The Hermit Next Door

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 222 ratings

Price: 4.99

Last update: 11-11-2024


About this item

Kevin Hearne, author of the acclaimed Iron Druid Chronicles, returns with an otherworldly new novella!

Newly widowed and trying to cope with her grief, Winnie Mae Chisholm moves from Tennessee with her teenage son, Pax, to Oregon, hoping the change will let them both heal and move on. She’s warned when buying their new home that the next door neighbor, Mr. Fisher, is a famous recluse and no one has seen him in years, but that’s fine with her—she’s looking for quiet.

She’s not going to get it, however, because when Pax meets the neighbor, he discovers that the reason Mr. Fisher hides from the world is that he isn’t actually from this world. He’s been stranded for decades and he’s trying to get home, and he could really use some help.

Abruptly part of the best-kept secret on the planet, Winnie Mae and Pax have to protect Mr. Fisher from a nosy neighbor who would ruin his work and doom him to die among aliens, but they also have to ask themselves: How far would they go to escape their grief? Would another world be far enough?


Top reviews from the United States

Jamie
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Trip And A Cool Concept On "What Could Be"
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
I loved Hearne's voice in this short story. Annalee Scott did an amazing job as the narrator on the audio book. The story is short, but packs a lot of fun and paints a picture of "what could be" that I particularly enjoyed. It's hard to say more without spoilers, but I'll just reiterate that the main character's voice really drew me in. One of the things I love about Hearne's books, like the Iron Druid series, the Ink and Sigil series, and even other short stories like A Question of Navigation is the main character's sass. And yet, he's found a new way to deliver sass, wrapped around a very believable widow with a teenage son.
Moon Cat
5.0 out of 5 stars Short but Memorable and Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
Typical Mom with a teenage boy moves from Tennessee to Oregon dragging him along. We are in her head for this. Her Son manages to meet the reclusive neighbor that no one else has seen. Throughout her brain supplies the most dire expectations, horrible scenarios and hopeless outcomes with little basis in reality. Her interchanges with her Son, Mr Fisher later and others is what gives the humor and interest to this most unusual science fiction short story.
Rachel Gollub
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and hopeful
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
A great, funny story about grief and fear of the unknown, and finding that what’s waiting for you doesn’t have to be as bad as you thought it might be.
CatB
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
I couldn't put the story down, but now I'm bummed that I reached the end. This needs more! I'm ready for the next book! Lots of twists and turns that you just can't imagine. Kevin Hearne is an extremely talented and creative writer!
DanielM
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely story
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
There's nothing to dislike here. Enjoyable, quick, easy read. Oh, and didn't cost an arm and a leg. Always a pleasure doing business with you, Mr Hearne.
TRexDaddy
3.0 out of 5 stars interesting, but short
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024
This story, in some weird ways, makes a lot of sense, strange reclusive people, nosy neighbors, sulky teens, recovering single parents. Otters? Okay. Parallel worlds? Plausible. Ok, story’s getting good ……wait, what the hell happened to the ending???? Lost points for publishing this one before you were done or promised a next book. Might have satisfied your contract but you have an unhappy reader.
arcorabin
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun story
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024
The authors fertile imagination created a wonderful storyline. Now, we have to see if this is a single tale, or the beginning of a larger story. Thanks for the great read.
Brandon Tomey
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and easy read
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
It might not seem like there's any fun or adventure to be had in "widow and teen son move across country to escape grief," but Kevin Hearne delivers on both scores. That relatable and mundane set-up allows Hearne to examine human life and its fundamentals, from the baked goods often delivered to new neighbors, to nosy neighbors and the secrets lurking in every cul-de-sac. Narrator Winnie Mae doesn't hold back in her assessment of the situations, leading to more than a few chuckles. And it is hard to put the book down after the first few chapters. You find yourself wanting more and more of the mystery, and of the humor.

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