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La camarera
¿Por quién te harías pasar para cambiar tu vida? ¿Hasta dónde llegarías si alguien te ofreciera algo con lo que siempre has soñado… a cambio de una mentira?
L. Slater nos ofrece un thriller psicológico ambientado en el glamuroso y complejo mundo de los eventos de alto nivel en Londres, y nos hace cruzar las puertas del Orbit, un rascacielos tan espectacular como inquietante, donde el lujo, el poder y las apariencias están en el centro de todo. Allí es donde empieza a trabajar como camarera Alicia Turner, que ha dejado atrás mucho más que su su bebé, su pasado y algunos secretos que pesan sobre ella como una losa. Londres simboliza para Alicia la huida, pero también un deseo de liberarse de ese pasado definitivamente. Desde su posición de invisibilidad como camarera, Alicia observa, escucha, memoriza gestos y aprende las claves de la élite londinense. Nadie repara en ella y ese anonimato es su seguro de vida. Hasta que el dueño del Orbit, el carismático y misterioso Trent Connors, le propone un trato un trabajo bien pagado, un ático de ensueño y la oportunidad de pertenecer al mundo que siempre ha contemplado en la distancia. Con un ritmo vertiginoso y una atmósfera cargada de tensión, Slater construye una historia donde nadie está a salvo ni nada es lo que parece. El pasado trágico de Saskia, la anterior pareja de Trent, y la investigación sobre su muerte añaden un elemento de misterio y peligro que se irá desvelando poco a poco. Una novela absorbente por el suspense y los giros inesperados, y con un desenlace que no te decepcionará.
L. Slater nos ofrece un thriller psicológico ambientado en el glamuroso y complejo mundo de los eventos de alto nivel en Londres, y nos hace cruzar las puertas del Orbit, un rascacielos tan espectacular como inquietante, donde el lujo, el poder y las apariencias están en el centro de todo. Allí es donde empieza a trabajar como camarera Alicia Turner, que ha dejado atrás mucho más que su su bebé, su pasado y algunos secretos que pesan sobre ella como una losa. Londres simboliza para Alicia la huida, pero también un deseo de liberarse de ese pasado definitivamente. Desde su posición de invisibilidad como camarera, Alicia observa, escucha, memoriza gestos y aprende las claves de la élite londinense. Nadie repara en ella y ese anonimato es su seguro de vida. Hasta que el dueño del Orbit, el carismático y misterioso Trent Connors, le propone un trato un trabajo bien pagado, un ático de ensueño y la oportunidad de pertenecer al mundo que siempre ha contemplado en la distancia. Con un ritmo vertiginoso y una atmósfera cargada de tensión, Slater construye una historia donde nadie está a salvo ni nada es lo que parece. El pasado trágico de Saskia, la anterior pareja de Trent, y la investigación sobre su muerte añaden un elemento de misterio y peligro que se irá desvelando poco a poco. Una novela absorbente por el suspense y los giros inesperados, y con un desenlace que no te decepcionará.
Audible Audio
First published May 29, 2025
About the author
K.L. Slater
58 books5,272 followersKim is the number one bestselling author of sixteen psychological crime thrillers. She has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide. She has also written four Carnegie-nominated Young Adult novels as Kim Slater for Macmillan Children’s Books. Kim has an MA in Creative Writing and lives with her husband in a small Nottinghamshire village.
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 754 reviews
June 6, 2025
BRODEH.
April 14, 2026
I went into The Waitress by K.L. Slater not knowing what to expect—and I ended up loving it.
Right from the start, I was pulled into this glamorous but eerie world where nothing feels quite right. There’s this constant sense of unease, especially with the two men in Alicia’s life, and I found myself questioning everything the whole way through.
Alicia really made this book for me. She’s been through so much, but her strength and determination really stood out. Watching her face her past and keep going, especially for the love of her son, was emotional and powerful. I was completely rooting for her.
And that ending… I genuinely did NOT see that twist coming. It completely caught me off guard in the best way.
This book kept me hooked, and I didn’t want to put it down. If you love psychological thrillers with strong characters and twists you won’t see coming, I’d definitely recommend it.
Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: April 17th, 2026
Right from the start, I was pulled into this glamorous but eerie world where nothing feels quite right. There’s this constant sense of unease, especially with the two men in Alicia’s life, and I found myself questioning everything the whole way through.
Alicia really made this book for me. She’s been through so much, but her strength and determination really stood out. Watching her face her past and keep going, especially for the love of her son, was emotional and powerful. I was completely rooting for her.
And that ending… I genuinely did NOT see that twist coming. It completely caught me off guard in the best way.
This book kept me hooked, and I didn’t want to put it down. If you love psychological thrillers with strong characters and twists you won’t see coming, I’d definitely recommend it.
Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: April 17th, 2026
September 9, 2026
The Waitress was an interesting psychological thriller that pulled me in pretty quickly. Alicia takes a waitressing job at an exclusive London skyscraper, but it soon becomes clear that this is about much more than serving drinks and smiling at guests. She gets caught up with Trent, a wealthy and powerful man, while also dealing with secrets from her own past. I liked how the story slowly revealed more about Alicia and made me question who could actually be trusted. Her love for her young son also added another side to her character, and I found myself rooting for her as things became more complicated.
There were plenty of twists and suspicious moments to keep me reading, although I did guess some things before they were revealed. The pacing was mostly good, with the shorter chapters making it an easy book to fly through, but there were a few slower sections and I felt the ending was a little rushed. I also think some of the characters could have been developed a bit more. Even so, the story kept me interested and had enough suspense to make me want to find out how everything would come together. It’s a quick and entertaining thriller, especially if you enjoy stories filled with secrets, lies and characters who aren’t quite what they seem.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
There were plenty of twists and suspicious moments to keep me reading, although I did guess some things before they were revealed. The pacing was mostly good, with the shorter chapters making it an easy book to fly through, but there were a few slower sections and I felt the ending was a little rushed. I also think some of the characters could have been developed a bit more. Even so, the story kept me interested and had enough suspense to make me want to find out how everything would come together. It’s a quick and entertaining thriller, especially if you enjoy stories filled with secrets, lies and characters who aren’t quite what they seem.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
June 14, 2025
BRODEH. That is all.
June 2, 2025
No tip for "The Waitress"!
WHY?
I listened to the audiobook.
The storyline unfolded from multiple POVs.
Although Claudia Jessie's narration was good, it was frequently difficult to remember who was saying what.
A full-cast narration would have significantly helped this book.
Also, the storyline lacked the sizzle and thrills of K.L. Slater's earlier releases.
Not sure if the book eventually delivered. DNF at 40%.
Fortunately, this was an Audible Plus freebie, so no credit was wasted.
September 2, 2025
3.5 Not my favourite KL Slater, but a fun time. It felt less sophisticated than her other books which was surprising, the concept was quite basic, especially the down and out woman seeing high luxury for the first time bit. Would recommend the audible original if you’re wanting to try this one out.
June 4, 2025
The overall story was good. The sister was a little frustrating. I did not see the twist at the end coming.
November 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this. Had me gripped from start to end. I'm not sure why some reviewers are so down on it.
The multiple POV approach isn't confusing *at all*. Just 3 POVs, with 3 different voices. Mainly tho, this is Alicia's story, and she's a strong lead, whose depth is revealed and layers peeled back as we go along.
Sure, the sister is the weakest of the 3 leads, and you might want to smack some sense into her, but her role makes sense in the whole context.
A super climax, a neat twist, and *excellently* performed by Claudia Jesse (so good, I've tracked down 2 other audio stories featuring her)
The multiple POV approach isn't confusing *at all*. Just 3 POVs, with 3 different voices. Mainly tho, this is Alicia's story, and she's a strong lead, whose depth is revealed and layers peeled back as we go along.
Sure, the sister is the weakest of the 3 leads, and you might want to smack some sense into her, but her role makes sense in the whole context.
A super climax, a neat twist, and *excellently* performed by Claudia Jesse (so good, I've tracked down 2 other audio stories featuring her)
August 28, 2025
It’s a 3.75 for me. Kept me entertained while getting ready for work and en route to work, but would I tell all my friends to read it? Nahhh. One of those “just call the cops already” thrillers, but I played along AND I will say the end did have a twist I was not expecting.
June 8, 2025
It was okay, but a lot of things made no sense. Like what motivated Trent to seek out these random women to employ? Why would he trust a woman he had just met to do spy-work for him? And why on earth did he allow two different women to blackmail him??
K.L. Slater’s books have mostly been misses for me in recent years. But I keep reading in the elusive hope that I’ll strike gold again. This book was included in my audible plus membership, so at least I didn’t use a credit.
K.L. Slater’s books have mostly been misses for me in recent years. But I keep reading in the elusive hope that I’ll strike gold again. This book was included in my audible plus membership, so at least I didn’t use a credit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
there is a reason it was a free audible original lol - kept me somewhat entertained on my 400km drive but it was tedious and I did want to drive off the state highway at least twice, think Claudia Jessie saved it if I’m honest
April 19, 2026
3.5 stars
After seeing the reviews I was a bit nervous to read the book but it was OK to be honest.
The book intrigued me I admit with the proposal at a fake dating set up in a thriller but unfortunately that was short lived and the introduction of the FMC double life quickly took over. There were so many moving pieces which is fine but neither one was fully explored, the plot moved so quickly timeline wise I think it was no longer than 2 weeks. I wish the double life would have dragged out longer made it more tense. I cant help but feel how the ending was just tied up in a nice little bow was a bit too convenient. I prefer endings which aren't quite as neet.
Overall it was OK, I was entertained throughout. This did remind me somewhat of Frieda Mcfadden type books, so if you like those then I'd definitely give this author a try having read her before she is definitely a popcorn thrillers author. Although I did prefer the husband next door.
Many thanks to Bookouture who provided me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
After seeing the reviews I was a bit nervous to read the book but it was OK to be honest.
The book intrigued me I admit with the proposal at a fake dating set up in a thriller but unfortunately that was short lived and the introduction of the FMC double life quickly took over. There were so many moving pieces which is fine but neither one was fully explored, the plot moved so quickly timeline wise I think it was no longer than 2 weeks. I wish the double life would have dragged out longer made it more tense. I cant help but feel how the ending was just tied up in a nice little bow was a bit too convenient. I prefer endings which aren't quite as neet.
Overall it was OK, I was entertained throughout. This did remind me somewhat of Frieda Mcfadden type books, so if you like those then I'd definitely give this author a try having read her before she is definitely a popcorn thrillers author. Although I did prefer the husband next door.
Many thanks to Bookouture who provided me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Initially published as an Audible only title back in May 2025 ‘The Waitress’ is now in E book/paperback form
The story focuses on Alicia, who is a waitress at high end London events, it’s here she ‘meets’ Trent, owner of ‘The Orbit’ a luxury skyscraper…..Alicia is quickly, very quickly moving in
But is Alicia quite as she seems? And for that matter is Trent, both are hiding secrets and both could be each others downfall
Parallel to this is the story of Alicia’s Sister who is looking after Alicia’s son and is unknowingly more involved in Alicia and Trent’s lives than she can know ( and want! )
When all the threads tie up it will be a shock for them all and as the secrets spill out so the danger increases
I LOVE the authors books,always interesting characters and settings and more than readable
The story focuses on Alicia, who is a waitress at high end London events, it’s here she ‘meets’ Trent, owner of ‘The Orbit’ a luxury skyscraper…..Alicia is quickly, very quickly moving in
But is Alicia quite as she seems? And for that matter is Trent, both are hiding secrets and both could be each others downfall
Parallel to this is the story of Alicia’s Sister who is looking after Alicia’s son and is unknowingly more involved in Alicia and Trent’s lives than she can know ( and want! )
When all the threads tie up it will be a shock for them all and as the secrets spill out so the danger increases
I LOVE the authors books,always interesting characters and settings and more than readable
June 6, 2025
Oh dear, definitely not one of K.L. Slater’s best, very disappointing.
June 23, 2025
I'm sure it's just me, but the abused woman who stays/lets the man come back in her life, OMG I just can't. I know this happens in real life. I don't understand it but I know it is too common to be believed. But man, I just cannot even in yet another book plot.
The rest of it was just ridiculous. No way she goes from being a server on the catering staff to the penthouse, with someone in power having her make event decisions and business insights, as if he didn't already have staff to do those tasks. Please. Also, the author decides not to tell you why the MC is in the situation she's in until essentially the whole story and all the tension is already over. Essentially they just reveal the MC's motivation in an epilogue. As a result, I couldn't get on board or root for the MC at all.
The rest of it was just ridiculous. No way she goes from being a server on the catering staff to the penthouse, with someone in power having her make event decisions and business insights, as if he didn't already have staff to do those tasks. Please. Also, the author decides not to tell you why the MC is in the situation she's in until essentially the whole story and all the tension is already over. Essentially they just reveal the MC's motivation in an epilogue. As a result, I couldn't get on board or root for the MC at all.
August 11, 2025
This story didn’t make sense at all, not invested in the characters, the main character was unlikeable. Disappointing
April 16, 2026
I haven't read a KL Slater thriller in what seems like forever so The Waitress was eagerly anticipated.
From the opening chapters to the penultimate pages it lived up to everything I expected and more.
It was a deliberately paced read with a few unexpected twists and turns, and an ending that totally caught me unawares.
An engaging plot told from multiple narratives, and investible character arcs made The Waitress well worthy of a tip or two.
From the opening chapters to the penultimate pages it lived up to everything I expected and more.
It was a deliberately paced read with a few unexpected twists and turns, and an ending that totally caught me unawares.
An engaging plot told from multiple narratives, and investible character arcs made The Waitress well worthy of a tip or two.
December 22, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
August 18, 2026
This book is a mess. The writing, the characters, the editing. Sloppy work and it shows.
June 1, 2026
The Waitress by K.L. Slater is a psychological thriller about a woman who has learned to watch everything around her.
Let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author (Kim Slater), for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
First, I have been somewhat disappointed (or less than thrilled) with Kim's latest books. They are good, just not great. However, this one definitely upped her rating with me.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, and it was very clear.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting. It was difficult to get a good read on Trent and Steve, as sometimes they were "almost" likeable. I didn't really like some of Alicia's actions when it came to her son, and I didn't really like Jen's actions either. However, they were family, and they proved it. Others that surprised me were Eleanor and Hazel, and Janice. Even Ingrid was a surprise. They were all strong women, in their own way.
There were some major twists in this book, and they were great! It was a fast-paced, and easy read.
I think I may board the bus back to Kim Slater's books (but I will be picky about the topic). This one was definitely worth the time.
For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 14, 2025
I like after finishing the audio. I didn't like any of the characters. Alicia was so worried about her baby but she knew where he lived and could see him? She was manipulating and dishonest. Alicia makes sure Trent might have to face the law for the young woman's ACCIDENTAL death. All he did was lie about being there when it happened. But she doesn't have a problem with Trent pushing someone off a building? Just because she wanted him dead, too. makes her an accomplice! no respect for her, either!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2026
Alicia leaves her young son with her sister and moves to London, determined to reinvent herself and escape a past she won’t confront. At The Orbit, an exclusive high rise for the elite, she slips easily into the background, watching everything. When its charismatic owner, Trent Connors, offers her a lucrative arrangement to pose as his girlfriend, she accepts a deal that quickly becomes more complicated than either of them intended. As she settles into this glossy new life, the cracks beneath its surface begin to show, while her sister back home hides a far more dangerous secret that is slowly closing in.
The book didn’t quite meet the author’s usual standard for me. Aside from Alicia, several characters felt underdeveloped, and the plot was fairly predictable, with only one twist that surprised me. I’m typically fully absorbed in this author’s work, but this time the story didn’t have the same depth or momentum that normally keeps me turning the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, opinions expressed are my own.
The book didn’t quite meet the author’s usual standard for me. Aside from Alicia, several characters felt underdeveloped, and the plot was fairly predictable, with only one twist that surprised me. I’m typically fully absorbed in this author’s work, but this time the story didn’t have the same depth or momentum that normally keeps me turning the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, opinions expressed are my own.
August 3, 2025
3.5 🌟
A good story with an overall good plot.
It was very much 1 note, not a lot of tension/suspense. Saw most of it coming.
A good story with an overall good plot.
It was very much 1 note, not a lot of tension/suspense. Saw most of it coming.
January 4, 2026
My first read of 2026! Love this author!
October 3, 2025
It was just ok. The story line was intriguing enough but the MC is supposed to be some super sleuth, and she just ended up being annoying. Who leaves their 2 year old to move hours away at the demands of someone else instead of calling the police? She was a private detective who clocked him as a cheater and when he threatens her, she just takes it? Makes no sense to me. Also when the boyfriend has the sister pinned in the bathroom, she calls the MC who is hours away instead of the police?! Make it make sense. Not the best Slater book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this. It was suspenseful and thrilling.
August 4, 2025
How far would you go to protect your family. Hired by one man to sabotage another. The mark plays into her scheme and now she has a chance to free herself from both and make a good life for her and her family.
February 24, 2026
THE WAITRESS is a standalone psychological thriller by bestselling author K.L. Slater. Having read and enjoyed her previous novels, I was anxious to start her new novel.
Her Novels Include:
Safe With Me (2016)
Blink (2017)
Liar (2017)
The Mistake (2017)
The Visitor (2018)
The Secret (2018)
Closer (2018)
Finding Grace (2019)
The Silent Ones (2019)
Single (2019)
The Apartment (2020)
Little Whispers (2020)
The Girl She Wanted (2020)
The Marriage (2021)
The Evidence (2021)
The Widow (2021)
Missing (2022)
The Girlfriend (2022)
The Narrator (2023)
The Bedroom Window (2023)
Husband and Wife (2023)
Message Deleted (2024)
The Married Man (2024)
The Lucky Winners (2025)
My Husband Next Door (2025)
The Waitress (2026)
We Tell Lies (2026)
This is my review of The Waitress.
Alicia Turner is in central London working for Elevate, a premium events agency for members clubs and art galleries. She is looking for a new start to escape her past and provide for a better life in London for her and her two-year-old son, Brodie.
Alicia has left her young son behind with her sister to chase a better life in London. But she’s not just chasing opportunity. She’s escaping the truth. And no one in her new life needs to know what she’s running from.
At The Orbit, a high-rise building that highlights the future of urban living, Alicia meets the owner, Trent Connors, who is very impressed by her skill in reading people. Here, Alicia waits tables and watches everything.
Trent Connors, offers her a deal — she must pretend to be his girlfriend for an enormous salary and a luxury apartment in The Orbit and she accepts. She will be working for Trent in complete secrecy acting as his girlfriend as a cover. She will be a partner on the ground…to listen and watch. Trent works with a lot of high-profile people, and needs someone with a skill in reading people…a spy!
Trent tells Alicia that he is on the verge of finalizing a major project, and both him and his partner, Steve Brett are bidding for the contact. Trent needs Alicia to get close and check out Brett. But when Trent shows Alicia a picture of Brett, she realizes that she knows him… the man who controlled her life for the last two years!
Two men are plying he same game of blackmail and corruption…and Alicia finds herself right in the middle of this dangerous mix.
And all the while, back home, her sister is hiding something far worse — something terrifying that Alicia has no idea is creeping closer.
The story is told from different POV’s in different time frames that gives us more depth into the intention of the main key players.
This fast-paced novel addictive read but not quite up there with some of the authors other books but I still enjoyed it.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
Her Novels Include:
Safe With Me (2016)
Blink (2017)
Liar (2017)
The Mistake (2017)
The Visitor (2018)
The Secret (2018)
Closer (2018)
Finding Grace (2019)
The Silent Ones (2019)
Single (2019)
The Apartment (2020)
Little Whispers (2020)
The Girl She Wanted (2020)
The Marriage (2021)
The Evidence (2021)
The Widow (2021)
Missing (2022)
The Girlfriend (2022)
The Narrator (2023)
The Bedroom Window (2023)
Husband and Wife (2023)
Message Deleted (2024)
The Married Man (2024)
The Lucky Winners (2025)
My Husband Next Door (2025)
The Waitress (2026)
We Tell Lies (2026)
This is my review of The Waitress.
Alicia Turner is in central London working for Elevate, a premium events agency for members clubs and art galleries. She is looking for a new start to escape her past and provide for a better life in London for her and her two-year-old son, Brodie.
Alicia has left her young son behind with her sister to chase a better life in London. But she’s not just chasing opportunity. She’s escaping the truth. And no one in her new life needs to know what she’s running from.
At The Orbit, a high-rise building that highlights the future of urban living, Alicia meets the owner, Trent Connors, who is very impressed by her skill in reading people. Here, Alicia waits tables and watches everything.
Trent Connors, offers her a deal — she must pretend to be his girlfriend for an enormous salary and a luxury apartment in The Orbit and she accepts. She will be working for Trent in complete secrecy acting as his girlfriend as a cover. She will be a partner on the ground…to listen and watch. Trent works with a lot of high-profile people, and needs someone with a skill in reading people…a spy!
Trent tells Alicia that he is on the verge of finalizing a major project, and both him and his partner, Steve Brett are bidding for the contact. Trent needs Alicia to get close and check out Brett. But when Trent shows Alicia a picture of Brett, she realizes that she knows him… the man who controlled her life for the last two years!
Two men are plying he same game of blackmail and corruption…and Alicia finds herself right in the middle of this dangerous mix.
And all the while, back home, her sister is hiding something far worse — something terrifying that Alicia has no idea is creeping closer.
The story is told from different POV’s in different time frames that gives us more depth into the intention of the main key players.
This fast-paced novel addictive read but not quite up there with some of the authors other books but I still enjoyed it.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
April 17, 2026
This book had a really interesting premise, which is why I picked it up… but it ended up being a bit of a mixed experience.
First of all, I didn’t realize this was a re-release. And also… the title is a bit misleading. The “waitress” part? That lasts for a few chapters and then it’s pretty much gone. I was expecting more of that angle, maybe even some undercover/spy vibes tied to it, buuuut not really.
That said, the story itself is still intriguing.
Our FMC meets Trent at a high-end event and after noticing how observant she is, he asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend and gather information for him. Of course, things are not what they seem, and from there we get a mix of twists, secrets and a bit of sleuthing.
I actually enjoyed that part, especially the whole “double agent” vibe. Watching her try to figure out what happened to Trent’s ex, who is basically treated like a ghost, was one of the more interesting aspects.
But… there were a few things that didn’t work for me.
Jen (the FMC’s sister) really frustrated me. I understand the complexity of abusive relationships, but some of her choices (especially involving Alicia's son) were hard to get past.
And Trent… I still have questions. A lot of them. I feel like not everything was fully explored or answered.
Overall, it’s not a bad thriller. It has some good twists and an engaging concept, but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential for me.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
First of all, I didn’t realize this was a re-release. And also… the title is a bit misleading. The “waitress” part? That lasts for a few chapters and then it’s pretty much gone. I was expecting more of that angle, maybe even some undercover/spy vibes tied to it, buuuut not really.
That said, the story itself is still intriguing.
Our FMC meets Trent at a high-end event and after noticing how observant she is, he asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend and gather information for him. Of course, things are not what they seem, and from there we get a mix of twists, secrets and a bit of sleuthing.
I actually enjoyed that part, especially the whole “double agent” vibe. Watching her try to figure out what happened to Trent’s ex, who is basically treated like a ghost, was one of the more interesting aspects.
But… there were a few things that didn’t work for me.
Jen (the FMC’s sister) really frustrated me. I understand the complexity of abusive relationships, but some of her choices (especially involving Alicia's son) were hard to get past.
And Trent… I still have questions. A lot of them. I feel like not everything was fully explored or answered.
Overall, it’s not a bad thriller. It has some good twists and an engaging concept, but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential for me.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
February 2, 2026
K.L. Slater is a veteran of the "domestic noir" genre, and The Waitress delivers exactly what fans expect: secrets, shifting loyalties, and a high-gloss setting that feels just a bit too perfect. However, while the premise is addictive, the execution occasionally feels like a retread of familiar thriller tropes.
The Hook: High Stakes and Glittering Lies
The "fake dating" trope is usually reserved for rom-coms, but Slater twists it into something much more sinister. Alicia is a compelling protagonist because she isn't "innocent"—she’s a woman running from a dark past, making her the perfect unreliable narrator.
The Setting: The Orbit is a character in itself—a claustrophobic, high-end high-rise that perfectly encapsulates the "gilded cage" feel.
The Conflict: The dual-timeline/dual-perspective structure keeps the tension high. While Alicia is playing a dangerous game in London, her sister’s storyline back home provides a slow-burn sense of dread that balances the fast-paced glamour of Trent Connors' world.
Why it’s a 3/5
Despite the strong setup, the middle section of the book sags under the weight of some predictable "thriller logic."
Suspension of Disbelief: The deal offered by Trent Connors—a massive salary and a luxury apartment just to play a girlfriend—is a bit of a stretch, even for a psychological thriller.
The "Twist" Fatigue: If you read a lot of Slater or Freida McFadden, you might spot the "big reveal" coming from a mile away. The book relies heavily on characters making questionable decisions to keep the plot moving, which can be frustrating for readers who prefer a more grounded mystery.
The Ending: While the climax is explosive, it feels somewhat rushed compared to the meticulous buildup of Alicia’s lies.
Final Verdict
The Waitress is a solid, popcorn-style thriller. It’s the perfect "beach read" or "airplane book"—fast-paced and engaging enough to keep you turning pages, even if it doesn't reinvent the genre. It’s a story about the masks we wear and the price we pay for a "better life," though it lacks the emotional depth to make it truly haunting.
Read this if: You love stories about the dark side of the ultra-wealthy and don't mind a few far-fetched plot points. Skip this if: You prefer gritty, realistic police procedurals or are tired of the "unreliable narrator" trope.
The Hook: High Stakes and Glittering Lies
The "fake dating" trope is usually reserved for rom-coms, but Slater twists it into something much more sinister. Alicia is a compelling protagonist because she isn't "innocent"—she’s a woman running from a dark past, making her the perfect unreliable narrator.
The Setting: The Orbit is a character in itself—a claustrophobic, high-end high-rise that perfectly encapsulates the "gilded cage" feel.
The Conflict: The dual-timeline/dual-perspective structure keeps the tension high. While Alicia is playing a dangerous game in London, her sister’s storyline back home provides a slow-burn sense of dread that balances the fast-paced glamour of Trent Connors' world.
Why it’s a 3/5
Despite the strong setup, the middle section of the book sags under the weight of some predictable "thriller logic."
Suspension of Disbelief: The deal offered by Trent Connors—a massive salary and a luxury apartment just to play a girlfriend—is a bit of a stretch, even for a psychological thriller.
The "Twist" Fatigue: If you read a lot of Slater or Freida McFadden, you might spot the "big reveal" coming from a mile away. The book relies heavily on characters making questionable decisions to keep the plot moving, which can be frustrating for readers who prefer a more grounded mystery.
The Ending: While the climax is explosive, it feels somewhat rushed compared to the meticulous buildup of Alicia’s lies.
Final Verdict
The Waitress is a solid, popcorn-style thriller. It’s the perfect "beach read" or "airplane book"—fast-paced and engaging enough to keep you turning pages, even if it doesn't reinvent the genre. It’s a story about the masks we wear and the price we pay for a "better life," though it lacks the emotional depth to make it truly haunting.
Read this if: You love stories about the dark side of the ultra-wealthy and don't mind a few far-fetched plot points. Skip this if: You prefer gritty, realistic police procedurals or are tired of the "unreliable narrator" trope.
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