The Lodger by Valerie Keogh is a gripping psychological thriller that reveals the disturbing secrets of obsession and deception. Leigh, a lonely and unhappy woman, invites Gina, a young and charismatic waitress, to stay with her. Leigh is drawn to Gina’s boldness and zest for life, but when Gina vanishes, Leigh’s world crumbles. She sets out to find her lodger, only to discover shocking secrets that shatter everything she believes about Gina and herself.

This book was thrilling and engaging, with realistic characters and a stunning ending. The author created a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that made me feel the protagonist’s fear and confusion. The book also tackled themes such as loneliness, identity, manipulation and betrayal in a compelling way. The ending was utterly unpredictable and shocking, revealing the true nature and motives of the characters. However, the book also had some flaws, such as slow pacing, repetitive scenes and insufficient character growth for some secondary roles. Some parts of the story were also predictable and clichéd. The book made me question if Leigh was a reliable narrator or a psychotic killer.

I recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers looking for a thrilling and engaging read.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars