I don't want to be the one who gets the next surprise: THE HOUSEMATE.

The Housemate by Sarah Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve always loved Sarah Bailey’s writing, and this book is another testament to her talent for crafting intelligent, complex female characters. Her women are layered—flawed, smart, and quietly powerful—and this time, we meet Olive (Oli) Groves, a seasoned reporter with a complicated past.

A decade ago, Oli was the first journalist on the scene of a shocking crime: Evelyn, a university student, was brutally murdered. One housemate, Nicole, vanished without a trace, while the third, Alex, was found drenched in blood and later arrested. Nicole was never seen again.

Now, ten years later, the case is back in the spotlight after a surprising development. Oli, older and wiser, returns to cover the story—this time paired with Cooper Ng, an ambitious young podcaster digging into the infamous "housemate murder."

Adding another layer of complexity, Oli is now engaged to the widower of Isabelle Hardley, the original detective on the case. As Oli tries to build a life with Isabelle’s children and her new fiancé, she finds herself haunted—both literally and figuratively—by the woman she’s replacing. Isabelle’s old journals become a powerful thread in the narrative, offering insight and emotional depth as Oli tries to reconcile her present with the shadows of the past.

The novel unfolds in a dual timeline—then and now—which adds richness and tension to the storytelling. It’s a gripping, character-driven mystery filled with psychological nuance, and once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up late racing to the final pages, eager to see how all the pieces would fall into place.

There’s a large cast of characters and many intertwining plotlines, but Bailey weaves it all together masterfully. Every thread serves a purpose, and the payoff is deeply satisfying.

If you're looking for an intelligent, layered mystery that keeps you thinking and constantly guessing, this one should be at the top of your list.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Datura Books in return for an unbiased review.

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