Under Their Roof: My shocking true story of surviving serial killers Fred and Rose West

by Kathleen Richards, Ann Cusack

'Under Their Roof...does so much more than chronicle her time living with the Wests. It's a desperately sad insight into what makes someone vulnerable to abusers... but ultimately, this is a book about the triumph - however painful and even fluky - of good over evil.' Simon Hattenstone, GUARDIAN

'My stomach was clenched tight. I knew there was no way I could swallow a single morsel. Playing in my mind was a slideshow of evil, fragments of memory, glued together by Fred and Rose West dragging me off the pavement, Fred pinning me on the sofa while Rose stroked my hair...'

Kathleen Richards was just 17 when she and her sister Deirdre found themselves on the doorstep of 25 Cromwell Street, Gloucester, seeking lodgings from a seemingly friendly local Fred and Rose West.

While growing up in poverty-stricken Dublin in the 1960s, Kathleen was abused from a young age. A move to England allowed her to escape, but even so life remained difficult, forcing her to seek refuge.

At first, Cromwell Street provided freedom for the sisters who were entertained by Fred's quirky behaviour. Kathleen was also happy to make a new friend in her fellow lodger, Shirley Robinson.

But then, things took a sinister Fred began to abuse Kathleen with his wife's encouragement. And, when Shirley suddenly disappeared too, Kathleen's world began to grow very dark...

This is a chilling account of what it's like to come face-to-face with Britain's most notorious serial killers, but it is also an inspiring account of the resilience of women and how to find happiness after trauma.

Genres: Nonfiction

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2025

Reviews

[Georgia Greenhalgh · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5/5

Under Their Roof by Kathleen Richards is a well-written and deeply personal account of Kathleen’s life. It’s more than just her surviving Fred and Rose West — it’s about all the hardship, trauma, and abuse she endured both before and after her time with them.

I found myself really invested in her journey. It’s definitely a tough read at times, but it highlights her incredible strength and resilience despite all the monsters who took advantage of her vulnerability. Heartbreaking, raw, and powerful.

[Amy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was an interestig insight in to what it was like living with the Wests- there was more to it. This poor woman has been through so much and her multiple abuse situations were missed by many who should have done more. I am however pleased that she saw a therapist and realised that everything that happened to her was not her fault. I am also glad she managed to get out of the Wests house alive (although sadly not unscathed).

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely heartbreaking read 💔
This story is all about Kathleen, and although it's advertised as to do with Fred and Rose West, there is so much more to her life before and after her time at Cromwell Street too.
I listened to this on audiobook and devoured it - I literally could not stop despite how hard it was to listen to at times.
For anyone who enjoys true crime, I highly recommend

[Joanne Rathbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking read at times but, with such strength and courage dealing with the demons in her past. It is not just about the West’s but, also about surviving poverty and the harsh ramifications that brings with it, floored governments systems and sexual abuse. It was well written and succinct.

[Catherine Charnock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving read, a true testament, it’s worth reading a very good book

[Amberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started and finished date - 15.12.25 to 17.12.25.
My rating – Three and Half Stars.
This book was pretty good and informative, but I think Fred and Rose west a British horror story documentary directed by Daniel Dewsbury was little bit better. I think people who like mother california by Kenneth E. Hartman or blood brother by Anne Bird may like book. The cover of book was great, and I really like the cover of the book also I think the colour palette at was used on the cover of book was pretty good. I think the writing was okay and the writing were easy to follow also the ending of book was pretty good. I think author did a great job at describing the horrors at had happened in at house of horrors. I think found both the structured of the book and the paced of book was fine, but it could have be better also I wise this book was longer.

[Kaz Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that will live in your brain for a while after you've finished it. Written using very simple language, it's an easy, but difficult read. Let's just say I was SO pleased she finally got therapy at the end.