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The Tenant
Amy is the perfect landlady. But she does have some ground rules…
Kate has always dreamed of a life in music. And now she’s finally done something about it – giving up her steady job, moving to the city to enroll in a degree program at a prestigious college.
Needing a place to live, she answers an ad and moves in with Amy who seems a nice lady – mothering and protective.
At first Kate is glad to have some support in this strange city, but gradually Amy’s presence becomes more and more stifling – it just seems so hard to get away from her. And every time Kate tries, something terrible happens…
As her life spirals downwards, Kate struggles to understand what’s happening. Is Amy plotting against her? Or is she simply buckling under the stress of adjusting to her new life?
Fearing for her sanity, Kate knows she needs to get some answers and begins to look into the history of the creepy old house she shares with Amy. What she finds is beyond her worst nightmares…
Kate has always dreamed of a life in music. And now she’s finally done something about it – giving up her steady job, moving to the city to enroll in a degree program at a prestigious college.
Needing a place to live, she answers an ad and moves in with Amy who seems a nice lady – mothering and protective.
At first Kate is glad to have some support in this strange city, but gradually Amy’s presence becomes more and more stifling – it just seems so hard to get away from her. And every time Kate tries, something terrible happens…
As her life spirals downwards, Kate struggles to understand what’s happening. Is Amy plotting against her? Or is she simply buckling under the stress of adjusting to her new life?
Fearing for her sanity, Kate knows she needs to get some answers and begins to look into the history of the creepy old house she shares with Amy. What she finds is beyond her worst nightmares…
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2022
609 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 12, 2022
Lots of sweet tea, getting drenched in the rain and shoddy memory, that is The Tenant in a nutshell!
I was torn on how to review this book, so I had to settle for 2.5 stars rounded up.
It only took me a day to get through it, so it was keeping me company and I truly enjoyed the author's writing. However, I felt like the substance of the plot and the strength of the characters was somewhat lacklustre.
I kept guessing throughout what could be the 'twist' and my guess was not correct! So, it was fun to see what the ending brought.
This was my first book from Angela Lester, but I feel like I might give it another try and read another book of hers if she comes out with a new one :)
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
I was torn on how to review this book, so I had to settle for 2.5 stars rounded up.
It only took me a day to get through it, so it was keeping me company and I truly enjoyed the author's writing. However, I felt like the substance of the plot and the strength of the characters was somewhat lacklustre.
I kept guessing throughout what could be the 'twist' and my guess was not correct! So, it was fun to see what the ending brought.
This was my first book from Angela Lester, but I feel like I might give it another try and read another book of hers if she comes out with a new one :)
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
May 10, 2022
This was a very British tale and therefore some of the writing was a challenge for me as an American. The main character was quite immature, a little on the dim side, and rather cliche, hollow. She was not at all to my liking. Her new roommate, however, was puzzling and I was intrigued by her intentions and identity. But in this slow burn things got both overly redundant and predictable.
April 17, 2022
Kate has moved across the country, abandoning her steady job to pursue her dream of music. She takes a room with Amy, a protective and caring landlady.
At first, Kate is grateful to have a friend, but Amy's presence becomes more and more stifling. Then, as Kate's life starts to spiral downwards, she begins to doubt whether Amy is really a friend after all.
The core plot of The Tenant is simple yet effective; the idea of one not being comfortable or safe in their own home is deeply unsettling and is the antithesis of the values a home is supposed to represent.
Whilst the basic premise is effective, the detail of how it is fleshed out is where the first hurdle comes.
Kate is pressured into taking diazepam by Amy. This kind of thing does happen, and it isn't unheard of for people to share prescription medications, especially for that sort of thing. The issue comes from the fact that Kate is a librarian - not a profession known for its three day ragers and cocaine off the reshelving trollies. Further, when it is established that Kate is taking these pills, the next time it is explicitly mentioned is referring to her as addicted to them. Not impossible but it's a big leap to suddenly have with nothing ramping substance abuse issues up.
The climax of the book all happens within the last 50 or so pages, and as a person who reads blurbs, I knew something was going to happen, I just wasn't sure what. So when things started to become a little more clear, it was not difficult to connect the dots. I wish the tension was there for longer, as it feels like there's an absolutely massive (90% or so of the book) buildup for a disappointingly brief climax.
Some of the language Lester chooses is also slightly odd - two instances that spring to mind are Kate saying "I'm not at ease" rather than "I'm not comfortable" or "I'm uncomfortable", and "I too had things to be getting on with". Whilst both are perfectly correct, it isn't a way it speaking I come across often so it acts as a minor stumbling block in the flow of the page. It almost makes me think that Lester is American; especially when you consider the fact that there are some Americanisms in the text - for example the antidepressant 'Seroxat' rather than the generic paroxetine that would be prescribed in the UK. Of course, there's nothing wrong with a US writer writing books set in the UK, but you would expect them to know something as fundamentally British as the healthcare system being totally unlike that of America, surely?
The biggest hurdle for me is the clear breach of professional boundaries between Philip, Clara and Kate. It feels almost alien that teaching faculty socialise with undergraduate students and invite them to parties in their homes. I didn't study music so I have no idea what it's like in that field, but in my precious humanities that would be very unusual - and somewhat suspect.
The book also has a selection of minor typographical errors, particularly missing punctuation. But who isn't guilty of that. It doesn't - to me at least - detract from the story so it's not something that bothers me, but I thought it worth mentioning in case it bothers someone else.
In summary, I would not recommend The Tenant to people who are serious thriller readers, but I would recommend it to people who like to dip their toe into other things. It isn't Shakespeare, but I don't think it's trying to be either. My gran would probably quite like it, but that isn't exactly high praise.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗸𝘂𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.
At first, Kate is grateful to have a friend, but Amy's presence becomes more and more stifling. Then, as Kate's life starts to spiral downwards, she begins to doubt whether Amy is really a friend after all.
The core plot of The Tenant is simple yet effective; the idea of one not being comfortable or safe in their own home is deeply unsettling and is the antithesis of the values a home is supposed to represent.
Whilst the basic premise is effective, the detail of how it is fleshed out is where the first hurdle comes.
Kate is pressured into taking diazepam by Amy. This kind of thing does happen, and it isn't unheard of for people to share prescription medications, especially for that sort of thing. The issue comes from the fact that Kate is a librarian - not a profession known for its three day ragers and cocaine off the reshelving trollies. Further, when it is established that Kate is taking these pills, the next time it is explicitly mentioned is referring to her as addicted to them. Not impossible but it's a big leap to suddenly have with nothing ramping substance abuse issues up.
The climax of the book all happens within the last 50 or so pages, and as a person who reads blurbs, I knew something was going to happen, I just wasn't sure what. So when things started to become a little more clear, it was not difficult to connect the dots. I wish the tension was there for longer, as it feels like there's an absolutely massive (90% or so of the book) buildup for a disappointingly brief climax.
Some of the language Lester chooses is also slightly odd - two instances that spring to mind are Kate saying "I'm not at ease" rather than "I'm not comfortable" or "I'm uncomfortable", and "I too had things to be getting on with". Whilst both are perfectly correct, it isn't a way it speaking I come across often so it acts as a minor stumbling block in the flow of the page. It almost makes me think that Lester is American; especially when you consider the fact that there are some Americanisms in the text - for example the antidepressant 'Seroxat' rather than the generic paroxetine that would be prescribed in the UK. Of course, there's nothing wrong with a US writer writing books set in the UK, but you would expect them to know something as fundamentally British as the healthcare system being totally unlike that of America, surely?
The biggest hurdle for me is the clear breach of professional boundaries between Philip, Clara and Kate. It feels almost alien that teaching faculty socialise with undergraduate students and invite them to parties in their homes. I didn't study music so I have no idea what it's like in that field, but in my precious humanities that would be very unusual - and somewhat suspect.
The book also has a selection of minor typographical errors, particularly missing punctuation. But who isn't guilty of that. It doesn't - to me at least - detract from the story so it's not something that bothers me, but I thought it worth mentioning in case it bothers someone else.
In summary, I would not recommend The Tenant to people who are serious thriller readers, but I would recommend it to people who like to dip their toe into other things. It isn't Shakespeare, but I don't think it's trying to be either. My gran would probably quite like it, but that isn't exactly high praise.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗸𝘂𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2022
The Tenant by Angela Lester was not the book I thought it was going to be, literally. I had another book on my TBR shelf titled The Tenant and I thought that was the one I was reading. Imagine my surprise! It was a pleasant surprise, however, and Lester's Tenant was an enjoyable and quick piece of suspense although it did suffer from a bit of predictability. The characters all were entertaining, the atmosphere properly rainy for this Cornish town and I loved the classical music references scattered throughout the book. The "twist" at the end could be described more accurately as a reveal which I appreciated. I hate plot twists and view them as a cheap gimmick. Had the story not dragged a little toward the end then I would have rated it higher. I did like it and would recommend it.
March 4, 2023
Another book where the plot really picked up at the end. The last few chapters were actually quite exciting and I did like the way the way the story resolved.
However, getting to that point was rather pedestrian. The way the main character (Kate) spoke and thought and behaved was rather simplistic/ childish. I didn't really understand the way the relationships between the characters formed or developed, the way Kate and Amy behaved with each other right from the start was just plain weird and bore little relationship to any tenant/ landlady or housemates relationship I've come across. Also the other relationships with the tutor, the musicians, and the composer's mother just didn't sit with me at all as particularly likely.
The book was set quite realistically in Cardiff and it was quite fun to be able to envisage the streets and cafes etc that were mentioned. I also enjoyed the fact that the book was set in a musical environment.
However, getting to that point was rather pedestrian. The way the main character (Kate) spoke and thought and behaved was rather simplistic/ childish. I didn't really understand the way the relationships between the characters formed or developed, the way Kate and Amy behaved with each other right from the start was just plain weird and bore little relationship to any tenant/ landlady or housemates relationship I've come across. Also the other relationships with the tutor, the musicians, and the composer's mother just didn't sit with me at all as particularly likely.
The book was set quite realistically in Cardiff and it was quite fun to be able to envisage the streets and cafes etc that were mentioned. I also enjoyed the fact that the book was set in a musical environment.
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June 17, 2022I loved every minutes of this twisty tale. For ex-libraian Kate finding cheap accomodations is a must for her to pursue her dream of a music career. She moves in with Amy, who has a few rules and is very strict. She is eclectic, nothing wrong with that, right? Gradually though things start happening and her life seems to be spirialing out of her control.
I love how well Angela incorporated the human elements into her characters. They are realistic and I found myself feeling like I was right there with them. The deep dive into Kate's childhood and the the description of her current world gave the story the depth I was craving. As her sense of fear and alientation grows there is one final twist that as unexpected as it is mind blowing.
I highly recommend this book to all thriller lovers!
I love how well Angela incorporated the human elements into her characters. They are realistic and I found myself feeling like I was right there with them. The deep dive into Kate's childhood and the the description of her current world gave the story the depth I was craving. As her sense of fear and alientation grows there is one final twist that as unexpected as it is mind blowing.
I highly recommend this book to all thriller lovers!
June 5, 2022
I wasted a few hours slogging thru the daily life of a boring character...she sleeps, she is served copious amounts of tea by her creepy room mate which makes her sleepy and she can't remember what she does at night. Duh, I wonder what's in the tea! Derivative story that is dull and repetitive and filled with way too much padding and side plots that are just filler. Predictable rushed ending.
November 25, 2022
Just average for me I think. Seemed to drag on
December 3, 2022
A twisty tale and just how much would or could you trust a stranger! At times, if I bit my nails I might have been tempted as things did not look good for Kate!
Moving in with Amy should be a new start but it soon turns into a living hell. However, who should be worried? Is Amy setting Kate up? Or is it Kate, is she doing these things she denies?
There are enough subtle hints throughout the book to get where it might go, there are also more subliminal messages to make you question if it really is going to go that way. Something I love! I had zero ideas of the outcome but was heavily suspicious. From Amy’s words to Kates’s behaviour you have enough to keep you guessing and frantically turning the pages.
I still feel dizzy from this book, I was turned around by the words Angela was laying out in front of me. I was hooked and wanted to know what was going to happen next! I did feel a little flat by the ending because I think I was expecting something explosive, following what had happened but the ending was fitting
My first read by Angela and it was an awesome way to start! This book has unreliable narrators and enough to make you doubt your own name!
Moving in with Amy should be a new start but it soon turns into a living hell. However, who should be worried? Is Amy setting Kate up? Or is it Kate, is she doing these things she denies?
There are enough subtle hints throughout the book to get where it might go, there are also more subliminal messages to make you question if it really is going to go that way. Something I love! I had zero ideas of the outcome but was heavily suspicious. From Amy’s words to Kates’s behaviour you have enough to keep you guessing and frantically turning the pages.
I still feel dizzy from this book, I was turned around by the words Angela was laying out in front of me. I was hooked and wanted to know what was going to happen next! I did feel a little flat by the ending because I think I was expecting something explosive, following what had happened but the ending was fitting
My first read by Angela and it was an awesome way to start! This book has unreliable narrators and enough to make you doubt your own name!
May 10, 2022
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of The Tenant by Angela Lester. The synopsis of the book and the cover intrigued me, and I was thrilled to receive a digital copy for free in exchange for my honest review.
The Tenant by Angela Lester is one of those novels that would make a great movie. The storyline felt vaguely familiar, but not in a bad way. I never did predict what was happening to the main character and was surprised at the ending.
Although I enjoyed this book quite a bit, there were points in the story that were slow moving, and I became a bit impatient, wishing that something surprising would happen. Even though it was a slow burn, I was glad I stuck with it. The ending was well worth the wait. I'll definitely read other books written by Angela Lester.
All in all, I don't have anything negative to say about The Tenant by Angela Lester. I gave this book four out of five stars. I would recommend this book to those who like slow burns.
The Tenant by Angela Lester is one of those novels that would make a great movie. The storyline felt vaguely familiar, but not in a bad way. I never did predict what was happening to the main character and was surprised at the ending.
Although I enjoyed this book quite a bit, there were points in the story that were slow moving, and I became a bit impatient, wishing that something surprising would happen. Even though it was a slow burn, I was glad I stuck with it. The ending was well worth the wait. I'll definitely read other books written by Angela Lester.
All in all, I don't have anything negative to say about The Tenant by Angela Lester. I gave this book four out of five stars. I would recommend this book to those who like slow burns.
January 31, 2023
The Tenant focuses on a woman named Kate who is attempting to start over in a new town and follow her dream of being a music teacher. She needs a place to reside while going to college and looks at a house. The landlady Amy was really warm and welcoming, so she decides to rent a room there. At first things go well, then as Kate settles into her school routine and makes friends, Amy becomes rather concerned about Kate's wellbeing. She thinks Kate is taking on too much and insists that she rests. As Kate pushes through school, part-time work at the library and maintaining a social life, she starts to feel burnt out and ill constantly. She begins to realize Amy is not what she seems and races to uncover what's really going on before it's too late.
This book had a lot going on. But it was easy to keep up and stay interested in the plot. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed the plot twists and was sad when the book ended. Thank you to NetGalley & Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!
This book had a lot going on. But it was easy to keep up and stay interested in the plot. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed the plot twists and was sad when the book ended. Thank you to NetGalley & Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!
May 11, 2022
Kate gave up her job as a librarian to pursue music a little later in life. She's operating on a shoestring budget and considers herself lucky to find a room for rent in Amy's house. Amy is older, and alternates between mothering and smothering. There are red flags galore Kate's first week there, but Kate ignores every single one.
I kept reading because I enjoyed the author's writing style, but the first 85% of the book was basically a repeat of the same day...putting on the kettle (lots of tea), drinking wine, it's raining, and I feel tired; so tired. Oh, and I'm sleepwalking and losing entire days too.
The reveal was a bit underwhelming as there were no real red herrings, and while the story wasn't memorable, it was enjoyable, and I'd read the author's next book.
I kept reading because I enjoyed the author's writing style, but the first 85% of the book was basically a repeat of the same day...putting on the kettle (lots of tea), drinking wine, it's raining, and I feel tired; so tired. Oh, and I'm sleepwalking and losing entire days too.
The reveal was a bit underwhelming as there were no real red herrings, and while the story wasn't memorable, it was enjoyable, and I'd read the author's next book.
April 17, 2022
It was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon but I did get really frustrated with Kate as the story developed, but overall not a bad read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2022
As soon as I started this, I knew I would be hooked.
Instantly, it gave me really eerie and weird vibes, I just had a bad gut feeling.
It was such a suspenseful, intriguing and addictive storyline.
Such a brilliant book, highly recommend it if you love a psychological thriller.
Instantly, it gave me really eerie and weird vibes, I just had a bad gut feeling.
It was such a suspenseful, intriguing and addictive storyline.
Such a brilliant book, highly recommend it if you love a psychological thriller.
March 19, 2023
Predictable but great read!!!
April 27, 2023
Oh my days, I never thought I would finish this book.
It was so boring, I really wanted to like it, I reallly hoped it was about to get going but it just never seemed to be, I managed to listen to the audiobook, I really wouldn't have held out as far with the actual book I don't think just because I found to be soooo tediously dull.
I didn't really like the main character, Kate, she might have been older than her other fellow students but trust me, that didn't make it any more interesting, she seemed to be quite shy and nervy and a bit of a doormat if I'm being honest, I find weasley characters like this hard to follow at the best of times but there was certain something not right with her Landlord, Amy.
In the book Amy is overbearing and really annoying, she appears to be a writer but she feels like an interfering busy body to me, snooping around and being pushy and manipulative.
The diazepam addiction really roiled me, I have taken this drug and whilst it does help relax you, it doesn't make you drunk and whilst Kate was pressured into taking this drug by Amy, I can't really see as to what ends, it didn't make her any more interesting, Amy even said about addiction and then all of a sudden, Kate is hooked.
Unfortunately, this isn't a thriller for me, it was something and there was plenty of gaslighting but I didn't feel I needed listen to this out of dire need to find out what's going on, the suspense wasn't killing me (because it was non existent)
Tiny but brief climax towards the near end to make it seem like something is happening, but most of the book was generally disappointing in my opinion.
It was so boring, I really wanted to like it, I reallly hoped it was about to get going but it just never seemed to be, I managed to listen to the audiobook, I really wouldn't have held out as far with the actual book I don't think just because I found to be soooo tediously dull.
I didn't really like the main character, Kate, she might have been older than her other fellow students but trust me, that didn't make it any more interesting, she seemed to be quite shy and nervy and a bit of a doormat if I'm being honest, I find weasley characters like this hard to follow at the best of times but there was certain something not right with her Landlord, Amy.
In the book Amy is overbearing and really annoying, she appears to be a writer but she feels like an interfering busy body to me, snooping around and being pushy and manipulative.
The diazepam addiction really roiled me, I have taken this drug and whilst it does help relax you, it doesn't make you drunk and whilst Kate was pressured into taking this drug by Amy, I can't really see as to what ends, it didn't make her any more interesting, Amy even said about addiction and then all of a sudden, Kate is hooked.
Unfortunately, this isn't a thriller for me, it was something and there was plenty of gaslighting but I didn't feel I needed listen to this out of dire need to find out what's going on, the suspense wasn't killing me (because it was non existent)
Tiny but brief climax towards the near end to make it seem like something is happening, but most of the book was generally disappointing in my opinion.
May 11, 2022
The title enticed me in; the cover enticed me in; and the synopsis enticed me in; so did it live up to my expectations? In a word, no.
People will argue that the story was really atmospheric but I just found it rather grim; from the house, to the weather, to the characters, to the situation.
I found the whole thing really farfetched and not in a good way, like some of the things Kate was doing and out up with from Amy just would never happen.
I felt Kate was really naive and I didn't connect with any of the characters, it would introduce characters and jump about too much to the point I was forgetting how they were all connected.
For me the writing was really clunky also, with characters just appearing and not really any back story to go with them, the whole thing felt very pointless to me.
It did pick up around the 85% mark which I did enjoy but by that point I didn't really care.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Angela Lester for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
People will argue that the story was really atmospheric but I just found it rather grim; from the house, to the weather, to the characters, to the situation.
I found the whole thing really farfetched and not in a good way, like some of the things Kate was doing and out up with from Amy just would never happen.
I felt Kate was really naive and I didn't connect with any of the characters, it would introduce characters and jump about too much to the point I was forgetting how they were all connected.
For me the writing was really clunky also, with characters just appearing and not really any back story to go with them, the whole thing felt very pointless to me.
It did pick up around the 85% mark which I did enjoy but by that point I didn't really care.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Angela Lester for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
May 10, 2022
Thank you netgalley UK for sending me an advanced ARC.
I'd be honest, I did not like this book. There was no real plot but Kate (the main character) getting drunk and wet from the rain. The chapters were far too long and the fact nothing really happened till 90% into the book didn't help me enjoy this book. I don't think I'll be reading more from this author I'm afraid.
I'd be honest, I did not like this book. There was no real plot but Kate (the main character) getting drunk and wet from the rain. The chapters were far too long and the fact nothing really happened till 90% into the book didn't help me enjoy this book. I don't think I'll be reading more from this author I'm afraid.
August 2, 2023
A good read
This started off very slowly. The main character was heavily into music and part of the story I found quite boring.
The storyline eventually improved and in the end the plot became clear . I could predict the ending fom the first couple of chapters. However it was an undemanding read. I really won't recommend this book 😕.
This started off very slowly. The main character was heavily into music and part of the story I found quite boring.
The storyline eventually improved and in the end the plot became clear . I could predict the ending fom the first couple of chapters. However it was an undemanding read. I really won't recommend this book 😕.
January 9, 2024
Sounds like the author has a pretty bad stigma against mental illnesses.
This was, somehow, very long.
Disagree about everyone recommending this to slow burn lovers, since when do we call a book that picks up in the last 2 chapters and is filled of the same thing 90% of the time a slow burn?
This was, somehow, very long.
Disagree about everyone recommending this to slow burn lovers, since when do we call a book that picks up in the last 2 chapters and is filled of the same thing 90% of the time a slow burn?
June 8, 2022
Forced reading
I forced myself to keep reading because this book was just so crazy far fetched. No my kind of book at all. I was glad when I got to the last page.
I forced myself to keep reading because this book was just so crazy far fetched. No my kind of book at all. I was glad when I got to the last page.
May 6, 2022
Home is a place of safety...a place of refuge. But what if it's not?
A former librarian, Kate left Carlisle and moved to Cardiff for a fresh new start. So she quit her job and used her savings to to university to pursue her dream of becoming a music teacher. She finds an ad near the uni whose owner was looking to rent out her spare room and is soon enticed by the inexpensive rent offered. Amy is a writer working on a novel based on her own life of growing up with an alcoholic mother. Initially, Kate felt at ease with Amy who welcomed her into her home and the two women soon become friends.
Then as the weeks go on, strange things begin to happen and Kate starts feeling ill and extremely fatigued. The following morning Amy would report on Kate's behaviour during the night - sleepwalking, rages, drunkenness - followed by excessive sleeping. Added to this is the stress factor of uni - her essays and assignments and being asked to play piano for the choir...in front of an audience, which only adds to her anxiety. As Kate's health deteriorates, so do her her new-found friendships from university. Given that they often end up in the pub after lectures, Amy is forced to remind Kate that maybe these friends are not all that good for her if they are adding to her stress and encouraging her to drink, when she obviously has a problem.
Then come the accusations. The rages. The confusion. And the blackouts. Swiftly followed by reparations as Amy helps her by cleaning up the messes she's made during these blackouts. Even almost killing them both in their beds! Amy seems like the perfect friend caring for her during these bouts and insisting she rests and stay away from parties and gatherings in the pub where she may be tempted to drink again. Soon every day begins to feel like Groundhog Day as it becomes a repeat of what has gone before.
But secrets and lies are always uncovered but, when revealed, will it be too late?
It's hard to describe this book as a thriller, despite having some thriller elements to it, as I spent most of the book waiting for the hammer to fall and for something to happen. The pace was steady but still a little slow in parts as the entire plot just seemed to be on constant repeat. I can appreciate what the author was maybe trying to do with this story but I found that there was something missing...though I'm not entirely sure what. It could have been faster paced, certainly, and maybe the tension could have been more palpable. Because I didn't feel like I was on the edge of my seat throughout. More like wanting to slap Kate for being so gullible and quick to believe what she was being told and maybe pulling off Amy's fingernails with a pair of pliers. Both characters frustrated me endlessly.
A slightly creepy book, THE TENANT is a tense and claustrophobic read. I enjoyed it for the most part while at the same time believing it could have been better. It certainly had potential, that's for sure. But it was very predictable. From the start the reader can see where the plot is heading...even if we don't quite know why just yet. But when the reveal comes, it's not mind-blowing as such...more like, "ah yes, now it makes sense".
Overall, THE TENANT is a fairly enjoyable read that has elements of creepiness and a few spine-tingling moments...but nothing earth-shattering.
I would like to thank #AngelaLester, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheTenant in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
A former librarian, Kate left Carlisle and moved to Cardiff for a fresh new start. So she quit her job and used her savings to to university to pursue her dream of becoming a music teacher. She finds an ad near the uni whose owner was looking to rent out her spare room and is soon enticed by the inexpensive rent offered. Amy is a writer working on a novel based on her own life of growing up with an alcoholic mother. Initially, Kate felt at ease with Amy who welcomed her into her home and the two women soon become friends.
Then as the weeks go on, strange things begin to happen and Kate starts feeling ill and extremely fatigued. The following morning Amy would report on Kate's behaviour during the night - sleepwalking, rages, drunkenness - followed by excessive sleeping. Added to this is the stress factor of uni - her essays and assignments and being asked to play piano for the choir...in front of an audience, which only adds to her anxiety. As Kate's health deteriorates, so do her her new-found friendships from university. Given that they often end up in the pub after lectures, Amy is forced to remind Kate that maybe these friends are not all that good for her if they are adding to her stress and encouraging her to drink, when she obviously has a problem.
Then come the accusations. The rages. The confusion. And the blackouts. Swiftly followed by reparations as Amy helps her by cleaning up the messes she's made during these blackouts. Even almost killing them both in their beds! Amy seems like the perfect friend caring for her during these bouts and insisting she rests and stay away from parties and gatherings in the pub where she may be tempted to drink again. Soon every day begins to feel like Groundhog Day as it becomes a repeat of what has gone before.
But secrets and lies are always uncovered but, when revealed, will it be too late?
It's hard to describe this book as a thriller, despite having some thriller elements to it, as I spent most of the book waiting for the hammer to fall and for something to happen. The pace was steady but still a little slow in parts as the entire plot just seemed to be on constant repeat. I can appreciate what the author was maybe trying to do with this story but I found that there was something missing...though I'm not entirely sure what. It could have been faster paced, certainly, and maybe the tension could have been more palpable. Because I didn't feel like I was on the edge of my seat throughout. More like wanting to slap Kate for being so gullible and quick to believe what she was being told and maybe pulling off Amy's fingernails with a pair of pliers. Both characters frustrated me endlessly.
A slightly creepy book, THE TENANT is a tense and claustrophobic read. I enjoyed it for the most part while at the same time believing it could have been better. It certainly had potential, that's for sure. But it was very predictable. From the start the reader can see where the plot is heading...even if we don't quite know why just yet. But when the reveal comes, it's not mind-blowing as such...more like, "ah yes, now it makes sense".
Overall, THE TENANT is a fairly enjoyable read that has elements of creepiness and a few spine-tingling moments...but nothing earth-shattering.
I would like to thank #AngelaLester, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheTenant in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 21, 2022
Title: The Tenant
Author: Angela Lester
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pages: 274
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Kate, a former librarian has always dreamed of a life in music, and finally, she has taken the plunge. Giving up her steady job, she has moved to the city and enrolled in a degree programme at a prestigious college. Now, she just needs to find a place to live which introduces her to Amy, she seems nice, protective, and mothering and Kate is glad to have Amy in her corner. This is until her presence becomes more and more stifling. Kate begins to find it difficult to get away from her and when she does try, it usually results in something bad happening. Kate’s new life soon begins to spiral, and she begins to live in fear for her sanity. Kate knows, the only way she can settle her nerves is to have answers, so she begins to look into the history of the creepy house she shares with Amy, and what she finds out… is something she would never imagine.
Review:
The eye-catching front cover and intriguing book description reeled me in with this one, I like how we were left hanging before we even started. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and I decided I would do this blind; I didn’t want any spoilers beforehand.
The descriptive prologue instantly pulled me in, it left me feeling very excited to see what was in store. I was also instantly curious about Amy; I was looking forward to exploring her character further. When Amy and Kate came together, they were a combination that instantly had me feeling unsettled.
It was evident that Angela was very good at setting the scenes, she knew how to create an atmosphere and I loved the stormy weather we would often get to accompany the unsettling feeling Angela was able to create.
For me I found this to be a slow burner, but I really didn’t mind because it meant the tension continued to build. Things got very interesting when the book hit the 80% mark though and you could really feel the pace picking up. I was looking forward to the climax, despite having a feeling about what would happen, I was still eager to get there for it all to unfold, and bits did still manage to catch me off guard.
I really connected well with the writing style of this book, and as a result, I found myself flying through it. It was a fantastic escape from reality, I found myself zoned out from distractions when reading and I loved how this read definitely ticked the psychological thriller box. I would definitely be interested in reading any future work from Angela!
May 16, 2022
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Tenant by Angela Lester is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. The story revolves around Kate who has moved to the city to get a degree in music at an elite institution. She decides to rent a room from Amy, who seems like a wonderful landlady at first and they become fast friends. But as Amy and Kate become closer, it seems like Amy doesn't want her to spend time with anyone else? Every time that Kate spends a night away from Amy, it seems like something bad happens. Is Amy more than she seems?
Here is a chilling excerpt from the Prologue:
"Through a gap in the curtains she can see the blue light flashing. Darkness is gathering outside. A car door is slammed shut and someone opens the screeching gate. When she hears the doorbell she hauls herself up.
She ignores the second ring. On her way to the stairs, she opens the living room door. The half-light makes everything look black and white, like in an old photo, she thinks. She hasn't been in there for weeks. Everything still seems the same, as if frozen in time: the over-glowing ashtray on the table, the pile of magazines on the floor. Her glance falls on the dark stain on the carpet, the bloody handprints on the wall."
Overall, The Tenant is a psychological thriller that will appeal to fans of Last Night in Soho or The Woman on the Train. The premise of a young woman renting an apartment is similar to the initial premise of Last Night in Soho, while the plotline of wondering if the main character is crazy or not will be familiar to fans of The Woman on the Train. One highlight of this book is how it kept me guessing the whole time. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and I had to keep turning the pages to see what happened next. Another highlight was the explosive, exciting finale. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!
The Tenant by Angela Lester is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. The story revolves around Kate who has moved to the city to get a degree in music at an elite institution. She decides to rent a room from Amy, who seems like a wonderful landlady at first and they become fast friends. But as Amy and Kate become closer, it seems like Amy doesn't want her to spend time with anyone else? Every time that Kate spends a night away from Amy, it seems like something bad happens. Is Amy more than she seems?
Here is a chilling excerpt from the Prologue:
"Through a gap in the curtains she can see the blue light flashing. Darkness is gathering outside. A car door is slammed shut and someone opens the screeching gate. When she hears the doorbell she hauls herself up.
She ignores the second ring. On her way to the stairs, she opens the living room door. The half-light makes everything look black and white, like in an old photo, she thinks. She hasn't been in there for weeks. Everything still seems the same, as if frozen in time: the over-glowing ashtray on the table, the pile of magazines on the floor. Her glance falls on the dark stain on the carpet, the bloody handprints on the wall."
Overall, The Tenant is a psychological thriller that will appeal to fans of Last Night in Soho or The Woman on the Train. The premise of a young woman renting an apartment is similar to the initial premise of Last Night in Soho, while the plotline of wondering if the main character is crazy or not will be familiar to fans of The Woman on the Train. One highlight of this book is how it kept me guessing the whole time. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and I had to keep turning the pages to see what happened next. Another highlight was the explosive, exciting finale. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!
April 22, 2022
Home is where you go to feel safe, a place to rest and recharge. But some homes hold danger. Kate is a former librarian who has decided to quit her job and use her savings to go back to school and pursue her dream of becoming a music teacher. She answers an ad to rent a room in a small house near her university, owned by Amy. From the first, things aren't quite right. The house is musty and outdated and the garden is overgrown with weeds. Amy, the owner says she is the daughter of the woman who owned the house, a woman who died after years of alcoholism. Kate isn't too fond of the house but Amy is friendly and welcoming so she gives it a chance.
From the time moves in, things are going wrong in Kate's life. She misplaces things constantly, feels tired and sick and begins to have terrible nightmares and bouts of sleepwalking. As Kate becomes friendly with a number of people she meets through the music department, Amy becomes jealous and insists that Kate's new friends are bad for her and that she is unwell. The book goes on for a long time with Kate becoming very ill after drinking a glass or two of wine and she is making mistakes and offending her new friends. Amy helps her by cleaning up her messes and insisting Kate get rest and stay away from the parties and events where she seems to get drunk. I have to admit I became terribly frustrated with Kate as she seemed to allow things to happen to her without ever thinking about what was going on or standing up for herself. I also thought some of Kate's friends at the university were not well developed and some of their actions and responses were kind of odd. There are a couple of minor twists but the big one is easily guessed and the others come at the very end. I did want to find out what happened to Kate and also hoped she would get a backbone as I am tired of the endless British heroines who gulp wine, are dizzy, scattered and afraid and react to everything rather than being proactive. Thank You to NetGalley for a free copy of this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
From the time moves in, things are going wrong in Kate's life. She misplaces things constantly, feels tired and sick and begins to have terrible nightmares and bouts of sleepwalking. As Kate becomes friendly with a number of people she meets through the music department, Amy becomes jealous and insists that Kate's new friends are bad for her and that she is unwell. The book goes on for a long time with Kate becoming very ill after drinking a glass or two of wine and she is making mistakes and offending her new friends. Amy helps her by cleaning up her messes and insisting Kate get rest and stay away from the parties and events where she seems to get drunk. I have to admit I became terribly frustrated with Kate as she seemed to allow things to happen to her without ever thinking about what was going on or standing up for herself. I also thought some of Kate's friends at the university were not well developed and some of their actions and responses were kind of odd. There are a couple of minor twists but the big one is easily guessed and the others come at the very end. I did want to find out what happened to Kate and also hoped she would get a backbone as I am tired of the endless British heroines who gulp wine, are dizzy, scattered and afraid and react to everything rather than being proactive. Thank You to NetGalley for a free copy of this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
April 30, 2022
The Tenant is about a woman named Kate who is starting college with dreams of becoming a music teacher after a messy breakup led her to leave her hometown. She finds an ad for a house near the college whose owner, Amy, is looking for a roommate. Amy is a writer working on a novel based on her childhood growing up with an alcoholic mother. Initially, the two get along very well and become fast friends. However, as the weeks go on, Kate starts feeling sick and extremely fatigued nearly everyday and experiences blackouts and episodes of sleep-walking, which Amy contributes to Kate's drinking and tries to help her with. As Kate becomes increasingly stressed due to the state of her health, tensions rise between her and Amy.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm a big fan of thrillers and enjoy reading books that slowly build up to a climactic and intense ending, which this one definitely was. The writing was strong and did an incredible job of showing what is happening in Kate's head as she feels like she's losing her mind due to everything that's going wrong in her life, both in terms of her health and her performance at college. Her anxieties were clearly illustrated and their progression did an excellent job of increasing the tension in the novel. My only complaint is that it was fairly predictable and easy to see from the beginning what was really happening. I was surprised by one plot twist, as I had expected it to go in a different direction, but overall the plotline felt like something that's been done before aside from being very original. Overall, it was an interesting and enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from Angela Lester in the future!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm a big fan of thrillers and enjoy reading books that slowly build up to a climactic and intense ending, which this one definitely was. The writing was strong and did an incredible job of showing what is happening in Kate's head as she feels like she's losing her mind due to everything that's going wrong in her life, both in terms of her health and her performance at college. Her anxieties were clearly illustrated and their progression did an excellent job of increasing the tension in the novel. My only complaint is that it was fairly predictable and easy to see from the beginning what was really happening. I was surprised by one plot twist, as I had expected it to go in a different direction, but overall the plotline felt like something that's been done before aside from being very original. Overall, it was an interesting and enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from Angela Lester in the future!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2022
This is a psychological thriller with a difference. I don’t think I’m unique in working out who is responsible for Kate’s rapid decline both physically and mentally but what kept me turning the pages was why and how it was all going to turn out.
Kate leaves her safe life in Carlisle to follow her dream to become a musician and eventually teach music. With a limited budget she rents a room in Amy’s house. Personally I would have turned tail at this point as Amy’s house is my idea of hell. Dirty, musty with an intrusive landlady but needs must and Kate has limited choices being a mature student who does not want to rent student digs and is alone in a strange city.
I really enjoyed Kate’s introduction to the elite set and how everything starts to work out for her. Claudia, Philip, Dr Turner and Clara all add to the story and are equally probable suspects. Each has their own demons and agendas. Perhaps Kate is responsible for her own downfall? This book showcases a different twist in the way alcohol features in the plot. Living in the South of France, alcohol is a part of our daily lives but it is interesting when, what is the norm for some people turns into a problem for others, how judgmental people can be.
Despite thinking I had this plot sussed I did not expect the twist at the end nor the dramatic climax. Because of this, as I read the last few pages, I was waiting for someone or something else to jump out of the shadows. Did it? You’ll have to read the book.
Kate leaves her safe life in Carlisle to follow her dream to become a musician and eventually teach music. With a limited budget she rents a room in Amy’s house. Personally I would have turned tail at this point as Amy’s house is my idea of hell. Dirty, musty with an intrusive landlady but needs must and Kate has limited choices being a mature student who does not want to rent student digs and is alone in a strange city.
I really enjoyed Kate’s introduction to the elite set and how everything starts to work out for her. Claudia, Philip, Dr Turner and Clara all add to the story and are equally probable suspects. Each has their own demons and agendas. Perhaps Kate is responsible for her own downfall? This book showcases a different twist in the way alcohol features in the plot. Living in the South of France, alcohol is a part of our daily lives but it is interesting when, what is the norm for some people turns into a problem for others, how judgmental people can be.
Despite thinking I had this plot sussed I did not expect the twist at the end nor the dramatic climax. Because of this, as I read the last few pages, I was waiting for someone or something else to jump out of the shadows. Did it? You’ll have to read the book.
May 21, 2022
The Tenant is a psychological thriller that will make your head spin. Trust me, this one is a bit of a doozy. I felt like I was a victim of gaslighting while reading this. Seriously, it's a wild ride that will make you wonder if you're going crazy right along with Kate, the main character.
The story follows Kate, a woman who has decided to start her life over in a new location. She's determined to become a music teacher, so she enrolls in a college program and finds a room to rent with Amy, nice enough woman who had posted an ad. Amy has lost her mom and is trying to erase her memory by renting out the room to Kate. But things soon take a turn, and Kate starts questioning everything. Is her alcohol consumption and sleepwalking causing her to black out? Is she suffering from DID? Is Amy's mom haunting the house? Or is something more sinister going on?
I definitely wasn't sure what to expect going in to this book, but I have to say, it definitely made me start to question my own sanity.
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say this is definitely an intriguing rollercoaster ride.
I think the only thing that irked me was none of Kate's friends/colleagues tried to intervene or get her help. They offered advice and suggestions, but I felt like at some point, they should have done more if they thought she was becoming too reliant on alcohol and having blank spots in her memory. That was the only negative thing for me about the book.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, give The Tenant a go.
4 stars!
The story follows Kate, a woman who has decided to start her life over in a new location. She's determined to become a music teacher, so she enrolls in a college program and finds a room to rent with Amy, nice enough woman who had posted an ad. Amy has lost her mom and is trying to erase her memory by renting out the room to Kate. But things soon take a turn, and Kate starts questioning everything. Is her alcohol consumption and sleepwalking causing her to black out? Is she suffering from DID? Is Amy's mom haunting the house? Or is something more sinister going on?
I definitely wasn't sure what to expect going in to this book, but I have to say, it definitely made me start to question my own sanity.
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say this is definitely an intriguing rollercoaster ride.
I think the only thing that irked me was none of Kate's friends/colleagues tried to intervene or get her help. They offered advice and suggestions, but I felt like at some point, they should have done more if they thought she was becoming too reliant on alcohol and having blank spots in her memory. That was the only negative thing for me about the book.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, give The Tenant a go.
4 stars!
May 9, 2022
Amy is the perfect landlady. But she does have some ground rules…
Kate has always dreamed of a life in music. And now she’s finally done something about it – giving up her steady job, moving to the city to enroll in a degree program at a prestigious college.
Needing a place to live, she answers an ad and moves in with Amy who seems a nice lady – mothering and protective.
At first Kate is glad to have some support in this strange city, but gradually Amy’s presence becomes more and more stifling – it just seems so hard to get away from her. And every time Kate tries, something terrible happens…
As her life spirals downwards, Kate struggles to understand what’s happening. Is Amy plotting against her? Or is she simply buckling under the stress of adjusting to her new life?
Fearing for her sanity, Kate knows she needs to get some answers and begins to look into the history of the creepy old house she shares with Amy. What she finds is beyond her worst nightmares…
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review.
Kate has always dreamed of a life in music. And now she’s finally done something about it – giving up her steady job, moving to the city to enroll in a degree program at a prestigious college.
Needing a place to live, she answers an ad and moves in with Amy who seems a nice lady – mothering and protective.
At first Kate is glad to have some support in this strange city, but gradually Amy’s presence becomes more and more stifling – it just seems so hard to get away from her. And every time Kate tries, something terrible happens…
As her life spirals downwards, Kate struggles to understand what’s happening. Is Amy plotting against her? Or is she simply buckling under the stress of adjusting to her new life?
Fearing for her sanity, Kate knows she needs to get some answers and begins to look into the history of the creepy old house she shares with Amy. What she finds is beyond her worst nightmares…
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review.
July 3, 2022
Kate uproots herself and heads to university as a mature student to study music and finally follow her dream. She is a bit strapped for cash but finds a reasonably priced room in Amy's house. But gradually Kate's life gets out of control and she starts to suspect a malevolent influence...
The Tenant is a psychological thriller set in Cardiff.
The main character is Kate. She has some huge emotional obstacles to overcome including unrequited love and the death of her sister. Finally she is putting herself first and aims to become a teacher. But her studies suffer as she starts acting strangely and has black out periods which threaten her fresh start.
The book is written from Kate's first person persctive so we naturally ally ourselves with her and feel the same confusion and disorientation she experiences. Kate's landlady Amy made me deeply uncomfortable and I distrusted her from the beginning. There are no boundaries and the relationship is unequal from the start.
The tension develops steadily and Kate doesn't know if she can trust herself let alone anyone else. She becomes isolated due to her repeated episodes of ill mental and physical health. I really wanted to yell at her to escape her situation but understand how she was trapped. I found the ending and explanation to be a little extreme so just suspended my disbelief and enjoyed the drama.
The Tenant is an entertaining thriller with a well maintained tense atmosphere.
The Tenant is a psychological thriller set in Cardiff.
The main character is Kate. She has some huge emotional obstacles to overcome including unrequited love and the death of her sister. Finally she is putting herself first and aims to become a teacher. But her studies suffer as she starts acting strangely and has black out periods which threaten her fresh start.
The book is written from Kate's first person persctive so we naturally ally ourselves with her and feel the same confusion and disorientation she experiences. Kate's landlady Amy made me deeply uncomfortable and I distrusted her from the beginning. There are no boundaries and the relationship is unequal from the start.
The tension develops steadily and Kate doesn't know if she can trust herself let alone anyone else. She becomes isolated due to her repeated episodes of ill mental and physical health. I really wanted to yell at her to escape her situation but understand how she was trapped. I found the ending and explanation to be a little extreme so just suspended my disbelief and enjoyed the drama.
The Tenant is an entertaining thriller with a well maintained tense atmosphere.
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