The Beach

by Lorna Dounaeva

You thought you were keeping them safe. You let the evil in...

My heart twists as I watch my teenagers, Willow and Josh, head off on their first holiday without me. They're spreading their wings, venturing into the world, and I feel a mix of pride and anxiety. Choosing a quiet resort in Bulgaria seems like a safe bet, but I can't shake the worry gnawing at my gut.

Then, like a beacon of hope, I stumble upon Kelly's ad. An English woman of my own age is offering to discretely watch over them for a fee. It's a lifeline, a way to ease my frazzled nerves. So I accept, clinging to the reassurance it offers.
Kelly’s updates paint a picture of blissful normalcy. I relax, trusting that my children are safe and sound. Little do I know, they're facing dangers they're too proud to confess.
Then a phone call in the middle of the night shatters the illusion. With desperation fuelling every heartbeat, I drive to the airport, praying it's not too late. As I wait for my plane, I research the woman I hired to watch my children. Panic grips me as I delve into Kelly's past and discover the horrifying truth. There is more to Kelly’s offer than I ever could have imagined.
What the hell have I done?

Lorna Dounaeva's works include The Wife's Mistake and The Perfect Housemate. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers like 'Girl on The Train' and 'Gone Girl,' you won't want to miss these thrilling reads. Recommended for fans of K.L Slater, Daniel Hurst and Freida McFadden.


More books by Lorna Dounaeva

The Perfect Housemate
The Wife's Mistake
The Family Trap
The Perfect Family
The Wrong Twin
The Girl in the Woods
The Perfect Girl


The McBride Vendetta Psychological Thriller Series

FRY
Angel Dust
Cold Bath Lane
The Wedding (Short story)
The Girl Who Caught Fire
The Bitter End

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2024

About the author

Lorna Dounaeva is a politics graduate who worked for the British Home Office before turning to crime fiction. She writes dark domestic thrillers and is especially fond of female villains. She lives in the Orkney islands with her Ukrainian husband and his parents, three children, a crafty cat and a happy dog.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I have whiplash from the twisted twisty twists! I'm not often truly shocked but this one was wild. I love Lorna! I need to catch up on her books. I missed a few.

Some youths go on vacay to Bulgaria. The mom of our main character and her brother is concerned so she finds a friendly face online to keep an eye on them. A local who seems legit. But things keep happening and we just don't know who we can trust! Will everyone make it home from the beach?

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* rounded up
Siblings Willow and Josh head off on their first holiday without parents for Josh's 18th birthday. They go to Bulgaria with some friends, expecting it to be amazing and enjoying their freedom. Once they get there, though, strange things start happening, and some of their friends end up hurt. When Josh goes missing, Willow is sure that he's been kidnapped by whoever she has felt watching her the whole time. She's determined to find her brother and bring him home.

I have been a little unsure how I felt about this one. It started off fairly slow, and even with the odd accident happening, it was just them on holiday. It wasn't until they discovered Josh was missing that things started to pick up a little. And that was great. Sort of. Some of the things that happened just seemed a little too far-fetched. The last few chapters pulled all the story together and explained everything. But then it ended the way it did, and it left me feeling a little annoyed. However, props to the author for not giving any clues as to what had really happened. I certainly did not see any of it coming.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author, and it was pretty good. There was constant action throughout and she has an easy reading style. I think I’ll try more by her. When all of the “events” start happening, I was puzzled as to where the storyline was heading. But, especially as you near the end, the pace skyrockets. And the twist was very interesting! I do wish there had been more of a resolution, but I wasn’t too bothered by it. I also liked that the author further commented on the story. All in all an enjoyable read!

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

18 year old Willow and her about to turn 18 year old brother Josh head to a beach resort in Bulgaria with 4 friends. Their mother, Patsy, is afraid to let them travel by themselves, but she is contacted by Kelly, a lady who works at the resort who will keep an eye on them for a fee, so she pays it and assumes all will be well, and obviously, it isn't.

This book started out ok. Interesting location on the Black Sea in Bulgaria, weird stuff starts happening to the kids, I am curious as to why these things are happening. There was really no character development, but I can deal with that if the story is good. And then really went off the rails midway through.

Mild spoiler alerts.........No one really ever figured out what was going on, the author just eventually told us. The perpetrator's reason for doing what they did was a reach. The way the perpetrator pulled it off was definitely farfetched. The business the perpetrator was involved in at their age, with no one knowing was unbelievable. Kelly's situation was absurd.

I like the premise of this book but the actual execution didn't work for me at all. I don't like leaving bad reviews, but this was a bit of a mess.

[Claire Ingram · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3
I got this book as an arc to review so I’m trying to keep that in mind and I was told this is an unedited version
But there were a lot of editing issues and some plot holes and oddities so hopefully the edits catch these

The story is about two teen siblings, Josh and Willow (18/19) who go on holiday with their friend group to Bulgaria for a holiday of booze and sun
But when some of the group are involved in accidents and suddenly one of them goes missing willow has to wonder if it’s not all connected. Is it just a coincidence or is someone out to get them?
The book has a great atmospheric vibe and it starts great with the prologue which is edgy and spooky
I liked where it was set and the characters where interesting enough
Apart from all the errors I was enjoying the book enough but some peoples actions are never explained
The reveal was bizarre too and didn’t quite sit right
It didn’t really make sense but can’t say too much without spoilers obv the whole last section was just far fetched and not believable at all
I think with another round of edits it will be a decent thriller it just kinda missed the mark for me particularly the end

[Tanya Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow and Josh are siblings and they’re travelling to Bulgaria with some of their friends to celebrate Josh’s 18th birthday. Their mother was hesitant to let them go by themselves but she connected with Kelly, a woman who owns a kiosk at the resort. Kelly tells her she could keep an eye on the kids for a small fee.

Almost as soon as they arrive, strange accidents starts to happen. At first, it looks like bad luck but as their stay prolonged, more weird things are happening.

Obviously Kelly is keeping an eye on them but for them, she’s the kiosk lady so they never really paid much attention to her.

There’s friendship, mystery and a twist I didn’t see coming.

It’s 3rd person but different POV however, it’s well written and easy to follow and fast pace.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley for the ARC!

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a crazy one this group of friends go on vacation and slowly they are each getting hurt or harmed. Then one of the goes missing and they are all trying to find them. To say the twist surprised me is an understatement because I’m still trying to make sure I read it correctly and then the end I had to go back over too but because I was so shocked. Great writing in this psychological thriller!

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Beach” by Lorna Dounaeva is a 3-star read. The story follows Willow, her brother Josh, and their close friends as they decide to take a holiday in Bulgaria before entering adulthood. However, things start to go wrong almost immediately after their arrival, and the situation only worsens from there.

The majority of the story is told from Willow’s point of view, with additional perspectives introduced later in the story. The first half of the book was captivating; I was genuinely interested in the unfolding events and curious to see where the story would lead. Unfortunately, the plot took a turn that I found less enjoyable. There is another character who has tragic ties to the resort and that was just weird how that turned out. I didn’t feel a connection with the second half of the story and found myself just wanting it to end. The ending was so far-fetched that I didn’t enjoy it at all.

Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Lorna Dounaeva, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Beach: A Holiday to Die For by Lorna Dounaeva is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense with a chilling narrative. The story follows Willow and her brother Josh as they embark on their first holiday without their parents, choosing a seemingly idyllic resort in Bulgaria. However, what starts as a carefree adventure quickly spirals into a nightmare.

Dounaeva effectively creates an atmosphere of mounting dread. The serene beach setting contrasts sharply with the underlying tension, making the unfolding events even more unsettling. The plot is intricately woven with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, questioning every character’s motives and actions.

The characters are well-developed, with Willow and Josh’s sibling dynamics adding depth to the story. Their interactions and the gradual revelation of their vulnerabilities make them relatable and evoke empathy. The introduction of Kelly, the woman hired to watch over them, adds another layer of complexity. Her mysterious past and the secrets she harbors become central to the escalating tension.

This novel excels in its exploration of trust and deception. Dounaeva delves into the psychological aspects of fear and paranoia, making readers question who can be trusted. The narrative’s pace is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep reading.

The book’s structure, with its short, punchy chapters, enhances the sense of urgency and keeps the momentum going. Dounaeva’s writing style is engaging and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the setting and the characters’ emotional states.

The Beach a thriller and a deep dive into the human psyche, exploring themes of safety, control, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.

[Steph Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. The story line was good and actually not predictable. However, the ending was terrible. It’s almost like they lost the last chapter and printed the book anyway. What did Kelly do to Josh? Was it ever made public he was found? Was Elizaveta’s body ever found? What happened with Willow and Patsy?
The other reason for only giving it 3* is the mistakes. On page 46 while Willow and Josh are trying to convince their mum to let them go on the holiday Willow says ‘‘Fine. I’ll go and do my homework.’ She gave Patsy one last look before she stomped up the stairs.’ Then on the same page it says ‘With that, Josh practically pushed his sister out of the room, leaving Patsy to stare at the screen.’ Consistency mistake! It also says about Josh showing his mum the holiday on his ipad but then says Pasty tossed the brochures onto the sofa.
At one point it also says that Patsy is religiously checking the weather in Bulgaria but also says that she can’t remember the time difference between Bulgaria and the UK. If she was so concerned about them and checking all the time, she’d know the time difference.
On page 66 is has dose instead of doze.
Nothing major but I found it a bit annoying. I wonder whether it was proofread.
The other thing I found a little odd was the timings in the book. Hugo goes for an x-ray and Willow goes to the canteen and by the time she’s done, not only has he had the x-ray he’s also been put in plaster and is leaving the hospital. Getting something to eat doesn’t take that long! The other time I noticed this was when Spence fell off the cliff. Willow calls for help, then in no time the helicopter is there and she’s in a bar almost back in town with a stranger.
All in all, good storyline, not predictable, but strange timings at times and some consistency mistakes.

[Susan Blissett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this story, about a group of teenagers travelling to Bulgaria on their first holiday away from their parents and having some horrible experiences along the way. The author added some great descriptions, for example on the way to the resort, really making me feel like I was there. Initially, the group travel to Bulgaria and a number of strange occurrences happen to many of the group members. Is someone causing this to happen or are they just coincidences even though they are numerous? To be honest, just one of these horrid experiences on your holiday would ruin it for you. I also questioned whether the friends in the group would be more concerned over certain events that happened. I did think the character development for Willow was quite good, in that it was clear she was a serious, sensible person, ready to organise and lead, whilst also feeling quite stressed and in some ways, responsible, for her friends’ behaviours. I didn’t feel like there was much character development for the other characters and would have liked to have learn more about them. Overall, it was an engaging and interesting story, and there were a few twists and turns throughout, with the pace picking up in the second half, which was really thrilling to read about, although, I didn’t really enjoy the ending and would have preferred it a little more tied up.
Thank you to the author for a free copy as part of the Stuff Your Kindle Crime Edition promotion.

[Morag Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gold!! So genius and has left me utterly in awe!

The plot centres around Willow an 18 year old who is delighted to be going on holiday to a Bulgarian beach resort with friends and brother, Josh, who will be celebrating his 18th birthday on the trip. The siblings mother is super anxious about her children's safety and finds comfort in a teen-sitting service offered by Kelly, a middle aged woman who works in a kiosk in the resort (this largely involves Kelly discreetly looking out for the teens and covertly reporting back to their mum!) Things start to go awry when Willows boyfriend Spencer unexpectedly turns up at the airport with the 'surprise' that he has managed to blag himself a plane ticket and invites himself along - before long this comes the least of the party's worries as we begin to wonder these just the unluckiest group of people ever.. ...or whether something a LOT more sinister is at play!

The ending was so good..... and SO unexpected!! I'm largely speechless and cant pick uo another title by this author quick enough!!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity duty to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

[Entrada Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dounaeva's writing is straightforward and easy to follow, making for a quick read. The pacing in the early chapters effectively keeps the pages turning as we wonder what dangers might be lurking for Willow and Josh on their Bulgarian holiday.

However, as the story progresses, it begins to lose some of its initial promise. The plot takes a few turns that strain credibility, and some of the characters' decisions feel forced rather than organic. The teenagers, while initially well-drawn, don't always act in ways that feel true to their established personalities and ages.

Despite these shortcomings, "The Beach" will have you turning the pages until the very end to find out what happens.

Overall, "The Beach: A Holiday to Die For" is a decent thriller that starts strong but doesn't quite live up to its full potential. While it may not satisfy the most discerning fans of the genre, it still provides an entertaining read for those looking for a quick, suspenseful story.

[Renko Dekker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Victory Editing NGC via Netgalley. It's the first book by this author for me.

Two teenagers, Willow and Josh, head off on their first holiday without their mother. Staying at a quiet resort in Bulgaria seems like a safe bet, but their mother is worried about them. But then, she comes across Kelly's ad. An English woman who is offering to discretely watch over them for a fee. It starts out great but the messages don't paint the truth. Is Kelly who she claims to be? Are her teenagers safe?

This book started out great - good storyline, great characters, well paced. It all came across as believable and somewhat plausible. But, halfway through the book it got too farfetched, too over the top. And that's a real shame, I think. It could have been a great thriller, but it just went too far.

3/5 ⭐️

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by author Lorna Dounaeva and she hit it out of the park again! She has a way with story telling that pulls you in and keeps you in suspense from beginning to end. Friendship, love interests, mystery, suspense, and a twist I never saw coming! Add The Beach to the top of your TBR pile!

Siblings Willow and Josh, and their friends, take a trip to an island paradise. Their mother, Patsy, is hesitant to let them go, but she connects with a woman who works at the resort who promises to look after them and send updates. When tragedy strikes, is someone targeting the group, and is the woman Patsy hired really who she says she is?

[Skye Lynn Montesano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun and twisty summer read that kept me guessing the entire book. One of the only books I’ve ever read in one sitting. This could’ve been a 5 star for me but I found the ending to be a little disappointing. We were kind of spoon fed the resolution and the perpetrator and their reasoning was just a little too far-fetched for my liking. This was my first book by Lorna Dounaeva and I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley and Victoria Editing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started well....

Oh dear! An enjoyable read, albeit a little far fetched. Entertaining and amusing...I mean how many misfortunes can people endure! An intriguing storyline, kept the pages turning nicely. But when the beach holiday was drawing to an end it all fell apart for me. Nothing about it seemed credible, believability went out of the window unfortunately. With my jaw on the floor I continued to the end, I wanted an outcome at least....I'm not sure there was one.
Disappointing because it started so well and remained so for quite some time.

[Hannah Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thriller with an unexpected twist! Personal pet peeve is most of the book was written in 3rd person and some parts were 1st person. Unsure if this was intentional by the author but it made it a little confusing for me when reading.
SPOILERS……….
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….
….
1. Josh is so weird 🤣 why is he selling makeup/skincare?? His reasoning for things is a little laughable.
2. Why was everyone not more concerned about the skeletal son in Kelly’s house lol

[Desi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this as it’s set in my country. I absolutely loved it! The setting was nostalgic for me, very similar to the beach resorts in Bulgaria I used to go to when I was younger. Putting a psychological thriller in that location was brilliant! I loved all the twists and how fast and well the story flowed. It had me guessing till the very end.

[Emma Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just weird and a bit too unrealistic for me. I dunno I think it could have been better if certain events went into a bit more detail was just a bit brushed over in some parts. The twos was ok but then just got a bit extreme

[Bryna G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story, but I feel that it was a bit too drawn out with unnecessary details. There were a lot of grammatical errors through out as well.
Overall, the plot was good and the twists were great. Just a bit too wordy and busy for me.

[Grace Johnsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beach

This was an exceptionally well written story I do perfect to read books without foul language and the few in this book really weren't necessary. The twist of the missing person caught me totally offguard.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intrigued

I was totally immersed in the story until it came to Josh's story. What a jerk. The end was not satisfying, since we don't know what happened to him or why. I was left wondering about Hugo and his intentions too.

[April Mebius · Rating 3 out of 5]

good build up until halfway through. Then it because quite predictable. still the ending left a desire for more as there were so many loose ends. This was a fair read but wouldn't probably recommend it to others

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! Mind is blown. I had absolutely no idea who did what in this book. She nailed it. 5 stars all day long.

[Joy Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty mystery

The characters were well played and intriguing. At every turn their was another layer of mystery. I was surprised by the ending

[pamela a. carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing!

Hated to put it down to go to bed! Had me guessing up until the last few chapters! Never thought who the villain would be!

[Jamie Lonza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. Another win in the KU roulette. This felt like a movie. And even when some was so predictable.

I liked the different “accidents” and the ending was a vibe.

Loved Kelly. She is a weird boss woman.

Luke Evans was not needed. The older guys were all Bulgarian.

[Jaime Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot twist at 85% fucked me up, but I feel like I was missing something at the end.

[George O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting twist

This book promises to be addictive. It was certainly a thriller with a very surprising ending. I would ever have expected it!