Loved the cover and the blurb grabbed my attention immediately but I was getting so frustrated with our story line!
Leigh wasn't the best MC I've read, the short chapters made it a quick read, but the ending wasn't wrapped up like I was hoping, so many loose ends!
A good psychological thriller if you can put some of the reasoning aside...

This is such a fantastic written story I loved all the twists and turns it was like being on a rollercoaster I didn't want this story too end but such an amazing ending I never guessed I love a good thriller that keeps me on my

This is a good psychological thriller. There are some unexpected twists and turns. You do need to suspend your disbelief at times. It is entertaining but also predictable.

"The Lodger" by Valerie Keogh is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of human relationships, obsession, and the unexpected turns life can take. The story revolves around Leigh Simons, who, in a moment of compassion, offers her empty room to Gina, a homeless waitress from her favorite coffee shop. The narrative takes a dark and suspenseful turn when Gina goes missing, leaving Leigh to unravel the mystery of her disappearance.

The strength of the novel lies in its exploration of the intricacies of the characters' minds and the dynamics of their relationships. Leigh's initial act of kindness and the subsequent infatuation with Gina create a fascinating psychological backdrop. Keogh skillfully builds tension and suspense as Leigh, upon returning from a work trip, discovers that Gina is missing without a trace.

The writing is engaging and captures the reader's attention from the outset. The author skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth behind Gina's disappearance. The shifting perspectives and the gradual revelation of secrets add layers to the story, creating a sense of unpredictability.

Leigh's evolving understanding of Gina and the gradual unveiling of their intertwined lives contribute to the depth of the plot. The psychological aspects of the novel are well-executed, exploring themes of loneliness, obsession, and the consequences of unchecked desires. The characterization is strong, and readers will find themselves both sympathizing and questioning the motives of the characters.

The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining a steady momentum throughout the narrative. The gradual uncovering of secrets and the unexpected twists in the plot contribute to the overall suspense. The novel successfully navigates the fine line between psychological drama and thriller, providing a satisfying reading experience for fans of the genre.

While the resolution may feel somewhat predictable for seasoned thriller readers, the journey to that point is sufficiently engaging to maintain interest. The exploration of the characters' psyches and the impact of their choices elevates "The Lodger" beyond a typical mystery, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

In conclusion, Valerie Keogh's "The Lodger" earns a four-star rating for its strong character development, psychological depth, and well-executed suspense. The novel offers a riveting exploration of human behavior and the unforeseen consequences of actions, making it a recommended choice for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a compelling narrative.

Gripped, hooked, how best to say it, I couldn't put this down. I need more by this author please.
Highly recommend.

This book held me in its grip from the first page. I kept saying just one more chapter and before I knew it I was halfway through this amazing read.

Leigh's lecherous boss harasses her and her boyfriend and is always taking advantage of her. To make matters worse in a moment of madness she offers her empty room to the waitress in her favourite coffee shop, Gina moves in that night. A decision that Leigh will sadly regret!!

Gina seems like the perfect housemate, they get on really well but when Leigh goes away on business, upon her return Gina has vanished without a trace. What has happened to her?

I will be definitely looking out for more of this author's books.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Secrets are currency in this heart-pounding thriller, where each page offers a glimpse into a world of hidden motives and unexpected betrayals.

This is one of those books that has you standing up and cheering at the end. There are so many instances of Leigh passively allowing the men in her life to abuse and belittle her that î was almost tearing my hair out. I don't want to give away any spoilers so suffice to say that the worm finally turns. The story here wasn't at all what I expected but I enjoyed it very much and will look out for the author in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

I did not necessarily feel drawn in by this book. The premise was promising and intriguing, but I just didn't connect with the characters, unfortunately.

The book kept me turning pages, and keeps on with a very fast paced, and all is wrapped up nicely by the ending. The main character comes across as a little paranoid, and is a little irritating to be honest, but this was a great read, and I will read more in future.

I enjoyed reading this book, I was more gripped for the first half of the story. The last twist was also not what I was expecting. Overall a great solid thriller.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I thought the information provided about this book made it sound intriguing, and the author is well-known so I was expecting an exciting thriller. The first few pages include details of Leigh's difficulties at work (the colleague who sexually harasses her, her anger management issues) and her strange relationship with her boyfriend (does not tell him about events at work and lies about the course she is going on) and how quickly she invited Gina to become her lodger without references, knowing anything about her or making arrangements about living together. The course is covered within a few short pages, and without any real information Leah has decided Philip is not to be trusted. By the time I had read a quarter of the book it seemed to be little more than a collection of unrelated ideas about a strange, unrealistic and unlikeable character. I wouldn't describe this as a thriller, it wasn't even as good as a simple cosy mystery. I did not read any more.

I had very mixed feelings about The Lodger. At first, it took me quite a while to get into. Then, the middle third or so, I was totally absorbed in the story and trying to figure out just what was going on. But at the end, I was really disappointed by the twist. It just didn't seem to fit with the way everything had been set up. I also didn't really like the way things were revealed, with just one long, expository chapter at the end. On the whole, I'm not sorry I read it, but I probably wouldn't really recommend it to others.

Leigh opens her home to Gina, a barrister from her favourite coffee shop, who is down on her luck. Leigh finds this a perfect distraction as she finds herself lonely, as her boyfriend is only able to visit at weekends.
All is not as it seems when Leigh returns home one day to fins Gina has vanished just leaving a note saying sorry, no explanation just sorry. Leigh takes it upon herself to try and track Gina down.

What a fabulous read, incredibly gripping. The twists in this one were phenomenal 👏
As soon as Leigh took Gina in, alarm bells went off immediately for me!. I did in a way feel pretty sorry for Leigh too!
My first book by Valerie although I do have a couple on my kindle. I feel like I've been missing out!
Highly recommend

This was an entertaining read. I loved it. The author drags you into the story and makes you a part of it. I had to keep reading to find out what happened.

OK. This book is not for me. Sorry. But I felt robbed of my time spent in reading. Don’t get me wrong but it didn’t do anything foe me.

Still, thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

Crikey another great book! My first by Valerie Keogh and definitely not my last, another author to go on my favourites list.

Leigh’s life is going well, she has a lovely house, a well-paid job, and a long-distance boyfriend, Matt, who she spends her weekends with. When one morning before work, at her local café, the barista, Gina, tells her she is soon to be homeless Leigh makes an impulsive decision and asks Gina to move into her spare bedroom and Gina jumps at the chance. Leigh is drawn to Gina’s joie de vivre but after only a few weeks Leigh is already regretting her impulsive decision. After she comes back from a work related week long residential course Gina has packed up all her belongings and left and Leigh is initially relieved. But as the days pass, she can’t stop thinking about Gina and the intuitive feeling she has that something about Gina’s disappearance isn’t quite right, and she starts to wonder whether Gina left on her own terms or if someone made her. When mysterious things start occurring in the house and Leigh is forced to take leave from her job, the only constant she has in her life is Matt. However, Leigh soon realises she doesn’t know Matt quite as well as she thought she did and her impulsive unselfish act of inviting a stranger into her home has turned her life upside down. Leigh feels in danger, but the question is from whom?

This was good!! I must admit by the time I was about 20% of the way into it I was wondering whether it was more a domestic drama over psychological thriller, but I was really wrong! Once the twists and turns started, the pace really picked up and I realised that this is definitely a psychological thriller with some extremely very clever writing. There were so many twists and turns I was almost getting whiplash and I also really enjoyed reading about Leigh’s journey from who she was at the beginning of the book to who she was at the end. I definitely found this book gripping and once I had finished the last page I literally sat for a few minutes and just thought “wow!”.

Overall, a great psychological thriller and I can’t wait to read more by Valerie Keogh, I have her next book on my tbr and I can’t wait to dive into it. I highly recommend this book, if psychological thrillers are your thing, you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley, Valerie Keogh and Boldwood Books for my advanced reading copy. Out now.

Valerie Keogh’s The Lodger is a compulsively readable thriller full of shocks, chills and surprises that kept me reading way past my bedtime.

When Leigh had heard that Gina – a waitress at her favourite coffee shop – was homeless, she couldn’t stop herself from inviting her to live at her house. Lonely and frustrated Leigh has always been infatuated with Gina and admires her joie de vivre and zest for life. Leigh hopes that having the waitress around will help stave off some of the stifling loneliness that so often consumes her. Gina seems to be the perfect lodger and Leigh doesn’t have a single word of complaint about her new housemate – until she returns from a business trip and finds her lodger gone. What happened to Gina? Where did she go? And why did she leave her?

Leigh has always wanted to be more like Gina. Her lodger had the ability to grab life by the scruff of the neck and make the most out of every day. Knowing that Gina wouldn’t just leave her, Leigh decides to look into her disappearance. But is she ready for what she is about to uncover? Just how well did Leigh know Gina? And will digging into her lodger’s life end up putting Leigh in danger?

When Leigh discovers the truth about Gina, she finds herself at a crossroads as everything ends up turned on its head – including her own life..

Valerie Keogh’s creepy chiller is one that will barely leave readers time to catch their breaths! The Lodger is a nerve-twisting and heart-pounding thriller where nothing is what it initially seems leaving readers reeling from juicy twist after juicy twist.

A nail-biting page-turner that will chill readers to the bone, Valerie Keogh’s The Lodger is a dark, twisted and sinister read that is a struggle to put down.

I love Valerie Keogh books and this is one which hasn’t disappointed. I have devoured page after page of this gem in just one sitting.

Keogh is a masterful storyteller and The Lodger is a book that will pull you into the pages instantly. This is one that you will find completely captivating and impossible to put down.

I love how Keogh creates a sense of tension. My heart has raced and this has been a book which has kept me craving more. There are so many twists and turns in this one. It’s impossible to dislike what you are reading.

The characters in this are mixed. My opinions have been a bit mixed as I’ve read but I have definitely been completely taken in by this one.

This is a book that has tension, suspense and will take the reader on a rollercoaster. Just when you think you have it figured out, something happens and you are equally as confused all over again.

I’ve read many books by Keogh and this is definitely one of the best. It’s impossible to dislike this book. An absolute gem and a must read.

I really struggled to get into this one sadly, it was too slow paced for me and ended up losing interest.