The Blue House

by Olivia Rytwinski

When Jodie, a young lawyer and aspiring writer, attends an author talk and meets her idol - best-selling writer Maxine Croyett - she asks a question that sparks a coming together of the two writers.

 

Jodie can't believe her luck when Maxine invites her to stay at her manor house set in the shadow of Hadrian's Wall. Bring into the mix Maxine's precious son Hadrian, her twin sister Evelyn, and her nephew Marcus. At first Jodie is intrigued and made to feel welcome by this talented family, but she soon learns that in the mysterious Blue House, she can trust nothing she sees or hears as she begins to uncover the bizarre and horrifying truth for herself.

 

Two writers, two books, two real life crimes.

 

Ultimately, which writer will survive to share their story?

  

Praise for The Blue House

"A powerful and atmospheric psychological thriller set amidst the ancient ruins of Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland."

 

"A captivating page turner and impossible to put down! Another addictive read by Olivia Rytwinski."

 

"The Blue House is a gripping, well-written and twisty thriller that kept me guessing right until the final page."

 

"An exciting, compelling and superbly written novel. Loved it!"

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2024

About the author

Olivia Rytwinski was born in Worcestershire and now lives in North Yorkshire with her family. She has a BA Honors Degree in English and a professional Postgraduate Degree in Marketing (ACIM). Olivia works as a full-time writer after previously working in Marketing Communications Management and education during her earlier career years.

Olivia has written six contemporary novels:-

- A Family by Design set in the Scottish Highlands
- I Never Knew you set in rural Wensleydale
- Shadowlake, set in The Lake District
- The Actor, Set In Whitby
- The Blue House, set near Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland
- The Blind Paradox set in York and Staithes

Visit my website at :-
https://oliviarytwinski.com/

Available on Amazon and other online booksellers. Her novels can be ordered in all bookstores.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Olivi...

Olivia’s writing and stories stem from her fascination with the workings of the human mind and how relationships and family dynamics evolve over time and struggle amidst all the pressures that modern society brings - and on top of this how we are all under the influence of our inbuilt biological drivers as well as our upbringings and cultural backgrounds, that shape our thoughts and behaviour.

Olivia is especially interested in writing stories about real women’s struggles in the modern era, and gives a strong voice to women from a range of backgrounds and professions; Clinical Psychologist, Actor, Lawyer and aspiring crime writer, Marketing Manager in the pharmaceutical industry, Livery Yard Manager, Conservation Officer.

Olivia gives talks and presentations about her writing and her novels to community groups throughout Yorkshire - sharing her journey to becoming a published author.

Reviews

[Mollie O'Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

So wonderfully written 🤍 Loved the character / world building in this one, it just took sliiiightly too long to get into the thick of the plot for me. But still thoroughly enjoyed, I especially loved how it was set so close to home 🌲

[Diana Nusbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Rytwinski nails it again! With myriad twists and turns that plunge us into the darkness of the human soul, we enter the complicated and dark world of a family that seemingly has it all; fame, fortune and secrets long held. In “The Blue House,” the author meticulously builds the tension, allows the reader to breathe, then ratchets it up once again, drawing us into a whirlwind of suspense. I particularly appreciate Ms. Rytwinski’s ability to create settings that burst with local color and tingle the senses, transporting the reader to the very spot where the action takes place. With every squeak of the floorboard, we are enmeshed in a mystery that keeps the reader on edge to the very end. I love our heroine, Jodie, and the curiosity and courage she displays that could be to her advantage…or disadvantage. You decide. If you believe in the old adage, “…what goes around comes around,” then this book is for you. I couldn’t put it down and wanted more!

[Scott Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read by Ms. Rytwinski and I believe it is the best one yet. It is clear that not only does the author have a strong interest in psychology, but she does her due diligence when writing about it!

Rytwinski drops many clues along the way about how this book could end that would be evident to those paying attention and/or taking notes along the way. However, she also writes in such away that the story carries you away and into the mind of Jodie--setting you up for a big surprise in the end. I don't suffer from the anxiety and phobias plaguing Jodie throughout the book, her character is developed and portrayed in a way were I did feel a sense of how she was feeling.

Early on in this novel, I had a very strong (and proven) suspicion about how things would end and whodunit, but late in the novel Rytwinski hits you with a "SURPRISE--didn't expect this did you?!" That's where this book really shines. If you let yourself get carried along by the story, this plot twist will please--and make you think back to signs you missed along the way. There's even a tease at the end of a possible sequel in the making--and if she writes a sequel, I'll be one of the first to buy it!

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Olivia’s fifth novel and it’s the best yet Her book The Actor was a hard act to follow. I like because the action begins from page one and when you think it’s all over there is a dramatic ending.
Suspense builds up gradually and you are never quite sure who the good and the bad guys are. Our heroine Jodie has to start with couple of disasters but recovers only to find that she is being manipulated in a sinister manner. Her Father has a big malevolent influence on her life but what about Maxine the established writer?
The book is very well written and as I’ve read 125 books so far this year I count it as my best read.
All of Olivia’s books are great thrillers and are very hard to put down once you start reading them. I am looking forward to her next book and strongly recommend her books especially The Blue House

[Asha Palliathu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Powerful. Rivetting from start to finish. It is a story of two writers, Jodie and Maxine and how their lives change when they meet at the Blue House. A pacy thriller with an intriguing plot. Olivia focusses on the dynamics of human relationships. It is a highly engrossing book that delves into the human mind and shows its frailties and strengths.

[JENNIFER CURTIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again, Olivia Rytwinski has written a wonderful book, that had me hooked from the first chapter. I love her ability to create believable characters, some of which are likeable and others, extremely unlovable. She is an expert at building suspense and I found the final chapters especially riveting, with their many unexpected twists and turns. I can't wait for her next book!

[Elizabeth Ann Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, really kept me on the edge of my seat, shocks and surprises. Beautifully drawn and believable characters too. The suspense kept going even to the end of the story. Would really recommend.

[Jillian Cockerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every minute of this book , as ever, Olivia leaves you wanting the story to go on.
Here's to her next book