The Couple in Apartment C

by Diana Wilkinson

I’m not being paranoid. It’s all there in the crossword clues…in black and white. There’s no doubt the threat is real. Today, the answers spell out my murder.
May Third. Amanda. Silver Birch. Noontime. Assassination.

Is Nathan, my estranged crossword-setter husband, really planning to kill me? Or is it someone closer to home?

I check the door is bolted, slither to the ground, and count down the seconds to noon. There’s nothing left to do, and no one I can call. Who’d believe me anyway? The lady on the ground floor has already left the building, and my new boyfriend is on holiday. Or is he?

A tread of footsteps. A rap at the door, and I close my eyes, hold my breath...

A smart and unsettling psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena and Claire Douglas





‘I read this book in less than 24 hours - I was gripped! ’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘ Characterisation at its finest … A massive five stars from me.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘ Kept me guessing to the end ... A great read, full of mystery and suspense.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘A brilliant read, with plenty of teasers to keep you guessing & turning the pages. I would recommend… pure, unadulterated escapism .’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘… excellent from start to finish and a good ending. A real thriller.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘ Wow!! ... kept me guessing every page, thoroughly enjoyed every chapter. Great read, well written and did everything it promised!! ’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘A really gripping edge of the seat thriller that you will not want to put down… I highly recommend this.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘ OMG couldn’t put it down … I spent a sleepless night reading this book because I needed to know who the murderer was… Brilliant absolutely recommend.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘a thriller truly like no other, Wilkinson’s daring style and flare … are on show again. A superb read! ’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘I couldn't put this book down once I started! A must read for anybody who loves a good thriller! ’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘I was reeled in straight away! … Very clever misdirection and extremely well executed. Highly recommended.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘Absolutely brilliant! Gripped from page one .’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘I loved this book… had me gripped from the very beginning… AMAZING …’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

‘ Absolutely gripping!! I had to read it within 24 hours!! ... a lot of shocking character developments . Great book.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Ebooks, Audiobook, Psychological Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2023

About the author

Diana Wilkinson graduated from Durham University with a degree in geography, then after a short spell in teaching, spent most of her working life in the business of tennis development.
A former Irish international player, Diana finally stepped off the tennis court to become a full-time writer.
The inspiration for much of her work has come from the ladies she coached over the years and from confidences share over coffee.
4 Riverside Close is Diana's first crime novel, published by Bloodhound Books on 30th March 2020.
You Are Mine, her second thriller, is due for release on 1st June 202.
Born and bred in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the height of the civil unrest, she now lives in Hertfordshire, England, with her husband son.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐

Featuring ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd person POV, differing timelines, alcoholism, infidelity, voyeurism, r@pe references, death of a child

Amanda is our 1st person narrator and we have multiple 3rd person ones, including her husband, Nathan (I won't name them all as to not give spoilers). No one is very likable and all are unreliable.

Overall, not for me, but I did like the following:
~ unique premise
~ short chapters
~ how Amanda cared for her elderly neighbor, Mr. Beckles
~ the twist I didn't see coming
~ the last sentence

This was very slow going for me and I wasn't very invested in the story until about 80% in. I liked the interesting premise ~ will Amanda really be murdered on May 3rd as the crossword implies? With the multiple POV's and flashbacks within the chapters, it took an awfully long time to find out. And once we do find out it left me with a lackluster impression. Luckily there was a small twist that I hadn't figured out that gave me some excitement. Amanda struggles with alcoholism and she talks a big game of trying to get help, but really it didn't seem like she wanted to quit. I liked the last sentence, but I won't tell you why.

So again, overall not for me, but there are other reviewers that enjoyed this more than I did, so don't let my thoughts stop you from giving it a try if it sounds like something you'd enjoy.

*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

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[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the theme of murder is woven through a crossword grid, Amanda knows she's the target. When Amanda's husband, Nathan, walked out on her ten months ago, she thought she would never hear from him again. But her crossword setter husband had other plans, and toys with her from a distance, using the daily grid, each clue a mocking taunt at her struggles. As Amanda becomes more and more shut off from her old life, trapped inside her flat with only old memories of that fateful day Nathan left, she becomes increasingly paranoid.

Amanda is an alcoholic trying hard to reach sobriety. Nathan is a crossword setter. The premise had me intrigued. The pace is steady throughout. I did not like any of the characters in this book. In a way, I could see why Nathan was setting these puzzles, but that does not make it right. There is quite a lot of the book taken up about crosswords, but it didn't spoil it for me. This is a well written and twisted read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #DianaWilkinson for my ARC of #OneDown in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gives you an entirely new outlook on crossword puzzles, that's for sure. Completing the crossword puzzle is a part of Amanda’s daily routine, a thing she does to distract herself. When she starts to see clues that are meant for her, anxiety and need for alcohol increases. She wonders if it could be Is her ex-husband sending a message to her through the clues. Afterall, he blames her for a horrible accident. Whoever it is, they mean to cause her paranoia or even worse, death. I was intrigued by this story. Amanda is an interesting character and evoked a few emotions. She’s tragic, vulnerable, frustrating and relatable all at once. She’s an interesting case study for addiction and the hold it can take on a person. One moment, I wanted to hug her and the next, I wanted to shake some good old common sense into her. She certainly didn’t always make good life choices. She didn’t however, deserve to have the experiences she was having. Nathan...the ex-husband, liked to think he’s strong but, like Amanda, he battles insecurities and addiction also. They just manifest differently. There was definitely a narcissistic streak in him and kept you wondering if he was a good guy or a bad guy. In fact, Diane Wilkinson plants seeds of doubt all the way through and at one point you just give up and suspect everyone...everyone except that is except Teddy. The story is told mainly from the point of view of Amanda and Nathan and the plot is certainly unique and develops well. I was well and truly hooked. To sum it up the book is a compelling, dark, twisted, clever psychological thriller about addiction and revenge. If you like puzzles or are looking for a gripping read, this book is absolutely perfect.

[Kay Oliver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this. I loved the plot. But it fell flat . . .

I loved the cross word clues. But I hated the writing style. Unnecessarily big words one after another, forming overly long winded sentences. It was choppy, jumping from one thing to the next with explanation or flow. There was too much flowery purple prose. The pacing was slow, too slow. I just could not get into this at all.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amanda lives in one of three flats in the building known as Silver Birch. Husband Nathan moved out ten months ago, following an accident caused by Amanda's overreliance on alcohol & she is still struggling with her sobriety. One bright spot in her life is her burgeoning relationship with neighbour, Edward, & the fact that she now loves to complete the daily crossword in the paper. Amanda was first introduced to crosswords by Nathan, who works as crossword setter or cruciverbalist, but she has begun to suspect that he is taunting her by using clues which mock her struggles. As the clues start to point to more & more sinister answers, Amanda begins to wonder if it is Nathan or is someone else involved.

The narrative is told from mainly Amanda's point of view, with a few chapters from several other characters including Nathan, his friend & Amanda's AA sponsor Joseph. The chapters are all quite short & keep the pace moving. Now, I did like the crossword element - it was a little unusual at first, but the reader soon gets into it & I found myself trying to work out the clues before reading on. The issue I had with this one is that none of the characters (with maybe the possibility of Edward) are particularly sympathetic, even Amanda is difficult to like as she is rather selfish at times, so it makes it difficult to connect with the story. Also I rather think that the trope of a main character who is unreliable due to an alcohol addiction has been rather overused. I'd have to rate this one 2.5 stars (rounded up).

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Boldwood Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[J.A. Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cracker of a book! I stayed up nearly all night reading this one. The unique plot and the characterisation are absolutely spot on and the writing is superb, the words just flowing making it it a gripping read. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

[Sudasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first read by Diana Wilkinson, 'One Down' is an addition to the thriller genre. Its plot surrounds the main female protagonist, Amanda, who also serves as the main narrator. Interspersed are musings from her estranged husband, Nathan, as well as other minor characters.

The book begins with a bang, as we realise that a murder has been committed - by whom, we are left to wonder. We are then properly introduced to Amanda, who is struggling with alcoholism. She has separated from Nathan and harbors a crush on her hunky neighbour. Due to Nathan's profession as a cruciverbalist, she has become mired in the world of crossword puzzles and enjoys them as they help her find some semblance of peace. However, she has noticed a very disturbing pattern: the puzzles lately have been alluding to her death! What follows are twisted and shocking discoveries, some of which you never see coming.

What interested me the most with this novel is the subplot of crosswords - as someone who loves them, it was so interesting to see a storyline revolving around them. The premise was very different and this kept me reading.

My biggest issue with this was the slow pacing. It took what felt like forever for information to be revealed, which hindered my overall enjoyment of the book. Additionally, Amanda as a protagonist was not likable; I never felt connected to her, never rooted for her.

In the end, I give 'One Down' a rating of 3 stars because even though the plot fell a little dead for me, I liked its overall uniqueness.

*A great many thanks to Netgalley, Diana Wilkinson, and Boldwood Books for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*

[John Nicholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully well-written and thoroughly entertaining. This one is an easy 5-stars for me. A book not to be missed.

[Annie]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

One Down is a well written modern psychological thriller standalone by Diana Wilkinson. Due out 16th Jan 2023 from Boldwood Books, it's 377 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a gritty and tension filled thriller with an unreliable narrator in Amanda, a recovering alcoholic, who is convinced her husband is threatening her through the crosswords he sets as a cruciverbalist. Through flashbacks, he's shown to be a calculating merciless manipulator and Amanda has become isolated from any sort of support network except her AA support group. 

The author is quite adept at ratcheting up the tension unrelievedly throughout. For readers who enjoy crosswords and wordplay, this book is full of them. It bears mentioning that the book is set in, and the crosswords (and vernacular) are UK style (see book cover). For readers who are going the extra distance to figure the clues as they're presented in the book, they are different than many readers will be used to in North America. The author explains them in context in the text, but they're all what crossword solvers in the US refer to as "cryptic crosswords". 

Three and a half stars. This will definitely appeal to fans of psychological thrillers like Gone Girl, Rock Paper Scissors, and The Maidens.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good crossword - and I'll be looking at them differently from now on!

Amanda an Nathan are a couple, but their meeting wasn't as innocent as it first appeared. Nathan is a crossword setter, and Amanda has learned a lot from him about how to go about solving the clues. So, after he has moved out, she is more than a little concerned that the crossword answers seem to be aimed at her, and they're a bit threatening too. When it all comes to a climax, Amanda realises that she is alone in the building; her neighbours are both out and someone is rattling the door knob . . .

Amanda's life is far more complicated that it looks at first glance, and Diana Wilkinson is a seasoned author who knows how to drip-feed her readers information enough to keep them hooked. By the time we got to the climax, my heart was thumping at a rate of knots, and I was quite desperate to find out who was guilty. And what a surprise it was! I certainly didn't seem it coming. What a read! I really appreciate a book where I learn something new! This one includes a step-by-step guide on how to work out cryptic crossword clues and I almost made notes for future use. Like all good psychological thrillers, it messed with my mind - and I loved it! Very highly recommended and one I'm very happy to give all five sparkling stars!

[Shruti morethanmylupus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amanda is an alcoholic who is trying to reach sobriety but she is a very unreliable narrator who often forgets what happened once she starts drinking. Nathan is a pompous, controlling jerk from start to finish. He is a cruciverbalist, which means that he creates crossword puzzles for a living, and he never lets anyone forget it. Amanda believes she's in danger because she keeps finding crossword clues about herself, her life with Nathan, and potentially a murder. The big reveal of the threat and what is happening were pretty obvious.

I was very excited about this book because I love crossword puzzles. This is actually about British crossword puzzles, which are different from ours across the pond, and now I finally understand how they work! Unfortunately, that was probably the best thing about this book. Despite a pretty dramatic opening and some potentially threatening crossword clues, there wasn't much that was hugely thrilling about this book.

If you aren't particularly into wordplay, this probably isn't the book for you. I enjoy it and even then felt like it took up too much of the book and distracted from the plot a lot of the time. What could have been a fast-placed plot was bogged down in these puzzles and ended up dragging on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to review this book ahead of publication. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amanda lives in Flat C in a 3-flat home called Silver Birch. Her husband, Nathan, left her some months ago. Amanda has long had a problem with alcohol and has tried to kick it.

Nathan is a puzzle setter at the “London Echo” newspaper. He is the one that got Amanda hooked on crossword puzzles. Now, when she works them each day, she feels that Nathan is trying to tell her something and she knows she’s in danger.

I found this book to be repetitive and bordering on being boring. Some fancy wording in the beginning had me rolling my eyes. As much as I enjoy puzzles, crossword puzzles included, I didn’t find these puzzles interesting. Amanda is a rather pathetic person and Nathan is a bully. In defense of the crossword puzzles, I did later learn that these puzzles differ in the US and the UK, so as an American, I see why why I was confused. My first book by this author and I would like to try reading another sometime as, hopefully. my reaction to this book was a fluke. Sorry.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Deepak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful thriller, well woven tale that keeps you on edge right through.
It is about the pit falls of addiction be it alcohol or crossword, that the two main characters in the book are addicted to.
She is an alcoholic and one who loves to live it up and he is a cruciverbalist (crossword setter/one who enjoys solving crosswords). He is also a control freak and wishes to keep her under his control all the time. She describes his mind as Inside his skull I imagine criss-cross wiring that links up nerve endings, as lexicographical data gets analysed and stored on a hard drive. He studies words the way an entomologist studies insects, dissecting phrases into the smallest possible components and always on the lookout for a rare species of word formation
In the end it is a murder mystery so saying anything more will be a spoiler.
Suffice to say it is a well written book for the murder mystery lover and specially for a crossword lover as there are plenty of pointers on how to solve cryptic clues.
Go for it. You won't regret it.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was original. I wasn’t sure when I started this, I am hopeless at cryptic crosswords, even when I have the answers, so I was coming to a halt as I tried to understand the clues. But then I suddenly found myself becoming addicted, a bit like Teddy! The writer is clearly a cryptic crosswords connoisseur as she writes and explains each of the clue suitable for someone like me. The book is written from various POV’s but mainly that of Amanda, the main protagonist who is a recovering alcoholic; she is not a particularly likeable character but she certainly is interesting.

Briefly, Amanda’s estranged husband is a cruciverbalist, yes I know - it’s a crossword setter - and whilst they were married he taught Amanda how to solve the clues. Some months after their separation Amanda notices that some of the clues in the daily crossword appear to be directly aimed at her. Is it Nathan trying to scupper her sobriety and her fragile mental health? Or is someone else involved?

I did get a bit confused when the chapters switched to the past and maybe dates on the chapter headings would help but this is a really tiny niggle. I found this a very enjoyable read and I was completely engrossed with all the reveals and red herrings. As for the ending and the ‘one year later’ it was a complete shock to me. A great read for anyone who enjoys a twisty psychological thriller and if you love a cryptic crossword you’ll love this.

4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5

[Adele Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

When this reviewer read the description of One Down, I was hooked. I had to find out how a murder is plotted with clues from a newspaper crossword. The premise is unique and clever, appealing to both fiction and crossword enthusiasts.

The story structure is similar to a cozy mystery, not a fast-paced thriller, and offers several suspects. The protagonist, Amanda, is a recovering alcoholic whose missteps are at the center of the story. Amanda is not the most likable heroine, and the pacing is sometimes too slow, but this reviewer cheered for Amanda's sobriety and willingness to regain control of her life. Everyone deserves a happy ending.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an ARC to read and review. This review will appear on Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

[Patrice Gotting - #prdgreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Thoughts: I thought this story was really cleverly done, the idea that the main character feels her ex husband is communicating with her through the daily cryptic crossword was eerily believable and utterly fascinating! – I didn’t really understand half of the clues even though the author did a bloody brilliant job of explaining how we got to answers.

I loved Amanda as a character and teddy too, although I definitely didn’t trust any of them at all.

Throughout the story an event is hinted at, an event that caused Amanda to have serious anxiety and a bit of a drink problem, you’re left wondering if this is the reason she’s being taunted through crossword & wether her husband is really the one one responsible as she thinks… after all the crossword setters are anonymous and it could be anyone!

This was a good solid psychological thriller, I didn’t know which way it would go & doubted myself repeatedly.

Although the chapters were short which is what I love I did find the book a bit long and repetitive, but that’s just a personal preference. I would still highly recommend you pick this one up!

🐧❤️

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nathan first sets eyes on Amanda at The London Eye he sets out to make her his own ..Now , Amanda , a maths teacher still lives in Flat C ...Silver Birch , the home she and Nathan once shared together after they married ..Though Nathan has left their home around ten months ago , for Amanda it's her safe place . Amanda still does the daily crossword that she and Nathan used to do together ..but as Amanda continues to do so reading between the lines she begins to feel unsafe. .Is Amanda being paranoid ...or is she seeing things that are not there .. The further you read into the story you begin to see each of the characters in a different light ..kind of multifaceted..as you drift from the present to the past .. the characters jump out on you ..My second read from Diana Wilkinson ..5 stars .Really clever storytelling ..I couldn't put it down ...

[Kerry Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow … this is the second book from this author I have read and I have to be honest it has blown me away

Amanda is a recovering alcoholic who has struggled to stay on the path of recovery. This book not only play on this weakness of hers, but also her habit of filling in a crossword daily.
The crosswords have taken a deadly turn though and it’s beginning to look like a crossword setter has taken a disliking to Amanda and her death is imminent. Will she chose her friends wisely? Or will she die if she chooses the wrong friend to trust

This book has had me gripped and if it wasn’t for work I’d of devoured it in one day!

Keep them coming ….

[Jude Srivalsan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect novel for a crossword aficionado like me!! I had great fun reading the clues, seeing if I could solve them and then looking at how they were made up! An excellent idea for a novel and a good mystery around the clues too.

I couldn’t put it down as I read about the relationship between Nathan and Amanda and how it broke down and why. Amanda now thinks Nathan is teasing and threatening her through the crosswords he sets. Not all the clues seem like Nathan’s style though so who else is involved?

Lots of twists and turns and my favourite of this author’s so far!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Down by Diana Wilkinson is about the theme of murder, which is woven through a crossword grid, and Amanda knows she’s the target.

When Amanda’s husband, Nathan, walked out on her ten months ago, she thought she would never hear from him again. But her crossword setter husband has other plans and toys with her from a distance, using the daily grid, each clue a mocking taunt at her struggles.

I really wanted to like this book and heard such good reviews, but I struggled to even finish it. The crossword clues were fun, but I had to push myself to finish the book. The writing style and how the story unfolded were not to my liking. I had difficulty connecting to any of the characters. The ending was good, though, and not what I expected.

#OneDown #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks

[Bowie Ribeiro-Lycett · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a ridiculous and poorly edited book. How the author can say her editor has great attention to detail in the acknowledgments has clearly not read the final version. Such a waste of time seeing if this got any better as it really didn’t. And to think an alcoholics dream is to one day become a social drinker is distasteful at best. I won’t be reading this author again.

[Valerie Dickenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved 4 Riverside Close so I was looking forward to a new book by Diana Wilkinson and this didn't disappoint. Clues upon clues upon clues kept me glued to the story. What a very clever book. Challenging without a doubt, not a read for the faint-hearted!

[Susan Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book initially by its cover, then the premise sounded intriguing. I was at first confused and distracted from the story by trying to solve the crossword clues. I was still confused with the backwards and forwards timeline. . However the writing was superb.

[Courtney McGhee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. I couldn’t follow her writing style and was personally confused for the majority of the book. I think it might’ve been a mixture of the writing and my lack of attention at that point. Just not for me. I like fast paced and a lot of dialogue.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as someone who didn’t previously do cryptic crosswords I felt it has taught me how to tackle them. I’ve now started doing them as part of my daily routine and am loving them, all encouraged by this book. I adore thrillers and this certainly kept me guessing. I would definitely recommend.

[Elaine Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to figure out

I enjoyed the suspense and the characters in this book. I was trying to figure out who was seekng revenge all the way through this boo.k. I would recommend this book to my family and friends.

[Jane Badrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a deviously clever book. I found myself engrossed in the story and the crossword clues. Fabulous read. Highly recommended.

[Shandra Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the crossword clues and anagrams.

[TERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not really into crossword puzzles and the book focuses around them so it was kinda hard to get into. It takes place in Britain so that was a little challenging as well.

[Syd Holstege · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gosh the premise of this book sounded so good! But what a disappointment it was. Don't bother wasting your time Kiers