The Resident

Wow, this book was sooooo good! A rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that had you gripped from start to finish. I I read this in staves on the Pigeonhole app but I know that if I'd had the full book I would have read it in one sitting! That being said I think that made it all the more intense and gripping, because you were just counting down the hours until you could read the next stave and find out what happens next.

It was about a serial killer, Thomas Brogan, who is on the run from the police and ends up hiding in the loft of an empty house. It's a terraced property which through the loft has access to the lofts in the three other houses along side it.

The story is interesting because it is all told from Brogan's perspective and as you read along you get an insight into what lead to him becoming a serial killer. It's really well done, because, having read the book on the Pigeonhole app, it really evoked empathy from myself and some of my fellow readers. It really led to some hairy, heart in mouth moments, with you rooting for Brogan. Odd thing to do considering he's a serial killer, but well, it tells you how well the character was wtiiten that you felt yourself feeling sorry for him.

The thing I loved was his conversations with his inner voice. They were hilarious at times. That's one thing that David did so well, balancing out the creepiness and gruesomeness with wit and humour.

I also loved Elsie, the old lady who lived in one of the houses next door. Everyone needs an Elsie in their life! She was amazing.

It was a brilliant book. Thank you to Pigeonhole, and David Jackson for the chance to read this book, and to my fellow Pigeonholers for making this an amazing reading experience.

Ps. I don't think those of us with lofts will be venturing into them anytime soon!

When I first read the synopsis of this book I knew I just had to read it. It sounded dark, twisted and scary and that is exactly what this book was.

This book was actually very terrifying. Thomas is a ruthless killer who loves the thrill of the hunt. We do see cracks in his facade on occasions but the other voice in Thomas's head allows no remorse or time for reflection. In fact, it just encourages Thomas to do the unthinkable. I loved the concept behind the book; a serial killer on the loose, hiding in people's attics. That thought alone is enough to scare you half to death. What was really interesting was getting to know the residents of those three houses which Thomas had access to. The first, the lovely Elsie, an elderly women living on her own with the aid of carers who visited twice a day. Elsie's and Thomas' relationship was actually very touching. She was the only resident to see Thomas as he entered her house during the early morning hours and it is through Elsie that we see a softer side to Thomas.

The second residents, Jack and Pam, a married couple who argued constantly. It soon became clear that Thomas needed to avoid visiting this house after a close call of nearly getting caught. The last set of residents, Martyn and Colette, a young married couple who were out working most of the day which allowed the perfect opportunity to enter their house. Martyn and Colette soon became Thomas' obsession and the next targets, he would spend hours watching them and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

I thought this book was very clever and well written. Because the story line was so credible it amped up the fright factor. There were times when I was literally on the edge of my seat. The ending for me was just brilliant, I can honestly say I had no inkling as to what might happen but for me it was the perfect ending. The Resident is a gripping psychological thriller that I couldn't get enough of.

Many thanks to Serpent's Tail for inviting me to join the blog tour and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.