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THE FLAT MATES/FOES

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THE FLAT MATES/FOESI'm not welcome here. To some of the flat mates, I'm the accredited harbinger of gloom and doom. The word, mates, is a misnomer. I think the apt term would be flat foes.

After the untimely death of her mother, Lissy is about to begin her Computer Science Engineering course in Chennai. Born and brought up in Dubai, she would have felt desperately out of place, if not for her darling brother Ashwin.
In a posh locality of Chennai, he owns a sumptuous flat on the second floor. On the third floor, resides the ruggedly charming hotshot Krish, who makes Lissy go weak in her knees.
Just when Lissy is beginning to piece her life back together, a completely drunk Ashwin, loses his balance and falls tragically to his death from the terrace of the building.
Everything changes irrevocably again. Everyone seems distant. Krish is acting strange.
Lissy does not feel safe in Ashwin's flat. Slowly she uncovers that every resident in the upscale apartment, harbours explosive secrets.
Are they secrets worth killing for? Was Ashwin's death really an accident or was it a cold-blooded murder?
Then, Lissy receives a note- Get the F*** out of here. Before it's too late.
Lissy must never assume or presume. Or else she too will be finished off.
For there seems to be a devious villain on the loose!!

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2025

3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read

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Divya K.R.

1 book

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Sruthi NK.
32 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2025
Guys, it’s a psychological thriller set in Chennai!!

This book follows Lissy, who moves to Chennai from Dubai while still dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her mother. Things take a dark turn when her brother, Ashwin, tragically falls to his death from the terrace of his building, seemingly drunk and out of control.

However, Lissy starts to uncover clues that suggest Ashwin’s death might not have been an accident after all. As she digs deeper, she realizes that the person responsible for his death might still be lurking around, trying to keep her from discovering the truth. With her neighbors becoming her main suspects, Lissy finds it hard to trust anyone, and the suspense keeps you guessing how far people will go to protect their secrets.

I have to admit, I was way more invested in the love story than the thriller aspect of the book. Could the guy Lissy is totally smitten with have murdered her brother? Absolutely! But their chemistry is off the charts, and I was rooting for them from the very start😭

Most of the action takes place in the apartment complex, where we get to know a small set of characters pretty well. The interesting thing is that each character has their own little secret, and none of them are exactly innocent. The lies and deceit make it super tricky to figure out if someone really did kill Ashwin.

I love how colloquial and easy to read this book is! The author has paced this book so well that you really can’t help but finish it in one sitting or two. This book is perfect for anyone looking to get out of a reading slump, or if psychological thrillers are your preferred genre of light reads, then you’d enjoy this.

Just a heads up, the book does contain mature themes and is best suited for readers over 18.
Profile Image for Saranya Dhandapani.
Author 2 books179 followers
May 17, 2025
This book is a light, quick read with a good mix of mystery and suspense. The story is about Lissy, a young woman who moves from Dubai to Chennai after her mother passes away. She comes to live with her brother Ashwin in a luxurious flat.

Soon after, something shocking happens. Ashwin falls from the terrace and dies. Everyone says it was an accident, but Lissy feels something is wrong. She notices strange things in the flat and starts doubting the people around her. Each neighbour has a hidden side and secrets that slowly begin to come out.

One day, Lissy even gets a warning note asking her to leave. From that point, the story becomes very interesting as she tries to find out the truth. Who is lying? What really happened to her brother? These questions keep you reading.

I liked that the book is written in simple English. The suspense keeps you hooked, and the story flows smoothly. Lissy’s courage and the way she handles the situation makes the story even more engaging.

This book has all the elements needed for a good thriller: mystery, emotions, twists, strong characters, and a gripping plot. It makes you think and keeps you curious till the end. If you enjoy stories that are fast-paced and full of secrets, you should definitely give this one a try.

Available on- Amazon Kindle
54 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

Lissy moves to Chennai after her brother Ashwin's tragic death, only to uncover clues suggesting it might not have been an accident. With the help of Krishna, she dives into a gripping investigation filled with secrets, threats, and unexpected twists.

This debut novel blends mystery, suspense, and romance beautifully. The character depth, relatable cultural references, and vivid writing make it feel like you're watching a movie unfold. It’s an addictive, fast-paced read — I finished almost 400 pages in one sitting!

If you love Indian drama, emotional storytelling, and murder mysteries, this one’s a must-read!
Profile Image for Sharmila Sengupta.
269 reviews24 followers
November 21, 2025
Honestly, I felt a mix of intrigue, unease, and even a little nostalgia for those days when life felt unpredictable and layered with secrets. Lissy’s story hit close to home in ways I didn’t expect—her grief, her struggle to find her footing in a new city, and her relentless quest for truth resonated deeply with my own moments of uncertainty. It made me reflect on how sometimes, the people we meet and the secrets they hold can change everything in an instant.

What I appreciated most about this book was its thoughtful blend of mystery and emotional depth. The author masterfully weaves themes of loss, trust, and survival through a compelling narrative that kept me guessing at every turn. The writing style is engaging—at times gritty, at times tender—creating a vivid atmosphere that placed me right in the upscale Chennai apartment, feeling the tension in the air. I liked how the story isn’t just about uncovering secrets but also about Lissy’s journey to reclaim her sense of safety and identity amid chaos. Her character is relatable—someone who’s lost a lot but refuses to be defeated, which I found inspiring.

The characters, especially Krish and Ashwin, are complex and multi-dimensional. Krish’s charm and mystery kept me on my toes, and I appreciated how the author avoided stereotypes by giving him depth beyond just “the hotshot.” Lissy’s resilience stood out to me; she’s not just a damsel in distress but a fierce seeker of truth. The way her grief and suspicion grow side by side made her feel real and human—someone I genuinely wanted to root for.

Respectfully, I want to acknowledge the effort behind this book. Crafting a suspenseful story that balances emotional nuance and plot twists isn’t easy, and the author did a commendable job. The structure, with its mix of present events and snippets of past, added layers to the narrative without confusing me. Instead, it drew me deeper into the mystery and into Lissy’s mind.

If I had to find a tiny critique, it’s that some scenes felt a little rushed in the middle, but overall, the pacing kept me hooked. The suspense builds gradually, culminating in some unexpected revelations that made me think about how well we really know those around us. The note—“Get the F*** out of here”—was a perfect touch of ominous grit, reminding me that sometimes, danger lurks just beneath the surface of everyday life.

All in all, The Flat Mates/Foes is a gripping, emotionally charged mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. It’s a story about secrets, trust, and resilience—wrapped up in a setting that’s both glamorous and sinister. If you enjoy stories that make your heart race and your mind work, I think you’ll love this one. It left me pondering the shadows behind closed doors and the strength needed to face them. Definitely a book I’ll remember for its suspense and its soul.
Profile Image for Weekndreads ._..
96 reviews
July 3, 2025
Ever thought a single book could blur the lines between genres like romance, mystery, suspense, drama and actually work? Well, let me introduce you to this one.

To be completely honest, I didn’t expect to get this invested. I picked it up thinking it would be a decent psychological thriller but it turned out to be so much more. It has the tension of a murder mystery, the charm of a slow-burn love story, and the unsettling reality of betrayal lurking just around the corner. The story follows Lissy, who returns to Chennai after her brother’s sudden and tragic death. Everyone says it was an accident but nothing sits right with her. And as she starts digging, everything around her becomes suspicious. The people she lives among. The stories they tell. The secrets they hide.

And then there’s him, Krish. The romantic tension between Lissy and him? Off. The. Charts. I was not prepared to be this hooked on their chemistry. At one point I even found myself wondering: what if he did it? What if the guy you’re rooting for is actually the villain? That conflict alone had me flipping pages like crazy. The writing is super easy to follow very conversational, even with bits of native language sprinkled in, which just makes everything feel more real. You don’t get overwhelmed by heavy prose. It flows naturally, and the pacing keeps you on edge without making you feel lost.

What surprised me most was how much heart the story has grief, love, trust, fear it balances all of it. Each character adds a layer to the mystery. No one’s clean. Everyone has something to hide. If you’re in a reading slump, or just want a book that’s gripping but not overly intense this is it. It’s fast, emotional, mysterious, and honestly… weirdly comforting in its messiness. It lingers. I finished it in just a couple of sittings, and when I closed the last page, I just sat there thinking: wait, what genre did I just read? Because it was kind of all of them in the best way.
Profile Image for Rutuja Ramteke.
2,002 reviews100 followers
May 28, 2025
"THE FLAT MATES/FOES" immediately pulls you into Lissy's unsettling new reality. The stark contrast between the promised "mates" and the hinted-at "foes" creates an atmosphere of suspicion from the very first line. Lissy's initial displacement after moving from Dubai to Chennai, softened only by her brother Ashwin's presence, quickly takes a dark turn with his tragic and sudden death.

The author skillfully crafts a sense of unease as Lissy grapples with her grief and the increasingly strange behavior of those around her, particularly the enigmatic Krish. The opulent setting of the upscale apartment complex becomes a claustrophobic stage for hidden resentments and veiled secrets. The narrative effectively builds suspense as Lissy begins to suspect that Ashwin's death was not an accident, and the revelation that each resident harbors "explosive secrets" raises the stakes considerably.

The anonymous threatening note injects a palpable sense of danger, transforming Lissy's vulnerability into a desperate fight for survival. The warning to never assume or presume underscores the deceptive nature of the characters and the intricate web of lies that seems to enshroud them. The looming presence of a "devious villain" keeps the reader guessing and eager to unravel the truth alongside Lissy.

"THE FLAT MATES/FOES" takes you on a thrilling journey into a world of hidden agendas, potential murder, and the chilling realisation that danger might be lurking behind any door. It's a narrative that thrives on suspense and the unsettling notion that those closest to us might be the ones we should fear the most. This book is likely to captivate readers who enjoy a gripping mystery with a strong sense of foreboding and a protagonist forced to navigate a treacherous landscape of secrets.
331 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2025
🍀Book- The Flatmates/foes
🍀Author- Divya K.R

🍀Plot-Born and raised in Dubai, Lissy moves to Chennai after losing her mother to leukemia. Her life centers around her brother Ashwin, her biggest support and closest companion. But tragedy strikes when Ashwin falls from the terrace of his building—and everything changes.

As grief takes over, Lissy finds herself surrounded by cold stares and distant behavior from those she once called family. Her flatmates grow wary, her best friend Krish begins to avoid her, and even Priya, Krish’s sister and Ashwin’s ex, acts strangely. Then one day, Lissy receives a chilling note that pushes her to uncover the truth behind her brother’s death.
Was Ashwin’s death an accident—or something far more sinister?

🍀Review:
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chennai, this psychological thriller skillfully explores themes of religious discrimination, betrayal, and buried secrets. The use of local language adds depth and realism to the story.

Lissy’s character shines—fiercely loyal, emotionally strong, and determined to seek the truth. The tension between her and Krish adds a layer of quiet intensity, hinting at love beneath the surface.

The author masterfully builds suspense, gradually revealing the cracks in every relationship and the disturbing reality behind seemingly perfect facades. The emotional weight of grief, isolation, and resilience is portrayed with perfection and care.
One thing which I liked a lot is the title of the book which goes perfect with the plot, a little bit of editing would have given more edge to the story .
From the start, this novel keeps you questioning: what really happened to Ashwin?
If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with heart and depth, this one is for you .

Profile Image for anamateurreader.
65 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2025
Lissy is moving to her brothers apartment in Chennai to pursue her studies. Her only brother Ashwin died after falling from the terrace accidentally after being drunk. But now lissy found some clues that suggest that his death might not have been an accident. This book is a mystery thriller where lissy tries to avenge her brothers death along with the help of Krishna whose sister Priya was engaged to Ashwin. As soon as she starts her investigation she starts getting threats which makes her more sure about her decision to investigate. Its not just a murder mystery book but it also has a romance sub plot along with a lot of other elements going on. The relationship between Krish and Lissy is really amazing and i loved the character building of everyone .It was more like watching a movie for me as the writing is very detailed and well written to help the readers visualize everything. There are a lot of south Indian and hindi phrases and words used which felt very relatable to me and also at the end of every chapter the proper meanings are also given to them. The book is almost 400 pages but I read it an evening bcoz I couldn't stop myself from reading it and i was very keen to know who killed him and why?. I loved the writing style and its very easy to read for beginners too. I am usually not a person who writes big reviews but this one I had to because its the authors first book and i loved it so much that i almost binge read it. If you love Indian movies and drama and murder mystery then trust me you will not be disappointed and do give it a try.
917 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2025
In "The Flat Mates/Foes," author Divya K.R. crafts a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue against the backdrop of Chennai's upscale living. The story follows Lissy💁‍♀️, a young woman who has just lost her mother and moved to Chennai to pursue her Computer Science Engineering degree.

            Struggling to adapt to her new environment, Lissy finds solace in her brother Ashwin and their guardian, Mrs. Naidu. However, disaster strikes when Ashwin falls to his death, leaving Lissy reeling in grief, suspicion, and isolation. The author masterfully captures Lissy's emotional turmoil as she navigates her new life and grapples with the mysterious circumstances surrounding her brother's death.

             The apartment🏢 building, once a haven, transforms into a sinister labyrinth as Lissy realizes that the residents, including the enigmatic Krish, are entangled in a web🕸️ of secrets that could be worth killing for. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their own explosive secrets that contribute to a sense of foreboding. The author skillfully raises questions about trust and perception, making readers question the motives of every inhabitant in the building.

            The pacing is tight, and the twists are satisfying, leading to a climax that is both shocking😲 and thought-provoking🤔. "The Flat Mates/Foes" is more than just a murder mystery; it’s a profound exploration of betrayal, trust, and the lengths one will go to uncover hidden truths💖✨
89 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2025
🏠🔪 When your neighbors are hiding more than just their Wi-Fi password…

The Flat Mates/Foes by Divya K.R. is a twisty, edge-of-your-seat thriller that had me glued from page one!

Lissy, fresh from Dubai and grieving her mother’s death, moves to Chennai to start college.

She’s staying in her brother Ashwin’s gorgeous flat, bonus: the ruggedly handsome neighbor Krish who makes her heart skip. ❤️

But just as life feels like it’s finding rhythm again, tragedy strikes, Ashwin falls to his death from the terrace… or was he pushed?

Now, the flat feels colder, the neighbors stranger, and secrets start bubbling under the polished surface of their posh building.

Every resident has something to hide, something worth killing for. 😳

When Lissy receives a threatening note telling her to get out before it’s too late, the suspense hits maximum chill.

Divya K.R. nails the balance of mystery, danger, and slow-burn tension.

You’ll be suspecting everyone, side-eyeing every conversation, and desperately turning pages to find out who’s behind the darkness lurking in the halls.

If you love thrillers with apartment-drama vibes, shocking twists, and heroines who refuse to be silenced, this one’s for you. 🖤
Profile Image for Jisha Michal.
14 reviews
April 21, 2025
The Flatmates / Foes by debut author Divya K. N. is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls you in from the very first page. After the tragic loss of her mother, Lissy moves from Dubai to Chennai to begin her Computer Science Engineering course, clinging to the comfort of her beloved brother Ashwin. But just as she begins to rebuild her life, Ashwin dies under mysterious circumstances—falling from the terrace in what appears to be a drunken accident.

As she moves into her brother’s apartment and begins to unravel the truth, Lissy finds herself surrounded by secrets, lies, and an unsettling atmosphere. The residents of the upscale building all seem to be hiding something. Lissy uncovers unsettling truths that make her question everything—and everyone—around her.

Divya K. N.’s debut is atmospheric, intense, and emotionally layered. With steady pacing and unpredictable twists, the story keeps you on edge, making it hard to put down. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with a dark edge, this one definitely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Profile Image for Ishani Chowdhury.
160 reviews
May 18, 2025
A murder mystery set in India, brimming with forbidden love and an overwhelming number of suspects. This book weaves together so many intertwined themes that it's nearly impossible to put down. The author has truly outdone herself with her storytelling.

The FMC’s flatmates provide comic relief, often making fools of themselves with their misguided antics. Then there’s Krish and Varun—entangled in a deeply complicated love triangle with the FMC—adding emotional intensity to the plot. Their parents, surprisingly less complex, have their own forbidden love stories, further contributing to the tangled web of relationships within the flat.

As if that weren’t enough, the narrative is peppered with a slew of seemingly unrelated characters, each adding to the chaos and depth of the mystery.

Despite the story’s complexity, one thing keeps you hooked: the urge to unmask the killer. Just when you think you've figured it out, the plot twists again. Rest assured—you won't see the culprit coming until the very end..
Profile Image for Kayalvizhi.
37 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2025
3.5⭐️ The story revolves around Lissy who is moving to Chennai from Dubai following her mother’s death. As she tries to rebuild her life, everything takes a dramatic turn when her brother, Ashwin, falls to his death from the terrace of his apartment in Chennai.

Lissy moves into her brother’s apartment and everything seems strange to her. She tries to unravel the truth about Ashwin’s death with the help of her ex Krish who is also in the same apartment. During the process, she finds many hidden secrets of her flatmates and that her brother also had a secret hidden.

If you're looking for a good domestic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make it difficult to put down due to its unexpected twists, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Jayu bookstagram.
1 review
June 13, 2025
Book review: THE FLAT MATE/ FOES by @divyakr_writes

RATING: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lissy returns to Chennai after her brother’s tragic death, but the truth behind his demise remains a gripping mystery - was it murder or a mere accident?🗡️🖤

This psychological thriller deftly examines themes of religious persecution, treachery, and hidden truths. The usage of native language lends depth and reality to the plot.

Best part: Lissy’s character shines: passionately devoted, emotionally powerful, and determined to uncover the truth✨
The tension between her and Krish adds a dimension of subtle intensity, implying love beneath the surface.♥️

What I didn’t enjoy about the book was that the few chapters were slow-paced.
218 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2025
What if your safe haven turns out to be a trap?
I was pleasantly surprised by this Indian author.
The Flatmates / Foes is a gripping psychological erotic thriller that has all the ingredients to keep you hooked. I was invested in the story from the first page itself when the victim Ashwin, was falling to his death recounting the last few seconds and leaving a teaser for the readers.

The author delivered suspense in waves — just when you think you’ve figured it out, she pulls the rug from under you. I loved how the plot was tightly knit and fast paced and the sizzling chemistry between the leads was a chef's kiss.

Final Thoughts:
I love MCs with gray characters and simmering chemistry and add on to the unexpected betrayals, and whodunit curiosity, this one is a must-read.
87 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2025
The novel’s emotional core lies in Lissy’s transformation—from a grieving sister to a determined woman uncovering a chilling web of lies. While the romantic tension with Krish adds intrigue, the true strength of the book lies in its atmosphere and suspense. 


However, some might find the plot slightly predictable, with some issues related to pacing of narrative. Despite these minor shortcomings, the book remains an enjoyable portrayal of youth, friendship, and the chaos of shared life, making it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate stories rooted in everyday experiences with a touch of humor and heart.


Rating:- 3.75/5
Profile Image for Nandini Reddy Dayal.
374 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2025
Lissy is heartbroken after her brother's death. On a question to investigate she comes to live in his Chennai apartment where the police believe he accidentally fell to his death. Suspicious there is more to the story than everyone is telling her, Lissy begins to investigate.

This was Divya K R's first book and she chose to go with a mystery that also has a love interest. Story wise it worked well. What didn't work for me was the dialogue, largely because much of it came across as forced.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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