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The Getaway: Rona Halsall sets pulses racing in this twisty psychological thriller
A “thrillingly twisty” listen ( Valerie Keogh): Maddie and Tom dream of a life together abroad. When the opportunity presents itself, they jump at it — and all they have to do is swap houses with another couple. But as Maddie and Tom find out more about the couple, what starts as a dream quickly turns into a nightmare…
The most twisty psychological thriller of the summer, guaranteed to leave listeners’ 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…
Audible Audio
Published July 25, 2025
About the author
Rona Halsall
18 books563 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 231 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
Read
January 5, 2026Kindled.
I just don't get why some people bother to stage such wildly elaborate and easily fallible schemes in order to avenge a perceived wrong done to them. I mean, couldn't the revenger in this case just have dealt with their victim in one fell swoop, closer to home? Why the Croatian ruse?
It's a head-scratcher, it is.
I just don't get why some people bother to stage such wildly elaborate and easily fallible schemes in order to avenge a perceived wrong done to them. I mean, couldn't the revenger in this case just have dealt with their victim in one fell swoop, closer to home? Why the Croatian ruse?
It's a head-scratcher, it is.
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.
July 14, 2026
Maddie and Tom dream of living abroad and agree to swap homes with a seemingly perfect couple while on vacation. But when they discover the couple isn’t who they claimed to be, their dream getaway turns into a nightmare. Intriguing and definitely a story that kept me on edge. There was a moment when my heart was racing, but I’m pretty squeamish when it comes to violence, so some parts were a little hard for me to read.
December 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded up
June 7, 2026
The Getaway is a psychological thriller centered on Maddie and her long-term boyfriend Tom, who dream of leaving London and living a digital-nomad lifestyle abroad. While vacationing in Croatia, Maddie befriends a seemingly charming couple, Alex and Ed, who appear to be living exactly the life she wants. They propose an unusual arrangement: a temporary house swap, allowing Maddie and Tom to experience life abroad while Alex and Ed stay in their London home.
What begins as an exciting opportunity quickly turns sinister. Once the exchange takes place, Maddie and Tom discover that Alex and Ed are not who they claimed to be. Hidden motives, lies, and long-buried secrets begin to emerge, and the couple find themselves trapped in a dangerous web of deception. As events spiral out of control, Maddie struggles to determine whom she can trust and whether she and Tom have become victims of an elaborate scheme.
The novel is known for :
* A holiday setting in Croatia that gradually becomes threatening.
* Multiple twists and shifting perspectives.
* Themes of trust, identity, manipulation, and revenge.
* Fast pacing and constant suspense.
Without revealing the ending, the story evolves from a dream vacation into a tense cat-and-mouse thriller where nearly every character seems to be hiding something, and the truth is uncovered only through a series of unexpected revelations. I would give the book 4 stars
Dr. Javed Rasheed
What begins as an exciting opportunity quickly turns sinister. Once the exchange takes place, Maddie and Tom discover that Alex and Ed are not who they claimed to be. Hidden motives, lies, and long-buried secrets begin to emerge, and the couple find themselves trapped in a dangerous web of deception. As events spiral out of control, Maddie struggles to determine whom she can trust and whether she and Tom have become victims of an elaborate scheme.
The novel is known for :
* A holiday setting in Croatia that gradually becomes threatening.
* Multiple twists and shifting perspectives.
* Themes of trust, identity, manipulation, and revenge.
* Fast pacing and constant suspense.
Without revealing the ending, the story evolves from a dream vacation into a tense cat-and-mouse thriller where nearly every character seems to be hiding something, and the truth is uncovered only through a series of unexpected revelations. I would give the book 4 stars
Dr. Javed Rasheed
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 23, 2025
This is a new-to-me author and at the beginning I was interested.Maddie and her long-term boyfriend, Tom,have a lovely vacation in the sunny European beach.When Maddie meet Alex who are living the digital nomad lifestyle,she can't refuse swap houses, it's something she dream about,but can't afford now.It's only few weeks right?
From the time Maggie and Tom agreed to the swap I was shaking my head no don't do it,yes they did it.Without any information about other couple who they know for a week. Few things seems weird,Tom make shocking revelation,and they decide to travel back home separately.
Will they resolve what's going on?
2 stars for me as I like the cover and the twist at the end,but Maggie and Tom were to naive and dumb for me to really enjoy it,I was thinking trough more then half of the book it's time to call police!Didn't connect to the story.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for ARC copy.
From the time Maggie and Tom agreed to the swap I was shaking my head no don't do it,yes they did it.Without any information about other couple who they know for a week. Few things seems weird,Tom make shocking revelation,and they decide to travel back home separately.
Will they resolve what's going on?
2 stars for me as I like the cover and the twist at the end,but Maggie and Tom were to naive and dumb for me to really enjoy it,I was thinking trough more then half of the book it's time to call police!Didn't connect to the story.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for ARC copy.
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.
January 13, 2026
I read this book back in June 2025 but somehow forgot to post here on GR 🤦🏻♀️ Anyhow, it was a fab read and I loved her writing style! Eager to read more by Rona!
Rona Halsall delivered a fast paced twisted, I mean twisted, psychological thriller! This was unputdownable. Halsall fabricated a thriller premise that I hadn’t read before, and that was partially what drew me to this book. The Getaway followed Maddie and her long-term boyfriend, Tom. They went on a romantic vacation in sun‑soaked Croatia when Maddie met Alex and Ed—a couple living the digital‑nomad dream. They proposed a daring plan to swap homes for a couple of weeks to test the nomadic lifestyle. But as soon as they handed over the keys the nightmare began. This was undoubtedly a twisted psychological thriller built on trust, deception, and past secrets.
Everything from the multiple perspectives to the deceitful characters to the distinct narrative made for a compelling fast paced gripping thriller. I loved the short chapters and the engaging dialogue. It started early and didn’t let up. The multiple points of views added to the dynamic suspense. Even more, the idea of swapping homes gone wrong set up a unique and fresh premise. All these aspects set it apart from others in the thriller genre. I also appreciated the multiple twists and misdirections. They were scattered throughout. And lastly, I enjoyed the escapist setting with the sinister undertones. The way Halsall infused it into this story added another layer of tension.
All in all, I was so transfixed in this dramatically constructed story that I read it devoured it in a day. This may have been my first read by Rona Halsall, but it’s definitely not my last. That said, I’m eager to get my hands on more books by Halsall soon. I’d recommend The Getaway for those who love compulsive reads with domestic drama and a unique premise, psychological tension and twists, and unreliable narrators.
Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rona Halsall delivered a fast paced twisted, I mean twisted, psychological thriller! This was unputdownable. Halsall fabricated a thriller premise that I hadn’t read before, and that was partially what drew me to this book. The Getaway followed Maddie and her long-term boyfriend, Tom. They went on a romantic vacation in sun‑soaked Croatia when Maddie met Alex and Ed—a couple living the digital‑nomad dream. They proposed a daring plan to swap homes for a couple of weeks to test the nomadic lifestyle. But as soon as they handed over the keys the nightmare began. This was undoubtedly a twisted psychological thriller built on trust, deception, and past secrets.
Everything from the multiple perspectives to the deceitful characters to the distinct narrative made for a compelling fast paced gripping thriller. I loved the short chapters and the engaging dialogue. It started early and didn’t let up. The multiple points of views added to the dynamic suspense. Even more, the idea of swapping homes gone wrong set up a unique and fresh premise. All these aspects set it apart from others in the thriller genre. I also appreciated the multiple twists and misdirections. They were scattered throughout. And lastly, I enjoyed the escapist setting with the sinister undertones. The way Halsall infused it into this story added another layer of tension.
All in all, I was so transfixed in this dramatically constructed story that I read it devoured it in a day. This may have been my first read by Rona Halsall, but it’s definitely not my last. That said, I’m eager to get my hands on more books by Halsall soon. I’d recommend The Getaway for those who love compulsive reads with domestic drama and a unique premise, psychological tension and twists, and unreliable narrators.
Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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
February 12, 2026
This girl could just not stop getting got!! Not her ending the book with “how stupid does she think I am”. 🤨 Daft babes.
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!
January 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Exciting plot with a somewhat slow execution for my personal liking. Could have also been bc I did audio and just found a challenging time getting absorbed into this particular storyline.
Two couples basically decide to swap homes for a week and right after all agreeing to this, there is some regret from one of the couples and they discover that people may not be how they appear.
I’m curious to try her new book coming out in February!! This one was just OK IMO.
Exciting plot with a somewhat slow execution for my personal liking. Could have also been bc I did audio and just found a challenging time getting absorbed into this particular storyline.
Two couples basically decide to swap homes for a week and right after all agreeing to this, there is some regret from one of the couples and they discover that people may not be how they appear.
I’m curious to try her new book coming out in February!! This one was just OK IMO.
August 14, 2026
Solid 3.5 Twas a rollercoaster .
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 28, 2026
Really good twists
July 30, 2026
Was this a comedy and I didn't get them memo?
This book reminds me of "Clusterf*ck" in the way that both authors believe that chaos alone can make a story compelling.
The book follows Maddie and Tom, who go on vacation. While they're there, Maddie decides she wants to become a digital nomad. She almost instantly becomes friends with a woman named Alex, who tells her that she and her boyfriend are digital nomads and suggests they do a house swap.
From the very beginning, everybody is lying about everything. You never get a chance to get to know any of these characters or care why they're lying or being lied to. The villains are cartoonishly villainous, and nothing they do makes sense. Almost everything could have been avoided if Maddie had just made sensible adult decisions.
At one point Maddie asks, "Am I really this gullible?" The answer is yes. She learns nothing from her mistakes. Absolutely nothing.
There is so little character development for Maddie that I actually forgot what her day job was while I was reading the book.
It's also crazy that this book is called The Getaway because the getaway itself is such a small part of the story. If most of what happened had actually happened during the getaway, the title would have made more sense. Instead, they're actually on the getaway for probably less than 5% of the book.
At the end of the day, we don't know enough about any of these characters to care about any of them. The premise had potential, but the execution completely missed the mark. I don't think this is a good book, and I wouldn't recommend it.
This book reminds me of "Clusterf*ck" in the way that both authors believe that chaos alone can make a story compelling.
The book follows Maddie and Tom, who go on vacation. While they're there, Maddie decides she wants to become a digital nomad. She almost instantly becomes friends with a woman named Alex, who tells her that she and her boyfriend are digital nomads and suggests they do a house swap.
From the very beginning, everybody is lying about everything. You never get a chance to get to know any of these characters or care why they're lying or being lied to. The villains are cartoonishly villainous, and nothing they do makes sense. Almost everything could have been avoided if Maddie had just made sensible adult decisions.
At one point Maddie asks, "Am I really this gullible?" The answer is yes. She learns nothing from her mistakes. Absolutely nothing.
There is so little character development for Maddie that I actually forgot what her day job was while I was reading the book.
It's also crazy that this book is called The Getaway because the getaway itself is such a small part of the story. If most of what happened had actually happened during the getaway, the title would have made more sense. Instead, they're actually on the getaway for probably less than 5% of the book.
At the end of the day, we don't know enough about any of these characters to care about any of them. The premise had potential, but the execution completely missed the mark. I don't think this is a good book, and I wouldn't recommend it.
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
August 18, 2026
This was another Hoopla bonus borrow, that I might not have found on my own. I am torn about how I felt about the story. I enjoyed it but almost stopped reading because I was afraid of what was going to happen next. The writing was good. The problem was this was somewhat darker than I prefer.
I liked Maddie and really liked Tom. I was hesitant about Alex and Ed.
Maddie and Tom are on vacation. Maddie meets Alex and an instant friendship strikes up. Maddie is trusting of everyone and takes what Alex says at face value and disregards her gut feelings that something is off. She is roped into the idea of staying in Croatia for 14 more days, staying at the rental of Alex and Ed, since they have to rush back home to London, and they'll be staying in Maddie and Tom's apartment. Everything is perfect right, just fell into place?
Except there's nothing in writing, no lease or contract. Tom met Ed but not Alex and Maddie met Alex but not her partner, Ed. Maddie again has feelings something isn't right but wants the extended vacation, to see if they could live the life of digital nomads.
When Maddie snaps a selfie if herself and Alex, surprising Alex, and sends it to Tom, Tom suddenly realizes what's happening. Alex is his stalker, crazy ex-wife but she was known as Lexi then. He had her placed in a "Looney bin" and wasn't notified she'd been released. Not only that, Tom never told Maddie he'd ever been married before.
The part that I found the most troubling is when Tom and Maddie head home, separately, about a day apart. Tom seems to disappear and Maddie goes to her apartment alone? Alex is so convincing, Maddie believes her over Tom! Tom follows Ed to a pub? Maddie follows Alex to Ed's aunt's apartment, where Ed's staying? So many red flags and they just kept plodding along. Not too believable.
I liked Maddie and really liked Tom. I was hesitant about Alex and Ed.
Maddie and Tom are on vacation. Maddie meets Alex and an instant friendship strikes up. Maddie is trusting of everyone and takes what Alex says at face value and disregards her gut feelings that something is off. She is roped into the idea of staying in Croatia for 14 more days, staying at the rental of Alex and Ed, since they have to rush back home to London, and they'll be staying in Maddie and Tom's apartment. Everything is perfect right, just fell into place?
Except there's nothing in writing, no lease or contract. Tom met Ed but not Alex and Maddie met Alex but not her partner, Ed. Maddie again has feelings something isn't right but wants the extended vacation, to see if they could live the life of digital nomads.
When Maddie snaps a selfie if herself and Alex, surprising Alex, and sends it to Tom, Tom suddenly realizes what's happening. Alex is his stalker, crazy ex-wife but she was known as Lexi then. He had her placed in a "Looney bin" and wasn't notified she'd been released. Not only that, Tom never told Maddie he'd ever been married before.
The part that I found the most troubling is when Tom and Maddie head home, separately, about a day apart. Tom seems to disappear and Maddie goes to her apartment alone? Alex is so convincing, Maddie believes her over Tom! Tom follows Ed to a pub? Maddie follows Alex to Ed's aunt's apartment, where Ed's staying? So many red flags and they just kept plodding along. Not too believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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