The Killer in the House

by Lauren Reding

In this chilling domestic thriller debut, a young woman working as a housekeeper—for the subject of a trending true crime podcast—finds herself in a deadly mess when the truth catches up to the hype.

Renee Beale is done settling for dead-end jobs and living on her parents’ tree farm in rural Virginia. But just as her life starts to look up, personal tragedy knocks her back down. Desperate for an escape, her only prospect is working for a wealthy Richmond couple with a deadly backstory.

Ed Weatherup is a family man, successful, and the perfect employer—except for the fact that he may quite possibly be a murderer. He served five years for his wife’s death before the Innocent Blood podcast helped overturn his conviction. Now he’s back home with his second wife and blended family, vowing publicly to find the real killer.

With her past coming to collect, Renee has no choice but to become the Weatherups’ new housekeeper. Suddenly privy to their family secrets and furtive phone calls, she turns to the podcast to learn more about her mysterious employers. But the details don’t add up. And the closer Renee gets to the truth, the more sure she becomes that the killer will strike again.

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 24, 2026

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I’m always excited to pick up a new debut thriller, and The Killer in the House turned out to be an engaging read—right from the first chapter, I could tell this story had potential, and Reding really leaned into the tension and family dynamics.

The story centers on a family trying to start fresh in a quiet town, only to find themselves caught in a wave of fear when a killer strikes close to home. As the police investigation ramps up, unsettling secrets begin to bubble to the surface, making it harder for anyone to trust who’s actually safe—or who might be hiding something.

This is Lauren Reding’s debut novel, and honestly, it’s an entertaining one. The premise hooked me right away—small-town secrets, a family under pressure, and that creeping sense that danger is closer than anyone wants to admit. It has that blend of domestic tension and slow-building suspense that keeps you leaning in even when the characters are trying their best to hold everything together.

What I enjoyed most is how Reding balances the mystery with the emotional strain within the family. You can feel the cracks forming between the characters, and those shifting dynamics give the story that extra layer of unease. Her writing is straightforward and easy to follow, which makes this a smooth, absorbing read.

If I had any critiques, it’s that a couple of reveals were ones I saw coming, and I occasionally wanted the tension to hit a slightly higher pitch. But for a debut, this is well crafted. Reding clearly knows how to create atmosphere, build character tension, and deliver an intriguing story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy in return for my honest feedback.

[Anna Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killer In The House by Lauren Reding is a gripping thriller. This debut novel has it all - well-developed characters, unexpected twists, and a perfect blend of mystery and family drama. Reding's writing is captivating and effortless to read. I'm so grateful to NetGalley and Lauren Reding for the advanced copy. Looking forward to more from this talented author!

[Cassandra Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book, especially for a debut author.

The storyline kept me interested and wanting to know what happened next. It was a quick read and I finished it in two sessions.

The author did a great job making Ed unlikable as well as portraying Kim as clueless. The characters were overall likeable. Or easy to hate depending on the character.

I very much enjoyed the podcast aspect of the story. It was something different and really added to the story.

There wasn’t a huge “twist” like many of the thrillers I’ve enjoyed in the past, but the story itself was enjoyable enough that the lack of twist didn’t take away from them overall story.

[Daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

The Housemaid meets Listen for The Lie.

The Killer in the House was a fast and enjoyable read. Reding does a good job keeping the reader engaged with her writing style and the atmospheric set up. I also think this book would especially pop on audio!

We follow Renee, who is stuck doing random jobs and living at her parents tree farm. After a traumatic incident in her peraonal life, she finda herself accepting a job as housekeeper for a wealthy family. Only issue: The father was recently exonerated for murder, and there are still many questions left unanswered...

I found myself entertained throughout the book and read it in just two sittings (and the author did fool me, which I love to see in a thriller!). However, I will say there were some storylines and leads that did not get resolved or felt unnecessary, so I was left feeling a little unsatisfied at the end.

Overall, this is a really solid debut thriller and I'm looking forward to see what else Lauren Redding writes on the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. This book publishes March 24, 2026.

[Kelly Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killer in the House by Lauren Reding had me sitting there reading like I was leaning off the edge of a busted porch chair. Renee starts out thinking she is finally about to level up in life, leaving all those sorry jobs behind. Then life smacks her sideways and she ends up taking a housekeeping job with this rich fancy Richmond family who look like they stepped straight out of some magazine. But something feels off the second she walks through that door, like when you step into a room and everybody suddenly gets quiet.

Ed looks clean cut and polite, the kind of fellow who smiles like he already knows the ending. But folks around him whisper that he might have been the reason his first wife ended up gone. He served five years before some podcaster poked its nose in and helped get him released. Now he is home again with a new wife and a blended family, acting like he is on a mission to find the real killer. He smiles a little too hard if you ask me, like he practiced it in the mirror.

Renee tries to settle in, but that house feels like it watches her. There are secrets tucked everywhere as she turns. She hears phone calls and sees that the family moves around each other like everybody is holding something heavy they do not want to drop. She starts listening to that podcast to figure out the truth, but those details do not fit together no matter how she twists them.

The whole time she is trying to act normal, even when she knows something is wrong. She keeps pushing forward, trying to get her life straight while wondering if whoever did the killing last time might be warming up for another round. It felt like watching someone mop a floor that is still wet behind them. Girl, do not turn your back on anything in that house, not even the shadows.

This book is wild in the wrong places, and I ate it up like a midnight snack. Every page had me shaking my head thinking Renee you better move because the truth is coming around the corner swinging like a loose screen door in a storm and it is about to hit anybody standing too close.

Thanks for the ARC Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for a honest review.

I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!

[Carrie Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔...𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒘, 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆.

I wasn't sure about this one at first. I wasn't drawn in right away, and some of the chapters were REALLY long, which is always off-putting to me. However, I stuck with it and am so glad I did. Soon, it didn't matter how much time was left in each chapter. I found myself racing through the pages, excited to see if my theories were right (some of them were) and how this gripping story would end.

Renee is ready to leave the dead-end jobs behind and move away from her parents' property, but a personal tragedy derails those plans. The only job available is a housekeeping job for a wealthy family, but there's one huge catch. The man of the house, Ed Weatherup, has recently been released from prison after serving time for killing his wife. He's been exonerated with 'new evidence' from the popular podcast Innocent Blood. He's now moved back home with his second wife from a prison marriage and their child, along with this two children from his first wife. Things are tense, to say to least.

Renee's position gives her easy access to the family's secrets. And she doesn't like the sinister look she sees lurking behind Ed's easy, practiced smile. She does a little snooping and finds things just aren't adding up. Is she living in a house with a killer?

What I really liked about this book was the exploration of our fascination with true crime. While the plot may not be original, it managed to sound fresh, and I think the podcast aspect had a lot to do with that. I would have liked to see dual timelines or alternating points of view to get a little more depth, but overall, this was a satisfying read. Thank you to Thomas and Mercer for the early copy. This one will publish March 24, 2026.

[Tara Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book would be tense, but I was NOT prepared for the emotional rollercoaster Lauren Reading throws you into. The Killer in the House is the kind of thriller that gets its claws into you through the characters first — and for me, that started with Renee.

Renee isn’t just “the nanny.” She is the emotional center of this story. From the moment she steps into Kim and Ed’s home, I felt every flicker of unease right alongside her. Her instincts, her kindness, her quiet strength — she made me root for her like she was someone I personally knew and cared about.

And then there’s Kim, the new wife trying so hard to hold her picture-perfect life together. It’s impossible not to feel for her as cracks begin to form around the edges, especially with a husband like Ed — a man who has already been exonerated once for his first wife’s mysterious death. That alone gave me chills. Because Reading writes him in a way that keeps you guessing: Is he misunderstood… or terrifying?

The tension builds slowly, relentlessly, like a tightening wire. Every scene inside that house carries this heavy, electric sense that something is about to snap. Renee starts noticing things — small things, unsettling things — and as a reader, you start noticing them too. I kept wanting to grab her by the shoulders and say, Trust your gut. It’s not just you.

By the time the truth started unraveling, my stomach was in knots. I was fully braced for impact — and STILL the reveal hit me like a punch. You think you understand what’s happening… but you really have no idea what’s living beneath the surface of this family until it’s too late to look away.

This story is dramatic, emotional, and deeply human in the most chilling way. It’s not just about fear — it’s about loyalty, survival, and the terrifying things people hide behind closed doors.

Lauren Reading delivered a thriller that left me breathless, wide-eyed, and honestly a little shaken. I will be thinking about these characters for a long time.

Huge thank-you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this unforgettable book.

[Gaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a solid debut, I truly could not put it down and kept thinking about it when I was not actively reading it. I think that this one is perfect especially for those who listen to true crime podcasts not for the gruesome details but for the human and justice aspects that they depict. This book truly is focused on the family and the impact of a loss and criminal injustice, rather than the murder per se.

While the plot might not be the most inventive, the book is well written and it sucks you in. The main character, Renee, is troubled and because of recent happenings, but she is also loveable and smart in a way that not all protagonists of the genre are. She did not dismiss her instincts, and I enjoyed this perspective immensely. The other characters are also troubled but loveable, and it's easy to root for them to have a normal life again after their horrid past. Well... perhaps not all of them.

What this book does really well is depict the growing tension in the house, between the elements of a blended family that don't really know each other well and that are trying to live a normal life again after the father (and husband) was wrongfully incarcerated for the murder of her first wife (and mother of the children). Obviously, things do not go as smoothly as the father wishes, and our MC is right in the middle of the tension rising. She is not a passive bystander, though, and she does all that is in her power to protect the family she is working for.

The podcast element worked really well for the narrative, it felt realistic and it was engaging, especially because we learned things as Renee did, and it successfully kept shifting the narrative: who is truly guilty? What happened? And why?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this captivating debut eARC.

With The Killer in the House Lauren Reding delivers a taut, atmospheric thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go.

In this book, the main character moves from her parent's house to be the caretaker of a family (the patriarch of this family was recently exonerated for murder).

The Killer in the House is a masterclass in psychological suspense, blending sharp plotting with an unsettling exploration of fear, trust, and survival.

- Narrative Drive: The pacing is relentless yet controlled, pulling the reader deeper into the mystery with each chapter. Reding balances action with quiet, chilling moments that heighten tension rather than release it.

- Character Depth: The protagonist is drawn with nuance, showing strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Their choices feel authentic, and the emotional stakes are as compelling as the physical danger.

- Atmosphere: Reding’s prose creates a vivid sense of place—claustrophobic interiors, shadowed streets, and the eerie silence of a house that may not be as safe as it seems. The setting becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the suspense.

- Themes: Beyond the thrills, the novel probes themes of trust, betrayal, and resilience. It asks what we do when the sanctuary of home becomes the most dangerous place of all.

This is the kind of book that keeps you reading late into the night, not because you WANT to, but because you HAVE to. Reding’s storytelling is both intelligent and visceral, making The Killer in the House a standout in contemporary suspense fiction.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Killer In The House
Lauren Reding
⭐⭐⭐
pub 03.24.26

Renee takes on a new job as a live in housekeeper for Ed, a man recently released from prison after being exonerated for the murder of his wife. He’s now back in the same house where the murder took place, raising his children with his new wife, all while remaining in the public eye thanks to a popular podcast still digging into the case.
From the start, Renee is deeply uneasy around Ed. She begins obsessively tracking his movements, digging into the murder, and judging every parenting choice made by him and Kim. Frankly… she’s kind of a terrible housekeeper.
This was an okay read for me. Every character was unlikeable, and I’m not sure if that was intentional. I kept waiting for a big, shocking ending, but it never came. The story goes pretty much exactly where you expect it to.
That said, it was engaging enough to keep me reading. Not fast-paced, definitely very slow and steady throughout. I was disappointed because the premise had so much potential.
I would absolutely read Lauren Reding again if she releases another book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#BookReview #TheKillerInTheHouse #LaurenReding #PsychologicalThriller #ARCReview #NetGalley #ThomasAndMercer #ThrillerReads #BooktrovertInVT

[Jeanna Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killer in the House pulled me in more quietly than I expected—and then refused to let go. The tension builds gradually, layering unease rather than throwing immediate shocks, which made the payoff feel earned. Once the story found its rhythm, I was constantly questioning motives and second-guessing what I thought I knew, which is exactly what I want from a thriller.

Renee is a compelling protagonist: grounded, observant, and realistically cautious as she steps into a job that feels wrong from the start. Working inside a home already marked by a tragic murder creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, and the author does a great job using small details and uneasy interactions to keep the reader on edge. The true-crime and podcast angle adds a modern twist that deepens the moral gray areas surrounding guilt, innocence, and public perception. I personally listen to a lot of True Crime podcasts so I really enjoyed the podcast angle!

While a few elements leaned familiar for the genre, the execution kept things engaging, and the emotional undercurrent—especially the strain within the family—added weight to the mystery. This is a solid debut that balances suspense with character-driven tension, and it left me eager to see how Lauren Redding continues to evolve her voice in future thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renee starts working as a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy family who aren’t exactly low-key. The husband, Ed, was recently released from prison after his conviction for murdering his wife was overturned. Her family thinks she’s crazy for living there, but she believes in his innocence, and she also needs the money and the independence. As she settles in, she starts listening to the podcast that helped release Ed, and the more she learns, the more uneasy she feels. Has she made a huge mistake, or is she just letting everyone else’s opinions get the best of her?

It's pretty obvious which it is, and I had hoped there would be more twists to the story to catch me off guard, but there weren’t. And it’s one of those stories where no matter how much evidence Renee finds, no one believes her. Like, at all. And you would think it would be the complete opposite, knowing how public opinion went, but not a single person listens to the overwhelming facts she manages to collect.

It was a fast-paced read, though, where you’re just deep into the story and want to keep reading even if what you’re reading is frustrating you. If that makes sense. I enjoy the author’s voice, is what I mean! And I'll be waiting to see what she comes up with next.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book, though I did have to suspend my disbelief at times. It centers on Renee, who takes a job as a housekeeper for a rich family to escape her small town and the death of the man she loved. Her employer, Ed, was recently acquitted from murdering his first wife and is now remarried. He has a little local fame from a podcast that picks right back up again when he comes home. Renee has suspicions about how innocent he really is and can’t help herself from doing a little snooping.

I didn’t really connect with Renee much- she acted like she was too good for the job and she made risky decisions that I didn’t feel normal people would make. That being said, the story itself was twisty and I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery along with her. I found ir hard to believe that she was able to find information that the police and podcasters couldn’t find, though- that felt unrealistic to me. I didn’t find that there were major surprises in the book but there were a few things I didn’t see coming. I thought the end of the book tied up loose ends well.

Overall, I thought these was a decent read but wasn’t as totally immersed in it as I could have been. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this boo

[Simone Ketchum · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Book Review: The Killer In The House
Author: Lauren Reding
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Pages: 256
Coming March 24, 2026

📚My Book Review:


The Killer In The House, by Lauren Reding, is a Debut novel…. DEBUT, really?? The book gives “The Housemaid” vibes as we follow Renee who gets a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy couple in the city.
The book is a quick read at 256 pages but it was also a quick read due to keeping me actively engaged and on the edge of my seat to see what happened next. It was brilliant how the author has the reader listen to the podcast about the couple at the same time as Renee is listening to it. There are a few twists and turns that provide the suspense I wanted. There are no “mouth wide open” twists but it didn’t feel like they were missing. This was an amazing debut book that made me feel like the author had been writing for years. The only constructive feedback I can give is that if there was a bigger twist in the end, it would have made the book even better than it was.

I give this book 4 stars! I will keep my eyes out for more books by Lauren Reding, as this was an enjoyable debut book and I expect there will be even more to come!! If you like “The Housemaid” you will love this one!!!

[Megan Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Renee gets a job working for recently released accused murderer Ed Weatherup and his family, it was intended to be her chance to start anew. When she gets enmeshed with her employers, who are being trailed by podcasters and writing books on their "Story", she begins to question what is real and who really killed Julie if no one is serving the time for it? This book gives us an up close view of Ed and the kids' lives, through the eyes of a podcaster- listener and recorder, both. We are tasked, as the readers, essentially with finding out who is guilty and why, followed by a slow leak of information from the past and present simultaneously. This one moves at lightning pace and the front half especially uses the podcast trope brilliantly when the author splices it between dialogue and actions. The characters were annoying, but I saw how that helped move the plot along so I was okay with it personally lol. Overall, this one feels short enough with a good enough tinge of my childhood memories somehow, and I enjoyed nearly every component. Thanks to the author and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC, all opinions are my own.

[CarrieLynn S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renee may be my favorite thriller protagonist ever, I didn’t scream at her once! She’s smart, resourceful, and trusts her instincts, which is rare for women in this genre.
After losing her fiancé and sinking into a deep depression, Renee decides it’s time for a reset. She enrolls in an online course in high-end housekeeping and accepts the very first job offer that comes her way, working for the Weatherups, a family made famous by true crime. Ed Weatherup has just been released after spending five years in prison for the murder of his first wife, exonerated largely due to the wildly popular podcast Innocent Blood.
The story cleverly weaves podcast episode transcripts throughout the narrative, heightening the tension. Because of this structure, I have no doubt this will become a heavily recommended and popular audiobook when it’s released.
Tense, addictive, and refreshingly smart, this is a thriller that trusts and respects its heroine.
Hard to believe this is a debut novel, it reads like the work of a seasoned, experienced author.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer publishing for the digital ARC.

[Susan Ingraffea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. I was impressed, especially considering it is a debut! I thought the pacing was excellent; I was never bored, and I finished the book in just 3 days.

A few instances were a bit unbelievable - such as information Renee finds that apparently no one else was capable of finding. And she was a little whiny in parts regarding not getting out of her small town - didn't seem like she tried very hard to do so.

I tend to enjoy this kind of plot where someone is suspicious from the beginning and you have to sort of decide whether the author will confirm them as a suspect or exonerate them. You go in truly blind, and I liked how it played out.

I also appreciated Renee's relationship with all the kids and her desire to help in the household beyond just housekeeper duties. It made her relatable and sympathetic.

Looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Breanne McFall · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 rounded up! This was an action-packed domestic thriller with a nanny/maid character (always a personal favorite trope of mine)! I enjoyed the drama and all the salacious details of the main family characters and their twisted relationships. I also loved the podcast component, as I think it added a lot to the plot and I enjoyed having the side characters play a role in the story overall.
That being said, this was a fast read, but it wasn’t a book I couldn’t stop thinking about. Some parts were full of action, but lacked a feeling of tension or suspense-building. Likewise, the thrilling/life-threatening aspects of the book felt told, not shown and I didn’t feel the fear/terror/suspense that the characters were described as experiencing. Overall though, this was a solid mystery/thriller and I would still recommend it to new thriller readers!
Thank you NetGalley for this arc! This is my honest review.

[Srinivasan Tatachari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publishers and netgalley for giving me access to this book. I learnt that this is a crime debut from Lauren and with that piquing my interest I jumped right in.

She is quite a storyteller! I was pulled along the story of Renee and how she gets into deeper and deeper secrets of the murder afflicted Weatherup family. The story build the characters very well especiall of Renee. The reasons why Renee gets into housekeeping and the decisions she takes make much more sense with this knowledge. In my view though she was a bit too much interested in the family and the goings on therein.

The reveal was not in the final page and with the character building it was ideally better to have it this way than keep readers guessing. A good decision.

Recommended read for lovers of murder mysteries.

[ThrillersDoodles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. I didn’t really care for or connect with any of the characters though. Actions by some of the characters were just too far fetched for me to fully appreciate.

It was interesting in places as clues were revealed. Then it lagged in the in between here and there.

Overall it’s a decent story but just didn’t quite capture my full attention with any intensity, as intended. I had probably read more than 60% before I was drawn back to it vs just getting back to it.


What to expect:
- [x] Single timeline/flashbacks
- [x] Twists

Pacing:
- [x] Engaging
- [x] Slow

Recommend:
Popcorn thriller enthusiasts will likely enjoy this mid-paced read when they have time for it and the blurb catches their attention. It’s not top of the pile for me but still a decent read.

With thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advance digital copy.

[Caitrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Renee Beale is tired of working dead-end jobs and living on her parents’ tree farm in rural Virginia. Renee accepts a job working for a wealthy couple in Richmond with a sordid past. Ed Weatherup just served five years in prison for his wife’s death before a podcast called Innocent Blood helped to overturn his conviction. Renee, now exposed to the family secrets and secret phone calls, has no choice but to turn to the podcast to learn more about the Weatherups. As Renee delves deeper into the Weatherups' past, the details just aren’t adding up. Will the killer strike again before Renee gets to the truth?

This was a great debut novel by Lauren Reding. The premise of the story hooked me right away and had me reading to see what would happen next. It was fast-paced, which I love. My only complaint is that I did see some of the reveals coming. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait to see what Lauren Reding comes up with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Janel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Reding's domestic thriller debut is a hit with me. I loved the pace of the story and the way the details of the story unfolded. I also liked the use of the transcription from the Innocent Blood podcast. That made the story more interesting to read. I kept reading to find out who the killer was. I had a couple of guesses, but I was wrong.

The story is about Renee Beale who feels trapped in her life and is looking for a fresh start. I kept wondering what happened to get her to that point. I like the way the author revealed what happened in Renee's life to get her to that point. When Renee finds in the basement the boxes containing items from Julie, the murdered wife, she becomes obsessed with finding out who murdered Julie. I couldn't wait to find out how the story was going to end.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a chance to review this book.

[Madeline Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Killer in the House was not a favorite thriller of mine, but it was an enjoyable, quick book to spend one night reading. The plotline of this thriller is very interesting. I think it would entice any thriller lover.

My investment in this story was low. My attention was not caught the entire time, but I think it is because of the podcast aspect. Podcasts in thrillers can always be a hit or miss. I personally did not like how it was structured in this book, and it lessened my enjoyment a bit.

As I mentioned, this book is fast-paced and short. It is great if you are wanting a quick, palate-cleanser thriller.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, & Lauren Reding for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Killer in the House is released on March 24, 2026!

[Lauren Ateyeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This twisty domestic thriller follows Renee Beale, a young woman trying to restart her life after tragedy, only to end up working as a housekeeper for the infamous subject of a true-crime podcast. Ed Weatherup, once convicted of his wife’s murder and later freed thanks to the wildly popular Innocent Blood podcast, seems like the perfect employer… or maybe the perfect monster. As Renee settles into her new job, she starts noticing weird secrets, tense calls, and details that don’t line up with the podcast’s version of events. The more she digs, the clearer it becomes that someone isn’t done killing and Renee might be next.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
The protagonist has left for a job as a housekeeper, wanting to get away from her home where she feels stuck after a heartbreak. The family she moves in with is upended after the father, who was incarcerated for killing his wife, is exonerated by an immensely popular podcast.
She gets more and more invested in the family, especially the children and has the uneasy feeling that the father is not as innocent as he portrays himself ... he's scarily creepy.
What a nailbitert this book is; the tension ratcheted up and up, it was impossible to put down. The ending was so satisfying, I loved this book!

[Theresa Sivelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Renee is having a hard time moving on from her loss. She decides to become a live in housekeeper. She gets a post with a couple where the husband has recently been exonerated from killing his wife and has been released from prison, where he as incarcerated for 5 years. He now has a new wife, a new baby, two children from his deceased wife and he wants to bring them all together in the house that his previous wife was murdered in.

There were twists and turns, but honestly, I had the ending pretty much figured out about half way thru the story.

All in all it was an interesting read.

[Terri Gonsiorowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Renee is living with her parents after a huge loss and she is trying to find herself in life. She decides to take a job as a housekeeper for a couple who is just starting their lives together. Ed was incarcerated for killing his wife and Kim is his new wife who just had his baby and they are getting settled in. Renee decides to listen to the podcast that helped free Ed, but something is off.
The suspense kept me going through the story- did Ed kill his wife?!

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a relatively short book, THE KILLER IN THE HOUSE felt overly long to me. The plot and writing were a bit juvenile, with characters and situations that were highly exaggerated.

The plot was engaging, however, and the author managed to hold my attention. But I just wasn’t fond of this book overall.

🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟

[Sidrah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This felt like a cookie cutter popcorn thriller read. I personally felt like this was slow to mid paced, and there was minimal to no character development. Feels similar to “the housemaid”, and although I enjoyed that one this felt very surface level. None of the characters felt engaging and all the twists were very predictable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lauren, Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the ARC!

This is an incredible debut and probably one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. I loved the series of small plot twists, how things started to add up the further you read and the use of mixed media. This book will make a great audiobook especially with the podcast elements. I couldn’t put this book down and i had to know how it ended ASAP. I look forward to reading future works by Lauren. 4.5*****