The Hideaway

by Nikki Allen

⭐ 'A brilliant, twisty thriller . . . I was gripped!' – PETER JAMES ⭐

⭐ 'Nikki Allen is one to watch!' – SARAH GOODWIN ⭐

⭐ 'An accomplished white-knuckle ride from start to finish' – KATE RIORDAN ⭐

THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME?

When five strangers are chosen for an all-expenses-paid stay at an exclusive retreat, they leap at the chance to rest and get away from it all in the heart of the lush Costa Rican rainforest.

OR THE HOLIDAY FROM HELL?

Their famous host is nowhere to be seen when they arrive. Confused, but eager to immerse themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, they head into the wilderness in search of a rejuvenating waterfall. But a sudden disaster plunges them into a desperate fight for survival.

Lost under the dense canopies with darkness closing in, they soon realise they cannot trust the beauty of their surroundings – or each other . . .

The Hideaway by Nikki Allen is a pulse-pounding, twisty destination thriller, perfect for fans of Nine Perfect Strangers and readers of Lucy Clarke.

Praise for The Hideaway ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A brilliant, twisty thriller . . . I was gripped' – Peter James, author of the bestselling Roy Grace series

'An absolute must-read for your summer - Nikki Allen is one to watch!' – Sarah Goodwin, author of The Yacht

'An accomplished white-knuckle ride from start to finish' – Kate Riordan, author of The Heatwave

'The perfect destination thriller to lose yourself in this summer' – Natasha Boydell, author of The Fortune Teller

'A twisty debut' – Amanda Reynolds, author of Close To Me

'Dangers and secrets lurk in the shadows in this unputdownable destination thriller' – Allie Reynolds, author of Shiver

'The thriller debut of the summer!' – Sara Ochs, author of The Resort

'An exhilarating debut' – Prima Magazine

'The kind of taut destination thriller you can read in just a few sittings' – Culturefly

'Punchy and intoxicating, I was utterly captivated' – Pretty Little Memoirs

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely flawless debut from an incredible survival thriller writer.

One of the most impressive things about this binge-able who-dunnit is that it's written from multiple perspectives and yet Allen never gives the game away. I was guessing and questioning myself right up until the big reveal and what a reveal it was!

This is a very timely novel that takes a long look at the 'wellness industry', its anti-science and pseudo-science influencers and the growing trend of taking our health advice from Tiktok rather than the GP. Every character in this book has issues relating to their health, both mental and physical and every single person felt real and fully believable. Even the least likeable characters held my interest from their first chapter.

The prose is taut without being plain and wonderfully descriptive without becoming purple. Paced flawlessly from start to the barn burner of a finale, I gobbled this up in two days and can still hear the hum of insects and feel the heat of a tropical summer on my skin.

An absolute must-read for your summer. Nikki Allen is one to watch.

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 2 out of 5]

'The Hideaway' by Nikki Allen started strong with a gripping prologue but that prologue and a fast paced first quarter unfortunately didn't deliver for the whole book.

It has a highly promising setup - a glamorous, remote retreat filled with strangers, a body found in the jungle and a fight for survival and I hoped it had all the makings of a twisty, high-stakes thriller.

But, after a solid first quarter, I found that the story lost momentum as the characters spent most of the book wandering the rainforest with little real tension for me as a reader. The survival elements felt more like the result of bad luck than genuine suspense and the final reveal and epilogue were especially underwhelming.

Sadly a missed opportunity that didn’t live up to its intriguing premise for me but if you enjoy survival stories you'll likely have more luck than me.

[Joebella P Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy publication day to this brilliant read!
Thank you to @bookbreakuk and @panmacmillan for sending this to me. AD/PR Product.

Five strangers have been picked for an all expenses paid trip to a luxury wellness retreat in Costa Rica and get to spend time with famous wellness influencer Hannah. They’re disappointed when she’s not there but decide to start the retreat and trek to a beautiful waterfall. However, disaster strikes and they’re panicking and stuck in the jungle. They’re lost, they can’t trust their surroundings and they’re not sure they can trust each other.

This is a great destination thriller. I enjoyed all the characters in this book, some likeable some not. I particularly liked Naya, she was such a strong woman, very knowledgable but kind and caring.

The story is told from the different POV’s of the five characters. It was interesting hearing all their reasons for following Hannah and being there at the retreat. They’ve all gone through a lot in their lives and are are trying to heal themselves.

The tension really builds in this book, it starts off intriguing and gets more and more tense the longer they’re lost. You also don’t know who to trust, it feels like any of them could be an unreliable narrator which I love in a book. It also has a great twist.

I read this book in a day, it was easy to read with short chapters and a gripping story. I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a good summer read

[sima · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely stunning debut that I think is perfect for fans of The White Lotus. The mix of lush tropical setting, complicated characters, and a creeping sense that something is very wrong made this such a fun and addictive read.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced and entertaining destination thriller, this is it. I can’t wait to read more from Nikki!

[Becca ♡ PrettyLittleMemoirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture this: the trip of a lifetime to the Costa Rican rainforest on an all-expenses-paid excursion in an exclusive retreat run by your favourite spiritual influencer. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, that’s what the five strangers who get picked for that exact scenario think. They’re beyond excited to meet Hannah, their famed host, and get started on their healing and wellness journeys at her resort. But when the strangers arrive, greeted by Hannah’s staff, there’s a lull in questioning about their host’s whereabouts. It’s a good job she’s reaching out and telling them she’s nearby and just stranded after bad weather for a day or so then, right?

The five strangers from across the globe, Mira, Scott, Carly, Naya and Ben, begin some of the excursions in the meantime, in wait for Hannah to return. Relaxing seems uncertain for each of them in their own ways, suspicion rife through their POVs as we learn motives for each of their stays at the resort, and who they truly are beneath facades they might be putting on. But when the group fall into danger and discover something truly terrifying in the rainforest, they are thrust into uncertain territory. Who is out to get them? Can they actually trust one another? As darkness falls and getting back to safety seems like a long-lost dream, the group is suddenly discovering their blissful holiday is turning into one they might not leave alive.

Overall, The Hideaway was tantalisingly eerie and deliciously dark, a striking debut that had me turning pages into the night. The alternating POVs of the characters was just what was needed to get into the story, and though I pieced together parts of the mystery alongside the group, the twist had my jaw truly dropped. Though I’m unsure I had a favourite character, Naya and Mira stood out to me as ones that went through the most character development and I felt as though I learned their hearts and lives the most deeply. The way Nikki writes is punchy and intoxicating, and I was utterly captivated by the atmospheric descriptions of Costa Rica and the rainforest, from day to night, even down to nature and the wildlife (that opener was a hook if I’ve ever read one!) This was such a fantastic thriller, and I am so ready to see everyone else love it as much as I did!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a debut novel by Nikki Allen and for the most part I enjoyed it!
There were a lot of things I liked about this book but there was also a few things I didn't.
So what did I like? I enjoyed the writing style, the pacing was good, and I liked how we got chapters from different characters POV's.
One thing I really liked was the setting of this book. The rainforest in Costa Rica played such a huge part of the story it was like it was its own character. I loved that aspect.
However I did find the characters to be really quite 2D and flat. One thing that did irritate me about them was how they acted like they were long time friends, when in reality they had only known each other for 24 hours!
I did lose a bit of interest by the 60% mark because of the characters, the plot was enjoyable if a bit basic. But it was a fast paced, easy to read in one sitting kind of book.
This was an enjoyable read but nothing special.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five people win the chance to spend a week at an exclusive hideaway resort hosted by wellness influencer Hannah.
Carly, Mira, Naya, Scott and Ben all have their own reasons for wanting to be selected. They've all suffered trauma and feel that Hannah can help them come to terms with this.
However on arrival Hannah has been stranded at a neighbouring village due to a horrendous storm. Undeterred the 5 partake in the walk she's organised to a picturesque waterfall, this is where the drama starts and the tension starts to rise.
This was a riveting storyline, from the thrilling prologue to the final page, there are underlying secrets that each person has that are drip fed throughout the novel. Its mysterious and tense. I loved it

[Tea Leaves and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliantly claustrophobic with a dream wellness retreat swiftly descending into a nightmare in the Costa Rican Rainforest. The Characters with their secrets and vulnerabilities were really well constructed and their portrayals really added to the tension of the book as things escalated.

Nikki Allen is a debut Author and The Hideaway is very misleading, written in the tone and style of someone who has several destination thrillers behind their name, it felt very natural and accomplished.

The lush setting really added to this and that closeness feeling, initially a serene paradise transformed into a claustrophobic trap which really amplified the tension and sense of isolation.

Perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke, Nine Perfect Strangers and The White Lotus, this book offers a gripping exploration of trust, lies, secrets and survival.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for this ARC!

This book had so many things drawing me in - the blurb, the cover, the setting. In summer, I do love reading destination thrillers, just like in winter, I love snowy settings. Not to mention, it makes me feel like I can be in places I can never travel to in real life. Like the Costa Rican rainforest, in this case.

So yes, I did accept the challenge of the different POVs - we do have our five winners Carly, Mira, Naya, Scott and Ben,and their host, Hannah - because I really wanted to read this book. And I did not regret it! It was gripping from the start, with a lot of twists and tensions. A very great debut book, very much recommended!

[Cara bunnypop_bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic debut from Nikki. It had me gripped and wanting to know what was next!

This certainly was not the Hideaway these guests were expecting!! There’s murder, mystery and suspense all wrapped up on this Costa Rican island not the relaxing retreat they thought they were getting!

I loved all the little hints at the secrets these guests might be keeping and the reveals that came.

Some great cliff hangers that made you want to keep reading. Multi POV’s which you all know I love!
Nikki’s writing flowed and made it easy to read and engage with the story.

The characters personalities really came across well to me. I loved Naya’s caring nature and determination and I loved Mira’s change in her outlook on life ❤️

I think I’ll be sticking to just a pamper day at my local spa after reading this though 🙈😂

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Cynth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing debut - let’s start by talking at the brilliantly written characters, I found myself caring about every single one which made it so hard as I was also suspecting them all. The twists were twisting and the end took me by surprise! I was on the edge of my seat throughout. Nikki Allen also did such a brilliant job at making me feel like I was in the very atmospheric Costa Rica’s jungle.
It was such an entertaining read that I would absolutely recommend. I also think this book will get you hooked to thrillers if you are new to the genre!

[Sammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This type of book is one of my favourites. Destination thriller, fight for survival, and leaves you suspicious of everyone. 

The prologue sets the tone for the book. Straight away setting the narrative. Using vivid descriptions the author sets the scene. You can imagine yourself in the Costa Rica rainforest. 

I flew through this book. It was faced paced, and I was so immersed in the story, I couldn't stop reading. 

Perfect for Lucy Clarke fans. I think this is a debut novel but I will be on the look out for future books from this author. 

Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the advanced copy.

[Leanne Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the whole, I really enjoyed this. I can’t say I was ever fully gripped in a ‘I can’t put it down’ way, but it was well paced, with jeopardy and a decent range of characters. The reveal shocked me which is always a good thing and the ending had a good cliffhanger aswell as some happy endings.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

1 1/2 Another terrible stupid ending. Let's let the murderer get away with it all cause....why not.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read if you like;
-Murder
-Twists
-Revenge
-Trapped in a forest 🌳
-Social media

I was captured by the first chapter of the Hideaway. Survival thrillers that have a mixture of social media elements are easy to devour!

The first half of the book, specially with the short chapters and multiple POVs. You really get to understand why everyone was there. I would have liked the group dynamics to be a little bit stronger. But What’s not to love?

However, towards the second half the pacing slowed down a lot. Mainly when the group was lost in the forest! I felt my interest start to wane as things got a little repetitive at times. Although, the setting is so vivid and descriptive!

The author did a great job at opening up the floor of discussions for anti vaccine. The harm that it does when people spread misleading specially if they aren’t qualified to do so!

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10

[Tripfiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

#destinationthriller set on the Osa Peninsula, COSTA RICA

2.75*



‘The perfect destination thriller to lose yourself in this summer’ – Natasha Boydell, author of The Fortune Teller

Hannah is a wellness influencer who has built a new holistic retreat in the middle of the rainforest on the Osa Peninsula, no expense spared, total luxury offering well-being for mind and body. She specialises in alternative therapies, generally eschewing Western medicine. She has invited a group of five random, unconnected people, who follow her on Social Media to benefit from her largesse, and they all arrive anticipating a wonderfully relaxed and invigorating few days.

It is billed as a guided retreat but Hannah is strangely not there. It is assumed that an errand has kept her and then she perhaps got caught up in a relentless storm. She is communicating by text message, simultaneously to the individuals but not to the members of her staff, who appear rattled and confused by her actions. Not a great start to the stay.

The group sets off on a scheduled, hour long walk through the rainforest to a waterfall, with the aim of bathing and admiring the beautiful scenery. A simple path, but unfortunately no professional guide is on hand to escort them. One of the party has done a bit of jungle/rainforest trekking, so that is helpful, and another thinks to bring a knife from the kitchen should they be accosted by predators; another has brought some paint so they can daub trees to mark their route – all precautions, “just in case”. One is in charge of the satellite phone, but it transpires it is not fully charged when (spoiler alert!) they come to use it.

There is a landslide, one of the party slithers down the precipice. Can she survive the fall? The path back is blocked and another participant is assertive about how to return. Another character  “..had the awful sense that something larger could be at play here…” (too right, mate!). And just like that, they discover a rank body “..crawling with insects, blood seeping..” They are lost, with the terrible image of the corpse seared into their brains. Darkness descends and they reluctantly resign themselves to spending the night in the open, under the rainforest canopy, intending to resume their trek back to the accommodation in the morning.

Goodness, the characters are a weird bunch. They all have backstories and we get very brief glimpses into their individual preoccupations and concerns, with rotating chapters devoted to each character. One has advanced cancer and probably shouldn’t have come (travel insurance premiums would be prohibitive, I would imagine). One seems to be a pill popper. Another is a therapist, who has already made her mind up about her fellow guests, ‘making the usual quick assumptions’ about those in the group – the snap judgement that her training as a therapist had taught her, apparently. Another member of the party – just after the discovery of the body and when they are all stranded for the night – decides to sidle off and do a pregnancy test, that she just happens to have about her person. Of course, that is totally what someone would do in such a stressful situation. It was at this point I nearly gave up. Where, I asked myself, are the editors doing their job to steer authors away from preposterous plot development?

There is much confusion and angst as the group faces further trials in the rainforest. Suspicion starts to fester as individuals fall by the wayside in their search for a reprieve from their ordeal.

In the novel’s favour, it is well written, and the growing sense of entrapment and distrust in the group is well handled. The story essentially revolves around 5 people as they tackle hazards in the rainforest, encountering all kinds of dangers as they stumble hither and thither, round and round, encountering external predators and growing dangers from within their group. The characters are, though, underdeveloped which is a shame, because there could have been a really interesting psychological depth given the author is a therapist herself. It is a pretty implausible plot that never really drew me in and at times seemed daft. Not one for me.

[Claire - TheBookendReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tantalisingly eerie and deliciously dark, The Hideaway is a compulsively readable debut that had me turning pages late into the night. Set against the backdrop of a lush, remote Costa Rican rainforest, this is a sharp, suspenseful takedown of the wellness industry - its pseudoscience, influencer culture, and the alarming trend of taking medical advice from social media over qualified professionals.

The story follows five strangers - Mira, Scott, Carly, Naya, and Ben - who win an all-expenses-paid retreat with their favourite spiritual influencer, Hannah. But when they arrive, Hannah is nowhere to be seen. With only her staff present and vague messages promising her delayed return, suspicion begins to simmer. Each character arrives with their own secrets, insecurities, and emotional baggage - and as they explore the jungle and their “healing journey” begins, so does the slow unravelling of trust. Then they make a disturbing discovery in the rainforest, and their dream retreat spirals into a waking nightmare.

Told through multiple POVs, Nikki Allen masterfully maintains suspense without ever tipping her hand too early. I was constantly second-guessing myself, right up to the jaw-dropping twist. The prose is tight and immersive - atmospheric without being overindulgent - and the pacing is spot on, steadily building to a brilliant finale.

Every character felt grounded and believable, even the more unlikeable ones. Naya and Mira stood out most for me, offering the strongest arcs and emotional depth. I loved how the book explored both mental and physical health with nuance, showing how deeply personal (and sometimes dangerous) our pursuit of wellness can become.

From the oppressive heat to the hum of insects, the author's writing pulls you straight into the rainforest - and doesn’t let go. A gripping, clever debut that blends social commentary with survival suspense in the best way.

[Sian Morant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five strangers from across the world are on an exclusive trip to the Costa Rica rainforest. They have been selected by a spiritual wellness influencer whom they all follow avidly. The trip is all-expenses-paid, and they will be staying at the luxury retreat, The Hideaway.
On arrival at the resort, their excitement is tempered by the fact that Hannah, their host, is nowhere to be seen. The staff inform them that there is nothing to worry about and their Hannah has just been held up and will be with them in a couple of days. The group are to continue with the original itinerary.
The story is told from multiple points of view, and we soon learn that each of the group has secrets to hide and reasons for being at the resort which they do not want revealed.
They then take a planned trip into the rainforest, leaving their mobile phones behind. Quite quickly, the group find themselves in a terrifying and dangerous situation, and nobody knows whom they can trust. Plus, their host still has not arrived.
Reviewing The Hideaway as a whole, it is quite a good read. The characters are well put together, the premise works, and the writing is taut. Where it doesn’t work is the overall plot. Up to the point where the guests journey into the rainforest, everything works. After, the plot loses momentum, but also becomes quite predictable. I had the mystery and the twist worked out quite far ahead.
So three stars from me, but I will look out for more from the author.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Nikki Allen and especially Pan Macmillan for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

[MizzyRed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I will say that this is a very quick read full of nonstop trying to survive in a rainforest, not knowing who to trust, amid mudslides and other disasters! For a debut thriller, it was pretty good. The characters felt real, with secrets, weaknesses, but also sparks of good, willing to help others out, at least some of them. I liked most of them, especially when they discover inner strength to continue on even as hope dwindled about getting out. Mira and Nala really stand out for that. And this all-paid trip, chosen by the health guru Hannah, did deliver her promise to change their lives! At least the ones who survive the trip.

I think going to the Hideaway would have been pretty fun, without all the drama, though I don't think I would have bought into what Hannah was promoting. This book does deliver strong points on the whole, medicine versus alternative lifestyle in helping/healing people and the dangers of both. And how people might be choosing to follow what someone says on social media instead of their doctor. It is definitely a real issue and what with the characters coming from all walks of life with addiction, health issues, or behavioral problems all looking for Hannah to change them, you can definitely see the issue about how one person cannot heal all that, no matter what is professed on social media. So, I can understand why the killer did what they did and why they start the crusade. A bit extreme but hey, this is a thriller.

So, a pretty good thriller and I am glad I got the chance to read it.

[Susie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five strangers. One luxury wellness retreat. And a trip that turns into a nightmare none of them will forget…

When Carly, Mira, Naya, Scott and Ben are invited to a remote rainforest retreat run by influencer Hannah, they think they’re signing up for a week of rest, healing and self-discovery. But when they arrive, Hannah is nowhere to be seen. Promises of a curated wellness experience quickly unravel, and a guided hike into the jungle ends in disaster, leaving the group lost, scared, and forced to rely on one another to survive.

What I loved about The Hideaway is how quickly it draws you into its unsettling atmosphere. The Costa Rican jungle isn’t just a backdrop it’s a character in itself. You can almost feel the oppressive heat, the claustrophobic canopy of trees, the sense of something watching you! The survival elements are brilliantly tense, and the shifting dynamics between the characters add another layer of suspense as secrets and hidden motives start to emerge.

Each character has come to the retreat carrying their own emotional baggage and I really enjoyed how the book uses that to explore why people are drawn to wellness culture and the seductive promises of healing and transformation. It’s a clever commentary on influencer culture too, questioning the line between genuine help and exploitation.

If you enjoy destination thrillers this is one to add to your TBR. It’s a sharp, atmospheric and highly readable story that’s about much more than survival. It’s about trust, vulnerability, and how far people will go when pushed to their limits!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five strangers meet up at a wellness retreat in the Costa Rican rainforest, excited to meet their host, the famous influencer Hannah. Only when they arrive and Hannah is no where to be seen, they are confused but try to immerse themselves in the experience by heading out into the wilderness. It soon becomes clear that they cannot trust their surroundings and it becomes a survival battle.

I enjoy a survival thriller, especially when set in a remote, exotic location, so the plot of this book really worked for me. I loved the rainforest setting and could really imagine the surroundings through the descriptions. I also enjoyed how the story was told in the different voices of those staying at the retreat, this helped to distinguish between the characters and understand their backstories and perspectives.

I found the idea of survival mixed with the wellness aspect intriguing and was keen to see how it would play out. Even though I found this interesting, I found that I was a bit underwhelmed by the survival side of things and it became predictable, likely because I have read a few similar books recently. Even so, this was still an entertaining story and richly told, meaning I would read more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an eARC of this book on Net Galley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

Here we have a very tense thriller, where five people think they are about to enjoy a wellness retreat in a remote location in Costa Rica but things so wrong very quickly.

This book is so fast-paced! There’s very little set up before it gets right into the action and our characters find themselves in danger. Most of the story takes place while they are on one of their first activities at the wellness retreat. They’d all expected to be spending this time with an influencer who owns the retreat. However she’s delayed and is relaying instructions to them by text message. They are sent on a hike to a waterfall in the rainforest, but things take a dramatic turn when one of their party is injured and they find themselves lost.

From here as they attempt to navigate their environment, we start to learn all their secrets, we find out who has things to hide and we see how they change whilst under the pressure of being lost in the forest.

This book was not what I expected. I was expecting a bit more content around Costa Rica, a bit more around the wellness retreat and a bit more cracking and fracturing relationships within a close space. Instead we actually have a tense survival thriller where the characters are in real danger. I would have liked more set up and more around Costa Rica itself to make the location feel unique. However I appreciated how the very fast paced ramped up the tension and increased the sense of jeopardy the characters were experiencing.

[gretamitg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying, that this was really well written. I have rarely read a thriller with a prologue as beautifully written as this one.
I liked the narration from all the different POVs. The characters had distinctive voices and each of them felt tangible.

However, I found the outcome quite predictable.

I was intrigued by the premise and enjoyed the first 50% a lot, thinking I would end up at a 4.5 star rating for this book. Unfortunately, the other half of the book dragged on a bit and felt repetitive to me.

I will say, that Nikki Allen knows how to transport a feeling through writing. The sense of being lost (and trapped at the same) and not knowing who to trust really gripped me.

I definitely recommend this book, if you're into survival thrillers.
I will be picking up more from this author in the future.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacki van de Schoor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise for The Hideaway had me intrigued. It's exactly the type of thriller I usually love. Strangers stranded together at a wellness retreat in the rainforest. None of them sure who to trust. It sounded great.

The Hideaway had me hooked straight away, I loved the first third of the book. It was tense and intriguing, I raced through it. Unfortunately, after the first third, it really lost momentum for me.
I found after they got lost in the rainforest that they just made multiple stupid decisions that people really wouldn't make.
I really liked Naya, Scott, and Mira, but I found Carly and Ben less likable and a little boring.

If it had carried on as great as the start, it would have been a fantastic read. It definitely had potential, and I'd be keen to read more from Nikki Allen.

3 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Pan Macmillan, and Nikki Allen for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mel · Rating 1 out of 5]

📚The Hideaway
✍️Nikki Allen
🎧Audiobook
1⭐️

Five strangers are invited to an exclusive retreat in the Costa Rican rainforest, however they arrive to find their host has been stranded elsewhere due to the weather. Unfortunately this was a complete non starter for me and I spent the entire book waiting for something to happen. Five strangers, stuck together in the jungle who turn on each other for no apparent reason and who create more problems for themselves than is necessary in their situation. I didn’t warm to or could tell any of the characters apart from each other and the plot was incredibly tenuous. Unfortunately this didn’t match up to the premise despite very detailed, descriptive writing. The writing was good, I did get the impression that the author had actually stepped foot into a rainforest at some point but the plot unfortunately let the writing down. I think the plot would have benefitted from less characters and more detail into the key character and their backstory.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hideaway by Nikki Allen

Blurb

THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME?

When five strangers are chosen for an all-expenses-paid stay at an exclusive retreat, they leap at the chance to rest and get away from it all in the heart of the lush Costa Rican rainforest.

OR THE HOLIDAY FROM HELL?

Their famous host is nowhere to be seen when they arrive. Confused, but eager to immerse themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, they head into the wilderness in search of a rejuvenating waterfall. But a sudden disaster plunges them into a desperate fight for survival.

Lost under the dense canopies with darkness closing in, they soon realise they cannot trust the beauty of their surroundings – or each other . . .

My Opinion

The Hideaway had a promising premise but it just didn’t grab me. A fast-paced thriller. With interesting characters this was an entertaining read.

Rating 3/5

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This destination thriller describes the experience of five lucky winners chosen to enjoy a week long retreat hosted by wellness influencer.

The action kicks in right away with Ben, Scott, Mira, Naya and Carly discovering upon arrival that their host is nowhere to be seen. Apparently, Hannah is stuck at a nearby village due to bad weather.

Undeterred, the quintet set off on one of the planned activities, a nature walk to a waterfall - and shockingly enough, things start going wrong. But if the trope is a familiar one, the writer does an excellent job of delivering sufficient twists and turns in the course of her story telling to keep readers entertained.

This is one that's worth checking out and it gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Ynaiita Warjri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how distinct the characters felt at the beginning—their contrasting perspectives added depth and offered a compelling glimpse into what the rest of the book might deliver. Unfortunately, that promise quickly faded. As the story progressed, the characters lost their individuality and blended into a single, bland protagonist.

The setting, primarily the rainforest, initially created a tense, eerie atmosphere, but it soon became monotonous and repetitive. While the world-building was detailed, especially with the luxurious retreat home, it wasn’t fully utilized. That setting had so much untapped potential, and the storyline itself felt uneventful in comparison to the richly built world.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like others, the first third of this book started off well and the premise of people lost in the rainforest intrigued me.

Unfortunately after that, the plot for me went downhill and there were several times I wanted to give up. I was wondering what else could go wrong? Mudslide, body discovered (after which someone finds out they have an unwanted pregnancy), people run off, twisted ankle, swept away in a river, etc etc. It added drama to the book, and makes more sense once you know the whodunnit, but I found it to be a bit nonsensical.

I would’ve liked more detail on the characters and felt the epilogue was a bit silly too - was Carly so naive to think people wouldn’t know it was her if she planned to bump another influencer off, despite a haircut? Won’t reread.