The first few chapter of The Perfect Roommate grabbed me, but then the story fell off. It felt like the author leaned heavily on clichéd phraes ("miles-long legs") and one-dimensional characterizations to set up the story. It might have been a fit for me if I wanted something lighter, but I was hoping for a more nuanced story. This wasn't for me, but hopefully it will find its audience.

This book definitely kept me on my toes! And one reason I have never wanted a roommate! Great read, unexpected ending but towards the end you kinda know what's going to happen. Can't wait to read more by Minka Kent! Great story line

It was a great suspenseful read!!! The short chapters were great while at the same time full of plot and mystery.

Firstly, I love Minka Kent! I will one day get through all her books…however this wasn’t my favourite one. Nothing really happened until 70% in and the action was over and done with quick…although again it was a worthwhile read and I reiterate Minka Kent is fabulous!

3⭐️ The Perfect Roommate was a quick, entertaining read with a twist that was a little obvious but still fun to watch unfold.

The story follows a woman who knows everything about her roommate — her habits, routines, secrets — and, most importantly, what she did. It has that fast-paced, slightly over-the-top vibe that reminded me a bit of a Freida McFadden book.

While the twist didn’t surprise me, I still enjoyed the ride. It's one of those books that’s easy to fly through in a sitting or two. Not groundbreaking, but a solid popcorn thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I found the first half of this book very slow, but enjoyed the second half of the book. It is a short easy read . I really liked Meadow's character. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for ARC.

This was such a perfect popcorn thriller and as I am a mood reader, this came into my life right at the perfect time! I loved the pacing of this, where it gets right into the story and you are constantly guessing what way it may take you next, that’s what I love about this genre! Excited to check out more by this author!

Minka Kent’s The Perfect Roommate draws you into Meadow’s story where subtle tensions begin to surface between her and her new roommate, Lauren. There’s an underlying sense of unease that steadily builds as their friendship develops, keeping you questioning which woman harbors the darker side. This slow-burn suspense is one of the novel’s key strengths.

While I found the overall plot solid—if somewhat predictable in places—the author skillfully delivers enough twists to keep the reader invested, and the ending, though partially anticipated, still held satisfying surprises.

With its brisk pacing and accessible writing style, The Perfect Roommate is perfect for a weekend binge-read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of the domestic thriller genre. I’m grateful to Minka Kent and Ardent PRose for providing an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. 3.75

This story focused on the life and personality changes of the main character, Meadow. I felt the story started to create a foundation based around her life and painting an image of her before it got to the thriller component of the book. Some predictability with the plot. The story’s build up leaves your imagination spiraling to what you think will happen next, which made the anticipation increase and it became such a fun fast paced read. Some aspects of the book made me feel like it was leaning toward a young adult type of genre. I’d recommend reading Minka’s books any day of the week.

8% DNF, here is why:

I enjoyed:
-Cover is really cool
-I have been wanting to read this author and keep seeing them everywhere, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity
-I really liked the writing style
-This is first person POV, which I enjoy
-I was really grateful it was formatted properly

What was not working for me:
-I think this specific book with the plot itself is not for me, so I am interested to read their other books and see if I end up loving one, as I enjoy the writing style and I know I am a very picky thriller reader (I am trying to put it into words, as I enjoyed the style of the writing, but I was hoping different actions would take place and was frustrated reading initially and struggled to get into it)
-I kept wanting to try to get into it but I am forcing myself through a book that should be pulling me in immediately, and to me that is a sign that this is not the book for me at this time. I might pick it back up at the bookstore once it publishes and have a different experience with it in person, who knows.

I am planning to check this author out at my library and bookstore to see their other works as I enjoyed the writing style, the blurb was promising and I liked the cover and have seen this author everywhere! While this thriller was not personally for me, you might love it.

Thank you for the free eARC! I am leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.

Read this book in 2 days. Could not put it down. I had a few guesses at the ending but still quite a few surprises. Loved all the characters

When I saw a Minka Kent book available for instant download, I had to jump on it! This was a fast paced, easy to follow domestic-esque thriller. This follows Meadow, who is just looking for someone to live with while she finishes school. Meadow has her own secrets she would like to hide, however. Meadow is definitely a chameleon and can morph into those that she surrounds herself with. When she becomes the center of a murder investigation on a night she has no recollection, she won't stop to get to the bottom of things. Who is a killer and who is a true friend? Can you really trust anyone?

Minka Kent, The Perfect Roommate, Thomas & Mercer, June 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

The Perfect Roommate cleverly combines a crime with reflection on social mores that define character and class. Although none of the characters is particularly appealing, they are interesting enough to maintain the focus that is the strength of any plot – keeping readers wondering about what happens next. In addition, there is unexpected warmth between characters, some honest, some not so honest. Nevertheless, the depiction of relationships, while being a device to provide motivation to the characters, is a thoughtful way to sharpen the portrayal of the roommates, Meadow and Lauren; their parents, Lauren’s friends, Tessa and Thayer, and Elisabeth, Meadow’s employer/friend and her husband, Professor Bristowe. Set in a university town, it could be expected that the students have their minds on their future careers. For others this is not the case at all.

Meadow cleans houses for a living and has few belongings; Lauren has wealthy parents who support her lifestyle of abundance - designer clothing, exotic drinks, and expensive outings. Meadow’s aim is to be the prefect housemate, as is Lauren’s. The tension is subtle, with Meadow’s past gradually being revealed, Thayer’s pursuit of Lauren becoming more ominous, and Tessa’s sincerity open to question. Meadow’s safe world is with Elisabeth whose proofs (novels wonderfully described as having ‘no cheap tricks or plot twists’) she reads. Her unsafe world is with her mother. These relationships are well developed as they adapt to circumstances, and I found them appropriately devastating and comforting in turns.

The Perfect Roommate, like Elisabeth’s proofs, has no cheap tricks or confected plot twists. Although the plot moves from outings, drinking and designer clothing to crime, this is not too farfetched, and the ending is satisfying. Once again, I enjoyed a Minka Kent novel and look forward to reading more of this prolific writer’s work.

I really enjoyed this book, the premisse, the characters and the writing.
I have to say that I was always wanting to know more and keep reading it.
The author did a great job with keeping the mystery and keep as guessing.
I was debating myself over who I should believe in.
I Will definately reccomend this book!

The Perfect Roommate by Minka Kent follows Meadow, a socially awkward college student who moves in with the seemingly perfect Lauren. As their friendship deepens, Meadow uncovers unsettling secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew. I loved this author’s writing! It made it so easy to devour this book. The twists and turns were well executed and I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller!

The Perfect Roommate by Minka Kent is a fast-paced psychological thriller that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go. It’s twisty, tense, and just the right amount of creepy—everything you want in a one-sitting read.

The story centers around a woman who takes in a new roommate to help with expenses, only for things to spiral into suspicion, secrets, and danger. Kent excels at creating a simmering sense of unease, where even the most mundane details feel like potential clues. The characters are layered and unreliable in the best way, and the tension builds steadily with every chapter.

While some twists are more predictable than others, the pacing and atmosphere make up for it. Kent’s writing is sharp and efficient, and she keeps the reader guessing who to trust until the very end. It’s one of those thrillers that makes you question how well you really know the people around you.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:
• Fast-paced domestic thrillers
• Unsettling roommate dynamics
• Unreliable narrators
• Short, binge-worthy books with plenty of suspense

The Perfect Roommate by Minka Kent
I absolutely loved this book. It was a fun, fast-paced read that kept me hooked! This was my first Minka Kent novel, and I can honestly say it won’t be my last… I’ll definitely be hunting down more of her work!

For a thriller that’s only 234 pages, I was honestly shocked at how well-written and impactful it was. Don’t let the length fool you, this little book packs a serious punch. I flew through it, and I was floored with the ending. I genuinely did not see it coming, and I was so thrilled that it went there.

I had so much fun reading this that as soon as I finished, I ran to my book group and told them all they needed to start the book asap, (selfishly i needed people to talk to about the outcome!)

Whether you’re in a slump, need a quick palate cleanser before diving into something meatier, or just want a thriller that’ll leave your jaw on the floor, this is the one.

6 stars from me. I couldn’t put it down.
Chef’s kiss!

Minka Kent never lets me down. Her books are fast paced, engrossing from the first page, and keeps the reader guessing as to what is going to happen next.

Meadow disappointed me though. She comes across as a moral person, but then does the thing she detests that others do. Lying and stealing. Without any conscience.
She is easily drawn in, and feels very let down when her friends aren't exactly the type of people she thought they were.

A good, quick read. Short chapters with twists and a plot that will keep the reader glued to the pages.

4/5 stars from me.

Meadow is a college student in need of a place to live and she has hit the jackpot with her new roommate. Lauren is friendly, outgoing, popular and kind. Meadow's new friendship with Lauren helps her come out of her shell and become more confident.

She's now friends with Lauren's friends, going to Lauren's favorite restaurants, and even wearing Lauren's old clothes.

And when there is a murder on campus, secrets come out and everything unravels.

The Perfect Roommate was a quick read and I enjoyed the characters and their relationships. Meadow is full of cynicism and sass, two of my favorite characteristics in a character. With less than 300 pages, the book offers some fun twists that kept me flipping pages.

The Perfect Roommate completely exceeded my expectations—this book is an absolute gem. From the very first chapter, I was completely captivated. The author wastes no time diving into the action and creating a gripping sense of curiosity. I found myself instantly pulled into the story and unable to put it down.

What makes this such an addictive read is how effortlessly it's written. The pacing is fast, the chapters are short, and the tension never lets up. It’s the kind of book you say you’ll read “just one more chapter” of—and then suddenly you’re up at 2 a.m. because you need to know what happens next.

But the real heart of the story for me was the character Meadow. She’s so complex, raw, and relatable. I found myself connecting with her on such a personal level—it felt like parts of me were reflected in her experiences, her thoughts, and even her flaws. Meadow isn’t a perfect heroine, and that’s what makes her so powerful. She’s human, she’s emotional, and she’s unforgettable.

The plot twists? Absolutely insane—in the best way. Just when you think you have things figured out, the story takes a sharp turn and leaves you speechless. It’s filled with suspense, drama, and just the right amount of psychological intensity to keep your heart racing.

The Perfect Roommate is more than just a thriller—it’s an emotional rollercoaster with layered characters and a storyline that keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s the perfect combination of thrilling and thought-provoking.

If you’re looking for a book that grabs you from the start, keeps you invested with shocking twists, and leaves you thinking about it long after it’s over, this is it. I would recommend The Perfect Roommate to absolutely anyone. It’s a must-read and easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time.