The Perfect Housemate by Lorna Dounaeva

By Pamelascott

You let her in. You shouldn't have...

I was so nervous about someone new joining our house share; after everything that happened with my parents, my friends are like my family. Our imperfect but well-loved house is the only place where I can be myself. But when Poppy knocks on our door, blonde hair, wide eyes and a friendly smile, we all agree she's a perfect fit. I just wish I could shake the feeling that I've seen her before...

At first, everything runs smoothly. But one day, Poppy arrives home with my housemates in tow. She says she 'forgot' to invite me to the movie. My stomach drops. As she sidles up to my friends, I'm gripped by a familiar panic. If Poppy is from my past, will she turn my friends against me? Will she tell them the secret I've so carefully buried?

I feel like Poppy's watching my every move. My home used to be the place where I felt most comfortable. But as she places a delicious home-cooked meal in front of me, I don't even feel safe eating here.

I have to find out who she really is, and what she wants.

And when I do, will she realise too late which one of us is truly dangerous?

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June's first thought was that she'd got wound up in her sheets.PROLOGUE, JUNE

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(Bookouture, 20 March 2024, e-galley, 400 pages, ARC from the publisher via NetGalley, BlogTour 30 March)

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I loved The Perfect Housemate. This is the kind of twisty thriller I love to read with a compelling plot, compelling characters, unreliable narrators and excellent pacing. The book opens in the present in very dramatic way. I just had to keep reading. The plot then goes back in time to the events that led to this moment with occasional trips into the past revealing events that aren't clearly connected at first. This structure really worked for me. I loved the author's use to misdirection, leading you to think one thing and revealing the opposite to be true. This is a gripping thrill-ride. I'd recommend it.

5/5