Seven stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, A. A. Chaudhuri, and Hera (Canelo) for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
A long-time fan of A.A. Chaudhuri and her work, I was eager to get my hands on this ARC. Filled with a number of suspenseful moments, the reader is pulled into a piece where nothing is entirely clear. After securing a new place to live, Sebastian finds himself wondering about his new landlady, who is both highly attractive and secretive. The new living situation soon becomes somewhat tense and Sebastian finds himself questioning his choices. As things ramp up, truths emerge that ensures no one is entirely safe or at ease. A.A. Chaudhuri pens another winner with this story!
When Sebastian is seeking a new place to live, he feels that his options are limited. Struggling to make ends meet as a writer, he has been perusing the advertisements in hopes of stumbling upon something decent. When he comes upon a room for rent in a palatial Hamstead home, he feels that it must be a mistake. However, inexpensive rent and some decent solitude await him, as long as he can handle living with his widowed landlady, Adriana. He cannot sign the lease fast enough and is soon preparing to move in.
When Sebastian learns what happened to the previous lodger, his views on the place change drastically. While peaceful in its environs, the house is secured and nothing is left to chance, which is seen when Adriana’s fragility comes to the surface. When Sebastian tries to ask about her past or the time with the previous lodger, Adriana refuses to engage in the topic. Death seems to follow her everywhere, though Adriana refuses to shed any light on it. This leaves Sebastian feeling highly nervous and questioning the secrets.
Sebastian begins to sense that someone is watching the house, particularly those who live inside. While unable to put his finger on it, Sebastian cannot shake the thought that Adriana might be keeping something from him, juts as he is hiding a secret or two of his own. Will Sebastian be able to get to the bottom of things or will he become the next lodger victim in this web of deceit? Chaudhuri does a masterful job with this piece, adding suspense to every page flip.
While I cut my teeth on her legal thrillers, I have come to enjoy and respect A.A. Chaudhuri’s varied writings. She is able to capture the essence of the story in the opening pages of the book and does not let the reader remain in compete control. Her narrative style keeps the story moving and leaves the reader to catch up or be left in the dust. There is a great deal on offer here, with strong storytelling and some building suspense that is only made known as needed. Some characters prove to be just what the reader needs, while others have multiple layers, permitting a psychological chill. The secrets are plentiful, forcing the reader to pay close attention.
Plot points in a story of this genre are essential to the delivery. Chaudhuri does well to keep the reader on point with strong twists and turns throughout the story. The surprises not only keep the characters in line, but provide the reader with some suspense and moments to ‘gasp’ at what is taking place. I can see how Chaudhuri used this effectively and hope that more of her books follow the same rules. I am eager to see what else she has in store for readers in the future.
Kudos, Madam Chaudhuri, for this chilling tale!
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