Judith D Collins

Aug 215 min read

The Man in My Attic

By: Robin Mahle

ISBN: 9781835267080

Publisher: Joffe Books

Publication Date: 08/22/2024

Format: Paperback

My Rating: 5 Stars +

AUG 2024 MUST-READ BOOKS

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He’s in our house.

I never imagined that moving into our dream home, a beautiful Virginia Colonial, would unravel my life. The renovations are finally complete and I revel in the quiet moments, sipping coffee in the morning sun.

But something is off. At first, it’s little things — a creak in the floorboards, a misplaced item. I brush them off, chalking it up to the house settling. My husband Jacob is more distant, buried in late-night meetings and coming home reeking of whiskey and lies.

But I love my life. So I let things go, sweeping them under the rug, because it’s easier that way. That my husband is having an affair isn’t an idea I’m ready to face or believe yet, either.

Our four-year-old son Noah mentions his new friend, Billy, who lives in the walls. I dismiss it as a child’s imagination. Maybe he’s picked up on the strains in our marriage.

As we’re having dinner, Noah peers at his father. “Billy said he knows what you did.” The idea my son knows about his father’s transgressions sends a ball of rage rumbling in my gut . . . and a shiver of fear.

Then one night I hear something — a soft thump in the attic. My heart pounds as I creep up the stairs, the silence of the house amplifying every sound. I reach the top, my breath hitching as I push open the attic door . . .

Billy isn’t imaginary. He’s real. And he’s living in our house.

AN EXHILARATING BLEND OF BREATHTAKING SUSPENSE AND NAIL-BITING TENSION WITH A SHOCKING FINAL TWIST.

Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Steena Holmes, Anya Mora, K.L. Slater, Shari Lapena, T.M. Logan and Clare Mackintosh.

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My Review

Robin Mahle (favorite author) returns following The Chef and her popular detective series with THE MAN IN MY ATTIC —a creepy, heart-pounding, twisty suspense psychological thriller about a family who renovates a house to find they have a murderer living in their attic. What is the motive?

That person (or is it an imaginary friend) happens to be talking to their young son through the walls—telling the father's dirty secrets.

What a wild, thrill ride!

Lies, betrayal, and MURDER!

Robin cleverly grabs your attention and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the explosive, jaw-dropping conclusion!

About...

Set in Virginia in the suburbs of Alexandria, Lauren has a challenging past but is excited about their lovely colonial home. They finally have the renovations complete.

Lauren works as an in-house accountant at a law firm. Her husband, Jacob, is a partner at a law firm (not the same one since he left there to enter corporate law). They have a four-year-old son named Noah.

She suspects her husband is having an affair but is not sure she wants to confront it until she has more proof. He is hiding lots of secrets.

Lauren is a great mom, and she does not want to rock the boat, but she may have to. She has had a traumatic past, so security and family mean everything to her.

Then strange noises and things begin happening in their home. Then Noah says he has a friend named Billy who lives in the walls. They think this is just an imaginary friend.

Lauren feels violated, frightened that someone may be in their house lurking at night. Plus, her marriage was on the verge of collapse. She must keep her son safe, which is her #1 priority.

However, things take a turn when Billy tells Noah to deliver messages to Jacob. He knows what the slimy Jacob is up to.

Weeks ago, Lauren was just a wife and mother, getting by the best she could, not realizing the secrets simmering below the surface. But she knows now. However, she has no clue what is coming next!

In the meantime, people are being murdered in their homes. Is someone getting inside the homes when the residents work and then strikes at night?

Detective Collins is on the case. They need to take this family's concern seriously before there is another murder. There are more brutal murders and innocent families. They must catch this killer before he strikes again.

Is Noah's imaginary friend, Billy for real? They must take him seriously.

What is Jacob up to, and how far does his deceit go? How are all the pieces connected?

My thoughts...

Wow, THE MAN IN MY ATTIC was so much fun! I read it in one sitting. Mixed with suspense and humor—I loved it! Unexpected, unsettling, twisted, mesmerizing, and original—it will keep you guessing until its wild ending. I loved Billy telling Jacob's dirty secrets.

A mysterious family drama and riveting domestic suspense thriller —a whodunit and whydunit! The author is a pro, whether it's an intense detective series or a standalone. I enjoy her style and well-developed characters. The plot is always engrossing, keeping the reader guessing how all the puzzle pieces will be connected.

The murderer is a monster. A serial killer. Clever, calculating, and conniving!

Told from alternating POVs of Lauren (mom), Jacob (dad), Detective Collins (great name), Gary (janitor), and Madison (paralegal), THE MAN IN MY ATTIC is complex, multi-layered, twisty, wicked, and scandalous.

Noah's character is hilarious and I enjoyed how all the sins were unraveled. Lauren is a fantastic character who possesses more strength than she knows. She was trapped between her desire for revenge and her desire for her family.

A modern version of The Haunting of Hill House! Thriller lovers, get this one on your list for the fall!

Recs...

For fans of the author and Freida McFadden, Lisa Unger, Kaira Rouda, KL Slater, and Miranda Rijks.

Thanks to the author for a gifted advanced review copy for an honest review.

@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks

Pub Date: Aug 22, 2024

My Rating: 5 Stars +

Aug 2024 Must-Read Books

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About the Author

Robin Mahle has published more than 30 novels in the mystery/thriller genre. She also writes historical fiction as Christine Chase.

Her most recent series, the Detective Rebecca Ellis thrillers, are published by Inkubator Books.

It is Robin’s fast-paced style of storytelling combined with tense action and thrilling twists that bring her readers back for more. So be sure sure to subscribe to her newsletter to keep up on all the latest releases, sales, and giveaways. Go to robinmahle.com and sign up today!

Robin lives in Coastal Virginia with her husband and two children. WEBSITE