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The Getaway
Don't miss the BRAND NEW utterly gripping thriller from bestseller Rona Halsall The most twisty psychological thriller of the summer, guaranteed to leave readers’ pulses racing. Perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Claire Douglas, and Freida McFadden ☀️📚 Would you swap houses – and lives – with a stranger? 👀
Maddie and her long-term boyfriend, Tom, dream of a life living and working abroad, though right now they’re settling for a lovely vacation in the sunny European beach town.
When Maddie is befriended by a lovely-seeming couple, who are living the digital nomad lifestyle, they make her an offer that feels hard to refuse…
Swap houses, swap lives – just for a couple of weeks - and see if living abroad is a lifestyle that would really suit them.
But as soon as they’ve handed keys over to their home in London, it becomes clear the couple aren’t who they’d seemed to be. And Maddie and Tom’s dream getaway is about to become a nightmare they could never have imagined…
Maddie and her long-term boyfriend, Tom, dream of a life living and working abroad, though right now they’re settling for a lovely vacation in the sunny European beach town.
When Maddie is befriended by a lovely-seeming couple, who are living the digital nomad lifestyle, they make her an offer that feels hard to refuse…
Swap houses, swap lives – just for a couple of weeks - and see if living abroad is a lifestyle that would really suit them.
But as soon as they’ve handed keys over to their home in London, it becomes clear the couple aren’t who they’d seemed to be. And Maddie and Tom’s dream getaway is about to become a nightmare they could never have imagined…
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2025
848 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Rona Halsall
20 books529 followersRona is the #1 best selling author of twisty psychological thrillers and loves to create mayhem in her characters' lives to keep her readers guessing. She lives halfway up a mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales with her three dogs - Maid, Evie and Sandy who are the writing support team.
She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. Outside is where the ideas are!
The peak of her writing career was being short-listed for the International Thriller Writers Awards 2024, for THE BIGAMIST. The translation was also shortlisted for an award in Holland.
For the latest news and information on all her books you can check out her website: https://ronahalsall.org/
You can also sign up to her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/RonaHalsallNews
Also...If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications when a new book is out. You can have a look here:
UK - https://tinyurl.com/yfk4ydyt
US - https://tinyurl.com/26cwfkc7
Go on... hit that Follow button!
She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. Outside is where the ideas are!
The peak of her writing career was being short-listed for the International Thriller Writers Awards 2024, for THE BIGAMIST. The translation was also shortlisted for an award in Holland.
For the latest news and information on all her books you can check out her website: https://ronahalsall.org/
You can also sign up to her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/RonaHalsallNews
Also...If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications when a new book is out. You can have a look here:
UK - https://tinyurl.com/yfk4ydyt
US - https://tinyurl.com/26cwfkc7
Go on... hit that Follow button!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
July 21, 2025
Gripping, shocking, thrilling and full of tension! There are certain authors I know are going to deliver time and time again and Rona Halsall is one of them! The Getaway had me turning the pages and wanting more! This is the 6th book which I have read by Rona Halsall and she has had me glued to the pages and on edge of my seat in every single one of those books!
Maddie and Tom are on vacation in Croatia when Maddie meets Alex, a lovely woman who engages her in conversation. After speaking, Maddie is excited as Alex and her boyfriend are living the life that Maddie dreams about! They are digital explorers/nomads who live and work abroad while switching homes with others! Maddie and Tom have talked about this and Maddie decides to take the plunge! Maddie agrees to let Alex and her partner stay in their flat in London, while Maddie and Tom will stay in Alex and her partner's place in Croatia! Keys are exchange and......
Soon things begin to not add up, and as unease and tension soon make their appearance. It soon becomes obvious that something isn't quite right. Things are not adding up, and what initially seemed like a good idea quickly turns into a nightmare. I loved the pacing in this book and how secrets, twists, and shocking revelations begin to rattle Maddie to the core!
This book had tension and unease galore! I found myself shaking my head at all of the bad decisions and judgement calls being made. This is how you do it! The pacing is fast, the twists are shocking, the reveals are jaw dropping and I was left happy having read this captivating psychological thriller!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced and shocking! Rona Halsall has delivered yet again!
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 📖
Maddie and Tom are on vacation in Croatia when Maddie meets Alex, a lovely woman who engages her in conversation. After speaking, Maddie is excited as Alex and her boyfriend are living the life that Maddie dreams about! They are digital explorers/nomads who live and work abroad while switching homes with others! Maddie and Tom have talked about this and Maddie decides to take the plunge! Maddie agrees to let Alex and her partner stay in their flat in London, while Maddie and Tom will stay in Alex and her partner's place in Croatia! Keys are exchange and......
Soon things begin to not add up, and as unease and tension soon make their appearance. It soon becomes obvious that something isn't quite right. Things are not adding up, and what initially seemed like a good idea quickly turns into a nightmare. I loved the pacing in this book and how secrets, twists, and shocking revelations begin to rattle Maddie to the core!
This book had tension and unease galore! I found myself shaking my head at all of the bad decisions and judgement calls being made. This is how you do it! The pacing is fast, the twists are shocking, the reveals are jaw dropping and I was left happy having read this captivating psychological thriller!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced and shocking! Rona Halsall has delivered yet again!
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 📖
August 24, 2025
This was a wild, twisted trip! What started as a dream vacation, quickly took an unexpected turn toward the dark side. Things are not as they seem in this unpredictable and unputdownable thriller. I was on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. The cliffhanger ending of each chapter kept the nail-biting momentum going. The plot is fast-paced and full of numerous twists and turns. I recommend this book to all thriller addicts. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.
August 2, 2025
While vacationing in Croatia, Maddie and Tom are drawn to the idea of extending their stay and working remotely. Maddie meets Alex and Ed, a pair of digital nomads who urgently need to return to London. Maddie impulsively agrees to a house swap, but she and Tom quickly realize that things don't add up. They decide to go home, and the nightmare begins. With conflicting revelations and psychotic characters, it's hard to know who to trust and who is lying. Packed with tension, especially toward the end, this was a page-turner that kept me guessing. My first by this author but I'm planning to check out more of her books.
July 25, 2025
Wow!
I am forever saying I have read this authors best book but then the next book comes along and I say it again…
This though is a mind blowing cleverly crafted at times dark thriller that looks at the relatively new phenomenon of ‘Digital Nomads’ and in this case how it can be used for bad
We meet Tom and Maddie who are holidaying in Croatia and Maddie meets Alex and a friendship blossoms, Alex explains re her and her partner Ed’s ‘Digital Nomading ’ lifestyle and Maddie is sold on the idea….maybe more sold than sense should allow, things that sound perfect very rarely are
Then we are flung into a who is guilty/ who is innocent page turner that really had me flummoxed as to who was doing what and why and who was being honest, it was full on and up until the last chapter was not completely sure
Really imaginative writing and a new twist on things, very enjoyable read that kept me on my toes throughout
I am forever saying I have read this authors best book but then the next book comes along and I say it again…
This though is a mind blowing cleverly crafted at times dark thriller that looks at the relatively new phenomenon of ‘Digital Nomads’ and in this case how it can be used for bad
We meet Tom and Maddie who are holidaying in Croatia and Maddie meets Alex and a friendship blossoms, Alex explains re her and her partner Ed’s ‘Digital Nomading ’ lifestyle and Maddie is sold on the idea….maybe more sold than sense should allow, things that sound perfect very rarely are
Then we are flung into a who is guilty/ who is innocent page turner that really had me flummoxed as to who was doing what and why and who was being honest, it was full on and up until the last chapter was not completely sure
Really imaginative writing and a new twist on things, very enjoyable read that kept me on my toes throughout
June 16, 2025
This is an easy breezy beach read - satisfying if you don't think too hard.
Maddie was stupid. I'm so sorry, but she was. Just literally stupid. She makes bad decisions all through the book. You're left just shaking your head. (Note: even her mother seems to think she's just not that bright. Mom's right.)
Her partner was irritating. The author tries to explain away his decision making by constantly referencing his ADHD, but I don't think ADHD makes you make these particular decisions. Over. And over. And over again.
The book is twisty and I definitely wanted to find out what would happen, but found the reason behind everything kind of convoluted.
I did like the end, though it didn't read as true for our character - our character was never that person through the entire book. I mean, I get that they may have changed after trauma and drama, but it was like whole new person.
Overall entertaining.
* ARC via publisher
Maddie was stupid. I'm so sorry, but she was. Just literally stupid. She makes bad decisions all through the book. You're left just shaking your head. (Note: even her mother seems to think she's just not that bright. Mom's right.)
Her partner was irritating. The author tries to explain away his decision making by constantly referencing his ADHD, but I don't think ADHD makes you make these particular decisions. Over. And over. And over again.
The book is twisty and I definitely wanted to find out what would happen, but found the reason behind everything kind of convoluted.
I did like the end, though it didn't read as true for our character - our character was never that person through the entire book. I mean, I get that they may have changed after trauma and drama, but it was like whole new person.
Overall entertaining.
* ARC via publisher
July 25, 2025
The Getaway by Rona Halsall is a psychological thriller that keeps you thinking, second-guessing, and questioning every character’s motive right up until the very end. The tension starts building from the very first chapter and never really lets up. It’s one of those stories where you’re constantly wondering what’s going to happen next—and yet, at the same time, you’re screaming internally at the main characters to please stop being so trusting. If you enjoy thrillers packed with secrets, misdirection, and shady characters, The Getaway delivers. But while the ride was gripping, I walked away feeling frustrated by an ending that didn’t quite land the way it should have.
The story centers around Maddie and Tom, an unmarried couple but living together trying to get away from it all—literally. They’ve just had some major disappointments and decide to getaway, a chance to reset. Of course, this wouldn’t be a thriller if things went smoothly. Right from the jump, you can tell there’s something off about their new setup, and the people they meet on their travels raise more red flags than a storm at sea. Maddie is hopeful and maybe a little too trusting. Tom is cautious but oddly quiet when it counts. As a reader, I found myself rooting for them—but also incredibly frustrated with their choices. Time and time again, you just want to shout, “It’s a scam!” or “Why are you trusting this person?!”
What really stood out to me about this book was that it felt like a thriller every step of the way. There wasn’t a slow build—it was one twist, one weird encounter, one unsettling development after another. It kept the tension high, and I will give Rona Halsall credit for crafting a storyline that doesn’t let you relax. However, as the story unfolded, I found myself more and more baffled by how easily Maddie and Tom were manipulated. They’re not new to the world, they’re grown adults with life experience—but the level of gullibility they display is borderline unbelievable at times. It was hard to suspend disbelief when they kept walking into the same traps with wide eyes and blind trust.
Now let’s talk about the ending—because honestly, that’s where the book really lost me. After spending so much time developing both Maddie and Tom as central characters, the final chapters suddenly shift and paint Maddie as the lone hero and victim, while Tom is basically reduced to the villain. It felt incredibly unbalanced. Throughout the story, Tom’s perspective is given almost equal weight, and he’s portrayed as flawed but reasonable, cautious, and even caring in his own way. But by the end, we’re supposed to believe that Maddie was the only one who mattered—that she’s the only one worth rooting for, while Tom’s side of the story gets tossed aside.
It left me wondering: was this supposed to be a statement about female empowerment? If so, it felt forced. It didn’t feel like a natural progression of Maddie’s arc—it felt like a twist meant to simplify the narrative at the expense of the complexity the author had spent the whole book building. Tom wasn’t perfect, sure, but he didn’t deserve to be vilified in a way that erased his development entirely. And if the idea was to elevate Maddie as a strong female lead, I think that could have been done without turning Tom into the scapegoat. I would have much rather seen an ending that acknowledged both of their flaws and strengths, and the very human way they both responded to an increasingly dangerous situation.
Overall, The Getaway is a fast-paced thriller that definitely kept me turning pages. The setting, the atmosphere, and the growing sense of unease were all well done, and there’s no denying Rona Halsall knows how to create suspense. But the characters’ blind trust and the abrupt way the ending rewrote the emotional balance of the story left me feeling let down. If you’re in it purely for the ride and don’t mind a twist that sacrifices character consistency for shock value, this might be your kind of book. But for me, I was hoping for a more satisfying payoff—one that didn’t throw Tom under the bus just to crown Maddie the heroine.
The story centers around Maddie and Tom, an unmarried couple but living together trying to get away from it all—literally. They’ve just had some major disappointments and decide to getaway, a chance to reset. Of course, this wouldn’t be a thriller if things went smoothly. Right from the jump, you can tell there’s something off about their new setup, and the people they meet on their travels raise more red flags than a storm at sea. Maddie is hopeful and maybe a little too trusting. Tom is cautious but oddly quiet when it counts. As a reader, I found myself rooting for them—but also incredibly frustrated with their choices. Time and time again, you just want to shout, “It’s a scam!” or “Why are you trusting this person?!”
What really stood out to me about this book was that it felt like a thriller every step of the way. There wasn’t a slow build—it was one twist, one weird encounter, one unsettling development after another. It kept the tension high, and I will give Rona Halsall credit for crafting a storyline that doesn’t let you relax. However, as the story unfolded, I found myself more and more baffled by how easily Maddie and Tom were manipulated. They’re not new to the world, they’re grown adults with life experience—but the level of gullibility they display is borderline unbelievable at times. It was hard to suspend disbelief when they kept walking into the same traps with wide eyes and blind trust.
Now let’s talk about the ending—because honestly, that’s where the book really lost me. After spending so much time developing both Maddie and Tom as central characters, the final chapters suddenly shift and paint Maddie as the lone hero and victim, while Tom is basically reduced to the villain. It felt incredibly unbalanced. Throughout the story, Tom’s perspective is given almost equal weight, and he’s portrayed as flawed but reasonable, cautious, and even caring in his own way. But by the end, we’re supposed to believe that Maddie was the only one who mattered—that she’s the only one worth rooting for, while Tom’s side of the story gets tossed aside.
It left me wondering: was this supposed to be a statement about female empowerment? If so, it felt forced. It didn’t feel like a natural progression of Maddie’s arc—it felt like a twist meant to simplify the narrative at the expense of the complexity the author had spent the whole book building. Tom wasn’t perfect, sure, but he didn’t deserve to be vilified in a way that erased his development entirely. And if the idea was to elevate Maddie as a strong female lead, I think that could have been done without turning Tom into the scapegoat. I would have much rather seen an ending that acknowledged both of their flaws and strengths, and the very human way they both responded to an increasingly dangerous situation.
Overall, The Getaway is a fast-paced thriller that definitely kept me turning pages. The setting, the atmosphere, and the growing sense of unease were all well done, and there’s no denying Rona Halsall knows how to create suspense. But the characters’ blind trust and the abrupt way the ending rewrote the emotional balance of the story left me feeling let down. If you’re in it purely for the ride and don’t mind a twist that sacrifices character consistency for shock value, this might be your kind of book. But for me, I was hoping for a more satisfying payoff—one that didn’t throw Tom under the bus just to crown Maddie the heroine.
December 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded up
July 17, 2025
This is a new-to-me author and from the off, I was hooked! The pages turned themselves and I found it an incredibly easy read. That said - it was utterly bonkers at the same time! I found myself inwardly screaming at Tom and Maddie to stop being so gullible. It seemed to be on a downward spiral from the minute they exchanged keys, but I found this entertaining and gripping. I would read more by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 10, 2025
I'm a Rona Halsall fan. I love her books and The Getaway is her best one yet.
The Getaway is a gripping psychological thriller filled with twists and turns that I read it in one sitting. A very gripping read and a definite recommend
The Getaway is a gripping psychological thriller filled with twists and turns that I read it in one sitting. A very gripping read and a definite recommend
July 28, 2025
The Getaway is a slow burn thriller that you will finish way too quickly. Maddie and her boyfriend, Tom, are on vacation in a beach town in Croatia, They love the feel of the place and wish they could stay longer. As Tom works late designing his next video game, Maddie is always up and out much earlier than him. Maddie likes to walk to the local cafe' and get her morning coffee and breakfast. Maddie meets a woman, Alex, who asks to share her table on a crowded morning at the cafe'. The 2 women hit it off and enjoy each other's company. Alex and her boyfriend are living the nomad life and travel wherever they want renting different places. Maddie loves the idea of living like this and wants to ask Tom if he'd consider doing this for a bit. They both can work anywhere as long as there's wifi, so Maddie is hoping she can talk him into it.
One morning Alex is very upset and says she has to return to London because of a sickness in the family. She hates to leave before their rental is up as they've got 2 more weeks left. Maddie and Alex get to talking and come up with a house swap idea. Maddie and Tom would move into Alex's place and she and her boyfriend would move into Maddie's place in London. It would only be for 2 weeks until Alex can find something else or come back to Croatia. Maddie runs it by Tom and he's a bit hesitant as Maddie has just met this woman. They are all supposed to go to dinner tonight to discuss it and get familiar with one another. Tom has to back out of the dinner as he's got to turn in an outline of his new game to his boss. Maggie goes with Tom's blessing that if she feels good about it to go ahead and exchange keys. Maggie feels good about it and they swap keys after dinner. Alex and her boyfriend are leaving the next morning for London, so Maggie and Tom can move into their apartment then. When Maggie shows Tom a selfie of her and Alex, he turns pale, and almost collapses. Tom never got to meet Alex and it's obvious he knows her somehow.
What is Tom not telling Maddie? How does he know Alex? Why does he seem terrified? Was it a mistake to give the keys to their apartment to Alex? Will they return to find damage? Tom has been keeping a very big secret from Maddie that could change everything. Will he come clean and fill her in on his past? Will Maddie be able to enjoy her extended stay in Croatia? Will Maddie be able to get past Tom's secret? Is Alex really who she claimed to be? What will Maddie and Tom find when they return to London? This book will have you flipping pages at a record pace to find out the answers to so many questions! I loved The Getaway by Rona Halsall and rate it 4 stars with a high recommendation. If suspenseful thrillers are your jam, this book is for you! The Getaway is out now and can be devoured any time you're ready! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of The Getaway in exchange for a fair review. #TheGetaway
One morning Alex is very upset and says she has to return to London because of a sickness in the family. She hates to leave before their rental is up as they've got 2 more weeks left. Maddie and Alex get to talking and come up with a house swap idea. Maddie and Tom would move into Alex's place and she and her boyfriend would move into Maddie's place in London. It would only be for 2 weeks until Alex can find something else or come back to Croatia. Maddie runs it by Tom and he's a bit hesitant as Maddie has just met this woman. They are all supposed to go to dinner tonight to discuss it and get familiar with one another. Tom has to back out of the dinner as he's got to turn in an outline of his new game to his boss. Maggie goes with Tom's blessing that if she feels good about it to go ahead and exchange keys. Maggie feels good about it and they swap keys after dinner. Alex and her boyfriend are leaving the next morning for London, so Maggie and Tom can move into their apartment then. When Maggie shows Tom a selfie of her and Alex, he turns pale, and almost collapses. Tom never got to meet Alex and it's obvious he knows her somehow.
What is Tom not telling Maddie? How does he know Alex? Why does he seem terrified? Was it a mistake to give the keys to their apartment to Alex? Will they return to find damage? Tom has been keeping a very big secret from Maddie that could change everything. Will he come clean and fill her in on his past? Will Maddie be able to enjoy her extended stay in Croatia? Will Maddie be able to get past Tom's secret? Is Alex really who she claimed to be? What will Maddie and Tom find when they return to London? This book will have you flipping pages at a record pace to find out the answers to so many questions! I loved The Getaway by Rona Halsall and rate it 4 stars with a high recommendation. If suspenseful thrillers are your jam, this book is for you! The Getaway is out now and can be devoured any time you're ready! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of The Getaway in exchange for a fair review. #TheGetaway
June 12, 2025
The Getaway by Rona Halsall,, Maddie is on holiday with her partner Dan who she’s been with for years but she’s eating breakfast alone when she meets a woman named Alex. is Alex explained to Maddie that her and her partner Ed or digital nomads and have lived all over the world Maddie can’t help but to admit she too has recently thought of doing this. Later on when Alex tells Maddie they must leave Croatia to tend to her mom who found out she has cancer but would love to offer Maddie and Dan their sublet Maddie couldn’t be more excited although Dan is hesitant. Maddie convinces dan, it’s a great idea after all it’s free and they would lose nothing by staying I mean what could go wrong? it turns out lots of things could go wrong before Maddie even leaves Croatia while Alex and Ed are making their selves at home in her London flat she learns Alex already new Tom but why is she doing this and who is Ed? All those questions are answered by the end of the book and OMG what an awesome thrill ride this was. I received the book this afternoon and I opened it just to peruse the beginning pages and found myself not stopping until the book was over it is that freaking good. this book was so good I just sent my husband out to get takeout because I was not stopping to start cooking. This was an awesome awesome read I love this authors books and have read many of them and I must say it seems they just get better and better. once you open this book make certain you have time to read because it is so good and Maddie is such a great person to root for something I look for and all books and she was definitely the one. There’s so much more I want to say as I always do in a review but don’t want to give any plot points away because it was so so good! A book I absolutely definitely 100% recommend to any thriller fan if you like books by Frida McFadden, the you will definitely love this one. #NetGalley, #BoldWoodBooks,#TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #RonaHalsall, #TheGetaway,
July 28, 2025
4.5 stars. This was full of twists and turns. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the author throws a huge curve ball into the mix. The story follows Maddie and Tom, who are on holiday in Croatia. Maddie strikes up a friendship with Alex an Ed a lovely couple living the digital nomadic lifestyle Maddie dreams of. Soon there is an offer of swapping lives for a couple of weeks so Maddie and Tom can try out the lifestyle they have always wanted to experience... no strings attached. But when an offer sounds too good to be true surely there must be a catch?
The story is told through Maddie and Tom's points of view. This worked really well as without giving anything away, I would be convinced something was the truth only to have the rug pulled from under me. I loved the twisted ending too.
It is a gripping, well-paced thriller that had me reading in one setting as I needed to know what was coming next. The author really brought the characters to life and I really felt for Maddie and Tom as their lives seemed to unravel. Be careful what you wish for!
A really enjoyable read perfect for the summer. Huge thanks to the author, BoldwoodBooks, Netgalley and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
The story is told through Maddie and Tom's points of view. This worked really well as without giving anything away, I would be convinced something was the truth only to have the rug pulled from under me. I loved the twisted ending too.
It is a gripping, well-paced thriller that had me reading in one setting as I needed to know what was coming next. The author really brought the characters to life and I really felt for Maddie and Tom as their lives seemed to unravel. Be careful what you wish for!
A really enjoyable read perfect for the summer. Huge thanks to the author, BoldwoodBooks, Netgalley and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
July 27, 2025
A trip to Croatia with my boyfriend? Yes, please! It sounds like exactly what I need to reset. Things are going great—especially after I meet Alex, a fellow vacationer who’s warm, fun, and living the dream as a digital nomad with her partner, Ed.
When Alex tells me she needs to rush to London to care for her mother who’s just been diagnosed with cancer, she offers us the chance to stay in her Croatian apartment. I mean…why not swap places? We’ve got a flat in London too—seems like a win-win.
Before she leaves, I snap a quick photo of her—just in case our neighbors get suspicious. But when I show the picture to Tom, everything changes. The woman I know as “Alex” is actually Lexi—Tom’s ex-wife.
The ex-wife I never even knew existed.
The one he says stalked him.
The one who was institutionalized after their marriage imploded.
And I just gave her the keys to our home. 😳
Rona Halsall delivers again! This FOUR STAR thriller had all the things I love: an international setting, relationship secrets, a false sense of safety, and that creeping, slow-build dread. This is my sixth read from Halsall, and they truly keep getting better and better!
📚 The Getaway released July 25th, 2025 and is available to read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
Big thanks to NetGalley, Rona Halsall, and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read another fabulous thriller in exchange for a review!
When Alex tells me she needs to rush to London to care for her mother who’s just been diagnosed with cancer, she offers us the chance to stay in her Croatian apartment. I mean…why not swap places? We’ve got a flat in London too—seems like a win-win.
Before she leaves, I snap a quick photo of her—just in case our neighbors get suspicious. But when I show the picture to Tom, everything changes. The woman I know as “Alex” is actually Lexi—Tom’s ex-wife.
The ex-wife I never even knew existed.
The one he says stalked him.
The one who was institutionalized after their marriage imploded.
And I just gave her the keys to our home. 😳
Rona Halsall delivers again! This FOUR STAR thriller had all the things I love: an international setting, relationship secrets, a false sense of safety, and that creeping, slow-build dread. This is my sixth read from Halsall, and they truly keep getting better and better!
📚 The Getaway released July 25th, 2025 and is available to read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
Big thanks to NetGalley, Rona Halsall, and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read another fabulous thriller in exchange for a review!
September 19, 2025
Big thanks to Boldwood Books for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Getaway is a fast paced psychological thriller with a surprising twist.
Tom and Maddie are holidaying abroad in the sun.
While eating a meal Maddie meets Alex and a friendship begins.
During the conversation Alex mentions ‘digital nomadic lifestyle’ which is swapping homes and lives for a while.
When an incident occurs that makes Alex have the need to return to the UK, Maddie suggests a swap so they can stay longer on vacation and Alex and her partner Ed can use their apartment in central London.
It seems too good to be true…..
When they enter the holiday home, it becomes very clear that Alex and Ed aren’t who they claim to be and the nightmare commences.
I’m a fan of Rona’s work and I always seem to enjoy her stories and this one was no exception.
It’s intriguing and entertaining.
As it all unravels you will get a sense of tension.
A clever read.
The Getaway is a fast paced psychological thriller with a surprising twist.
Tom and Maddie are holidaying abroad in the sun.
While eating a meal Maddie meets Alex and a friendship begins.
During the conversation Alex mentions ‘digital nomadic lifestyle’ which is swapping homes and lives for a while.
When an incident occurs that makes Alex have the need to return to the UK, Maddie suggests a swap so they can stay longer on vacation and Alex and her partner Ed can use their apartment in central London.
It seems too good to be true…..
When they enter the holiday home, it becomes very clear that Alex and Ed aren’t who they claim to be and the nightmare commences.
I’m a fan of Rona’s work and I always seem to enjoy her stories and this one was no exception.
It’s intriguing and entertaining.
As it all unravels you will get a sense of tension.
A clever read.
August 6, 2025
This is my first audiobook by Rona Halsall & it will definitely not be my last!
The book is good! It was shocking and thrilling to the point that I could hardly put it down due to me wanting to find out what was going to happen next... Apartment swiping, who does that? Come on, who in their right mind would do something so dumb and stupid like that besides Maddie! I'm glad that she finally woke up and smelled the coffee or she would have been next...
You can't trust everybody & everybody can't be your friend!
The book is good! It was shocking and thrilling to the point that I could hardly put it down due to me wanting to find out what was going to happen next... Apartment swiping, who does that? Come on, who in their right mind would do something so dumb and stupid like that besides Maddie! I'm glad that she finally woke up and smelled the coffee or she would have been next...
You can't trust everybody & everybody can't be your friend!
July 14, 2025
The Getaway
By: Rona Halsall
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: July 25, 2025
I have always wanted to do a house swap to some place I have never been before, but after this novel, I would think TWICE!
Maddie and her boyfriend, Tom have wanted to live and work in Europe. Maddie finds a way to do this after a mini vacation, BUT she has really should have checked references.
Their vacation turns into a nightmare. I am not going to give away anything, but this one was one wild ride with so many things changing my heart was palpitating at what could happen next. This author always delivers.
By: Rona Halsall
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: July 25, 2025
I have always wanted to do a house swap to some place I have never been before, but after this novel, I would think TWICE!
Maddie and her boyfriend, Tom have wanted to live and work in Europe. Maddie finds a way to do this after a mini vacation, BUT she has really should have checked references.
Their vacation turns into a nightmare. I am not going to give away anything, but this one was one wild ride with so many things changing my heart was palpitating at what could happen next. This author always delivers.
July 17, 2025
The getaway review
The first I’ve read by this author and I turned the pages at lightening speed. It’s a super-fast read with so much happening from the first page. Maddie and Tom on their idyllic holiday in Croatia are given a ‘too good to be true’ offer from new holiday mates Ed & Alex, to enable them to extend their holiday. From here life changes for them all very quickly indeed.
Whilst I felt frustrated at times by the increasingly crazy turn of events in this book I still felt invested enough in the characters to want to know what happens to them. You know they’re heading for disaster but the route is going to be interesting! I enjoyed the journey and would recommend this to friends. A fun holiday read- albeit a scary one!!
Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
The first I’ve read by this author and I turned the pages at lightening speed. It’s a super-fast read with so much happening from the first page. Maddie and Tom on their idyllic holiday in Croatia are given a ‘too good to be true’ offer from new holiday mates Ed & Alex, to enable them to extend their holiday. From here life changes for them all very quickly indeed.
Whilst I felt frustrated at times by the increasingly crazy turn of events in this book I still felt invested enough in the characters to want to know what happens to them. You know they’re heading for disaster but the route is going to be interesting! I enjoyed the journey and would recommend this to friends. A fun holiday read- albeit a scary one!!
Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
July 13, 2025
Rona Halsall's The Getaway throws readers headfirst into a whirlwind of deception and distrust, where the central question truly becomes: "Who can believe anything from this group of characters?"
The premise itself sets the stage for a mind-bending thriller: Maddie and Tom, on what they hope is a dream vacation, are lured into a house swap with seemingly charming digital nomads, Alex and Ed. What begins as an exciting opportunity quickly spirals into a nightmare as it becomes clear that nothing, and no one, is what they seem. Halsall excels at crafting a pervasive atmosphere of unease. As secrets from both couples' pasts begin to surface, the lines between victim and perpetrator, truth and fabrication, blur with unsettling frequency. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to constantly shift perspectives and reveal hidden agendas, leaving the reader as disoriented and paranoid as the characters themselves. You'll find yourself second-guessing every interaction and every piece of information presented, making for a truly gripping and unpredictable read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
The premise itself sets the stage for a mind-bending thriller: Maddie and Tom, on what they hope is a dream vacation, are lured into a house swap with seemingly charming digital nomads, Alex and Ed. What begins as an exciting opportunity quickly spirals into a nightmare as it becomes clear that nothing, and no one, is what they seem. Halsall excels at crafting a pervasive atmosphere of unease. As secrets from both couples' pasts begin to surface, the lines between victim and perpetrator, truth and fabrication, blur with unsettling frequency. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to constantly shift perspectives and reveal hidden agendas, leaving the reader as disoriented and paranoid as the characters themselves. You'll find yourself second-guessing every interaction and every piece of information presented, making for a truly gripping and unpredictable read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
July 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC Review
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read The Getaway by Rona Halsall.
This one was a mixed bag for me. It started off really slow, and I had a hard time staying engaged early on. I also spent a good chunk of the book being completely annoyed by Maddie. I get that people make mistakes under stress, but some of her decisions were just plain dumb. I kept hoping she’d snap out of it but nope, poor choices galore.
That said, the pace does pick up in the second half, and once things start unraveling, I was more invested. The twists were decent, and I enjoyed the overall concept. Not my favorite by Halsall, but still an okay read if you like domestic thrillers set somewhere remote and atmospheric.
#TheGetaway #NetGalley #ARCReview #RonaHalsall #ThrillerReads
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read The Getaway by Rona Halsall.
This one was a mixed bag for me. It started off really slow, and I had a hard time staying engaged early on. I also spent a good chunk of the book being completely annoyed by Maddie. I get that people make mistakes under stress, but some of her decisions were just plain dumb. I kept hoping she’d snap out of it but nope, poor choices galore.
That said, the pace does pick up in the second half, and once things start unraveling, I was more invested. The twists were decent, and I enjoyed the overall concept. Not my favorite by Halsall, but still an okay read if you like domestic thrillers set somewhere remote and atmospheric.
#TheGetaway #NetGalley #ARCReview #RonaHalsall #ThrillerReads
June 19, 2025
House swapping... something I would never, ever do.
I know it used to be — or maybe still is — a thing people did, usually through a website where you had to register, so there was at least some control over who ended up in your home and what you could expect in return. But what Maddie and Tom are planning is something completely different. The two couples barely know each other, and yet they go for it. Until Tom makes a chilling discovery...
I had a feeling early on that something wasn't right — because when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Unfortunately, you often realize that only when it's too late, when the damage is already done and you're left to face the consequences.
The author does an amazing job of leading me astray — and just when I think I’ve figured it out and confidently shift my suspicion, thinking this must be the truth... nope!
It felt like I was doing some weird little dance, constantly hopping from one theory to the next. I couldn’t decide what to believe, spinning around like a weather vane in a hurricane.
Slowly but surely, the storm settles, and everything is revealed. And to me, a thriller is only truly great when the story has a proper sting in its tail. I can tell you — this one absolutely did, and I loved every second of it.
A big compliment also goes to whoever designed the cover — it’s absolutely stunning.
The story itself was brilliant, with plenty of twists that had me throwing my theories out the window, only to pick them back up again, and still end up completely wrong.
No doubt about it — this book deserves 5 stars.
Thank you!
I know it used to be — or maybe still is — a thing people did, usually through a website where you had to register, so there was at least some control over who ended up in your home and what you could expect in return. But what Maddie and Tom are planning is something completely different. The two couples barely know each other, and yet they go for it. Until Tom makes a chilling discovery...
I had a feeling early on that something wasn't right — because when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Unfortunately, you often realize that only when it's too late, when the damage is already done and you're left to face the consequences.
The author does an amazing job of leading me astray — and just when I think I’ve figured it out and confidently shift my suspicion, thinking this must be the truth... nope!
It felt like I was doing some weird little dance, constantly hopping from one theory to the next. I couldn’t decide what to believe, spinning around like a weather vane in a hurricane.
Slowly but surely, the storm settles, and everything is revealed. And to me, a thriller is only truly great when the story has a proper sting in its tail. I can tell you — this one absolutely did, and I loved every second of it.
A big compliment also goes to whoever designed the cover — it’s absolutely stunning.
The story itself was brilliant, with plenty of twists that had me throwing my theories out the window, only to pick them back up again, and still end up completely wrong.
No doubt about it — this book deserves 5 stars.
Thank you!
June 15, 2025
during a trip to croatia, maddie meets a seemingly wonderful couple who are living the digital nomad lifestyle. they present a tempting proposal - swap homes and lives for a couple of weeks to get a real taste of life abroad.
tempted by the opportunity, maddie and her boyfriend, tom, agree. but once they hand over the keys to their flat in london, they begin to realize something is very wrong. the couple isn't who they claimed to be - and what started as a dream escape soon turns into a nightmare.
this was my first rona halsall book and i can say i enjoyed this one. i liked how the digital nomad lifestyle was portrayed - it's such an interesting concept, and honestly, i'd be open to trying something like that myself. that said, if i ever met a lovely couple who wanted to swap houses... i'd probably pass. a little reminder for the future - sometimes it's better to be boring and cautious than spontaneous.
i really liked the setting - a sunny beach town in croatia - which makes this book a great summer read.
the story started off a bit slow and felt somewhat predictable, but i kept reading, hoping for a big twist.
and honestly, i did like the ending, it was really satisfying. at the same time, while reading, it wasn't that hard to guess that something was wrong with the characters. tom lying about knowing alex was a clear red flag, so there were hints early on.
still, i liked the intrigue and how the plot unfolded.
at the beginning, some parts felt a bit far-fetched and it felt like there were too many coincidences.
also, i found the characters quite unlikeable, which made it hard to connect with them.
the story in general was interesting, it kind of didn't completely meet my expectations but i'd still recommend it if you're looking for a quick summer read.
tempted by the opportunity, maddie and her boyfriend, tom, agree. but once they hand over the keys to their flat in london, they begin to realize something is very wrong. the couple isn't who they claimed to be - and what started as a dream escape soon turns into a nightmare.
this was my first rona halsall book and i can say i enjoyed this one. i liked how the digital nomad lifestyle was portrayed - it's such an interesting concept, and honestly, i'd be open to trying something like that myself. that said, if i ever met a lovely couple who wanted to swap houses... i'd probably pass. a little reminder for the future - sometimes it's better to be boring and cautious than spontaneous.
i really liked the setting - a sunny beach town in croatia - which makes this book a great summer read.
the story started off a bit slow and felt somewhat predictable, but i kept reading, hoping for a big twist.
and honestly, i did like the ending, it was really satisfying. at the same time, while reading, it wasn't that hard to guess that something was wrong with the characters. tom lying about knowing alex was a clear red flag, so there were hints early on.
still, i liked the intrigue and how the plot unfolded.
at the beginning, some parts felt a bit far-fetched and it felt like there were too many coincidences.
also, i found the characters quite unlikeable, which made it hard to connect with them.
the story in general was interesting, it kind of didn't completely meet my expectations but i'd still recommend it if you're looking for a quick summer read.
June 15, 2025
Another triumph from Rona Halsall which I read in 48 hours. Maddie and Tom are on holiday in Croatia and meet Alex and Ed. Two so-called Digital nomads who make a living via their laptops and flitting around instead of living in one place. All very idealistic and when Alex suggests they swap lives for two weeks Maddie is giddy with excitement. Yeah sure take the keys to my London apartment. It’ll be fun! It’s obvious Alex & Ed are up to something. But I never saw the story veering off in the direction it did! So many liars and characters you can’t trust. The main female character is likeable but gullible. You do want her to have a happy ending. Thank you to the author and Boldwood books for the eARC. Perfect “getaway” beach reading. Denise x
July 26, 2025
Maddie and her long-term partner Tom are enjoying a little relationship reset in a sunny European beach town. There, they meet a charming digitally nomadic couple named Alex and Ed. Soon Maddie's new friends propose an unusual and adventurous idea. Swap houses, and lives, for a week. Excited by the idea of seeing life abroad, Maddie and Tom agree. But no sooner than the keys have been exchanged, it seems that what should have been a dream getaway soon turns into a nightmare. As hidden motives and chilling secrets are revealed, Maddie can't help but question what she stumbled into.
Tense and twist filled, The Getaway grabs you with a seemingly harmless premise but then drags you straight into a spiral of secrets, manipulation, and deception. The atmosphere is staged perfectly, beautiful relaxing beaches slowly turning claustrophobic. Halsall really excels at building up the suspense. Each chapter leaves just enough information off to keep you guessing and flipping pages. Overall, I highly recommend for fans of twisty domestic thrillers and for readers of Lisa Jewell, Daniel Hurst, and Freida McFadden!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rona Halsall, and Boldwood Books for this ARC!! Publication date is July 25th, 2025.
Tense and twist filled, The Getaway grabs you with a seemingly harmless premise but then drags you straight into a spiral of secrets, manipulation, and deception. The atmosphere is staged perfectly, beautiful relaxing beaches slowly turning claustrophobic. Halsall really excels at building up the suspense. Each chapter leaves just enough information off to keep you guessing and flipping pages. Overall, I highly recommend for fans of twisty domestic thrillers and for readers of Lisa Jewell, Daniel Hurst, and Freida McFadden!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rona Halsall, and Boldwood Books for this ARC!! Publication date is July 25th, 2025.
June 23, 2025
I think the title "The Getaway" as well as the synopsis is a bit deceiving . The book really is not about a getaway. Sure, at the beginning Maddie and Tom are on holiday in Croatia and end up house swapping with another couple. But the actual events of the book have nothing to do with the "getaway" nor do they take place in the holiday setting of Croatia.
This book was really rushed and always felt surface level, but at the same time, dragged on at parts. It was sooo wordy and overly descriptive at times that the suspense level really dropped. It was kinda a strange story and I did not enjoy the plot twists. Just super OTT and messy. The characters were unlikeable and super cringey. This also made for a difficult read. If you're an avid thriller reader like myself, unfortunately, this one will not do it for you.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really rushed and always felt surface level, but at the same time, dragged on at parts. It was sooo wordy and overly descriptive at times that the suspense level really dropped. It was kinda a strange story and I did not enjoy the plot twists. Just super OTT and messy. The characters were unlikeable and super cringey. This also made for a difficult read. If you're an avid thriller reader like myself, unfortunately, this one will not do it for you.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2025
I was really looking forward to reading this book having loved the authors previous books. I felt it took a while to get going but was a good read & definitely had me wanting to know what happened to Maddie & she certainly goes through it trying to find out the truth. She made a few snap decisions which were frustrating & a lot of descriptive writing but second half of the book kept it going.
Overall a good read & thank you to Netgalley & publisher for ARC copy.
3.5 stars 🌟
Overall a good read & thank you to Netgalley & publisher for ARC copy.
3.5 stars 🌟
June 15, 2025
WOW and it's books like this that Rona Halsall is one of my favourite authors. I was lucky to be able to read this book early on Netgallery but it's definitely one to look out for when it comes out. The story had me gripped straight away with the characters and the twists you never saw coming kept you page turning. Absolutely amazing book Rona you never disappoint your readers. Thank You x
June 25, 2025
Crazy caricatures that kinda had you guessing.. I found the ending the best part of the book. For the most part this book was just OK to me it definitely didn't draw me into the caricatures, the premise was good but got lost somewhere.
July 29, 2025
I get frustrated with books where the main character seems to make silly decisions repeatedly. At least with this one both the male and female male characters did ridiculous things and it’s not just the female painted negatively.
This is an easy book to read. The story moves along quite fast. It’s just not very deep and I didn’t find the reveal to be that shocking. Basically you have to suspend some belief as you read.
If you like page turner popcorn type thrillers then you’ll enjoy this book. Definitely a good summer read.
This is an easy book to read. The story moves along quite fast. It’s just not very deep and I didn’t find the reveal to be that shocking. Basically you have to suspend some belief as you read.
If you like page turner popcorn type thrillers then you’ll enjoy this book. Definitely a good summer read.
October 24, 2025
3.75 rounded up
December 26, 2025
fast paced
Excellent fast paced read with believable characters. A satisfying ending which ties up all loose ends. Thoroughly recommend for a riveting read.
Excellent fast paced read with believable characters. A satisfying ending which ties up all loose ends. Thoroughly recommend for a riveting read.
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