The Lodger

by Maria Belloc Lowndes

Audiobook

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Sean Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idk I quite like this book

[Maddie E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, one of the thriller OGs so you knew where it was going but it's pretty cool that it was one of the first to do it. I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator was so good; she did a little Dr Evil voice for Mr Sleuth which I particularly enjoyed.

That being said this book overuses the word queer so much that I almost gave it 3* and has a completely random single use of the n-word that was so jarring.

Loved this book as a narrative on true crime and the human condition, loved the horrible step-mother/step-daughter relationship, loved how much Mr Bunting loves Daisy, love how dumb the police man is, loved the slow build and how each character figured things out at different times. A fun, non-frustrating thriller: 4 stars. xx

[Colin Greenland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired, obviously and famously, by the case of Jack the Ripper, is this the first serial killer novel?

It could be, certainly, not least because Lowndes didn't quite develop a plot capable of supporting and resolving the extraordinary suspense she managed to evoke in every scene.

What she made instead is a masterpiece of psychology, with every subtle emotion in place, especially the unexpected and inconvenient ones. A deeply sympathetic chronicle of humanity and mental disturbance seen straining at the welded seams not just of Victorian propriety but of civilisation itself.

[Toyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely loved this so much!! Yes you know what is likely to happen but that’s the point it’s inspired by Jack the Ripper which made it even more enjoyable for me :) I loved the moral dilemma faced in whether to tell the police about the lodger and lose the benefits that come with him or stay quiet and keep the benefits whilst others are harmed. I also loved the different perspective in that the story is told not from the murderer or police like other crime books but from the viewpoint of a ‘normal’ woman. Definitely a classic worth reading I couldn’t wait to get home and finish it!

[Katy T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a great book. Dated and see through plot.
No real excitement and a description of simple folk being crippled by societal judgement to the extent that they risk their own safety and that of their loved ones and do not reveal a serial killer just so no one judges them for unwittingly renting rooms to him.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

From its place in literature,its history as being the first or one of the first “psychological thrillers”, and even as an example of prose and mannerisms from the early 1900s, it’s interesting to read.

But the story itself, well, it goes down easier as an audiobook.

[Mason Raymundo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ass

[MJ Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read. The focus on the characters slowly building suspicions and a brilliant ending for the genre. I really enjoyed this.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice level: 0/5

Genuinely one of the best ‘classic’ books I’ve ever read.

[Abby Reese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it’s just me but I’d like to think even if someone saved me from financial ruin I’d still turn them over to the police if I figured they were a literal serial killer. But who knows.