Unfortunately, this psychological thriller doesn’t deliver on the suspense. From the beginning meeting between the main character, Freya, and her new landlord, Dr. Marsden, you start to wonder if Freya is very naive or just dumb. An offer of moving into Adder House for extremely low rent would put any sane mother on a hunt to find out more before accepting – however Freya moves in within a week and feels grateful for it. No worry comes from accepting his invitation. Really?
As the story moves on, more and more strange things happen to Freya and her daughter, and I had a hard time deciding if this was a supernatural ghost story or thriller. It almost felt like the book couldn’t pick one genre path and stick to it. The whole plot line feels implausible, and therefore it’s hard to connect to Freya and become invested in the outcome of the story.
Speaking of the outcome, the ending is almost anti-climactic and I felt let down after finishing the book. The story does wrap-up, but you’re left saying, “Well, that’s IT?”
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this one. (However, I have read other reader’s reviews of The Apartment stating Ms. Slater’s other works are better, however, I’ve never read any myself.)
Purchase your copy here. (I mean, if you want to.)
Back Cover Copy of The Apartment:
It’s an opportunity she can’t refuse. The woman before her tried…
Freya Miller needs a miracle. In the fallout of her husband’s betrayal, she’s about to lose her family home, and with it the security she craves for her five-year-old daughter, Skye. Adrift and alone, she’s on the verge of despair until a chance meeting with the charismatic Dr Marsden changes everything. He’s seeking a new tenant for a shockingly affordable flat in a fashionable area of London.
Adder House sounds too good to be true… But Freya really can’t afford to be cynical, and Dr Marsden is adamant she and Skye will be a perfect fit with the other residents.
But Adder House has secrets. Even behind a locked front door, Freya feels as if she’s being watched: objects moving, unfamiliar smells, the blinking light of a concealed camera… and it’s not long before she begins to suspect that her dream home is hiding a nightmarish reality. Was it really chance that led her here—or something unthinkably dark?
As the truth about Adder House starts to unravel, can Freya and Skye get out—or will they be locked in forever?
About K.L. Slater
K. L. Slater is the million-copy bestselling author of nine standalone psychological crime thrillers. Kim is a full-time writer. She lives with her husband in Nottingham.
