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La habitación de las voces. Un thriller escalofriante. Una autora multipremiada.
UN SECRETO MORTAL SE OCULTA TRAS LAS GRIETAS
De la autora de La habitación de invitados, premiada por la Crime Writers’ Association y traducida a 14 idiomas
La joven Rachel, que vive ahogada en deudas, no puede creer su suerte. Le han ofrecido un puesto de trabajo en una empresa de éxito. Sin embargo, el edificio antiguo donde se encuentran las oficinas oculta una historia trágica que, aunque al principio la intriga, pronto le genera una creciente inquietud.
El trabajo diario enseguida se convierte en una pesadilla, pero Rachel no tiene otra opció si no quiere acabar en la calle y perderlo todo, tendrá que ignorar los rumores que corren por los pasillos. A fin de cuentas, esas historias no son más que ecos de un pasado olvidado… ¿o no?
Está casi convencida de ello cuando un descubrimiento aterrador le revela el verdadero peligro al que se enfrenta. El pasado y el presente se entrelazan en un fresco de contornos cada vez más escalofriantes. ¿A qué se dedica realmente la empresa para la que trabaja?
«Escalofriante. El thriller del año.» Sunday Express
«Una autora de gran talento.» The Sun
«El thriller más terrorífico y adictivo que leerás este año.» Lee Child
«Te sorprenderá.» Crime Scene Magazine
De la autora de La habitación de invitados, premiada por la Crime Writers’ Association y traducida a 14 idiomas
La joven Rachel, que vive ahogada en deudas, no puede creer su suerte. Le han ofrecido un puesto de trabajo en una empresa de éxito. Sin embargo, el edificio antiguo donde se encuentran las oficinas oculta una historia trágica que, aunque al principio la intriga, pronto le genera una creciente inquietud.
El trabajo diario enseguida se convierte en una pesadilla, pero Rachel no tiene otra opció si no quiere acabar en la calle y perderlo todo, tendrá que ignorar los rumores que corren por los pasillos. A fin de cuentas, esas historias no son más que ecos de un pasado olvidado… ¿o no?
Está casi convencida de ello cuando un descubrimiento aterrador le revela el verdadero peligro al que se enfrenta. El pasado y el presente se entrelazan en un fresco de contornos cada vez más escalofriantes. ¿A qué se dedica realmente la empresa para la que trabaja?
«Escalofriante. El thriller del año.» Sunday Express
«Una autora de gran talento.» The Sun
«El thriller más terrorífico y adictivo que leerás este año.» Lee Child
«Te sorprenderá.» Crime Scene Magazine
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
1175 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Dreda Say Mitchell
46 books520 followersHer Majesty, The Queen appointed Dreda an MBE in her 2020 New Year’s Honours’ List. Dreda scooped the CWA’s John Creasey Dagger in 2004, the first time a Black British author has received this honour. Dreda and Ryan write across the crime and mystery genre – psychological thrillers, gritty gangland crime and fast-paced action books Spare Room, their first psychological thriller was a #1 UK and US Amazon Bestseller. Dreda is one of twelve acclaimed and bestselling international female writers contributing to a new Miss Marple anthology. Dreda is a passionate campaigner and speaker on social issues and the arts. She has been a frequent guest on television and radio including BBC Breakfast,, Celebrity Pointless and Celebrity Eggheads, The Stephen Nolan Show, Front Row and Woman’s Hour. She has presented Radio 4’s flagship books programme, Open Book. Dreda was named one of Britain’s 50 Remarkable Women by Lady Geek in association with Nokia. She was the 2011 chair of the Theakston Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival. Dreda was born and raised in the East End of London where she continues to live. Dreda’s family are from the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada and her name is pronounced with a long ‘ee’ sound in the middle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
July 28, 2025
"It’s OK to be hurt. OK to be broken. It’s normal. Anyone who says different is peddling a lie."
Trap Door
by Dreda Say Mitchell
Review to follow when I'm not so tired.
I did not like this book all that much.
Yet I read it in one sitting.
Has anyone ever had a book that started so good? Even great? And you are so hyped up, feeling so good, getting into it..and then the plot just..collapses?
Or stops making sense?
This is what happened to me with Trap Door.
Rachel is in debt. Badly. To alleviate that debt, she takes a job as a management consultant, working for Michael. Michael's a quality businessman and a man with a plan. He wants to hire Rachel even though she has no experience because he likes that she worked as a bartender. She will be cool under pressure..he thinks.
Rachel is an anxious person and close to being homeless. She comes from money but will not ask for help. Even though her dad has millions, dearly loves her and they are really close.
That is the first thing that did not make sense.
The building Rachel is to work in has an ominous past. Once, a long time ago. there was a fire in a basement sweatshop and many of the workers were killed. The basement is in this office..where Rachel is to start working.
You know what? I am giving up on the plot description. There is so much to this book. To much in my humble opinion .
TRIGGERS..Animal abuse, sexual assault, being trapped in a basement.
Here is what I liked about the book:
It is CREEPY. Rachel is flying high on the job until she finds out her office has been inexplicably moved..downstairs to that creepy basement.
The hackers work down there. Nobody speaks to each other. Nobody will acknowledge her existence. The hackers are all men and they do naughty things down there in that basement like watch snuff videos and porn when they should be working. There is not even a ladies room.
Terror is invading Rachel's psyche.
What a powerful beginning! I was hooked and I mean REALLY hooked.
The it all fell apart.
Nothing the characters did made sense. That is a major quibble. Certain things literally did not make sense.
One example:
A character (no spoilers) says they could not ever kill anyone but a few sentences later says they want to murder someone and kill themselves with them. And they mean it. Does that make sense? I was really confused.
SPOILERS;
No way did I buy the dad as the bad guy. Loved his daughter to much. Moved heaven and earth for her and I really did not believe the personality turn around. No way.
Also..how did the attempted murders not get arrested? Once the whole scheme is revealed..Rachel even becomes sorta friends with them. They operated a fake business, emotionally tortured someone, I mean..how do they all get away with it?
How did Phillip get to the house after being so badly burned and being close to death at the hospital? And poor Phillip. He dies THREE times in this book!
Keats gets hit by a car and Rachel does..nothing? Just hopes she is at the hospital?
There was twist after twist after twist in this book. I like me a twist or two but not practically on every page. The story was not at all believable. I lost interest.
I still gave it a three. Why? Because I like the writing. I'd still read other works from this author. What a CREEPY atmosphere she creates! That BASEMENT! And I loved Keats..one of my favorite characters this year.
But I cannot get higher than a three because the first half was so utterly good and then it just got to silly. Also I automatically take a point off for animal abuse. I mean..I even do that with my favorite books.
DOG DOES NOT DIE.
But he does get kicked. I knew it was gonna happen too. It always does in books when random adorable animals are thrown in . You kind of sit in dread because you KNOW.
At least this one survived. But the book was a let down.Three stars from me.
Trap Door
by Dreda Say Mitchell
Review to follow when I'm not so tired.
I did not like this book all that much.
Yet I read it in one sitting.
Has anyone ever had a book that started so good? Even great? And you are so hyped up, feeling so good, getting into it..and then the plot just..collapses?
Or stops making sense?
This is what happened to me with Trap Door.
Rachel is in debt. Badly. To alleviate that debt, she takes a job as a management consultant, working for Michael. Michael's a quality businessman and a man with a plan. He wants to hire Rachel even though she has no experience because he likes that she worked as a bartender. She will be cool under pressure..he thinks.
Rachel is an anxious person and close to being homeless. She comes from money but will not ask for help. Even though her dad has millions, dearly loves her and they are really close.
That is the first thing that did not make sense.
The building Rachel is to work in has an ominous past. Once, a long time ago. there was a fire in a basement sweatshop and many of the workers were killed. The basement is in this office..where Rachel is to start working.
You know what? I am giving up on the plot description. There is so much to this book. To much in my humble opinion .
TRIGGERS..Animal abuse, sexual assault, being trapped in a basement.
Here is what I liked about the book:
It is CREEPY. Rachel is flying high on the job until she finds out her office has been inexplicably moved..downstairs to that creepy basement.
The hackers work down there. Nobody speaks to each other. Nobody will acknowledge her existence. The hackers are all men and they do naughty things down there in that basement like watch snuff videos and porn when they should be working. There is not even a ladies room.
Terror is invading Rachel's psyche.
What a powerful beginning! I was hooked and I mean REALLY hooked.
The it all fell apart.
Nothing the characters did made sense. That is a major quibble. Certain things literally did not make sense.
One example:
A character (no spoilers) says they could not ever kill anyone but a few sentences later says they want to murder someone and kill themselves with them. And they mean it. Does that make sense? I was really confused.
SPOILERS;
No way did I buy the dad as the bad guy. Loved his daughter to much. Moved heaven and earth for her and I really did not believe the personality turn around. No way.
Also..how did the attempted murders not get arrested? Once the whole scheme is revealed..Rachel even becomes sorta friends with them. They operated a fake business, emotionally tortured someone, I mean..how do they all get away with it?
How did Phillip get to the house after being so badly burned and being close to death at the hospital? And poor Phillip. He dies THREE times in this book!
Keats gets hit by a car and Rachel does..nothing? Just hopes she is at the hospital?
There was twist after twist after twist in this book. I like me a twist or two but not practically on every page. The story was not at all believable. I lost interest.
I still gave it a three. Why? Because I like the writing. I'd still read other works from this author. What a CREEPY atmosphere she creates! That BASEMENT! And I loved Keats..one of my favorite characters this year.
But I cannot get higher than a three because the first half was so utterly good and then it just got to silly. Also I automatically take a point off for animal abuse. I mean..I even do that with my favorite books.
DOG DOES NOT DIE.
But he does get kicked. I knew it was gonna happen too. It always does in books when random adorable animals are thrown in . You kind of sit in dread because you KNOW.
At least this one survived. But the book was a let down.Three stars from me.
February 11, 2020
TRAP DOOR is a creepy psychological suspense by international bestselling author of SPARE ROOM, Dreda Say Mitchell.
100 years ago, 22 young sweatshop women workers died in a basement fire at work.
When Rachel was eighteen, she lost her best friend Philip in a fire.
Rachel, a young woman in serious debt, needs to find a job fast before she’s made homeless. She gets a lucky break when she is offered a great position with great pay by the owner Michael Barrington in a successful Management Consulting Firm. She shows up for work and is told she will be working under Keats, a genius tekke, and her work station is in the basement, trapped underground…entering through a trap door. Keats face is concealed, and only communicates the assignments by sending messages to her computer. Real strange.
Rachel soon discovers that the building she is now working in was once a Victorian sweatshop with a tragic history.
Soon her new job becomes a living nightmare, but she needs this job to pay off her debt and keep her house. Rachel desperately wants out, but she has no other way of escaping her debts. She’s trapped.
After a terrible day in the dungeon, she leaves work ill and decides to confess the truth to her dad, of how she had messed up and in financial distress. With her mother dead, her father is the only one that can help…but instead she decides to go back to her job, beneath the trap door in the basement.
Then she makes a shocking discovery.
Rachel needs to find answers before she finds herself in grave danger…
What is really going on in her workplace?
Trap Door is a gripping psychological suspense thriller that has an intriguing plot with realistic characters that give it life. Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader’s attention. This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
100 years ago, 22 young sweatshop women workers died in a basement fire at work.
When Rachel was eighteen, she lost her best friend Philip in a fire.
Rachel, a young woman in serious debt, needs to find a job fast before she’s made homeless. She gets a lucky break when she is offered a great position with great pay by the owner Michael Barrington in a successful Management Consulting Firm. She shows up for work and is told she will be working under Keats, a genius tekke, and her work station is in the basement, trapped underground…entering through a trap door. Keats face is concealed, and only communicates the assignments by sending messages to her computer. Real strange.
Rachel soon discovers that the building she is now working in was once a Victorian sweatshop with a tragic history.
Soon her new job becomes a living nightmare, but she needs this job to pay off her debt and keep her house. Rachel desperately wants out, but she has no other way of escaping her debts. She’s trapped.
After a terrible day in the dungeon, she leaves work ill and decides to confess the truth to her dad, of how she had messed up and in financial distress. With her mother dead, her father is the only one that can help…but instead she decides to go back to her job, beneath the trap door in the basement.
Then she makes a shocking discovery.
Rachel needs to find answers before she finds herself in grave danger…
What is really going on in her workplace?
Trap Door is a gripping psychological suspense thriller that has an intriguing plot with realistic characters that give it life. Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader’s attention. This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
February 28, 2020
This book had me gripped from the beginning. The premise of working beneath a trap door was spooky and with the legend of a fateful fire ripping through the basement, it literally sent shivers down my spine. I could not help but feel equally trapped with Rachel as her world literally and metaphorically closes in on her.
Rachel is definitely a character to sympathise with. She seems to have tried so hard to make her way in life but has yet to find her place. With little security, no money and mounting debts, I admired the way that Mitchell gave Rachel continued strength and determination: despite Rachel’s father having millions of pounds, she strives to not beg him for help. This independence is a characteristic that develops throughout the narrative and I appreciated how Rachel wanted to make her own way in life, without having to repeatedly return to her father for financial handouts.
It was only until I reached the final few chapters did I realise the metaphorical meaning behind the novel’s title. Whilst ‘Trap Door’ refers to Rachel’s bizarre working environment, it gradually dawned on me how she has to go through her own symbolic ‘trap door’ in relation to her past. As the story progresses, Rachel has to confront the fears buried in her past and acknowledge that what she knows is not the truth. The phrase ‘down and under’ is used frequently to describe Rachel entering the basement and I think this perfectly reflected the search for truth that she has to undertake. I like a good, metaphorical title and I’m so glad that Mitchell didn’t resort to ‘Basement’ – it would have been far less effective!
If I’m being perfectly honest, I found the story a little far-fetched, leading me to only give this a four-star review. I was initially gripped and intrigued by the premise and found I had goosebumps tingling up my arms as it became clear that Rachel is being haunted by her past. However, the idea of an employee being sent down to an underground basement to work on a highly intense project was a little beyond my stretch of reality. It was pretty clear that the business was not what Rachel believed and, when she is forced to sleep in an abandoned part of the office because she has no home to go to, I thought that Mitchell was pushing things too far. Indeed, the sudden discoveries of other trapdoors and secret passages towards the climax of the novel were too convenient for my liking and I thought the writer could have executed this part of the plot in a different way.
All this being said, I could not put the book down. After my curiosity was piqued, I was determined to discover the truth behind this sinister basement. So many characters are not what they appeared to be and I enjoyed the gradual revelations that the writer leaked into the narrative. I experienced many emotions whilst reading this story – fear, horror and surprise, meaning this is a great candidate for those of you who enjoy a jolly good, thrilling and suspenseful read. This is my first read by Mitchell and I am definitely keen to see more stories by this writer.
With thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel is definitely a character to sympathise with. She seems to have tried so hard to make her way in life but has yet to find her place. With little security, no money and mounting debts, I admired the way that Mitchell gave Rachel continued strength and determination: despite Rachel’s father having millions of pounds, she strives to not beg him for help. This independence is a characteristic that develops throughout the narrative and I appreciated how Rachel wanted to make her own way in life, without having to repeatedly return to her father for financial handouts.
It was only until I reached the final few chapters did I realise the metaphorical meaning behind the novel’s title. Whilst ‘Trap Door’ refers to Rachel’s bizarre working environment, it gradually dawned on me how she has to go through her own symbolic ‘trap door’ in relation to her past. As the story progresses, Rachel has to confront the fears buried in her past and acknowledge that what she knows is not the truth. The phrase ‘down and under’ is used frequently to describe Rachel entering the basement and I think this perfectly reflected the search for truth that she has to undertake. I like a good, metaphorical title and I’m so glad that Mitchell didn’t resort to ‘Basement’ – it would have been far less effective!
If I’m being perfectly honest, I found the story a little far-fetched, leading me to only give this a four-star review. I was initially gripped and intrigued by the premise and found I had goosebumps tingling up my arms as it became clear that Rachel is being haunted by her past. However, the idea of an employee being sent down to an underground basement to work on a highly intense project was a little beyond my stretch of reality. It was pretty clear that the business was not what Rachel believed and, when she is forced to sleep in an abandoned part of the office because she has no home to go to, I thought that Mitchell was pushing things too far. Indeed, the sudden discoveries of other trapdoors and secret passages towards the climax of the novel were too convenient for my liking and I thought the writer could have executed this part of the plot in a different way.
All this being said, I could not put the book down. After my curiosity was piqued, I was determined to discover the truth behind this sinister basement. So many characters are not what they appeared to be and I enjoyed the gradual revelations that the writer leaked into the narrative. I experienced many emotions whilst reading this story – fear, horror and surprise, meaning this is a great candidate for those of you who enjoy a jolly good, thrilling and suspenseful read. This is my first read by Mitchell and I am definitely keen to see more stories by this writer.
With thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2020
Mixed Moments for me...
I was really into this book up until around 46% when it seemed to alter direction and plot. I enjoyed the mystery around the early chapters but for me it got more and more confusing. This stole the flow and engagement with the story.
I struggled to connect with much at that point but kept going. Sadly it didn't get back to the strong beginning-middle of this book. Freda is not a poor writer at all, I would happily read more from her. I wondered if editorial advice had steered the book at all. Such a great premise, quite unusual with some very well written strong characters.
This will appeal to many I am sure, I think after reading and reviewing up to 400 books a year for a long time I do now look for true stand out stories. I love this genre a lot. If the second half had held me fully this would be a 4 star read. All reviews are subjective of course so if you read this I hope it's just your perfect cup of tea.
I was really into this book up until around 46% when it seemed to alter direction and plot. I enjoyed the mystery around the early chapters but for me it got more and more confusing. This stole the flow and engagement with the story.
I struggled to connect with much at that point but kept going. Sadly it didn't get back to the strong beginning-middle of this book. Freda is not a poor writer at all, I would happily read more from her. I wondered if editorial advice had steered the book at all. Such a great premise, quite unusual with some very well written strong characters.
This will appeal to many I am sure, I think after reading and reviewing up to 400 books a year for a long time I do now look for true stand out stories. I love this genre a lot. If the second half had held me fully this would be a 4 star read. All reviews are subjective of course so if you read this I hope it's just your perfect cup of tea.
September 10, 2025
No suelo reseñar libros abandonados, pero necesito sacarme la espina de este.
Abandonado con un 80% del libro leído.
Por diversas causas:
-No me gusta nada cómo está escrito/traducido.
-La protagonista es una petarda con la inteligencia justa para no hacerse popó encima... curiosamente parece algo más inteligente cuando va drogada (que es casi todo el libro)
-Aburrido hasta la extenuación (no sé qué libro deben haber leído las personas que dicen que es trepidante y con giros continuos). A mí no me hacen falta los giros, pero al menos que el ritmo sea equilibrado y no como aquí un ritmo que fluctúa entre continuos desiertos y de vez en cuando un minioasis.
-La trama, los personajes... surrealista todo e inverosímil. No hay por donde coger a ninguno.
- La autora quiere mantener la intriga del lector ocultando unos hechos del pasado de la protagonista que parecen ser claves, pero que en estos dos tercios de libro leído aún no se sabe ni qué, ni cómo, ni cuando, ni dónde. Nada. O sea, trampeando para urdir algo que vete a saber qué sea.
- Y podría seguir más, pero me da pereza infinita gastar más tiempo del que creo que se merece esta novela.
Abandonado con un 80% del libro leído.
Por diversas causas:
-No me gusta nada cómo está escrito/traducido.
-La protagonista es una petarda con la inteligencia justa para no hacerse popó encima... curiosamente parece algo más inteligente cuando va drogada (que es casi todo el libro)
-Aburrido hasta la extenuación (no sé qué libro deben haber leído las personas que dicen que es trepidante y con giros continuos). A mí no me hacen falta los giros, pero al menos que el ritmo sea equilibrado y no como aquí un ritmo que fluctúa entre continuos desiertos y de vez en cuando un minioasis.
-La trama, los personajes... surrealista todo e inverosímil. No hay por donde coger a ninguno.
- La autora quiere mantener la intriga del lector ocultando unos hechos del pasado de la protagonista que parecen ser claves, pero que en estos dos tercios de libro leído aún no se sabe ni qué, ni cómo, ni cuando, ni dónde. Nada. O sea, trampeando para urdir algo que vete a saber qué sea.
- Y podría seguir más, pero me da pereza infinita gastar más tiempo del que creo que se merece esta novela.
April 11, 2020
Not a fan of the writing style. Decent thriller turned into a soap opera. I didn't find it creepy at all.
August 25, 2025
Desde el inicio se percibe que no es un thriller cualquiera: la tensión se construye rápido y atrapa de inmediato.
La narración es trepidante, siempre en movimiento, con giros constantes que mantienen en vilo. Algunos de esos giros los intuí, pero otros lograron sorprenderme por completo, mostrando la habilidad de la autora para jugar con las expectativas del lector.
El ritmo es vertiginoso y está muy bien logrado, lo que convierte al libro en una lectura difícil de soltar. Los personajes, además, están delineados con claridad y fuerza: no son simples piezas de la trama, sino figuras que dejan huella.
Es un thriller excelente: dinámico, ingenioso y lleno de tensión. Una lectura que combina sorpresa, agilidad narrativa y personajes sólidos. Un libro que confirma el talento de Dreda Say Mitchell y que recomiendo sin dudar.
Muy merecidas 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
La narración es trepidante, siempre en movimiento, con giros constantes que mantienen en vilo. Algunos de esos giros los intuí, pero otros lograron sorprenderme por completo, mostrando la habilidad de la autora para jugar con las expectativas del lector.
El ritmo es vertiginoso y está muy bien logrado, lo que convierte al libro en una lectura difícil de soltar. Los personajes, además, están delineados con claridad y fuerza: no son simples piezas de la trama, sino figuras que dejan huella.
Es un thriller excelente: dinámico, ingenioso y lleno de tensión. Una lectura que combina sorpresa, agilidad narrativa y personajes sólidos. Un libro que confirma el talento de Dreda Say Mitchell y que recomiendo sin dudar.
Muy merecidas 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 16, 2020
I really don’t enjoy books that tell me how to feel. If it takes a paragraph to create suspense - don’t tell me that it is suspenseful in the last sentence of the same paragraph.
A few too many gaps of logic in the plot and the strange relationships just didn’t work for me.
A few too many gaps of logic in the plot and the strange relationships just didn’t work for me.
February 21, 2021
This book doesn't know what it wants to be, it really doesn't know whether it's coming or going. Took alot of effort to plod through it.
December 1, 2020
Rachel is in debt and due to bad decisions is about to lose her house too, so when she is offered a well-paid job, she decides not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Even when weird things start to happen - Rachel goes from working alone in an upstairs office, to being transferred to the windowless basement, one woman amongst a team of men who treat her with contempt. The subterranean basement, accessed only by a trap door, is where several young women were killed 100 years ago in a fire, and Rachel begins to feel claustrophobic working down there. Plus there is something increasingly sinister about her boss and her coworkers too, especially project manager, Keats.
What the heck did I just read? This is a high-energy read, with twist after twist, and I wasn't really sure where it was going to go next. I figured there was going to a paranormal aspect to this, but it stays firmly on psychological thriller ground. I would say it's not one to read if you have a fear of confined spaces as this features quite a bit.
TW: not for those with fear of confined spaces, flashback to sexual assault, animal is injured but not killed.
What the heck did I just read? This is a high-energy read, with twist after twist, and I wasn't really sure where it was going to go next. I figured there was going to a paranormal aspect to this, but it stays firmly on psychological thriller ground. I would say it's not one to read if you have a fear of confined spaces as this features quite a bit.
TW: not for those with fear of confined spaces, flashback to sexual assault, animal is injured but not killed.
January 28, 2020
Thank you, Bloodhound books, for a copy of Trap door by Dreda Say Mitchell as looking forward to reading this as this is the first book from the author that I have read.
Rachel is seriously in debt. She has been told to leave her bedsit which her mate Jed is the landlord. She needs to find herself a job. She could go back to her dad who owns his own building company. But the shame of it and her dad will kill her hears of the mess she is in.
She is offered a job in a Victorian building that was a sweatshop over a 100 years ago where people died from a fire. She feels uneasy, as in the past she survived a fire where her friend perished in the same one. And when she finds out that her new job is in the basement of this building, through a trap door. Rachel feels like her whole world is closing in and she is so scared. She is not sure that she can stay working there. But one day, she gets locked in the office and other things happen she realises that her life is in danger.
The Trap is a creepy well written Psychological thriller by Dreda Say Mitchell but, it was different to what I was expecting, in a good way that is. This had a great unique storyline, the office in the basement reminding a bit of something out of Black mirror. But this story still left unanswered questions at the end. 4 stars from me.
Rachel is seriously in debt. She has been told to leave her bedsit which her mate Jed is the landlord. She needs to find herself a job. She could go back to her dad who owns his own building company. But the shame of it and her dad will kill her hears of the mess she is in.
She is offered a job in a Victorian building that was a sweatshop over a 100 years ago where people died from a fire. She feels uneasy, as in the past she survived a fire where her friend perished in the same one. And when she finds out that her new job is in the basement of this building, through a trap door. Rachel feels like her whole world is closing in and she is so scared. She is not sure that she can stay working there. But one day, she gets locked in the office and other things happen she realises that her life is in danger.
The Trap is a creepy well written Psychological thriller by Dreda Say Mitchell but, it was different to what I was expecting, in a good way that is. This had a great unique storyline, the office in the basement reminding a bit of something out of Black mirror. But this story still left unanswered questions at the end. 4 stars from me.
March 2, 2020
Hmmm 🤔 okay so I had lots of little issues with this book- adding them all up results in a 3 star read for me.
The main character is my “main” issue (hehe). Her tough girl inner-dialogue did NOT match her wimpy, passive aggressive actions. She was honestly so scared by an old lady giving her a mean look she had to scream?? (Just one of several examples.) Rachel was always getting herself so worked up over the tiniest things to the point of “not being able to breathe” or feeling like she “was going to be sick” and it was beyond annoying to the point it interfered with the plot. It also irritated me to no end that she could have gone to work for her father at any time, and since she was supposed to inherit the family business this would be a natural, and logical conclusion to her financial issues, but they make it seem like her pride wouldn’t allow it. Ummm if you’re expected to take over the business at some point it’s really NOT a matter of pride! 🙄
She’s also just plain stupid on far too many occasions and it becomes incredibly painful to witness. (Really? A sign on the wall of a building saying a bunch of people died there?) How ignorant do you have to be to buy that?? There’s a lot of medical miracles in this book - more than one is too many IMO.
They said that Peter told his mother and brother several times that Rachel wasn’t involved, but they refused to believe or accept it. Then suddenly, at the end, he tells them ONE more time and NOW they believe it?? And the fact that her father’s remains were not recovered from the fire... is that supposed to leave this open for a sequel? For another medical miracle? A cliffhanger? It just seemed like a last minute addition with no real purpose.
I know all of this may seem minute and petty but these issues could have been resolved by a good editor and the sheer number of them resulted in a couple stars docked because it was a frustrating reading experience for me. The numerous plot and character contradictions almost make it seem like two different authors were writing the book. I would still encourage people to read it though, it does keep your interest and someone less picky may really enjoy it.
The main character is my “main” issue (hehe). Her tough girl inner-dialogue did NOT match her wimpy, passive aggressive actions. She was honestly so scared by an old lady giving her a mean look she had to scream?? (Just one of several examples.) Rachel was always getting herself so worked up over the tiniest things to the point of “not being able to breathe” or feeling like she “was going to be sick” and it was beyond annoying to the point it interfered with the plot. It also irritated me to no end that she could have gone to work for her father at any time, and since she was supposed to inherit the family business this would be a natural, and logical conclusion to her financial issues, but they make it seem like her pride wouldn’t allow it. Ummm if you’re expected to take over the business at some point it’s really NOT a matter of pride! 🙄
She’s also just plain stupid on far too many occasions and it becomes incredibly painful to witness. (Really? A sign on the wall of a building saying a bunch of people died there?) How ignorant do you have to be to buy that?? There’s a lot of medical miracles in this book - more than one is too many IMO.
They said that Peter told his mother and brother several times that Rachel wasn’t involved, but they refused to believe or accept it. Then suddenly, at the end, he tells them ONE more time and NOW they believe it?? And the fact that her father’s remains were not recovered from the fire... is that supposed to leave this open for a sequel? For another medical miracle? A cliffhanger? It just seemed like a last minute addition with no real purpose.
I know all of this may seem minute and petty but these issues could have been resolved by a good editor and the sheer number of them resulted in a couple stars docked because it was a frustrating reading experience for me. The numerous plot and character contradictions almost make it seem like two different authors were writing the book. I would still encourage people to read it though, it does keep your interest and someone less picky may really enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2020
Wow! What a great page turner. It’s an edge of your seat can’t put down book.
April 23, 2021
4.5 stars
April 3, 2022
Listened to on audio. I wasn’t sure I was going to like this initially but I ended up devouring it! A good suspense thriller with a really satisfying ending.
February 18, 2020
Another Brillant book by Dreda Say Mitchell, I had the pleasure to read Spare Room, and I was so excited to get an ARC copy of this book. Thank you to Bloodhound Books.
Rachel, the main character is unemployed, in debt, soon to be homeless living in a shared house. But she is lucky enough to be given a months trail for a new job, being a management consultant for a new business for a man called Micheal. But her new job uncovers massive lies, secrets and trauma. It turns into her worse nightmares.
So many plots, subplots and it is a wonderful well-crafted story with plenty of shocking skilful twists and turns. It was absolutely gripping and a remarkably creepy and suspenseful novel.
I loved Rachel’s character; she was engaging and absorbing. She made for an exquisite character. The author really put this character through an epic amount. Her life is crashing around her after she is uncovering the truth, about her childhood, family and her life. And the trauma of her childhood friend Phillip dies.
I was addicted to Keats’ character; she was wonderful, weird, wacky and very, very fascinating. I loved reading about her and discovering more and more about her character. She was definitely one of my favourite characters.
I love how Dreda Say Mitchell tells a story and weaves in so different paths into her stories they are completely, wholly addictive and suspenseful. This book was cleverly told in first person, but it is so so well done. I highly recommend this book, if you love psychological suspenseful addictive books then you kinda like NEED to grab this book and settle down on the sofa.
www.readingthroughthepain.blog
Rachel, the main character is unemployed, in debt, soon to be homeless living in a shared house. But she is lucky enough to be given a months trail for a new job, being a management consultant for a new business for a man called Micheal. But her new job uncovers massive lies, secrets and trauma. It turns into her worse nightmares.
So many plots, subplots and it is a wonderful well-crafted story with plenty of shocking skilful twists and turns. It was absolutely gripping and a remarkably creepy and suspenseful novel.
I loved Rachel’s character; she was engaging and absorbing. She made for an exquisite character. The author really put this character through an epic amount. Her life is crashing around her after she is uncovering the truth, about her childhood, family and her life. And the trauma of her childhood friend Phillip dies.
I was addicted to Keats’ character; she was wonderful, weird, wacky and very, very fascinating. I loved reading about her and discovering more and more about her character. She was definitely one of my favourite characters.
I love how Dreda Say Mitchell tells a story and weaves in so different paths into her stories they are completely, wholly addictive and suspenseful. This book was cleverly told in first person, but it is so so well done. I highly recommend this book, if you love psychological suspenseful addictive books then you kinda like NEED to grab this book and settle down on the sofa.
www.readingthroughthepain.blog
July 21, 2025
2,5/5.
Es una novela muy fácil de leer, entretenida y de estas perfectas para desconectar. Entonces, ¿qué me ha pasado? pues que llega un punto en el que las acciones de la protagonista entre lo irreales que son y lo pesada que es, me sacaba de quicio.Y en cuanto a la trama, llega un punto en el que todo se vuelve demasiado enrevesado y sin lógica alguna...además de una vez más, de ser demasiado irreal...
No ha estado mal pero no me ha acabado de convencer tampoco.
Es una novela muy fácil de leer, entretenida y de estas perfectas para desconectar. Entonces, ¿qué me ha pasado? pues que llega un punto en el que las acciones de la protagonista entre lo irreales que son y lo pesada que es, me sacaba de quicio.Y en cuanto a la trama, llega un punto en el que todo se vuelve demasiado enrevesado y sin lógica alguna...además de una vez más, de ser demasiado irreal...
No ha estado mal pero no me ha acabado de convencer tampoco.
February 11, 2020
This gripping, pacy psychological thriller starts with debt-ridden Rachel landing a staggeringly well-paid job for which she is completely unqualified. But is her boss, the charming Michael Barrington, the saviour he seems? Spookily, the building she’s working in was a former Victorian sweatshop where its young female workers died in tragic circumstances. But it’s not just the distant past that holds mystery and terror: Rachel finds herself in a bizarre nightmare that forces her to question everything around her. Dreda Say Mitchell ratchets up the tension and the shocks in every chapter – a masterly storyteller. I read this book thanks to an ARC.
September 23, 2021
I absolutely detested this book. I can't think of a single redeemable quality about it.
The main protagonist, Rachel, is possibly the most infuriatingly and stupid character I've had the misfortune to come across for a long, long time.
The plot is non-sensical, and calling this a "thriller" is very much scraping the barrel. There was nothing about it that was suspenseful.
If every character had died in a glorious fireball at the end, then I might have given this a higher score. But alas, here we are.
The main protagonist, Rachel, is possibly the most infuriatingly and stupid character I've had the misfortune to come across for a long, long time.
The plot is non-sensical, and calling this a "thriller" is very much scraping the barrel. There was nothing about it that was suspenseful.
If every character had died in a glorious fireball at the end, then I might have given this a higher score. But alas, here we are.
March 16, 2020
Good Book
I loved this story. There were so many questions I was dying to get answers to. The journey to those answers was compelling, stunning and filled with twists and turns. There were, however, too many incomplete sentences for my taste.
I loved this story. There were so many questions I was dying to get answers to. The journey to those answers was compelling, stunning and filled with twists and turns. There were, however, too many incomplete sentences for my taste.
February 11, 2020
Rachel is a mess, she’s up to her eyes in debt and has overstayed her welcome in a friend’s house share. She could ask her Dad for help, but she is too ashamed.
So, when Michael offers her a job as a marketing consultant, she jumps at the chance even though both of them know she has no experience at all. It all starts well, but then Michael raises concerns and Rachel is moved to the basement with the techies……and to get to the basement she has to use a Trap Door.
This is the same basement where 22 people had reportedly died in a sweatshop fire 100 years ago…..Rachel has a morbid fear of fire after her friend Phillip had died in a fire 10 years before.
She’s working alongside the techies and the masked, silent Keats which really adds to the tension. When she gets trapped alone in the dark basement, she hears her name and begins to wonder who would want to scare her so much. Every day becomes a nightmare and she no longer knows what’s real…..Can she find the truth before it’s too late?
I can’t say too much more for fear of spoilers, but it’s a tale of secrets, family and betrayals with a dark, twisty and claustrophobic plot, so full of tension it’s an utterly gripping psychological thriller from start to finish. I really enjoyed every fear filled minute.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to take part in this Publication Day Party, for the promotional material and a free ecopy of Trap Door. This is my honest and unbiased review.
So, when Michael offers her a job as a marketing consultant, she jumps at the chance even though both of them know she has no experience at all. It all starts well, but then Michael raises concerns and Rachel is moved to the basement with the techies……and to get to the basement she has to use a Trap Door.
This is the same basement where 22 people had reportedly died in a sweatshop fire 100 years ago…..Rachel has a morbid fear of fire after her friend Phillip had died in a fire 10 years before.
She’s working alongside the techies and the masked, silent Keats which really adds to the tension. When she gets trapped alone in the dark basement, she hears her name and begins to wonder who would want to scare her so much. Every day becomes a nightmare and she no longer knows what’s real…..Can she find the truth before it’s too late?
I can’t say too much more for fear of spoilers, but it’s a tale of secrets, family and betrayals with a dark, twisty and claustrophobic plot, so full of tension it’s an utterly gripping psychological thriller from start to finish. I really enjoyed every fear filled minute.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to take part in this Publication Day Party, for the promotional material and a free ecopy of Trap Door. This is my honest and unbiased review.
March 31, 2021
Silver - per RFS
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Rachel è una giovane donna piena di debiti e non le sembra vero quando trova un lavoro ben retribuito presso un’azienda di successo. Il suo passato nasconde dei segreti e il nuovo lavoro, che dovrebbe essere un’ancora di salvezza, invece diventa un incubo che nasconde bugie che portano la protagonista a voler scoprire la verità.
Questo thriller nei primi capitoli è stato pesante e lento, non catturava minimamente la mia curiosità e sinceramente non ero invogliata a proseguire. Ma da un determinato punto in poi ha iniziato a suscitare il mio interesse e a tenermi incollata alle pagine. In pratica l’inizio è stato una specie di loop infinito tra ansie e panico della protagonista, a me va bene far capire la situazione che la riguarda in profondità però così è diventato troppo noioso e morboso. Per fortuna alla fine uno spiraglio di luce e una boccata d’aria finalmente innestano curiosità nel lettore e fanno venir voglia di proseguire e sbrogliare il mistero, portando in rilievo la verità alla ricerca disperata della conclusione. Insomma la ripresa, più o meno a metà libro, mi ha permesso di rivalutare la trama, che ho trovato notevolmente intrecciata e mi ha soddisfatta, ma ciò comporta che per apprezzarlo bisogna avere molta pazienza all’inizio.
L’autrice scrive in maniera ridondante e dettagliata nei particolari, ma nonostante questo la lettura risulta comunque scorrevole.
Consiglio questo thriller agli amanti del genere. Buona lettura!
.
Rachel è una giovane donna piena di debiti e non le sembra vero quando trova un lavoro ben retribuito presso un’azienda di successo. Il suo passato nasconde dei segreti e il nuovo lavoro, che dovrebbe essere un’ancora di salvezza, invece diventa un incubo che nasconde bugie che portano la protagonista a voler scoprire la verità.
Questo thriller nei primi capitoli è stato pesante e lento, non catturava minimamente la mia curiosità e sinceramente non ero invogliata a proseguire. Ma da un determinato punto in poi ha iniziato a suscitare il mio interesse e a tenermi incollata alle pagine. In pratica l’inizio è stato una specie di loop infinito tra ansie e panico della protagonista, a me va bene far capire la situazione che la riguarda in profondità però così è diventato troppo noioso e morboso. Per fortuna alla fine uno spiraglio di luce e una boccata d’aria finalmente innestano curiosità nel lettore e fanno venir voglia di proseguire e sbrogliare il mistero, portando in rilievo la verità alla ricerca disperata della conclusione. Insomma la ripresa, più o meno a metà libro, mi ha permesso di rivalutare la trama, che ho trovato notevolmente intrecciata e mi ha soddisfatta, ma ciò comporta che per apprezzarlo bisogna avere molta pazienza all’inizio.
L’autrice scrive in maniera ridondante e dettagliata nei particolari, ma nonostante questo la lettura risulta comunque scorrevole.
Consiglio questo thriller agli amanti del genere. Buona lettura!
July 16, 2025
La habitación de las voces 🔥
📚 Rachel tiene muchísimas deudas, y cree que por fin. Empieza a tener suerte. Le han ofrecido un puesto de trabajo en una empresa de éxito. El edificio de su nuevo trabajo es antiguo y con una historia trágica en el sótano.
Lo que parecia una gran oportunidad empieza a convertirse en una pesadilla, pero Rachel no tiene otra opción: necesita ese trabajo para volver a poner en prden su vida.
Empieza a sospechar y a investigar y un descubrimiento aterrador le revela el verdadero peligro al que se enfrenta. El pasado y el presente se entrelazan y finalmente todo acaba cobrando sentido.
👩💻 Me ha gustado la historia de Rachel, es una luchadora nata, quiere hacer las cosas por ella misma y se esfuerza al máximo para conseguirlo a pesar de que la situación no acompañe.
Si que han habido algunas decisiones que no he acabado de entender, lo típico de “qué haces!! Ahi no!!! Sal corriendo” pero que se han ido gestionando durante la lectura.
Me ha enganchado desde los primeros capítulos pero, es que los últimos ha sido de traca, creo que me he leido medio libro en una noche (no quiero explicar como estaba al dia siguiente).
Ese final, con esos giros que yo sinceramente no me veia venir (alguna cosilla si pero todo no)… uff! Lo que me gustan los libros asi!!.
📚 Rachel tiene muchísimas deudas, y cree que por fin. Empieza a tener suerte. Le han ofrecido un puesto de trabajo en una empresa de éxito. El edificio de su nuevo trabajo es antiguo y con una historia trágica en el sótano.
Lo que parecia una gran oportunidad empieza a convertirse en una pesadilla, pero Rachel no tiene otra opción: necesita ese trabajo para volver a poner en prden su vida.
Empieza a sospechar y a investigar y un descubrimiento aterrador le revela el verdadero peligro al que se enfrenta. El pasado y el presente se entrelazan y finalmente todo acaba cobrando sentido.
👩💻 Me ha gustado la historia de Rachel, es una luchadora nata, quiere hacer las cosas por ella misma y se esfuerza al máximo para conseguirlo a pesar de que la situación no acompañe.
Si que han habido algunas decisiones que no he acabado de entender, lo típico de “qué haces!! Ahi no!!! Sal corriendo” pero que se han ido gestionando durante la lectura.
Me ha enganchado desde los primeros capítulos pero, es que los últimos ha sido de traca, creo que me he leido medio libro en una noche (no quiero explicar como estaba al dia siguiente).
Ese final, con esos giros que yo sinceramente no me veia venir (alguna cosilla si pero todo no)… uff! Lo que me gustan los libros asi!!.
February 10, 2021
UNA SENSAZIONALISTICA RICERCA
"È quello che succede quando si va a scavare nel passato: ci sono tantissimi scheletri che aspettano di raccontare le proprie storie."
Pagina 1 ed io ero già ipnotizzata. L'autrice, infatti, ti travolge immediatamente con una situazione così enigmatica da non darti pace, da non permetterti di abbandonare il libro prima di essere arrivato ad un punto in cui i contorni del mistero si sono chiariti abbastanza da farti capire cosa cercare. Ma, per citare uno dei personaggi, "la ricerca della verità è ammirevole, ma può anche portare alla luce una sofferenza inimmaginabile e straziante".
Perché sì, se la soluzione è innegabilmente esagerata (al punto da sembrare un tantino inverosimile e tirata per i capelli...), non c'è dubbio che essa sia anche, oltre che di grande effetto, estremamente angosciante quando la si consideri dal punto di vista di Rachel, la protagonista. Le sue ansie e paranoie, le sue stranezze e la sua claustrofobia sono riuscite a penetrarmi sotto la pelle, assieme alla sua trepidazione nelle pagine conclusive del romanzo.
Il finale è un'escalation da urlo, degna conclusione di una storia che lascia interdetti sin dall'inizio spingendoti in un'appassionante ricerca dai toni sensazionalistici, ma con una realistica discesa nella mente e nel passato di una donna tormentata (e la metafora del seminterrato è estremamente calzante in tal senso).
"È quello che succede quando si va a scavare nel passato: ci sono tantissimi scheletri che aspettano di raccontare le proprie storie."
Pagina 1 ed io ero già ipnotizzata. L'autrice, infatti, ti travolge immediatamente con una situazione così enigmatica da non darti pace, da non permetterti di abbandonare il libro prima di essere arrivato ad un punto in cui i contorni del mistero si sono chiariti abbastanza da farti capire cosa cercare. Ma, per citare uno dei personaggi, "la ricerca della verità è ammirevole, ma può anche portare alla luce una sofferenza inimmaginabile e straziante".
Perché sì, se la soluzione è innegabilmente esagerata (al punto da sembrare un tantino inverosimile e tirata per i capelli...), non c'è dubbio che essa sia anche, oltre che di grande effetto, estremamente angosciante quando la si consideri dal punto di vista di Rachel, la protagonista. Le sue ansie e paranoie, le sue stranezze e la sua claustrofobia sono riuscite a penetrarmi sotto la pelle, assieme alla sua trepidazione nelle pagine conclusive del romanzo.
Il finale è un'escalation da urlo, degna conclusione di una storia che lascia interdetti sin dall'inizio spingendoti in un'appassionante ricerca dai toni sensazionalistici, ma con una realistica discesa nella mente e nel passato di una donna tormentata (e la metafora del seminterrato è estremamente calzante in tal senso).
May 1, 2020
Second story I've gobbled up from this author! Fast paced, interesting characters, and great little twists throughout. I really enjoys the Becks character, a little quirky and mysterious, and not neatly wrapped.
I couldn't decide at one point whether or not the narrator was off her tree or fantastic. I think by the end of it it was the latter! She really brought this book to life.
I didn't know see the 'major' twist coming.
Have you read it?
I couldn't decide at one point whether or not the narrator was off her tree or fantastic. I think by the end of it it was the latter! She really brought this book to life.
I didn't know see the 'major' twist coming.
Have you read it?
October 27, 2020
I really liked this book. It kept me guessing the whole way and even though I figured out a few of the main players, there were many more layers to the story that I ever expected. Kept me coming back to find out more.
August 1, 2023
3.5/5
I felt like the pacing could have been better— there are times it makes the story seems disheveled. Otherwise it was a nice mystery with some suspenseful elements.
I felt like the pacing could have been better— there are times it makes the story seems disheveled. Otherwise it was a nice mystery with some suspenseful elements.
December 19, 2020
Absolutely amazing! This is a masterpiece, a novel I am sure will become a classic.
It's rare that a novel can create so much confusion while still being so well entangled and written. No answers are left out and in tge end it all makes sense. The character development is beautiful, the dialogues are great and the entire story is refreshingly unique. Kudos to the author!
It's rare that a novel can create so much confusion while still being so well entangled and written. No answers are left out and in tge end it all makes sense. The character development is beautiful, the dialogues are great and the entire story is refreshingly unique. Kudos to the author!
May 24, 2020
WOW
Wow, read it in one afternoon! Couldn't put it down! Thank you for a thriller of a ride! Can't wait for the next one.
Wow, read it in one afternoon! Couldn't put it down! Thank you for a thriller of a ride! Can't wait for the next one.
February 8, 2020
Dreda – Trap door.
This was actually quite a scary book... When I started reading, I thought this was not for me. I'm not overly fond of books written in the first person. But after a few chapters, I got hooked. Rachel, young girl, quite desperate for a job , finally finds one and then embarks on a journey of finding friendship where it seemed unlikely, ... I really loved this book and am looking forward to more books by this author!
This was actually quite a scary book... When I started reading, I thought this was not for me. I'm not overly fond of books written in the first person. But after a few chapters, I got hooked. Rachel, young girl, quite desperate for a job , finally finds one and then embarks on a journey of finding friendship where it seemed unlikely, ... I really loved this book and am looking forward to more books by this author!
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