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angelaslibrary_'s review
3.0
3.5/5
I feel kind of bad giving this a rating under 4/5 as there was technically nothing wrong with the way it was written and it is a solid thriller, just not the kind of thriller I personally enjoy the most. I was hoping it would be more of a psychological, cat-and-mouse kind of thriller involving clever twists and a lot of planning and manipulation on the main character, Brogan’s, part, and a focus on things such as character psyches and backstories; however, those areas were often brushed over and ultimately did not add much depth or have much of an impact on the overall story. The twists were also quite predictable and the ending was not my favourite ().
That being said, there is definitely an audience for this kind of thriller, which I will mention at the end of my review. The main reason I've rounded my rating down to 3/5 is because I can't say I personally ‘enjoyed' the reading experience. There were a lot of uncomfortable and gruesome scenes, which made me feel kind of icky even after finishing the book. I did not like or care much about any of the characters (the most I felt was indifference), and although the premise drew me in and the plot was interesting enough to keep me flipping the pages, it's a reading experience I feel I could have done without.
This book lies squarely and solidly in the ‘thriller’ genre; however, I would hesitate to recommend it to just anyone who typically likes reading thrillers. I think you will enjoy this book if you love watching slasher movies and would like to read a book from the murderer's perspective (although understandably, in this case, the thrill factor is more from Brogan's perspective than that of his targets). A quick warning though — if you are queasy about gore and descriptions of decomposition (cue the maggots), I don’t think this is the book for you.
I feel kind of bad giving this a rating under 4/5 as there was technically nothing wrong with the way it was written and it is a solid thriller, just not the kind of thriller I personally enjoy the most. I was hoping it would be more of a psychological, cat-and-mouse kind of thriller involving clever twists and a lot of planning and manipulation on the main character, Brogan’s, part, and a focus on things such as character psyches and backstories; however, those areas were often brushed over and ultimately did not add much depth or have much of an impact on the overall story. The twists were also quite predictable and the ending was not my favourite (
Spoiler
deux ex machina-y and unbelievableThat being said, there is definitely an audience for this kind of thriller, which I will mention at the end of my review. The main reason I've rounded my rating down to 3/5 is because I can't say I personally ‘enjoyed' the reading experience. There were a lot of uncomfortable and gruesome scenes, which made me feel kind of icky even after finishing the book. I did not like or care much about any of the characters (the most I felt was indifference), and although the premise drew me in and the plot was interesting enough to keep me flipping the pages, it's a reading experience I feel I could have done without.
This book lies squarely and solidly in the ‘thriller’ genre; however, I would hesitate to recommend it to just anyone who typically likes reading thrillers. I think you will enjoy this book if you love watching slasher movies and would like to read a book from the murderer's perspective (although understandably, in this case, the thrill factor is more from Brogan's perspective than that of his targets). A quick warning though — if you are queasy about gore and descriptions of decomposition (cue the maggots), I don’t think this is the book for you.
diary_of_a_reading_addict's review against another edition
4.0
Note to self if I move check for gaps between houses in the loft! This was exactly what I wanted it to be creepy, spine tingling and made me suspicious of all the noises in my house. While that may not seem like a good time I love books like this.
I also enjoyed that it was from the serial killers pov and seeing the thought process and justifications of their actions.
It's creepy but I like it.
I also enjoyed that it was from the serial killers pov and seeing the thought process and justifications of their actions.
It's creepy but I like it.
spreadyourpages's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I LOVE a thriller, mystery with a good plot twist and this one was pretty damn good. The story was from the POV of a serial killer which was a unique and interesting perspective to read. Thomas Brogan is a serial killer with a voice in his head that stumbles upon an abandoned house with an attic that's attached to the next three houses giving him unfettered access to his new victims. The plot builds nicely with glimpses of Brogan's past, what made him the way he is and what horrible deeds he's committed, and the present where he toys with new prey while dealing with unexpected circumstances. It was almost like a Criminal Minds episode except it was the story of the criminal and his choices in the moment, not how he was caught or what his crimes were. I was already enjoying the story with Brogan and his games with Martyn and Colette but the added plot twist in the very end about Colette was a pleasantly shocking surprise. I totally didn't see it coming but once it was broken down, it was a very interesting addition to the plot. And I enjoyed the ending a lot, it felt right and fit the whole story well.
thelibraryofimagination's review against another edition
5.0
I finished reading it yesterday morning and I have to say that The Resident is an entertaining read on every level.
Brogan is a serial killer who takes refuge in a block of houses. In the loft. You know the row houses that have adjoined loft access…
FYI: I was very comforted to know that my loft is sealed off from my neighbours’ lofts and that my access hatch is locked from my side. Very comforted!
In this story, you witness to Brogan’s antics as he spies on and manipulates the tenants residing in the houses below.
One must entertain themselves while hiding from the police, don’t you think?
The reader is immersed into the demented mind of this serial killer through his internal conversations. His alter ego, if you want to call him that, is quite witty and extremely eager to inflict harm on those being watched and toyed with. This crazy conscience keeps Brogan focused on the task; torment and murder the inhabitants of the houses.
Get on with it Brogan!
This book had me laughing out loud, on the edge of my seat and hovering over the toilet! It’s just that kind of book! I highly recommend it.
The Resident is an intense read that immediately captures you and leaves you hostage in Brogan’s demented mind. Throughout the book you are teased with snippets of Brogan’s emotional and psychological demise. You begin to understand what pushed him over the edge. It’s not very often that I can honestly say I empathised with the antagonist in this story. But you just can’t help it, he's kind of likeable. Majorly messed up, but likeable.
I enjoyed reading this book with the author, @thepigeonholehq and the lovely pigeons. Thank you all for this opportunity. I am also grateful for the opportunity to discuss the book with David last night in an exclusive video chat. It was interesting to hear how the story was created and David’s thoughts on his work and our discussions during the read.
The Pigeonhole is an online book club and I am honoured to be part of this unique platform to read and discuss books. I highly recommend The Pigeonhole as well.
Brogan is a serial killer who takes refuge in a block of houses. In the loft. You know the row houses that have adjoined loft access…
FYI: I was very comforted to know that my loft is sealed off from my neighbours’ lofts and that my access hatch is locked from my side. Very comforted!
In this story, you witness to Brogan’s antics as he spies on and manipulates the tenants residing in the houses below.
One must entertain themselves while hiding from the police, don’t you think?
The reader is immersed into the demented mind of this serial killer through his internal conversations. His alter ego, if you want to call him that, is quite witty and extremely eager to inflict harm on those being watched and toyed with. This crazy conscience keeps Brogan focused on the task; torment and murder the inhabitants of the houses.
Get on with it Brogan!
This book had me laughing out loud, on the edge of my seat and hovering over the toilet! It’s just that kind of book! I highly recommend it.
The Resident is an intense read that immediately captures you and leaves you hostage in Brogan’s demented mind. Throughout the book you are teased with snippets of Brogan’s emotional and psychological demise. You begin to understand what pushed him over the edge. It’s not very often that I can honestly say I empathised with the antagonist in this story. But you just can’t help it, he's kind of likeable. Majorly messed up, but likeable.
I enjoyed reading this book with the author, @thepigeonholehq and the lovely pigeons. Thank you all for this opportunity. I am also grateful for the opportunity to discuss the book with David last night in an exclusive video chat. It was interesting to hear how the story was created and David’s thoughts on his work and our discussions during the read.
The Pigeonhole is an online book club and I am honoured to be part of this unique platform to read and discuss books. I highly recommend The Pigeonhole as well.
rikimuk's review
4.0
This really is a deeply dark and twisted story. Imagine your worse horror there is a sadistic serial killer on the loose and he’s hiding out in your attic. That’s what happens when serial killer Thomas Brogan breaks into an abandoned house and when exploring the attic realises it connects through to the next three homes. As he prowls the attics and residents of each of the homes he starts to fantasies about what he will do to each of them before moving on to his next targets but can he get away with murder again and will this time be his undoing. I am not sure I will be able to sleep in my house if I ever hear a noise from my attic again after reading this book. This would make a great show on tv.
ms_h_wb's review against another edition
3.0
A great premise and an easy read (listen) but I wasn’t carried away with the alter ego part and felt it could have been much creepier than it was. Enjoyed the author’s Nathan Cody books so would still rate him as an author but just felt this was sadly lacking oomph!
the_creepy_geek's review against another edition
4.0
Incredibly creepy and had me on the edge of my seat through most of it. Got a little slow in the middle but then the ending blew me away!
The best thing about it was being in Brogan's head and seeing all his inner monologue, seeing him make the choices and seeing his past and the events that led to him being in the loft.
One of my biggest fears is someone hiding in your loft, spying on you and rifling through your things so I think that made this even more scary and unsettling to me!
The best thing about it was being in Brogan's head and seeing all his inner monologue, seeing him make the choices and seeing his past and the events that led to him being in the loft.
One of my biggest fears is someone hiding in your loft, spying on you and rifling through your things so I think that made this even more scary and unsettling to me!
julesreed's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5