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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
‘They’re here! They’ve come for us!’
Thomas Brogan is a serial killer on the run from the police. He manages to evade capture and finds refuge in an abandoned terrace house at the end of a row. As a temporary refuge, it is fine, but could he be trapped? Brogan explores the house and discovers that he can access three other houses in the row through the roof space.
And so, the story begins. Over a period of fifteen days, we learn about Brogan’s past, while in the present he manipulates the lives of residents of two of the houses he can access. Have you ever heard a noise in the roof? Have you ever wondered if you are being spied on? Brogan’s intrusion into the third house will have consequences but will he be caught, or can he escape?
Mr Jackson ramps up the tension in this novel: the physical setting may be limited but Brogan’s capacity to manipulate is not. He is a damaged character, carrying the weight of his past while cunning enough to make the most of his circumstances. A bit of food stolen here, moving personal items to create friction between a couple, getting to know an elderly woman and he even stops a burglar.
How will it end? Well, you will need to read it to find out for yourself. Elements of this novel are quite scary: especially if you live in a terrace.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and VIPER for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Thomas Brogan is a serial killer on the run from the police. He manages to evade capture and finds refuge in an abandoned terrace house at the end of a row. As a temporary refuge, it is fine, but could he be trapped? Brogan explores the house and discovers that he can access three other houses in the row through the roof space.
And so, the story begins. Over a period of fifteen days, we learn about Brogan’s past, while in the present he manipulates the lives of residents of two of the houses he can access. Have you ever heard a noise in the roof? Have you ever wondered if you are being spied on? Brogan’s intrusion into the third house will have consequences but will he be caught, or can he escape?
Mr Jackson ramps up the tension in this novel: the physical setting may be limited but Brogan’s capacity to manipulate is not. He is a damaged character, carrying the weight of his past while cunning enough to make the most of his circumstances. A bit of food stolen here, moving personal items to create friction between a couple, getting to know an elderly woman and he even stops a burglar.
How will it end? Well, you will need to read it to find out for yourself. Elements of this novel are quite scary: especially if you live in a terrace.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and VIPER for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
dark
tense
medium-paced
Oh my word this book was fantastic. It is a creepy and at times a stomach churning crime thriller. There are also some excellent funny one liners in it. I just loved the creepiness and also the dark humour. 5 ⭐️
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My 5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 review of
THE MIDNIGHT MAN by Caroline Mitchell Author
Plot 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Page turner 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Characters 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Audible narration 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Twists 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the first book by this author I have had the pleasure of listening to and it was such a pleasure! It had every single element that I look for in my perfect crime/psychological thriller.
Suspense
Horror
Supernatural
Gruesome
Twists and turns
Lovable team of police chums
Great characterisation
Exceptionally realistic dialogue
Humour
I don’t want to ruin the story as it would be easy to spoil it. It’s so cleverly written. It leads you in one direction and had me doing my own Miss Marple investigation. More than once I thought I’d worked it all out but only had a little while to revel in my smuggery. I didn’t guess the real perpetrator and it was like unwrapping a gift at Christmas when all was revealed.
I was thrilled that Caroline leaves it open to the next in the series. The oppressive, underlying sense of dread that pervades the whole town, it’s residents and the sinister Blackhall Manor is all so deliciously creepy I loved it! It’s a real skill to get the balance between the terror, the otherworldliness and the reality of the crimes and those affected.
It was refreshing to come across a novel that is different to many books out there. In a market bursting at the seams it must be a challenge to craft a story that is original. Caroline Mitchell achieves this.
I cannot wait to read the next in the Slayton series and as luck would have it - ‘The Night Whisperer’ has just been published!
Caroline has lots of novels which I have listed below. I have greedily added them all to my list on the Fantastic Fiction website. She also has a superb list of recommended reads which I have also added to my monumental TBR list *gulp*!
And last but by no means least - Caroline has a fun and informative FB author group.
Description
A THRILLING NEW SERIES FROM THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER CAROLINE MITCHELL
'One of the best opening chapters I've ever read' - ANGELA MARSONS
'Terrifying, mysterious and suspenseful. A brilliant read.' - PATRICIA GIBNEY
_______
'I remember the day I died quite clearly.'
Blackhall Manor has witnessed many dark crimes, long before five teenage girls break in to play the Midnight Game. It was supposed to be a game, but only four girls come home.
Detective Sarah Noble has just returned to the force, and no one knows more about Blackhall Manor than her. Except perhaps Elliott Carter, who is only seven but has seen things in his dreams most adults could never imagine.
It's a case that will bring them together and shake Sarah to her core. Will she be ready to meet the Midnight Man?
A gripping and twisty thriller, perfect for fans of C. J. Tudor, Cara Hunter and Alex North.
_______
PRAISE FOR THE MIDNIGHT MAN
'If you like early Stephen King you'll love The Midnight Man' - Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestseller
'Caroline Mitchell at her dark and twisty best' - Teresa Driscoll, author of I Am Watching You
'Will keep you on the edge of your seat' - Alice Hunter, author of The Serial Killer's Wife
'A spine tingling, creepy book' - John Marrs, author of The One
'Creepy and intense' - Mel Sherratt, author of Ten Days
'A tense and deliciously creepy read' - D.S. Butler, author of On Cold Ground
'Twisty, tense and creepy as hell... I loved it!' - K.L. Slater, author of The Widow
'A spooky, twisty mystery with a spine-chillingly ending' - Susi Holliday, author of The Last Resort
THE MIDNIGHT MAN by Caroline Mitchell Author
Plot 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Page turner 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Characters 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Audible narration 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Twists 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the first book by this author I have had the pleasure of listening to and it was such a pleasure! It had every single element that I look for in my perfect crime/psychological thriller.
Suspense
Horror
Supernatural
Gruesome
Twists and turns
Lovable team of police chums
Great characterisation
Exceptionally realistic dialogue
Humour
I don’t want to ruin the story as it would be easy to spoil it. It’s so cleverly written. It leads you in one direction and had me doing my own Miss Marple investigation. More than once I thought I’d worked it all out but only had a little while to revel in my smuggery. I didn’t guess the real perpetrator and it was like unwrapping a gift at Christmas when all was revealed.
I was thrilled that Caroline leaves it open to the next in the series. The oppressive, underlying sense of dread that pervades the whole town, it’s residents and the sinister Blackhall Manor is all so deliciously creepy I loved it! It’s a real skill to get the balance between the terror, the otherworldliness and the reality of the crimes and those affected.
It was refreshing to come across a novel that is different to many books out there. In a market bursting at the seams it must be a challenge to craft a story that is original. Caroline Mitchell achieves this.
I cannot wait to read the next in the Slayton series and as luck would have it - ‘The Night Whisperer’ has just been published!
Caroline has lots of novels which I have listed below. I have greedily added them all to my list on the Fantastic Fiction website. She also has a superb list of recommended reads which I have also added to my monumental TBR list *gulp*!
And last but by no means least - Caroline has a fun and informative FB author group.
Description
A THRILLING NEW SERIES FROM THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER CAROLINE MITCHELL
'One of the best opening chapters I've ever read' - ANGELA MARSONS
'Terrifying, mysterious and suspenseful. A brilliant read.' - PATRICIA GIBNEY
_______
'I remember the day I died quite clearly.'
Blackhall Manor has witnessed many dark crimes, long before five teenage girls break in to play the Midnight Game. It was supposed to be a game, but only four girls come home.
Detective Sarah Noble has just returned to the force, and no one knows more about Blackhall Manor than her. Except perhaps Elliott Carter, who is only seven but has seen things in his dreams most adults could never imagine.
It's a case that will bring them together and shake Sarah to her core. Will she be ready to meet the Midnight Man?
A gripping and twisty thriller, perfect for fans of C. J. Tudor, Cara Hunter and Alex North.
_______
PRAISE FOR THE MIDNIGHT MAN
'If you like early Stephen King you'll love The Midnight Man' - Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestseller
'Caroline Mitchell at her dark and twisty best' - Teresa Driscoll, author of I Am Watching You
'Will keep you on the edge of your seat' - Alice Hunter, author of The Serial Killer's Wife
'A spine tingling, creepy book' - John Marrs, author of The One
'Creepy and intense' - Mel Sherratt, author of Ten Days
'A tense and deliciously creepy read' - D.S. Butler, author of On Cold Ground
'Twisty, tense and creepy as hell... I loved it!' - K.L. Slater, author of The Widow
'A spooky, twisty mystery with a spine-chillingly ending' - Susi Holliday, author of The Last Resort
A thoroughly gripping plot and a character with whom you can really get into the mind of, this is apparently a very different direction of work for David Jackson. This is the first I've read of his, but it's really good. It has suspense, humour and a touch of the horror elements thrown in. I am now interested in trying more of his work if this is the level he writes at.
This is a well written and fascinating exploration of the human mind and childhood trauma. It is not a text book about psychological damage but it does raise the question of how much nurture and how much nature play a part in the fracturing of the human psyche and what can follow.
Thomas Brogan is a killer. He is dangerous, depraved and menacing and he is hiding in the attic.
Elsie is a 90 year old dementia ridden old lady mourning the loss of her son Alex. When Brogan uses her house for mealtimes and the pair actually meet, a strange feeling takes hold of Brogan. Is he actually feeling an emotional connection with another person?
Martyn and Colette live along the row of houses and it is their attic that Brogan spends his time in. Watching, waiting, keeping fit and hatching a devilish plan.
What makes this book so gripping is in the internal dialogue taking place within Brogan's head. His views and the views of the Other Voice, there to protect him, guide him and spur him on in his killing spree, are shocking but often darkly funny.
Brogan only kills couples and it looks as if Martyn and Colette are next. What games will Brogan play with them before their demise?
Graphic, and therefore gruesome in places, this is a thriller that you will find difficult to put down. Please don't read it whilst consuming food because there are a few stomach churning moments. You might also feel very differently about showers and loft spaces after reading this novel!
With an astounding finish which promoted my 'score' from a 4 star read to a 5, I dare you to meet Brogan and observe what he does and how he thinks, but only if you are brave enough!
I have never read a David Jackson novel before. This is a stand alone and I know the others are police procedurals but I am so impressed with this offering that I am off to devour some more.
Thank you to David himself, the publisher and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read The Resident and find myself another 'new' author to enjoy.
Thomas Brogan is a killer. He is dangerous, depraved and menacing and he is hiding in the attic.
Elsie is a 90 year old dementia ridden old lady mourning the loss of her son Alex. When Brogan uses her house for mealtimes and the pair actually meet, a strange feeling takes hold of Brogan. Is he actually feeling an emotional connection with another person?
Martyn and Colette live along the row of houses and it is their attic that Brogan spends his time in. Watching, waiting, keeping fit and hatching a devilish plan.
What makes this book so gripping is in the internal dialogue taking place within Brogan's head. His views and the views of the Other Voice, there to protect him, guide him and spur him on in his killing spree, are shocking but often darkly funny.
Brogan only kills couples and it looks as if Martyn and Colette are next. What games will Brogan play with them before their demise?
Graphic, and therefore gruesome in places, this is a thriller that you will find difficult to put down. Please don't read it whilst consuming food because there are a few stomach churning moments. You might also feel very differently about showers and loft spaces after reading this novel!
With an astounding finish which promoted my 'score' from a 4 star read to a 5, I dare you to meet Brogan and observe what he does and how he thinks, but only if you are brave enough!
I have never read a David Jackson novel before. This is a stand alone and I know the others are police procedurals but I am so impressed with this offering that I am off to devour some more.
Thank you to David himself, the publisher and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read The Resident and find myself another 'new' author to enjoy.
I am new to David Jackson's novels and was intrigued by the summary of The Resident so signed up to read a review copy via the Pigeonhole online book club.
Thomas Brogan is a serial killer who happens across an abandoned house while he is trying to evade police capture. While exploring his temporary home he finds that the attic allows him to move between all of the townhouses on the row - the first belonging to an elderly lady called Elsie, the next housing a typical middle-aged and constantly grousing couple Pam and Jack (and their dog Ralph), and the last house - which rapidly becomes his favourite, belonging to Colette and Martyn Fairbright.
Let me just make this clear to you - Brogan is a horrible guy. He's messed up for reasons we find out in due course, but it's no excuse for his behaviour. But what David Jackson manages in this book is to make you invested in his fate. You can't help but like him, just a tiny bit, then you give your head a wobble and remember that he's (horribly) killed several people, and he gets off on doing it in the worst way that he can. So no, he's not a nice guy.
I found this book fascinating - it's a slow burner in many ways because the majority of the action takes place in a tiny space but when it ramps up it moves quickly. It really creeped me out because many years ago I had an intruder in my home that we eventually worked out was getting into the house exactly this way - we don't know how long he was coming in for or what he was doing when he was in the house - but this book has brought it all back and played havoc with my imagination - I'm just VERY glad I don't live in a house with an adjoined attic anymore!
As I was reading this book via serialisation in the Pigeonhole I was looking forward to my Brogan fix every day - although towards the end it felt as though it was becoming a little bit too slow which in turn made the ending feel a little rushed - if I'd have had my hands on the whole book I think I'd have whizzed through it and I doubt I would have felt like this about it. There were a few bits that I felt were rather far-fetched - however there wasn't too much artistic license and I still felt it was worthy of a five star review.
It's a great holiday/lockdown/anytime read - however I think this book should come with a warning: after reading this you'll be hyper alert to every creak and crack you hear in your house so my tip would be don't read it alone or with the lights off!
Thomas Brogan is a serial killer who happens across an abandoned house while he is trying to evade police capture. While exploring his temporary home he finds that the attic allows him to move between all of the townhouses on the row - the first belonging to an elderly lady called Elsie, the next housing a typical middle-aged and constantly grousing couple Pam and Jack (and their dog Ralph), and the last house - which rapidly becomes his favourite, belonging to Colette and Martyn Fairbright.
Let me just make this clear to you - Brogan is a horrible guy. He's messed up for reasons we find out in due course, but it's no excuse for his behaviour. But what David Jackson manages in this book is to make you invested in his fate. You can't help but like him, just a tiny bit, then you give your head a wobble and remember that he's (horribly) killed several people, and he gets off on doing it in the worst way that he can. So no, he's not a nice guy.
I found this book fascinating - it's a slow burner in many ways because the majority of the action takes place in a tiny space but when it ramps up it moves quickly. It really creeped me out because many years ago I had an intruder in my home that we eventually worked out was getting into the house exactly this way - we don't know how long he was coming in for or what he was doing when he was in the house - but this book has brought it all back and played havoc with my imagination - I'm just VERY glad I don't live in a house with an adjoined attic anymore!
As I was reading this book via serialisation in the Pigeonhole I was looking forward to my Brogan fix every day - although towards the end it felt as though it was becoming a little bit too slow which in turn made the ending feel a little rushed - if I'd have had my hands on the whole book I think I'd have whizzed through it and I doubt I would have felt like this about it. There were a few bits that I felt were rather far-fetched - however there wasn't too much artistic license and I still felt it was worthy of a five star review.
It's a great holiday/lockdown/anytime read - however I think this book should come with a warning: after reading this you'll be hyper alert to every creak and crack you hear in your house so my tip would be don't read it alone or with the lights off!
This book needs to come with a warning. It is guaranteed to give you nightmares!
Well I have to say what a fresh and brilliant psychological thriller this was. What’s worse than a serial killer? One that takes up residency in your house of course. Imagine sharing your home with a cold blooded killer? Only problem is, the home owners arn’t aware that he is there. Even when strange things start to happen, not in their wildest dream could they ever imagine that it’s down to the killer that’s been on the news.
Brogan is one messed up character. He is cold and calculating. Playing with his prey. I couldn’t help but like him a little bit though. There are some glimpses of vulnerability which made me soften towards him. They never last long though and I know it’s probably wrong, but I loved how sick in the head he is and the way his evil mind worked. It made this such a fun and exhilarating read.
The Resident will have you questioning every slight noise in your house. I know after reading this book that I will be checking under my bed and in my wardrobes to make sure there arn’t any unwanted visitors hiding there. This is an author who loves to mess with his readers minds and with each book he brings out, they get more darker and twisted. Pure brilliance! If you only read one book this year, this needs to be it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Viper Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Well I have to say what a fresh and brilliant psychological thriller this was. What’s worse than a serial killer? One that takes up residency in your house of course. Imagine sharing your home with a cold blooded killer? Only problem is, the home owners arn’t aware that he is there. Even when strange things start to happen, not in their wildest dream could they ever imagine that it’s down to the killer that’s been on the news.
Brogan is one messed up character. He is cold and calculating. Playing with his prey. I couldn’t help but like him a little bit though. There are some glimpses of vulnerability which made me soften towards him. They never last long though and I know it’s probably wrong, but I loved how sick in the head he is and the way his evil mind worked. It made this such a fun and exhilarating read.
The Resident will have you questioning every slight noise in your house. I know after reading this book that I will be checking under my bed and in my wardrobes to make sure there arn’t any unwanted visitors hiding there. This is an author who loves to mess with his readers minds and with each book he brings out, they get more darker and twisted. Pure brilliance! If you only read one book this year, this needs to be it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Viper Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.