The Flatmate

by Gemma Rogers

It was surreal returning to work after a five-month enforced sabbatical following the suspicious death of my best friend Livvy at a work event. I was grateful for the time away to grieve and had slotted straight back in work But a surprise awaited my return. Amanda Dowd, Livvy’s replacement, was firmly entrenched as my new flatmate in the company apartment. Something didn’t feel right, I felt on edge. But everyone seemed to love Amanda. Even my ex-Jayden was blinded by her outgoing personality and model looks. Yet her desperation to become friends felt unnatural. When I began to receive calls, photos and presents supposedly from Livvy, I became spooked… someone was targeting me, watching me. With my job, home and life on the line, I had to find out who was doing this to me. I knew I hadn’t caused Livvy’s death; I still believed it was no accident. Someone else was guilty and I had to find out who before I was next... Bestseller Gemma Rogers is back with another page-turning thriller.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 22, 2023

About the author

Gemma Rogers is the bestselling author of gripping domestic thrillers that delve into dark secrets, twisted relationships, and shocking betrayals. Her books often explore the hidden dangers lurking behind closed doors in seemingly perfect families and communities.

Writing for Boldwood Books, Gemma has become known for her fast-paced plots, unpredictable twists, and relatable yet flawed characters. Her novels frequently chart in the psychological suspense and crime thriller categories on Amazon.

If you enjoy tense, emotionally-charged thrillers in the vein of Lisa Jewell, B.A. Paris, or K.L. Slater, you’ll feel right at home with Gemma’s books.

When she’s not plotting her next twist, Gemma enjoys include horror and thriller movies, country walks, swimming and anything involving cake.

With over eleven titles published Gemma's twelfth book, The Stranger at No.6 is out on the 8th September and available to pre-order now.

All the below are standalone titles in publication order:

Stalker (2019)
The Secret (2020) *previously published as Payback*
The Teacher (2020) *previously published as Reckless*
The Mistake (2021) *previously published as Bad Girls*
The Babysitter (2021)
The Feud (2022)
The Neighbour (2023)
The Good Wife (2023)
The Flatmate (2023)
The Honeymoon (2024)
The Night Shift (2025)
The Stranger at No. 6 (2025)

Follow her on:

X/Twitter: gemmarogers79
Facebook & Instagram: GemmaRogersAuthor

Reviews

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on to your hat because it's about to get real!!!! This is how you write a gripping, shocking, and jaw dropping page turner!!! I sat down not intending to read this book in one day, but I could not put this book down!!! It's that good!

Ria is still reeling after the tragic death of her best friend, Livvy. Even a 5-month sabbatical was not enough. But Ria needs money and when she returns to her flat, she finds Amanda Dowd. Livvy's replacement at work will be her new roommate. Uncomfortable much? Very, very uncomfortable. Plus, Ria’s ex-Jayden, seems to be very chummy with Amanda. Messy.

Returning to work, Ria learns that some things have changed and while coping with her new work partner, she begins to receive calls, packages and photos, things take a turn for the worse. Who is behind this? Why are they targeting her? Hasn't Ria been through enough?

Woohoo! This one was a shocking and hard to put down page turner! I was invested from the very beginning and enjoyed the drama and tension in this book. There are no dull moments or down time in this book. As the tension mounts and the creepy messages continue, I could not stop turning the pages. I had my theories and suspect figured out, but Gemma Rogers managed to shock me with her reveals.

I can't wait to read what Gemma Rogers writes next!

4.5 stars

#TheFlatmate #NetGalley #GemmaRogers, #Boldwoodbooks

Well written, tension filled, creepy and fast paced.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Genre ~ thriller
Publication date ~ June 22, 2023
Page Count ~ 284
Audio length ~ 9 hours 23 minutes
Narrator ~ Imogen Church
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline, dead bff, drugs, references to suicide

Ria has been on a 5 month sabbatical from work after the death of her best friend and coworker, Livvy. When she arrives to her flat someone new has moved into Livvy's room. On top of that, Amanda, sits at Livvy's desk and has her eye on Ria's old flame, Jayden.

Ria is adamant that someone they work with caused her death and she's out to prove it. These coworkers spend a a good amount of time together outside of the office, so it shouldn't be too hard for her to figure things out. She's really written in such a way that she seems unhinged and very unlikable. She's 23 and a bit immature in her actions. She must have been a stellar employee, too, for her boss, Chris, to be so generous ~ he gives her a flat to stay in, pay while on sabbatical and quite a severance package.

I wasn't too thrilled about the who and why around Livvy's death or how Ria ended up handling it, but overall it was a fast paced read that had some over the top crazy moments, but enjoyable.

*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!! This is just what I needed! I loved every sinister, creepy, addictive minute of this fast-paced psychological thriller. A mysterious flatmate mixed with the tragic death of a best friend creates a tale of betrayal, revenge, and paranoia. Is Lizzy really reaching out from beyond the grave, or is something more devious and deadly happening? Is someone out to get Ria, or is her overactive imagination taking over? This thriller pulled me in immediately and had me racing to the shocking conclusion. Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was surreal returning to work after a five-month sabbatical following the suspicious death of my best friend Livvy at a work event. I was grateful for the time away to grieve and had slotted straight back into work. But a surprise awaited my return. Amanda Dowd, Livvy's replacement, was firmly entrenched as my new flatmate in the company apartment. Something that didn't feel right, I felt on edge. But everyone seemed to love Amanda. Even my ex-Jayden was blinded by her outgoing personality and model looks. Yet her desperation to become a friend felt unnatural. When I began to receive phone calls, photos and presents supposedly from Livvy, I became spooked.... someone was targeting me. With my job, home and life on the line, I had to find out who was doing this to me.

What a fantastic read this book was. Ria is still coming to terms after the loss of her best friend Livvy. Now back at work after a five-month sabbatical, things have gone back to normal at the office and Amanda was hired to take over Livvy's job. I could not put this addictive book down. The pace is fast in this well written book. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough, eager to find out what had been going on. There's an eerie vibe, and things started happening to the people that Ria worked with. I was kept guessing. I needed to know the answers. I loved this book.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Boldwood books and the author #GemmaRigers for my ARC of #TheFlatmate in exchange for an honest review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book where an ‘interloper’ arrives and causes chaos…..even better when no one else seems to realise or understand what they are really up to…aside from the person it is most affecting of course
And then when the story has a fresh angle to it that have never encountered before and there is a real mystery to get involved with and try to figure out it becomes brilliant
This book has all the above,oodles of it and I loved how it flowed and brought you into the living nightmare that was/is Ria’s life….all thanks to Amanda
As the book progresses we find out little by little why Amanda is doing what she is,clinically and steadfastly and what she intends the end goal to be…..and its chilling
Always enjoy this authors brilliant books,have read them all and have to say this just peeks ahead as my favourite,transfixing,edgy,thrilling,scary with really well written characters and storyline
Loved it

[Priskah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,0 ✨✨✨

(Audiobook)

[Jodi KH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok
A little far fetched about a girl who’s friend died under a suspicious situation
She returns to find a deranged flat mate who may or may not be the reason her friend died.
I found it a little obvious that the flatmate was nuts & that nobody believed it.
In the end everybody acts shocked that the main character was right.
Eh

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several months ago, Ria's best friend and colleague, Libby, dies. The toxicology report shows drugs in her system. Ria doesn't believe she took them and insists her drink was spiked. She can't let go of the death of her friend so she takes a multi month sabbatical from work.

Once she returns, a new person Amanda has been hired to replace Libby. Unbeknownst to Ria, she is also her flatmate in her company subsidized apartment. Something isn't right with Amanda, Ria doesn't mesh with her, yet everyone seems to like her. Amanda is seemingly everywhere, trying to infiltrate Ria's life.

Meanwhile, some odd things are taking place bringing the loss of Libby to the forefront of Ria's mind.

This was an entertaining fast paced thriller. The ending was action packed and so intense.

This is my first book by Gemma Rogers and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by her.

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voor VrouwenThrillers las ik ‘De huisgenote’. Mijn recensie is ook te lezen op Vrouwenthrillers.nl!

Nadat auteur Gemma Rogers zelf slachtoffer werd van een misdrijf begon ze met het schrijven van thrillers waarin vrouwen centraal staan die opnieuw grip proberen te krijgen op hun leven. ‘De huisgenote’ is daar een treffend voorbeeld van. Vijf maanden na het overlijden van haar beste vriendin Livvy keert Ria terug uit Spanje. Op haar werk ontdekt ze dat ze een nieuwe collega heeft: Amanda, die tot haar verrassing ook haar nieuwe huisgenote blijkt te zijn. Al snel gebeuren er vreemde dingen. Ria ontvangt berichtjes, telefoontjes en cadeautjes van haar overleden vriendin, terwijl Amanda zich op een ongemakkelijk dwingende manier aan haar opdringt. Er klopt iets niet, maar Ria weet nog niet wat. Langzaam ontvouwt zich een beklemmend psychologisch spel waarin vertrouwen wankelt en niets is wat het lijkt.

De schrijfstijl van Gemma Rogers is vlot en toegankelijk, met korte hoofdstukken en een constante spanningsopbouw. De sfeer is vanaf het begin onheilspellend, met een ondertoon van wantrouwen en manipulatie. Ria blijft een raadselachtig personage, mede door haar terughoudendheid en achterdocht. Amanda roept vanaf het eerste moment weerstand op, wat zorgt voor extra frictie in het verhaal. De kracht van deze thriller ligt vooral in het psychologische spanningsveld tussen de personages. Vertrouwen, rouw en controleverlies spelen een centrale rol en maken het verhaal herkenbaar en verontrustend. Rogers weet de lezer met meerdere plotwendingen op het verkeerde been te zetten. Sommige ontwikkelingen komen echter minder geloofwaardig over. Daardoor komt ‘De huisgenote’ op sommige punten minder overtuigend over, maar het verhaal blijft boeien tot de laatste pagina.

‘De huisgenote’ is een psychologische thriller met een beklemmende sfeer en intrigerende hoofdpersonages. Wie houdt van verhalen waarin huiselijke veiligheid langzaam verandert in psychologische dreiging, zit met dit boek goed. De onderhuidse spanning, onbetrouwbare personages en verrassende wendingen zorgen voor een meeslepende leeservaring. Een aanrader voor fans van Freida McFadden en B.A. Paris.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic, fast paced thriller. The beginning sucks you in with Livvy’s death and keeps your attention throughout. The best thing about this book is that the author didn’t try to make you look way just for it to be someone else. It’s exactly who you think it is, but the mystery is the why. There’s also the other mystery as to who was behind Livvy’s death, and I would have never figured it out! I bet that you won’t be able to figure it out either. I also enjoyed that the author made it more realistic. Ria does some poking around of her own to try to figure things out, but she doesn’t 100% figure it out. This is unlike other books who have the main character figure everything out with their sleuthing. This is a must read for thriller lovers.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

➺𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀

This was such a god Mystery/ Thriller book! I loved the narration, it felt like I was having a gossip session with my friend, who was telling me a story over a cup of coffee lol❤️ I could literally not guess the plot twists and I loved it!🤌🏻

Ria is finally back at Cardinal Media after a 5 month long break, that she had to take after the suspicious death of her best friend Livy at a work event. The first thing she notices when she gets back is that she has a new flatmate named Amanda, who is also Livy's replacement at work. Everybody seems to absolutely love the cheerful and lovely Amanda, but for some reason Ria just can't seem to like or be friends with her. Ria's plans of leaving things in the past and finally moving on does not go as expected, when she starts to receive threats from someone who is blaming her for Livys death. As things start to take a more sinister turn, Ria is forced to find the real culprit before it's too late.

Whohoo! Another amazing read! I think I'll read The Good Wife from the author next!

[Ashlea Cromby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, though I did struggle a bit with the protagonist. It centers on Ria, whose best friend and coworker Livvy dies at a company party. Ria takes a break but when she returns to work, she can’t get over her suspicions that one of her fellow employees is responsible for Livvy’s death. To make matters worse, a new hire named Amanda has taken Livvy’s job and is put up in the company flat along with Ria, who immediately doesn’t trust her.

I understand her trauma but thought that Ria kept acting out which destroyed her credibility, rather than taking the time and effort to do the due diligence she needed to do in order to figure out what happened to Livvy. I was constantly shaking my head at the way she handled various situations. I also thought that one of the things that happened towards the end of the book didn’t make a whole lot of sense and it pulled me away from the story a bit. On the good side, there was genuine creepiness throughout the book as Ria receives messages that are allegedly from Livvy, and the overall mystery kept me guessing.

Overall, good book that I would’ve liked even better if I had more of a connection with the protagonist. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ria is devastated after her best friend dies. She knows she didn't do drugs so is convinced someone spiked her drink. The police close the case. She takes some time off and is finally coming back to work. She is determined to find out who killed her friend. This book will make you think twice before you pick up a drink at a party.

First she discovers she has a new flatmate-Amanda. She walks in on Amanda with her ex-boyfriend being all cozy. Ria has all sorts of strange things happen but she is convinced Amanda is behind it all. There is no way that Lizzy is reaching out from the grave to text, call, and send flowers. Is she loosing her mind? Her co-works think she has lost it and don't want her there.

I liked that this short book and so much going on that you can easily finish the book in a day.

[DANII · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow read for me. I found it to be a bit boring, but I read on to the end so I could find out the ending. which I had slightly predicted anyway, so I kind of wish I hadn't wasted all that time reading it, but oh well, never mind 😒. Some of the grammar and spelling mistakes also made it a difficult read, so it wasn't very enjoyable, but maybe someone else will enjoy it, we can't all love everything, I guess. 😊

[Nathalie Bakelandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

De eerste kennismaking met deze schrijfster. Mijn interesse om nog boeken van haar te lezen is gewekt. Ze kan spanning opbouwen en ervoor zorgen dat je ook kwaad wordt op personages die zo verknipt zijn, je leeft ook mee met de potentiële slachtoffers.
Tot het einde toe boordevol wraak!

[Birgit Kamps · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Allie Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovedddd this one. i could def relate to the main character. i feel like we all have had an amanda in our lives 🤫

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The storyline was okay but the grammatical errors and sentence structures were really present throughout the whole book. This was a pretty quick read but the story itself felt slow going at the same time.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

* 3.75 stars rounded up *

This was a really fun and entertaining thriller! Whilst a little repetitive at times, I was still thoroughly invested in the storyline and eager to see how it would end. The protagonist’s decision making left a lot to be desired in my opinion, but I was able to put that aside for the sake of a twisty and suspenseful plot that kept me guessing all the way through!

[Sarah Zschunke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nothing special. Got really wild toward the end with a lot going on.

Also, nothing like a little company nepotism.

[Naomi Coupland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe more of a teenage book I think!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyrie is heading back to London after staying in France with her mom and her mom‘s new boyfriend something horrible has happened not only to get her to her moms house but happened at her moms house that cost her to leave. The horrible thing that made her run from London was the death of her best friend Livy. She was found in the restthe room of a bar and toxicology showed she was slipped Roofies and this is why Rie Rie had to take a break from work in life in London but thanks to her mom‘s boyfriend she is heading back to her flat when she walks in however she quickly learns it isn’t just her flat anymore she has a new roommate named Amanda to make matters worse she is sitting there laughing with the guy ReRi was seeing before she left. Reread tries to be nice but there is something about this Amanda she just doesn’t like she gives her strange vibes but soon she is back in her routine as best as she can be without her best friend Livy but when she starts getting phone calls and emails from her dead friend she believes she knows who is behind it every time she mentions what’s happening however in some form of fashion it just makes her look crazier and when Amanda files a report saying she is bullying her Rie Rie nose she has reached the end of her rope but can’t she proof Amanda is as crazy as she thinks or will she be the one who turns out looking like a lunatic? This is one crazy book I love Gemma Rogers thrillers but I am being honest when I say this is her best one by far. There is so much to the spot that I haven’t put in the summary because why would I go read it and see what an awesome book this is. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it it is a definite five star thriller. I received this book from NetGalley and BoldWoodBooks but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Poppy Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
*********************************************************
It was surreal returning to work after a five-month enforced sabbatical following the suspicious death of my best friend Livvy at a work event. I was grateful for the time away to grieve and had slotted straight back into work But a surprise awaited my return. Amanda Dowd, Livvy’s replacement, was firmly entrenched as my new flatmate in the company apartment. Something didn’t feel right, I felt on edge. But everyone seemed to love Amanda. Even my ex-Jayden was blinded by her outgoing personality and model looks. Yet her desperation to become friends felt unnatural. When I began to receive calls, photos and presents supposedly from Livvy, I became spooked… someone was targeting me, watching me. With my job, home and life on the line, I had to find out who was doing this to me. I knew I hadn’t caused Livvy’s death; I still believed it was no accident. Someone else was guilty and I had to find out who before I was next...

A nice spooky thriller that will keep you enthralled for hours - well written and a satisfying ending means you should take it to the beach, backyard, porch or in an easy chair in front of the a/c to read. DOn't forget to reapply your SPF if you are outside: this book will keep your attention and make you forget about the world around you!
#shortbutsweetreviews

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's not who she says she is.

Ria and best friend and co worker Livvy are at an award ceremony for their work Cardinal Media in Brighton, when Livvy is found in the toilets dead with the drug Ketamine in her system, Ria knows that this is not Livvy she would never take drugs, after a three month break from work Ria is ready to return and going back to her flat in Crawley she finds her ex Jayden and a blonde Amanda making themselves at home, and is stunned to find that she is now her new flat mate and is also taken Livvy's job. This woman is no replacement for Livvy and for reasons Ria doesn't like her.
Then things start to happen for Ria she is not going mad and the finger is pointed at Amanda who is this woman and why is she doing this? But no one believes Ria.
This book gives you so many goose bumps as you are reading, that will keep you well hooked into the story and send shivers down your spine, I could not put it down right till the ending, makes you so excited to carry on to one more chapter. brilliant absolutely brilliant.

[Lucy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ria is back at work after the death of her best friend, her new colleague is also her new flatmate Amanda.

After a series of events Ria is convinced Amanda is plotting against her but why....

I could add a lot more but feel it will spoil it for you so do not delay and pick up this fantastic page turner.

I absolutely loved this one.

[Keith Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book good twists and turns

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book, but (spoiler alert!!!) I'm absolutely FUMING that they didn't have Aaron arrested for what he did. Lost 2 stars for me just on that one point alone.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one even though the main characters decision making drove me absolutely insane.

[Selena Collette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the twists and turns!

This book made me feel like I was there along with the characters! Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!