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Adrift
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26The author of the “master class in suspense” (Shari Lapena,
New York Times
bestselling author) The Chamber returns with a high-tension thriller about a family’s descent into darkness that is perfect for fans of Dennis Lehane and Lisa Jewell.
Peggy and Drew, both aspiring writers, move to an isolated canal boat with their fourteen-year-old son. Peggy is the glue that holds their family together, even as their son is bullied relentlessly for his physique and his family’s lack of money. But when Drew becomes frustrated by his wife’s sudden writing success, he moves their boat further and further from civilization.
With their increasing isolation, personal challenges become harder to ignore, even as they desperately try to break toxic generational patterns. But when Drew’s gaslighting becomes too much for Peggy to take, it sets off a catastrophic series of events.
With Will Dean’s signature “well-drawn characters and excellent prose” (Sarah Pearse, New York Times bestselling author), Adrift is gripping exploration of the ties that bind when everything spirals out of control.
Peggy and Drew, both aspiring writers, move to an isolated canal boat with their fourteen-year-old son. Peggy is the glue that holds their family together, even as their son is bullied relentlessly for his physique and his family’s lack of money. But when Drew becomes frustrated by his wife’s sudden writing success, he moves their boat further and further from civilization.
With their increasing isolation, personal challenges become harder to ignore, even as they desperately try to break toxic generational patterns. But when Drew’s gaslighting becomes too much for Peggy to take, it sets off a catastrophic series of events.
With Will Dean’s signature “well-drawn characters and excellent prose” (Sarah Pearse, New York Times bestselling author), Adrift is gripping exploration of the ties that bind when everything spirals out of control.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 17, 2026
14933 people want to read
About the author
Will Dean
22 books1,594 followersWill Dean grew up in the East Midlands, living in nine different villages before the age of eighteen. He was a bookish, daydreaming kid who found comfort in stories and nature (and he still does). After studying Law at the LSE, and working in London, he settled in rural Sweden. He built a wooden house in a boggy clearing at the centre of a vast elk forest, and it's from this base that he compulsively reads and writes. He is the author of Dark Pines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
September 19, 2025
Just add this book to your list now. The writing and storyline in this book was absolutely incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever empathized with characters as much as I did while reading “Adrift” (mainly Peggy and Samson). This is a total five star read, and I am now adding Will Dean as one of my go-to authors moving forward.
In this story we have a family of three- Peggy, Drew, and their fourteen year old son, Samson. After Drew decides they sell the bungalow they were living in (which was Peggy’s mother’s house), they now live in a canal boat. Drew didn’t like the bungalow they were living in prior to the boat, because it wasn’t good enough for him and the bills were just too much. Drew then purchased the boat with the sale of Peggy’s bungalow, and he is in charge of all the finances- and money is tight!
Drew is very controlling, and he is the only one who works. Peggy is allowed to volunteer at the local library, but she isn’t allowed a paying job. Peggy and Samson must also be very quiet at night, so that Drew can concentrate on his book that he is writing.
Samson is a loner, and he gets picked on by the other kids at school for how he looks and the clothes he wears. His only dream is to one day make it out of his town/houseboat.
Whenever things don’t go Drew’s way, he continues to keep moving the boat further down the canal- as far from civilization as possible. Drew wants his family secluded, and he likes to keep his wife, Peggy, questioning and doubting herself and her abilities. As situations begin to escalate, will this family ever make it back to land?
I am unfortunately quite familiar with the actions of Drew, and I resonated a little too much with this story. Consider yourself lucky if you’ve never been manipulated, gaslit, belittled, or controlled by another human being. I wanted to run inside these pages and pull Peggy and Samson away, and run as far away as I could. This book also made me realize and be thankful for the kindness of strangers around me.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books, and the author for an DRC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading, in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: February 17, 2026
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers
August 2, 2025
I have to admit two things: first, this book is an absolute knockout—unflinchingly intense, psychologically riveting, and disturbingly brilliant. Second, it’s not for the faint of heart. It left me breathless, on edge, and—no exaggeration—chewing my nails down to the quick and urgently needing a mani! Every chapter drips with dread, urgency, and raw emotion. I had to step away at times just to collect myself, but the hope that things might somehow work out kept pulling me back until the very last page.
This story tackles extremely triggering and painful subjects: bullying, gaslighting, emotional abuse, forced isolation, parental cruelty, and even suicide. Each scene involving Drew—the manipulative, volatile husband—felt like a stone pressed on my chest. The more he exerted control, the more my fury toward him boiled over. He’s one of those characters you despise so deeply that it physically affects you.
We follow the lives of a small, shattered family—Drew, Peggy, and their fourteen-year-old son Samson. Drew, a once-famous author chasing a comeback, has dragged his family onto a rundown canal boat under the pretense of needing solitude to finish his next "masterpiece." In reality, they’re financially sinking after he forced Peggy to sell her mother’s house (her mother having died by suicide). He won’t let Peggy work, claiming it would destabilize her mental health, and insists on total silence during his “creative hours.” Meanwhile, he deprives his family of basic comfort—limited food, no heat, rationed water—while his fragile ego consumes all.
What Drew doesn’t realize is that Peggy has secretly been writing her own novel, submitting it to publishers through her volunteer library job. Her quiet rebellion is as heartbreaking as it is brave. As she tries to reclaim a piece of herself, her son Samson is being brutalized at school—bullied for his appearance, his poverty, and the suffocating strangeness of their lives. Each time Peggy and Samson attempt to form a connection with the outside world, something “accidental” happens to sever it, raising the terrifying question: are these truly coincidences, or part of Drew’s calculated grip?
We also get chilling flashbacks to Drew’s own youth, hinting early on at the dangerous man he would become—and what he’s capable of doing to anyone who threatens his control.
Peggy is left with a crushing decision: either break free or risk her son becoming a carbon copy of the man she fears most. But how do you escape someone who has rewritten the rules of your reality?
Overall: Five stars. Harrowing, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. This book burrowed into my psyche and left me reeling. It’s one of those dark psychological thrillers that stays with you long after you finish—heavy, raw, and masterfully crafted.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books / Atria–Emily Bestler Books for sharing this mind-blowing thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This story tackles extremely triggering and painful subjects: bullying, gaslighting, emotional abuse, forced isolation, parental cruelty, and even suicide. Each scene involving Drew—the manipulative, volatile husband—felt like a stone pressed on my chest. The more he exerted control, the more my fury toward him boiled over. He’s one of those characters you despise so deeply that it physically affects you.
We follow the lives of a small, shattered family—Drew, Peggy, and their fourteen-year-old son Samson. Drew, a once-famous author chasing a comeback, has dragged his family onto a rundown canal boat under the pretense of needing solitude to finish his next "masterpiece." In reality, they’re financially sinking after he forced Peggy to sell her mother’s house (her mother having died by suicide). He won’t let Peggy work, claiming it would destabilize her mental health, and insists on total silence during his “creative hours.” Meanwhile, he deprives his family of basic comfort—limited food, no heat, rationed water—while his fragile ego consumes all.
What Drew doesn’t realize is that Peggy has secretly been writing her own novel, submitting it to publishers through her volunteer library job. Her quiet rebellion is as heartbreaking as it is brave. As she tries to reclaim a piece of herself, her son Samson is being brutalized at school—bullied for his appearance, his poverty, and the suffocating strangeness of their lives. Each time Peggy and Samson attempt to form a connection with the outside world, something “accidental” happens to sever it, raising the terrifying question: are these truly coincidences, or part of Drew’s calculated grip?
We also get chilling flashbacks to Drew’s own youth, hinting early on at the dangerous man he would become—and what he’s capable of doing to anyone who threatens his control.
Peggy is left with a crushing decision: either break free or risk her son becoming a carbon copy of the man she fears most. But how do you escape someone who has rewritten the rules of your reality?
Overall: Five stars. Harrowing, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. This book burrowed into my psyche and left me reeling. It’s one of those dark psychological thrillers that stays with you long after you finish—heavy, raw, and masterfully crafted.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books / Atria–Emily Bestler Books for sharing this mind-blowing thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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August 3, 2025
Dark, gripping, chilling, thought provoking and hard to put down! Adrift left me afloat in isolation, sadness, despair, and pain. Will Dean's latest book, Adrift depicts a mother and son (Peggy and Samson) who are dealing with daily gaslighting, control, abuse, manipulation, and lies. I had a hard time putting this down, while rooting for Peggy and Samson, and hoping that Drew would go float his own boat and leave them alone! This book deals with heavy and triggering subjects such as loneliness, bullying, gaslighting, emotional abuse, control, mental health, manipulation, and controlling behavior.
Peggy and her teenage son, Samson tiptoe around their canal boat, as Drew needs total silence while he writes his next literary hit! He and Peggy are both writers, but it is Drew who had success with it in the past. Now the family live on a canal boat while Drew dictates their lives. Peggy works at a local library, and it is her one safe place. She enjoys her work there and her co-workers are supportive and encouraging of her love of books and writing. It it there where she writes a book that has garnered some interest. Samson is a scholarship student at a local school. He is skinny, perhaps malnourished, and is bullied day in and day out. As Drew continues to gaslight, control, sabotage, and manipulate Peggy and Samson, I found myself feeling many emotions. I felt for both Peggy and Samson while also being amazed at their quiet strength and survival skills. I wanted to give both a hug and encourage them to get out. As the book progresses, there are unexpected events happening around and to them.
Will Dean has created fully fleshed out characters that readers will be moved by - either in a positive or negative way depending on the character. This book was well thought out, dark, rippling with tension and dread. I kept wondering how much more can these characters take? Will Dean did a fantastic job of creating characters readers will care about in Peggy and Samson. I was drawn into their world as a silent observer and hurt for them. I was appalled by Drew's behavior and thought Will Dean did a tremendous job with showing us how one individual can wreck such havoc in the lives of others. This is not an easy book to read but at the same time, I did not want to put it down as I was glued to the pages wanting to know what would happen next.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, dark, gripping and hard to put down!
*This was a buddy read with DeAnn! Please read her review as well to get her thoughts on Adrift.
Thank you to Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler 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 📖
Peggy and her teenage son, Samson tiptoe around their canal boat, as Drew needs total silence while he writes his next literary hit! He and Peggy are both writers, but it is Drew who had success with it in the past. Now the family live on a canal boat while Drew dictates their lives. Peggy works at a local library, and it is her one safe place. She enjoys her work there and her co-workers are supportive and encouraging of her love of books and writing. It it there where she writes a book that has garnered some interest. Samson is a scholarship student at a local school. He is skinny, perhaps malnourished, and is bullied day in and day out. As Drew continues to gaslight, control, sabotage, and manipulate Peggy and Samson, I found myself feeling many emotions. I felt for both Peggy and Samson while also being amazed at their quiet strength and survival skills. I wanted to give both a hug and encourage them to get out. As the book progresses, there are unexpected events happening around and to them.
Will Dean has created fully fleshed out characters that readers will be moved by - either in a positive or negative way depending on the character. This book was well thought out, dark, rippling with tension and dread. I kept wondering how much more can these characters take? Will Dean did a fantastic job of creating characters readers will care about in Peggy and Samson. I was drawn into their world as a silent observer and hurt for them. I was appalled by Drew's behavior and thought Will Dean did a tremendous job with showing us how one individual can wreck such havoc in the lives of others. This is not an easy book to read but at the same time, I did not want to put it down as I was glued to the pages wanting to know what would happen next.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, dark, gripping and hard to put down!
*This was a buddy read with DeAnn! Please read her review as well to get her thoughts on Adrift.
Thank you to Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler 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 📖
December 10, 2025
⭐️ 4.75 ⭐️ Wow..I have no words. Adrift is about what’s it’s like to be trapped inside a shrinking cage. It’s a deep and gripping take on a family’s descent into isolation, gaslighting, abuse. Will Dean dived deep into claustrophobia and cruelty, bringing on intense tension, suspense and violent despair to the surface for the readers to feel its ominosity. I was completely consumed by the characters journeys, each so fleshed out, so painfully raw. His writing will keep you glued to the story from first page and to the very end.
In Adrift, Peggy and Drew live on a longboat in the canal with their 14 year old son Samson. Drew is a scrapyard worker and an aspiring writer. He’s won an award for his novel many years ago but hasn’t had any success afterward. Peggy is a volunteer at a local library, secretly working on her own book. Samson is the typical teenage boy who is struggling with being bullied and pranked in and outside of his school on a daily basis. While they seem to live simply and in poverty, nothing is as it seems. What started as a dive into family dynamics, slowly turned into something more dangerous, controlling, sinister.
Drew is not a good man. He is cruel, controlling, possibly psychologically insane. Drew is like a rare form of slow growing cancer that has turned malignant. Spreading and turning poisonous, Peggy feels its deathly grip on herself and her son. He psychologically, financially and emotionally abuses his wife and his son. His abuse goes so far out, to the where Peggy begins to believe in the fact that she is mentally unstable and begins having memory lapses. She’s eventually committed to a psych facility and treated for depression, personality disorders. Her vulnerability and fear feel strikingly real, but it’s what gives the book a sense of creeping dread that is so consuming, I couldn’t put the book down.
Samson, poor sweet boy. He craves his fathers love while his mothers soft touch is the only thing that keeps him grounded. He’s sick with worry for his mother’s wellbeing, he can’t stop seeking his father’s approval no matter the cost. His character is so well layered, so utterly heartbreaking. Some passages made me reflect upon my own coming of age experience, bringing back my deeply packed and stowed away memories of childhood bullying. I couldn’t help but feel profound sadness for him and Peggy.
Dean’s take on the dark side of control and abuse has kept me at the edge of my seat. I was livid, shocked, emotional while reading certain parts of the story. While there are no physical descriptions of abuse, I felt the pain all the same. Thankfully it was ‘lighter’ to read without it, but it’s never easy to read about any form of abuse.
My only complaint would the financial inconsistencies I’ve noted were quite present in the story. For a family that is portrayed to be living in poverty, it was strange to read about them having almost nothing to eat one day and having lamb chops the next. At times I couldn’t understand how Drew was moving money, where he was keeping it, what he was doing with it. I knew his intentions but I wanted a chapter from his POV to be able to understand his insanity.
This is an intense high tension thriller built on masterful suspense storytelling that tackles very complex and uncomfortable topics. It’s an impressive take on spiraling madness, fear, oppression. Check your trigger warnings because it is not a light piece of work.
Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Will Dean for sending me this eARC!!
Publication date: February 26, 2026
In Adrift, Peggy and Drew live on a longboat in the canal with their 14 year old son Samson. Drew is a scrapyard worker and an aspiring writer. He’s won an award for his novel many years ago but hasn’t had any success afterward. Peggy is a volunteer at a local library, secretly working on her own book. Samson is the typical teenage boy who is struggling with being bullied and pranked in and outside of his school on a daily basis. While they seem to live simply and in poverty, nothing is as it seems. What started as a dive into family dynamics, slowly turned into something more dangerous, controlling, sinister.
Drew is not a good man. He is cruel, controlling, possibly psychologically insane. Drew is like a rare form of slow growing cancer that has turned malignant. Spreading and turning poisonous, Peggy feels its deathly grip on herself and her son. He psychologically, financially and emotionally abuses his wife and his son. His abuse goes so far out, to the where Peggy begins to believe in the fact that she is mentally unstable and begins having memory lapses. She’s eventually committed to a psych facility and treated for depression, personality disorders. Her vulnerability and fear feel strikingly real, but it’s what gives the book a sense of creeping dread that is so consuming, I couldn’t put the book down.
Samson, poor sweet boy. He craves his fathers love while his mothers soft touch is the only thing that keeps him grounded. He’s sick with worry for his mother’s wellbeing, he can’t stop seeking his father’s approval no matter the cost. His character is so well layered, so utterly heartbreaking. Some passages made me reflect upon my own coming of age experience, bringing back my deeply packed and stowed away memories of childhood bullying. I couldn’t help but feel profound sadness for him and Peggy.
Dean’s take on the dark side of control and abuse has kept me at the edge of my seat. I was livid, shocked, emotional while reading certain parts of the story. While there are no physical descriptions of abuse, I felt the pain all the same. Thankfully it was ‘lighter’ to read without it, but it’s never easy to read about any form of abuse.
My only complaint would the financial inconsistencies I’ve noted were quite present in the story. For a family that is portrayed to be living in poverty, it was strange to read about them having almost nothing to eat one day and having lamb chops the next. At times I couldn’t understand how Drew was moving money, where he was keeping it, what he was doing with it. I knew his intentions but I wanted a chapter from his POV to be able to understand his insanity.
This is an intense high tension thriller built on masterful suspense storytelling that tackles very complex and uncomfortable topics. It’s an impressive take on spiraling madness, fear, oppression. Check your trigger warnings because it is not a light piece of work.
Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Will Dean for sending me this eARC!!
Publication date: February 26, 2026
July 17, 2025
Three lives adrift on a narrow boat on a remote stretch of a canal in the Midlands. Peggy Jenkins volunteers in the local library and is secretly writing a book which she hopes will be her and her son Samson’s ticket out of there. Both face a daily battle of the skilful and masterful manipulation of husband/father, Drew who controls their lives. If he perceives any threat to the status quo, he simply moves their boat further away from civilisation. Will the pair ever be able to cut the ties that so tightly bind?
There is no question in my mind that Will Dean is a talented writer who has written some absolutely cracking books. However, this one makes me feel something from beginning to end and so, in my opinion, this is the best book he’s written since The Last Thing to Burn. The mind games played by Drew gives a smothering, claustrophobic and oppressive sense of deep unease, of permanently treading on eggshells to avoid the bubbling menace lurking just beneath the surface. He’s cruel, incredibly manipulative and the walls of the narrow boat seem to close in on them both, grinding poor Peggy down to almost nothing. Every time she thinks she may have a route out, he thwarts her and how. Drew is terrifying, Peggy is a hero as is Samson in his own way as he too tries to survive not only his father but characters at school. He too has his eyes on the prize of leaving via his intellect. I love how he escapes by the thoughts in his head and via the music on his Walkman. His drifting thoughts are such a good contrast to the reality of his life. Poor Samson, he has so much to contend with.
This novel takes me on an emotional journey of sadness, frustration, anger, shock and at the end there are tears rolling down my face. I become totally wrapped up in Peggy and Samson‘s lives, willing them to be able to leave, to be safe, to love each other without the control. It’s deeply moving and incredibly powerful. What a book, it won’t be for everyone but I think it’s truly amazing.
With thanks to NetGalley and particularly to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
There is no question in my mind that Will Dean is a talented writer who has written some absolutely cracking books. However, this one makes me feel something from beginning to end and so, in my opinion, this is the best book he’s written since The Last Thing to Burn. The mind games played by Drew gives a smothering, claustrophobic and oppressive sense of deep unease, of permanently treading on eggshells to avoid the bubbling menace lurking just beneath the surface. He’s cruel, incredibly manipulative and the walls of the narrow boat seem to close in on them both, grinding poor Peggy down to almost nothing. Every time she thinks she may have a route out, he thwarts her and how. Drew is terrifying, Peggy is a hero as is Samson in his own way as he too tries to survive not only his father but characters at school. He too has his eyes on the prize of leaving via his intellect. I love how he escapes by the thoughts in his head and via the music on his Walkman. His drifting thoughts are such a good contrast to the reality of his life. Poor Samson, he has so much to contend with.
This novel takes me on an emotional journey of sadness, frustration, anger, shock and at the end there are tears rolling down my face. I become totally wrapped up in Peggy and Samson‘s lives, willing them to be able to leave, to be safe, to love each other without the control. It’s deeply moving and incredibly powerful. What a book, it won’t be for everyone but I think it’s truly amazing.
With thanks to NetGalley and particularly to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
August 12, 2025
That was truly a mesmerizing story! 📖
At times a book hits you with experiences you or a loved one has gone through, and this book did just that.
Peggy and Drew, were both young and poor when they married and had a son Samson. Both Peggy and Drew were writers trying to hit a small measure of success. They live on a boat after selling Peg's mother's house and buying the boat.
Peggy was intimidated by many things but especially by Drew. She adored her son, and did her best to care for him. When she has a possible success in one of her stories, Drew finds the boat location is not to his liking so moves the boat to where the family is more isolated.
Samson, is a fourteen year old, belittled at school, bullied unmercifully, and unaccepted by his father. He is sad and fearful, but underneath it all he is a kind soul.
Then there is Drew, a controlling husband who makes demands of Peg and Samson. He demands total silence when he writes, belittles Peg with every word that comes out of his mouth, and manipulates and cajoles the family. He is despicable, but Peg is so beaten down she acquiesces to his demands and demeanor.
Peg is finding more and more of her things missing. Drew blames it on her mental state, continuously reminding her that she had family who were confined to a mental institution. Drew is a master manipulator and controls the environment Peg lives in such manipulation, she doubts herself and thinks perhaps she does belong in an asylum. The one thing that keeps Peg going is her love for Samson. Although Drew has never physically hurt her the emotional abuse has indeed scarred her, making her self image and esteem falter and be near zero. She stays for her son.
There does come a breaking point that leads to events which are both sad and deserved. Will Peg and Samson be able to ever recover from this emotional abuse after the dam has broken? Will they ever be able to climb out of the pit that Drew has thrown them into?
An emotional and sad story that will touch many as either they themselves or others they care for have a Drew in their lives.
***Overall, 22% of individuals are assaulted by a partner at least once in their lifetime (23% for females and 19.3% for males)***
At times a book hits you with experiences you or a loved one has gone through, and this book did just that.
Peggy and Drew, were both young and poor when they married and had a son Samson. Both Peggy and Drew were writers trying to hit a small measure of success. They live on a boat after selling Peg's mother's house and buying the boat.
Peggy was intimidated by many things but especially by Drew. She adored her son, and did her best to care for him. When she has a possible success in one of her stories, Drew finds the boat location is not to his liking so moves the boat to where the family is more isolated.
Samson, is a fourteen year old, belittled at school, bullied unmercifully, and unaccepted by his father. He is sad and fearful, but underneath it all he is a kind soul.
Then there is Drew, a controlling husband who makes demands of Peg and Samson. He demands total silence when he writes, belittles Peg with every word that comes out of his mouth, and manipulates and cajoles the family. He is despicable, but Peg is so beaten down she acquiesces to his demands and demeanor.
Peg is finding more and more of her things missing. Drew blames it on her mental state, continuously reminding her that she had family who were confined to a mental institution. Drew is a master manipulator and controls the environment Peg lives in such manipulation, she doubts herself and thinks perhaps she does belong in an asylum. The one thing that keeps Peg going is her love for Samson. Although Drew has never physically hurt her the emotional abuse has indeed scarred her, making her self image and esteem falter and be near zero. She stays for her son.
There does come a breaking point that leads to events which are both sad and deserved. Will Peg and Samson be able to ever recover from this emotional abuse after the dam has broken? Will they ever be able to climb out of the pit that Drew has thrown them into?
An emotional and sad story that will touch many as either they themselves or others they care for have a Drew in their lives.
***Overall, 22% of individuals are assaulted by a partner at least once in their lifetime (23% for females and 19.3% for males)***
July 10, 2025
4.5 Stars due to the two chapters of epilogues. I preferred them to be condensed into a single paragraph, but I raised it to 5 stars because of the powerful, captivating storyline. I was thrilled to receive the ARC from NetGalley and Atria Publishers. It is scheduled to be released on February 17/2026, but books by Will Dean go immediately to the top of my reading list. The author writes intense psychological thrillers that are difficult to put down. My all-time favourite was 'The Last Thing to Burn', and I enjoyed 'The Chamber' and his Teva Moodysun series. I found 'Adrift' to be his darkest, emotionally intense, and heart-wrenching story yet.
Adrift explores isolation, gaslighting, mental control, abuse, ambition, and emotional torment. Drew has moved his wife, Peggy, and their fourteen-year-old son. Sampson, into a small, ramshackle houseboat, after he refused to receive any help from her Peggy's late, wealthy parents. The houseboat is situated in a remote canal in the Midwest, USA. Drew is not above murder to get what he wants. He once won an award as a promising writer and believes he is now writing a masterpiece.
In the cramped, claustrophobic space of the boat, he demands complete silence while he writes. Sam and Peggy are very protective of each other, but there is little they can do to escape Drew's wrath, so they pretend to agree with his demands. Drew allows the houseboat to drift farther from the bus stop and the school and library, which coincides with the psychological descent into emotional trauma.
Peggy volunteers at the town library, where she has secretly written a book that a publisher has accepted for publication. She hopes that this will provide the financial means to escape with her son. She applies for a paid position in a larger library. Both these attempts are sabotaged. There is little money for food or fuel for heating and running the boat, and Drew forces them to live in poverty. Peggy notices that her jewelry and items of clothing have been going missing, and is told that this is due to her ongoing confusion and memory loss. One time, Drew allows hot water for Peggy to take a bath, but she is confined to a mental asylum for an apparent suicide attempt while bathing.. Samson is told that he is forbidden from visiting her there.
Sampson is distressed by harsh words from his father and his mother's treatment. He is forced to walk a distance to the school bus since the boat is being moved further away from town. He is an excellent student and hopes to win a scholarship to college and to get away. He is relentlessly mocked and bullied by other students due to his skinny frame and poorly fitting used clothing. They attack him physically. Drew now insists his son take a paying menial job at his workplace, although he is underage. Sampson manages to make a good friend of an elderly man on a neighbouring houseboat and enjoys playing with the man's small dog. Both his elderly companion and the dog die, giving Sam more grief to contend with.
The book gradually builds an oppressive atmosphere through sharp, edgy writing. I was riveted to the pages, wondering if there was any hope for Peggy and Sampson, but dreading the outcome.
Highly recommended!
Adrift explores isolation, gaslighting, mental control, abuse, ambition, and emotional torment. Drew has moved his wife, Peggy, and their fourteen-year-old son. Sampson, into a small, ramshackle houseboat, after he refused to receive any help from her Peggy's late, wealthy parents. The houseboat is situated in a remote canal in the Midwest, USA. Drew is not above murder to get what he wants. He once won an award as a promising writer and believes he is now writing a masterpiece.
In the cramped, claustrophobic space of the boat, he demands complete silence while he writes. Sam and Peggy are very protective of each other, but there is little they can do to escape Drew's wrath, so they pretend to agree with his demands. Drew allows the houseboat to drift farther from the bus stop and the school and library, which coincides with the psychological descent into emotional trauma.
Peggy volunteers at the town library, where she has secretly written a book that a publisher has accepted for publication. She hopes that this will provide the financial means to escape with her son. She applies for a paid position in a larger library. Both these attempts are sabotaged. There is little money for food or fuel for heating and running the boat, and Drew forces them to live in poverty. Peggy notices that her jewelry and items of clothing have been going missing, and is told that this is due to her ongoing confusion and memory loss. One time, Drew allows hot water for Peggy to take a bath, but she is confined to a mental asylum for an apparent suicide attempt while bathing.. Samson is told that he is forbidden from visiting her there.
Sampson is distressed by harsh words from his father and his mother's treatment. He is forced to walk a distance to the school bus since the boat is being moved further away from town. He is an excellent student and hopes to win a scholarship to college and to get away. He is relentlessly mocked and bullied by other students due to his skinny frame and poorly fitting used clothing. They attack him physically. Drew now insists his son take a paying menial job at his workplace, although he is underage. Sampson manages to make a good friend of an elderly man on a neighbouring houseboat and enjoys playing with the man's small dog. Both his elderly companion and the dog die, giving Sam more grief to contend with.
The book gradually builds an oppressive atmosphere through sharp, edgy writing. I was riveted to the pages, wondering if there was any hope for Peggy and Sampson, but dreading the outcome.
Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
Well, Mr. Will Dean, Well Done.
Everyone, i would like you to meet my first ever 6🌟 suspense read!
This is the first book I've ever read that actually made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up on several occasions.
There's a unique level of truth & grittiness to this story which makes it all the more heart stopping. You feel like a fly on the wall watching real events
If you're reading this book and find yourself thinking it's "far fetched" or " unbelievable" please just pause & consider the fact that perhaps you're just lucky enough to have never come across one.
Imaging having to be so aware of your surroundings as a kid you can sense your parent typing in another room ?!
I never like to give too much away in my reviews but just remember. At the end of the day humans are only animals and like every other animal on this earth, can be highly mysterious & unpredictable.
This book reads like a real life experience which really helps add to the fear factor.
I rarely put trigger warnings but if you are a person that has been under the thumb of a narcissist and haven't started to heal, proceed with caution.
Until next time,
Hades
Everyone, i would like you to meet my first ever 6🌟 suspense read!
This is the first book I've ever read that actually made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up on several occasions.
There's a unique level of truth & grittiness to this story which makes it all the more heart stopping. You feel like a fly on the wall watching real events
If you're reading this book and find yourself thinking it's "far fetched" or " unbelievable" please just pause & consider the fact that perhaps you're just lucky enough to have never come across one.
Imaging having to be so aware of your surroundings as a kid you can sense your parent typing in another room ?!
I never like to give too much away in my reviews but just remember. At the end of the day humans are only animals and like every other animal on this earth, can be highly mysterious & unpredictable.
This book reads like a real life experience which really helps add to the fear factor.
I rarely put trigger warnings but if you are a person that has been under the thumb of a narcissist and haven't started to heal, proceed with caution.
Until next time,
Hades
December 7, 2025
Peggy and Drew, both aspiring writers, move to an isolated canal boat with their fourteen-year-old son. Peggy is the glue that holds their family together, even as their son is bullied relentlessly at school for his physique and his family’s lack of money. But when Drew becomes frustrated by his wife’s sudden writing success, he moves their boat further and further down the canal away from civilization.
With their increasing isolation, personal challenges become harder to ignore, even as they desperately try to break toxic generational patterns. But when Drew’s gaslighting becomes too much for Peggy to take, it sets off a catastrophic series of events.
Adrift is thoughtfully crafted for both survivors of abuse and those courageously seeking a way out of their own difficult circumstances. It confronts the intricate layers of gaslighting with an unflinching gaze, illustrating how profoundly it can warp a victim’s perception of reality. Peggy vividly describes her marriage as a “maze,” a metaphor that resonates deeply—it’s disorienting, seemingly endless, and meticulously designed to ensnare her, crafted by someone who masquerades their cruelty as an expression of “love.”
Importantly, the narrative offers a raw and honest exploration of the harsh realities of mental abuse. Having endured something similar, I found myself grappling with the content; at times, it was almost unbearable to read. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s easy to suggest that she should simply escape, yet the book starkly unveils how abusers manipulate every thread of control, making liberation feel nearly unattainable. Central to the story is a mother’s desperate, relentless battle to safeguard her child amid the chaos, alongside the poignant and heart-wrenching viewpoint of a child navigating the turmoil of a bewildering, damaging environment.
While I resonated with its themes and appreciated the depth of reflection the story provoked, the writing style fell short of fully capturing my engagement. The prose often felt somewhat flat and disjointed, lacking the fluidity I longed for; I wished that the different points of view showcased more distinct voices to honor the individuality of each family member’s experience. It showcased a claustrophobic, atmosphere filled with domestic drama that fueled my inner rage and made me want to scream at Drew’s cruelty towards Peggy and their teenage son Sammy.
Overall, I would categorize this book as an emotionally heavy, character-driven drama rather than the thriller it’s marketed to be. It ignited reflections on my own past, yet it didn’t deliver the gripping suspense I had anticipated. Ultimately, I settled on a 3 star rating—
Adrift is the first book I have read by Will Dean, and I look forward to exploring his backlist and will definitely read his next book.
(Expected publication date Febuary 17, 2026)
I want to thank NetGalley and Atria books for providing an ARC in exchage for an honest review. All opinons are my own.
With their increasing isolation, personal challenges become harder to ignore, even as they desperately try to break toxic generational patterns. But when Drew’s gaslighting becomes too much for Peggy to take, it sets off a catastrophic series of events.
Adrift is thoughtfully crafted for both survivors of abuse and those courageously seeking a way out of their own difficult circumstances. It confronts the intricate layers of gaslighting with an unflinching gaze, illustrating how profoundly it can warp a victim’s perception of reality. Peggy vividly describes her marriage as a “maze,” a metaphor that resonates deeply—it’s disorienting, seemingly endless, and meticulously designed to ensnare her, crafted by someone who masquerades their cruelty as an expression of “love.”
Importantly, the narrative offers a raw and honest exploration of the harsh realities of mental abuse. Having endured something similar, I found myself grappling with the content; at times, it was almost unbearable to read. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s easy to suggest that she should simply escape, yet the book starkly unveils how abusers manipulate every thread of control, making liberation feel nearly unattainable. Central to the story is a mother’s desperate, relentless battle to safeguard her child amid the chaos, alongside the poignant and heart-wrenching viewpoint of a child navigating the turmoil of a bewildering, damaging environment.
While I resonated with its themes and appreciated the depth of reflection the story provoked, the writing style fell short of fully capturing my engagement. The prose often felt somewhat flat and disjointed, lacking the fluidity I longed for; I wished that the different points of view showcased more distinct voices to honor the individuality of each family member’s experience. It showcased a claustrophobic, atmosphere filled with domestic drama that fueled my inner rage and made me want to scream at Drew’s cruelty towards Peggy and their teenage son Sammy.
Overall, I would categorize this book as an emotionally heavy, character-driven drama rather than the thriller it’s marketed to be. It ignited reflections on my own past, yet it didn’t deliver the gripping suspense I had anticipated. Ultimately, I settled on a 3 star rating—
Adrift is the first book I have read by Will Dean, and I look forward to exploring his backlist and will definitely read his next book.
(Expected publication date Febuary 17, 2026)
I want to thank NetGalley and Atria books for providing an ARC in exchage for an honest review. All opinons are my own.
July 6, 2025
ARC for review. To be published February 17, 2026.
4 stars
Drew once one a writing contest and that win lives in his head. Now he, wife Peggy and son Samson live a subsistence life on a ramshackle house boot in a canal near Cairo, Illinois. Samson is a scholarship student at a local school where he is bullied relentlessly. Both Peggy and Samson dream of breaking free while Drew gaslights Peggy and emotionally terrorizes the family.
I loved Dean’s THE CHAMBER and the book led me to choosing this one. It was second novel in a row involving spousal abuse, which is a bit much, but this one was far better than the last. This was tough to read at various times, but a good book. Unlike in my last book, I understand (to a point) why Peggy feels like she cannot leave her marriage. A reader feels the claustrophobia she and Sam must live with.
Oh, one quibble. I’ve said this before. British/European writers who want to write books set in America, that will have a large American audience, should really consider having an American read the book before it goes to press! Americans don’t worry about “bailiffs” coming to the door, or dress out in football “kit,” and you know we’re not talking about the same game? It’s the little things!
4 stars
Drew once one a writing contest and that win lives in his head. Now he, wife Peggy and son Samson live a subsistence life on a ramshackle house boot in a canal near Cairo, Illinois. Samson is a scholarship student at a local school where he is bullied relentlessly. Both Peggy and Samson dream of breaking free while Drew gaslights Peggy and emotionally terrorizes the family.
I loved Dean’s THE CHAMBER and the book led me to choosing this one. It was second novel in a row involving spousal abuse, which is a bit much, but this one was far better than the last. This was tough to read at various times, but a good book. Unlike in my last book, I understand (to a point) why Peggy feels like she cannot leave her marriage. A reader feels the claustrophobia she and Sam must live with.
Oh, one quibble. I’ve said this before. British/European writers who want to write books set in America, that will have a large American audience, should really consider having an American read the book before it goes to press! Americans don’t worry about “bailiffs” coming to the door, or dress out in football “kit,” and you know we’re not talking about the same game? It’s the little things!
November 28, 2025
Will Dean created a story with Adrift that's so much more than your typical thriller. Adrift takes the reader into the lives of a family dealing with domestic violence and specifically what it’s like living with an abusive partner. The book also explores the struggles faced by those living in poverty, especially those of a teenage boy.
The manipulation, control, and fear that Peggy felt from her husband is horrific. The relentless bullying, humiliation, and emotional abuse Samson endured is equally horrific. So needless to say this book could be very triggering to so many.
I'm usually very picky and critical when it comes to thrillers but Adrift is the exception. I found Adrift to be flawless in its execution and I simply could not put it down. I highly recommend a gut wrenching, emotional, and riveting story.
Adrift by Will Dean will be available on February 17, 2026. Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
The manipulation, control, and fear that Peggy felt from her husband is horrific. The relentless bullying, humiliation, and emotional abuse Samson endured is equally horrific. So needless to say this book could be very triggering to so many.
I'm usually very picky and critical when it comes to thrillers but Adrift is the exception. I found Adrift to be flawless in its execution and I simply could not put it down. I highly recommend a gut wrenching, emotional, and riveting story.
Adrift by Will Dean will be available on February 17, 2026. Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
July 21, 2025
I previously read an earlier book of Will Dean called “the last one” which had honestly the most jaw dropping insane twists i read that entire year and since then i will be the first to ask for any of his future book releases 😂😂 the netgalley gods gifted me with a copy of “Adrift” and I am such a happy camper!
Ohhh this book, those characters 😫😫😫 i grew so attached to this family (minus drew, never drew 😂) and found myself growing fiercely protective over them.
The plot follows drew and his family, drew is a narcissistic controlling a-hole and his poor wife and son are just trying to survive in the orbit that is Drew’s world. Drew is an aspiring writer and is under the impression this is Drew’s world and everyone around him should cater to his every whim. His wife’s only escape is her job at the library, and sadly his son has no escape as his only time away is school where he is mercilessly bullied. When things go very well for Peggy (drews wife) Drew cannot take the jealousy and he decides to isolate them further away from society by sending them adrift, literally and figuratively, on the boat they call home.
This book is haunting, compelling, gut wrenching, you can feel the taut apprehension throughout and dread the collision which is bound to come to a head. It is very easy to hate drew and very easy to love his family. Safe to say I could not stop reading until the very end. I absolutely recommend!
Thank you thank you thank you Atria Books and Will Dean for the #netgalley #gifted copy
Book publishes: February 17th 2026
Ohhh this book, those characters 😫😫😫 i grew so attached to this family (minus drew, never drew 😂) and found myself growing fiercely protective over them.
The plot follows drew and his family, drew is a narcissistic controlling a-hole and his poor wife and son are just trying to survive in the orbit that is Drew’s world. Drew is an aspiring writer and is under the impression this is Drew’s world and everyone around him should cater to his every whim. His wife’s only escape is her job at the library, and sadly his son has no escape as his only time away is school where he is mercilessly bullied. When things go very well for Peggy (drews wife) Drew cannot take the jealousy and he decides to isolate them further away from society by sending them adrift, literally and figuratively, on the boat they call home.
This book is haunting, compelling, gut wrenching, you can feel the taut apprehension throughout and dread the collision which is bound to come to a head. It is very easy to hate drew and very easy to love his family. Safe to say I could not stop reading until the very end. I absolutely recommend!
Thank you thank you thank you Atria Books and Will Dean for the #netgalley #gifted copy
Book publishes: February 17th 2026
November 2, 2025
Peggy and her son, Samson, are just trying to make it through each day. Samson is bullied every day at school only to come home and deal with the psychological abuse both him and his mom deal with from his dad, Drew. They currently are residing on a small canal boat while Drew finishes writing his novel. There can’t be any distractions while he is writing. In order to do so, he moves their boat further away from the marina isolating them even further.
The author did a great job in portraying the isolation both Peggy and Samson felt. You could just feel Drew cutting off every aspect of their lives outside of the boat. This is one of those novels that is a very slow burn. It took me quite a while to get into it, for roughly the first third of the novel I was questioning whether or not this the right book for me. I think part of it was the slow burn and the other part was Drew‘s character. This may sound stupid, but I think the issue I had was getting used to him referring to Samson as “boy” and Peggy as “woman”. It’s just a minor quibble, but it took me a minute to get used to. As for the slow burn, once I got further into the novel I became sucked in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
3.5 Stars
The author did a great job in portraying the isolation both Peggy and Samson felt. You could just feel Drew cutting off every aspect of their lives outside of the boat. This is one of those novels that is a very slow burn. It took me quite a while to get into it, for roughly the first third of the novel I was questioning whether or not this the right book for me. I think part of it was the slow burn and the other part was Drew‘s character. This may sound stupid, but I think the issue I had was getting used to him referring to Samson as “boy” and Peggy as “woman”. It’s just a minor quibble, but it took me a minute to get used to. As for the slow burn, once I got further into the novel I became sucked in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
3.5 Stars
Want to read
September 13, 2025Errr adding to
'add to read'
highkey because the cover is absolutely eye watering beautiful!
But the blurb is also giving serious eerie vibes too!
Roll on 2026!
💚🤍💚🤍
But the blurb is also giving serious eerie vibes too!
Roll on 2026!
💚🤍💚🤍
December 1, 2025
4.25 stars. Thank you atria books for an early copy of this book! I thought it was an excellent slow burn drama suspense
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrUYY8VB/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrUYY8VB/
Want to read
August 1, 2025Thank you Atria Books for the physical galley of Adrift, coming Feb 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Peggy Jenkins lives with her husband, Drew, and son Samson, on a narrowboat. Money is scarce and what there is, is tightly controlled by Drew. In fact Drew controls most things in Peggy and Sam's lives. Peggy's only escape is volunteer work at the library; Sam isn't so lucky - bullied at school and out of it he struggles to please his overbearing father. But as their lives begin to deteriorate further what will happen to Peggy's plans for her future and how will Drew react to her exciting news?
I read this book in a day. Whilst it moves along at a good pace there are some parts that are quite repetitive. I did get a little irritated with Sam at times, I thought he woukd be capable of more coherent actions at the age of 14. But perhaps he too was ground down by circumstances.
Will Dean certainly does a good job of portraying the hopelessness of Peggy and the feeling of decay in the narrowboat and its surroundings was palpable.
There have been several novels with coercive control as the main theme. For me, this is the one with the least sympathetic characters. Drew was so unremittingly nasty and everything in Sam's life felt hopeless. It did get a little depressing at points.
Other than that small niggle I did find it quite compulsive reading and would recommend it.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance review copy.
I read this book in a day. Whilst it moves along at a good pace there are some parts that are quite repetitive. I did get a little irritated with Sam at times, I thought he woukd be capable of more coherent actions at the age of 14. But perhaps he too was ground down by circumstances.
Will Dean certainly does a good job of portraying the hopelessness of Peggy and the feeling of decay in the narrowboat and its surroundings was palpable.
There have been several novels with coercive control as the main theme. For me, this is the one with the least sympathetic characters. Drew was so unremittingly nasty and everything in Sam's life felt hopeless. It did get a little depressing at points.
Other than that small niggle I did find it quite compulsive reading and would recommend it.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance review copy.
November 8, 2025
I really wanted to love this one but the plot was unsettling for me. It was darker than expected so it was hard for me to enjoy. The story did pull me in from the beginning though. I felt for these characters with everything they went through! Living with a narcissist is so awful and it's just horrible having to go through your life like that. It truly was gut wrenching. I think other people will like this one, just be careful with the trigger warnings if you're sensitive.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
December 27, 2025
Will Dean truly has a skill unlike any other to create such visceral characters who deeply root themselves in you, to the point that at times it was hard to convince me they aren’t real people.
Adrift was infuriating, tense, heart breaking, and hopeful all within its near 400 pages. Seeing parts of myself within Peggy as someone who experienced somewhat similar hardships was an added emotional layer that had me shaking with anger and crying from relief throughout this story. However I truly think many women, even those have not experienced domestic abuse, will sadly see themselves in her as well at times. On the same note her true resilience, grit, and strength to do what it takes to protect her son, even at her own expense, are a big reason of why this character will sit with me for a long, long time.
If you have enjoyed previous work by Will Dean or other dark psychological thrillers, definitely preorder this one for its release on February 17th.
Adrift was infuriating, tense, heart breaking, and hopeful all within its near 400 pages. Seeing parts of myself within Peggy as someone who experienced somewhat similar hardships was an added emotional layer that had me shaking with anger and crying from relief throughout this story. However I truly think many women, even those have not experienced domestic abuse, will sadly see themselves in her as well at times. On the same note her true resilience, grit, and strength to do what it takes to protect her son, even at her own expense, are a big reason of why this character will sit with me for a long, long time.
If you have enjoyed previous work by Will Dean or other dark psychological thrillers, definitely preorder this one for its release on February 17th.
August 7, 2025
Not sure if you’re like me, but sometimes when I’m reading a book, I have to put it down, get up, pace around, and mutter WTF to myself over and over before I can start up again.
That’s exactly what Adrift made me do.
Drew and Peggy are married and have a son, Sam. They live on a houseboat on a river, which sounds idyllic, right? Except… not really. Not when Sam is being bullied at school. Not when your husband might be a little too obsessed with his writing career. And maybe, just maybe, a little jealous too.
Five stars, especially cause it had me wanting to slap a couple of these characters right out of the book.
Oh, thank you to Netgalley for the early copy!! What a ride!
That’s exactly what Adrift made me do.
Drew and Peggy are married and have a son, Sam. They live on a houseboat on a river, which sounds idyllic, right? Except… not really. Not when Sam is being bullied at school. Not when your husband might be a little too obsessed with his writing career. And maybe, just maybe, a little jealous too.
Five stars, especially cause it had me wanting to slap a couple of these characters right out of the book.
Oh, thank you to Netgalley for the early copy!! What a ride!
December 5, 2025
WOW. I honestly didn’t think Will Dean could beat The Last Thing To Burn in terms of the raw and brutal power of his words, but Adrift really does show who the “Master of Darkness” really is.
Once again Will Dean has tackled some uncomfortable topics which many will find triggering including bullying, emotional and physical abuse, gaslighting, cruelty and suicide.
The story follows Drew and Peggy and their fourteen year old son, Samson. Drew is an author who had minor success many years ago and is convinced he is writing his next masterpiece but in order to write he has extreme demands. Moving his family onto a rundown canal boat and mooring it away from civilisation he controls every aspect of their lives with his violent and bullying behaviour.
Peggy is a loving and devoted mother to their young and impressionable son Samson. However he is being badly bullied at school for his appearance and is desperate for his father to acknowledge him, despite the violent and simmering tension.
It’s when Peggy who has been secretly writing her own novel, receives a publishing offer, that their lives spiral down a deadly and dangerous path.
Throughout the book the reader feels nothing but tension and horror as we follow Peggy and Samson trying to escape this toxic environment. With fascinating and flawed characters, we are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ranging from shock to hope and then back to dread, Adrift really is a powerful, raw & brutal story with an emotional, heart-breaking and deeply moving plotline. There is no doubt in my mind that Will Dean gets better and better.
If you like claustrophobic, tense and disturbing novels, then pop this on your wishlist or pre-order it now.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Once again Will Dean has tackled some uncomfortable topics which many will find triggering including bullying, emotional and physical abuse, gaslighting, cruelty and suicide.
The story follows Drew and Peggy and their fourteen year old son, Samson. Drew is an author who had minor success many years ago and is convinced he is writing his next masterpiece but in order to write he has extreme demands. Moving his family onto a rundown canal boat and mooring it away from civilisation he controls every aspect of their lives with his violent and bullying behaviour.
Peggy is a loving and devoted mother to their young and impressionable son Samson. However he is being badly bullied at school for his appearance and is desperate for his father to acknowledge him, despite the violent and simmering tension.
It’s when Peggy who has been secretly writing her own novel, receives a publishing offer, that their lives spiral down a deadly and dangerous path.
Throughout the book the reader feels nothing but tension and horror as we follow Peggy and Samson trying to escape this toxic environment. With fascinating and flawed characters, we are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ranging from shock to hope and then back to dread, Adrift really is a powerful, raw & brutal story with an emotional, heart-breaking and deeply moving plotline. There is no doubt in my mind that Will Dean gets better and better.
If you like claustrophobic, tense and disturbing novels, then pop this on your wishlist or pre-order it now.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 22, 2025
I love a story with in depth character development and this definitely satisfied. This book was intense, fascinating, and emotional. I fully recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I loved it!
December 3, 2025
I’ve read some really fantastic books this year, and I’m at the point where I’m thinking about which will be in my top five of 2025. Though this book will be released next year, I count it as a 2025 book since I read it this year, and I can assure you that it’s going to be on my list. (It also won’t be the first time a book by this author has made my yearly top five)!
This book is set in 1994, near a small town, on a small boat, in a small canal. Peggy and Drew, along with their teenage son Samson, all live on the boat, and they’ve all learned to live simply. Drew is an aspiring writer, and while he works at a scrapyard, his energy is spent writing. Every night. In complete silence…or else. He’s a very controlling man; a very regimented man who refuses to let his wife work, instead living in poverty while waiting for his big writing break.
Unbeknownst to him, Peggy has been trying her hand at writing, and when she excitedly tells her family that a publishing company has agreed to take her on, Drew isn’t a very good sport. In fact, he’s a horrible sport, and he gets back at her in an incredibly cruel way. It takes Peggy a long time to realize that even though he’s never laid a hand on her, he is absolutely abusive and has robbed her of happiness, time and time again.
Caught in between the two, Samson is just a sweet kid trying to make it through being the poor scholarship student at his private school. He’s the skinny ginger everyone makes fun of and bullies, and his only true friend is an elderly man who keeps his boat nearby and relies on Samson for groceries and companionship.
The book is written from the perspectives of both Peggy and Samson, and they are both fantastic characters. The author said it took him five years to finish this novel because he wanted the characters to be perfect, and I’d say it was worth the time it took to write. This book is heartbreaking, but utterly beautiful. In the beginning, it was just a simple but engaging story about a struggling family, but by the end, it became much more terrifying and suspenseful, and my jaw dropped several times. I don’t even know how I’d categorize this book - it’s just good, and it needs to be read, no matter what genres you normally gravitate towards. Five stars.
(Thank you to Atria Books, Will Dean and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on February 17, 2026.)
This book is set in 1994, near a small town, on a small boat, in a small canal. Peggy and Drew, along with their teenage son Samson, all live on the boat, and they’ve all learned to live simply. Drew is an aspiring writer, and while he works at a scrapyard, his energy is spent writing. Every night. In complete silence…or else. He’s a very controlling man; a very regimented man who refuses to let his wife work, instead living in poverty while waiting for his big writing break.
Unbeknownst to him, Peggy has been trying her hand at writing, and when she excitedly tells her family that a publishing company has agreed to take her on, Drew isn’t a very good sport. In fact, he’s a horrible sport, and he gets back at her in an incredibly cruel way. It takes Peggy a long time to realize that even though he’s never laid a hand on her, he is absolutely abusive and has robbed her of happiness, time and time again.
Caught in between the two, Samson is just a sweet kid trying to make it through being the poor scholarship student at his private school. He’s the skinny ginger everyone makes fun of and bullies, and his only true friend is an elderly man who keeps his boat nearby and relies on Samson for groceries and companionship.
The book is written from the perspectives of both Peggy and Samson, and they are both fantastic characters. The author said it took him five years to finish this novel because he wanted the characters to be perfect, and I’d say it was worth the time it took to write. This book is heartbreaking, but utterly beautiful. In the beginning, it was just a simple but engaging story about a struggling family, but by the end, it became much more terrifying and suspenseful, and my jaw dropped several times. I don’t even know how I’d categorize this book - it’s just good, and it needs to be read, no matter what genres you normally gravitate towards. Five stars.
(Thank you to Atria Books, Will Dean and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on February 17, 2026.)
September 6, 2025
Adrift plunges readers into a chilling claustrophobic world aboard a boat in the canal. Peggy Jenkins, a writer, lives on the boat with her controlling husband, Drew, and their teenage son, Samson. As Drew's jealousy over Peggy's emerging literary success intensifies, he wheels the family deeper into isolation.
This book is told in the POV of Peggy and Samson. It has great character development. Drew plays mind games and Peggy is a hero. The story is an emotional journey of sadness, frustration, anger, shock and at the end there are tears! Deeply moving and powerful!
Stunning, Devasting, and Heartbreaking! 4 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 2/16/26.
This book is told in the POV of Peggy and Samson. It has great character development. Drew plays mind games and Peggy is a hero. The story is an emotional journey of sadness, frustration, anger, shock and at the end there are tears! Deeply moving and powerful!
Stunning, Devasting, and Heartbreaking! 4 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 2/16/26.
August 21, 2025
The prologue gripped me instantly! INTENSE!
Oof, this was a hard read and yet I couldn't stop turning the pages.
I'm all about alternating POVs and the chapters flowed seamlessly. These are great characters that will make you feel a myriad of emotions. I myself felt anger the most.
Really well written and hard to put down. A constant sense of unease.
Adrift is the type of book I could have easily read in one sitting.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this advanced copy!
Oof, this was a hard read and yet I couldn't stop turning the pages.
I'm all about alternating POVs and the chapters flowed seamlessly. These are great characters that will make you feel a myriad of emotions. I myself felt anger the most.
Really well written and hard to put down. A constant sense of unease.
Adrift is the type of book I could have easily read in one sitting.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this advanced copy!
July 10, 2025
So this was something different from what I’ve read by this author so far. I had no idea what it was about as went in blind. I quickly discovered a feeling of claustrophobia and fear contained within the pages. At no point whilst reading this did I feel relaxed or happy. If you’re looking for a book that makes you feel those emotions, this isn’t it. The setting was perfect and made me feel isolated from the first page. The characters were so well done, the fmc made me feel desperate and frustrated, the older mmc made me feel rage and disgust and the younger mmc made me feel sad and lonely. With all that being said, I simply couldn’t put it down, my heart was in my mouth for this family the whole way through to the last twist at the end!
August 1, 2025
What did I just read??!! Dark, somewhat disturbing, heartfelt, poignant. I can’t think of enough words. Will Dean is a master at weaving a story that stays with you long after the last page. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review
July 30, 2025
WOW. This book was so much darker and more disturbing than I thought it would be, but in the best way possible!! At times I felt like I was going crazy and I didn’t know who to believe in the story!
The atmospheric writing really enhanced the suspense and just how psychologically thrilling this book was. A boat on an isolated canal set such a cool scene for the rest of the story and made everything feel so dark and high stakes
Despite the book being a slow burn, this book plays with your mind with all the gaslighting, abuse and bullying. It also lulls you into a sense of safety and then, bam! Hits you with another element to think you’re losing it!
Thank you, Atria Books for the advance copy !!
The atmospheric writing really enhanced the suspense and just how psychologically thrilling this book was. A boat on an isolated canal set such a cool scene for the rest of the story and made everything feel so dark and high stakes
Despite the book being a slow burn, this book plays with your mind with all the gaslighting, abuse and bullying. It also lulls you into a sense of safety and then, bam! Hits you with another element to think you’re losing it!
Thank you, Atria Books for the advance copy !!
July 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
There is nothing stronger than a mother’s love and if I didn’t already know that, this book would have had me convinced. Adrift is a heartbreaking story about a family of three secluded from their rural town, living life on a boat. Drew, the father is an ambitious writer or never dealt with his childhood trauma. Peggy and Sammy live life walking on eggshells trying to keep Drew happy while also navigating their own internal struggles.
Peggy is the pillar of motherhood. The strength that woman possessed was so inspiring. She never once gave up on Sammy or her own dreams. Drew’s character, as hated as he is, was written with so much depth and accuracy. It’s a powerful testament to how childhood trauma can affect you into adulthood if you don’t take a stand and change the cycle. I was so worried about the ending, but it was exactly what I needed it to be.
If you’ve been in an emotionally abusive relationship of any kind - partner to partner or parent to child, please tread carefully with this book.
There is nothing stronger than a mother’s love and if I didn’t already know that, this book would have had me convinced. Adrift is a heartbreaking story about a family of three secluded from their rural town, living life on a boat. Drew, the father is an ambitious writer or never dealt with his childhood trauma. Peggy and Sammy live life walking on eggshells trying to keep Drew happy while also navigating their own internal struggles.
Peggy is the pillar of motherhood. The strength that woman possessed was so inspiring. She never once gave up on Sammy or her own dreams. Drew’s character, as hated as he is, was written with so much depth and accuracy. It’s a powerful testament to how childhood trauma can affect you into adulthood if you don’t take a stand and change the cycle. I was so worried about the ending, but it was exactly what I needed it to be.
If you’ve been in an emotionally abusive relationship of any kind - partner to partner or parent to child, please tread carefully with this book.
July 30, 2025
Thank you to #NetGalley and to Atria Books for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve got to say, I was REALLY excited for this one ever since I read the synopsis. The prologue reels readers in. The beginning (about 33%) is rough. My hope for this book started to dwindle the more I read. It’s hard to connect with the main characters and the writing is very elusive, almost feels up to the readers interpretation.
Not much has been going on so far and I’m eager to see if this book can turn my feelings around because right now I’m just feeling meh. Like when are things going to actually happen?! It’s just sad right now. You feel bad for Peggy and Samson.
77% done and I feel like literally not a damn thing has happened. Does not feel like a thriller. I hate Drew and I’m not a fan of how the writer has him talking. Just feels odd. Waiting for something, ANYTHING, to happen but it just hasn’t. Same old same old. Peggy wants to run away with Samson but doesn’t have money. If I hear about not having gas one more time from Drew I’m going to scream. I want to just finish this book already.
The last chapter and epilogues were the best part of the book. I wouldn’t categorize this as a thriller, but more so a book about domestic violence.
I had very high high hopes for this book and it just didn’t hit the way I wanted it to. I didn’t feel the thrill or like I was on the edge of my seat, the characters were a bit annoying and didn’t feel fully developed. I felt like the book was going on and on sayin the same thing over but not really going anywhere. Would not recommend this book to friends and family.
I’ve got to say, I was REALLY excited for this one ever since I read the synopsis. The prologue reels readers in. The beginning (about 33%) is rough. My hope for this book started to dwindle the more I read. It’s hard to connect with the main characters and the writing is very elusive, almost feels up to the readers interpretation.
Not much has been going on so far and I’m eager to see if this book can turn my feelings around because right now I’m just feeling meh. Like when are things going to actually happen?! It’s just sad right now. You feel bad for Peggy and Samson.
77% done and I feel like literally not a damn thing has happened. Does not feel like a thriller. I hate Drew and I’m not a fan of how the writer has him talking. Just feels odd. Waiting for something, ANYTHING, to happen but it just hasn’t. Same old same old. Peggy wants to run away with Samson but doesn’t have money. If I hear about not having gas one more time from Drew I’m going to scream. I want to just finish this book already.
The last chapter and epilogues were the best part of the book. I wouldn’t categorize this as a thriller, but more so a book about domestic violence.
I had very high high hopes for this book and it just didn’t hit the way I wanted it to. I didn’t feel the thrill or like I was on the edge of my seat, the characters were a bit annoying and didn’t feel fully developed. I felt like the book was going on and on sayin the same thing over but not really going anywhere. Would not recommend this book to friends and family.
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