The Killer Next Door

The latest psychological thriller from the author of The Wicked Girls is set in a run-down apartment building that's owned by a dodgy landlord and occupied by characters who have lots of secrets but few options. An accidental death in the building pulls residents into a reluctant conspiracy, leading in time to even more gruesome revelations. Collette, who's hiding from her shady ex-boss with a bag of stolen cash, is ostensibly the main character, but the others are fully fleshed out: Cher, an underage pickpocket who's run away from a dysfunctional foster-care system; handsome Hossein, an Iranian political refugee waiting for his residency; reclusive former music teacher Gerard; Thomas, the odd duck who rents the attic; and Vesta, the elderly woman in the basement apartment. Their troubles are compounded by a slovenly, leering landlord, Roy Preece, who spies and preys on his tenants, but the real evil is the "Lover," a killer who lives among them and whose identity is concealed for much of the book. The characters drive the plot and are skillfully drawn and well-voiced by actress Imogen Church. Such a proficient follow-up to an award-winning first novel makes Marwood an author to watch and follow.