The Doll's House

by Natasha Boydell

She lives in my old home, she looks like me, she dresses like me… And now she wants my life.

Naomi is devastated when the sale of the apartment falls through, her dreams of moving to an amazing ‘forever home’ nearby with her family are momentarily dashed.

But then a sweet-natured single mother named Summer appears, announcing her intention to buy Naomi’s old apartment. And all of a sudden, it looks like Naomi might get her new house after all.

At first, it feels like Summer’s saved her life. But as soon as the sale goes through, Summer starts turning up at Naomi’s new house. She’s enrolled her child in Naomi’s daughter’s class. She’s dressing like Naomi. She’s suddenly best friends with all her friends… And then Naomi discovers she’s got a pretty little doll’s house. One that looks just like Naomi’s new home.

Naomi wants to believe she’s just imagining things. What could Summer possibly want? And how far will she go to take everything that Naomi has?

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Mystery, British Literature

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 2025

About the author

Natasha is an internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have featured in the top 100 charts in the UK, Canada and Australia, and include the top 10 bestseller The Fortune Teller.

Natasha's novels are available around the world in ebook, paperback and audiobook and have been translated into several languages. She lives in North London with her husband, two daughters and two rescue cats.

Reviews

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing, twisted, and tense, The Doll's House delivers the chills when one woman begins to insert herself into the life of another. Naomi was thrilled when Summer bought her home so that she and her family could move into a bigger home with a garden. Summer was as sweet and mysterious as her perfume. Things could not be better until Summer showed up at Naomi's new home, became friends with Naomi's friends, and even started dressing like Naomi. Throw in a doll's house and well, you have yourself a creepy, twist filled book!

I enjoyed this one. It was entertaining, with an underlying vibe of creepiness and unease. I had many questions going through my mind while reading this, the main reason being why is Summer doing what she is doing? I didn't see the reveal coming and enjoyed the twists, turns, and unnerving sense that something wasn't quite right with one of the characters. This kept me on my toes and was an entertaining read.

3.5 stars


Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Doll's House, by Natasha Boydell, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Naomi has her apartment up for sale, when a woman named Summer, wants to buy it Naomi is thrilled, until Summer starts going all Single White Female, on Naomi. A chilling and thrilling read.

[Ga.selle (Semi-hiatus) Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She was my inspiration and I was ready to be her muse. I repainted the doll’s house to match her house and imagined the dolls inside as the two of us, the best of friends. Sisters, even. But she didn’t want me either."
"Who needed a doll’s house when I could have the real thing?"


Someone is getting way too involved in Naomi's life and it's pretty creepy.
This mysterious woman named Summer purchased their flat and from there, she started to worm her way into Naomi's life. From purchasing their flat, copying her hairstyle and the way she dresses, inviting all Naomi's friends for cosy drinks and parties without her and using her daughter Luna to spread malicious lies about Naomi's daughter Freya. Ever since Summer and Luna arrived, things had been going wrong for her family.
She needs to stop the lying, manipulative fraud from further ruining her life before it's too late.
This one is a good, crazy and gripping mystery/thriller. You can feel the exasperation and tension oozing from the pages and I hated Summer's gall for sure throughout the story.

Thanks to Boldwood books for the arc 🖤

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: "Mean Girls" Alert!

I usually don't enjoy "Mean Girls" books but this twisty, intricately plotted thriller was engaging and unputdownable.

Best to go in blind.

I listened to the audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Julie Maisey.

One of my favorite books by author Natasha Boydell.

4.5 stars

[Yvonne (the putrid Shelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its been a while since I've indulged in a twisty psychological thriller and this one mostly hit the mark. Naomi is anxious about selling her beloved flat that her and her husband, Oliver have owned since before her daughters were born. When a buyer pulls out, she despairs that she'll never own the home she's always dreamed of, but when Summer puts in an offer she's overjoyed. Soon that joy turns into a living nightmare.
Both Summer and Naomi weren't characters that I could get behind. Naomi was also rather unhinged in her thinking - she too was obsessive and impulsive in her actions. And her friends were rather shallow to dump her as quick as they did. It was a real page turner though and I was engaged to find out just how it would end.

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️.75
The Doll’s House
by Natasha Boydell

You know those thrillers that sound deliciously unhinged on the blurb? Doppelgängers, obsession, a creepy dollhouse replica of your life? I was sharpening my popcorn fingers for this one, expecting juicy, twisty chaos. Instead, what I got was… diet Lifetime movie energy. Entertaining enough to half-watch while folding socks, but not exactly a ride that leaves your jaw on the floor.

We’ve got Naomi, who just wants her picture-perfect forever home. Totally relatable. Then along comes Summer, who swoops in to buy Naomi’s old apartment, and at first seems like the answer to all her prayers. Sweet, harmless, single mom — except, plot twist, she suddenly wants Naomi’s wardrobe, Naomi’s friends, Naomi’s child’s school, Naomi’s life. Oh, and she also just happens to own a doll’s house that looks suspiciously like Naomi’s shiny new dream home. Subtle.

The setup is promising, right? But here’s the problem: execution. This could have been a wild, twisty, mind-bending ride into paranoia, but instead it plods along with long stretches of Naomi wringing her hands and wondering if she’s just imagining things. Spoiler: she’s not imagining things. We all figured that out about 150 pages ago.

Characters? Flimsy at best. Naomi had the emotional range of a damp sponge, Summer read more “Pinterest mom with boundary issues” than “chilling sociopath,” and the supporting cast were basically background furniture. Not a single one made me feel invested — I didn’t want to root for them, strangle them, or even throw popcorn at them. Just… meh.

And the suspense? More like a steady drizzle than a storm. The reveals were about as shocking as finding out water is wet. Every “twist” felt telegraphed from a mile away, and by the time the climax rolled around, I was just hoping someone would at least trip over the dollhouse dramatically to liven things up.

Here’s the thing though — I didn’t hate it. It’s readable, quick, and there is a certain guilty-pleasure vibe to it. Like junk food you don’t really enjoy but still keep nibbling because it’s there. I just wanted more bite, more tension, more of that creeping dread the blurb promised. Instead, I got a watered-down copycat thriller that felt like it played things way too safe.

The Doll’s House is the kind of thriller you’ll devour in a sitting and then immediately forget. A fine popcorn read if you’re in the mood for something light and low-stakes, but if you’re craving sharp teeth and real tension, this dollhouse is all pretty paint and no foundations. 2.75 stars. Sorry not sorry.

[Zizi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had a good start and then I totally lost interest at the end.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Suburban Mom thriller is a twisty, crazy ride! Rounded up to 4.5

Naomi and her husband have saved up to buy their dreamhouse. A place where each of their girls will have their own room, and plenty of space for everyone. But the people that were going to buy their flat had to pull out of the deal, so they are set to give up on the house. Then their realtor calls to let them know that a single mom that had put an offer in was still interested in buying. Naomi meets Summer, and is excited to sell the flat to her. She also seems to make a connection to her, and is also excited that Summer has a 7 year old daughter- the same age as Freya, Naomi's daughter. However, things don't go as Naomi had hoped. Summer buys the house. Then Summer ingratiates herself in the PTA mom and dad group that Naomi is part of- these are Naomi's closest friends. Then Summer cuts and dyes her hair like Naomi, and starts dressing like her. No one seems to notice, as they have all become completely enamored of her. And strange things start happening: break-ins where odd things are taken, the feeling of being followed and watched. And then, Freya and Luna (Summer's daughter0 start to have issues that involve meanness and bullying. When Naomi starts to look into it, and try to discover who Summer really is, her friends begin to think that it is Naomi who is going off the deep end.

I really liked Naomi. She is very relatable. She is feeling anxiety and fear, and becomes mama bear when it starts to involve her children. She feels alone because none of her friends see what is happening, and think it is in her head. Her husband is patient with her, and loves her- but even he thinks she is over-reacting. There were times when I wanted to yell at her and tell her to stop- but at the same time I understand a mother's instinct to fight for and protect your children. We are not always level headed when something involves our child. (But it was a tad annoying in one part- thus the deduction of half a star!).
Although Oliver questions his wife, he still supports and listens to her. Eventually he realizes what has been going on, and jumps in to support her.
And Freya and Bella are written very well as a 7 year old, and a teen. Their response and reactions came across as very realistic.

Summer seems likable. Then she just starts to get very creepy. I kept trying to figure out what was going on, and why she was doing what she did.

The pacing was fast. I was so engaged in the situations Naomi found herself in, and wanted to know what the end game was. Then, that twis toward the end- WHOA! I did not have it figured out! It was a bit unsettling- but what a great read!!

I highly recommend this, especially is you like twisty drama centered around a small community! I have never read anything by this author- but I will rectify that immediately!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Aya ☕︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

Sometimes delulu isn't the solulu.

Naomi wants to move to her dream house, but in order to do that, she should sell her flat. What happens when the buyer turns out to be her stalker?
This book frayed my nerves, it kept me on the edge of my chair quite literally I think I'm gonna look for her other books ♥️

[Leeanne 🥀 The Book Whor3 🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been very fortunate to read some excellent books this year, and this is by far, one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read. This is my first book by Natasha Boydell, and I now know what a 5 ⭐️ read is. This was a rollercoaster of a ride, and I was gripped throughout, from beginning to the brilliant, and creepy end.

Naomi is a mother to two daughters, Bella 13, and Freya 7. She’s just found out that the buyers for her flat have pulled out, but thankfully for Summer Caldwell, who’s original offer was turned down, has now been accepted. Everyone is happy, and Naomi and her family can now move to their big house a few streets away.

That’s all I’m going to say about this brilliant book, because the suspense was off the scale, and you just have to read it for yourself.

Thanks to Natasha Boydell, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

5 ⭐️

Release Date: 13th January 2025

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn’t like this book, I thought the storyline was pretty boring and the ending was terrible.

[OutlawPoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun.

I have to admit that I was floored when I found out why everything was happening! And, oh, this poor woman. I felt for her so much.

The book is very twisty and very intense. Like cut the tension with a knife intense.

I did find myself very frustrated with many of the characters, but I also didn’t want to stop reading.

I enjoyed this one!

[Jennifer *Nottoomanybooks* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I would not have read this immediately after The Ends of Things. The Ends of Things had an obsessive character that drove me insane, and this book ALSO had an obsessive character. I feel like this component made me dislike this book because I was tired of reading about obsession. I will say, about 75% into the book it did start to get good and I really enjoyed the twists! The main character had a reason to be suspicious for sure!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️ Initially I was all consumed with the characters and dialogue until it became a bit mind numbing. I found the protagonist, Naomi, was overly paranoid and had a slightly overly active imagination. It didn’t help that many of her concerns revolved around her seven year old daughter’s friendships. Add in an unreliable new neighbor, Summer, who Naomi befriended and all things start to become even more complicated. As the story progressed, the drama ensued and the twists were delivered.

The Doll’s House was a chilling story of obsession, secrets and deception. This was my first read by Natasha Boydell; and although this wasn’t my favorite domestic mystery/thriller, I was entertained, yet slightly annoyed, by the characters, storyline, and drawn out narration. Even if you favorite dramatic psychological mystery/trillers, I would save your time with this one. (Audio)

[Taylor W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I lean closer to a 3.5 maybe, but I couldn't quite give it 4 stars. The book had me hooked at the beginning and I found it to be a very quick read. However, I became annoyed with most of the characters pretty quickly and was disappointed that I had to wait until I was about 75% of the way through the book for something truly gripping and twisty to happen. Mostly it just felt like a bunch of caddy women who never grew out of highschool. Once the twists happened I wished the book didn't end so that they could be expanded on further.

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Natasha Boydell for this ARC of The Doll's House.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun one, focused on Naomi, who sells her house to a newcomer named Summer who seems to have become fixated on her. The only issue is that no one else is seeing what Naomi sees, and she alienates her family and friends while also living in fear of what Summer will do next.

This book was very twisty and fraught with tension throughout. The author did a good job of making even the most innocuous scenes seem suspenseful. The only thing I had a bit of an issue with is that Naomi’s close friends were not more supportive of her- no matter how things looked, it struck me as odd that they didn’t stand by her. The end of the book was a big twist that I did not see coming, and it was well done by being surprising but not so out of left field as to not feel realistic.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and thought it has the perfect amount of suspense, not to mention a good surprise ending. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[cienna stalnaker ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doll’s House by Natasha Boydell is a hauntingly beautiful tale that weaves together family secrets, loss, and the healing power of self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious family estate, Boydell masterfully crafts a dual timeline narrative that keeps the reader gripped from the first page to the last.

The story follows two women, separated by decades, whose lives are intricately tied to the titular doll’s house—a relic of the past that holds more than just memories within its delicate walls. Boydell's writing is atmospheric and immersive, bringing the eerie charm of the doll’s house and its surroundings to life. The characters, especially the modern-day protagonist, are relatable and deeply layered, making their emotional journeys all the more impactful.

While the pacing occasionally lagged in the middle, the twists and emotional revelations were well worth the wait. The themes of grief, resilience, and the complexities of family dynamics are handled with sensitivity and depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book. The Doll’s House is a must-read for fans of psychological dramas with a touch of gothic intrigue. I look forward to reading more from Natasha Boydell in the future!

[Tabitha Anna Teufel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noch ein paar solche Bücher und Thriller werden mein neues Lieblings-Genre🥺 Der war toll!!

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read for me (at least, when it comes to how I feel about this book).

I found this to be super slow and it took me quite a while to care about what was going on. It does feel very formulaic in a sense.

I only started to care at the very end of the story when the big thing was revealed. That made me look back at the story and go "oh cool, yeah, I can see that." But it should not take a reader until the big reveal at the end to think a book is interesting. It was quite bland until that point.

And the other characters that just did not care or believe the main character, Naomi, were kind of irritating. That was too expected and cliché and just makes me think that everyone in Naomi's life is a turd and a horrible person. Even if your friend is sounding a little bizarre and acting strange, you ask them what's wrong and you believe them. You don't immediately start gaslighting and telling them they are crazy right off the bat. You're supposed to be on her side?? So basically, I have beef with the side characters.

The ending reveal was fun, just not as satisfying as it could have been given how flat and repetitive the rest of the book felt. Sorry, I'm starting to think I'm really particular about mysteries/thrillers.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my kind of book! I got lost in this story and couldn't put the book down!!!

Though I didn't feel any real connection to Naomi I felt sorry for her as Summer began isolating her and taking her friends and causing trouble for her. Summer is the perfect villain in this story and the author did an excellent job of writing her.

This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last. I love her writing style and the way she kept my interest in the story. I liked that this was a fast-paced story that kept me reading for hours without stopping.

I definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy thrillers. This was a great book and one I would read again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Summer buys Naomi and Oliver’s apartment, Naomi has no idea how her life is going to change, and not for the good.

She moves into an old house with her family, not far from the flat, and as well as problems with the house she finds Summer is not the friendly woman she first appears to be. Unfortunately no one else seems to see Summer is muscling in on every aspect of Naomi’s life.

The scenes in the school playground had me on edge as having been involved in playground politics, as many parents will have been, I completely sympathised with poor Naomi as she was pushed out of her friendship group, just as he daughter was being pushed out of hers.

One of those books you just want to read in one sitting. Great characters and plot twists. Natasha had me completely absorbed from first page to last.

I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Tiffany Case · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dolls's House kept my head spinning until the very last sentence. There were easily a minimum of 4 twists throughout this story, and I was constantly reeling over what was happening. I could feel Naomi's anxiety when people wouldn't believe her, causing her to question her own sanity. This one had me hooked.

[Emma Sandhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read, plot twists went good and I couldn’t put it down.

[Leanne L · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 rounded up I was engaged in the beginning but the twist was very predictable honestly, lacked a little bit of depth but I enjoyed it fine! Quick easy read.

[Britta Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty domestic thriller I was ready to give 4 stars to
Andddddd that last sentence got it to the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dang!

[Tina Plintz · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick paced stalker novel with a good twist in the end you will really enjoy this one. You can kinda guess the end but it has an interesting twist that you don’t really see coming. It’s pretty easy and a fast read I’m sure you will will enjoy

[Henry Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really tense. Didn’t see twist coming this time. My favourite from this author.

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of twists throughout which made this such an interesting read!!

[Natalie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. I got an ARC from boldwood books. This one reminded me a lot of none of this is true by Lisa Jewel but even better. So many twists and turns the Doll’s house really was a wild ride, I devoured it in two days.

[Behind The Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely hooked on this book! Even when I had to set it aside, it was always on my mind. Boydell absolutely crushed it with the plot, the characters, and those jaw-dropping twists that kept my brain spinning the whole time. The Doll's House is definitely my top pick for 2024! I can already see it soaring to the top of the charts! #netgalley