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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
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!
Known serial killer Thomas Brogan is on the run from the police after the brutal murders of the Carter’s. After finding refuge in an abandoned end terrace, Brogan soon discovers the terrace houses are connected by open lofts and his next victims are his for the choosing.
This is the first book I have read by David Jackson and I really enjoyed it - although I doubt I will be going in the loft any time soon. Throughout the book, the narrator is Brogan and his double personality: almost a Jekyll and Hyde aspect with the stronger killer instinct winning Brogans inner battles. Being written in this way gave an insight into Brogans past and how his childhood shaped his view of loving things. Later there is blame placed on the relationship he has had with women and his need to kill couples.
Alongside Brogan we meet the other residents. Elsie an elderly lady is the only character that sees Brogan, who she believes is her dead son Alex. I found this part interesting as we see a softer side to Brogan, with no urgency to kill her he seems to enjoy her company on his late night food visits.
The relationship he begins to have with Elsie is abruptly stopped when he becomes trapped in the loft of Martyn and Colette (a young married couple with their own secrets). At this point the psychological games really begin and we meet Thomas Brogan the serial killer. From written messages in the mirror to spying through the hole in the ceiling, the sense of creepiness resonates off the page. I had a few weird dreams after reading this.
I would really recommend reading this book to anyone looking to read a fast paced psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by David Jackson and I really enjoyed it - although I doubt I will be going in the loft any time soon. Throughout the book, the narrator is Brogan and his double personality: almost a Jekyll and Hyde aspect with the stronger killer instinct winning Brogans inner battles. Being written in this way gave an insight into Brogans past and how his childhood shaped his view of loving things. Later there is blame placed on the relationship he has had with women and his need to kill couples.
Alongside Brogan we meet the other residents. Elsie an elderly lady is the only character that sees Brogan, who she believes is her dead son Alex. I found this part interesting as we see a softer side to Brogan, with no urgency to kill her he seems to enjoy her company on his late night food visits.
The relationship he begins to have with Elsie is abruptly stopped when he becomes trapped in the loft of Martyn and Colette (a young married couple with their own secrets). At this point the psychological games really begin and we meet Thomas Brogan the serial killer. From written messages in the mirror to spying through the hole in the ceiling, the sense of creepiness resonates off the page. I had a few weird dreams after reading this.
I would really recommend reading this book to anyone looking to read a fast paced psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have been reading and reviewing David Jackson’s books for some years now, and something I have always admired is the versatility he shows as an author. Already the author of two terrific detective crime series, one set in New York and one in Liverpool, which are well worth seeking out, The Resident is a standalone, and a pretty damn chilling one at that…
What particularly struck me about this book is how much it uses the ordinary to heighten the intensity of the extraordinary. The action takes place in an ordinary street, inhabited by ordinary people with ordinary lives and problems, and most importantly, ordinary loft spaces. And then Jackson totally brings it. I dread to think how this idea came to fruition, of a wanted serial killer skulking amongst the outgrown baby clothes, Christmas trees and sundry knick- knacks above our heads, but by putting such a loathsome individual in this ordinary setting works exceptionally well. As Brogan traverses the loft space looking for the next victims to sate his twisted appetite, Jackson keeps a smart control of the tension and pace of his plot.
What was particularly interesting is the way that the author shows how Brogan insinuates himself into the lives of the inhabitants below, either up close and personal, or at a distance feeding on their sadness or insecurities, but slowly beginning to reveal to us that these are not exceptionally ordinary people at all as some dark secrets come to light. There is also a clever use of Brogan’s own interior monologue too, which also opens up his character and a growing sense of him forming attachments and beginning to self-question his motivations and previous actions. Although, I had a little suspension of disbelief at the ending of The Resident, with hindsight it was a nice reminder of the fact that you should never underestimate the most ordinary of people… Highly recommended.
What particularly struck me about this book is how much it uses the ordinary to heighten the intensity of the extraordinary. The action takes place in an ordinary street, inhabited by ordinary people with ordinary lives and problems, and most importantly, ordinary loft spaces. And then Jackson totally brings it. I dread to think how this idea came to fruition, of a wanted serial killer skulking amongst the outgrown baby clothes, Christmas trees and sundry knick- knacks above our heads, but by putting such a loathsome individual in this ordinary setting works exceptionally well. As Brogan traverses the loft space looking for the next victims to sate his twisted appetite, Jackson keeps a smart control of the tension and pace of his plot.
What was particularly interesting is the way that the author shows how Brogan insinuates himself into the lives of the inhabitants below, either up close and personal, or at a distance feeding on their sadness or insecurities, but slowly beginning to reveal to us that these are not exceptionally ordinary people at all as some dark secrets come to light. There is also a clever use of Brogan’s own interior monologue too, which also opens up his character and a growing sense of him forming attachments and beginning to self-question his motivations and previous actions. Although, I had a little suspension of disbelief at the ending of The Resident, with hindsight it was a nice reminder of the fact that you should never underestimate the most ordinary of people… Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Brogan who is a serial killer. When we first meet him he is on the run after murdering a policeman who was trying to apprehend him. Brogan finds a derelict house at the end of a row of houses to hide in. Once inside he decides to investigate the attic space only to find that there are no walls separating each of the houses attics so he can access all of the three other houses via the loft hatch. It is also a good place to spy on the residents. He soon finds his next victim.
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of reviewers who say that this book is creepy but I didn’t get that as we are seeing everything from the serial killers point of view. I think that this book is clever and a little bit deeper than it first appears. There is a lot of dry humour in this book and it really made me smile. It was also very sad and poignant at times. Most of all, somehow the author made me emphasise with the serial killer which takes some skill. The ending was satisfying and unexpected.
I will definitely be checking out more of his authors work as I thought this book was amazing.
This is the story of Brogan who is a serial killer. When we first meet him he is on the run after murdering a policeman who was trying to apprehend him. Brogan finds a derelict house at the end of a row of houses to hide in. Once inside he decides to investigate the attic space only to find that there are no walls separating each of the houses attics so he can access all of the three other houses via the loft hatch. It is also a good place to spy on the residents. He soon finds his next victim.
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of reviewers who say that this book is creepy but I didn’t get that as we are seeing everything from the serial killers point of view. I think that this book is clever and a little bit deeper than it first appears. There is a lot of dry humour in this book and it really made me smile. It was also very sad and poignant at times. Most of all, somehow the author made me emphasise with the serial killer which takes some skill. The ending was satisfying and unexpected.
I will definitely be checking out more of his authors work as I thought this book was amazing.
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. My first time reading a David Jackson book and it won't be my last. A deliciously creepy book about a serial killer who is secretly hiding and living in your attic and the adjoining attics of your neighbours. When you are home he spies on you and plans ways to start messing with your mind and your relationships. This is his standard M.O before he decides its time to kill you. This was a spellbinding read with some unexpected twists. I struggled to put it down. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with an attic that creaks at night! #theresident #davidjackson #tea_sipping_bookworm #netgalley #goodreads #litsy #bookstagram #amazon#kindle #greatreads #bookqueen
dark
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
N/A
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death
Deliciously dark, sinister and addictive, The Resident is the kind of twisted story you won’t forget. Get ready to read your new favourite thriller...
Serial killer Thomas Brogan is on the run, but residents are hopeful that he’s long gone from the area after the police found his latest hiding place and victims. But for five people he’s much closer than they think. They are unaware that the ruthless killer is hiding above them, sneaking into their homes when they sleep and waiting for the perfect time to strike...
WHAT. A. BOOK! This chilling thriller is the thing nightmares are made of. I devoured it in one breathless sitting over the course of just a few hours. It jumps straight into the action and the author doesn’t take his foot off the brake, keeping me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
The story is told from Brogan’s point of view and I enjoyed reading from his sick, twisted perspective (though I don’t want to think what that might say about me lol). The Brogan we meet is a cunning, vicious, merciless predator who delights in toying with people before slowly torturing and killing them, but through flashbacks we are given glimpses of his past that offer small clues as to how he became a killer. I found myself feeling really sorry for Brogan at times and came to have a real affection for him. This is a testament to the spectacular talent of the author who manages to evoke feelings of revulsion and affection simultaneously, The potential victims are also brought vividly to life and I had a particular soft spot for Elsie. I spent the whole book really hoping that she wouldn’t end up Brogan’s victim and loved the arc of her story.
The Resident is like no other psychological thriller I’ve read - and I’ve read a lot of them. Sharp, searing and filled with dark humour, this was an easy five-stars from me. Read it now!
Serial killer Thomas Brogan is on the run, but residents are hopeful that he’s long gone from the area after the police found his latest hiding place and victims. But for five people he’s much closer than they think. They are unaware that the ruthless killer is hiding above them, sneaking into their homes when they sleep and waiting for the perfect time to strike...
WHAT. A. BOOK! This chilling thriller is the thing nightmares are made of. I devoured it in one breathless sitting over the course of just a few hours. It jumps straight into the action and the author doesn’t take his foot off the brake, keeping me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
The story is told from Brogan’s point of view and I enjoyed reading from his sick, twisted perspective (though I don’t want to think what that might say about me lol). The Brogan we meet is a cunning, vicious, merciless predator who delights in toying with people before slowly torturing and killing them, but through flashbacks we are given glimpses of his past that offer small clues as to how he became a killer. I found myself feeling really sorry for Brogan at times and came to have a real affection for him. This is a testament to the spectacular talent of the author who manages to evoke feelings of revulsion and affection simultaneously, The potential victims are also brought vividly to life and I had a particular soft spot for Elsie. I spent the whole book really hoping that she wouldn’t end up Brogan’s victim and loved the arc of her story.
The Resident is like no other psychological thriller I’ve read - and I’ve read a lot of them. Sharp, searing and filled with dark humour, this was an easy five-stars from me. Read it now!
This book it's one of those thrillers that doesn't need a likeable protagonist to keep you engage. The constant dialogue with himself was fascinating and a really refresing way of tell the backstory. In an overall view, this was fantastic, it delivered incredibly well and had enough information given to you so that you would be invested. I personally love when you get to discover secrets about the characters and those final revelations were great.
The only thing I miss was the fact that our MC is not invested in all the neigburgs, I would loved to have seen him play with the older couple as he did with de Fairbrights. But overall this book was great. Solid, solid 4 stars.
The only thing I miss was the fact that our MC is not invested in all the neigburgs, I would loved to have seen him play with the older couple as he did with de Fairbrights. But overall this book was great. Solid, solid 4 stars.