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The Man in My Attic
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.
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.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2024
1229 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Robin Mahle
56 books295 followersRobin Mahle, Mystery and Suspense author, lives with her husband and two children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
August 22, 2024
The Man in My Attic
Robin Mahle
August 22, 2024
Joffe Books
From the prologue to the ending the tension builds and scenes unfold with perfect timing. Multiple POV’s and characters are all needed to make this come together. Be patient. It is worth it!
The lies and secrets abound. Unique, creepy and at times claustrophobic- I felt for Lauren. Like other readers, I am thankful that when I go to sleep tonight that we don’t have an attic.
Robin Mahle
August 22, 2024
Joffe Books
From the prologue to the ending the tension builds and scenes unfold with perfect timing. Multiple POV’s and characters are all needed to make this come together. Be patient. It is worth it!
The lies and secrets abound. Unique, creepy and at times claustrophobic- I felt for Lauren. Like other readers, I am thankful that when I go to sleep tonight that we don’t have an attic.
November 20, 2024
This book was definitely suspenseful, but I felt the ending was lacking. I didn't feel like the killers reason for being in the houses before Lauren's was explained; was he looking for Lauren? Was it coincidence that he ended up in her home? If he was looking for Lauren, why did he kill all of those other people??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
It was a struggle to get into this book. All the characters were very one dimensional. The way the chapters would switch narrator made it difficult to connect to any one of them. Every single trope felt far fetched. I was close to DNF and almost wish I had.
August 23, 2024
The Man in the Attic will have you jumping at every little noise in your house as you read it. This book grabs you and doesn't let go as the suspense builds at a blistering pace! Lauren and Jacob have just finished having their Virginia Colonial renovated. The house is beautiful and Lauren can't believe how well it turned out. Every older house has creaks and noises, right? What if those noises weren't actually just from the old house, but from someone within the house? That's the premise of The Man in the Attic and I loved this book!
Lauren works as an accountant at a law firm and Jacob is a partner at a big law firm. Noah, their son, is 4 years old and attends preschool for half of the day. Their elderly neighbor picks him up and watches him at their house until Lauren comes home. When Noah is upstairs in his playroom watching tv he hears a voice. The voice is talking to him and tells Noah he wants to be friends. He tells Noah to call him Billy. Noah is excited to have a new friend even if he can't see him. When Noah tells his parents at dinner that he has a new friend named Billy they tell him to invite him over. Noah tells his parents that he lives in the walls. Lauren and Jacob are shocked and think that Billy is just an imaginary friend. Jacob convinces Lauren that this is totally normal at this age. Is it though?
Lauren suspects that Jacob is having an affair and thinks Noah has picked up on the stress between them. Maybe that's why he's created this imaginary friend. At dinner a few days later, Noah tells Jacob that Billy has a message for him. Noah tells Jacob that Billy knows what you did. Jacob loses it and screams at Noah, scaring the boy. Lauren doesn't know how much more she can take of Jacob. He's always been a good father, but he's coming unhinged. He comes home late, misses dinner, and now blows up at their son. What's Jacob hiding? When Lauren hears a thump one night it wakes her up. The noise came from the attic. She goes up to investigate, but doesn't see anything from the top of the attic steps.
When detectives stop by because of the call from the house the night before they tell Lauren and Jacob that there have been 3 other families that were all killed in their sleep. There was no forced entry and it was like the killer was living somewhere in the house. They give the detectives a list of the contractors who worked on the renovation of the house. Maybe one of them is doing this, if there's anything going on at all? Could it be Jacob has an imaginary friend? Could the noises be just an old house settling? You'll have to read The Man in the Attic to find out! I rate The Man in the Attic 5 stars with my highest recommendation. If you love a suspenseful read that unsettles you, this is the book for you! The Man in the Attic is available now. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advanced copy of The Man in the Attic in exchange for a fair review. #TheManInTheAttic
Lauren works as an accountant at a law firm and Jacob is a partner at a big law firm. Noah, their son, is 4 years old and attends preschool for half of the day. Their elderly neighbor picks him up and watches him at their house until Lauren comes home. When Noah is upstairs in his playroom watching tv he hears a voice. The voice is talking to him and tells Noah he wants to be friends. He tells Noah to call him Billy. Noah is excited to have a new friend even if he can't see him. When Noah tells his parents at dinner that he has a new friend named Billy they tell him to invite him over. Noah tells his parents that he lives in the walls. Lauren and Jacob are shocked and think that Billy is just an imaginary friend. Jacob convinces Lauren that this is totally normal at this age. Is it though?
Lauren suspects that Jacob is having an affair and thinks Noah has picked up on the stress between them. Maybe that's why he's created this imaginary friend. At dinner a few days later, Noah tells Jacob that Billy has a message for him. Noah tells Jacob that Billy knows what you did. Jacob loses it and screams at Noah, scaring the boy. Lauren doesn't know how much more she can take of Jacob. He's always been a good father, but he's coming unhinged. He comes home late, misses dinner, and now blows up at their son. What's Jacob hiding? When Lauren hears a thump one night it wakes her up. The noise came from the attic. She goes up to investigate, but doesn't see anything from the top of the attic steps.
When detectives stop by because of the call from the house the night before they tell Lauren and Jacob that there have been 3 other families that were all killed in their sleep. There was no forced entry and it was like the killer was living somewhere in the house. They give the detectives a list of the contractors who worked on the renovation of the house. Maybe one of them is doing this, if there's anything going on at all? Could it be Jacob has an imaginary friend? Could the noises be just an old house settling? You'll have to read The Man in the Attic to find out! I rate The Man in the Attic 5 stars with my highest recommendation. If you love a suspenseful read that unsettles you, this is the book for you! The Man in the Attic is available now. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advanced copy of The Man in the Attic in exchange for a fair review. #TheManInTheAttic
December 20, 2024
this book unlocked a new fear for me. the thought of someone living in my attic fills me with complete and utter FEAR. such a good book, it is so smooth and flows beautifully. PREPARE FOR A TWIST, i audibly gasped when i was on the tube reading this.
August 28, 2024
This was a wild ride! It centers on Lauren, who is living in her newly renovated house in northern VA with her (jerky) husband Jake and son Noah, when weird things start to happen around the house, like sounds she can’t explain. Her son then tells her about a new “friend” named Billy who “lives in the walls”. There also happens to be a string of unsolved murders in the area. The chapters are told from various perspectives- it’s primarily Lauren’s story but the other POVs are interesting and tie the story together well.
The story was fast paced and the chapters were short. I liked both Lauren and the police detective and felt that I could understand where both were coming from even when they didn’t make the right decisions. There were some definite creepy parts throughout. I also enjoyed the police investigation part, as it didn’t get really deep but it was just enough detail to tie together pieces of the story and I felt like good decisions were made. The twist at the end was a complete surprise to me (which is rare!) but that twist did lead me to another question that I didn’t think was answered. The ending of the book worked for me and I was satisfied with how it turned out.
Overall, I really liked this one and would love to read more from this author. I thought this was a creepy and engaging read overall. Thanks to Netgalley for pricing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2024
The man in the attic by Robin Mahle.
Secrets and Suspense book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I got into it straight away. I did like Lauren and little Noah. I didn't trust Jacob one bit. Twisty and gripping. I liked the cover and blurb. I didn't expect that it did surprise me. I did like the ending though.
Blurb.
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.
#themanintheattic @RobinMahle #joffebooks @zooloobooktours #zbt #psychologicalthriller #PsychologicalFiction #ad #FreeBookReview
Secrets and Suspense book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I got into it straight away. I did like Lauren and little Noah. I didn't trust Jacob one bit. Twisty and gripping. I liked the cover and blurb. I didn't expect that it did surprise me. I did like the ending though.
Blurb.
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.
#themanintheattic @RobinMahle #joffebooks @zooloobooktours #zbt #psychologicalthriller #PsychologicalFiction #ad #FreeBookReview
August 4, 2024
This is a book that once you start reading, you cannot put it down as you try to predict what will happen next. The idea of someone unknown living in the attic of the house that one resides in is rather creepy. Also, the aspects of the killer’s motivation being unexplained is another factor that contributes the mystery in the story.
I think that descriptions and the different points of view are good and help to make the story more interesting with realistic characters. I absolutely enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Thank you to Jofee Books, Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours, and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
I think that descriptions and the different points of view are good and help to make the story more interesting with realistic characters. I absolutely enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Thank you to Jofee Books, Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours, and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
September 2, 2024
Having read a couple of books by this author now, I just knew that I was going love this new release just as much.
Right from seeing the front cover, I had an uneasiness that had me on edge before I'd even started reading.
After a long renovation, Lauren and Jacob finally move into their dream home and life is just perfect.
With a gorgeous house, beautiful son and loving husband, Lauren is happy - even if she has some small worries.
When her son starts to imagine he hears voices in the walls she assumes that his over-active imagination is working hard - until she starts to hear noises too...
I loved how this storyline emerges over time and via multiple pov's.
Although always progressing forward, this drew out the events and added a real tense and intriguing vibe.
This format also had me forever eking out just one more chapter as I had to find out what each pov would reveal.
The whole idea of having someone hidden and living in your house was just so creepy and I raced through this just to find out how things would end.
I just couldn't relax and felt so pleased we don't have an attic - although I was more wary of our eaves cupboards for a short time!
It's amazing how children are sometimes less affected by things that would literally terrify me now!
I also liked that we knew who Billy was but had to wait to find out why he was doing this to the family.
The writing style was brilliant as ever, creating just the perfect atmosphere and setting for a story like this.
The characters were well developed and I loved the twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the end.
This one stayed with me for a while after finishing - an enjoyable but chilling read and I can't wait to see more from Robin.
Right from seeing the front cover, I had an uneasiness that had me on edge before I'd even started reading.
After a long renovation, Lauren and Jacob finally move into their dream home and life is just perfect.
With a gorgeous house, beautiful son and loving husband, Lauren is happy - even if she has some small worries.
When her son starts to imagine he hears voices in the walls she assumes that his over-active imagination is working hard - until she starts to hear noises too...
I loved how this storyline emerges over time and via multiple pov's.
Although always progressing forward, this drew out the events and added a real tense and intriguing vibe.
This format also had me forever eking out just one more chapter as I had to find out what each pov would reveal.
The whole idea of having someone hidden and living in your house was just so creepy and I raced through this just to find out how things would end.
I just couldn't relax and felt so pleased we don't have an attic - although I was more wary of our eaves cupboards for a short time!
It's amazing how children are sometimes less affected by things that would literally terrify me now!
I also liked that we knew who Billy was but had to wait to find out why he was doing this to the family.
The writing style was brilliant as ever, creating just the perfect atmosphere and setting for a story like this.
The characters were well developed and I loved the twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the end.
This one stayed with me for a while after finishing - an enjoyable but chilling read and I can't wait to see more from Robin.
August 22, 2024
Thank you, Robin Mahle, for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy to review.
This book reminded me of the movie, I See You, which I also enjoyed. It's unique however, because most of the evidence is told from the mind of a 4-year-old and because unlike the movie, he's not there as a prank.
"I made a new friend today"
"You did? What's his name?"
"He said I could call him whatever I wanted, so I named him Billy."
"You named him Billy. Is this a friend in your class at school?"
"No, I don't know where he goes to school.
"I'm confused, honey, how did you meet Billy?"
Oh, he lives in the walls.
Instead, this man lives in the walls because he doesn't have a family or a place to live, which at first made me feel bad for him, but quickly changed as the reader learns how dangerous he can be.
This book was gripping from the start, I loved that it had short, immersive chapters and it was an easy and fast read.
However, I gave it four out of five stars because I think the whole wife thinks there's something wrong and the husband doesn't believe her bit is overdone as well a part of the ending that I found annoying.
Otherwise, great story and I'd be happy to recommend this book as well as read more from her in the future.
This book reminded me of the movie, I See You, which I also enjoyed. It's unique however, because most of the evidence is told from the mind of a 4-year-old and because unlike the movie, he's not there as a prank.
"I made a new friend today"
"You did? What's his name?"
"He said I could call him whatever I wanted, so I named him Billy."
"You named him Billy. Is this a friend in your class at school?"
"No, I don't know where he goes to school.
"I'm confused, honey, how did you meet Billy?"
Oh, he lives in the walls.
Instead, this man lives in the walls because he doesn't have a family or a place to live, which at first made me feel bad for him, but quickly changed as the reader learns how dangerous he can be.
This book was gripping from the start, I loved that it had short, immersive chapters and it was an easy and fast read.
However, I gave it four out of five stars because I think the whole wife thinks there's something wrong and the husband doesn't believe her bit is overdone as well a part of the ending that I found annoying.
Otherwise, great story and I'd be happy to recommend this book as well as read more from her in the future.
August 7, 2024
I'm rating this closer to a 4.5 rather than a 4.
This was such a great book!
It started off a little slow for me, but picked up quickly. Without spoiling, the entire premise is one of my worst paranoid fears haha.
The Man in my Attic has multiple POVs and a twist that I didn't see coming at all.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for sending me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a great book!
It started off a little slow for me, but picked up quickly. Without spoiling, the entire premise is one of my worst paranoid fears haha.
The Man in my Attic has multiple POVs and a twist that I didn't see coming at all.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for sending me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2024
Fast paced, short chapters which end in cliff hangers most of the time. Keeps you wanting to read more and more. I think some parts were a bit far fetched and wrapped up a bit quickly but I didn’t see the twists coming. Overall good, gripping psychological thriller
September 18, 2024
A creepy and gripping psychological thriller with a twist at the end I must admit didn't see coming from a mile away!
I really got swept up in the characters although I found the detective chapters a little redundant.
However, I really enjoyed this book and recommend for thriller lovers.
I really got swept up in the characters although I found the detective chapters a little redundant.
However, I really enjoyed this book and recommend for thriller lovers.
November 23, 2024
Creepy but I really enjoyed this one!
July 1, 2025
2.5 Stars
The Man in My Attic wasn't a terrible book but I wouldn't say it was good either. I didn't have to force myself to read it but it just wasn't gripping.
I think the main reason why I this book didn't suck me in was because we had the perspective of Gray from the very start. It left no mystery - and that's the best part of a thriller in my opinion. We knew the who, what and majority of the why from the start. I just felt like there was absolutely no suspense because of that. When it came to the twist at the end, I didn't see it coming but I wasn't shocked either. I was just like okay... sure.
If you don't mind knowing pretty much the whole story from the start then I think you'll probably enjoy this one, as the writing itself was easy to read and I felt like there was always a noticeable difference between each person's POV. If you prefer a storyline that has you trying to guess what's going on throughout most of the story then I'd probably skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Man in My Attic wasn't a terrible book but I wouldn't say it was good either. I didn't have to force myself to read it but it just wasn't gripping.
I think the main reason why I this book didn't suck me in was because we had the perspective of Gray from the very start. It left no mystery - and that's the best part of a thriller in my opinion. We knew the who, what and majority of the why from the start. I just felt like there was absolutely no suspense because of that. When it came to the twist at the end, I didn't see it coming but I wasn't shocked either. I was just like okay... sure.
If you don't mind knowing pretty much the whole story from the start then I think you'll probably enjoy this one, as the writing itself was easy to read and I felt like there was always a noticeable difference between each person's POV. If you prefer a storyline that has you trying to guess what's going on throughout most of the story then I'd probably skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 1, 2024
Wow, this was an amazing read. I loved the way it was written with different chapters for each of the characters as the story progressed. Each chapter told us what was happening in each individuals life and we saw the whole thing from different perspectives. This is a technique I have seen before, which doesn’t always work but on this occasion, it perfectly enhances the reading experience. The story itself was totally gripping as we were taken on an extremely scary journey through the lives of Lauren Hale and her family, and I found my sympathies switching from one person to another as the tale went on. All the characters were well thought out and believable as they were thrown from one chilling event to another. Gradually as the action progresses, the reader is presented with some interesting little snippets of information that makes us suspect that there may be more to this whole drama than we thought we knew. The final few chapters are such a huge surprise, I certainly never saw it coming and it was an enormous twist to the story. The epilogue was a satisfying conclusion to an excellent read and I will be watching out for more from this author.
August 30, 2024
Thank you to my partners, Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffe Books, and the author. I appreciate the gifted ebook, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
1. 𝐎𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 - Be prepared to be on the edge of your seat for most of this one. Billy’s presence in Lauren and Jacob’s house is creepy and unimaginable. Especially when he talks with their son, Noah.
2. 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲 - I know some kids do have imaginary friends, but the things that Billy says to Noah that he relays to his parents should have had them tearing up the floor boards and ceiling tiles. No way am I believing that it is the imagination of a 4-year-old.
3. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 - As Gary befriends Lauren more and more, his incredibly strange feelings and thoughts towards her were just downright disturbing. I was always taken aback by his imagined intimacy - but not necessarily romantic. Just strange.
4. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 - I really enjoyed the resilience of Lauren. I don’t think I would have stuck it out like she did, but she showed some backbone that proved to be the needed ingredient in the end.
5. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭 - Holy smokes. It does end up all coming together at the end. And I felt like it was a believable twist that I just didn’t see coming. I had some ideas that were kind of in the range but not what was actually going on.
1. 𝐎𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 - Be prepared to be on the edge of your seat for most of this one. Billy’s presence in Lauren and Jacob’s house is creepy and unimaginable. Especially when he talks with their son, Noah.
2. 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲 - I know some kids do have imaginary friends, but the things that Billy says to Noah that he relays to his parents should have had them tearing up the floor boards and ceiling tiles. No way am I believing that it is the imagination of a 4-year-old.
3. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 - As Gary befriends Lauren more and more, his incredibly strange feelings and thoughts towards her were just downright disturbing. I was always taken aback by his imagined intimacy - but not necessarily romantic. Just strange.
4. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 - I really enjoyed the resilience of Lauren. I don’t think I would have stuck it out like she did, but she showed some backbone that proved to be the needed ingredient in the end.
5. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭 - Holy smokes. It does end up all coming together at the end. And I felt like it was a believable twist that I just didn’t see coming. I had some ideas that were kind of in the range but not what was actually going on.
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January 1, 2025I can’t decide on how many stars I’d give this one. It kept me super interested all the way through. But I felt like the ending was so rushed. Definitely a fun read though.
3.75 ⭐️? 😅
3.75 ⭐️? 😅
July 25, 2024
4.25 / 5 ⭐️
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the ARC!
A gripping story from start to finish. It starts off with a gripping prologue, making you unable to put the book down from the second you open it.
A well written villain and likeable main character (that being Lauren, of course). As for Jacob, I knew he was a bad guy, but oh my, one particular part definitely shocked me.
The one thing I have to say is the vast amount of different characters’ point of views was a bit of a rollercoaster, although in order to tell the story Robin Mahle wanted to tell I suppose it was necessary.
Robin certainly does a good job at holding the reader’s attention, I know I couldn’t stop reading! A good read for any thriller fan.
I know one things for certain after reading this rollercoaster of a book- I’m not going to be able to write off the noises in my attic quite as easily anymore…
👨🏻🏡
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the ARC!
A gripping story from start to finish. It starts off with a gripping prologue, making you unable to put the book down from the second you open it.
A well written villain and likeable main character (that being Lauren, of course). As for Jacob, I knew he was a bad guy, but oh my, one particular part definitely shocked me.
The one thing I have to say is the vast amount of different characters’ point of views was a bit of a rollercoaster, although in order to tell the story Robin Mahle wanted to tell I suppose it was necessary.
Robin certainly does a good job at holding the reader’s attention, I know I couldn’t stop reading! A good read for any thriller fan.
I know one things for certain after reading this rollercoaster of a book- I’m not going to be able to write off the noises in my attic quite as easily anymore…
👨🏻🏡
August 30, 2024
Gary just wanted to be part of a family, he would get attached, hide away in their home and would think nothing of killing them if they found him.
The first few pages got me thinking damn this is a good creepy thriller.
But unfortunately not a great deal happened after that. I found it boring and repetitive. The characters were irritating and frustrating.
Jacob, the husband, wanted you to feel sorry for him when things went wrong after an affair, I'm sorry but keep it in your god damn pants then you wouldn't have an issue.
Lauren the wife was so irritating, withholding information knowing it would help the police find a killer.
By the time the reveal came about I really couldn't care what happened.
The first few pages got me thinking damn this is a good creepy thriller.
But unfortunately not a great deal happened after that. I found it boring and repetitive. The characters were irritating and frustrating.
Jacob, the husband, wanted you to feel sorry for him when things went wrong after an affair, I'm sorry but keep it in your god damn pants then you wouldn't have an issue.
Lauren the wife was so irritating, withholding information knowing it would help the police find a killer.
By the time the reveal came about I really couldn't care what happened.
August 22, 2024
This is creepy as, I hope I don’t ever have a huge house like this. This book made me think like a mad woman, it has made me paranoid 😆 The story is smashing, I read this fairly quickly as the author dug their claws into me straight away. Whew, this was exhilarating, and chilling. I thoroughly enjoyed the different chapters told from different perspectives. I felt like I was starting to get to know each individual. It’s frightening how Gary thought all what he was doing was ok, this character really is horrifying. This really is a superb, addictive book, and will be reading the authors other book.
August 24, 2024
Im so glad I read this on a break in a caravan, if I read this at home I would have been more freaked out 🤣.
This is exactly how psychological thrillers should be, tense, dark, creepy undertones and scary characters.
Gary - that man was on another level, how could he begin to think his actions were normal?! When he was chatting with Noah 😳 it was so so chilling!
This is a must read and I’m excited to read more by the author.
This is exactly how psychological thrillers should be, tense, dark, creepy undertones and scary characters.
Gary - that man was on another level, how could he begin to think his actions were normal?! When he was chatting with Noah 😳 it was so so chilling!
This is a must read and I’m excited to read more by the author.
July 19, 2024
A decent book overall. Some of the side stories were a little sparse in details - while I understand that some of the details about Jacob played a small part in the storyline, I think they could’ve been left out and it would have gotten to the same point.
The ending was a little underwhelming - I expected something crazier to happen.
The ending was a little underwhelming - I expected something crazier to happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2024
I found this thriller to be well written and the author set the tone very well. It kept me intrigued throughout reading and I will definitely read more by this author in the future.
October 13, 2024
A couple with a young child who says he's got a new friend, Billy, that he lives in the walls. Is the boy imagining this, or is Billy real.
A good paced story, dialogue very realistic.
A good paced story, dialogue very realistic.
November 14, 2024
Easy to read & engaging. This was a book club pick.
I liked that it had short chapters, told from different viewpoints. I also like that it was set in Alexandria, VA.
The biggest negative for me was that it was too far fetched.
To that end, it was one of those books where the main character has too many major issues thrown her way - the only thing the author didn’t give her to deal with was a health crises.
On to the next book.
I liked that it had short chapters, told from different viewpoints. I also like that it was set in Alexandria, VA.
The biggest negative for me was that it was too far fetched.
To that end, it was one of those books where the main character has too many major issues thrown her way - the only thing the author didn’t give her to deal with was a health crises.
On to the next book.
June 19, 2025
Creepy
Many years ago, there was a news story about a murder in a small town in northern Massachusetts. What stuck in my mind was the fact that the murderer had somehow crept into another house and lived inside the walls undetected for months. Similar things occur in this book, with the homeless killer living very quietly in crawl spaces. Since the multiple narrators include the killer, we learn that he just wants to be part of a family, to feel that he has a warm relationship with other people. Jacob and Lauren, the family whose attic crawl space he’s currently living in, have plenty of other problems, though. We learn that Jacob is unfaithful, that he has huge gambling debts, and that he’s been embezzling to pay the goons off. The final twist is surprising but in my opinion, weakens the serial murderer premise. A good, suspenseful read nevertheless.
Many years ago, there was a news story about a murder in a small town in northern Massachusetts. What stuck in my mind was the fact that the murderer had somehow crept into another house and lived inside the walls undetected for months. Similar things occur in this book, with the homeless killer living very quietly in crawl spaces. Since the multiple narrators include the killer, we learn that he just wants to be part of a family, to feel that he has a warm relationship with other people. Jacob and Lauren, the family whose attic crawl space he’s currently living in, have plenty of other problems, though. We learn that Jacob is unfaithful, that he has huge gambling debts, and that he’s been embezzling to pay the goons off. The final twist is surprising but in my opinion, weakens the serial murderer premise. A good, suspenseful read nevertheless.
May 29, 2025
brilliant!! keeps you hooked all the way through. Told through eyes of the various characters. Didn't want it end 👍
August 20, 2024
Wow, what a seriously crazy ride!
The story revolves around Lauren and her family, including her four year old son, Noah. Lauren finally has the house of her dreams. Renovations are done and everything looks perfect. She hears some creaking floorboards in the night, but chalks it up to the old house settling. Although Lauren's house may be perfect, her marriage is anything but. She is well aware that her husband is having an affair, but has yet to confront him.
One night, when Lauren's husband is actually home for dinner, Noah tells his father that, "Billy said he knows what you did". Now Lauren is panicking. has Noah found out about his father's affair and this is his way of dealing with it? Kids have imaginary friends all the time, right? Sure, but what if the imaginary friend is real?
This book is really well written. I loved the alternating chapters between different characters. It made for a cohesive storyline and also, in part, led me to finishing the book in one day (I had to see what was going to happen to a certain character, but their chapter was still a few away...so I kept going lol) Such a fast paced and twisty read that you will not be able to put down!
Creepy vibes galore - it is kind of crazy to think that someone could be living in your house without you knowing! I've heard of phrogging and squatters, but this books takes things to a whole new level - and it is very creepy! Let's just say you will be feeling quite unsettled next time you hear a random creak in your house...
Cannot wait to read more by Robin Mahle!
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story revolves around Lauren and her family, including her four year old son, Noah. Lauren finally has the house of her dreams. Renovations are done and everything looks perfect. She hears some creaking floorboards in the night, but chalks it up to the old house settling. Although Lauren's house may be perfect, her marriage is anything but. She is well aware that her husband is having an affair, but has yet to confront him.
One night, when Lauren's husband is actually home for dinner, Noah tells his father that, "Billy said he knows what you did". Now Lauren is panicking. has Noah found out about his father's affair and this is his way of dealing with it? Kids have imaginary friends all the time, right? Sure, but what if the imaginary friend is real?
This book is really well written. I loved the alternating chapters between different characters. It made for a cohesive storyline and also, in part, led me to finishing the book in one day (I had to see what was going to happen to a certain character, but their chapter was still a few away...so I kept going lol) Such a fast paced and twisty read that you will not be able to put down!
Creepy vibes galore - it is kind of crazy to think that someone could be living in your house without you knowing! I've heard of phrogging and squatters, but this books takes things to a whole new level - and it is very creepy! Let's just say you will be feeling quite unsettled next time you hear a random creak in your house...
Cannot wait to read more by Robin Mahle!
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2024
“The Man in My Attic” by Robin Mahle is a masterclass in suspense and psychological drama. From the outset, the seemingly perfect life of the protagonist, set against the backdrop of a picturesque Virginia Colonial, begins to unravel in the most unsettling way. The subtle hints of disquiet—creaks, misplaced items, and an increasingly distant husband—are skillfully interwoven with the protagonist’s growing dread, creating a mounting sense of tension. The introduction of Noah’s imaginary friend, Billy, who is more than just a figment of a child’s imagination, adds a chilling layer to the narrative.
Mahle’s storytelling excels in creating a claustrophobic atmosphere, making every sound in the house seem menacing. The protagonist’s denial and attempts to keep her life intact despite mounting evidence of betrayal and danger reflect a deeply human struggle. As the story builds towards the climactic reveal of Billy’s true nature, the suspense becomes almost unbearable. The ultimate twist is both unexpected and profoundly satisfying, tying together the threads of deception and fear in a way that will leave readers gasping.
Overall, “The Man in My Attic” is a gripping thriller with a pace that ensures readers are hooked from start to finish. Fans of psychological thrillers and domestic mysteries will find this book a compelling read, filled with twists and turns that keep the stakes high and the tension palpable.
Mahle’s storytelling excels in creating a claustrophobic atmosphere, making every sound in the house seem menacing. The protagonist’s denial and attempts to keep her life intact despite mounting evidence of betrayal and danger reflect a deeply human struggle. As the story builds towards the climactic reveal of Billy’s true nature, the suspense becomes almost unbearable. The ultimate twist is both unexpected and profoundly satisfying, tying together the threads of deception and fear in a way that will leave readers gasping.
Overall, “The Man in My Attic” is a gripping thriller with a pace that ensures readers are hooked from start to finish. Fans of psychological thrillers and domestic mysteries will find this book a compelling read, filled with twists and turns that keep the stakes high and the tension palpable.
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