Kristin's Bookshelf

📚 The Residency
✍️ By C.D. Major
🎧 Narrated by Sarah Cullum
⭐⭐⭐⭐

To start with, I loved that the author ended the book by sharing the inspiration behind the story. Finding out there really was a painting that people believed held some kind of power, and that it sold at auction for just $1,000, sent me straight down a rabbit hole.

I had never heard of the painting before, so naturally, as an elder millennial (born in ’81 😅), my mind immediately went to Charmed – Season 2, Episode 3, “The Painted World.” This book explores a similar idea, but in a much deeper, more layered way. That said, I do wish it had carried more tension throughout.

Sarah Cullum did a fantastic job with the narration, effortlessly switching between the female lead, a child, and a frail elderly man. Each voice felt distinct and believable, making the audiobook an easy listen.

I really enjoyed this book, but it is definitely a slow burn. I found myself wishing the sense of unease had been woven more gradually throughout the story instead of arriving all at once toward the end. A little more sustained suspense would have made this a five-star read for me.

Overall, this is a really unique premise that blends psychological suspense with a touch of mind-bending thriller. I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.