The Second Home:

by Kathryn Sharman

The dream summer getaway or the setting for the perfect crime?

Lottie has saved all year for her family vacation by the sea with her husband and young son. But as soon as they arrive at their rental it is clear they have made a huge mistake coming here...

Next door, Olivia looks like just another wealthy out-of-towner buying up local property, only to leave it empty for ten months of the year. But Olivia has a secret plan for her second home...

When one of the houses goes up in flames, and a body is pulled from the ashes, the secrets both Lottie and Olivia have been keeping threaten to destroy their families.

How far would one of them go to keep the truth locked behind closed doors?

Readers are gripped by Kathryn Sharman's

'An absolute rollercoaster! So many twists and turns... When I thought I'd figured it all out... BOOM! There came the ending. I'm speechless!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This story is wild!! Actual mind-blowing psychological fiction that has you simultaneously shouting at the characters to stop their crazy antics, while turning pages at a rate of knots to find out what will happen next!! This is the most original book I have read in YEARS!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Oh my god! I literally couldn't put this book down! I had to keep reading, the suspense is unreal. Absolutely packed with twists and shocking turns' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I was hooked from the beginning and I had to find out what was going to happen. I didn't even want to go to work because I'd have to stop reading. You won't want to put this book down I finished it in 24 hours!... Just wow!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Great book. Was up all night reading it... the twists and turns are fab. Definitely 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'What. A. Debut. This one is going to get people talking... a fantastic read that you will not want to put down. Bravo!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Thriller

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2026

Reviews

[Cynth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathryn is brilliant at writing characters who appear seemingly normal but end up having skeleton in their closets or simply being absolutely insane. I loved this because it felt like an entertaining episode of a tv series where you feel like screaming at the characters. It was a slow burn which I enjoyed and the pace accelerates making you want to read more and more. Definitely would recommend! The short chapters and unhinged characters make it even better!

[Carrie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Home is a satisfying binge-worthy blend of secrets, drama and a lurking sense of dread. It’s holiday reading meets domestic thriller, where an idyllic escape turns into a nightmare.

From the start we are fed teasers and twists, suspense and tension, with multiple POVs and no one seeming like they are going to come out looking rosy, this one really keeps you guessing.

At the heart of this story are two very different families, both critical of the other and both with their own troubles and histories that they would rather stayed hidden. Toxic environments and some truly unlikeable characters build an atmosphere of apprehension, as they clash and their carefully crafted images start to unravel.

There’s a glimpse into the real life conflict between small communities and tourists/ people buying up second homes and the potentially devastating effect this can have on people born and raised there.

This was a highly enjoyable and quick read, perfect for taking on your summer holiday this year.

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing says “family vacation” quite like secrets, suspicion, and a body pulled from the ashes. 😮‍💨

Lottie just wanted a peaceful seaside getaway with her family, but from the moment they arrive, the place feels deeply wrong. Then there’s Olivia — wealthy, polished, and hiding enough secrets to make everyone uncomfortable. And when one house goes up in flames? Ohhh, the drama delivers. 👀

Kathryn Sharman nails that slow-burning tension where every conversation feels loaded and nobody can be trusted. The writing is atmospheric and sharp, with salty sea air, simmering paranoia, and messy family secrets wrapped into one addictive read. 🌊🔥

A few slower moments kept this from being a full 5⭐️ for me, but overall this was twisty, tense, and binge-worthy domestic suspense with serious “vacation from hell” energy.

Thanks to NetGalley, Kathryn Sharman and Hodder for a copy of book name for my honest, voluntary review.

[Megan Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I thought the plot of this was a bit dull. The events after the fireworks are the more gripping aspect of the book but Sharman takes too long to set it up in my opinion. There was a lot of added backstory that I am not sure was needed.
I enjoyed the setting of the plot. The characters are okay but not particularly memorable or likeable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.

[Aisha Faisal · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What happens when anger stops feeling controllable?”

First of all, thank you to Kathryn Sharman, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Second Home completely pulled me in with its tense atmosphere and uncomfortable sense that something terrible was always waiting just beneath the surface. From the very beginning, the story feels heavy with frustration, resentment, and secrets, and honestly, that tension never really lets up. The Second Home is a masterclass in soap-opera-style suspense, where the coastal breeze is thick with tension and nobody, absolutely nobody, is who they seem. If you enjoy psychological thrillers populated by characters you’ll love to hate, this is your next binge-read.

🧨 The Setup: A Holiday from Hell

Lottie and Tim Jenkins have spent the entire year scrimping and saving for one week of seaside bliss with their toddler, Josh. They arrive at their Airbnb (No. 15) expecting tranquility, only to find their "dream getaway" is situated directly next to a chaotic, clanging construction site (No. 17).

Lottie is, understandably, incensed. But her complaints bring her face-to-face with Tobias and Olivia Woolf, the wealthy, privileged owners of the second home being renovated. Tobias is arrogant and dismissive, while Olivia is hiding her own agenda behind a polished veneer. What starts as a dispute over noise levels quickly spirals into a toxic feud that threatens to burn everything down literally.

🎭 Characters You’ll Love to Loathe

This novel leans heavily into the "disagreeable character" trope. Told through the shifting perspectives of Lottie, Tobias, Olivia, and Marcus (the architect with a scheme of his own), you get an intimate look at the rot beneath the surface of both families.

Lottie: Driven by a simmering, relentless anger, her obsession with "righting the wrongs" of Tobias Woolf becomes increasingly uncomfortable to watch.

Tobias: The quintessential villain of privilege, stubborn, impatient, and utterly lacking empathy for the "renters" next door.

Olivia: On the surface, she seems like a vacuous socialite, but she is navigating a stifling marriage and a desperate need for a new life.

While I found it difficult to truly connect with or root for any of the main players, their secrets are the engine that keeps this story moving. You keep reading not because you like them, but because you need to know what they’re hiding.

🌌 Atmosphere and Stakes

Sharman does a brilliant job with the atmospheric tension of the coastal town. There is a palpable friction between the locals and the wealthy "out-of-towners" that adds a layer of social commentary to the suspense. The plot is cleverly bookended by a future tragedy, a house fire, and the discovery of bodies, leaving you to piece together the "how" and "who" as the days of the week (Saturday, Sunday, Monday) tick by.

🏁 The Verdict
While the lack of a sympathetic protagonist made it hard for me to fully invest emotionally, the writing is sharp, and the "will-they-won't-they" tension of the families' self-destruction is undeniably gripping. The pace holds steady until a twisty, unpredictable finale that makes the slow-burn buildup worth the wait. This is definitely the kind of psychological suspense novel that thrives on complicated characters, simmering tension, and buried secrets rather than nonstop twists every chapter. If you enjoy morally grey characters, coastal settings hiding ugly truths, family tension, and stories where everyone seems capable of something terrible, The Second Home is absolutely worth picking up.

A tense, atmospheric, and character-driven psychological suspense novel filled with anger, grief, secrets, and the slow collapse of carefully controlled lives.

A sharp, twisty look at how far people will go to protect the truth behind closed doors.


A quick question for the comments: Do you prefer your thrillers to have a "hero" you can cheer for, or are you happy to just watch a group of messy, complicated people implode? Let me know below!

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Second Home by Kathryn Sharman is a recommended psychological suspense novel packed with disagreeable characters and soap opera vibes.

Lottie and Tim have saved up all year for a family vacation by the sea on the south coast with their young son Josh. When they arrive at the Airbnb rental they are shocked to see that next door is a busy, noisy construction site and they can't even allow Josh to safely play outside in the garden. Lottie is incensed and goes next door to complain. Next door, along with the construction crew, the owners, Tobias and Olivia along with their two teenagers, Bella and Drew, just happen to be on the renovation site. They are a wealthy, privileged family who have bought it as their second home. When Lottie raises her complaints, Tobias counters with anger. This sets the tone of the novel.

The even paced plot begins foreshadowing the information that a house is going to go up in flames in the near future and that there were people inside it, we just don't know who. Then, as the narrative begins, the story is told through the point of view of Lottie, Tobias, Olivia, and Marcus, the architect. The conflict between the out-of towners and the locals was interesting, but, honestly, I found none of these characters likable, appealing or even sympathetic. All of them have secrets.

Lottie is angry, determined and relentless in complaining about the construction. She struggles to find a way to enjoy what they can while there. While her frustration is understandable, ultimately yelling at Tobias isn't going to change a thing and her case needs to be taken to the owner of the rental. She does manage to notice how many of the locals feel about the changes in their community. Tobias is arrogant and stubborn as he tries to get the construction crew to work faster and he has no time or patience for anyone, especially a complaining renter from next door. Olivia seems like a bit of an airhead, but one with secrets. Marcus has some scheme going on, and, again, secrets.

While the writing is well done and the plot will hold your attention as any good soap opera-like drama does, the inability to even remotely connect with any of the main characters detracted from my enjoyment. All I ask for is one main character to support. (I did support several minor characters.) Basically you will keep reading to learn about all of their undisclosed information that is hinted at repeatedly and find out what happened in the fire from the opening. The novel does get much better toward the end. 3.5 rounded down.

The Second Home is a soapy suspense novel for those who enjoy disagreeable characters with plenty of secrets. Thanks to Hodder for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[Beth Reads Crime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharman relocates to the South Coast for her second domestic thriller.

Think sea, sun, sandcastles, seagulls and second homes. The plague of cursed Airbnb lock boxes littering every house façade. An absolutely stunning, tranquil place that has sadly become uninhabitable for most locals. With many second homes empty for months on end, work is scarce due to the lack of community, and towns become ghost towns over the winter months, with many unable to afford to live there.

The story centres around Lottie, Tim and their young son, who have scraped together their public sector wages to afford a week by the sea in a rental holiday home. They arrive to find the vacant property next door is undergoing a huge, noisy renovation. This belongs to the Woolf family, comprising Tobias, Olivia and their two teenage/young adult children.

Lottie is strong-willed and more than happy to go head-to-head with Tobias over the disruptive building works. It’s not just the two families at war though. We meet many local characters with their own struggles and feelings about what’s happening to their hometown.

As the story unravels through multiple points of view, it’s when we get Lottie and Tobias’s perspectives in particular that we see the real stark contrast. They are polar opposites and approach everything completely differently. We see each of them encounter the same locals but describe them in different ways. Whereas Lottie identifies the signs of hard work, Tobias sees only failure, that they are too old to be working and should have retired. An irony, given that Tobias himself is not quite as wealthy as he would like to appear.

The book starts with a foreshadowing prologue, so we know that everything is going to come to an explosive head with a fireworks celebration. Until then, it’s a simmering pot as the tension builds quicker than the Woolf’s reno and we learn more about what’s really going on and the histories of each family.

A fantastic second novel from Sharman. It’s published in May, so for now, if you haven’t already, I wholeheartedly recommend her debut The Family at No. 23, which was wonderfully twisty!

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in London, Lottie and Tim Jenkins and their toddler son Josh are looking forward to their holiday by the coast that they've saved all year for but, when they arrive at their clifftop AirBnB, they are horrified to discover that the house next door is being renovated and resembles a construction site, the peaceful holiday they were craving is not going to happen. Lottie is so enraged she decides to go next door and make her feelings known to the builders but the owners, wealthy London couple Tobias and Olivia and their teenage children Bella and Drew just happen to be there at the time discussing the renovation, which turns out to be a second property they have bought, with their architect Marcus. This confrontation sets the scene for the events that follow and unearths secrets that are being kept by Lottie, Olivia and even Marcus.

The Second Home is the second book by Sharman and, as I enjoyed her debut The Family at No. 23 so much, I thought I'd give this a go. This one is more of a slow burner than her first and, with real life getting in the way, I didn't devour this one as quickly. Told from the perspectives of Lottie, Olivia, Tobias and Marcus we learn a lot about these two families over the course of the story. The characters are realistic and relateable, but not particularly likeable, it was where the story was heading that kept me intrigued and turning the pages and I needed to know what the secrets were. What was abundantly clear was the community were not, as has been talked about frequently all across the UK in many seaside towns, happy about out of towners coming in and buying properties only to leave them empty for nine months of the year. Could this be the motive behind the incident that happened here? This is a great read with short chapters and some unexpected twists along the way and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I'd like to thank Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect thriller read for the summer!

The Second Home sets a familiar scene focusing on the holiday home boom where owners have holiday properties in desirable locations which often prices locals out of the villages they were born in and causes a natural tension between the locals and "out of towners" who come in the favourable weather but leave when the seasons change.

I was instantly transported to the small village in the bay for a much needed break with Lottie and her young family and felt the dread as they arrived at their holiday rental to find the property next door being renovated from top to bottom. The difference this time is the second home owners are also in town to check on renovation progress and soon the two "out of town" families are at odds with each other with Lottie threatening email complaints and contacting the council to put a stop to the renovations so they can have a peaceful holiday with their young son.

The great thing about The Second Home is that the story reveals the climatic element of the book from the start - there's a fire in the bay and an explosion and people are hurt - but what exactly has happened, where and who is injured?

The story then unfurls to be the days leading up to the fire told through various viewpoints of the family and the renovation architect Marcus and I really enjoyed getting to study the tensions build between the two families in the hot sun, the local villagers and the heated arguments between family members themselves adding fuel to the fire.

I loved characters like Ted, the stalwart local villager who seemed to lurk menacingly around every corner and I couldn't help but imagine Bernard Cribbins as Ted (probably due to my child watching him in Old Jack's Boat). I duly loathed over-bearing, self-satisfying Tobias, the dad of the second home reno who seemed to know best.

As always with thrillers like this, there are twists a-plenty and for me these worked well to drive the tension and the action forward, especially as it seemed every family member had a secret (some more shocking than others).

I devoured this book in one sitting and really enjoyed the well rounded characters, the build up of tension and the resolution of knowing exactly what happened to each of the characters.

[Christelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a Slow-Burn Drama Than a Psychological Thriller

I would first like to thank NetGalley for this ARC.

Kathryn Sharman's "The Second Home" takes place in a tranquil seaside village on the South Coast. This ideal location has been transformed into a seasonal ghost town where second homes remain empty for months at a time. The seasonal population that arrives in the summer and departs in the fall is not welcomed well by the locals.

The story focuses on two couples. Lottie and Tim are a couple that have saved money to enjoy a week-long family vacation with their little boy. When they arrive with the intention of resting and unwinding, they find that the empty house next door has turned into a noisy construction site. The second couple, Tobias and Olivia Woolf and their two teenagers, are affluent out-of-towners, who own the house next door, and have decided to renovate a second home. Tension begins to grow between the locals and the seasonal visitors.

In multiple perspectives between the strong-willed Lottie and the arrogant Tobias, their head-to-head conflict becomes a simmering pot of resentment built alongside the renovation. The tension finally boils over when a house catches fire during the town's local festival of fireworks display and their families are destroyed by the secrets they have been harboring.

While I enjoyed the plot of the story, the tension between the locals and tourists, the execution fell flat for me. This book is described as “an addictive, page-turning psychological thriller with a killer twist”. I found the pace much more of a slow burn that dragged in places. I felt that the characters were largely unsympathetic and selfish; while I empathized with Lottie’s frustration over a ruined vacation, the eventual "twist" and resolution felt a bit forced and I rolled my eyes when the inevitable happened to Tobias. In my opinion, the ending didn’t need to end with a tiny bow, but with more grit.

[Shimnom · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I'd like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this E-ARC.

This book was a first of its kind for me, I haven't read anything else with quite this kind of storyline, though I imagine similar ones exist.

Lottie has spent time and money on this vacation, and it is already unraveling. The noise from a nearby construction site eats at her from the moment she arrives, and she can feel her anger rising, an anger she knows, better than anyone, how dangerous it can be. Olivia's situation isn't much better. Trapped in the same town with her children and an unfeeling husband, she discovers something she hadn't expected: freedom. The freedom to live on her own terms, to have an affair, to simply breathe without the constant weight of her family pressing down on her.
The town, on its part, is also deceptive. In the same town lies a suicide, a grieving father, and simmering resentment among the locals against the visitors. And then two dead bodies turn up in an uncompleted building, and everything fractures. Has Lottie's history with rage driven her to commit yet another crime? Or is something far more sinister at work?

I spent an entire day reading this book without meaning to. It wasn't only the writing that held me, it was the people. These characters carry the kind of emotions that feel borrowed from real life, messy and unresolved, and I found myself especially drawn to Lottie. As someone who also struggles with anger, I kept asking myself how far I would go for revenge, for protection, for the people I love. The book made that question feel urgent. Thankfully, I don't think my anger issues are as dangerous as some people's. It still made sense to check, though.

The ending was a little disappointing, if I'm honest. But I'm not one for a happily-ever-after, even one tinged with tragedy, so perhaps that says more about me than the book.

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️💫 Lottie has saved all year for her family vacation by the sea with her husband and young son. But as soon as they arrive at their rental it is clear they have made a huge mistake coming here... Next door, Olivia looks like just another wealthy out-of-towner buying up local property, only to leave it empty for ten months of the year. But Olivia has a secret plan for her second home... When one of the houses goes up in flames, and a body is pulled from the ashes, the secrets both Lottie and Olivia have been keeping threaten to destroy their families. How far would one of them go to keep the truth locked behind closed doors?

I really enjoyed Kathryn’s debut release last year so I automatically pre-ordered this new title as soon as it was announced.

I literally could not put this down, I devoured it in two sittings but it could easily have been in one go if life didn’t get in the way! Told from differing character POV chapters I was fully invested in them all, deciphering the various underlying secrets that were being hidden.

Kathryn cleverly inserts the relevant clues at prominent points, building the mystery and suspense of what will happen next. The cliffhanger chapters ensured that the cliche of ‘one more chapter’ was definitely true, I flew through the pages, absorbing the perfectly paced tension throughout.

Some of the characters are extremely unlikeable - case in point the ‘delightful’ Tobias - and I definitely found myself routing for something awful to happen, which in a thriller is usually a given!

There are several red herrings placed along the way and I was definitely kept guessing right up to the concluding sentence, leaving the reader with that ‘a-ha element’ as they close the book. Needless to say I look forward to what comes next from this author.

[bookedupnurse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dream summer getaway or the scene of the perfect crime?

Lottie and Tim Jenkins have saved all year for their week beside the sea. Alongside their toddler Josh, they arrive at their Airbnb (no. 15) to be met with every holidaymakers worse case scenario … next door (no. 17) is a building site. Dust, noise and danger, Lottie is fuming and will do everything in her power to make sure that the homeowners, builders and locals know that she is not happy …

Olivia and Tobias Woolf have purchased their dream second home. With their teenage children Bella and Drew, they are completely renovating the coastal property, without any thought for cost or local opinion. Tobias sees this as a holiday home where they will spend long weekends but Olivia sees this town will be her new home and the beginning of her new life … without her husband.

But during the summer firework display for the community, one of the houses goes up in flames and bodies are pulled from the building. The past and present secrets of the Jenkins and Woolf’s come to the surface leaving us to ask, how far would one of the families go to keep the truth safe behind closed doors?

Told across the days of the holiday week (Saturday, Sunday, Monday), we see the fast deteriorating relationships within each family, the friction of the holiday makers towards the second homeowners as well as Lottie’s increasing obsession with righting the wrongs of Tobias Woolf.

This was a fabulous, twisty, suspenseful read with a completely unpredictable ending that I would highly recommend! ⭐️

Thank you to NetGallery, Hodder & Stoughton and Kathryn Sharman for the ARC copy of this book.

[Andria Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a solid read. Lottie and her husband have scrimped together money for a family vacation with their young son at the beach. However, when they get to the beach they realize that the place that they have rented in beside a large construction zone with a lot of noise, dust and a dangerous area for their young son. They are unhappy with the situation and the situation also causes friction in their marriage. They are not people with a lot of money and they can't really afford to change their circumstances. The family building or having the construction done are a rich family of entitled people. There are problems within their family also, the husband is a rich entitled jerk, the wife is unhappy in the marriage and feels unloved in it, the children also have some issues. So the story ends up being a story of the have vs the have nots. There are of course some butting of heads between the rich family and the vacationing poorer family. There are things from the past involved with both families. Then a tragedy happens, the construction home burns with two people inside of it. Now, who set the fire, was it intentional or was it an accident? There is blame going around. Ultimately, that tragedy is a catalyst in the changing of lives and circumstances for everybody. I enjoyed the story, however it did not hook me right away so it took me a little while to get into the story and therefore longer for me to finish it. It did have an interesting ending but I am not going to give any spoilers on that. Thank you Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the complimentary copy of the story.

[Aditi Goud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some thrillers rely on shocking twists. Others build tension through atmosphere, secrets, and the uneasy feeling that something isn't quite right. The Second Home does both.

What begins as a seemingly perfect family getaway quickly transforms into a story filled with jealousy, hidden motives, and simmering tensions. The setting plays a huge role in creating the novel's unsettling mood. The coastal backdrop feels beautiful on the surface, but there's an undercurrent of danger running through every interaction.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was how morally complex the characters were. Nobody is entirely innocent, and as more secrets come to light, it becomes increasingly difficult to decide who can be trusted. The relationships felt messy, realistic, and emotionally charged, which made the suspense even more effective.

Kathryn Sharman does an excellent job of slowly peeling back the layers of the story. Every revelation adds a new piece to the puzzle while raising even more questions. I found myself constantly second guessing my theories and eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth.

While the pacing is more deliberate than action packed, it allows the tension to build naturally and gives the emotional moments room to breathe. The result is a gripping domestic thriller that keeps you invested in both the mystery and the characters.

A compelling story of secrets, privilege, family dynamics, and betrayal. Perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric psychological thrillers where the biggest danger often comes from the people closest to us.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THIS is a thriller. The groundwork was laid beautifully and twists came at precisely the right time. Time slipped by as I was deeply engrossed in the family and other relational drama, angst, the process of letting go, and the local versus foreigner dynamic (which I fully understand from experience). The Second Home seeped under my skin and stayed there.

Lottie, Tim, and their adorable toddler breathe in their home-away-from-home environment, a well-earned holiday. But the reverie is cut short when construction machinery and workers blare on, after hours and on the weekend. Wealthy and surly second-home owner Tobias is all about money and him so he doesn't care. But his longsuffering wife Olivia does. Their two teens, one decent and the other despicable, add to the multi-layered family tension. Lottie angrily approaches the workers and family but is met with disdain. Thus starts the power tug, back and forth. Adding secrets to the mix creates explosions. Meanwhile, locals have their opinions.

I adored how well the relationships and twists were written. Very few characters are likeable but I still cared about who did what, how, and why. Some made me grit my teeth and roll my eyes but it added to my overall enjoyment. And the ending! Talk about satisfying and pleasing.

My sincere thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this stellar novel.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Home takes a seemingly idyllic summer getaway and turns it into a slow‑burn nightmare in the best possible way. From the moment Lottie and her family arrive at their rental, you can feel the tension humming beneath the surface—something is off, and the book wastes no time letting that unease settle in.

The dual focus on Lottie and Olivia works really well. Lottie is relatable and easy to root for, just trying to give her family a much‑needed break, while Olivia is the kind of character who keeps you guessing—glamorous, guarded, and clearly hiding more than she lets on. Their lives brushing up against each other creates a great sense of foreboding, especially as the cracks in both women’s stories start to show.

When the fire happens, the book shifts into full‑on suspense mode. The mystery of whose secrets are about to explode—and how far each woman will go to protect her family—keeps the pages turning quickly. There’s a nice balance of domestic tension, small‑town atmosphere, and twisty reveals that make the story feel both grounded and gripping.

If you enjoy thrillers where ordinary lives collide with dangerous secrets, The Second Home is a fun, fast, and satisfying read. Perfect for fans of beach‑town mysteries with a dark edge.

with thanks to Kathryn Sharman, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

2 stars

This one? A bit like being invited to a party where everyone whispers secrets… but never actually says anything interesting.

The Second Home had a premise that hinted at tension and layered family drama, but getting there felt like trudging through narrative quicksand. The pacing dragged so much that I found myself checking how many pages were left more often than I was actually engaged in the story. It wasn’t that nothing happened… it just felt like nothing was happening.

The characters didn’t help matters. I never fully connected with any of them, and what I did get felt surface-level, like reading their dating profiles instead of their actual lives. For a story that leans so heavily on relationships and secrets, I needed more depth and emotional pull.

And the twist? Calling it a twist feels generous. It wasn’t a jaw-drop moment so much as a “well… yeah, obviously” situation. It sat there in plain sight the whole time, waving politely instead of shocking anyone.

Final verdict: Not terrible, just… tedious. A slow burn without much payoff, leaving me more relieved to finish than satisfied I did.

[A Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Home by Kathryn Sharman is a psychological drama with many secrets and lies. The story depicts the lives of two families that ultimately cross paths.

Tim and Lottie and their young son have scrimped and saved for a holiday by the sea. On the first day they meet up with their neighbors, Tobias and Olivia and their two teenagers, who are having work done on their vacation home. Annoyed that their peaceful holiday is anything but peaceful with all the construction noise next door, Lottie takes it upon herself to let the neighbors know she does not appreciate all the noise. From this point on, the line is drawn and the tensions are beginning to rise. When a tragedy occurs, the finger pointing begins and everyone is a suspect.

Short chapters make for a quick and emotional read. It kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat. The story was well written and the characters are well depicted, though many are unlikeable. The tension builds with each new chapter and the twists and surprises are numerous throughout the story. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advanced copy

[Charlotte K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Home is a compelling and suspenseful read that kept me hooked from the outset. With its intriguing premise and steadily building tension, it delivers exactly what you want from a gripping domestic thriller.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, gradually revealing secrets, hidden motives, and the darker side of seemingly idyllic lives. The setting adds a strong sense of atmosphere, with an undercurrent of unease that runs throughout and keeps you guessing.

What I particularly enjoyed was the pacing—slow enough to build suspense, but with enough twists and revelations to keep the pages turning. Just when you think you have things figured out, the narrative shifts and introduces new doubts.

The characters are well-drawn and complex, each with their own secrets, making it difficult to know who to trust. This adds to the overall tension and makes for an engaging reading experience.

Overall, this is a well-crafted psychological thriller with plenty of intrigue and drama.

[Kirsten Desorcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story but I found myself hating Lottie from the start and that didn’t really change throughout the book. Of the four characters that we get a pov from I only sort of liked Olivia but even her character felt very shallow. Funny thing is that a lot of the secondary characters were more interesting. I wanted to actually know more about them. The book is described as a thriller but I didn’t really feel a lot of intensity until they get to the night in question and you are curious to the bodies that were found in the fire… but once that part is over everything else is mellow again. I would have liked to see a bit more self awareness and growth in the other primary characters (I felt like Olivia was the only one with growth). The final revelation at the end did not really make a lot of sense… I understood who, but the why is not clear and seemed out of place in the way the story was written. Overall, it was a decent story but too many things I felt that could have improved. 3⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an early copy of the book.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a slow start leading up to the premise of the story. Even with the slow start, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The beginning wasn't suspenseful/thriller, but it still kept me reading.

I felt Lotties anger though. Truly would have been just as devastated. I felt her anger towards her husband too. Like dude....this is not a vacation. closed windows, no outside sitting ability, loud music when you just want to hear the waves....
I had a visceral hatred towards Tobias. Im glad for his ending.

Short chapters are my favorite. After the fire (about 60% on my kindle), the twists and secrets were captivating. I loved the roller coaster. The at fault party is never truly identified, but you finish the story knowing. I love it. The best kind of closure.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Thriller? Idk, maybe at the end. But it was a good book and I'd definitely read more by this author.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder Paperbacks!

[joyincosythings ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neighbours from hell? A slow burn nightmare? At the beach side? Look no further!

Yes, this was a little slow at the start, and it took me a few chapters to really get into the story. But once the various odd and ominous comments, and strange characters you just knew had some twisted purpose, started popping up, I was glued in. Little by little, these clues gave just enough to plant suspicion in your mind and keep you on your toes.

A hostile, yet picturesque living environment, secrets unravelled, an ever-growing tension, and family matters can all be found in The Second Home. And one of my most despised characters ever (which I loved, of course!)

This would make a great holiday read too, as it will definitely make you appreciate your holiday more, haha!

3,75 ⭐

Thank you to the author Kathryn Sharman, Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

I can only imagine how frustrated. might be if I scrimped, pinched, and save for a peaceful family vacation by the sea, only to discover that the house next door is undergoing major renovations. In addition to the reno, the homeowner, contractor, and workers seem to have a total disregard for the guests staying next door. Fully aware there is a 2 year old next door, they do not think twice if flinging tools about, playing inappropriate music, and working at the most inopportune times.

And OH the entitlement of the wealthy rehabbers as they come into this quaint little town and began to gentrify.

All of this made for an intriguing read that immediately drew me in and caused me to stay up way past my bedtime!

BUT: while I understand the trauma the vacationers are feeling, Lottie is totally unhinged and may have been asking for a little retribution. While she was certainly annoying, huge kudos to our author for creating such a complex character.

Thank you to NetGalley for this Advanced Digital Copy!

[Sara Troup · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Home was the perfect summer thriller.

Set in a seaside community, this domestic suspense novel explores the tension between the haves and the have-nots, with plenty of neighbourhood and family drama bubbling beneath the surface. When a house goes up in flames and bodies are pulled from the ashes, the secrets both Lottie and Olivia have been keeping threaten to destroy everything.

I flew through this book in less than a day. The short chapters and steady stream of unraveling secrets made it incredibly easy to keep turning the pages, always wanting to know what would happen next.
The coastal setting is a wonderful backdrop for the story and gave the novel a distinctly summery feel. I also enjoyed the way Kathryn Sharman gradually revealed more about each character, constantly shifting my perspective as new information came to light. The cast is filled with flawed, complicated characters, and I found myself repeatedly questioning who I could trust and who deserved my sympathy.

Packed with family secrets, complicated relationships, simmering tensions and plenty of twists, The Second Home is an addictive domestic thriller that will make an excellent holiday read for fans of character-driven suspense.

[Erica H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.

This is the first book I read by Kathryn Sharman and her second novel. The marketing snippets of this book make it sound fast paced, but the first half to two-thirds is more of a slow burn where you get to know the characters and can tell something is coming. I liked the characters and even liked not liking the unlikable ones. The story telling from multiple main characters allows you to understand their views, so their actions are believable. What keeps this book from being 5 stars? For me, it was the scramble of too many things at the end. Without spoiling anything, I could have done without the insurance plot point and instead more details on Olivia's children and her relationship with them.

I rated this book 3.5 ★s out of 5.

[Maja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before we begin, let me thank Netgalley and also Hodder & Stoughton for providing this ARC!

Now, I am a little unsure how to rate this. I felt like the story - while having a solid setup - was moving forward sort of slow, to be all honest. And while there was surely tension and unexpected things happening, they felt expectedm and the book sadly was not really able to hold my attention. Maybe also because I could not really connect to Lottie, or Olivia. It was like watching one of those drama shows without really caring about the people there. To me, at least. All in all, sadly not the addicting read I have been hoping for...

[Kim Tomczak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and Hodder Books for the ARC of The Second Home by Kathryn Sharman. The Jenkins family has saved all year for their vacation by the sea but when they arrive, it's clear that it's not going to be the paradise they expected. Next door, the Woolfe family is enjoying the summer, away at their second home. An expected arson fire claims one of their houses and a body is found. Secrets are uncovered along with unexpected twists. A great read that kept me turning the page past my bedtime!

[Erica Winchester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc.

I went into this book with mixed feelings, and while it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I still found things to appreciate. This was definitely a slow burn. I felt like it took a while to fully understand where the story was going but once it settled in, the layered dynamics kept me engaged. I’ll be honest, I didn’t really like any of the characters and found myself frustrated with all of them at one point or another. Overall, not a bad read just a bit slower-paced than I typically prefer.

[Rita Batra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lottie and Tim scrape together their savings for a week by the sea but arrive to find a noisy building site next door, owned by the wealthy, arrogant Tobias Woolf. What starts as a neighbour dispute slowly unravels into something much darker, with secrets on every side.
The locals vs second-home-owners tension is the best part of this book. Nobody is likeable and somehow that keeps you reading anyway.
It’s more slow-burn drama than thriller… a solid 3 1/2 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.