What do you think?
Rate this book
The House Swap
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26The next BRAND NEW pulse-pounding thriller from Keri Beevis, author of the BESTSELLING The Sleepover and The House Sitter. Praise for Keri
'Another winner from Ms Beevis. A gripping story with plenty of twists and turns' - J.A. Baker
‘From the start I was glued - a cracking roller-coaster ride of a story’ - Susanna Beard
‘Compelling, addictive, fast-paced and chilling. I loved it!’ - Amanda Brittany
'A tense, clever and thought-provoking thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and long afterwards.' - Natasha Boydell
'This is how to write a page turner.'- Valerie Keogh
'Another suspenseful page-turner from this very talented author' - John Nicholl
'Brilliant, chilling, and unputdownable' - Gemma Rogers
'Another gripping fast paced story from the brilliant Keri Beevis.' - Sadie Ryan
‘Beevis has created a dark psychological thriller thick with atmosphere. Cleverly woven threads pull together in a heart-stopping conclusion in this satisfyingly clever tale. Highly recommended’ - Diane Saxon
'A disturbingly chilling thriller which is completely gripping. The Sleepover is an intense mystery full of clever twists which I didn't see coming' - Alex Stone
'An atmospheric thriller that grips until the last page. Beevis at her best!' - Diana Wilkinson
'Another winner from Ms Beevis. A gripping story with plenty of twists and turns' - J.A. Baker
‘From the start I was glued - a cracking roller-coaster ride of a story’ - Susanna Beard
‘Compelling, addictive, fast-paced and chilling. I loved it!’ - Amanda Brittany
'A tense, clever and thought-provoking thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and long afterwards.' - Natasha Boydell
'This is how to write a page turner.'- Valerie Keogh
'Another suspenseful page-turner from this very talented author' - John Nicholl
'Brilliant, chilling, and unputdownable' - Gemma Rogers
'Another gripping fast paced story from the brilliant Keri Beevis.' - Sadie Ryan
‘Beevis has created a dark psychological thriller thick with atmosphere. Cleverly woven threads pull together in a heart-stopping conclusion in this satisfyingly clever tale. Highly recommended’ - Diane Saxon
'A disturbingly chilling thriller which is completely gripping. The Sleepover is an intense mystery full of clever twists which I didn't see coming' - Alex Stone
'An atmospheric thriller that grips until the last page. Beevis at her best!' - Diana Wilkinson
- GenresThriller
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Keri Beevis
29 books2,112 followersHi, I'm Keri Beevis, and I'm the author of the bestselling psychological suspense thrillers, Deep Dark Secrets, Dying To Tell, The Sleepover, and The Summer House.
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars!
This cover truly captures the essence of the story! I mean, Crete! Stop what you're doing and run to read this one! Your responsibilities will still be there when you're done!
The book plunges straight into the mind of a stalker, which is both chilling and a departure from Keri's earlier works! I was hooked right from the start. The narrative unfolds in two parts, shifting between the perspectives of Poppy, the stalker, and Keira. Poppy is a young, successful editor facing a tough time after a scathing review of her work goes online. As someone who strives to maintain a good reputation for her business, I could relate to her dread, fury, and helplessness in dealing with the situation. Thankfully, her best friend Keira is there for support. When Poppy is offered the chance to swap homes with her client in Crete—since he’s heading to London—it feels almost fateful. But is it really? We all know that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is...
I enjoyed getting acquainted with Poppy, Keira, Tom, and a few other intriguing characters. What kept me on edge was Poppy's constant vigilance; she was suspicious of everyone, convinced that everyone had their own hidden motives. Yet, ironically, all this paranoia didn’t shield her from the ultimate danger! I found myself exhausted from all the relentless mind racing she was enduring! It truly kept me on my toes, and I felt like I needed to relax a bit while Poppy was on high alert 24/7—so strange! Keira seemed like a fantastic friend to Poppy, but then she vanished without a word. Hmm! Add to this the creepy handyman lurking around, the bizarre happenings in the villa, and the overly friendly older couple, and you have a whirlwind of suspense!
If you think this is a light, relaxing read, think again! This is a heart-pounding thriller that’s tough to put down, leaving you questioning who you can actually trust! I loved the vivid descriptions of the destination, the food, and the overall atmosphere. This secluded villa felt unsafe before you even realized the truth! And that perspective from the stalker creeping around at night? What on earth was that about? You’ll have to read it to find out!
On a personal note, I’m not going to lie—almost every book I read resonates with me in some way. Having lived on my own since I was 15, I’ve had plenty of both good and bad experiences, which is why some books hit home or remind me of different chapters in my own journey. I spent a month living in Crete, working in a restaurant for food and board, and it was an incredible summer. I met amazing people who stayed in touch even after I returned to reality. This book had me swooning over the food and the beautifully described surroundings...
If you enjoy a gripping, claustrophobic destination thriller that keeps you constantly on edge about what’s happening in the villa or around Poppy, this book is for you. You might think you have it all figured out, but there are plenty of surprises to keep you cringing. The ending was a complete shock, and the twists were skillfully woven into the narrative, surfacing when you least expect them. Bravo for hiding so much and revealing it at the perfect moments! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to email my friends in Crete and tell them about this book! Creepy!!! Ha!
Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley, for the widget DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This cover truly captures the essence of the story! I mean, Crete! Stop what you're doing and run to read this one! Your responsibilities will still be there when you're done!
The book plunges straight into the mind of a stalker, which is both chilling and a departure from Keri's earlier works! I was hooked right from the start. The narrative unfolds in two parts, shifting between the perspectives of Poppy, the stalker, and Keira. Poppy is a young, successful editor facing a tough time after a scathing review of her work goes online. As someone who strives to maintain a good reputation for her business, I could relate to her dread, fury, and helplessness in dealing with the situation. Thankfully, her best friend Keira is there for support. When Poppy is offered the chance to swap homes with her client in Crete—since he’s heading to London—it feels almost fateful. But is it really? We all know that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is...
I enjoyed getting acquainted with Poppy, Keira, Tom, and a few other intriguing characters. What kept me on edge was Poppy's constant vigilance; she was suspicious of everyone, convinced that everyone had their own hidden motives. Yet, ironically, all this paranoia didn’t shield her from the ultimate danger! I found myself exhausted from all the relentless mind racing she was enduring! It truly kept me on my toes, and I felt like I needed to relax a bit while Poppy was on high alert 24/7—so strange! Keira seemed like a fantastic friend to Poppy, but then she vanished without a word. Hmm! Add to this the creepy handyman lurking around, the bizarre happenings in the villa, and the overly friendly older couple, and you have a whirlwind of suspense!
If you think this is a light, relaxing read, think again! This is a heart-pounding thriller that’s tough to put down, leaving you questioning who you can actually trust! I loved the vivid descriptions of the destination, the food, and the overall atmosphere. This secluded villa felt unsafe before you even realized the truth! And that perspective from the stalker creeping around at night? What on earth was that about? You’ll have to read it to find out!
On a personal note, I’m not going to lie—almost every book I read resonates with me in some way. Having lived on my own since I was 15, I’ve had plenty of both good and bad experiences, which is why some books hit home or remind me of different chapters in my own journey. I spent a month living in Crete, working in a restaurant for food and board, and it was an incredible summer. I met amazing people who stayed in touch even after I returned to reality. This book had me swooning over the food and the beautifully described surroundings...
If you enjoy a gripping, claustrophobic destination thriller that keeps you constantly on edge about what’s happening in the villa or around Poppy, this book is for you. You might think you have it all figured out, but there are plenty of surprises to keep you cringing. The ending was a complete shock, and the twists were skillfully woven into the narrative, surfacing when you least expect them. Bravo for hiding so much and revealing it at the perfect moments! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to email my friends in Crete and tell them about this book! Creepy!!! Ha!
Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley, for the widget DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of *The House Swap* before publication. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
*The House Swap* is a tense psychological thriller about trust, isolation and a holiday that gradually turns into a nightmare. Desperate to escape the pressures of her life, the main character agrees to exchange homes with Tom, a man she has grown close to, and travels to his villa in Crete with her best friend, Keira. The promise of winter sunshine, quiet beaches and a beautiful home initially appears to offer exactly the break she needs.
The holiday begins peacefully, but everything changes when Keira suddenly leaves without any proper explanation. Now alone in an unfamiliar country, she begins noticing increasingly disturbing details. The neighbours behave as though they already know her, the handyman seems to be constantly watching, and locked doors refuse to remain locked. Objects appear to move around the villa, leaving her uncertain whether someone is entering the house or whether stress is beginning to affect her judgment.
The isolated Crete setting is one of the strongest parts of the novel. The villa and surrounding landscape appear idyllic during the day, but at night the same quietness becomes threatening. Being far from home and unsure whom she can trust creates a convincing sense of vulnerability. I also enjoyed the way the story uses small incidents rather than immediate violence to build tension, making the protagonist question herself before accepting that something may genuinely be wrong.
The house-swap premise adds an effective layer of suspicion because the arrangement depends entirely upon trust. She has allowed Tom access to her own home while placing herself inside his, surrounded by people and secrets connected to him. As the strange incidents increase, she is forced to reconsider how well she really knows him and whether the exchange was ever intended to be an innocent holiday arrangement.
The pacing is quick, with short chapters and regular developments that make the story easy to continue reading. There are several secrets and changes of direction, although some aspects felt familiar from other destination thrillers involving isolated villas, disappearing friends and unreliable surroundings. A few decisions also seemed designed primarily to keep the protagonist alone and in danger, and some later developments required suspension of disbelief.
Overall, *The House Swap* is an atmospheric and entertaining psychological thriller with an appealing holiday setting and a strong sense of growing paranoia. Although not every twist felt entirely convincing, the unanswered questions surrounding Tom, Keira and the people near the villa kept me interested. It will appeal to readers who enjoy suspicious strangers, hidden motives and seemingly perfect holidays that become increasingly dangerous.
*The House Swap* is a tense psychological thriller about trust, isolation and a holiday that gradually turns into a nightmare. Desperate to escape the pressures of her life, the main character agrees to exchange homes with Tom, a man she has grown close to, and travels to his villa in Crete with her best friend, Keira. The promise of winter sunshine, quiet beaches and a beautiful home initially appears to offer exactly the break she needs.
The holiday begins peacefully, but everything changes when Keira suddenly leaves without any proper explanation. Now alone in an unfamiliar country, she begins noticing increasingly disturbing details. The neighbours behave as though they already know her, the handyman seems to be constantly watching, and locked doors refuse to remain locked. Objects appear to move around the villa, leaving her uncertain whether someone is entering the house or whether stress is beginning to affect her judgment.
The isolated Crete setting is one of the strongest parts of the novel. The villa and surrounding landscape appear idyllic during the day, but at night the same quietness becomes threatening. Being far from home and unsure whom she can trust creates a convincing sense of vulnerability. I also enjoyed the way the story uses small incidents rather than immediate violence to build tension, making the protagonist question herself before accepting that something may genuinely be wrong.
The house-swap premise adds an effective layer of suspicion because the arrangement depends entirely upon trust. She has allowed Tom access to her own home while placing herself inside his, surrounded by people and secrets connected to him. As the strange incidents increase, she is forced to reconsider how well she really knows him and whether the exchange was ever intended to be an innocent holiday arrangement.
The pacing is quick, with short chapters and regular developments that make the story easy to continue reading. There are several secrets and changes of direction, although some aspects felt familiar from other destination thrillers involving isolated villas, disappearing friends and unreliable surroundings. A few decisions also seemed designed primarily to keep the protagonist alone and in danger, and some later developments required suspension of disbelief.
Overall, *The House Swap* is an atmospheric and entertaining psychological thriller with an appealing holiday setting and a strong sense of growing paranoia. Although not every twist felt entirely convincing, the unanswered questions surrounding Tom, Keira and the people near the villa kept me interested. It will appeal to readers who enjoy suspicious strangers, hidden motives and seemingly perfect holidays that become increasingly dangerous.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Keri Beevis has become one of those authors I'll happily pick up without needing much convincing. Her books are consistently entertaining, and while this one didn't end up being a favourite of mine, there was still plenty that kept me reading.
Poppy heads to Crete for a relaxing house swap with a man she's grown close to online, hoping a change of scenery will help her leave her worries behind. But when her best friend suddenly leaves without explanation, strange things begin happening around the villa, and before long she's questioning whether she's imagining it all or whether something far more sinister is unfolding.
One thing Beevis does well is get the story moving quickly. The short chapters are easy to race through, and before long I found myself questioning who Poppy could trust and what was really going on around her.
Crete also made for a great backdrop. I'm always drawn to thrillers set in holiday destinations, and the quiet beaches, isolated villa and unfamiliar surroundings all helped create an unsettling atmosphere. While I would have loved the setting to play an even bigger role as the story progressed, it still added something extra to the overall reading experience.
Where the book lost me was in the execution of the mystery. While there were a couple of developments towards the end that caught me by surprise, I found many of the bigger reveals fairly easy to anticipate. I also struggled to connect with Poppy, whose decisions sometimes felt driven more by the needs of the plot than what felt believable in the moment. As a result, I never became as invested in either her or the outcome as I'd hoped.
In the end, this was entertaining for the most part with a strong premise, a fast pace and an appealing destination setting, even if it didn't quite deliver the payoff I was hoping for. It sits somewhere in the middle of the Keri Beevis books I've read so far, but she's still an author I'll continue picking up, and I'll happily keep making my way through her backlist.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Poppy heads to Crete for a relaxing house swap with a man she's grown close to online, hoping a change of scenery will help her leave her worries behind. But when her best friend suddenly leaves without explanation, strange things begin happening around the villa, and before long she's questioning whether she's imagining it all or whether something far more sinister is unfolding.
One thing Beevis does well is get the story moving quickly. The short chapters are easy to race through, and before long I found myself questioning who Poppy could trust and what was really going on around her.
Crete also made for a great backdrop. I'm always drawn to thrillers set in holiday destinations, and the quiet beaches, isolated villa and unfamiliar surroundings all helped create an unsettling atmosphere. While I would have loved the setting to play an even bigger role as the story progressed, it still added something extra to the overall reading experience.
Where the book lost me was in the execution of the mystery. While there were a couple of developments towards the end that caught me by surprise, I found many of the bigger reveals fairly easy to anticipate. I also struggled to connect with Poppy, whose decisions sometimes felt driven more by the needs of the plot than what felt believable in the moment. As a result, I never became as invested in either her or the outcome as I'd hoped.
In the end, this was entertaining for the most part with a strong premise, a fast pace and an appealing destination setting, even if it didn't quite deliver the payoff I was hoping for. It sits somewhere in the middle of the Keri Beevis books I've read so far, but she's still an author I'll continue picking up, and I'll happily keep making my way through her backlist.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Poppy Taylor is desperate to get away from the social media trashing that one of her clients is tossing her way. It’s humiliating and she’s tired of fighting the public criticism. She decides it’s time to get away from it all. A close friend, Tom Rainer, has the perfect solution. He owns a villa in Crete, Greece. He has to go to London, but Poppy is more than welcome to stay at his place. They switch homes and Poppy couldn’t be more excited.
Poppy’s best friend Keira wouldn’t mind a change of scenery herself. She accompanies Poppy so she’ll have some company. Then, Keira vanishes. Her suitcase is gone and there’s no sign of her. Not even a note. This is very unlike her friend. Poppy is unable to get in touch with Keira but she’s sure she will contact her.
Since it is the off season, the villa is quite deserted. Poppy meets a few people, but they start acting strange. There’s a maintenance man who appears to be watching her. Items in her villa start moving and her doors don’t seem to stay locked. Poppy is feeling unsettled and it doesn’t help that she still can’t get in touch with Keira.
Too many odd things are happening. Poppy is more than ready to go back home. That’s easier said than done.
This is a delicious thriller that kept me reading through the night. The author does a wonderful job of painting a vivid picture of a villa in a spooky atmosphere. It is spine-tingling. I felt as if I was right there by Poppy’s side. A true rollercoaster of drama with many twists and turns. Each chapter revealed a new surprise.
I was totally captivated by this story from the first page to the last. The ending really took me by surprise. I never saw it coming.
This is the first book I ever read by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. If I rated books higher than a 5, this would be one of those. Loved every minute of it. This would make an excellent movie.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Poppy’s best friend Keira wouldn’t mind a change of scenery herself. She accompanies Poppy so she’ll have some company. Then, Keira vanishes. Her suitcase is gone and there’s no sign of her. Not even a note. This is very unlike her friend. Poppy is unable to get in touch with Keira but she’s sure she will contact her.
Since it is the off season, the villa is quite deserted. Poppy meets a few people, but they start acting strange. There’s a maintenance man who appears to be watching her. Items in her villa start moving and her doors don’t seem to stay locked. Poppy is feeling unsettled and it doesn’t help that she still can’t get in touch with Keira.
Too many odd things are happening. Poppy is more than ready to go back home. That’s easier said than done.
This is a delicious thriller that kept me reading through the night. The author does a wonderful job of painting a vivid picture of a villa in a spooky atmosphere. It is spine-tingling. I felt as if I was right there by Poppy’s side. A true rollercoaster of drama with many twists and turns. Each chapter revealed a new surprise.
I was totally captivated by this story from the first page to the last. The ending really took me by surprise. I never saw it coming.
This is the first book I ever read by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. If I rated books higher than a 5, this would be one of those. Loved every minute of it. This would make an excellent movie.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars
Thank you to Keri Beevis, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for a copy of The House Swap in exchange for an honest review.
I am sad. Very sad. 😩
It appears that so many people absolutely loved this book, and I really wanted to be one of them. I wanted creepy. I wanted unsettling. I wanted that something is VERY wrong here feeling. Instead, I spent a good portion of the book wondering when I was going to become invested.
Poppy heads to Crete with her best friend, swapping her flat with Tom, an author she has edited, so they can enjoy his villa and get away from it all. Sounds perfect, right? Except, of course, things aren't always what they seem once they arrive.
There were definitely opportunities for this story to become the creepy, atmospheric thriller I was hoping for, but unfortunately, it never grabbed me the way I wanted it to.
And then there's Poppy. 🤦♀️
I just didn't like her. At all. I tried. I really did. But I found myself getting increasingly frustrated with her, to the point where I almost DNF'd the book. When I'm actively considering abandoning a book because I can't connect with the main character, that's usually not a good sign.
And then came the ending.
Knee-jerk.
And not the good kind.
It felt rushed and abrupt, and instead of giving me that satisfying OH DAMN! moment I was hoping for, I was more like, “Wait…that's it?”
The one thing I will give this book is that Crete itself was gorgeous. Keri Beevis did such a good job creating the landscape in my head that I could practically feel the sunshine and see the scenery. Honestly, Crete was my favorite character. 😂
Unfortunately, beautiful scenery can only carry a thriller so far.
Final Verdict: I hate being the odd woman out when everyone else seems to love a book, but this one just didn't work for me. I wanted creepy, suspenseful, and unputdownable. Instead, I struggled to stay engaged and couldn't connect with Poppy. The ending didn't help. 2 stars—and I'm giving those stars to Crete. 🌴☀️
Thank you to Keri Beevis, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for a copy of The House Swap in exchange for an honest review.
I am sad. Very sad. 😩
It appears that so many people absolutely loved this book, and I really wanted to be one of them. I wanted creepy. I wanted unsettling. I wanted that something is VERY wrong here feeling. Instead, I spent a good portion of the book wondering when I was going to become invested.
Poppy heads to Crete with her best friend, swapping her flat with Tom, an author she has edited, so they can enjoy his villa and get away from it all. Sounds perfect, right? Except, of course, things aren't always what they seem once they arrive.
There were definitely opportunities for this story to become the creepy, atmospheric thriller I was hoping for, but unfortunately, it never grabbed me the way I wanted it to.
And then there's Poppy. 🤦♀️
I just didn't like her. At all. I tried. I really did. But I found myself getting increasingly frustrated with her, to the point where I almost DNF'd the book. When I'm actively considering abandoning a book because I can't connect with the main character, that's usually not a good sign.
And then came the ending.
Knee-jerk.
And not the good kind.
It felt rushed and abrupt, and instead of giving me that satisfying OH DAMN! moment I was hoping for, I was more like, “Wait…that's it?”
The one thing I will give this book is that Crete itself was gorgeous. Keri Beevis did such a good job creating the landscape in my head that I could practically feel the sunshine and see the scenery. Honestly, Crete was my favorite character. 😂
Unfortunately, beautiful scenery can only carry a thriller so far.
Final Verdict: I hate being the odd woman out when everyone else seems to love a book, but this one just didn't work for me. I wanted creepy, suspenseful, and unputdownable. Instead, I struggled to stay engaged and couldn't connect with Poppy. The ending didn't help. 2 stars—and I'm giving those stars to Crete. 🌴☀️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you like thrillers that make you sweat and yell "DON'T GO DOWN THERE!", The House Swap should be your next read! This exciting new psychological thriller that will have you questioning everyone and your own processing abilities. I was terrified when Keira was missing after Poppy came back from shopping. Thank heavens it was just my anxiety 👀
Poppy needs to get away from her town and social media that- wrongly!- hounds her. Her long time penpal, Tom Rainer, suggests she visit him in Greece and Poppy joyfully agrees! Finally she'll be able to meet and spend time with her good friend! Unfortunately, an accident takes him away from the island, but serendipity allows for a house swap between the friends. Tom goes to Poppy's house, and Poppy travels to Tom's house with a beloved stowaway. Although this getaway is set on the beautiful island of Crete, beginning with a girlfriend holiday, I highly recommend reading after dark to submerse yourself in the more mysterious aspects of the story. Red flags begin to fly quickly, questions pile up, and before long, Poppy has evidence that her suspicions aren't mere paranoia- someone is coming onto Tom's property at night. And where the heck is Keira now?
Oh man! You'll be grabbing your chair, crying out at Poppy, "where is your self restraint, woman?!" As her anxiety and fears take over, consuming readers, we all start imagining monsters around every corner. Are they real or just a figment of our imaginations, skewing the real monsters from view? Suddenly the scandal that brought Poppy here doesn't seem so big and scary after all...
Troupes: scandal, getaway, girls trip, red herring, kidnapping, big reveal, surprising twist, secret identity
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 3/5 👀
Triggers: anxiety, kidnapping, assault and battery
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Poppy needs to get away from her town and social media that- wrongly!- hounds her. Her long time penpal, Tom Rainer, suggests she visit him in Greece and Poppy joyfully agrees! Finally she'll be able to meet and spend time with her good friend! Unfortunately, an accident takes him away from the island, but serendipity allows for a house swap between the friends. Tom goes to Poppy's house, and Poppy travels to Tom's house with a beloved stowaway. Although this getaway is set on the beautiful island of Crete, beginning with a girlfriend holiday, I highly recommend reading after dark to submerse yourself in the more mysterious aspects of the story. Red flags begin to fly quickly, questions pile up, and before long, Poppy has evidence that her suspicions aren't mere paranoia- someone is coming onto Tom's property at night. And where the heck is Keira now?
Oh man! You'll be grabbing your chair, crying out at Poppy, "where is your self restraint, woman?!" As her anxiety and fears take over, consuming readers, we all start imagining monsters around every corner. Are they real or just a figment of our imaginations, skewing the real monsters from view? Suddenly the scandal that brought Poppy here doesn't seem so big and scary after all...
Troupes: scandal, getaway, girls trip, red herring, kidnapping, big reveal, surprising twist, secret identity
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 3/5 👀
Triggers: anxiety, kidnapping, assault and battery
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
[Spoiler free ARC review]
1.5 ⭐
i am so incredibly disappointed after having loved two of her previous books, this one was completely off the mark :(
I don't know how many beta readers have gone through this book and not have said a word about how DUMB and utterly stupid and unrealistically naive the main character is??
any woman would have stopped trusting everyone in this story at the first major red flags they all gave, but Poppy here is the epitome of "mmh that's weird and suspicious, I must be crazy! lol moving on" and never questions anything. it ruins the whole story because there's no way a woman would do the following :
- leave her house to a long distance man she's never seen
- trust a stranger who magically knows her address
- trust the same stranger later on about her friend's disappearance
- accepts that things magically move around the house
maybe she's a pick me girl ready to run to any suspicious man for help no matter how incredibly dangerous they may be, just because they're hot and may like her back. I'm begging her to get a spine and some sense of self-preservation.
"This was [name]. Why was she even doubting him? He'd given her no reason to." clearly driving her home without any prior knowledge of her address isn't a reason ☝️🤓 she had yet to question him about it at this point...
A quote near the end that made me laugh : "Poppy could see now how badly her mind had wanted to make the pieces fit". mhhh literally never. she just accepts the suspicious signs and moves on. barely questions people and accepts their explication first try without further questioning. her mind didn't make the slightest approach to TRYING to put any pieces together because she throws the pieces away in seconds 😋
I'd recommend The Boat House and Nowhere to Hide much more than this one!
1.5 ⭐
i am so incredibly disappointed after having loved two of her previous books, this one was completely off the mark :(
I don't know how many beta readers have gone through this book and not have said a word about how DUMB and utterly stupid and unrealistically naive the main character is??
any woman would have stopped trusting everyone in this story at the first major red flags they all gave, but Poppy here is the epitome of "mmh that's weird and suspicious, I must be crazy! lol moving on" and never questions anything. it ruins the whole story because there's no way a woman would do the following :
- leave her house to a long distance man she's never seen
- trust a stranger who magically knows her address
- trust the same stranger later on about her friend's disappearance
- accepts that things magically move around the house
maybe she's a pick me girl ready to run to any suspicious man for help no matter how incredibly dangerous they may be, just because they're hot and may like her back. I'm begging her to get a spine and some sense of self-preservation.
"This was [name]. Why was she even doubting him? He'd given her no reason to." clearly driving her home without any prior knowledge of her address isn't a reason ☝️🤓 she had yet to question him about it at this point...
A quote near the end that made me laugh : "Poppy could see now how badly her mind had wanted to make the pieces fit". mhhh literally never. she just accepts the suspicious signs and moves on. barely questions people and accepts their explication first try without further questioning. her mind didn't make the slightest approach to TRYING to put any pieces together because she throws the pieces away in seconds 😋
I'd recommend The Boat House and Nowhere to Hide much more than this one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the fabulous team at Boldwood Books, and Keri Beevis for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Final review: 4 stars.
This is my first Keri Beevis read, and I feel that I likely would read more of her books again after my experience.
The plot revolves around a woman called Poppy, who is facing public scrutiny and criticism at her job, arranging a house swap with an online friend of hers, Tom, who lives in a villa in Crete. Despite the lush surroundings and dreamlike atmosphere, the off-season brings with it the feeling of isolation and unease - as people go missing and residents start behaving strangely, Poppy doesn't know who she can trust.
Keri Beevis' writing is very accessible and easy to read in a way that feels very appropriate for the story. You get a strong sense of the hot Greek landscape that simultaneously feels idyllic and unsettling, with plenty of room to understand Poppy's perspective. I really enjoyed the uncanny valley feeling that I got from most of the characters, as though I myself didn't trust them - this really allowed me to understand Poppy's paranoia and empathise with the dread and panic when unexplained events started happening. The twists work well - they are threaded through and make a lot of sense, but are also not easily guessable, which is a factor I really appreciate in a thriller book.
The main criticism I would draw from is that I struggled to understand Poppy as a person outside of her circumstances - I couldn't engage with her specifically rather than engaging with the plot, and I would have liked to have seen more of her character shine through.
Overall, this would be a great book for a holiday read or for something fast-paced and quick that will likely leave you spooked and unsettled about anyone you know.
Final review: 4 stars.
This is my first Keri Beevis read, and I feel that I likely would read more of her books again after my experience.
The plot revolves around a woman called Poppy, who is facing public scrutiny and criticism at her job, arranging a house swap with an online friend of hers, Tom, who lives in a villa in Crete. Despite the lush surroundings and dreamlike atmosphere, the off-season brings with it the feeling of isolation and unease - as people go missing and residents start behaving strangely, Poppy doesn't know who she can trust.
Keri Beevis' writing is very accessible and easy to read in a way that feels very appropriate for the story. You get a strong sense of the hot Greek landscape that simultaneously feels idyllic and unsettling, with plenty of room to understand Poppy's perspective. I really enjoyed the uncanny valley feeling that I got from most of the characters, as though I myself didn't trust them - this really allowed me to understand Poppy's paranoia and empathise with the dread and panic when unexplained events started happening. The twists work well - they are threaded through and make a lot of sense, but are also not easily guessable, which is a factor I really appreciate in a thriller book.
The main criticism I would draw from is that I struggled to understand Poppy as a person outside of her circumstances - I couldn't engage with her specifically rather than engaging with the plot, and I would have liked to have seen more of her character shine through.
Overall, this would be a great book for a holiday read or for something fast-paced and quick that will likely leave you spooked and unsettled about anyone you know.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A summer holiday thriller - give me that any day and I inhale that. What a vibe. And I loved many things about the book. But unfortunately many things irked me as well.
The premise was great, the characters of the annoying neighbours were chef kiss. In fact, there was a scene where it was written so well, it gave a feeling of claustrophobia and a panic attack and it was fabulous. Like, I really felt it. It was infuriating but in a good way.
The writing was easy to follow, making it a good palate cleanser.
Now onto things that annoyed me. The initial conflict with Simon was not strong enough but maybe I didn’t fully understand it. He claimed that Poppy ruined his book. But how would that work? If she edits, it won’t be published before he sees it. And if he sees it and doesn’t publish it and he’s just angry at the edits and the style then why be mad about it on social media? It’s such a non issue. I just didn’t buy it.
Poppy was so annoying! I wanted to shake her every time she was like “oh maybe I got paranoid or misinterpreted it”. The level of gaslighting herself was insane.
Without spoiling it, the villain was so one dimensional. It did not add up why they were the way they were. There was a life moment provided to explain the change of their behaviour but why though? Why would that happen? Also the aftermath of the life moment that made them like that was just so lazy. Such a cop out.
It felt like all the secrets were being given away way too early. I was hoping for some massive bombshell to drop at the end to compensate for the lack of suspense but it never came. There was an opportunity for one but then it was explained as a coincidence. Ugh. Why. Lazy.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.
The premise was great, the characters of the annoying neighbours were chef kiss. In fact, there was a scene where it was written so well, it gave a feeling of claustrophobia and a panic attack and it was fabulous. Like, I really felt it. It was infuriating but in a good way.
The writing was easy to follow, making it a good palate cleanser.
Now onto things that annoyed me. The initial conflict with Simon was not strong enough but maybe I didn’t fully understand it. He claimed that Poppy ruined his book. But how would that work? If she edits, it won’t be published before he sees it. And if he sees it and doesn’t publish it and he’s just angry at the edits and the style then why be mad about it on social media? It’s such a non issue. I just didn’t buy it.
Poppy was so annoying! I wanted to shake her every time she was like “oh maybe I got paranoid or misinterpreted it”. The level of gaslighting herself was insane.
Without spoiling it, the villain was so one dimensional. It did not add up why they were the way they were. There was a life moment provided to explain the change of their behaviour but why though? Why would that happen? Also the aftermath of the life moment that made them like that was just so lazy. Such a cop out.
It felt like all the secrets were being given away way too early. I was hoping for some massive bombshell to drop at the end to compensate for the lack of suspense but it never came. There was an opportunity for one but then it was explained as a coincidence. Ugh. Why. Lazy.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Tense, Creepy Slow-Burn That Keeps You Guessing – Solid 4 Stars!
As a massive fan of psychological thrillers, I am always on the hunt for a book that can genuinely make me feel unsettled. The House Swap absolutely delivered on the atmosphere.
What I Loved
The Setting: Kerri Beevis does a fantastic job of turning a sunny, idyllic villa in Crete into something deeply claustrophobic and menacing. The minute the main character is left alone, the tension ratchets up perfectly.
The Paranoia: I loved the subtle, unsettling details—the shifting items, the unlocked doors, and the downright creepy neighbors and handyman. It makes you question whether she is genuinely losing her mind from stress or if something incredibly sinister is playing out around her.
The Pacing: It’s a slow-burn initially, but it builds a fantastic sense of isolation and dread that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
My Only Gripes
The Setup: The sudden departure of the best friend, Keira, felt a little abrupt and left me wanting a bit more explanation or confrontation early on to make it completely believable.
The Middle: There were a few chapters in the middle where the plot looped slightly with the "is she imagining it or not" trope before the final sprint to the finish.
The Verdict
If you love a thriller that relies heavily on isolation, paranoia, and a setting that feels like a trap closing in, you will really enjoy this one. It’s an atmospheric, gripping read that kept me hooked until the very end.
My Rating: 4/5 stars. Highly recommended for thriller lovers!
As a massive fan of psychological thrillers, I am always on the hunt for a book that can genuinely make me feel unsettled. The House Swap absolutely delivered on the atmosphere.
What I Loved
The Setting: Kerri Beevis does a fantastic job of turning a sunny, idyllic villa in Crete into something deeply claustrophobic and menacing. The minute the main character is left alone, the tension ratchets up perfectly.
The Paranoia: I loved the subtle, unsettling details—the shifting items, the unlocked doors, and the downright creepy neighbors and handyman. It makes you question whether she is genuinely losing her mind from stress or if something incredibly sinister is playing out around her.
The Pacing: It’s a slow-burn initially, but it builds a fantastic sense of isolation and dread that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
My Only Gripes
The Setup: The sudden departure of the best friend, Keira, felt a little abrupt and left me wanting a bit more explanation or confrontation early on to make it completely believable.
The Middle: There were a few chapters in the middle where the plot looped slightly with the "is she imagining it or not" trope before the final sprint to the finish.
The Verdict
If you love a thriller that relies heavily on isolation, paranoia, and a setting that feels like a trap closing in, you will really enjoy this one. It’s an atmospheric, gripping read that kept me hooked until the very end.
My Rating: 4/5 stars. Highly recommended for thriller lovers!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Poppy’s entire life implodes, she is in desperate need of a getaway. Her over-the-phone friend Tom invites her to spend some time with him at his villa in Crete, and she instantly accepts, because why wouldn’t you go to another country to stay in the home of someone you’ve never actually met?
But then Tom suddenly HAS to go to London because his friend is in the hospital, sooooo why don’t they just do a house swap instead? Absolutely a winning idea.
Poppy’s bestie, Keira, volunteers to go to Crete with her, just to be safe. But then Keira randomly disappears, leaving Poppy alone in an unsettling mansion with an odd handyman, weird neighbors, and a whole lot of unexplainable things happening.
While I thought the premise was great, the atmosphere wasn’t nearly immersive enough for me. This is the kind of setting that could have been SO creepy and claustrophobic, and I wanted to really feel that unease. I also figured out what was happening pretty much from the beginning - it was just super obvious.
I wanted more backstory, too. I wanted to know more about why the situation that imploded Poppy’s life happened in the first place, and I especially wanted more explanation for why the villain was the way he was. Give me the WHY behind the unhinged behavior!
Ultimately, this was a fine summer thriller with a fun premise, but definitely not a favorite for me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
But then Tom suddenly HAS to go to London because his friend is in the hospital, sooooo why don’t they just do a house swap instead? Absolutely a winning idea.
Poppy’s bestie, Keira, volunteers to go to Crete with her, just to be safe. But then Keira randomly disappears, leaving Poppy alone in an unsettling mansion with an odd handyman, weird neighbors, and a whole lot of unexplainable things happening.
While I thought the premise was great, the atmosphere wasn’t nearly immersive enough for me. This is the kind of setting that could have been SO creepy and claustrophobic, and I wanted to really feel that unease. I also figured out what was happening pretty much from the beginning - it was just super obvious.
I wanted more backstory, too. I wanted to know more about why the situation that imploded Poppy’s life happened in the first place, and I especially wanted more explanation for why the villain was the way he was. Give me the WHY behind the unhinged behavior!
Ultimately, this was a fine summer thriller with a fun premise, but definitely not a favorite for me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After considerable study Poppy has taken the leap and become a self-employed book editor, following her heart. She is passionate about her work and is pleased with her expanding client base until she is slated by one of her authors. He posts some unpleasant professional comments about her on social media which go viral and the subsequent comments from others in their field start to lead Poppy down a black hole.
Poppy needs to get away and agrees to a house swap with Tom, meaning that she is soon jetting off to Crete with her friend Keira. As Poppy begins to relax, strange things start to happen, but Poppy can’t decide if they are really happening or whether her burnout has made her paranoid and over-sensitive. Then Keira has to fly home for an emergency without any warning, leaving Poppy floundering further.
Without the reassurance of her friend, Poppy’s mind goes into a total spin until she is unsure of what’s reality and what isn’t, and is constantly doubting herself. With the end of her holiday looming Poppy can’t leave Crete soon enough, but will she make it to the departure lounge unscathed?
A totally gripping page-turner of a book. From the first page I thoroughly enjoyed reading the latest instalment from Keri, a go-to author whose books I readily pick up without reading the plot first. I have no hesitation in recommending this book – a very easy and enjoyable 5 stars.
Poppy needs to get away and agrees to a house swap with Tom, meaning that she is soon jetting off to Crete with her friend Keira. As Poppy begins to relax, strange things start to happen, but Poppy can’t decide if they are really happening or whether her burnout has made her paranoid and over-sensitive. Then Keira has to fly home for an emergency without any warning, leaving Poppy floundering further.
Without the reassurance of her friend, Poppy’s mind goes into a total spin until she is unsure of what’s reality and what isn’t, and is constantly doubting herself. With the end of her holiday looming Poppy can’t leave Crete soon enough, but will she make it to the departure lounge unscathed?
A totally gripping page-turner of a book. From the first page I thoroughly enjoyed reading the latest instalment from Keri, a go-to author whose books I readily pick up without reading the plot first. I have no hesitation in recommending this book – a very easy and enjoyable 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly... I love the setup. A thriller set in a lush villa in Greece? Sounds perfect.
The other big strength of this book was that the ending was excellent - the twist was really well done, and brought the whole story together (I do have a tiny complaint about how realistic some of the details are, but in the end it was really good).
Unortunately, the book up until the end didn't deliver. I wasn't glued to the pages like I want to be with a good thriller. The main character was relatively flat, and I kept getting pulled out of the immersion when I thought people weren't acting rationally or like real people. I also can't stand a thriller where characters act dumb. I know, I know, sometimes characters are dumb and that's realistic but I'm over screaming at a character in a story to not go into the dark basement (as an example). I have a penchant for thrillers where characters do their best with the info they have, and still struggle.
Also, books like this rely on their atmosphere and their descriptions. This book didn't have that, and I'm comparing to recent thrillers I've read that did so much more with their settings.
In the end, it just didn't pull me in, and that's too bad because there were certainly pieces of the story that were strong.
Firstly... I love the setup. A thriller set in a lush villa in Greece? Sounds perfect.
The other big strength of this book was that the ending was excellent - the twist was really well done, and brought the whole story together (I do have a tiny complaint about how realistic some of the details are, but in the end it was really good).
Unortunately, the book up until the end didn't deliver. I wasn't glued to the pages like I want to be with a good thriller. The main character was relatively flat, and I kept getting pulled out of the immersion when I thought people weren't acting rationally or like real people. I also can't stand a thriller where characters act dumb. I know, I know, sometimes characters are dumb and that's realistic but I'm over screaming at a character in a story to not go into the dark basement (as an example). I have a penchant for thrillers where characters do their best with the info they have, and still struggle.
Also, books like this rely on their atmosphere and their descriptions. This book didn't have that, and I'm comparing to recent thrillers I've read that did so much more with their settings.
In the end, it just didn't pull me in, and that's too bad because there were certainly pieces of the story that were strong.
Read
July 13, 2026Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Keri Beevis for the advanced copy of this book.
Keri Beevis has quickly become one of my go-to authors for psychological thrillers, and The House Swap did not disappoint. What starts as the perfect getaway soon becomes a tense, unsettling story that had me questioning every character and turning the pages as fast as I could.
I loved the atmospheric setting in Crete. The contrast between the beautiful, sun-soaked location and the growing sense of isolation made the suspense even more effective. As Poppy began to question what was happening around her, I found myself doing the same. Every interaction felt suspicious, and I never knew who could be trusted.
The short chapters and steady pacing made this an incredibly addictive read. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist had me second-guessing myself. The reveals felt well-earned and kept me invested until the very end.
Beyond the mystery, I also appreciated the themes of trust, manipulation, and how quickly a feeling of safety can disappear when you're far from home. It added another layer to an already gripping story.
If you're a fan of fast-paced psychological thrillers filled with suspense, atmosphere, and plenty of twists, I highly recommend The House Swap. Another fantastic read from Keri Beevis.
Keri Beevis has quickly become one of my go-to authors for psychological thrillers, and The House Swap did not disappoint. What starts as the perfect getaway soon becomes a tense, unsettling story that had me questioning every character and turning the pages as fast as I could.
I loved the atmospheric setting in Crete. The contrast between the beautiful, sun-soaked location and the growing sense of isolation made the suspense even more effective. As Poppy began to question what was happening around her, I found myself doing the same. Every interaction felt suspicious, and I never knew who could be trusted.
The short chapters and steady pacing made this an incredibly addictive read. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist had me second-guessing myself. The reveals felt well-earned and kept me invested until the very end.
Beyond the mystery, I also appreciated the themes of trust, manipulation, and how quickly a feeling of safety can disappear when you're far from home. It added another layer to an already gripping story.
If you're a fan of fast-paced psychological thrillers filled with suspense, atmosphere, and plenty of twists, I highly recommend The House Swap. Another fantastic read from Keri Beevis.
July 18, 2026
The House Swap by Keri Beevis is wow! I really enjoyed this one with the secluded villa in Crete, the finding‑ones‑self and moving‑on arc, and that mind‑bending twist all worked so well together. It’s atmospheric, tense, and emotionally satisfying without dragging. What a great read!
The book follows a woman escaping to a quiet villa in Crete, hoping for peace and clarity. At first, everything feels perfect with warm days, still nights, silence. But once her friend leaves, the unease creeps in with neighbours acting strangely, a handyman who’s always around, doors not staying locked, things subtly shifting. The tension builds slowly and effectively until the twist snaps everything into place. It’s gripping, unsettling, and layered with personal growth.
What I Liked:
• Secluded villa setting
• Mind‑bending twist
• The creeping tension and subtle clues
What Didn’t Work Out:
• Some side characters felt a bit thin
• A few emotional beats could’ve used more space
• The twist might feel big for readers who prefer quieter reveals
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 4⭐️
• Writing: 4⭐️
• Message: 4⭐️
• Overall: 4⭐️
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. Loved this one!
~JaNnA~
If you want, I can also create a short Goodreads version or an IG caption next.
The book follows a woman escaping to a quiet villa in Crete, hoping for peace and clarity. At first, everything feels perfect with warm days, still nights, silence. But once her friend leaves, the unease creeps in with neighbours acting strangely, a handyman who’s always around, doors not staying locked, things subtly shifting. The tension builds slowly and effectively until the twist snaps everything into place. It’s gripping, unsettling, and layered with personal growth.
What I Liked:
• Secluded villa setting
• Mind‑bending twist
• The creeping tension and subtle clues
What Didn’t Work Out:
• Some side characters felt a bit thin
• A few emotional beats could’ve used more space
• The twist might feel big for readers who prefer quieter reveals
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 4⭐️
• Writing: 4⭐️
• Message: 4⭐️
• Overall: 4⭐️
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. Loved this one!
~JaNnA~
If you want, I can also create a short Goodreads version or an IG caption next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved how this book started,the realism was intense and fully believable and you could feel Poppy's anxiety building and building and her life starting to fall apart without knowing how to stop it,it was very realistic and portrayed just how social media can cause chaos
Poppy was reeling when the unthinkable happened to her and decided to take her friends offer of a house swap,him at hers in London and Poppy at his in Crete…..its perfect and when she arrives with her bestie she knows she has made the right decision
Until she realises maybe she hasn’t and everyone she meets is just that bit ‘off kilter’ and not quite as they seem and things feel ‘just not right’
Every situation Poppy finds herself in feels odd ie the dinner party scene with the couple from Essex,I felt her beginnings of fear as it seemed to be getting out of her control……. and also felt the panic as she was swimming in the open sea and events unfurled…..but was she exaggerating these situations in her mind or was there danger in everyone she came into contact with
And to top it all off her bestie goes home leaving her there alone
And then the real problems start…
Keri Beevis never fails to excel at thriller mysteries and with this one nothing is quite as it seems…….the more you read the more is revealed….
Excellent as always
Poppy was reeling when the unthinkable happened to her and decided to take her friends offer of a house swap,him at hers in London and Poppy at his in Crete…..its perfect and when she arrives with her bestie she knows she has made the right decision
Until she realises maybe she hasn’t and everyone she meets is just that bit ‘off kilter’ and not quite as they seem and things feel ‘just not right’
Every situation Poppy finds herself in feels odd ie the dinner party scene with the couple from Essex,I felt her beginnings of fear as it seemed to be getting out of her control……. and also felt the panic as she was swimming in the open sea and events unfurled…..but was she exaggerating these situations in her mind or was there danger in everyone she came into contact with
And to top it all off her bestie goes home leaving her there alone
And then the real problems start…
Keri Beevis never fails to excel at thriller mysteries and with this one nothing is quite as it seems…….the more you read the more is revealed….
Excellent as always
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had such high hopes for this one because the setup sounded like the perfect creepy thriller. After needing to get away, the main character swaps homes with a "friend" and heads to his villa in Crete with her best friend Keira. At first, everything seems perfect—beautiful beaches, warm sunshine, peace and quiet, and finally a chance to relax. But that feeling doesn’t last long.
When Keira suddenly leaves without any explanation, the whole atmosphere changes. The neighbours seem to know things they shouldn’t, the handyman is constantly hanging around, locked doors are mysteriously being opened, and things inside the villa start moving. I really enjoyed that feeling of slowly realizing something was wrong and wondering whether she was actually in danger or simply starting to question her own mind.
There were some genuinely creepy moments, and I liked the isolated setting and all the questions surrounding what was happening. I just found myself losing interest in parts of the story, and unfortunately, it didn’t keep me as hooked as I wanted it to.
Overall, I liked the premise and the mystery behind the house swap, but this ended up being more of an okay read for me. The secrets, suspicious neighbours, disappearing friend, and feeling of being watched definitely kept things interesting, even if the story didn’t completely work for me.
When Keira suddenly leaves without any explanation, the whole atmosphere changes. The neighbours seem to know things they shouldn’t, the handyman is constantly hanging around, locked doors are mysteriously being opened, and things inside the villa start moving. I really enjoyed that feeling of slowly realizing something was wrong and wondering whether she was actually in danger or simply starting to question her own mind.
There were some genuinely creepy moments, and I liked the isolated setting and all the questions surrounding what was happening. I just found myself losing interest in parts of the story, and unfortunately, it didn’t keep me as hooked as I wanted it to.
Overall, I liked the premise and the mystery behind the house swap, but this ended up being more of an okay read for me. The secrets, suspicious neighbours, disappearing friend, and feeling of being watched definitely kept things interesting, even if the story didn’t completely work for me.
August 21, 2026
Publication Date: September 1, 2026
This book had me questioning everything right alongside the main character. What starts as a much-needed escape to a beautiful villa in Crete quickly turns into something far more unsettling, and I loved how the author slowly built that tension.
The isolated setting was perfect for this story. The quiet beaches, empty villa, and unfamiliar neighbours should have felt peaceful, but instead, there was this constant feeling that something was wrong. Once Keira suddenly leaves, the sense of unease really kicks into another gear. The strange behaviour, unlocked doors, moved belongings, and feeling of being watched had me completely on edge.
I especially enjoyed the psychological aspect of the story. I kept wondering whether the main character was genuinely in danger or whether stress and isolation were making her question her own reality. That uncertainty kept me turning the pages because I needed to know who could be trusted and what was actually happening.
Atmospheric, creepy, and filled with twists and growing paranoia, this was the kind of thriller that made me feel trapped right there in Crete with her. A perfect read for anyone who loves psychological suspense, isolated settings, and stories where nothing—and no one—is quite what they seem.
A tense, atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing until the very end!
This book had me questioning everything right alongside the main character. What starts as a much-needed escape to a beautiful villa in Crete quickly turns into something far more unsettling, and I loved how the author slowly built that tension.
The isolated setting was perfect for this story. The quiet beaches, empty villa, and unfamiliar neighbours should have felt peaceful, but instead, there was this constant feeling that something was wrong. Once Keira suddenly leaves, the sense of unease really kicks into another gear. The strange behaviour, unlocked doors, moved belongings, and feeling of being watched had me completely on edge.
I especially enjoyed the psychological aspect of the story. I kept wondering whether the main character was genuinely in danger or whether stress and isolation were making her question her own reality. That uncertainty kept me turning the pages because I needed to know who could be trusted and what was actually happening.
Atmospheric, creepy, and filled with twists and growing paranoia, this was the kind of thriller that made me feel trapped right there in Crete with her. A perfect read for anyone who loves psychological suspense, isolated settings, and stories where nothing—and no one—is quite what they seem.
A tense, atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing until the very end!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I needed to escape. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere safe. So I decide to swap homes with Tom, a man I've grown close to, and fly to his villa in Crete with my best friend Keira. Winter sun. empty beaches. Silence. At least I can breathe. At first it's perfect. Warm days. Still nights. No noise but the soothing sea. Then Keira leaves. No warning. No explanation. After that, everything shifts. The neighbours act like they know me. Too well. The handyman lingers, always watching. Doors I lock don't stay locked. Things move. Subtle. Yet deliberate. I tell myself I'm imagining it. Fatigue. Stress. Anything but the truth. But alone, with no one to reassure me, the unease twists into something darker. Now I'm not sure what's real anymore. All I know is I'm far from home, and I need to get out before it's too late.
I loved the setting, Crete, and it's surrounding landscape. I would certainly sway my house for a villa in Crete. Events started to take place and it gave me the chills. Filled with twists,, this is a fast-paced and gripping read. Poppy annoyed me with her self-doubt about everything, even though it was justified. Secrets were slowly revealed.
Published 1st September 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #KeriBeevis for my ARC of #TheHouseSwap in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the setting, Crete, and it's surrounding landscape. I would certainly sway my house for a villa in Crete. Events started to take place and it gave me the chills. Filled with twists,, this is a fast-paced and gripping read. Poppy annoyed me with her self-doubt about everything, even though it was justified. Secrets were slowly revealed.
Published 1st September 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #KeriBeevis for my ARC of #TheHouseSwap in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this title. The House Swap throws you straight into the deep end, told almost entirely from Poppy’s perspective in the present day. The story moves at a fast pace, broken up into medium-sized chapters. The setting adds a heavy layer of tension. Poppy is staying in a gigantic villa in Greece, and that sheer size and isolation really amplifies her paranoia. I spent a large amount of the book trying to decide if she was losing her mind or if there was a calculated conspiracy against her. I could not figure out the truth until the final pieces fell into place.
The twist is a good one. It caught me off guard and shifted the narrative in a way that made all the previous anxiety feel justified. My only real gripe is the final stretch. After such a suspenseful ride, the ending felt a little too abrupt. The fates of certain characters were just settled in a few rushed lines, rather than giving them a proper wrap-up or even leaving things intentionally ambiguous. Still, the psychological manipulation and that striking Greek setting kept me hooked.
If you like isolated foreign settings, intense paranoia, and surprising twists, then you will enjoy this book.
#TheHouseSwap #NetGalley
The twist is a good one. It caught me off guard and shifted the narrative in a way that made all the previous anxiety feel justified. My only real gripe is the final stretch. After such a suspenseful ride, the ending felt a little too abrupt. The fates of certain characters were just settled in a few rushed lines, rather than giving them a proper wrap-up or even leaving things intentionally ambiguous. Still, the psychological manipulation and that striking Greek setting kept me hooked.
If you like isolated foreign settings, intense paranoia, and surprising twists, then you will enjoy this book.
#TheHouseSwap #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Poppy Taylor has built a successful book-editing business by herself. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when one of her clients, Simon Daley, publicly criticizes her work and trashes her on Facebook. His followers soon join in, forcing Poppy to step away from social media and take a break from her everyday life.
What better time to visit her friend Tom in Crete, Greece? Unfortunately, just as Poppy is about to leave, Tom has to travel to London because of a medical emergency involving a friend. Although they won't get to meet, they agree to swap homes instead. Poppy stays in Tom's villa in Crete, while Tom moves into Poppy's flat in London. It sounds like the perfect arrangement—but what could possibly go wrong?
The House Swap is an engaging thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. This was my first time reading Keri Beevis, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As we follow Poppy's stay in Crete, the story introduces a cast of unreliable characters, making it difficult to know who can be trusted.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a tense, fast-paced, and easy weekend thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of The House Swap.
What better time to visit her friend Tom in Crete, Greece? Unfortunately, just as Poppy is about to leave, Tom has to travel to London because of a medical emergency involving a friend. Although they won't get to meet, they agree to swap homes instead. Poppy stays in Tom's villa in Crete, while Tom moves into Poppy's flat in London. It sounds like the perfect arrangement—but what could possibly go wrong?
The House Swap is an engaging thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. This was my first time reading Keri Beevis, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As we follow Poppy's stay in Crete, the story introduces a cast of unreliable characters, making it difficult to know who can be trusted.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a tense, fast-paced, and easy weekend thriller.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of The House Swap.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Keri Beevis knows exactly how to keep the pages turning. Built around a simple but effective premise, the novel quickly transforms an idyllic escape into something more unsettling, steadily tightening the screws until the tension becomes almost claustrophobic.
What makes this stand out is its atmosphere. Beevis takes the sun-drenched backdrop of Crete and turns it into somewhere unexpectedly isolating. As Poppy's confidence in her surroundings begins to erode, so does the reader's. Everyday interactions become loaded with suspicion, familiar spaces no longer feel safe, and the creeping uncertainty is far more effective than relying on constant shocks.
The pacing barely lets up. Short chapters and well-timed revelations make this incredibly difficult to put down, while the twists land naturally rather than feeling manufactured simply for surprise. Even when I thought I had a handle on where things were heading, Beevis found ways to keep me questioning what was really going on.
Beyond the suspense, the novel explores trust, manipulation, vulnerability, and how quickly a sense of security can disappear when you're isolated and far from home. Those emotional undercurrents give the story weight beneath the thriller mechanics.
Overall, The House Swap absolutely delivers on its promise of an addictive psychological thriller. It's tense, unsettling, and packed with enough twists to keep you reading long past the point you meant to stop. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller with a wonderfully claustrophobic atmosphere and plenty of surprises, this deserves a place near the top of your reading list.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, Keri Beevis, and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication September 1, 2026
What makes this stand out is its atmosphere. Beevis takes the sun-drenched backdrop of Crete and turns it into somewhere unexpectedly isolating. As Poppy's confidence in her surroundings begins to erode, so does the reader's. Everyday interactions become loaded with suspicion, familiar spaces no longer feel safe, and the creeping uncertainty is far more effective than relying on constant shocks.
The pacing barely lets up. Short chapters and well-timed revelations make this incredibly difficult to put down, while the twists land naturally rather than feeling manufactured simply for surprise. Even when I thought I had a handle on where things were heading, Beevis found ways to keep me questioning what was really going on.
Beyond the suspense, the novel explores trust, manipulation, vulnerability, and how quickly a sense of security can disappear when you're isolated and far from home. Those emotional undercurrents give the story weight beneath the thriller mechanics.
Overall, The House Swap absolutely delivers on its promise of an addictive psychological thriller. It's tense, unsettling, and packed with enough twists to keep you reading long past the point you meant to stop. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller with a wonderfully claustrophobic atmosphere and plenty of surprises, this deserves a place near the top of your reading list.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, Keri Beevis, and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication September 1, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great late summer thriller, perfect if you like:
✔️ Secluded holiday location
✔️ Everyone acting suspiciously
✔️ Psicological games
✔️ Stalker
This was my 1st Keri Beevis book, thank you @netgalley for the eARC, I read this whilst on holiday and it was a perfect fit.
After an incident at work, Poppy does a house swap with a friend in Crete, is just off high season, so the holiday destination is "dead" with only some locals, just what Poppy needs for some relaxation..or is it? When the locals start behaving strangely, her off decides to disappear, and nothing in the house is as Poppy left it, she's not sure if she's going crazy or something nefarious is going on.
Pacing: steady, things kept happening but sporadically, not overwhelming, keeping with the narrative, is Poppy deluded or in danger?
Plot: good, no massive twist, more of a natural progression of things. The last "twist" i had my strong suspicions.
Characters: divided into wanting to support Poppy and giving her a slap on the face..grow a spine woman 🤣
Liked the remaining characters and they all added to the story.
Atmosphere: this is where the book shines, the secluded holiday destination was top, made the reading experience so much more immersive.
If you're looking for your next holiday thriller, pick this up 🙌
✔️ Secluded holiday location
✔️ Everyone acting suspiciously
✔️ Psicological games
✔️ Stalker
This was my 1st Keri Beevis book, thank you @netgalley for the eARC, I read this whilst on holiday and it was a perfect fit.
After an incident at work, Poppy does a house swap with a friend in Crete, is just off high season, so the holiday destination is "dead" with only some locals, just what Poppy needs for some relaxation..or is it? When the locals start behaving strangely, her off decides to disappear, and nothing in the house is as Poppy left it, she's not sure if she's going crazy or something nefarious is going on.
Pacing: steady, things kept happening but sporadically, not overwhelming, keeping with the narrative, is Poppy deluded or in danger?
Plot: good, no massive twist, more of a natural progression of things. The last "twist" i had my strong suspicions.
Characters: divided into wanting to support Poppy and giving her a slap on the face..grow a spine woman 🤣
Liked the remaining characters and they all added to the story.
Atmosphere: this is where the book shines, the secluded holiday destination was top, made the reading experience so much more immersive.
If you're looking for your next holiday thriller, pick this up 🙌
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first Keri Beevis book, and it definitely won't be my last.
The setting completely sold this one for me. An off-season villa in Crete already feels isolated, and once strange things started happening, the tension just kept building. I loved not knowing who could be trusted, and I found myself questioning everyone's motives right along with Poppy.
This was a really easy thriller to fly through. The chapters kept me saying "just one more," and I enjoyed how the suspense slowly built instead of relying on nonstop action. There were enough twists to keep me guessing, even if I figured out part of what was going on before the reveal.
My only complaint is that Poppy made a few decisions that had me wanting to yell at the pages, and I wish the ending had been a little more fleshed out. It wrapped up a bit quicker than I would have liked after such a strong buildup.
Overall, this was an entertaining psychological thriller with an unsettling atmosphere, plenty of suspense, and a setting that made it even creepier. I'm looking forward to reading more from Keri Beevis.
3.75 rounded to 4
The setting completely sold this one for me. An off-season villa in Crete already feels isolated, and once strange things started happening, the tension just kept building. I loved not knowing who could be trusted, and I found myself questioning everyone's motives right along with Poppy.
This was a really easy thriller to fly through. The chapters kept me saying "just one more," and I enjoyed how the suspense slowly built instead of relying on nonstop action. There were enough twists to keep me guessing, even if I figured out part of what was going on before the reveal.
My only complaint is that Poppy made a few decisions that had me wanting to yell at the pages, and I wish the ending had been a little more fleshed out. It wrapped up a bit quicker than I would have liked after such a strong buildup.
Overall, this was an entertaining psychological thriller with an unsettling atmosphere, plenty of suspense, and a setting that made it even creepier. I'm looking forward to reading more from Keri Beevis.
3.75 rounded to 4
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The House Swap by Kari Beevis follows Poppy, who swaps homes with her friend Tom. Poppy desperately needs an escape after her professional life begins to unravel, while Tom travels to visit a sick friend. Poppy's destination is a beautiful, secluded villa in Crete—supposedly all to herself—until her best friend, Keira, decides to join her.
What starts as a relaxing getaway quickly turns unsettling. With creepy neighbors, an equally creepy handyman, no car, and the surrounding villas closed for the season, the sense of isolation builds nicely.
I was convinced I had figured out who was behind all the strange events, and I was half right. Once you reach the ending, you'll understand exactly what I mean!
The story has a bit of a slow start, but it really picks up once Poppy begins interacting with the eclectic group of neighbors near the villa. While I was a little disappointed with the ending, I still enjoyed the journey and found it to be an entertaining, suspenseful read.
The House Swap by Kari Beevis follows Poppy, who swaps homes with her friend Tom. Poppy desperately needs an escape after her professional life begins to unravel, while Tom travels to visit a sick friend. Poppy's destination is a beautiful, secluded villa in Crete—supposedly all to herself—until her best friend, Keira, decides to join her.
What starts as a relaxing getaway quickly turns unsettling. With creepy neighbors, an equally creepy handyman, no car, and the surrounding villas closed for the season, the sense of isolation builds nicely.
I was convinced I had figured out who was behind all the strange events, and I was half right. Once you reach the ending, you'll understand exactly what I mean!
The story has a bit of a slow start, but it really picks up once Poppy begins interacting with the eclectic group of neighbors near the villa. While I was a little disappointed with the ending, I still enjoyed the journey and found it to be an entertaining, suspenseful read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Brilliant psychological thriller and I loved it!. I read 70% of it in one go in one evening and then finished it at lunchtime the next day 😄
This gripped me from the first to the last page and kept me turning page after page!
The story all centres around Poppy, Keira, Jem, Martin and the ending left me going no way omg I so didn't see that.
I loved how it unfolded and how poppy found herself in Crete and that it was autumn so everything was pretty much closed.
This book made me feel like I was sat on a wall or watching it through a TV screen as I was left wondering what next. I loved the cameras and how that played out and what happened with Keira I kind of guessed tbh but it was still great how it played out.
Tom the author I had absolutely no idea about and I'll leave that there so as not to give the game away but wow what a book and definitely up there with a must read for people who love genres like this.
So thankful to Netgalley for the advanced copy and I definityely look out for more work from this author... Just simply brilliant 10/10 🏖️😁
This gripped me from the first to the last page and kept me turning page after page!
The story all centres around Poppy, Keira, Jem, Martin and the ending left me going no way omg I so didn't see that.
I loved how it unfolded and how poppy found herself in Crete and that it was autumn so everything was pretty much closed.
This book made me feel like I was sat on a wall or watching it through a TV screen as I was left wondering what next. I loved the cameras and how that played out and what happened with Keira I kind of guessed tbh but it was still great how it played out.
Tom the author I had absolutely no idea about and I'll leave that there so as not to give the game away but wow what a book and definitely up there with a must read for people who love genres like this.
So thankful to Netgalley for the advanced copy and I definityely look out for more work from this author... Just simply brilliant 10/10 🏖️😁
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is another 5* from Keri Beevis who in the space of 12 months has rapidly become one of my favourite authors. I know when I start one of her books I need to clear the weekend as they are so difficult to put down.
Here we have Poppy, an editor in London, going through a difficult time agreeing to house swap with her friend Tom who owns a villa in Crete. She goes with her best friend Keira, however things don't go smoothly. Poppy is uneasy sensing things being moved and the gate left open. Then when Keira suddenly leaves without any warning Poppy becomes suspicious of everyone.
I love that the author often has strong women as her main character and in this book there are two of them. Both characters are fun and likable sharing a strong friendship. The other characters are all very well written and all extremely interesting. At one point I realised I had suspected every character in the book.
The ending was surprising and very suspenseful. A 5* book from the first chapter to the end.
Here we have Poppy, an editor in London, going through a difficult time agreeing to house swap with her friend Tom who owns a villa in Crete. She goes with her best friend Keira, however things don't go smoothly. Poppy is uneasy sensing things being moved and the gate left open. Then when Keira suddenly leaves without any warning Poppy becomes suspicious of everyone.
I love that the author often has strong women as her main character and in this book there are two of them. Both characters are fun and likable sharing a strong friendship. The other characters are all very well written and all extremely interesting. At one point I realised I had suspected every character in the book.
The ending was surprising and very suspenseful. A 5* book from the first chapter to the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The House Swap is a twisty psychological thriller with an intriguing premise, and while it didn’t fully land for me, I can see how it might appeal to readers who enjoy slow-burn suspense and domestic mysteries.
Beevis sets up a compelling situation: two couples swapping homes, only for unsettling secrets to surface. The atmosphere is tense, and the book delivers a steady stream of unease as the characters uncover more about each other than they expected. For readers who love the creeping dread of discovering hidden pasts, this structure will feel satisfying.
For me, though, the pacing felt uneven, and some of the character choices didn’t quite resonate. I found myself wanting sharper twists or deeper emotional stakes. It wasn’t a bad read; just not one that fully grabbed me or stuck with me afterward.
That said, Beevis has a strong following, and her style of psychological suspense is well-loved. Fans of domestic thrillers like those by Shari Lapena or Lisa Jewell may find The House Swap an enjoyable, atmospheric escape.
Beevis sets up a compelling situation: two couples swapping homes, only for unsettling secrets to surface. The atmosphere is tense, and the book delivers a steady stream of unease as the characters uncover more about each other than they expected. For readers who love the creeping dread of discovering hidden pasts, this structure will feel satisfying.
For me, though, the pacing felt uneven, and some of the character choices didn’t quite resonate. I found myself wanting sharper twists or deeper emotional stakes. It wasn’t a bad read; just not one that fully grabbed me or stuck with me afterward.
That said, Beevis has a strong following, and her style of psychological suspense is well-loved. Fans of domestic thrillers like those by Shari Lapena or Lisa Jewell may find The House Swap an enjoyable, atmospheric escape.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The house swap
This was the perfect summery read whilst on my cruise holiday. It set the mood perfectly with the beautiful villa in Crete with the blue seas and sound of crashing waves. I have always wanted to travel to Greece, and I just got my quick fix for now.
This story follows Poppy, a book editor who has been wrongfully accused of sabotaging an author’s new book and decided to take a well-deserved vacation to Crete in a Villa by the water. It is there, that strange things start to happen; her friend Kiera’s gone MIA, things are unexplained found in separate places, gates found open when they were locked shut and Poppy’s anxiety builds. Is it her imagination or is there something terribly wrong with this place.
Keri, certainly put me into a chokehold a few times throughout the book. Specially, when Poppy's anxiety was at it is highest. I found myself turning pages effortlessly, and some nights up till 1am. I throughly enjoyed reading this novel and I look forward to reading more of Keri’s books in the future.
This was the perfect summery read whilst on my cruise holiday. It set the mood perfectly with the beautiful villa in Crete with the blue seas and sound of crashing waves. I have always wanted to travel to Greece, and I just got my quick fix for now.
This story follows Poppy, a book editor who has been wrongfully accused of sabotaging an author’s new book and decided to take a well-deserved vacation to Crete in a Villa by the water. It is there, that strange things start to happen; her friend Kiera’s gone MIA, things are unexplained found in separate places, gates found open when they were locked shut and Poppy’s anxiety builds. Is it her imagination or is there something terribly wrong with this place.
Keri, certainly put me into a chokehold a few times throughout the book. Specially, when Poppy's anxiety was at it is highest. I found myself turning pages effortlessly, and some nights up till 1am. I throughly enjoyed reading this novel and I look forward to reading more of Keri’s books in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first book by Keri Beevis, and it definitely left me interested in reading more of her work. I really enjoyed the atmospheric setting of the sprawling villa, which added an extra layer of suspense to the story. The cast of characters was intriguing, and I found myself questioning everyone's motives.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was wondering whether the main character was genuinely being watched or if her growing paranoia was influencing her perspective. That uncertainty kept me engaged and eager to find out the truth.
The story kept me guessing until the end, and I was invested in seeing how everything would unfold. While I enjoyed the overall journey, I did feel that the ending was a little rushed. Even so, this was an entertaining psychological thriller, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Keri Beevis in the future.
This was my first book by Keri Beevis, and it definitely left me interested in reading more of her work. I really enjoyed the atmospheric setting of the sprawling villa, which added an extra layer of suspense to the story. The cast of characters was intriguing, and I found myself questioning everyone's motives.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was wondering whether the main character was genuinely being watched or if her growing paranoia was influencing her perspective. That uncertainty kept me engaged and eager to find out the truth.
The story kept me guessing until the end, and I was invested in seeing how everything would unfold. While I enjoyed the overall journey, I did feel that the ending was a little rushed. Even so, this was an entertaining psychological thriller, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Keri Beevis in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews