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The Landlord
HE OWNS YOUR HOUSE...
When Cam and Desiree Woodson find the luxurious rental home in a quiet, suburban Atlanta neighborhood, they believe they've discovered the perfect place for their growing young family—and for their tight budget, the price is too good to be true. But what starts as a bargain soon turns into a nightmare when the landlord's unusual lease terms become more suffocating than they ever imagined...
HE OWNS YOUR FAMILY...
A struggling writer desperate to make ends meet, Cam is lured into a dangerous deal by the landlord, offering more lenient terms and great money in exchange for shady favors. But when things spiral out of control, Cam and Desiree find themselves trapped in a chilling web of lies, blackmail, and violence.
HE OWNS YOU...
As tensions rise and danger looms, the Woodsons must fight to keep their family safe from the landlord's tightening grip. Will they unravel the sinister truth behind the landlord and escape...or will they become his latest victims in a twisted game of life and death?
What readers are saying about Brandon Massey's thrillers...
"This was my first read by this author and it did not disappoint...this story kept me glued to the pages ." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Enjoyed this book very much. Caught my attention right from the start , the storyline kept flowing throughout the entire book!" Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I inhaled this book in pretty much one day and I'm just blown away by it ." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Another engrossing book by Mr. Massey. Un-put-downable, seat of your pants wild ride ." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
" I was left speechless ." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Cam and Desiree Woodson find the luxurious rental home in a quiet, suburban Atlanta neighborhood, they believe they've discovered the perfect place for their growing young family—and for their tight budget, the price is too good to be true. But what starts as a bargain soon turns into a nightmare when the landlord's unusual lease terms become more suffocating than they ever imagined...
HE OWNS YOUR FAMILY...
A struggling writer desperate to make ends meet, Cam is lured into a dangerous deal by the landlord, offering more lenient terms and great money in exchange for shady favors. But when things spiral out of control, Cam and Desiree find themselves trapped in a chilling web of lies, blackmail, and violence.
HE OWNS YOU...
As tensions rise and danger looms, the Woodsons must fight to keep their family safe from the landlord's tightening grip. Will they unravel the sinister truth behind the landlord and escape...or will they become his latest victims in a twisted game of life and death?
What readers are saying about Brandon Massey's thrillers...
"This was my first read by this author and it did not disappoint...this story kept me glued to the pages ." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Enjoyed this book very much. Caught my attention right from the start , the storyline kept flowing throughout the entire book!" Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I inhaled this book in pretty much one day and I'm just blown away by it ." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Another engrossing book by Mr. Massey. Un-put-downable, seat of your pants wild ride ." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
" I was left speechless ." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
316 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2023
782 people are currently reading
5064 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Massey
56 books911 followersHere’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
November 5, 2025
Prepare to be absolutely frustrated… WITH EVERYONE
Cam and Desiree Woodson find the perfect rental suburban home and can’t wait to expand their growing family, but have they just made a deal with the devil. Because their landlord has a lot of lease rules and if they don’t abide by them there is consequences. With tension and danger looming towards them, the Woodson’s needs to try and protect their family and find a way to be freed from The Landlord.
HAHA Oh I always know I am going to have a fun time with Brandon’s books! This was a entertaining amusement packed ‘Popcorn Thriller’.
The characters are dumb and use no common sense and everything requires a high-level suspension of disbelief.
Granted I guessed one of the major twists early on but the shenanigans and the dialogue from all the characters involved kept my attention throughout and I had a fun time listening to the audiobook while I ‘adulted’.
The narrator of the audiobook did an amazing job and had me cackling at some many points. If you need an easy over the top entertaining thriller that you will probably listen/ read in one sitting then pick up The Landlord.
3.5 ⭐
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pre read
Starting my November with a Popcorn Thriller
Really enjoyed the last book i read by this author
Excited to dive into this one!
🖤🤍❤️🖤
Cam and Desiree Woodson find the perfect rental suburban home and can’t wait to expand their growing family, but have they just made a deal with the devil. Because their landlord has a lot of lease rules and if they don’t abide by them there is consequences. With tension and danger looming towards them, the Woodson’s needs to try and protect their family and find a way to be freed from The Landlord.
HAHA Oh I always know I am going to have a fun time with Brandon’s books! This was a entertaining amusement packed ‘Popcorn Thriller’.
The characters are dumb and use no common sense and everything requires a high-level suspension of disbelief.
Granted I guessed one of the major twists early on but the shenanigans and the dialogue from all the characters involved kept my attention throughout and I had a fun time listening to the audiobook while I ‘adulted’.
The narrator of the audiobook did an amazing job and had me cackling at some many points. If you need an easy over the top entertaining thriller that you will probably listen/ read in one sitting then pick up The Landlord.
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Starting my November with a Popcorn Thriller
Really enjoyed the last book i read by this author
Excited to dive into this one!
🖤🤍❤️🖤
March 2, 2026
4/5
I’m starting to realize that I looooove a story where I have to suspend reality for a bit. This book was such a fast paced thriller and the first by this author, but definitely won’t be the last! The ending felt a bit rushed but overall such a great thriller!!
I’m starting to realize that I looooove a story where I have to suspend reality for a bit. This book was such a fast paced thriller and the first by this author, but definitely won’t be the last! The ending felt a bit rushed but overall such a great thriller!!
September 16, 2023
Absolutely loved this thriller! Cam and Dez, a couple moving into what they think is the house of there dreams. Good price, nice aesthetics, too good to be true!! My first book from this author and I’m looking forward to reading more from him.
April 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️ 1/2
This was my first read by this author. I wouldn’t exactly call it scary. It follows a former teacher and aspiring thriller novelist, Cameron “Cam” Woodson and his teacher wife Desiree “Dez” Woodson on their trials they face moving into a rental house under a landlord from Hell. Cam takes on numerous “side jobs” from the landlord that he’d never physically met before. All business is usually conducted by the not so pleasant leasing agent Miss Carter. I am going to be honest. I finished this story because I wanted to get through it. I was expecting something elaborate to happen but I wasn’t wowed. I haven’t read a thriller in quite sometime I am not sure what I was expecting but most of the events in this story was predictable.
This was my first read by this author. I wouldn’t exactly call it scary. It follows a former teacher and aspiring thriller novelist, Cameron “Cam” Woodson and his teacher wife Desiree “Dez” Woodson on their trials they face moving into a rental house under a landlord from Hell. Cam takes on numerous “side jobs” from the landlord that he’d never physically met before. All business is usually conducted by the not so pleasant leasing agent Miss Carter. I am going to be honest. I finished this story because I wanted to get through it. I was expecting something elaborate to happen but I wasn’t wowed. I haven’t read a thriller in quite sometime I am not sure what I was expecting but most of the events in this story was predictable.
May 3, 2023
I say this book was a 3.5. It wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t amazing either. From the beginning, I just wanted to get it over with to see who the landlord was. I was only shocked by there being 2 landlords instead of just one. The writing was simple and I wasn’t fond of the final sentence of the chapter. Example “Then there was a scream”. I don’t know, it was just weird lol. It was a decent plot, but I’ve read better.
July 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ | If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is. Cam and Des definitely ignored all of the red flags when signing the lease to their new place. You began to feel sorry for them and become infuriated with them at the same time, as this couple simply didn’t make the best decisions! Ms Carver made me scream loudly, and I kept yelling at Brandon to unalive her (as if he could hear me). This story was entertaining, held my attention and was overall well written. This was my 4th book by Brandon Massey, I will eventually work my way through his entire catalogue.
November 17, 2025
A rental that seems too perfect comes with a hideous hidden price that Dez and Cam pay. It’s a thriller with teeth that bite hard. Was not expecting this. I highly recommend it 5 stars. Brilliant .
October 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this one! My first Massey book but it won’t be my last. I do think it would make a better movie than a book, but I was intrigued the whole way through.
March 5, 2024
⭐️3/5 Eh, I should’ve dnf this book because it was dragging and both of the characters were getting on my nerves. It held my interest though because I made it to the end.
June 3, 2024
This plot is very far-fetched and all I did was yell at the MMC about how stupid he was and all the bad decisions he kept making.
The husband is a unsuccessful writer, the wife a school teacher. They move into a too good to be true rental home. The property manager showing the property is arrogant and strange. The conditions of the lease are ridiculous; no working from home, no parties, or a certain amount of guests without approval, the landlord can come and inspect anytime he wishes, and there is a lock on the closet in the daughter's room that they can't have the code for. The wife has to have it so she pays the ridiculous 3 month rent deposit.
The husband is a unsuccessful writer, the wife a school teacher. They move into a too good to be true rental home. The property manager showing the property is arrogant and strange. The conditions of the lease are ridiculous; no working from home, no parties, or a certain amount of guests without approval, the landlord can come and inspect anytime he wishes, and there is a lock on the closet in the daughter's room that they can't have the code for. The wife has to have it so she pays the ridiculous 3 month rent deposit.
Read
July 15, 2023This was my first time reading a book by the author, and the story was very well done. The Woodsons (Cam, his wife Dez, and their daughter Ava) decided to rent a house, but the low price for all the space they had seemed too good to be true. Guess what? It was.
Almost from the beginning, Cam gets a bad vibe and isn't sure they should sign the lease, but he wants to make his wife happy, so he goes along with the signing despite his misgivings. This was a situation where he really should have listened to his instincts, because the landlord and his staff were terrible.
Miss Carver, the leasing agent, didn't initially give the Woodsons a copy of the lease, and when they finally received their copy, there were additional clauses they hadn't agreed to. It was a mess, and they couldn't get out of it. Cam, an author, wasn't allowed to work out of his own home! He had to go to a coffee shop. Smh. That was only one of the outrageous rules the landlord had.
There were times I felt really sorry for Cam and all he was going through, like when his father-in-law belittled him. But there were also times he really p!ssed me off .
The story held my interest and had a satisfying ending. I intend to read more of Massey's books.
Almost from the beginning, Cam gets a bad vibe and isn't sure they should sign the lease, but he wants to make his wife happy, so he goes along with the signing despite his misgivings. This was a situation where he really should have listened to his instincts, because the landlord and his staff were terrible.
Miss Carver, the leasing agent, didn't initially give the Woodsons a copy of the lease, and when they finally received their copy, there were additional clauses they hadn't agreed to. It was a mess, and they couldn't get out of it. Cam, an author, wasn't allowed to work out of his own home! He had to go to a coffee shop. Smh. That was only one of the outrageous rules the landlord had.
There were times I felt really sorry for Cam and all he was going through, like when his father-in-law belittled him. But there were also times he really p!ssed me off .
The story held my interest and had a satisfying ending. I intend to read more of Massey's books.
July 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
April 26, 2024
This book gets a good 3.5 from me. It wasn’t a bad read but it wasn’t great either. It was definitely a page turner that kept me interested to want to know who the landlord was. Overall I enjoyed the story. The plot definitely had a good twist to it. This is a great started book if you’re newly into thriller reading.
November 9, 2023
Wheww what a ride
This one will definitely keep you on your toes! These are the landlords from hell! Brandon has won a fan!
This one will definitely keep you on your toes! These are the landlords from hell! Brandon has won a fan!
August 22, 2023
I enjoyed this one , it wasn’t better than Nana tho.
Cam & Dez get into a sticky lease agreement with a crazy landlord.. who like blackmailing people for fun !!!! Cammy lol fell for all the tricks because he was money hungry.. well broke !! He saw money 1st regardless of what the job required him to do !!!! Overall it was a page turning story ..
Cam & Dez get into a sticky lease agreement with a crazy landlord.. who like blackmailing people for fun !!!! Cammy lol fell for all the tricks because he was money hungry.. well broke !! He saw money 1st regardless of what the job required him to do !!!! Overall it was a page turning story ..
March 28, 2024
Everyone was dumb
I’m just getting into thrillers so you can call me a novice. I didn’t know where this story was going and while I enjoyed the ride Cam and Dez were not smart. I just wanted to shake them both at time because why y’all being so stupid. I will say the plot twist was unexpected and I appreciate that. I’ll be checking out more from this author.
I’m just getting into thrillers so you can call me a novice. I didn’t know where this story was going and while I enjoyed the ride Cam and Dez were not smart. I just wanted to shake them both at time because why y’all being so stupid. I will say the plot twist was unexpected and I appreciate that. I’ll be checking out more from this author.
June 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book up until about 70 ish percent. By that point I was over the antics and just ready for the solution. The twist wasn’t twisting. It didn’t move me at all. The ending has so much potential.
February 1, 2024
The Woodson family is on the hunt for a new home that epitomizes success! “We’re moving on up!”, “Mama we made it!” type vibes. So when they come across this new property that screams “get out” they are too blinded by optics to heed the many red flags! When something seems too good to be true, it usually is!
This was a pretty good read; the plot was superb and one I haven’t necessarily heard of before. I found it incredibly exciting and encapsulating that these sinister landlords would be taking their tenants through the fire! The antics were crazy and kept me engaged.
Though the story was good, the writing could’ve been a bit sharper, stronger and more substantial. It felt a bit amateur-ish to me, especially with the way the chapters ended and the lack of detail. It just felt like it was missing a little oomph!
The characters also gave me major side-eye; Cam was such a weakling because he ignored every thought that something wasn’t right, all the while knowing they couldn’t even afford the home. We got pieces of his wife’s POV, but they didn’t add much to the story.
I would recommend it for fans of Kirsten Modglin and Freida McFadden!! The fast paced, twisty thrillers that keep you jumping!! It would be great to watch on screen!!
3.5⭐️ for originality and crazy shenanigans that kept me entertained!!
This was a pretty good read; the plot was superb and one I haven’t necessarily heard of before. I found it incredibly exciting and encapsulating that these sinister landlords would be taking their tenants through the fire! The antics were crazy and kept me engaged.
Though the story was good, the writing could’ve been a bit sharper, stronger and more substantial. It felt a bit amateur-ish to me, especially with the way the chapters ended and the lack of detail. It just felt like it was missing a little oomph!
The characters also gave me major side-eye; Cam was such a weakling because he ignored every thought that something wasn’t right, all the while knowing they couldn’t even afford the home. We got pieces of his wife’s POV, but they didn’t add much to the story.
I would recommend it for fans of Kirsten Modglin and Freida McFadden!! The fast paced, twisty thrillers that keep you jumping!! It would be great to watch on screen!!
3.5⭐️ for originality and crazy shenanigans that kept me entertained!!
January 27, 2026
If it’s too good to be true… it probably is.”
Also: ALWAYS trust your instincts.
And please—do not let being broke be your main decision-maker 😭
Anywayssss…
This book? A page-turner. I was locked in. I listened to it my entire shift and while making dinner because I had to know how it ended 😂
Did Des and Cam (mostly Cam) make wildly ridiculous decisions? Absolutely.
Did Ms. Caver get on my last nerve? YES. BAD.
But listen—despite all that, it was good.
This was my first time reading anything by Brandon Massey, and yeah… I’ll be back for more.
Would I recommend?
✔️ Yes. Especially if you like fast-paced thrillers that make you yell “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!” at the book.
Also: ALWAYS trust your instincts.
And please—do not let being broke be your main decision-maker 😭
Anywayssss…
This book? A page-turner. I was locked in. I listened to it my entire shift and while making dinner because I had to know how it ended 😂
Did Des and Cam (mostly Cam) make wildly ridiculous decisions? Absolutely.
Did Ms. Caver get on my last nerve? YES. BAD.
But listen—despite all that, it was good.
This was my first time reading anything by Brandon Massey, and yeah… I’ll be back for more.
Would I recommend?
✔️ Yes. Especially if you like fast-paced thrillers that make you yell “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!” at the book.
March 22, 2025
This book had me anxious the whole time - never knowing what was going to happen next. Great read and loved the ending!
March 2, 2024
Suspenseful!
This suspenseful thriller will take you on intense and spooky ride!! I can totally imagine this as a movie!! Brandon Massey never misses the mark!!
This suspenseful thriller will take you on intense and spooky ride!! I can totally imagine this as a movie!! Brandon Massey never misses the mark!!
August 3, 2024
A good read
The things the couple went through were mind blowing. This held my interest because there was constant craziness and the characters kept making mistakes. I imagine this story will stay with me for some time.
The things the couple went through were mind blowing. This held my interest because there was constant craziness and the characters kept making mistakes. I imagine this story will stay with me for some time.
September 15, 2024
This book quite literally had me on the edge of my seat. You know in some thriller books where you get annoyed and feel like the story is dragging on?? You feel like “JUST TELL ME ALREADY” the whole time? Nah.. not with this one. The pacing was great and everytime a new clue came in, it had me thinking. And I only guessed a piece of the plot twist which is why I gave it 4, but I was still surprised!!
August 12, 2023
Soooo. Finding out who the landlord was didn’t punch me how I wanted to, but the book did keep my attention & a pretty unique plot (from what I’ve read atleast). After reading this, I’m not sure I should rent after this apartment, but at the same time, my family would whoop summm behind me lol.
Cam and Des have some money issues, she’s a teacher who pretty much carries them. Cam used to teach, but now he’s a full time writer who Ubers and does handy man work on the side. This rental home is a steal & Des can’t wait to move in. Once they do, all hell breaks loose. They signed the worst contract ever, Cam can’t even work from home bc the land lord says so. They want to move out, but that’s not even allowed without a hefty price to pay. Read along to see if they can endure their miserable lease or face the landlord head on!
Cam and Des have some money issues, she’s a teacher who pretty much carries them. Cam used to teach, but now he’s a full time writer who Ubers and does handy man work on the side. This rental home is a steal & Des can’t wait to move in. Once they do, all hell breaks loose. They signed the worst contract ever, Cam can’t even work from home bc the land lord says so. They want to move out, but that’s not even allowed without a hefty price to pay. Read along to see if they can endure their miserable lease or face the landlord head on!
December 29, 2023
4.5/5
This book will leave you side-eyeing your landlord.
This was one of the wildest psychological thrillers I’ve ever read. I appreciated that it had very short chapters, which made the story move fast and kept me engaged from start to finish. I also loved the character banter. Throughout the madness, I also appreciated that this story shed light on important topics, including the pressures of the male role in a marriage, difficulties writers experience, and shady and sketchy situations with landlords. Finally, I hope Ms. Carver has the day she deserves, which is far from a great one.
Overall, this was a great thriller. This was also my first read from this author, and I can’t wait to read more from their catalog.
This book will leave you side-eyeing your landlord.
This was one of the wildest psychological thrillers I’ve ever read. I appreciated that it had very short chapters, which made the story move fast and kept me engaged from start to finish. I also loved the character banter. Throughout the madness, I also appreciated that this story shed light on important topics, including the pressures of the male role in a marriage, difficulties writers experience, and shady and sketchy situations with landlords. Finally, I hope Ms. Carver has the day she deserves, which is far from a great one.
Overall, this was a great thriller. This was also my first read from this author, and I can’t wait to read more from their catalog.
March 30, 2024
This was everything I needed when I read it. It was recommended to me as a “popcorn thriller” and I would say it was just that. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I HAD to know what happened. I found “The Landlord” to be well written, straight to the point, and a rollercoaster. Many, many times I wanted to come through my Kindle and smack the main characters because they frustrated me, and their story is a prime example of “everything that shine ain’t always gold”. Overall, this is a good, solid read that doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 17, 2023
My heart was racing
I started this earlier this morning and am already finished. I read a lot of psych thrillers but this one really blew me a way. I was scared out of my mind lol. But to be fair, I am literally moving in five days and all I am doing is visualizing myself going through this 🤣. This was definitely a great read that is hard to put down.
I started this earlier this morning and am already finished. I read a lot of psych thrillers but this one really blew me a way. I was scared out of my mind lol. But to be fair, I am literally moving in five days and all I am doing is visualizing myself going through this 🤣. This was definitely a great read that is hard to put down.
June 1, 2023
A wild ride from beginning to end.
October 19, 2023
A real page turner! I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves thrillers.
Review here: https://bit.ly/3tvuC3N
Review here: https://bit.ly/3tvuC3N
April 16, 2025
Why Brandon Massey like writing about broke ass men??
Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews