Sitting Tenant

Joyful & Engaging Fresh from suffering a breakdown and learning her job contract is not going to be renewed, Mattie receives life changing news that she has inherited a house from an Aunt she didn’t know existed, relocating from York to Lytham. Mattie connects with her neighbour, Lucas, who tells her stories about her Aunt Emilie, and urges her to contact her mother, Sofie, to find answers to the questions of her secret past. There are a wealth of supporting characters, who all have an important place in Mattie’s life and helping her to move forward. All are relatable, and easy to like - well with the exception of ‘those’ who want her to leave! Whilst Mattie is a complex character, this is a joyful, engaging and beautifully written story, with the power of love, friendship and learning to be your true self at its core. Well written and compelling, a definite recommended read.

Struggling with her mental health Mattie takes the biggest leap of her life, moving to a new home in a new town. What Mattie expected to be a new start to focus on herself, turned into a battle of discoveries, racism, unexpected “gifts” and a voice that just won’t let her be. This book touches on and explores so many important topics from mental health and that feeling of being misunderstood and alone, to racism, fraud, physical threats and complex family situations. I felt that they were handled so well and respectfully. I really could connect with some of the challenges Mattie was facing personally. On top of all of this there is also an engaging storyline crossing both into a thriller and paranormal mystery. I would say just make sure you happy with the trigger warnings before jumping in as one you start it is going to grip you and you’re not going to want to stop. There were so many fantastic characters in this book with brilliant histories. I love Mattie the determined young female fighting for herself, and Lucas and Tom the neighbours I want in real life. Emilie sounded like such a fun-loving eccentric individual that you just couldn’t hate her if you tried. Finally there is Nigel and Davina…..the less said about them the better. Overall an engaging read that sucks you in from the start, that’s brilliantly written with such honest reflections of struggles faced by so many. I will 100% be reading more Rosie Radcliffe.

Rosie Radcliffe’s second novel, Sitting Tenant, is a quietly powerful tale of resilience, secrets, and the fragile hope of starting over. At its heart is Mattie, a woman seeking refuge after personal collapse, who inherits a house from an aunt she never knew. What should be a sanctuary quickly becomes a labyrinth of hidden histories and unsettling presences. Radcliffe excels at weaving domestic detail with creeping tension. The house itself feels alive—its sitting tenant a reminder that the past is never easily evicted. As Mattie unravels the truth about her mother, her birth, and the sister erased from family memory, the novel deepens into a meditation on identity and belonging. Yet just as she begins to root herself, a sinister campaign threatens to drive her out, blurring the line between psychological fragility and external menace. What makes the story compelling is its balance: Radcliffe writes with warmth and humanity, even as she explores betrayal and fear. The Lancashire coast setting adds a quiet melancholy, grounding the suspense in everyday textures of place and community. This is a novel for readers who love mysteries laced with emotional depth—a story about finding strength when the past refuses to stay buried, and about claiming a home not just in bricks and mortar, but in oneself. With thanks to Rosie Radcliffe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

Becky Wallace I adored this book. It was such a unique and fun read. The short, snappy chapters and the interesting characters kept me completely engaged from start to finish. The story includes mental health representation, but with a bit of a twist that made it stand out. When Mattie moves into her late aunt’s house, she instantly falls in love with the house and the eclectic décor. Mattie feels this could be just what she needs to start healing. But when she starts hearing voices again, she worries that the doctors will send her back to hospital. I loved following Mattie’s journey as she starts to work out what’s going on, especially after she meets Lucas. The found family element was so heart-warming, I was completely invested in Mattie’s story and found myself totally endeared to her. Mattie definitely had some hard times to contend with and while this story felt light-hearted and even comical at times, it also tackled serious themes such as Mental health, cultural identity, and racism, which gave the story an authentic portrayal of human experience. Overall, I really enjoyed Sitting Tenant. The premise felt fresh, interesting and a little unusual. The story had heart, humour, and a touch of the supernatural, which I loved. I would recommend this book ❤️

fun, intense, and interestingly-plotted book with fantastic vibes. 5 stars. tysm for the arc. would recommend.