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The Paris Rental
Don’t disturb the family.
This is the only rule given to Brooke Summers, an actress escaping the fallout of a Hollywood scandal. In need of privacy, she retreats to Maison Marteau, a mansion in Paris with an empty apartment. A place she can lie low and try to salvage her career.
The apartment is meant to be a refuge, but as she prepares for an upcoming audition, she hears unsettling noises at night, finds strange items in the apartment, and begins to suspect she’s being watched.
Searching for the truth, she discovers a dark history surrounding the mansion and hears strange rumors about the family. And as she uncovers more secrets, it becomes clear she’s not only preparing for a horror movie. She’s living in one.
Because once you enter Maison Marteau, you might not be allowed to leave.
This is the only rule given to Brooke Summers, an actress escaping the fallout of a Hollywood scandal. In need of privacy, she retreats to Maison Marteau, a mansion in Paris with an empty apartment. A place she can lie low and try to salvage her career.
The apartment is meant to be a refuge, but as she prepares for an upcoming audition, she hears unsettling noises at night, finds strange items in the apartment, and begins to suspect she’s being watched.
Searching for the truth, she discovers a dark history surrounding the mansion and hears strange rumors about the family. And as she uncovers more secrets, it becomes clear she’s not only preparing for a horror movie. She’s living in one.
Because once you enter Maison Marteau, you might not be allowed to leave.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Rachel Keerey
1 book41 followersRachel Keerey writes psychological thriller novels. She currently lives in Germany with her husband and can usually be found reading, watching scary movies, or taking walks with her cats. When not writing, she also enjoys exploring castles and abandoned buildings. The Paris Rental is her debut novel.
To learn more, check out her website www.rachelkeerey.com, and follow her on TikTok and Instagram @rachelkeereyauthor
To learn more, check out her website www.rachelkeerey.com, and follow her on TikTok and Instagram @rachelkeereyauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 1, 2026
I received a free copy of, The Paris Rental, by Rachel Keerey, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Actress Brooke Summers escapes to Paris, when things in Hollywood go wrong. This was a fascinating read, a Paris thriller!
April 20, 2026
This was an enjoyable read.
It feels quite Gothic and I found myself enjoying our main character and fascinated by the very odd family she finds herself surrounded by.
The author has a good sense of place here as well. They clearly know Paris and they add things that read as authentic.
I will say that I struggled to suspend my sense of disbelief at times. Even given what we know now about the uber-wealthy and the things they get away with, the reason behind everything seemed a mix of over-the-top and too prosaic.
Still a good and nicely creepy read!
It feels quite Gothic and I found myself enjoying our main character and fascinated by the very odd family she finds herself surrounded by.
The author has a good sense of place here as well. They clearly know Paris and they add things that read as authentic.
I will say that I struggled to suspend my sense of disbelief at times. Even given what we know now about the uber-wealthy and the things they get away with, the reason behind everything seemed a mix of over-the-top and too prosaic.
Still a good and nicely creepy read!
June 24, 2026
I just finished The Paris Rental and I am completely blown away! Rachel Keerey nailed absolutely everything about this book. The atmosphere was incredibly vivid, the setting felt SO real, and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The writing is top tier and beautifully crafted. I love all the Easter eggs throughout the story!! This is a well deserved 5 star read I could not put the book down !
If you’re in a reading slump, not sure what to read, feeling up for some tension READ THIS BOOK. I loved it. Thank you NetGalley and Rachel Keerey for the opportunity ! I can’t wait for my friends to read this book.
If you’re in a reading slump, not sure what to read, feeling up for some tension READ THIS BOOK. I loved it. Thank you NetGalley and Rachel Keerey for the opportunity ! I can’t wait for my friends to read this book.
July 5, 2026
This was such a fun, creepy read. Brooke hiding out at Maison Marteau after her Hollywood scandal already had me hooked, but the second she started hearing noises in the apartment, finding random objects that definitely weren't hers, and realizing someone might be watching her, I couldn't stop turning the pages. I definitely was not expecting the mystery to be what it was or who was pulling the strings, but I love being surprised when it comes to thrillers so this was a success.
Thank you to NetGalley for this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for this book!
April 2, 2026
I really enjoyed the gothic, creepy elements of the plot - it created such an eerie atmosphere and kept me intrigued the whole time. The story itself was definitely fast-paced, which made it an easy, engaging read, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style. At times it felt a bit choppy, which made it harder to fully connect with the characters or the tension in certain scenes. Still, the unique premise and haunting scenes made this a great thriller - 3 stars.
Thank you to Rachel Keerey, Icasm Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
#theparisrental #NetGalley
Thank you to Rachel Keerey, Icasm Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
#theparisrental #NetGalley
April 8, 2026
2.5
Well, for a debut thriller - well, I compliment on the atmosphere created around a creepy mansion with disturbing noises and massive rooms and a big dark secret. I do love thrillers revolving around creepy buildings, apartments and mansions, so this one attracted me a great deal. The writing succeeded to evoke the unease of being alone in a massive apartment with a direct order "not disturb the family."
Besides from that, well, I cannot find anything else to compliment on. The plot details are arranged very clumsily, and everything that unfolds in sequence feels somewhat forced and unnatural. I must say, it's the choppy way of handling the plot points that irked me. The main character, Brooke, is a bit one dimensional - she doesn't have any real personality besides her shame of having to leave Hollywood and taking shelter here in this mansion in Paris. Brooke is meant to see something unnerving in this apartment, then feel something creepy about the family Marteau, then is meant to come across with Alice, whose sister used to live in this apartment and disappeared, which then led to Brooke finding a missing journal that might shed some light into this mystery. These plot points are arranged so conveniently that I find it hard to believe in anything happening in this story. It's like following a pattern that has been established in so many other thrillers that nothing new is introduced.
Also, some of the characters in the Marteau family feel rather unnecessary, contributing little to the story beyond trying to create additional suspects for Brooke (like Noah, Chantal, Vincent/or Victor). Some are really potential to play a bigger part in developing the storyline, but the author failed to take advantage of those characters. For example, Luci - the young girl who introduces Brooke to the mansion. I don't like the part about her secret but I had expected Luci might intentionally do something to provoke Brooke to make Brooke realize the truth, but unfortunately, Luci is a passive invidual who appear here and there throughout the story when it's convenient for the author.
Overall, the idea is decent (nothing new) but the execution feels very choppy with under-developed characters. On the bright side, the author is quite skilled at creating an atmosphere that suits the thriller setting, making the reading experience feel vivid and realistic.
Well, for a debut thriller - well, I compliment on the atmosphere created around a creepy mansion with disturbing noises and massive rooms and a big dark secret. I do love thrillers revolving around creepy buildings, apartments and mansions, so this one attracted me a great deal. The writing succeeded to evoke the unease of being alone in a massive apartment with a direct order "not disturb the family."
Besides from that, well, I cannot find anything else to compliment on. The plot details are arranged very clumsily, and everything that unfolds in sequence feels somewhat forced and unnatural. I must say, it's the choppy way of handling the plot points that irked me. The main character, Brooke, is a bit one dimensional - she doesn't have any real personality besides her shame of having to leave Hollywood and taking shelter here in this mansion in Paris. Brooke is meant to see something unnerving in this apartment, then feel something creepy about the family Marteau, then is meant to come across with Alice, whose sister used to live in this apartment and disappeared, which then led to Brooke finding a missing journal that might shed some light into this mystery. These plot points are arranged so conveniently that I find it hard to believe in anything happening in this story. It's like following a pattern that has been established in so many other thrillers that nothing new is introduced.
Also, some of the characters in the Marteau family feel rather unnecessary, contributing little to the story beyond trying to create additional suspects for Brooke (like Noah, Chantal, Vincent/or Victor). Some are really potential to play a bigger part in developing the storyline, but the author failed to take advantage of those characters. For example, Luci - the young girl who introduces Brooke to the mansion. I don't like the part about her secret but I had expected Luci might intentionally do something to provoke Brooke to make Brooke realize the truth, but unfortunately, Luci is a passive invidual who appear here and there throughout the story when it's convenient for the author.
Overall, the idea is decent (nothing new) but the execution feels very choppy with under-developed characters. On the bright side, the author is quite skilled at creating an atmosphere that suits the thriller setting, making the reading experience feel vivid and realistic.
April 19, 2026
This was an enjoyable book with some definitely creepy vibes. It centers on Brooke, an actress who is hiding out in a fancy Paris rental found by her agent after a scandal related to the film set she was forced to flee. You also get random chapters from the journal of an unknown family member tied to the powerful family who owns the mansion in which Brooke’s rental is located.
I definitely enjoyed the creepy atmosphere and the family history that is revealed as the book continues. I was confused sometimes by Brooke’s actions though- she didn’t continue investigating things I thought she should have, but alternately she put herself at risk in other places. While the backstory of the movie scandal finally came out, I thought it was a bit weak and wish it either would’ve been a better story or been revealed earlier. That being said, I did root for Brooke and thought she was a likable character. I struggled a bit with the whole synopsis being about “avoiding the family” and Brooke did the complete opposite. Wouldn’t she have either done so or done more research on why this was asked of her? This is not the inky time she should’ve asked more questions. I liked the way the book ended and thought it worked with the rest is the story.
Overall I thought this book was good and I enjoyed the creepy factor. I do wish there had been more questions asked an overall characterization though. I’d give this 3.5 stars, rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I definitely enjoyed the creepy atmosphere and the family history that is revealed as the book continues. I was confused sometimes by Brooke’s actions though- she didn’t continue investigating things I thought she should have, but alternately she put herself at risk in other places. While the backstory of the movie scandal finally came out, I thought it was a bit weak and wish it either would’ve been a better story or been revealed earlier. That being said, I did root for Brooke and thought she was a likable character. I struggled a bit with the whole synopsis being about “avoiding the family” and Brooke did the complete opposite. Wouldn’t she have either done so or done more research on why this was asked of her? This is not the inky time she should’ve asked more questions. I liked the way the book ended and thought it worked with the rest is the story.
Overall I thought this book was good and I enjoyed the creepy factor. I do wish there had been more questions asked an overall characterization though. I’d give this 3.5 stars, rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2026
Thanks to the publisher for an arc I LOVED this. Lucy Foley and Alice Feeney but make it even darker. I can’t say anything without spoilers but yall need this in your hands
April 17, 2026
★★★★
I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for thrillers set in grand, unsettling buildings, so the premise of a secluded Parisian mansion was an immediate draw for me. Honestly, I’m quite surprised I haven’t seen this one pop up more on my feed yet, as it’s a remarkably strong debut that held my attention from the first page.
The story follows Brooke Summers, an actress looking to escape the wreckage of a Hollywood scandal by hiding out in a private apartment within Maison Marteau, a stately home in Paris. Her only instruction is a simple one: do not disturb the family. However, as she tries to focus on an upcoming audition, the sanctuary begins to feel like a cage. Between the strange noises echoing at night and the feeling of being watched, Brooke starts to realise that the wealthy Marteau family is hiding a history far darker than simple high-society gossip.
It was hard not to compare this to Lucy Foley’s The Paris Apartment—the struggling girl, the luxury French setting, the odd neighbours—but if this were a battle of the books, Rachel Keerey wins for me. While I don’t usually gravitate towards gothic vibes, the atmosphere here really worked. It isn't a racing, high-speed thriller; instead, it’s a deliberate crawl. The tension builds in small, needling ways—missing items and the creeping sensation that Brooke isn’t just being watched, but actively studied. I actually ended up reading this in one sitting because the eerie lore surrounding the mansion was so addictive.
That said, I did find a few things that didn't quite land. The Hollywood subplot felt a bit thin; I think it either needed more breathing room or could have been replaced with a simpler reason for her move to Paris. I also found the "don’t disturb the family" rule a bit contradictory, given that Brooke's interactions with them drive the entire plot. Some supporting characters felt slightly underdeveloped, existing mostly to serve as red herrings, and I did manage to pick the main twist before the reveal. However, Brooke was a very easy heroine to root for, and the cinematic quality of the writing made the spooky moments land effectively. It’s a fun, atmospheric read that delivers exactly the kind of chills I was hoping for.
Thank you to the author, Icasm Press, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for thrillers set in grand, unsettling buildings, so the premise of a secluded Parisian mansion was an immediate draw for me. Honestly, I’m quite surprised I haven’t seen this one pop up more on my feed yet, as it’s a remarkably strong debut that held my attention from the first page.
The story follows Brooke Summers, an actress looking to escape the wreckage of a Hollywood scandal by hiding out in a private apartment within Maison Marteau, a stately home in Paris. Her only instruction is a simple one: do not disturb the family. However, as she tries to focus on an upcoming audition, the sanctuary begins to feel like a cage. Between the strange noises echoing at night and the feeling of being watched, Brooke starts to realise that the wealthy Marteau family is hiding a history far darker than simple high-society gossip.
It was hard not to compare this to Lucy Foley’s The Paris Apartment—the struggling girl, the luxury French setting, the odd neighbours—but if this were a battle of the books, Rachel Keerey wins for me. While I don’t usually gravitate towards gothic vibes, the atmosphere here really worked. It isn't a racing, high-speed thriller; instead, it’s a deliberate crawl. The tension builds in small, needling ways—missing items and the creeping sensation that Brooke isn’t just being watched, but actively studied. I actually ended up reading this in one sitting because the eerie lore surrounding the mansion was so addictive.
That said, I did find a few things that didn't quite land. The Hollywood subplot felt a bit thin; I think it either needed more breathing room or could have been replaced with a simpler reason for her move to Paris. I also found the "don’t disturb the family" rule a bit contradictory, given that Brooke's interactions with them drive the entire plot. Some supporting characters felt slightly underdeveloped, existing mostly to serve as red herrings, and I did manage to pick the main twist before the reveal. However, Brooke was a very easy heroine to root for, and the cinematic quality of the writing made the spooky moments land effectively. It’s a fun, atmospheric read that delivers exactly the kind of chills I was hoping for.
Thank you to the author, Icasm Press, and NetGalley for the ARC.
April 24, 2026
Rachel Keerey is a debut author and going off this book, I think she is going to have a successful future.
This story sucked me in right away, with its atmospheric, gothic, Paris setting.
The story is told through the perspective of our main character Brooke who is an actress. I really liked that, as having an actor as a main character is something I don't think I've read from before so I did enjoy that aspect of the story. In fact I did like all of the characters and I do think some could have been made into bigger parts of the story.
I liked the writing style as well, whilst it could be a bit simple at times, it was easy to read and the story flowed well.
One thing I didn't really like in this however was the romantic subplot. Whilst it was only a small part of the book and it did play into the main story, I felt that it made the overall story lose some tension and atmosphere and I found myself starting to feel a bit disconnected from the plot.
But luckily as this was only a small part, as I soon sucked back in.
I really liked how the plot built up over the whole book and I did really like the ending.
This was an intriguing, mysterious, gripping, atmospheric page turner that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Icasm Press for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
This story sucked me in right away, with its atmospheric, gothic, Paris setting.
The story is told through the perspective of our main character Brooke who is an actress. I really liked that, as having an actor as a main character is something I don't think I've read from before so I did enjoy that aspect of the story. In fact I did like all of the characters and I do think some could have been made into bigger parts of the story.
I liked the writing style as well, whilst it could be a bit simple at times, it was easy to read and the story flowed well.
One thing I didn't really like in this however was the romantic subplot. Whilst it was only a small part of the book and it did play into the main story, I felt that it made the overall story lose some tension and atmosphere and I found myself starting to feel a bit disconnected from the plot.
But luckily as this was only a small part, as I soon sucked back in.
I really liked how the plot built up over the whole book and I did really like the ending.
This was an intriguing, mysterious, gripping, atmospheric page turner that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Icasm Press for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
April 21, 2026
This book turned out to be a genuinely enjoyable thriller and honestly, not the kind of book I'd usually reach for. I wanted to try something new, and I wasn't disappointed.
The atmosphere is the book's greatest strength. The gothic elements create a real sense of creeping unease, and the author seems to knows Paris well; the sense of place feels earned and authentic rather than decorative. I like our protagonist Brooke and she's surrounded by a cast of characters so strange and guarded that you spend most of the book genuinely unsure who to trust. I kept second-guessing myself, and I was wrong every time. Yeah, every time 🙃.
The plot moves quickly, which makes for an easy, engaging read. That said, the writing style occasionally lets the tension down a bit — some scenes feel a little choppy, making it harder to fully sink into the atmosphere or connect with the characters. But other than that I still enjoyed reading the book.
A solid 3.5 out of 5 ⭐️ from me. If you enjoy a creepy, fast-paced gothic thriller set in France, this is well worth your time - I already know a friend who will love this!!! 👀
Thanks to NetGalley and Icasm Press for an early copy.
The atmosphere is the book's greatest strength. The gothic elements create a real sense of creeping unease, and the author seems to knows Paris well; the sense of place feels earned and authentic rather than decorative. I like our protagonist Brooke and she's surrounded by a cast of characters so strange and guarded that you spend most of the book genuinely unsure who to trust. I kept second-guessing myself, and I was wrong every time. Yeah, every time 🙃.
The plot moves quickly, which makes for an easy, engaging read. That said, the writing style occasionally lets the tension down a bit — some scenes feel a little choppy, making it harder to fully sink into the atmosphere or connect with the characters. But other than that I still enjoyed reading the book.
A solid 3.5 out of 5 ⭐️ from me. If you enjoy a creepy, fast-paced gothic thriller set in France, this is well worth your time - I already know a friend who will love this!!! 👀
Thanks to NetGalley and Icasm Press for an early copy.
May 19, 2026
This book was unputdownable and honestly SO good! Brooke Summers is an actress in the middle of a movie set controversy, so she’s trying to stay under the radar and prepare for an audition for an upcoming horror film until everything blows over. Her agent, Lin, gets her a rental in Paris at beautiful Maison Marteau, a mansion that turns out to be well known for its dark history. Lin warns Brooke not to disturb the family while she’s there.
Every time Brooke talks to someone, she learns more about the Marteau family’s past and walks away with even more questions. Who are they really? What happened to the last person who lived in the apartment? And has someone been creeping around in hers since she moved in?
The tension starts building almost immediately and DOES NOT let up! I thought I had it all figured out at one point, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I loved the Gothic vibes and the inclusion of Carmilla tucked into the story. The Paris Rental is my first read from Rachel Keerey, and if this is her debut, I’m seriously impressed — I am an instant fan!
Every time Brooke talks to someone, she learns more about the Marteau family’s past and walks away with even more questions. Who are they really? What happened to the last person who lived in the apartment? And has someone been creeping around in hers since she moved in?
The tension starts building almost immediately and DOES NOT let up! I thought I had it all figured out at one point, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I loved the Gothic vibes and the inclusion of Carmilla tucked into the story. The Paris Rental is my first read from Rachel Keerey, and if this is her debut, I’m seriously impressed — I am an instant fan!
March 19, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Icasm Press for an early copy of this book.
Wow what a ride this was! I loved the gothic vibes of this and the plot was fast moving. It was such a fast read. I also really liked Brooke, our FMC. She’s so likable. There were so many people in this where I wasn’t sure who to trust and I was guessing so many different things. Of course I was completely wrong lol. I happened to really enjoy this. Even though I didn’t guess the ending it didn’t completely blow me away but I had fun regardless. I definitely recommend if you like a good gothic thriller that takes place in France.
Wow what a ride this was! I loved the gothic vibes of this and the plot was fast moving. It was such a fast read. I also really liked Brooke, our FMC. She’s so likable. There were so many people in this where I wasn’t sure who to trust and I was guessing so many different things. Of course I was completely wrong lol. I happened to really enjoy this. Even though I didn’t guess the ending it didn’t completely blow me away but I had fun regardless. I definitely recommend if you like a good gothic thriller that takes place in France.
June 1, 2026
The Paris Rental was an entertaining, fast read. Set around an old Paris mansion and a wealthy family with more than a few secrets, it delivers plenty of atmosphere and suspense.
The story wasn't the most original. The gothic mansion, mysterious family, and hidden past felt familiar at times. Still, the pacing was strong, and I found myself finishing it quickly because I wanted to know how everything would unfold.
While it didn't completely surprise me, it was an enjoyable escape with enough mystery and family drama to keep me invested.
If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with old houses, family secrets, and a touch of gothic suspense, this one is worth picking up.
The story wasn't the most original. The gothic mansion, mysterious family, and hidden past felt familiar at times. Still, the pacing was strong, and I found myself finishing it quickly because I wanted to know how everything would unfold.
While it didn't completely surprise me, it was an enjoyable escape with enough mystery and family drama to keep me invested.
If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with old houses, family secrets, and a touch of gothic suspense, this one is worth picking up.
April 22, 2026
great story that keeps the reader’s attention!
This was the first book I have read of Rachel Kerry and will certainly read more of her other series. Well written and totally enjoyable!
This was the first book I have read of Rachel Kerry and will certainly read more of her other series. Well written and totally enjoyable!
April 14, 2026
Brooke Summers is escaping a Hollywood scandal and needs privacy. Her agent finds her a rental in the mansion called Maison Marteau and the only rule for the rental is to “Don’t Disturb the Family”. Almost from the very beginning of her stay, Brooke starts to hear strange noises at night and the suspense begins. Brooke does break the one rule and begins to befriend family members.
Brooke learns that the prior tenant of the rental has disappeared and there are other unexplainable things going on in the mansion. She starts to discover a dark history surrounding the mansion and hears rumors about the family. As Brooke starts to investigate strange items in the apartment, she begins to suspect she’s being watched. As she uncovers secrets, she realizes she is living in a horror movie.
What I found most interesting about this book was that Maison Marteau was built on top of the Paris Catacombs. I have visited the catacombs and they are a haunting, bone-chilling (literally), dark, and somber atmosphere that houses millions of stacked remains. I felt the catacombs were an additional character in the book.
The characters were well developed with their own unique backstory that adds depth to the narrative. The setting plays a pivotal role, drawing readers into the terrifying catacombs. The plot twists keep you guessing, and I was completely surprised by the ending.
Overall, the book is a gripping mystery with the backdrop of the catacombs. Anyone who enjoys the immersive history of the Paris underground will appreciate this book.
I want to thank NetGalley for an ARC of the book.
Brooke learns that the prior tenant of the rental has disappeared and there are other unexplainable things going on in the mansion. She starts to discover a dark history surrounding the mansion and hears rumors about the family. As Brooke starts to investigate strange items in the apartment, she begins to suspect she’s being watched. As she uncovers secrets, she realizes she is living in a horror movie.
What I found most interesting about this book was that Maison Marteau was built on top of the Paris Catacombs. I have visited the catacombs and they are a haunting, bone-chilling (literally), dark, and somber atmosphere that houses millions of stacked remains. I felt the catacombs were an additional character in the book.
The characters were well developed with their own unique backstory that adds depth to the narrative. The setting plays a pivotal role, drawing readers into the terrifying catacombs. The plot twists keep you guessing, and I was completely surprised by the ending.
Overall, the book is a gripping mystery with the backdrop of the catacombs. Anyone who enjoys the immersive history of the Paris underground will appreciate this book.
I want to thank NetGalley for an ARC of the book.
May 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It’s not a genre that I typically reach for but I couldn’t set it down! It had the perfect amount of tension to keep me invested. I thought I had it figured out, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was a five star read for me until the end, which fell a bit flat.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
March 12, 2026
Great book that grabs your attention right away. Highly recommend!
April 3, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley And Icasm publishing for the chance to read and review the Paris Rental.
This debut novel pulled me in from the start, I’m not always drawn to Gothic thrillers but this one sounded interesting and I’m really glad I picked this up,
Brooke is the protagonist and she is trying to succeed as an actress. She was filming what was to be her breakout role when something happened to shut production down. There’s not a lot of detail as to what happened but you will get a good idea of it throughout the book.
Brooke’s agent has found the perfect place for her to hide out to give a chance for the gossip to die down, she is staying at a lovely Paris apartment that only has one rule, do not disturb the family that lives in the huge mansion on the property.
I really had a good time with this book, I found Brooke to be an easy heroine to root for, there were some genuinely spooky moments in the story and was very atmospheric.
This is on kindle unlimited if you have it, i definitely recommend this one and am excited to see what this author comes up with next.
This debut novel pulled me in from the start, I’m not always drawn to Gothic thrillers but this one sounded interesting and I’m really glad I picked this up,
Brooke is the protagonist and she is trying to succeed as an actress. She was filming what was to be her breakout role when something happened to shut production down. There’s not a lot of detail as to what happened but you will get a good idea of it throughout the book.
Brooke’s agent has found the perfect place for her to hide out to give a chance for the gossip to die down, she is staying at a lovely Paris apartment that only has one rule, do not disturb the family that lives in the huge mansion on the property.
I really had a good time with this book, I found Brooke to be an easy heroine to root for, there were some genuinely spooky moments in the story and was very atmospheric.
This is on kindle unlimited if you have it, i definitely recommend this one and am excited to see what this author comes up with next.
April 2, 2026
I’d give The Paris Rental by Rachel Keerey 4 stars. The whole Paris + creepy mansion vibe was honestly what pulled me in — Maison Marteau felt so eerie and unsettling, like something was always slightly off.
I liked how the story builds up slowly with all the weird noises, missing things, and that constant feeling that she’s being watched. It’s not super fast-paced, but it keeps you hooked enough to keep reading.
Brooke was interesting too — a bit messy, a bit fragile, but it made everything feel more real as things started spiralling around her. I just wish the twists hit harder because after all that buildup, I expected something more shocking.
Overall, it’s a solid, moody thriller. Not mind-blowing, but still really enjoyable and easy to get into.
I liked how the story builds up slowly with all the weird noises, missing things, and that constant feeling that she’s being watched. It’s not super fast-paced, but it keeps you hooked enough to keep reading.
Brooke was interesting too — a bit messy, a bit fragile, but it made everything feel more real as things started spiralling around her. I just wish the twists hit harder because after all that buildup, I expected something more shocking.
Overall, it’s a solid, moody thriller. Not mind-blowing, but still really enjoyable and easy to get into.
April 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. The Paris Rental by Rachel Keerey was such an addictive read. The gothic atmosphere paired with the Paris setting made it feel eerie, immersive, and hard to put down from the start.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the story. Just when I thought I had a sense of where it was going, something shifted and pulled me back in. It had that suspenseful, unsettling feel that makes a thriller so fun to read.
If you enjoy gothic thrillers with a moody setting and plenty of surprises, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the story. Just when I thought I had a sense of where it was going, something shifted and pulled me back in. It had that suspenseful, unsettling feel that makes a thriller so fun to read.
If you enjoy gothic thrillers with a moody setting and plenty of surprises, this one is definitely worth picking up.
April 2, 2026
What a debut novel!
If you are into thriller/spooky/Gothic type reads, this book is for you! Set in modern times with a spooky Gothic mansion, creepy characters, a great climax and plot twist, this book had me hooked from the beginning through until the end. I started it last night, and finished by noon today. Definitely worth reading! I am looking forward to where Rachel Keerey takes us in her next novel. Fantastic debut as a thriller writer.
If you are into thriller/spooky/Gothic type reads, this book is for you! Set in modern times with a spooky Gothic mansion, creepy characters, a great climax and plot twist, this book had me hooked from the beginning through until the end. I started it last night, and finished by noon today. Definitely worth reading! I am looking forward to where Rachel Keerey takes us in her next novel. Fantastic debut as a thriller writer.
March 31, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rachel Keerey for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Paris Rental coming out March 31, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I thought it had some creepy parts which I enjoyed. I wasn’t into some of the story, but I liked it. I’d check out more books by this author!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I thought it had some creepy parts which I enjoyed. I wasn’t into some of the story, but I liked it. I’d check out more books by this author!
March 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! Unfortunately due to the trigger warning at the beginning you can figure out what happened before Brooke went to Paris, but it doesn’t really ruin anything. I read this one in under 24 hours. I can’t wait to see what this author does next!
I received this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 24, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Icasm Press for an advanced digital copy of this book.
This is a breakout novel by Rachel Kerry. Brooke Summers, a disgraced actress, runs to Paris to hide from scandal. Soon realizing what she’s left behind is much less scary than what she finds at Maison Marteau. In this rambling mansion, watch for dark corners where dangers may lurk. This will have you asking yourself, are the monsters from nightmares real?
A fantastic debut full of fast-paced, bone chilling surprises. Readers and fans of Frieda McFadden and Riley Sagar will find much to love in this book.
This is a breakout novel by Rachel Kerry. Brooke Summers, a disgraced actress, runs to Paris to hide from scandal. Soon realizing what she’s left behind is much less scary than what she finds at Maison Marteau. In this rambling mansion, watch for dark corners where dangers may lurk. This will have you asking yourself, are the monsters from nightmares real?
A fantastic debut full of fast-paced, bone chilling surprises. Readers and fans of Frieda McFadden and Riley Sagar will find much to love in this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an ARC of The Paris Rental by Rachel Keerey. Even though I love thrillers and mystery novels, I had never heard of this one before, so I’m really glad I came across it on NetGalley!
The story follows Brooke Summers, an actress who’s trying to disappear for a while after a Hollywood scandal. She retreats to a beautiful old mansion in Paris called Maison Marteau, hoping it will be the perfect place to reset and prepare for her next audition.
But things quickly take a strange turn. She starts hearing unsettling noises at night, finds objects in her apartment that shouldn’t be there, and begins to feel like she’s being watched. As she digs deeper, she discovers that the mansion, and the family tied to it, has a dark and disturbing past. The more she uncovers, the more it feels like she’s trapped in a real-life horror story… not just rehearsing for one.
From what I’ve seen, this is Rachel Keerey's debut novel, and it’s a strong one. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on her future work.
This book is fast-paced, I read it in less than 24 hours because I just had to know what would happen next. I also really liked Brooke as a main character. As someone who is French and has lived in Paris, I found it very easy to picture the locations. I could vividly imagine the hôtel particulier of the Marteau family and truly felt immersed in the setting.
The atmosphere completely hooked me, it was both captivating and genuinely creepy (I’m blaming the catacombs for that!). I wanted thrills, and this book definitely delivered. It reads almost like a movie, which is fitting since the main character is an actress.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the direction the story took, especially with the legacy of the powerful and wealthy Marteau family and all the secrets surrounding them. I won’t say more because it’s best experienced without spoilers, it was such a satisfying surprise.
Beyond the suspense, the book also carries a meaningful and healing message through Brooke’s story and her past.
The only reason I’m giving this 4.5⭐️ instead of 5⭐️ is the writing, specifically, how uneven it sometimes feels. This might be a very personal opinion, but I still want to mention it. While the book offers detailed and compelling insights into Brooke’s emotions and psychological state, there are moments where the writing feels slightly clumsy or even a bit lazy.
For example, phrases like “the room screams of masculinity” are used multiple times, and spaces are often described as “masculine” or “feminine.”. Personally, this made me uncomfortable. I don’t really connect with that kind of gendered description, it feels outdated, especially today. What does it even mean for a room to be masculine or feminine?
These moments stood out to me because the rest of the writing is genuinely strong.
That said, this isn’t a recurring issue, but it did pull me out of the story at times.
Overall, aside from this point, The Paris Rental was a gripping and addictive read, and I would absolutely recommend it to fans of the genre.
The story follows Brooke Summers, an actress who’s trying to disappear for a while after a Hollywood scandal. She retreats to a beautiful old mansion in Paris called Maison Marteau, hoping it will be the perfect place to reset and prepare for her next audition.
But things quickly take a strange turn. She starts hearing unsettling noises at night, finds objects in her apartment that shouldn’t be there, and begins to feel like she’s being watched. As she digs deeper, she discovers that the mansion, and the family tied to it, has a dark and disturbing past. The more she uncovers, the more it feels like she’s trapped in a real-life horror story… not just rehearsing for one.
From what I’ve seen, this is Rachel Keerey's debut novel, and it’s a strong one. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on her future work.
This book is fast-paced, I read it in less than 24 hours because I just had to know what would happen next. I also really liked Brooke as a main character. As someone who is French and has lived in Paris, I found it very easy to picture the locations. I could vividly imagine the hôtel particulier of the Marteau family and truly felt immersed in the setting.
The atmosphere completely hooked me, it was both captivating and genuinely creepy (I’m blaming the catacombs for that!). I wanted thrills, and this book definitely delivered. It reads almost like a movie, which is fitting since the main character is an actress.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the direction the story took, especially with the legacy of the powerful and wealthy Marteau family and all the secrets surrounding them. I won’t say more because it’s best experienced without spoilers, it was such a satisfying surprise.
Beyond the suspense, the book also carries a meaningful and healing message through Brooke’s story and her past.
The only reason I’m giving this 4.5⭐️ instead of 5⭐️ is the writing, specifically, how uneven it sometimes feels. This might be a very personal opinion, but I still want to mention it. While the book offers detailed and compelling insights into Brooke’s emotions and psychological state, there are moments where the writing feels slightly clumsy or even a bit lazy.
For example, phrases like “the room screams of masculinity” are used multiple times, and spaces are often described as “masculine” or “feminine.”. Personally, this made me uncomfortable. I don’t really connect with that kind of gendered description, it feels outdated, especially today. What does it even mean for a room to be masculine or feminine?
These moments stood out to me because the rest of the writing is genuinely strong.
That said, this isn’t a recurring issue, but it did pull me out of the story at times.
Overall, aside from this point, The Paris Rental was a gripping and addictive read, and I would absolutely recommend it to fans of the genre.
April 23, 2026
This place can keep a secret …
Don’t disturb the Marteau family. This is the only rule given to actress Brooke Summers when she arrives at their gothic Paris Apartment, hiding out from the most recent Hollywood gossip. She needs to disappear from the public eye for a few weeks … but she didn’t expect to be at risk of disappearing forever.
As more things within the home worry Brooke, she begins to investigate the family and she finds some deadly secrets. What distance will the Marteau’s go to keep Brooke quiet?
Occasionally through the book, there is an entry from a diary named ‘My Hotel Peculiar’, however we are unsure who the author is. It tells horrors of what occurred within the Maison Marteau and forewarns us of what could happen to Brooke. The author changes from a scared child into an interested teenager, desperate to know the workings of their blood-loving father. But who is the diary written by and how does that affect things in the current time frame for the family and any visitors …
Although the setting of the apartment and Paris was really well done, I feel the plot and themes were messy and there wasn’t much character development, just a lot of different people that didn’t do much to the story. It was all a bit predictable and for me, not very convincing in any way.
Mysterious and creepy? Yes. But I would say this is more horror than a suspenseful crime thriller. Vampires, blood and a family dynamic that is terrifying!
In relation to the childhood abuse, the author had the prime opportunity to highlight this, punish the perpetrator properly and allowing victims to feel safe to speak out - yet this story line felt it was thrown in towards the end and then very much brushed over.
*TW - would advise any potential readers to note the trigger warnings for abuse prior to reading this book*
Thank you to NetGallery, Icasm Press and Rachel Keerey for the ARC copy of this book.
Don’t disturb the Marteau family. This is the only rule given to actress Brooke Summers when she arrives at their gothic Paris Apartment, hiding out from the most recent Hollywood gossip. She needs to disappear from the public eye for a few weeks … but she didn’t expect to be at risk of disappearing forever.
As more things within the home worry Brooke, she begins to investigate the family and she finds some deadly secrets. What distance will the Marteau’s go to keep Brooke quiet?
Occasionally through the book, there is an entry from a diary named ‘My Hotel Peculiar’, however we are unsure who the author is. It tells horrors of what occurred within the Maison Marteau and forewarns us of what could happen to Brooke. The author changes from a scared child into an interested teenager, desperate to know the workings of their blood-loving father. But who is the diary written by and how does that affect things in the current time frame for the family and any visitors …
Although the setting of the apartment and Paris was really well done, I feel the plot and themes were messy and there wasn’t much character development, just a lot of different people that didn’t do much to the story. It was all a bit predictable and for me, not very convincing in any way.
Mysterious and creepy? Yes. But I would say this is more horror than a suspenseful crime thriller. Vampires, blood and a family dynamic that is terrifying!
In relation to the childhood abuse, the author had the prime opportunity to highlight this, punish the perpetrator properly and allowing victims to feel safe to speak out - yet this story line felt it was thrown in towards the end and then very much brushed over.
*TW - would advise any potential readers to note the trigger warnings for abuse prior to reading this book*
Thank you to NetGallery, Icasm Press and Rachel Keerey for the ARC copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Paris Rental isn’t the romantic escape its title might suggest...it’s a slow, suffocating descent into paranoia, rot, and buried violence. Rachel Keerey trades postcard Paris for something far more unsettling: a decaying building that feels less like a home and more like a trap.
Brooke Summers arrives already broken—her career in ruins, her reputation shredded, and what she finds inside Maison Marteau mirrors that internal collapse. The place breathes wrong. Doors seem to listen. The walls hold onto secrets that don’t want to stay buried. And that single rule—don’t disturb the family—hangs over everything like a threat rather than a warning.
This isn’t a fast thriller. It crawls. The tension builds in small, needling ways, strange sounds, missing details, the creeping sense that Brooke isn’t just being watched, but studied. The longer she stays, the more the building closes in, tightening its grip until escape feels almost impossible.
Keerey leans hard into psychological unease, and it works. Brooke is messy, vulnerable, and increasingly unreliable, which makes the story feel unstable in the best way. You’re never quite sure what’s real. Only that something is deeply, fundamentally wrong.
Not every twist lands with full force, and some of the genre beats feel familiar if you read a lot of dark thrillers. But the atmosphere is relentless, heavy with dread, and that’s where the book wins. It sticks to you, the kind of story that leaves a residue you can’t quite wash off.
It’s not perfect, but it’s deeply unsettling, claustrophobic, and quietly vicious. If you like your thrillers bleak, intimate, and laced with psychological decay, this one delivers.
Brooke Summers arrives already broken—her career in ruins, her reputation shredded, and what she finds inside Maison Marteau mirrors that internal collapse. The place breathes wrong. Doors seem to listen. The walls hold onto secrets that don’t want to stay buried. And that single rule—don’t disturb the family—hangs over everything like a threat rather than a warning.
This isn’t a fast thriller. It crawls. The tension builds in small, needling ways, strange sounds, missing details, the creeping sense that Brooke isn’t just being watched, but studied. The longer she stays, the more the building closes in, tightening its grip until escape feels almost impossible.
Keerey leans hard into psychological unease, and it works. Brooke is messy, vulnerable, and increasingly unreliable, which makes the story feel unstable in the best way. You’re never quite sure what’s real. Only that something is deeply, fundamentally wrong.
Not every twist lands with full force, and some of the genre beats feel familiar if you read a lot of dark thrillers. But the atmosphere is relentless, heavy with dread, and that’s where the book wins. It sticks to you, the kind of story that leaves a residue you can’t quite wash off.
It’s not perfect, but it’s deeply unsettling, claustrophobic, and quietly vicious. If you like your thrillers bleak, intimate, and laced with psychological decay, this one delivers.
April 7, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Icasm Press for introducing me to another fantastic author.
After a scandal erupts during a movie shoot, Brooke is sent to Paris by her agent, Lin, to lie low for a while. Lin secures her a secluded apartment on the grounds of a historic mansion and makes one rule clear: don’t interfere with the family living in the main house. That advice doesn’t last long. Brooke is soon invited to dinner, where she meets the eccentric members of the Marteau family and begins to sense that something isn’t quite right. Her suspicions deepen when she encounters the sister of Rose, a young woman who previously lived in the same apartment and has since gone missing. Brooke learns that Rose discovered a journal hidden in the apartment, one containing disturbing information, and Brooke is convinced finding it may be the key to uncovering what happened to her. As she digs into the history of the Marteau family, it becomes increasingly clear that something far more sinister is at play.
The eerie setting of the old mansion and the family’s dark past immediately pull you into the story. The book is highly engaging, whether through the richly described atmosphere or the steadily unfolding mystery, I found myself not wanting to put it down. The short chapters and strong pacing keep the momentum going throughout. There were a couple of moments that felt underexplained (for example, I never fully understood the purpose of the “game” after the Monster party, and briefly thought the story was heading into Ready or Not territory). That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from Rachel Keerey.
After a scandal erupts during a movie shoot, Brooke is sent to Paris by her agent, Lin, to lie low for a while. Lin secures her a secluded apartment on the grounds of a historic mansion and makes one rule clear: don’t interfere with the family living in the main house. That advice doesn’t last long. Brooke is soon invited to dinner, where she meets the eccentric members of the Marteau family and begins to sense that something isn’t quite right. Her suspicions deepen when she encounters the sister of Rose, a young woman who previously lived in the same apartment and has since gone missing. Brooke learns that Rose discovered a journal hidden in the apartment, one containing disturbing information, and Brooke is convinced finding it may be the key to uncovering what happened to her. As she digs into the history of the Marteau family, it becomes increasingly clear that something far more sinister is at play.
The eerie setting of the old mansion and the family’s dark past immediately pull you into the story. The book is highly engaging, whether through the richly described atmosphere or the steadily unfolding mystery, I found myself not wanting to put it down. The short chapters and strong pacing keep the momentum going throughout. There were a couple of moments that felt underexplained (for example, I never fully understood the purpose of the “game” after the Monster party, and briefly thought the story was heading into Ready or Not territory). That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from Rachel Keerey.
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