1/2 PAGES!!

“ 'Let’s face it, John. You’re boring. No, worse than that. You’re...you’re vapid.' His wife spat the last word out, emphasising each syllable." John doesn't care for that word. (And he thinks his wife is wrong anyway.)

However, John is definitely one for doing things the same way every time. Keeps to a set routine. -- Can't argue with that, John. You know it's true. (Can you say OCD through the roof? As in Adrian Monk makes a friend.)

Well, John has a surprise or two up his sleeve: when he overhears his neighbor also call him "vapid", he decides he will change his routine (just enough) this year. THIS year he won't be "vapid"! You'll have to read this very short story for yourself to decide whether or not you believe John Hambleton-Smith was successful or not.

It takes only minutes to read so why not check it out? Not my favorite, but a good way to fill 5 or 10 minutes. It was a good, clean read that entertained AND surprised me.
One person found this helpful
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AmazonCustomer
5.0 out of 5 stars A quick read that is as entertaining as it is accomplished
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2015
Verified Purchase
This story delivered everything you want in a good read. You are immediately grounded in the world of the story, quickly get a sense of the characters, enjoy a little dramatic irony and even get two plot twists - all in just a few pages!
One person found this helpful
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Carolyn Hertz
4.0 out of 5 stars I love a story with a twist.
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2016
Verified Purchase
A Charming Neighbor by JB Rowley is a cleverly written short story. I gave it five stars. I enjoy a story with a twist.

John Hambleton-Smith was preparing for his annual holiday. He had his neighbor, Rick Anderson watch his house while he was away. He offered his wine cellar to Rick to use while he was gone. Rick happily agreed.

I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review.

Link to purchase:  A Charming Neighbour
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Janice Wilson
2.0 out of 5 stars Too Short
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is the shortest story I have ever read. I don’t like long stories usually but a story this short can never be interesting. I even finished reading it in a few minutes.
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Andrew Butchers
1.0 out of 5 stars I don't understand it
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
Am I being dense ? I don't understand what he did.
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LUCY BELL
3.0 out of 5 stars Weeellll!
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2015
Verified Purchase
When I say it was full of surprises, I was thinking about the end. I couldn't believe I'd reached the end of the story. Of course it stated right up front this was a 900 word story, and it was free so I really don't have a right to complain. I guess I just expected more from this author.
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Lady Yarn - on Mercari
5.0 out of 5 stars Start to end it is a great short story
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2015
Verified Purchase
Start to end it is a great short story. I did not see the ending coming, odd that I laughed as I thought what many will. Is it true or not? Fun read.
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
A wonderful piece of flash fiction. The subtle creepiness of the story is absolutely amazing. I'd highly recommend this book to people looking to dip into the genre. 😊
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Top reviews from other countries

sasha
2.0 out of 5 stars not sure what award this story has won.. ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
not sure what award this story has won...it was well-written but very very short and could have had more characterisation.
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