The Getaway

by Marnie Vinge

15 years ago, on a mountain road, a fully restored blue and white ‘66 Shelby Mustang carrying 2 high school seniors crashed at high speed into a 250 year-old redwood.

One of them miraculously survived.

Nancy Grove, a journalist, has made every effort to move on with her life. In the summer of 2005, her name splashed across every local newspaper’s front page. Not just because she survived the car wreck and her best friend didn’t, but because Nancy has no memory of anything that happened that night after a certain point.

She doesn’t know why Mel was driving over 75 miles per hour down a twisting mountain road, surrounded by massive redwood trees. She doesn’t know why they were in her friend Danny’s dad’s Mustang. She doesn’t know what prompted them to leave the party.

In 2021, her father dies unexpectedly in San Francisco and Nancy goes home for the funeral. She promises herself it will be a quick trip. But when her flight home is canceled and a handwritten invitation shows up at her hotel room, the journalist in Nancy feels compelled to investigate.

Arriving at the luxurious cabin in the woods, Nancy finds her 2 friends who were there that fateful night at the party. Danny owns the cabin now, and he’s invited Nancy and Jack to celebrate their 15 year reunion as only they can, by being forced to explore memories of that fateful night and what their relationships still mean to each other.

And then a surprise guest arrives. Someone else who was there that night.

Just as they’re getting settled in, a storm hits, stranding them in the woods. In the familiar surroundings, memories begin to come back to Nancy, and she’s forced to grapple with what really happened that night.

And why Mel wanted out of that cabin so badly.

Genres: Amazon, Thriller, Short Stories, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller

70 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2023

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Marnie Vinge! This novella is fast paced and filled with a constant sense of foreboding and a high level of tension. A fifteen year reunion leads to a revelation that will change lives forever and shatter delusions of the past. What led to the tragedy that haunts their teenage years? Was it a deadly accident or was something more sinister at play? The story is highly addictive, suspenseful and extremely entertaining. Thank you BookSirens for my ARC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kimberly R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy and her friend Mel were at a secluded cabin 15 years ago. They left and had an accident and Mel was killed and Nancy left with no memory of that night. Mel and the remaining friends meet back at the cabin 15 years later. Trouble abounds.

This was a great short story that I couldn’t hardly put down. It left me on the edge of my seat!

Thanks Book Sirens for this ARC that will be released May 12, 2023.

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death drove me out of this place and death brought me back."

A very short novella, but a great read. A interesting premise and great execution. My only problem was that it wasn't longer.

[Kay Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nancy's fifteen-year high school reunion just happened. She, of course, didn't go. Instead her old group of friends are having their own reunion in a cabin. Jack, Nancy, James, and Danny are all that's left of their group of five. Mel was killed . . .

It's a twist on a classic trope with sudden twists. Very short but packs a punch in the end.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a story is so good that it can make an impact, even when it’s short.

This novella is quick-paced gold.

Nancy ending up with old friends at a cabin, fifteen years after a terrible accident killed her best friend, is deliciously contrived. Despite this, none of the friends suspect the truths that will come out as the night progresses.

Not many authors can build such an amazing world in such a short period of time, Vince has managed to do just that. These characters are alive on the page and I feel as though I’m right there: wet from the rain, cold, scared, and grateful when the end comes. The fact that the end could be a beginning? Brilliant.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is easy to read. It has dark psychological undertones. Readers will likely think they have the book's dark ending tied up in a bow. However, the author has served up the most twisted and winding road leading to its conclusion.

***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to #BookSiren and #MarnieVinge for giving me the honor of reading and reviewing #TheGetaway. The found this book right in my niche of book styles. I love the darkness and thrills of the book. I cannot wait to see what else you have Marnie.

[Claudia Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Getaway by Marnie Vinge was a good, quick read. I did not put the novella down once I started it. It was fast pasted with great twists to keep you on your toes. I rated the book a 3-star due to the fact that I believe it was too short. I would have liked more to the story. The ending felt lacking and I would have loved to know more to the story. Overall, it was a good read and I look forward to reading more of Marnie Vinge's works. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nancy goes back to the California town where she grew up to have a memorial for her dad who died on the carousel nearby. After the memorial she goes back to her hotel to take a nap before her flight when she wakes up she finds out her flight has been canceled due to weather and she also finds a pink envelope with a message from her friend Danny inviting her to “the getaway“ a cabin in the woods an hour out of town in a place she knows well it’s a place she was right before the accident that took her best friends life. She hasn’t seen her friends in 15 years and so she decides to go after the accident they were unanswered questions but tonight after visiting her childhood haunt she will find out all the answers and have a few more questions when it’s over. In high school it was always her her best friend Jack Danny and oddly enough the English teacher Mr. Bledwworth. Nancy finds out her friend Danny has a teenage daughter name Laney and unbeknownst to Nancy Laney will be the catalyst to answer all their unanswered questions. This is a short and quick read and one I couldn’t wait to get to it is alsI unfortunately kind of predictable because it is a short read character development isn’t that strong but if you’re just looking for a quick fast thriller/mystery then you should read The GetAway I received this book from Book Sirens but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I’m blind and dictate my review.

[Ronita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just very average. It was not bad but it also wasn’t anything great or memorable either. A easy, fast paced read which certainly held my interest, however when I got to the end I was like ‘that’s it?’

Also, is it just me that’s finds it incredibly weird that a group of teenagers befriend their highschool teacher? I dunno..

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Michelle Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. Very short. I was just understanding what was going on and it was over.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great fast paced read that keeps you guessing until the very end. Nancy has returned to her hometown for her father's memorial. Coincidentally it's also the 15 year high school reunion. Back in her hotel room, a note invites her to an old friends cabin. After a night of drinking and storm damage blocking any way out, Nancy and Danny piece together what really happened in the woods 15 years ago that sent her running and never looking back.

[amy aburto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow !!!!!! I loved how fast paced this novella was, how I suspected someone and then another and I was wrong. Loved the ending, It had me thinking is it true ? Great read loved the twist and turns. Looking forward into reading more of your books 📚 😀 thank you so much in sharing with me !!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐
it was a nice, quick, and short read. if it was longer and more fleshed out, i feel like the story would have left a bigger impact.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you at the beginning, keeps your interest. The story has old friends, there are surprises. I love how the story unfolds. There’s a wicked twist. You don’t see coming. It is a quick read. I highly recommend this book. I received a ARC copy of this book and this review is my own.

[Nikki Bogard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Getaway was a quick thrilling novella. Nancy has been gone for 15 years, moving away after the tragic accident where she lost her best friend. While she is home memories that she has long sense forgotten are resurfacing and she is starting to understand exactly what happened that awful night. Secrets and lies start to come out and the people she thought she knew will prove to be the opposite. If you are looking for something quick and entertaining pick this up!

Read an eArc courtesy of booksirens and the publisher
My rating 3.5/5
Pub Date: 15 April 2023

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novella that I couldn't put down. On the 15 year anniversary of their friend's death in a car accident, the 3 other in the group and a favorite teacher get together. The reality of what really happened will change all their lives. Thanks to Book Sirens for an advanced copy to read in return for an honest review.

[Miranda D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! There is SO much packed into one novella. I absolutely loved the plot and how the whole thing played out. The build up was smooth, characters were interesting, all descriptions were clear and I could visualize the setting. The story was unique, action-packed and there was zero confusion about anything. Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Morgan Harrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick fun creepy

[Ashley Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Marnie Vinge book and it did not disappoint. I wasn’t aware it was a short story before starting it and it had a lot of detail, great conversations and thrills all packed in in under 100 pages. This could have easily been a full length novel, it was a great story line. Looking forward to reading more by Vinge.

[Crystal Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy I found Marnie Vinge in the Psychological Thrillers Facebook Group! What a wonderful place to discuss books, give recommendations, and for authors to share and promote their work.

This was my third book by Marnie that I've read, and I was NOT disappointed. I started reading it with my cup of coffee this morning and thank god it's Saturday because I could not put it down. I was hooked from the first chapter!

It was a quick read, a wild ride, and I absolutely loved it! I have fallen in love with the beautiful, smooth way Marnie brings words together and the story and characters to life.

I highly recommend The Getaway, and I'd even love for a sequel in the future with more dark, twisty events from a certain someone's past... Fingers crossed! ☺️ Fantastic job, Marnie!

Thank you BookSirens for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Timiddy Jaymes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I liked the thought behind this. I see where it was going and what happened, but it just seemed rushed. I think it had SO much potential if it would have been a 200 page book with more backstory and longer time for the group to bond again after 15 years, it would have been better and made more sense. Just seemed odd that everyone acted like it hadn’t been 15 years and that they were all just the same as before? Idk. Just seemed weird to me. It had potential. Still got me in the last chapter. So it deserves the round up for that!

[Jess Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted something quick to read while I was figuring out what to originally read next & stumbled upon this on KU. The premise definitely got me hooked. I liked the way it was written & was immediately drawn in, but because it was so short, it didn’t allow for as much suspense & twists as I was hoping. I definitely want to check out one of Marnie’s longer books though!

[Kimberley H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is a draw in from the start and is entertaining but short, as novellas are. It could have evolved and developed into a full novel rather than a great start and too fast result, but a great read nonetheless.

[Kimberly Windle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dig the cliffhanger. I just needed more substance.

[Jackie Welcel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short story. Packed a lot of twists in only 70 pages. Ending was kind of up in air for me.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Getaway" by Marnie Vinge is a spellbinding and emotionally charged mystery that unravels the secrets and scars of a tragic event from the past. With masterful storytelling, Vinge delivers a narrative that seamlessly weaves the past and the present, taking readers on a gripping journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the haunting power of memory.

The novel introduces readers to Nancy Grove, a journalist haunted by a fateful graduation party that occurred 15 years ago. The crash of a vintage Mustang carrying two high school seniors into a centuries-old redwood tree shattered lives and left Nancy with no memory of the events that transpired that night. The enigmatic circumstances surrounding the crash have haunted her for years, and her return home after her father's unexpected death sets in motion a chain of events that will force her to confront the past.

Vinge's storytelling prowess shines as she expertly navigates the complex emotions and dynamics among the characters. Nancy's quest for answers, as well as her reunion with her friends Danny and Jack, is a poignant exploration of the enduring bonds of friendship and the weight of unanswered questions. The characters are richly developed, each carrying their own burdens and secrets, making them relatable and multi-dimensional.

The cabin in the woods, where the majority of the story unfolds, becomes a character in itself—a place where memories are stored and emotions run high. As a storm strands the characters in this isolated setting, the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense, setting the stage for revelations and confrontations.

What sets "The Getaway" apart is its exploration of memory and the impact of trauma on one's recollection of events. As Nancy grapples with fragments of her past and begins to piece together the events leading up to the crash, readers are drawn into a web of intrigue and suspense. The gradual unraveling of the truth is both captivating and heart-wrenching, and Vinge skillfully keeps readers guessing until the very end.

In "The Getaway," Marnie Vinge has crafted a stellar mystery novel that will leave readers breathless and emotionally moved. It is a tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring power of friendship in the face of tragedy. This novel is a must-read for fans of psychological mysteries and anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant narrative. Vinge's storytelling is both evocative and haunting, making "The Getaway" a true gem in the realm of mystery fiction.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bianca Ellerkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Grove, a journalist, has no recolección of what happened 15 years ago.
When her father dies unexpectedly, she goes home for the funeral.
She wants it to be a quick trip but because of a upcoming storm her flight is cancelled.
Then she receives a handwritten invitation to come to the luxurious cabin, the same where it all happened back then.
Is it time to retrieve her memory and find out why her best friend Mel wanted to leave the cabin and why she crashed at a high speed loosing her life?
It is really a short story, less than 50 pages.
The story is well constructed and feels complete.
The characters remain somewhat superficial which makes it a bit more difficult to empathize. Maybe if the story had been a bit longer the characters could have been developed a bit better.
That doesn't mean the story isn't good, it is really very well thought out and written.
What I do miss is the tension, which is not really there. Despite this lack, the story did hold my attention and I read it within an hour.
The getaway is a really good short story which could have been a little longer to develop a bit more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Getaway and still processing it. It starts out with Nancy going back home after her father dies. It’s the anniversary of a tragedy 15 years before. It’s also the weekend of her 15th high school reunion, which she has no intention of attending. She and her close friend were not among the popular kids. She, her best friend Mel, 2 guys, Danny and Jack, and their English teacher (who Nancy had a crush on) used to hang out at Danny’s dad’s cabin, known as The Getaway. After spreading her dad’s ashes, Nancy gets an invite back to The Getaway. Her flight’s been unexpectedly cancelled so why not? Danny and Jack are both there. And a surprise guest is coming. There’s talk of the past, questions about the night of the tragedy, which Nancy doesn’t remember. There’s a lot of alcohol. What follows is not what I expected. No one will leave the Getaway the same as when they arrived. That’s all I’m saying. This story is short and sweet, and well worth the read. It’s intense. I will be looking for more by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.