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Adrift: A Novel
The 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.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published February 17, 2026
308 people are currently reading
23069 people want to read
About the author
Will Dean
15 books1,668 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 819 reviews
February 18, 2026
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.
medium.com
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 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 📖
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.
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WHAT A TRIGGERING READ
Adrift is a hard-hitting story following Peggy, her teenage son Sampson and controlling husband Drew, while living on a secluded narrowboat on a canal in the Midlands. The books delve deep into domestic abuse, coercive control and isolation.
This psychological suspense novel had me feeling so claustrophobic and chocked. The book is told in the dual narratives of Peggy and Sampson, and it was so heavy hitting reading their chapters. I felt like I was going insane and being gaslighted by that a$$hole Drew and I couldn’t wait to see how it was all going to unfold.
Of course, with these kinds of domestic violence kind of reads there usually tends to be two outcomes. The victim escapes or the predator wins but what I wasn’t expecting was a reveal that was presented to me in the end. My mouth was agape and I was heartbroken at the same time.
If you read this book don’t expect a ‘thriller’, it is very character driven and highlights and exposes the realities of what women go through when they are in a abusive gaslighted relationship.
I listened to the audiobook of this story, and I must say that both narrators did an amazing job capturing and holding my attention.
This is a dark book that will really pull all the emotions out of you. Highly advised to check trigger warnings before you give it a read.
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the ARC to review!
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pre read
First book read of February!
The cover is absolutely eye watering beautiful!
The blurb is also giving serious eerie vibes too!
💚🤍💚🤍
Adrift is a hard-hitting story following Peggy, her teenage son Sampson and controlling husband Drew, while living on a secluded narrowboat on a canal in the Midlands. The books delve deep into domestic abuse, coercive control and isolation.
This psychological suspense novel had me feeling so claustrophobic and chocked. The book is told in the dual narratives of Peggy and Sampson, and it was so heavy hitting reading their chapters. I felt like I was going insane and being gaslighted by that a$$hole Drew and I couldn’t wait to see how it was all going to unfold.
Of course, with these kinds of domestic violence kind of reads there usually tends to be two outcomes. The victim escapes or the predator wins but what I wasn’t expecting was a reveal that was presented to me in the end. My mouth was agape and I was heartbroken at the same time.
If you read this book don’t expect a ‘thriller’, it is very character driven and highlights and exposes the realities of what women go through when they are in a abusive gaslighted relationship.
I listened to the audiobook of this story, and I must say that both narrators did an amazing job capturing and holding my attention.
This is a dark book that will really pull all the emotions out of you. Highly advised to check trigger warnings before you give it a read.
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the ARC to review!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
First book read of February!
The cover is absolutely eye watering beautiful!
The blurb is also giving serious eerie vibes too!
💚🤍💚🤍
January 31, 2026
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
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)***
February 18, 2026
Outlier review 🏝️
I have to be honest and say this was a very difficult book to read, think about and pick up each time I did.
A story of surviving abuse, cruelty, and toxic relationships. The father/husband Drew, made me so angry and frustrated that I really should have just not finished the book. I thought perhaps that it might turn around in some redeeming way, so I continued on.
The subject matter was just something I didn't want to meditate on at all ( too depressing). It has so many triggers, that you may want to look up if you want to consider this one. I made the mistake of going in blind because I am a fan of the author.
Thanks to NG for the ARC. It came out Feb 17, 2026
I have to be honest and say this was a very difficult book to read, think about and pick up each time I did.
A story of surviving abuse, cruelty, and toxic relationships. The father/husband Drew, made me so angry and frustrated that I really should have just not finished the book. I thought perhaps that it might turn around in some redeeming way, so I continued on.
The subject matter was just something I didn't want to meditate on at all ( too depressing). It has so many triggers, that you may want to look up if you want to consider this one. I made the mistake of going in blind because I am a fan of the author.
Thanks to NG for the ARC. It came out Feb 17, 2026
February 16, 2026
Have you ever despised a character so much that you wanted to kill them yourself? Well, you’re going to meet one you’ll love to hate in this creepy tale of psychological suspense. Dark, unsettling, and riddled with dread, Adrift was just as hard to read as it was impossible to put down. You see, not only did the true-to-life villain take on nightmarish proportions but Dean had me so incredibly wrapped up in the story that I wanted to throw the book across the room more than once. Why might you ask? Well, I was so immersed in the claustrophobic setting and thought-provoking themes that I felt as if I was literally in the room with this dangerously dysfunctional family. Exploring control, manipulation, love, and mental health, it almost presented one of the two POVs as an unreliable narrator…but also not really. After all, it was beyond clear who the real a**hole was the entire time I was reading.
I do have to say that if triggers are ever an issue for you, you might want to double check this one before diving in. From domestic abuse and gaslighting to poverty and isolation, it was a deep look at a ton of heartbreaking topics. Perhaps that was part of why the first half was such a long, slow burn. Almost coming off as literary fiction before the first gasp-inducing twist, my only issue was the sedate pace. That being said, it gave me time to fall into this fractured family’s truly messed up world. Plus, the spotlight on certain aspects made me think long and hard. From their individual friendships to their love of the little things in life, it made it all feel all the more realistic, creating an increasingly spine-chilling read. So if you’re a fan of authors like B.A. Paris or reads that are unflinchingly intense, give this one a try. In spite of the slow-boiling start, it was a one-sitting read. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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.
Thank you Will Dean and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 17, 2026
Content warning: controlling relationship, bullying, gaslighting, death, drug overdose, animal death, mental illness, forced institutionalization, child abuse, violence, emotional abuse, mention of: fire, suicide, death of a parent, terminal illness
I do have to say that if triggers are ever an issue for you, you might want to double check this one before diving in. From domestic abuse and gaslighting to poverty and isolation, it was a deep look at a ton of heartbreaking topics. Perhaps that was part of why the first half was such a long, slow burn. Almost coming off as literary fiction before the first gasp-inducing twist, my only issue was the sedate pace. That being said, it gave me time to fall into this fractured family’s truly messed up world. Plus, the spotlight on certain aspects made me think long and hard. From their individual friendships to their love of the little things in life, it made it all feel all the more realistic, creating an increasingly spine-chilling read. So if you’re a fan of authors like B.A. Paris or reads that are unflinchingly intense, give this one a try. In spite of the slow-boiling start, it was a one-sitting read. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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.
Thank you Will Dean and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 17, 2026
Content warning: controlling relationship, bullying, gaslighting, death, drug overdose, animal death, mental illness, forced institutionalization, child abuse, violence, emotional abuse, mention of: fire, suicide, death of a parent, terminal illness
February 17, 2026
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
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.
February 17, 2026
Now Available ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
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.
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
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!
February 17, 2026
the setup…
Peggy and Drew Jenkins live in a narrow canal boat with their fourteen-year old son Samson. They moved their from her mother’s bungalow after her death. He’s an aspiring writer with a manual labor side job and will only allow Peggy to volunteer at the library. Just a normal family living unconventionally right? Not even close, especially when the prologue reveals this man killed his parents. He is a sociopath hiding in plain sight, slowly gaslighting his family into oblivion as he slowly isolates them from neighbors and other probing eyes as they move further down that canal.
the heart of the story…
I went into this knowing it would be bleak and it is. However, it’s much more as it’s also a cautionary tale for anyone in these type toxic relationships who stay for the children. It never ends well. Peggy is a bright and talented woman who over time is convinced by Drew in draconian measures that she’s less than him in order for his ego to survive.
the narration…
Emma Wilkes is the voice for Peggy and Luke R. Francis gives voice to Samson. They made me believe their characters and Wilkes expertly managed her character’s gradual transition to an insecure woman. They both delivered fine performances.
the bottom line…
Despite the somberness and despair, there is reason for hope as Peggy fights her way back to save herself and her son. It’s an important story as this might be fictional but it’s based on reality as many women today find themselves in similar circumstances. If just one person sees herself in Peggy, it’s a triumph. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Peggy and Drew Jenkins live in a narrow canal boat with their fourteen-year old son Samson. They moved their from her mother’s bungalow after her death. He’s an aspiring writer with a manual labor side job and will only allow Peggy to volunteer at the library. Just a normal family living unconventionally right? Not even close, especially when the prologue reveals this man killed his parents. He is a sociopath hiding in plain sight, slowly gaslighting his family into oblivion as he slowly isolates them from neighbors and other probing eyes as they move further down that canal.
the heart of the story…
I went into this knowing it would be bleak and it is. However, it’s much more as it’s also a cautionary tale for anyone in these type toxic relationships who stay for the children. It never ends well. Peggy is a bright and talented woman who over time is convinced by Drew in draconian measures that she’s less than him in order for his ego to survive.
the narration…
Emma Wilkes is the voice for Peggy and Luke R. Francis gives voice to Samson. They made me believe their characters and Wilkes expertly managed her character’s gradual transition to an insecure woman. They both delivered fine performances.
the bottom line…
Despite the somberness and despair, there is reason for hope as Peggy fights her way back to save herself and her son. It’s an important story as this might be fictional but it’s based on reality as many women today find themselves in similar circumstances. If just one person sees herself in Peggy, it’s a triumph. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow.
This book definitely puts Will Dean back at the top of his game.
This is an incredibly suffocating and claustrophobic read. Some scenes had me sat listening to the audiobook with my eyes closed and hand over my mouth.
Whilst I think The Last Thing to Burn still tops his books for me (a masterpiece in suspense), this has so many similar qualities.
The characters of Peggy and Sammy are superb, and their POVs were fantastically written.
I was confused about the setting though, it read like it was set in England and there were several British references, but then the mention of Midwest confused me!
The narrators- INCREDIBLE. I hung on to every word and finished listening within 24 hours. I just couldn't stop listening.
LOVED it.
This book definitely puts Will Dean back at the top of his game.
This is an incredibly suffocating and claustrophobic read. Some scenes had me sat listening to the audiobook with my eyes closed and hand over my mouth.
Whilst I think The Last Thing to Burn still tops his books for me (a masterpiece in suspense), this has so many similar qualities.
The characters of Peggy and Sammy are superb, and their POVs were fantastically written.
I was confused about the setting though, it read like it was set in England and there were several British references, but then the mention of Midwest confused me!
The narrators- INCREDIBLE. I hung on to every word and finished listening within 24 hours. I just couldn't stop listening.
LOVED it.
January 12, 2026
My first 5* read for 2026!
This is a truly fantastic book. I went through all the emotions while reading this one. Just the idea of what's happening in this book alone is enough to have you hooked.
I followed the main characters with both fear and faith for them and this is a hard book to put down. Once I started reading,I just had to find out what was on the agenda next for each one.
It was easy to have this one play out in your head with what ifs and buts throughout and it is far too easy to get invested in the characters. Also with the additional characters.
The scene setting was claustrophobic and suspenseful and you can fully imagine being there when this plays out.
The ending was a complete success and I already want to read it again!
Many thanks to the Author and publisher through Netgalley for the ARC.
This is a truly fantastic book. I went through all the emotions while reading this one. Just the idea of what's happening in this book alone is enough to have you hooked.
I followed the main characters with both fear and faith for them and this is a hard book to put down. Once I started reading,I just had to find out what was on the agenda next for each one.
It was easy to have this one play out in your head with what ifs and buts throughout and it is far too easy to get invested in the characters. Also with the additional characters.
The scene setting was claustrophobic and suspenseful and you can fully imagine being there when this plays out.
The ending was a complete success and I already want to read it again!
Many thanks to the Author and publisher through Netgalley for the ARC.
February 11, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book made me feel claustrophobic just reading it. A husband who is so toxic he forces your family to not only live on a boat to “fix things” but also wants the family to be as secluded as possible. It was not just your average psychological thriller. Not only was it absolutely chilling, but an extremely emotional roller coaster of a ride. The turmoil that Peggy and her son Samson went through living under Drew’s control was absolutely painful. It was dark and will be triggering for some. 4.5 stars
This book made me feel claustrophobic just reading it. A husband who is so toxic he forces your family to not only live on a boat to “fix things” but also wants the family to be as secluded as possible. It was not just your average psychological thriller. Not only was it absolutely chilling, but an extremely emotional roller coaster of a ride. The turmoil that Peggy and her son Samson went through living under Drew’s control was absolutely painful. It was dark and will be triggering for some. 4.5 stars
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 20, 2026
This is psychological suspense at its most harrowing. Adrift explores the terrifying dynamics of a family pushed to the brink by a manipulative patriarch who uses gaslighting to control his wife. The setting—a lonely canal houseboat—perfectly mirrors the isolation Peggy feels as she begins to doubt her own mind. Sammy’s subplot regarding bullying adds another layer of tension that makes the final act feel like a powder keg exploding. Though the subject matter is heavy, the pacing is relentless. I couldn't stop turning the pages. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to read and review this ARC.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to read and review this ARC.
February 17, 2026
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!
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
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https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrUYY8VB/
February 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐
Relatively new-to-me author Will Dean turned the safe into the perilous and had me shovelling popcorn in piggish proportions.
I loved how he harnessed the isolated setting trope and constructed the perfect stage for his suspense and drama. Drew, Peggy and Samson are cut off from the rest of the world as their narrowboat drifts away from the influence of society, creating heightened anxiety for both the reader and the characters. As the manipulation and gaslighting escalated, I could see the progression of the isolation as a character, influencing the arcs of those in the boat.
If you enjoy a dark and intense psychological thriller that explores human behavior in constrained conditions, and plenty of the implied to send your mind down some dark passages, you’ll want to investigate this twisty story. I appreciated the resilience in the face of adversity and cruelty, a unique narrative outcome and the role of wickedness.
Avail yourself of trigger warnings concerning abuse.
I was under no obligation to provide a review for this gifted copy.
Relatively new-to-me author Will Dean turned the safe into the perilous and had me shovelling popcorn in piggish proportions.
I loved how he harnessed the isolated setting trope and constructed the perfect stage for his suspense and drama. Drew, Peggy and Samson are cut off from the rest of the world as their narrowboat drifts away from the influence of society, creating heightened anxiety for both the reader and the characters. As the manipulation and gaslighting escalated, I could see the progression of the isolation as a character, influencing the arcs of those in the boat.
If you enjoy a dark and intense psychological thriller that explores human behavior in constrained conditions, and plenty of the implied to send your mind down some dark passages, you’ll want to investigate this twisty story. I appreciated the resilience in the face of adversity and cruelty, a unique narrative outcome and the role of wickedness.
Avail yourself of trigger warnings concerning abuse.
I was under no obligation to provide a review for this gifted copy.
February 16, 2026
This is a dark, intense domestic suspense read and not a thriller as billed by the publisher. It’s helpful to know that from the outset.
Told in dual POVs, it’s a difficult, unsettling story to read although the telling of it is well done. From the opening prologue, the author did a great job throughout in creating an atmospheric, claustrophobic, and emotional read and I felt so much empathy for the two main characters.
I recommend this read but please be aware that there are several triggers in this book and that it deals with heavy subject matter.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
Told in dual POVs, it’s a difficult, unsettling story to read although the telling of it is well done. From the opening prologue, the author did a great job throughout in creating an atmospheric, claustrophobic, and emotional read and I felt so much empathy for the two main characters.
I recommend this read but please be aware that there are several triggers in this book and that it deals with heavy subject matter.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A dark, deep look into abuse where a hand is never raised. This is the story of a family, controlled by one man through isolation, poverty, and starvation of love, food, heat, and even water.
This was a hard book to read, but, like many reads, it's an important one. It's good to look these kinds of stories in the eyes and not look away. It's a moving story, reminding the reader how terrible it is when you don't know when your next meal will be and if it will be another, unsettling, frightening experience.
I really felt for Samson and Peggy. Getting both of their perspectives really highlighted how tough it was for Peggy to get out and to get her son out. It answered the reason why women don't leave. As much as I hated parts of the story because they were so heartbreaking, I loved how touching the story was - the little parts where there was happiness: the neighbor, the dog, the walkman, simple friendships, even chocolate. All the little times that it was wonderful to be alive.
Be sure to come prepared to this one, but be ready to love the characters and root for them and the life they could live.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This was a hard book to read, but, like many reads, it's an important one. It's good to look these kinds of stories in the eyes and not look away. It's a moving story, reminding the reader how terrible it is when you don't know when your next meal will be and if it will be another, unsettling, frightening experience.
I really felt for Samson and Peggy. Getting both of their perspectives really highlighted how tough it was for Peggy to get out and to get her son out. It answered the reason why women don't leave. As much as I hated parts of the story because they were so heartbreaking, I loved how touching the story was - the little parts where there was happiness: the neighbor, the dog, the walkman, simple friendships, even chocolate. All the little times that it was wonderful to be alive.
Be sure to come prepared to this one, but be ready to love the characters and root for them and the life they could live.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Want to read
August 1, 2025Thank you Atria Books for the physical galley of Adrift, coming Feb 2026.
January 21, 2026
Adrift by Will Dean
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
5 stars
I believe this is my first Will Dean novel. I’m pretty sure I would remember if I’ve read them before. Their writing seems to leave a long lasting impression. This was such an all around psychological masterpiece that it’s inspired me to read their backlist.
Chapter one sent a chill down my spine and raised the hair on the back of my neck and arms. (Memorable.)
This five star rating is not just because of plot, pacing, impeccable character development etc…
This novel literally left me emotionally exhausted. Damaged, even. There are some parallels with my life 25 years ago. Unfortunately, I know the exact kind of man that Drew was. The hate I felt for him was visceral. Palpable. Triggering. The fear and sorrow that I felt for Peggy and Samson were just as palpable. This novel made me feel things deeply from start to finish. I don’t think I’ve had a book affect me this way. Ever. If you’re going to read this, be aware of the possible triggers. ( I was aware of them prior to reading and was confident I would be fine. And I was. BUT it did affect me more than I anticipated.) Some of the possible triggers: Spousal manipulation, forced isolation, mental/emotional/physical abuse, gaslighting, narcissism, bullying, cruelty, suicide, institutions and more…
This three person family lives on a boat on a canal. Drew is a has been. Long ago he won a prestigious award for writing and he’s been trying to write an award winning book ever since. He is the epitome of narcissistic. Works the bare minimum to provide not even the bare minimum. He spends most of his time working on his novel. His family lives in poverty. He will not allow his wife Peggy to work and earn a wage yet he WILL take what little pocket money that is earned from his 14 year old son Samson. After surviving for 15 years, Peggy experiences something that forces her to recognize what Drew has been doing to her all these years. She decides she’s leaving. Things like this are never simple.
This a dark, suffocating and emotional story. The pacing, the slow build up of tension, the climax and ending are on point. Aside from the main characters, the support characters are also written so well. (Phoenix broke my heart.) I was absolutely livid for more than half of this book. I felt like I was tiptoeing right alongside Peggy. I felt like I was trying to shield Samson. I felt like I wanted to f#ck up Drew’s face, constantly. The end simultaneously broke my heart and offered up some feelings of relief. I was absolutely positive that this was going to end a particular way when Peggy was squeezing the life out of that Lego in her pocket.
The only criticism I might offer up-
Use the English terms/slang/language for the entirety of the book, when it’s based in the United States. There were quite a few words that British people use that we (Americans,) do not. Despite this, I still gave this five stars. I’m a mood reader and this novel assaulted me from all sides.
I highly recommend, if you familiarize yourself with the triggers first.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria and Will Dean for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date: February 17, 2026.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
5 stars
I believe this is my first Will Dean novel. I’m pretty sure I would remember if I’ve read them before. Their writing seems to leave a long lasting impression. This was such an all around psychological masterpiece that it’s inspired me to read their backlist.
Chapter one sent a chill down my spine and raised the hair on the back of my neck and arms. (Memorable.)
This five star rating is not just because of plot, pacing, impeccable character development etc…
This novel literally left me emotionally exhausted. Damaged, even. There are some parallels with my life 25 years ago. Unfortunately, I know the exact kind of man that Drew was. The hate I felt for him was visceral. Palpable. Triggering. The fear and sorrow that I felt for Peggy and Samson were just as palpable. This novel made me feel things deeply from start to finish. I don’t think I’ve had a book affect me this way. Ever. If you’re going to read this, be aware of the possible triggers. ( I was aware of them prior to reading and was confident I would be fine. And I was. BUT it did affect me more than I anticipated.) Some of the possible triggers: Spousal manipulation, forced isolation, mental/emotional/physical abuse, gaslighting, narcissism, bullying, cruelty, suicide, institutions and more…
This three person family lives on a boat on a canal. Drew is a has been. Long ago he won a prestigious award for writing and he’s been trying to write an award winning book ever since. He is the epitome of narcissistic. Works the bare minimum to provide not even the bare minimum. He spends most of his time working on his novel. His family lives in poverty. He will not allow his wife Peggy to work and earn a wage yet he WILL take what little pocket money that is earned from his 14 year old son Samson. After surviving for 15 years, Peggy experiences something that forces her to recognize what Drew has been doing to her all these years. She decides she’s leaving. Things like this are never simple.
This a dark, suffocating and emotional story. The pacing, the slow build up of tension, the climax and ending are on point. Aside from the main characters, the support characters are also written so well. (Phoenix broke my heart.) I was absolutely livid for more than half of this book. I felt like I was tiptoeing right alongside Peggy. I felt like I was trying to shield Samson. I felt like I wanted to f#ck up Drew’s face, constantly. The end simultaneously broke my heart and offered up some feelings of relief. I was absolutely positive that this was going to end a particular way when Peggy was squeezing the life out of that Lego in her pocket.
The only criticism I might offer up-
Use the English terms/slang/language for the entirety of the book, when it’s based in the United States. There were quite a few words that British people use that we (Americans,) do not. Despite this, I still gave this five stars. I’m a mood reader and this novel assaulted me from all sides.
I highly recommend, if you familiarize yourself with the triggers first.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria and Will Dean for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date: February 17, 2026.
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