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The Roommate
He thought his life couldn’t get any worse…
Wesley Gates is down on his luck.
He’s drowning in debt.
His demanding career isn’t letting up.
And, to top it all off, after years of ignoring their failing marriage, his wife has had enough.
Heartbroken and in desperate need of a place to stay while he gives his wife the space she’s asked for, Wes is shocked when he runs into a familiar face from his past. As they catch up, Wes quickly learns his old classmate has an extra room and a non-existent social life. He can’t help feeling grateful to spend time with someone who remembers who he was during their glory days, long before his life fell apart. So, when Elias offers to rent out his spare bedroom, it seems like the answer to all Wes’s problems. Wes takes his old friend up on the offer without hesitation.
Living with someone you barely know is better than living with a stranger… Isn’t it?
But soon, Wes realizes moving in with Elias may have been a mistake.
Between the wild mood swings, strange occurrences, and total disregard for his new roommate’s privacy, Wes begins to wonder if Elias will be his savior or his worst nightmare.
When his wife reveals devastating news that destroys the final bit of shaky ground Wes was standing on, his new roommate may be all he has left.
Maybe that’s what Elias wanted in the first place…
Or maybe it’s all in Wes’s head.
Elias invited him in…
Will Wes ever be able to leave?
Wesley Gates is down on his luck.
He’s drowning in debt.
His demanding career isn’t letting up.
And, to top it all off, after years of ignoring their failing marriage, his wife has had enough.
Heartbroken and in desperate need of a place to stay while he gives his wife the space she’s asked for, Wes is shocked when he runs into a familiar face from his past. As they catch up, Wes quickly learns his old classmate has an extra room and a non-existent social life. He can’t help feeling grateful to spend time with someone who remembers who he was during their glory days, long before his life fell apart. So, when Elias offers to rent out his spare bedroom, it seems like the answer to all Wes’s problems. Wes takes his old friend up on the offer without hesitation.
Living with someone you barely know is better than living with a stranger… Isn’t it?
But soon, Wes realizes moving in with Elias may have been a mistake.
Between the wild mood swings, strange occurrences, and total disregard for his new roommate’s privacy, Wes begins to wonder if Elias will be his savior or his worst nightmare.
When his wife reveals devastating news that destroys the final bit of shaky ground Wes was standing on, his new roommate may be all he has left.
Maybe that’s what Elias wanted in the first place…
Or maybe it’s all in Wes’s head.
Elias invited him in…
Will Wes ever be able to leave?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2021
1973 people are currently reading
9402 people want to read
About the author
Kiersten Modglin
57 books14.4k followersKIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.
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CONNECT WITH KIERSTEN:
➜ WEBSITE: kierstenmodglinauthor.com
➜ NEWSLETTER: kierstenmodglinauthor.com/nlsignup
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ KMOD SQUAD: facebook.com/groups/kmodsquad
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ THREADS: threads.net/@kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ TEXT ALERTS: kierstenmodglinauthor.com/textalerts
Kiersten Modglin may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ kierstenmodglinauthor.com/events
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,022 reviews
April 23, 2021
Halfway through, DNF. What a waste of time. The main character is a sniveling, selfish, pathetic man, a husband and father. He’s put work before his family, himself. His wife, after many years of marriage has finally stopped (so she says pathetically) putting up with his ignorance and has him move out of the family home.
What transpires between these two is a constant back and forth of wimpy accusations, quarreling, each being so weak of character. Throw in a teenaged daughter full of angst and rebellion and now that the parents are at this point in their relationship, she is being manipulative and playing a fine role as victim. Oh, I just got so tired of the back and forth, back and forth, and the blaming between all of them I was getting a headache. What’s worse is during all this, he’s hoping and wishing they can just get back together saying he will change. It’s all just words and excuses and pulling at any loose thread of hope.
As if this isn’t dysfunctional enough, the appearance of some long lost student from years past at school, makes a reacquaintance of the husband in a grocery store; but the husband does not remember him. The wife does. He was some sort of geek then and still is now. Stupidly, the guys meet each other for a drink and the husband easily blabs all his marital and work troubles and all to this crazy, eccentric, creepy guy. More Stupidly, the husband moves into this guy’s apartment; there are signs there is something very wrong and dysfunctional about this “friendship/relationship” and most especially with this guy’s weird character and behavior. As can be expected, this guy easily infiltrates into other areas of this family’s lives and it’s not good.
I really could not stand any of the characters (!) and the weak plot and dialogue between them all made me feel like I was a sideline in a sappy TV divorce court with a stalker. Too much crying, not enough trying. If someone had the strength and power to end things, it looked like it had to be me by quickly and firmly shutting the cover of this book and tossing it aside. Good riddance.
What transpires between these two is a constant back and forth of wimpy accusations, quarreling, each being so weak of character. Throw in a teenaged daughter full of angst and rebellion and now that the parents are at this point in their relationship, she is being manipulative and playing a fine role as victim. Oh, I just got so tired of the back and forth, back and forth, and the blaming between all of them I was getting a headache. What’s worse is during all this, he’s hoping and wishing they can just get back together saying he will change. It’s all just words and excuses and pulling at any loose thread of hope.
As if this isn’t dysfunctional enough, the appearance of some long lost student from years past at school, makes a reacquaintance of the husband in a grocery store; but the husband does not remember him. The wife does. He was some sort of geek then and still is now. Stupidly, the guys meet each other for a drink and the husband easily blabs all his marital and work troubles and all to this crazy, eccentric, creepy guy. More Stupidly, the husband moves into this guy’s apartment; there are signs there is something very wrong and dysfunctional about this “friendship/relationship” and most especially with this guy’s weird character and behavior. As can be expected, this guy easily infiltrates into other areas of this family’s lives and it’s not good.
I really could not stand any of the characters (!) and the weak plot and dialogue between them all made me feel like I was a sideline in a sappy TV divorce court with a stalker. Too much crying, not enough trying. If someone had the strength and power to end things, it looked like it had to be me by quickly and firmly shutting the cover of this book and tossing it aside. Good riddance.
May 31, 2022
Wesley's marriage is on the rocks and his daughter Rory is hitting her teens. Finding it hard to connect or save his marriage he moves in with Elias. Roommate from heaven...or more like hell?
The quality of writing is good, easy to read with a good steady pace. Could have had a bigger plot. The character development was good for such a short book. The book cover gave off a very mysterious feel.
I liked were this book was going. The plot was well thought out, but could have had a bigger WOW factor. Overall a quick fast paced read and a storyline which I did enjoy.
The quality of writing is good, easy to read with a good steady pace. Could have had a bigger plot. The character development was good for such a short book. The book cover gave off a very mysterious feel.
I liked were this book was going. The plot was well thought out, but could have had a bigger WOW factor. Overall a quick fast paced read and a storyline which I did enjoy.
February 22, 2021
4.5/5
This was supposed to be a #coffeeandcurrentlyreading post but I started this yesterday and could not put it down. That’s actually one of the things I love the most about Kiersten’s books, they’re highly compulsive, page turners that always keep me on my toes.
Wes is having a string of awful luck, he’s in debt, his teenaged daughter is acting like a teenager and now his wife wants a separation. When he runs into an old acquaintance from high school and he offers him a room, he’s super grateful, but Elias is kinda odd and things just seem off. And that’s where I’ll stop with plot details because this was twisty! There’s a great simmering sense of unease throughout the whole book and once again the author throughly entertained me. Definitely recommended the next time you’re in the mood for a binge worthy thriller
This was supposed to be a #coffeeandcurrentlyreading post but I started this yesterday and could not put it down. That’s actually one of the things I love the most about Kiersten’s books, they’re highly compulsive, page turners that always keep me on my toes.
Wes is having a string of awful luck, he’s in debt, his teenaged daughter is acting like a teenager and now his wife wants a separation. When he runs into an old acquaintance from high school and he offers him a room, he’s super grateful, but Elias is kinda odd and things just seem off. And that’s where I’ll stop with plot details because this was twisty! There’s a great simmering sense of unease throughout the whole book and once again the author throughly entertained me. Definitely recommended the next time you’re in the mood for a binge worthy thriller
August 8, 2021
Oh man. I have a lot to unpack here.
I don’t usually complain about books but this one pissed me off. It was a lifetime movie on steroids.
The characters are so unlikeable, especially the wife. I almost DNF this book because the wife made me so furious. I was imagining treating my fiancé the way she treated the “love of her life” and it made me sick. Even if he did put his career first… I could never.
Anyway, this was terribly, terribly predictable and unrealistic. For starters when Wes told Addy it was Elias he was living with you’d think she would mention “oh he was so supportive and helpful after his brother committed suicide and left me heartbroken” but no. All she mentions was that he was a sweetheart who was in math decathlons. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t have reminded her husband that this was the BROTHER of her late boyfriend, and only boyfriend prior to Wes.
Second, Wes was just so sad and pathetic. Moving out to live in a motel and letting his wife trample all over him and his daughter disrespect him, then being desperate enough to move in with a near total stranger and ignoring all of the red flags. How can a grown man be that naive? I barely even understand the reasons for why they were separated, but I do acknowledge it is just his point of view after all. He was pretty hard on himself though. She was so mistrusting of him though and it’s not like he was a cheater. He was just really attached to his job… and before anyone comes for me I know he shouldn’t have moved his family to that upscale neighborhood and the appearance he was trying to maintain came with consequences, but come on. He’s madly in love with her and he was just working his ass off trying to give them all an awesome life.
Third, sneaking that random bunch of weirdos into his place of business to get signed CDs…. Just what the hell? This guy kept acting like the universe was out to get him but really he was a damn moron. Also the sleeping with Stephanie thing… this man was just incapable of making good decisions.
Fourth, OF COURSE BRODY WAS ELIAS. I’m not the best at guessing endings but I knew the ending once I found out there was a new boyfriend in the daughter’s life. He wasn’t described as being particularly handsome so that was the only thing that did throw me off, but then again he was preying on a 14 year old girl.
Anyway I digress, the ending involved the MIL shooting Elias in the leg and them all safely waiting for the police to show up. Then Wes and Addy fix their relationship and they all move and change their names, but not before Wes visits Elias in prison to try to get some closure I guess.
I don’t know man. This book was a whole lot of nothing, bitchy cruel wife, disrespectful uncaring daughter, weird ass roommate predator creep, monster in law, and a job that kicks the sad and pathetic main characters ass, but doesn’t even pay him enough to live on his own. I love the way this author hooks you in, but at what cost. I was really hoping for some knock your socks off twist. Instead it is what the title says it is. It’s the roommate.
I don’t usually complain about books but this one pissed me off. It was a lifetime movie on steroids.
The characters are so unlikeable, especially the wife. I almost DNF this book because the wife made me so furious. I was imagining treating my fiancé the way she treated the “love of her life” and it made me sick. Even if he did put his career first… I could never.
Anyway, this was terribly, terribly predictable and unrealistic. For starters when Wes told Addy it was Elias he was living with you’d think she would mention “oh he was so supportive and helpful after his brother committed suicide and left me heartbroken” but no. All she mentions was that he was a sweetheart who was in math decathlons. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t have reminded her husband that this was the BROTHER of her late boyfriend, and only boyfriend prior to Wes.
Second, Wes was just so sad and pathetic. Moving out to live in a motel and letting his wife trample all over him and his daughter disrespect him, then being desperate enough to move in with a near total stranger and ignoring all of the red flags. How can a grown man be that naive? I barely even understand the reasons for why they were separated, but I do acknowledge it is just his point of view after all. He was pretty hard on himself though. She was so mistrusting of him though and it’s not like he was a cheater. He was just really attached to his job… and before anyone comes for me I know he shouldn’t have moved his family to that upscale neighborhood and the appearance he was trying to maintain came with consequences, but come on. He’s madly in love with her and he was just working his ass off trying to give them all an awesome life.
Third, sneaking that random bunch of weirdos into his place of business to get signed CDs…. Just what the hell? This guy kept acting like the universe was out to get him but really he was a damn moron. Also the sleeping with Stephanie thing… this man was just incapable of making good decisions.
Fourth, OF COURSE BRODY WAS ELIAS. I’m not the best at guessing endings but I knew the ending once I found out there was a new boyfriend in the daughter’s life. He wasn’t described as being particularly handsome so that was the only thing that did throw me off, but then again he was preying on a 14 year old girl.
Anyway I digress, the ending involved the MIL shooting Elias in the leg and them all safely waiting for the police to show up. Then Wes and Addy fix their relationship and they all move and change their names, but not before Wes visits Elias in prison to try to get some closure I guess.
I don’t know man. This book was a whole lot of nothing, bitchy cruel wife, disrespectful uncaring daughter, weird ass roommate predator creep, monster in law, and a job that kicks the sad and pathetic main characters ass, but doesn’t even pay him enough to live on his own. I love the way this author hooks you in, but at what cost. I was really hoping for some knock your socks off twist. Instead it is what the title says it is. It’s the roommate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
Good but forgettable. Also the last part of the book was rushed and was confusing. The end made no sense to me. So entertaining but not my favorite.
March 3, 2021
Mind boggling
I love your books, I almost always read a book a day, I am 80 and do not get it much. Your books I can put down, this one I finished in 10 hours. Thanks for making a lot of my days enjoyable.yay
I love your books, I almost always read a book a day, I am 80 and do not get it much. Your books I can put down, this one I finished in 10 hours. Thanks for making a lot of my days enjoyable.yay
November 20, 2024
Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, things changed. Then it was funny, but in a good way. The ending sentence was so good!
February 25, 2021
Holy cow! Kiersten gives us a bad marriage and a psycho from hell!! All from a male perspective and it’s crazy! Wesley and Addy Gates are high school sweethearts with one daughter, Rory, together forever so he thought. Their marriage has hit a rough patch with no immediate resolution so Addy asks him to leave, to give her time & space. While shopping for necessities, he runs into an old classmate Elias Munn. They catch up over drinks and Elias invites Wes to be a roommate. Of course Wes doesn’t play attention to red flags so hold on for some suspense! Thank you Kiersten for a gifted copy!
November 30, 2024
It wasn't terrible!
October 25, 2025
This was entertaining enough, nothing mindblowing and somewhat predictable. Definitely my least fav K Mod book so far.
February 15, 2021
Modglin is famous for her sharp and twisted stories for thriller lovers, and The Roommate may be the freshest of them all. Told from the perspective of a husband dealing with problems in his marriage, Wesley's inner turmoil is palpable. The author sows the seeds of distrust is those around Wesley flawlessly. Especially his new roommate, Elias. Their intense and dubious dynamic is unlike any other I've read. Questionable intentions, desperate decisions, and shattering revelations catapult this psychological thriller to the next level of suspense.
In this impressively original concept, Modglin doesn't just keep you guessing—she'll have you flipping theories more often than The Property Brothers flip houses.
As her avid readers know, you can't trust anyone in her stories, but you can trust that Modglin will entertain and thrill you EVERY. TIME. In The Roommate, Kiersten Modglin delivers shocking twists, impeccable pacing as always, and a story more dark and addictive than ever!
In this impressively original concept, Modglin doesn't just keep you guessing—she'll have you flipping theories more often than The Property Brothers flip houses.
As her avid readers know, you can't trust anyone in her stories, but you can trust that Modglin will entertain and thrill you EVERY. TIME. In The Roommate, Kiersten Modglin delivers shocking twists, impeccable pacing as always, and a story more dark and addictive than ever!
August 29, 2023
As much as I hate to admit it, this was a miss for me. I normally love her books, but not this one. Too many implausibilities and incredibly bad decisions from our protagonists. Let’s be honest — Addy and Wes, our husband and wife, are not very likable. In fact, I found them quite insufferable. I really wanted to like them and root for them. But they made it so freaking hard!
Wes made poor decision after poor decision. He moves in with Elias, a stranger for all practical purposes, and then pours his heart out to him. Why confide in someone you barely know?? And then there’s Addy, who goes from just wanting some space to getting a divorce attorney in a matter of days. Made so little sense to me. For supposedly smart people, they made horrible choices again and again. The plot was so promising, but it just fell flat for me.
Wes made poor decision after poor decision. He moves in with Elias, a stranger for all practical purposes, and then pours his heart out to him. Why confide in someone you barely know?? And then there’s Addy, who goes from just wanting some space to getting a divorce attorney in a matter of days. Made so little sense to me. For supposedly smart people, they made horrible choices again and again. The plot was so promising, but it just fell flat for me.
July 5, 2021
Modglin's Best Yet
"Something wasn't right about Elias. Something wasn't right at all."
I love, love, LOVE the character development in this book! Elias had my little hairs raised from the moment he was introduced. He gives off a classic 'Cable Guy' vibe and I was absolutely dying to know what would happen with him next. I also liked the POV character, Wes. He's an average guy pumping himself up to be seen as much more than he truly is which I think is quite common these days. It was refreshing to read about him taking responsibility for his actions and seeing true worth and changing his priorities. At first I loathed his wife. She seemed like she was hiding things, making excuses, but once her truth came out I felt for her. And then there's little teenage Rory--Modglin nails "teenage girl" smack dab on the head.
The story twists and turns, swerving through Wes' life that only gets worse every day. Things happen that he can't explain and Elias seems to be gaslighting him about the strangest and most mundane things. He also seems to be the last second hero every time Wes is desperate.
But then, all at once, it all comes crashing down, revealing the truth behind Elias and his friendship with Wes. My jaw dropped to the floor. Oh, but it didn't end there. No, no. It only got worse. I was floored and my heart was pounding. I had no clue how they would get out of this mess alive.
This book was so fast paced and every chapter ramped up the tension as well as the mystery. Be prepared to not be able to put this book back down once you pick it up!
"Something wasn't right about Elias. Something wasn't right at all."
I love, love, LOVE the character development in this book! Elias had my little hairs raised from the moment he was introduced. He gives off a classic 'Cable Guy' vibe and I was absolutely dying to know what would happen with him next. I also liked the POV character, Wes. He's an average guy pumping himself up to be seen as much more than he truly is which I think is quite common these days. It was refreshing to read about him taking responsibility for his actions and seeing true worth and changing his priorities. At first I loathed his wife. She seemed like she was hiding things, making excuses, but once her truth came out I felt for her. And then there's little teenage Rory--Modglin nails "teenage girl" smack dab on the head.
The story twists and turns, swerving through Wes' life that only gets worse every day. Things happen that he can't explain and Elias seems to be gaslighting him about the strangest and most mundane things. He also seems to be the last second hero every time Wes is desperate.
But then, all at once, it all comes crashing down, revealing the truth behind Elias and his friendship with Wes. My jaw dropped to the floor. Oh, but it didn't end there. No, no. It only got worse. I was floored and my heart was pounding. I had no clue how they would get out of this mess alive.
This book was so fast paced and every chapter ramped up the tension as well as the mystery. Be prepared to not be able to put this book back down once you pick it up!
August 4, 2025
4 Stars
This was a very disturbing read. To think this could actually happen.
Wes and his wife Addie weren't getting along for awhile. Addie suggests a break from a break from each other until he can start paying more attention to their marriage.
Wes is completely focused on his job and starts neglecting his wife daughter.
He meets a man he vaguely remembers from high-school in grocery store one day who offers him a room in his condo.
Wes accepts but tells him it's only temporary.
After he moves in his life slowly starts to fall apart. His manipulative roommate is the problem. Wes starts doubting his own thoughts and wonders if he's going crazy.
All caused by his very peculiar roommate.
Kiersten Modglin is a favourite and her stories never fail to be creepy and thrilling
This was a very disturbing read. To think this could actually happen.
Wes and his wife Addie weren't getting along for awhile. Addie suggests a break from a break from each other until he can start paying more attention to their marriage.
Wes is completely focused on his job and starts neglecting his wife daughter.
He meets a man he vaguely remembers from high-school in grocery store one day who offers him a room in his condo.
Wes accepts but tells him it's only temporary.
After he moves in his life slowly starts to fall apart. His manipulative roommate is the problem. Wes starts doubting his own thoughts and wonders if he's going crazy.
All caused by his very peculiar roommate.
Kiersten Modglin is a favourite and her stories never fail to be creepy and thrilling
August 2, 2025
another story about
a dumb male losing his
mind due to the strength
of his ego - a really juicy
and unmissable one. ♡
a dumb male losing his
mind due to the strength
of his ego - a really juicy
and unmissable one. ♡
February 22, 2021
"I'd lost everything in the blink of an eye. How had things gone so wrong so quickly?"
Well, I could tell you, but then I would deprive you of reading yet another stellar and brilliant book from this author. Why would I ever want to do that?
Once again, Ms. Modglin kept me glued to my Kindle, ignoring all else around me. I was captivated, drawn in, held hostage, whatever you want to call it - I couldn't put it down! Page after page had me creating an inner monologue of "What the...?" and "No way!", "Holy....!" and "OMG!". I wasn't sure what I was in for each time I turned the page!!
The story is told from the perspective of Wes Gates. His marriage on the brink of destruction, a daughter who is pulling further and further away, no place to live, bank account dwindling. You name it, his life has turned to a heaping pile of.... well, you know.
After moving in with Elias, even with positive hopes, things begin to unravel even further. Can Wes trust anyone? Who in his life is sincere, who is lying, or is he just losing grip? You just don't know, of course, until the very end. Ms. Modglin spins the web of doubt brilliantly and will keep you guessing , until.... oh....the last chapter!! I was totally floored! Well, that's nothing new with this author - I'm floored at the end of ALL of her books!
If you haven't read any of her books, I highly suggest you do right now! I am amazed at how this author comes up with new and twisted ideas one after the other, but I adore her for it!!
Well, I could tell you, but then I would deprive you of reading yet another stellar and brilliant book from this author. Why would I ever want to do that?
Once again, Ms. Modglin kept me glued to my Kindle, ignoring all else around me. I was captivated, drawn in, held hostage, whatever you want to call it - I couldn't put it down! Page after page had me creating an inner monologue of "What the...?" and "No way!", "Holy....!" and "OMG!". I wasn't sure what I was in for each time I turned the page!!
The story is told from the perspective of Wes Gates. His marriage on the brink of destruction, a daughter who is pulling further and further away, no place to live, bank account dwindling. You name it, his life has turned to a heaping pile of.... well, you know.
After moving in with Elias, even with positive hopes, things begin to unravel even further. Can Wes trust anyone? Who in his life is sincere, who is lying, or is he just losing grip? You just don't know, of course, until the very end. Ms. Modglin spins the web of doubt brilliantly and will keep you guessing , until.... oh....the last chapter!! I was totally floored! Well, that's nothing new with this author - I'm floored at the end of ALL of her books!
If you haven't read any of her books, I highly suggest you do right now! I am amazed at how this author comes up with new and twisted ideas one after the other, but I adore her for it!!
November 28, 2023
I gave this 4.5 ⭐ wow what a crazy ride 🎢😵💫🙃 lol I could not put this book down! I figured out who "did it" early on but that's ok, it was a great read to the end! I freakin loved the ending! 😆😆👌🏻👌🏻 I will forever recommend Kiersten's books to anybody that loves psychological thrillers that have amazing plot twists! Her books are always 4 or 5 stars for me 🤩🤩
October 6, 2021
Not terrible. :)
September 10, 2025
2.75 stars. This was okay. Not memorable but not bad.
February 20, 2021
Published: March 1, 2021
Kiersten Modglin
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kiersten Modglin is an Amazon Top 30 bestselling author of award-winning psychological suspense novels and a member of International Thriller Writers. Kiersten lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, daughter, and their two Boston Terriers: Cedric and Georgie. She is best known for her unpredictable suspense, and her readers have dubbed her 'The Queen of Twists.'
“Who’s paranoid now, bitch?”
Wes is dealing with a lot. An extremely demanding job, the operates well outside of the typical 9 to 5. Clients who require him to be always available and flexible. And his marriage is starting to crumble. His wife, Addie, has finally had enough of coming in second to everything else. So they separate. Addie needs time and space. Wes needs to get a clue. But now, Wes may lose everything, including himself.
HOLY HECK AND HOLY BUCKETS. This was a journey. I am exhausted, I feel like I just ran 10 miles, and let’s be real honest- I do not run ever. My heart rate is elevated, I am sweating, breathing heavily, and I could not read this book fast enough.
This story is told from Wes’s perspective, and his internal dialogue will, at times, make you want to shake him. And at other times, it will break your heart. Wes is such a vulnerable character. And honestly, it’s easy to see yourself in his place. We have all put our jobs ahead of the people we love. We have made sacrifices because work was calling. And we don’t do it because we love our family less, but we forget. We forget that the people in our lives need to feel seen, heard, appreciated. Boy, does Wes get a killer reminder.
I loved Addie, Wes’s wife. She comes across as genuine, kind, smart, loving, and forgiving. It’s pretty apparent from her introduction that she has allowed more than she should have for her and Rory- their teenage daughter- to come in second, or third, or fifth. She has tolerated being forgotten, under-appreciated, and treated as a convenience for far too long. Now, she’s devastated and has had enough. Wes is going to hear her. Wes is going to see her. And Wes is going to realize what he is losing.
The build-up for this book is so intense and yet so evenly paced, and you really will not see the twist until the first one smacks you in the face. The Queen of Twists strikes again, y’all. Everything in this book is so carefully crafted and so delicately places. It is the ultimate house of cards- and boy, is Kiersten ever a gust of wind.
Elias is an old acquaintance from high school, whom Wes hasn’t seen or spoken to in ages. When they happen to run into each other, Wes has no idea how crazy things will become. Kiersten has such a gift for developing her characters. These characters are all so fleshed out that they could be real people. And the most terrifying thing about this book is something like this could actually happen.
In what may be the most intense hours of their lives, buckle up because you’re in for one hell of a ride.
Kiersten Modglin
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kiersten Modglin is an Amazon Top 30 bestselling author of award-winning psychological suspense novels and a member of International Thriller Writers. Kiersten lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, daughter, and their two Boston Terriers: Cedric and Georgie. She is best known for her unpredictable suspense, and her readers have dubbed her 'The Queen of Twists.'
“Who’s paranoid now, bitch?”
Wes is dealing with a lot. An extremely demanding job, the operates well outside of the typical 9 to 5. Clients who require him to be always available and flexible. And his marriage is starting to crumble. His wife, Addie, has finally had enough of coming in second to everything else. So they separate. Addie needs time and space. Wes needs to get a clue. But now, Wes may lose everything, including himself.
HOLY HECK AND HOLY BUCKETS. This was a journey. I am exhausted, I feel like I just ran 10 miles, and let’s be real honest- I do not run ever. My heart rate is elevated, I am sweating, breathing heavily, and I could not read this book fast enough.
This story is told from Wes’s perspective, and his internal dialogue will, at times, make you want to shake him. And at other times, it will break your heart. Wes is such a vulnerable character. And honestly, it’s easy to see yourself in his place. We have all put our jobs ahead of the people we love. We have made sacrifices because work was calling. And we don’t do it because we love our family less, but we forget. We forget that the people in our lives need to feel seen, heard, appreciated. Boy, does Wes get a killer reminder.
I loved Addie, Wes’s wife. She comes across as genuine, kind, smart, loving, and forgiving. It’s pretty apparent from her introduction that she has allowed more than she should have for her and Rory- their teenage daughter- to come in second, or third, or fifth. She has tolerated being forgotten, under-appreciated, and treated as a convenience for far too long. Now, she’s devastated and has had enough. Wes is going to hear her. Wes is going to see her. And Wes is going to realize what he is losing.
The build-up for this book is so intense and yet so evenly paced, and you really will not see the twist until the first one smacks you in the face. The Queen of Twists strikes again, y’all. Everything in this book is so carefully crafted and so delicately places. It is the ultimate house of cards- and boy, is Kiersten ever a gust of wind.
Elias is an old acquaintance from high school, whom Wes hasn’t seen or spoken to in ages. When they happen to run into each other, Wes has no idea how crazy things will become. Kiersten has such a gift for developing her characters. These characters are all so fleshed out that they could be real people. And the most terrifying thing about this book is something like this could actually happen.
In what may be the most intense hours of their lives, buckle up because you’re in for one hell of a ride.
October 17, 2024
Well, 'The Roommate' certainly kept me on my toes, but not always in the best way. Wes, our down-on-his-luck protagonist, moves in with Elias, an old classmate, and things quickly spiral into a bizarre mix of mood swings and privacy invasions. It's like a reality show gone wrong, but without the guilty pleasure.
The plot twists were as frequent as my eye rolls, and while some were genuinely surprising, others felt like they were thrown in just for the shock factor. Elias's character was a rollercoaster of unpredictability, but not always in a thrilling way—more like a 'why am I still on this ride?' kind of way.
Modglin's writing is engaging, and she definitely knows how to build suspense, but the story sometimes felt like it was trying too hard to be edgy. If you're into psychological thrillers with a side of 'what did I just read?', this might be your cup of tea. For me, it was more like a lukewarm coffee—interesting enough to finish, but not something I'd rave about.
The plot twists were as frequent as my eye rolls, and while some were genuinely surprising, others felt like they were thrown in just for the shock factor. Elias's character was a rollercoaster of unpredictability, but not always in a thrilling way—more like a 'why am I still on this ride?' kind of way.
Modglin's writing is engaging, and she definitely knows how to build suspense, but the story sometimes felt like it was trying too hard to be edgy. If you're into psychological thrillers with a side of 'what did I just read?', this might be your cup of tea. For me, it was more like a lukewarm coffee—interesting enough to finish, but not something I'd rave about.
July 1, 2021
..I don’t have much stuff, so I wouldn’t take up too much space, and I’m gone most of the day so you’d hardly notice me—” “Hey,” he cut me off, his hands up as if to proclaim his innocence, “you don’t have to convince me. I’ve already offered you the room. It’s yours if you want it.” “I’d owe you one,” I said, extending my hand toward his. “Don’t mention it,” he said. “So, when do you want to move in?”
Wesley Gates is all out of luck. He is drowing in debt, in a lifeless relationship with kids and he has to decide where he wants to live when his mariage deteriorates. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Elias an acquainance of him offers his spot to crash. It will be the perfect solution to his current situation but how much does he know about him? Living with a stranger does not bring him any assurance but only adds more anxiety to his more complicated life. However, he has everything to lose without taking the offer with consideration. Against his better judgement, he finally decides to take Elias as a roomate but things are not the same. Why is Elias so nosey about his love life? Why does he insist on trusting Him when his instincts tell him that he is no good. Elias and Welsey are caught between a forced relationship that will trap Welsey in a relationship that he does not want to be in.
This was a remarkable novel, it is full of suspense and intrigue. I love the characterization and every page gets better then the last. It is very fast paced that will have you guessing on what the character does.it reads like a screenplay that have you at the edge of your seat due to the thrilling moments.
It ended in a cliffhanger but it was a deliciously wicked ending that guaranteed the five stars.
Highly recommended!
Wesley Gates is all out of luck. He is drowing in debt, in a lifeless relationship with kids and he has to decide where he wants to live when his mariage deteriorates. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Elias an acquainance of him offers his spot to crash. It will be the perfect solution to his current situation but how much does he know about him? Living with a stranger does not bring him any assurance but only adds more anxiety to his more complicated life. However, he has everything to lose without taking the offer with consideration. Against his better judgement, he finally decides to take Elias as a roomate but things are not the same. Why is Elias so nosey about his love life? Why does he insist on trusting Him when his instincts tell him that he is no good. Elias and Welsey are caught between a forced relationship that will trap Welsey in a relationship that he does not want to be in.
This was a remarkable novel, it is full of suspense and intrigue. I love the characterization and every page gets better then the last. It is very fast paced that will have you guessing on what the character does.it reads like a screenplay that have you at the edge of your seat due to the thrilling moments.
It ended in a cliffhanger but it was a deliciously wicked ending that guaranteed the five stars.
Highly recommended!
June 7, 2023
I’ve read all but one of Modglin’s books. She is always a go-to for those easy read thrillers. I put this one off because I usually avoid those crazies- like the crazy roommate, mother-in-law, ex, child, etc. I was really not expecting a male protagonist. That brought an interesting spin to the typical story of this type. Poor Wesley, his wife has kicked him out of the house when he runs into an old classmate that offers him a room. While trying to mend his marriage, the other parts of his life begin to unravel as well. What role, if any, does his roommate play? With everything at stake (his wife, child, job), will he ever get his life back?
While no real twist, I enjoyed the ride nonetheless. I read it in a few hours and look forward to more of Modglin’s books in the future!
While no real twist, I enjoyed the ride nonetheless. I read it in a few hours and look forward to more of Modglin’s books in the future!
November 24, 2024
Terrible. Predictable. Not really very interesting. It was a small twist at the end, but it wasn’t anything major. I did listen to this book on audible and the narrator‘s voice did not suit the character or the story at all. I don’t know if anything could have saved this particular story, though.Nothing like her other books. Her other books are fantastic. This was just awful.
June 3, 2022
Again, I’ll never understand why characters don’t listen to their gut instinct or see the red flags, but I’m here for the twists and turns lol
Elias is one crazy roommate! With a roommate like him, who needs friends or enemies??
Elias is one crazy roommate! With a roommate like him, who needs friends or enemies??
Read
September 29, 2022Dnf 29% for now
May 13, 2024
I enjoy Kiersten Modglin's books, but this one was predictable. It's not my favorite, but it's still a decent/average read.
December 23, 2024
Listened to this on audio - it gave Lifetime movie vibes. Was a bit predictable but entertaining to listen to.
April 3, 2025
Excellent book. I haven’t read a Kiersten Modglin book yet that I haven’t loved.
January 16, 2025
Frieda gibi ha bire kitap basmış ablamız , güzel çerezlik okunur.
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