Et cetera : What We're Reading: The Tenant

Review of 'The Tenant' by Freida McFadden:

Wow! What a thriller; kept me guessing until the very last page!

Blake and Krista live together as a very happily engaged couple in a lovely brownstone that he can just afford, thanks to a recent promotion at work. They've talked about the little bedroom, how it would be a perfect nursery and have even bought a goldfish to practice for parenthood. Then, suddenly, in the blink of an eye, Blake loses his dream job. With just enough money to pay the next mortgage payment, the couple needs to get creative. Blake is almost ready to suggest selling a kidney, and Krista offers to sell her engagement ring, but before it can come to that, they decide to take in a tenant. After several bouts of interviews, they finally find a young lady about their own ages who appears to be normal. At least, compared to the other applicants!

Whitney (new tenant) loves the room, Krista loves Whitney, and Blake loves Krista. Everything is coming up roses! Blake's parents never were successful in his eyes and Blake has determined to take care of himself and his future family on a much higher standard. His mother is deceased, and his dad owns a hardware store in Ohio. Blake is rather ashamed of this and has vowed to do better. Thus, his determination to keep the brownstone and his current standard of living.

Suddenly, things are going south - Blake can't find another job comparable to what he had, Whitney seems to be taking advantage of their hospitality; hot water all used, soap bottle empty, no Frosted Flakes. Even crusty old Mr. Zimmerly is getting worse.

With a fierce rash, late-night noises from above and zero self-esteem, Blake begins to doubt himself, but when the terrible stench begins, everything begins to fall apart. We're talking missing body parts, a suspicious death...Is Blake losing his mind? This book 'knocks at your door with a gripping story of revenge, privilege, and secrets turned sour...' Available at the Vinton Public Library and as an audiobook on Libby. I give it a 9/10, and it has 3.83/5 on goodreads.com. Relax and read!

~Connie