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The Dream House
“A gripping page turner!”
Closer
The perfect home. The perfect nightmare?
Seren Carter can’t believe her luck. After working for years as a nurse for people with cancer and living in a tiny apartment with her partner Matt, she’s exhausted, and barely holding herself together. Netherham House is everything she’s never had—the grand rooms, the rolling grounds, the chance to finally breathe. And it’s all hers. She tells herself she deserves this. She tells herself she’s safe.
But after she and Matt move in, a series of intimidating events leaves them unsettled. And the reclusive tenant in the estate cottage—a man with a disturbing past—refuses to leave. Seren tries to ignore it all and focus on the housewarming party she and Matt are looking forward to. But the threats keep coming… each one designed to make her feel like she’s losing her mind.
Someone knows the house’s dark history. Someone wants her gone.
But they’ve underestimated Seren Carter. They have no idea what she’ll do to survive…
Praise for The Dream House
“A roller-coaster read.” —Heat
“A fun, dark and twisted read-in-one-gulp thriller.” —Susi Holliday
“Twisty as a pretzel.” —Jackie Kabler
“Utterly brilliant… I simply couldn’t put it down.” —Ruth Irons
“A layered, beautifully crafted psychological thriller that keeps you guessing right until the deeply satisfying end.” —Lisa Timoney
The perfect home. The perfect nightmare?
Seren Carter can’t believe her luck. After working for years as a nurse for people with cancer and living in a tiny apartment with her partner Matt, she’s exhausted, and barely holding herself together. Netherham House is everything she’s never had—the grand rooms, the rolling grounds, the chance to finally breathe. And it’s all hers. She tells herself she deserves this. She tells herself she’s safe.
But after she and Matt move in, a series of intimidating events leaves them unsettled. And the reclusive tenant in the estate cottage—a man with a disturbing past—refuses to leave. Seren tries to ignore it all and focus on the housewarming party she and Matt are looking forward to. But the threats keep coming… each one designed to make her feel like she’s losing her mind.
Someone knows the house’s dark history. Someone wants her gone.
But they’ve underestimated Seren Carter. They have no idea what she’ll do to survive…
Praise for The Dream House
“A roller-coaster read.” —Heat
“A fun, dark and twisted read-in-one-gulp thriller.” —Susi Holliday
“Twisty as a pretzel.” —Jackie Kabler
“Utterly brilliant… I simply couldn’t put it down.” —Ruth Irons
“A layered, beautifully crafted psychological thriller that keeps you guessing right until the deeply satisfying end.” —Lisa Timoney
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2026
About the author
T.H. Murdock
3 books51 followersT.H. Murdock is a former journalist turned author of psychological thrillers. His debut novel, The Date, was published in July 2026.
Murdock was born in Redruth, Cornwall, and lives in Bristol with his wife and son. Before turning to fiction, he worked as a journalist for fifteen years in the UK and New Zealand.
Murdock was born in Redruth, Cornwall, and lives in Bristol with his wife and son. Before turning to fiction, he worked as a journalist for fifteen years in the UK and New Zealand.
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August 5, 2026
What would you do if you won your dream home? It sounds like the perfect fresh start, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what I thought going into this book, but it quickly became clear that not everything is as perfect as it seems.
The Dream House by T. H. Murdock is a psychological thriller with a brilliant premise that immediately pulled me in.
Seren Carter and her partner, Matt, are just scraping by when Seren wins a beautiful £200,000 manor house in the Cotswolds through the monthly MCN house draw. It feels like all their worries are finally behind them, but her best friend, Lowa, can’t help wondering what’s wrong with a house that someone is willing to give away. Seren is hurt by her friend’s reaction, but it isn’t long before she starts to realise Lowa may have been right all along, as the house is hiding some dark and disturbing secrets.
Seren was a likeable protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her from the start. I could understand why she wanted to believe she’d finally caught a lucky break, while Lowa’s doubts made me question everything. The mystery surrounding the house kept me completely invested, and I genuinely needed to see where the story was taking me.
The plot gradually reveals its secrets, with enough twists and suspense to keep the pages turning. There was always an underlying sense that something wasn’t quite right, which created an eerie atmosphere throughout.
T. H. Murdock’s writing made it so easy to keep reading. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something else made me question everything again. I really enjoyed this one and couldn’t wait to see how all the secrets surrounding the house would finally come together.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and T. H. Murdock for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: 16th October 2026
The Dream House by T. H. Murdock is a psychological thriller with a brilliant premise that immediately pulled me in.
Seren Carter and her partner, Matt, are just scraping by when Seren wins a beautiful £200,000 manor house in the Cotswolds through the monthly MCN house draw. It feels like all their worries are finally behind them, but her best friend, Lowa, can’t help wondering what’s wrong with a house that someone is willing to give away. Seren is hurt by her friend’s reaction, but it isn’t long before she starts to realise Lowa may have been right all along, as the house is hiding some dark and disturbing secrets.
Seren was a likeable protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her from the start. I could understand why she wanted to believe she’d finally caught a lucky break, while Lowa’s doubts made me question everything. The mystery surrounding the house kept me completely invested, and I genuinely needed to see where the story was taking me.
The plot gradually reveals its secrets, with enough twists and suspense to keep the pages turning. There was always an underlying sense that something wasn’t quite right, which created an eerie atmosphere throughout.
T. H. Murdock’s writing made it so easy to keep reading. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something else made me question everything again. I really enjoyed this one and couldn’t wait to see how all the secrets surrounding the house would finally come together.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and T. H. Murdock for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: 16th October 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
OKAYY so that was… yeahhhh.
As for the writing, it was fine! Intriguing enough to keep me wanting to read on but nothing that really had me wanting to write home about it. The characters were pretty much the same for me. They all had their own ways of being annoying and honestly, none of them really stood out to me all that much. Except maybe Ozzy the cat, because obviously. And Henry !! I actually didn’t mind his pov at all and ended up really enjoying his parts, so he was probably one of my favorite aspects of the book.
Seren was a fine main character. I didn’t super hate her and by the end, I actually quite liked her. I was definitely 50/50 on rooting for her throughout, though. And Matt… well, he was just there, tbh. 😭 Like, yeahhh, certain things happened and iykyk, but honestly? Good riddance. 😅
I think my biggest issue was how slow and sluggish everything felt for a good chunk of the book. It took until around the 40% mark before things really started getting interesting. The chapters were thankfully short and snappy, which helped but for whatever reason ...it still felt like not much was actually happening. There were moments where I found myself getting bored and I really wish there had been more creepiness or strange things happening in or around the house. It felt like a constant cycle of fairly boring → OHH, interesting → back to boring → rinse and repeat.
As for who was behind the events happening… yeahhh, that wasn’t exactly a shock. 😶 It felt pretty predictable, so I was kind of just waiting for everything to catch up to what I’d already figured out. There wasn’t much of a “WHAT?!” moment for me, unfortunately.
I also felt like the story was trying to move a little too quickly once it finally got going. Everything felt somewhat rushed, especially toward the end when everything started wrapping up. I think a few extra chapters or even just longer ending chapters ...could’ve helped flesh things out more. It felt like I blinked and suddenly we were done.
That being said, I did actually like where everyone ended up, so there’s THAT. 👀 And I have to admit, I really liked the epilogue too. LMAOOO. 💀
Overall, this was definitely a bit of a mixed bag for me. There were things I enjoyed but I think it could’ve used more atmosphere, creepiness, character development, and a little more time to let everything breathe. Still, it kept me reading and I can’t say I hated my time with it!
•.¸♡🍓💌 ...𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒄! 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏.💐.♡¸.•
As for the writing, it was fine! Intriguing enough to keep me wanting to read on but nothing that really had me wanting to write home about it. The characters were pretty much the same for me. They all had their own ways of being annoying and honestly, none of them really stood out to me all that much. Except maybe Ozzy the cat, because obviously. And Henry !! I actually didn’t mind his pov at all and ended up really enjoying his parts, so he was probably one of my favorite aspects of the book.
Seren was a fine main character. I didn’t super hate her and by the end, I actually quite liked her. I was definitely 50/50 on rooting for her throughout, though. And Matt… well, he was just there, tbh. 😭 Like, yeahhh, certain things happened and iykyk, but honestly? Good riddance. 😅
I think my biggest issue was how slow and sluggish everything felt for a good chunk of the book. It took until around the 40% mark before things really started getting interesting. The chapters were thankfully short and snappy, which helped but for whatever reason ...it still felt like not much was actually happening. There were moments where I found myself getting bored and I really wish there had been more creepiness or strange things happening in or around the house. It felt like a constant cycle of fairly boring → OHH, interesting → back to boring → rinse and repeat.
As for who was behind the events happening… yeahhh, that wasn’t exactly a shock. 😶 It felt pretty predictable, so I was kind of just waiting for everything to catch up to what I’d already figured out. There wasn’t much of a “WHAT?!” moment for me, unfortunately.
I also felt like the story was trying to move a little too quickly once it finally got going. Everything felt somewhat rushed, especially toward the end when everything started wrapping up. I think a few extra chapters or even just longer ending chapters ...could’ve helped flesh things out more. It felt like I blinked and suddenly we were done.
That being said, I did actually like where everyone ended up, so there’s THAT. 👀 And I have to admit, I really liked the epilogue too. LMAOOO. 💀
Overall, this was definitely a bit of a mixed bag for me. There were things I enjoyed but I think it could’ve used more atmosphere, creepiness, character development, and a little more time to let everything breathe. Still, it kept me reading and I can’t say I hated my time with it!
•.¸♡🍓💌 ...𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒄! 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏.💐.♡¸.•
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🏠 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲!
I really enjoyed The Dream House when I first read it, but listening to it has made me even more invested in the story. Elizabeth Knowlden brings so much personality and emotion to Seren Carter, making her character feel more real and alive, which made me connect with her in a way I didn't quite manage the first time around.
It’s still a fast-paced, gripping mystery, but this time I found myself just as invested in the characters as I was in the mystery itself. Knowing where the story was going didn't make it any less enjoyable either—I loved seeing how all the pieces fit together while experiencing the characters in a completely different way.
Thank you to T.H. Murdock, Amazon Publishing UK / Thomas & Mercer, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and listen to this book. All opinions are my own.
🎉 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗧.𝗛. 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗰𝗸! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗞 / 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 & 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲! 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
I really enjoyed The Dream House when I first read it, but listening to it has made me even more invested in the story. Elizabeth Knowlden brings so much personality and emotion to Seren Carter, making her character feel more real and alive, which made me connect with her in a way I didn't quite manage the first time around.
It’s still a fast-paced, gripping mystery, but this time I found myself just as invested in the characters as I was in the mystery itself. Knowing where the story was going didn't make it any less enjoyable either—I loved seeing how all the pieces fit together while experiencing the characters in a completely different way.
Thank you to T.H. Murdock, Amazon Publishing UK / Thomas & Mercer, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and listen to this book. All opinions are my own.
🎉 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗧.𝗛. 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗰𝗸! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗞 / 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 & 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲! 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🏠 𝗔 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲, 𝗮 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴!
This was such an enjoyable, fast-paced psychological thriller. I predicted some of the twists, but that didn't take away from the fun of watching everything unfold and seeing the pieces tie together.
The characters kept me invested, and while it wasn't quite a standout for me, I'd absolutely recommend this to thriller fans.
Thank you to T.H. Murdock, Amazon Publishing UK / Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was such an enjoyable, fast-paced psychological thriller. I predicted some of the twists, but that didn't take away from the fun of watching everything unfold and seeing the pieces tie together.
The characters kept me invested, and while it wasn't quite a standout for me, I'd absolutely recommend this to thriller fans.
Thank you to T.H. Murdock, Amazon Publishing UK / Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2026
Winning your dream home when you met your partner at a debt support group feels like either the universe finally cutting you a break or the beginning of a psychological thriller. Unfortunately for Seren it’s the latter.
I mean, what a prize! Seren & Matt go from money woes and a flat to winning a huge country estate where checking their daily card limits is suddenly a thing of the past. Life should be sweet! Of course no good thriller starts with a prize that isn’t a little too good to be true, so of course there’s a catch. Netherham House comes with Henry, a tenant living in a cottage on the grounds and paying essentially pickles for rent. Turns out even a dream-house jackpot can come with some rather unwanted fine print.
This is my second T.H. Murdock read after The Date & while the two are VERY different, both have been incredibly bingeable. Short chapters, an easy writing style & betrayal/revenge woven into the mix - which I am allllllll for. Seren was such an easy protagonist to root for & it’s genuinely refreshing to have an FMC who for the most part feels real & relatable. She has flaws, just not the ‘I want to smack you in the face you silly woman’ every-chapter kind of flaws. I particularly liked the occasional chapters from Henry’s POV too. I love a book that can take me on a rollercoaster of emotions towards a character as more context & the overall story are unveiled and this is absolutely one of those books.
The highlight for me in this one is the epilogue *chefs kiss* 👏🏼 No spoilers but there are some things money simply cannot buy. Satisfaction however was delivered free of charge 😏
I mean, what a prize! Seren & Matt go from money woes and a flat to winning a huge country estate where checking their daily card limits is suddenly a thing of the past. Life should be sweet! Of course no good thriller starts with a prize that isn’t a little too good to be true, so of course there’s a catch. Netherham House comes with Henry, a tenant living in a cottage on the grounds and paying essentially pickles for rent. Turns out even a dream-house jackpot can come with some rather unwanted fine print.
This is my second T.H. Murdock read after The Date & while the two are VERY different, both have been incredibly bingeable. Short chapters, an easy writing style & betrayal/revenge woven into the mix - which I am allllllll for. Seren was such an easy protagonist to root for & it’s genuinely refreshing to have an FMC who for the most part feels real & relatable. She has flaws, just not the ‘I want to smack you in the face you silly woman’ every-chapter kind of flaws. I particularly liked the occasional chapters from Henry’s POV too. I love a book that can take me on a rollercoaster of emotions towards a character as more context & the overall story are unveiled and this is absolutely one of those books.
The highlight for me in this one is the epilogue *chefs kiss* 👏🏼 No spoilers but there are some things money simply cannot buy. Satisfaction however was delivered free of charge 😏
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an enjoyable audiobook!
Careful what you wish for... This is the main lesson learned from the FMC in this lovely story. As I love T.H, there were high expectations from this one, and it didn't disappoint! I listened to this audiobook in one sitting. The premise of the plot was interesting and the main character was easy to empathize with. Though I did guess the big twist, it was still a suspenseful read with exciting characters and a flowing tempo.
I absolutely loved the ending and how all the puzzle pieces came together.
The narration was fantastic and I could feel the emotions in the characters' voices, especially Henry. She did a great job expressing the different characters.
Thank you to the Author, Netgalley and Brilliance audio productions for this ALC!
Careful what you wish for... This is the main lesson learned from the FMC in this lovely story. As I love T.H, there were high expectations from this one, and it didn't disappoint! I listened to this audiobook in one sitting. The premise of the plot was interesting and the main character was easy to empathize with. Though I did guess the big twist, it was still a suspenseful read with exciting characters and a flowing tempo.
I absolutely loved the ending and how all the puzzle pieces came together.
The narration was fantastic and I could feel the emotions in the characters' voices, especially Henry. She did a great job expressing the different characters.
Thank you to the Author, Netgalley and Brilliance audio productions for this ALC!
October 29, 2026
🗓️ 10-16-26
🎧..7 hrs and 52 mins, 🗣 Elizabeth Knowelden and Alex Wyndham
☕︎ ☕︎ ☕︎
Seren (32) has worked for years as a nurse. She lives in a tiny apartment with her partner Matt. She's tired of her life, constantly struggling financially but she's always taking part in a House lottery. She can't believe her luck when she wins her dream home! At first she thinks that it was a prank or scam but when she gets the confirmation, she and Matt are over the moon. But as they move in, strange things start to happen...
I was intrigued with this story but I wasn't very fond of the characters. Seren was completely useless with money, just as her partner Matt. There was also some weird competition with her BFF. The ending, however, I liked a lot.
🎧..7 hrs and 52 mins, 🗣 Elizabeth Knowelden and Alex Wyndham
☕︎ ☕︎ ☕︎
Seren (32) has worked for years as a nurse. She lives in a tiny apartment with her partner Matt. She's tired of her life, constantly struggling financially but she's always taking part in a House lottery. She can't believe her luck when she wins her dream home! At first she thinks that it was a prank or scam but when she gets the confirmation, she and Matt are over the moon. But as they move in, strange things start to happen...
I was intrigued with this story but I wasn't very fond of the characters. Seren was completely useless with money, just as her partner Matt. There was also some weird competition with her BFF. The ending, however, I liked a lot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5/5
Seren has worked for years as a nurse. She lives in a tiny apartment with her partner Matt. She’s exhausted and can't believe her luck when she wins her dream home! However, when she and Matt move in, they start to notice some major red flags.
This reminded me of Just My Luck by Adele Parks meets The Winners by C.J. Parsons. It was a fun concept. I was hooked immediately, and with the short, punchy chapters, it was very devourable.
Some may call it jealousy, but I struggled to empathise with the main character when she encountered issues because, in my mind, she’s just won a £3 million house! 😂
I did guess the majority of the twists; however, I absolutely loved how the story ended. I enjoyed this book. It's perfect if you want something easy or are in a reading slump, although I preferred The Date by this author.
Seren has worked for years as a nurse. She lives in a tiny apartment with her partner Matt. She’s exhausted and can't believe her luck when she wins her dream home! However, when she and Matt move in, they start to notice some major red flags.
This reminded me of Just My Luck by Adele Parks meets The Winners by C.J. Parsons. It was a fun concept. I was hooked immediately, and with the short, punchy chapters, it was very devourable.
Some may call it jealousy, but I struggled to empathise with the main character when she encountered issues because, in my mind, she’s just won a £3 million house! 😂
I did guess the majority of the twists; however, I absolutely loved how the story ended. I enjoyed this book. It's perfect if you want something easy or are in a reading slump, although I preferred The Date by this author.
September 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this one, more than his debut! This one was a lot more atmospheric and gripping, with some spookiness woven throughout too which I loved! There were a couple of little twists I didn’t see coming. I didn’t connect all that emotionally with the characters, however it was still a great thriller that I very much enjoyed and can recommend. I’ll be keeping an eye out for future releases from the author! 😍
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy ahead of publication. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy ahead of publication. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this book. I was invested from beginning to end, and I genuinely had no idea what was coming next. The twists and turns were diabolical, and I thought the entire plot was so well executed.
I especially loved the eerie premise of winning your dream home, something that should completely change your life for the better, only to discover that it comes with an absolute nightmare attached to it. Seren has spent years working as a nurse, exhausted and barely getting by, when suddenly she wins this incredible estate. She and her partner, Matt, finally have everything they could have dreamed of. Except almost immediately, things start going terribly wrong.
Between the disturbing incidents around the property, the mysterious tenant who refuses to leave the estate cottage, and the dark history surrounding the house, what should have been a fresh start becomes a complete psychological nightmare. I loved how the story constantly made me question who was responsible, what their motives were, and just how far everything was going to go.
What I appreciated most was watching Seren find her way through the absolute chaos. She’s being manipulated, intimidated, and pushed to her limits, yet somehow she manages to turn the entire situation around. Her character development was fantastic, and I especially loved the strength she showed toward the end. Watching her go from someone desperately trying to hold on to her dream life to someone determined to take control of her own future was incredibly satisfying.
The plot was twisted, the suspense never let up, and the psychological manipulation was so well done. I loved the idea that something you could be so fortunate to win might actually become the very thing that destroys your peace and turns your entire world upside down.
Dark, unpredictable, clever, and incredibly satisfying. I loved how everything came together, especially the ending. An easy five stars for me.
I especially loved the eerie premise of winning your dream home, something that should completely change your life for the better, only to discover that it comes with an absolute nightmare attached to it. Seren has spent years working as a nurse, exhausted and barely getting by, when suddenly she wins this incredible estate. She and her partner, Matt, finally have everything they could have dreamed of. Except almost immediately, things start going terribly wrong.
Between the disturbing incidents around the property, the mysterious tenant who refuses to leave the estate cottage, and the dark history surrounding the house, what should have been a fresh start becomes a complete psychological nightmare. I loved how the story constantly made me question who was responsible, what their motives were, and just how far everything was going to go.
What I appreciated most was watching Seren find her way through the absolute chaos. She’s being manipulated, intimidated, and pushed to her limits, yet somehow she manages to turn the entire situation around. Her character development was fantastic, and I especially loved the strength she showed toward the end. Watching her go from someone desperately trying to hold on to her dream life to someone determined to take control of her own future was incredibly satisfying.
The plot was twisted, the suspense never let up, and the psychological manipulation was so well done. I loved the idea that something you could be so fortunate to win might actually become the very thing that destroys your peace and turns your entire world upside down.
Dark, unpredictable, clever, and incredibly satisfying. I loved how everything came together, especially the ending. An easy five stars for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Seren Carter finally gets the dream home she’s always wanted, but after moving in with her partner Matt, unsettling threats begin. As the intimidation escalates and someone tries to make her question her own sanity, Seren starts digging into the house’s dark history.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Elizabeth Knowelden has such a refined, delicate English voice - she’s easily one of my favorite British narrators. Seren is a lovely character, and Knowelden's performance made her all the more likable!
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
There’s an accessible popcorn lightness to this book, and it drew me in immediately.
It’s dual POV, but the story primarily follows Seren. She’s an incredibly likable woman, who felt real and relatable. She shares her complicated feelings for her bff, her excitement at winning her dream home and then her growing anxiety. I really felt all her feels. I also loved how much she adored her cat.
This was more character focused than a typical popcorn mystery, with the rest of the main characters having quite a bit of depth too.
I didn’t predict the big twist, though it wasn’t a jaw dropper. However, I really enjoyed how it was wrapped up and that there was time to digest and enjoy the aftermath.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This was a really solid entertaining story. I definitely recommend the audiobook as the narrator really brings Seren to life. The bitter sweet ending left me feeling hopeful that sometimes we really do get what we deserve.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden, Alex Wyndham
📖 Release 10•16•26 | 299 pages | 7h 52m
Seren Carter finally gets the dream home she’s always wanted, but after moving in with her partner Matt, unsettling threats begin. As the intimidation escalates and someone tries to make her question her own sanity, Seren starts digging into the house’s dark history.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Elizabeth Knowelden has such a refined, delicate English voice - she’s easily one of my favorite British narrators. Seren is a lovely character, and Knowelden's performance made her all the more likable!
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
There’s an accessible popcorn lightness to this book, and it drew me in immediately.
It’s dual POV, but the story primarily follows Seren. She’s an incredibly likable woman, who felt real and relatable. She shares her complicated feelings for her bff, her excitement at winning her dream home and then her growing anxiety. I really felt all her feels. I also loved how much she adored her cat.
This was more character focused than a typical popcorn mystery, with the rest of the main characters having quite a bit of depth too.
I didn’t predict the big twist, though it wasn’t a jaw dropper. However, I really enjoyed how it was wrapped up and that there was time to digest and enjoy the aftermath.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This was a really solid entertaining story. I definitely recommend the audiobook as the narrator really brings Seren to life. The bitter sweet ending left me feeling hopeful that sometimes we really do get what we deserve.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden, Alex Wyndham
📖 Release 10•16•26 | 299 pages | 7h 52m
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of *The Dream House* before publication. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
*The Dream House* is a tense psychological thriller about a woman who finally gets the home she has always wanted, only to realise that it may come with a past she knows nothing about. Seren Carter has spent years working as a nurse and living in a cramped flat with her partner, Matt, so inheriting Netherham House feels almost too good to be true. It is grand, peaceful and completely unlike the life she is used to.
What I liked most was how quickly that sense of excitement started to turn into unease. Soon after Seren and Matt move in, strange and intimidating things begin happening around the property, and the reclusive tenant living in the estate cottage refuses to leave. The more Seren tries to settle into the house, the more it feels as though someone is deliberately trying to make her uncomfortable—or make her question her own judgment.
I found Seren easy to root for because she has worked hard for years and genuinely wants to believe that something good has finally happened to her. That makes it frustrating and unsettling to watch her new home become another source of stress. I also liked that she is not written as completely helpless; once she realises someone may be trying to frighten her away, she becomes determined to understand why.
The house itself is probably the strongest part of the story. Netherham House initially represents space, security and a fresh start, but gradually becomes more claustrophobic as Seren learns more about its history. The combination of a large estate, a suspicious tenant and someone seemingly determined to force her out creates a good atmosphere of paranoia.
The pacing is generally quick and there are enough threats and revelations to keep the mystery moving. Some of the setup feels familiar if you read a lot of psychological thrillers, and there were moments where I questioned some of the characters’ decisions. A few developments also required suspension of disbelief, but I still wanted to know who was behind the intimidation and what they were trying to hide.
Overall, *The Dream House* was an entertaining and atmospheric thriller with a strong central setting and a good sense of growing unease. It did not completely reinvent the genre for me, but I enjoyed Seren’s determination, the mystery surrounding Netherham House and the gradual shift from dream home to nightmare.
3.5 stars
*The Dream House* is a tense psychological thriller about a woman who finally gets the home she has always wanted, only to realise that it may come with a past she knows nothing about. Seren Carter has spent years working as a nurse and living in a cramped flat with her partner, Matt, so inheriting Netherham House feels almost too good to be true. It is grand, peaceful and completely unlike the life she is used to.
What I liked most was how quickly that sense of excitement started to turn into unease. Soon after Seren and Matt move in, strange and intimidating things begin happening around the property, and the reclusive tenant living in the estate cottage refuses to leave. The more Seren tries to settle into the house, the more it feels as though someone is deliberately trying to make her uncomfortable—or make her question her own judgment.
I found Seren easy to root for because she has worked hard for years and genuinely wants to believe that something good has finally happened to her. That makes it frustrating and unsettling to watch her new home become another source of stress. I also liked that she is not written as completely helpless; once she realises someone may be trying to frighten her away, she becomes determined to understand why.
The house itself is probably the strongest part of the story. Netherham House initially represents space, security and a fresh start, but gradually becomes more claustrophobic as Seren learns more about its history. The combination of a large estate, a suspicious tenant and someone seemingly determined to force her out creates a good atmosphere of paranoia.
The pacing is generally quick and there are enough threats and revelations to keep the mystery moving. Some of the setup feels familiar if you read a lot of psychological thrillers, and there were moments where I questioned some of the characters’ decisions. A few developments also required suspension of disbelief, but I still wanted to know who was behind the intimidation and what they were trying to hide.
Overall, *The Dream House* was an entertaining and atmospheric thriller with a strong central setting and a good sense of growing unease. It did not completely reinvent the genre for me, but I enjoyed Seren’s determination, the mystery surrounding Netherham House and the gradual shift from dream home to nightmare.
3.5 stars
October 17, 2026
The Dream House by T. H. Murdock was a fast-paced psychological thriller, it was a fun and easy read I really enjoyed reading this book . . . I whizzed through it, in one sitting, which was great.
Seren is bursting with excitement when she wins the house of her dreams! and she moves in Netherham House, with her loving partner Matt. . . . But not everything is what it seems! and there’s a growing sense that something is off. Their perfect new life in this new house is becoming a living nightmare and now Seren realises someone wants her gone forever. . . . .But, Why? Who are they?
I highly recommend this book and a great holiday read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer for my ARC.
Seren is bursting with excitement when she wins the house of her dreams! and she moves in Netherham House, with her loving partner Matt. . . . But not everything is what it seems! and there’s a growing sense that something is off. Their perfect new life in this new house is becoming a living nightmare and now Seren realises someone wants her gone forever. . . . .But, Why? Who are they?
I highly recommend this book and a great holiday read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer for my ARC.
October 16, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC!
The writing itself was fine. However.. at 70% I realized nothing had really happened. There were a few “this is small but could definitely lead to something” and then.. nothing really happened from it. It just felt like by the end, the payoff for getting there was incredibly lacking.
The writing itself was fine. However.. at 70% I realized nothing had really happened. There were a few “this is small but could definitely lead to something” and then.. nothing really happened from it. It just felt like by the end, the payoff for getting there was incredibly lacking.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story centers around an isolated home in the countryside, providing a perfectly remote backdrop for the events that follow. The core of the narrative unfolds mostly through Seren’s perspective, with a handful of chapters from Henry stepping in to provide crucial context. Seren makes for a fantastic main character. She is a genuinely good person, which makes her very easy to root for as she settles into her new home. Henry's role as the tenant living in the cottage on the property adds an engaging dynamic between them as the plot develops.
This book has short chapters and a steady, medium pace, which kept things moving smoothly without feeling rushed. Even though the direction of the story was predictable, it was still a highly entertaining and easy read. The character development is strong across the board. While Seren and Henry are the only narrators, the rest of the main cast is given just as much depth by the time the author delivers a satisfying ending that brings the story to a solid close.
If you like isolated atmospheric settings, character-driven suspense, and dual perspectives, then you will enjoy this book.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/th...
This book has short chapters and a steady, medium pace, which kept things moving smoothly without feeling rushed. Even though the direction of the story was predictable, it was still a highly entertaining and easy read. The character development is strong across the board. While Seren and Henry are the only narrators, the rest of the main cast is given just as much depth by the time the author delivers a satisfying ending that brings the story to a solid close.
If you like isolated atmospheric settings, character-driven suspense, and dual perspectives, then you will enjoy this book.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/th...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As someone who enters those HGTV dream home giveaways EVERY SINGLE TIME they open, this book was basically written for me. 😂 Because apparently I needed a thriller to remind me that winning my dream house could come with some serious fine print.
Seren goes from struggling financially and living in a tiny apartment to suddenly winning a gorgeous manor house. Huge rooms, beautiful grounds, an entirely different life… SIGN ME UP.
Except this is a psychological thriller, so obviously nobody is just going to win a beautiful house and live happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this one. The whole “dream house that might actually be a nightmare” premise immediately pulled me in, and once strange things started happening around the property, I needed to know exactly what was going on. There are secrets, suspicious characters, plenty of reasons not to trust anyone, and a tenant living on the property who definitely adds another layer to everything.
Was I suspicious? Absolutely. Do I read enough thrillers at this point that I automatically assume everyone is lying? Also absolutely.
I especially liked how the story played with the idea of finally getting the thing you’ve always wanted and then slowly making you wonder whether you’d have been better off without it. Seren thinks this house is going to completely change her life—and, well…it certainly does. Just maybe not in the HGTV way she was hoping for.
There were parts I figured out before the reveal, but it didn’t ruin the experience for me. I was still invested in seeing how everything would come together, and I really enjoyed where the story ultimately went.
And that epilogue? 👀
Let’s just say I closed the book satisfied.
This was an entertaining psychological thriller with a great premise, secrets, betrayal, revenge, and a dream home that comes with WAY more than granite countertops and a gorgeous view.
Will this stop me from entering the next HGTV Dream Home giveaway?
Absolutely not. 😂
Thank you to T.H. Murdock, Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Seren goes from struggling financially and living in a tiny apartment to suddenly winning a gorgeous manor house. Huge rooms, beautiful grounds, an entirely different life… SIGN ME UP.
Except this is a psychological thriller, so obviously nobody is just going to win a beautiful house and live happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this one. The whole “dream house that might actually be a nightmare” premise immediately pulled me in, and once strange things started happening around the property, I needed to know exactly what was going on. There are secrets, suspicious characters, plenty of reasons not to trust anyone, and a tenant living on the property who definitely adds another layer to everything.
Was I suspicious? Absolutely. Do I read enough thrillers at this point that I automatically assume everyone is lying? Also absolutely.
I especially liked how the story played with the idea of finally getting the thing you’ve always wanted and then slowly making you wonder whether you’d have been better off without it. Seren thinks this house is going to completely change her life—and, well…it certainly does. Just maybe not in the HGTV way she was hoping for.
There were parts I figured out before the reveal, but it didn’t ruin the experience for me. I was still invested in seeing how everything would come together, and I really enjoyed where the story ultimately went.
And that epilogue? 👀
Let’s just say I closed the book satisfied.
This was an entertaining psychological thriller with a great premise, secrets, betrayal, revenge, and a dream home that comes with WAY more than granite countertops and a gorgeous view.
Will this stop me from entering the next HGTV Dream Home giveaway?
Absolutely not. 😂
Thank you to T.H. Murdock, Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second book that I have read by the author and I did enjoy them both.
In The Dream House, Seren Carter wins a house in a give away and her and her partner Matt move to the new house. This is a dream for them and a once in a lifetime opportunity to have that grand house and grounds in the country and not have to worry so much about working and paying the bills. Seren has a "frenemy" Iona that makes the comment about what's wrong with the house because usually houses in giveaways are houses that have issues of some sort. At first, Seren and Matt think everything is perfect with their new home, but shortly after moving in there are some events that occur that makes Seren want to know more about the history of the house. She finds that the house has a dark history and was the scene of a double death and that the renter that still lives on the property was the son of the dead and that he could be a potential suspect. Later on, Seren finds out other information about the deaths. Henry does not want to leave his home. The dream house becomes the nightmare house and not everything is at it seems. The story is told by points of view from Seren and also Henry. There are some twists and turns and some surprises but I don't want to give spoilers. The story did not go where I thought it would go but I enjoyed the twists and turns and I was very satisfied with the way it ended.
Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK and Thomas and Mercer for the complimentary copy of the story.
In The Dream House, Seren Carter wins a house in a give away and her and her partner Matt move to the new house. This is a dream for them and a once in a lifetime opportunity to have that grand house and grounds in the country and not have to worry so much about working and paying the bills. Seren has a "frenemy" Iona that makes the comment about what's wrong with the house because usually houses in giveaways are houses that have issues of some sort. At first, Seren and Matt think everything is perfect with their new home, but shortly after moving in there are some events that occur that makes Seren want to know more about the history of the house. She finds that the house has a dark history and was the scene of a double death and that the renter that still lives on the property was the son of the dead and that he could be a potential suspect. Later on, Seren finds out other information about the deaths. Henry does not want to leave his home. The dream house becomes the nightmare house and not everything is at it seems. The story is told by points of view from Seren and also Henry. There are some twists and turns and some surprises but I don't want to give spoilers. The story did not go where I thought it would go but I enjoyed the twists and turns and I was very satisfied with the way it ended.
Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK and Thomas and Mercer for the complimentary copy of the story.
October 26, 2026
Aaaah, this was SO MUCH FUN! 😍 I absolutely loved this book! It was such a fast-paced, entertaining psychological thriller that kept me hooked and made me want to keep listening and reading!
Seren Carter can’t believe her luck when she finally gets the dream home she’s always wanted. After years of working as a nurse and struggling financially with her partner, Matt, winning Netherham House feels like the perfect fresh start. But things quickly take a sinister turn when unsettling events begin happening, a mysterious tenant refuses to leave, and someone seems determined to make Seren question her own sanity. What should have been a dream come true soon becomes a nightmare. 🏡😱
I really enjoyed the characters, especially Seren! She’s such a great FMC, I also LOVED the audiobook! 🎧 The narration made the whole experience even more enjoyable, and I honestly think it added to how much fun I had with this book.
I loved how the mystery kept unraveling throughout the story, with new revelations keeping me invested. While I did find some of the twists predictable, others completely took me by surprise, and I really enjoyed seeing everything come together.
This is my first book by T. H. Murdock, but I absolutely loved his writing style, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of his books!
✨ Bonus: The ebook is available on Kindle Unlimited, and the audiobook is available too! 😍🎧
If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced psychological thriller that’s easy to get lost in, definitely give this one a try!
Seren Carter can’t believe her luck when she finally gets the dream home she’s always wanted. After years of working as a nurse and struggling financially with her partner, Matt, winning Netherham House feels like the perfect fresh start. But things quickly take a sinister turn when unsettling events begin happening, a mysterious tenant refuses to leave, and someone seems determined to make Seren question her own sanity. What should have been a dream come true soon becomes a nightmare. 🏡😱
I really enjoyed the characters, especially Seren! She’s such a great FMC, I also LOVED the audiobook! 🎧 The narration made the whole experience even more enjoyable, and I honestly think it added to how much fun I had with this book.
I loved how the mystery kept unraveling throughout the story, with new revelations keeping me invested. While I did find some of the twists predictable, others completely took me by surprise, and I really enjoyed seeing everything come together.
This is my first book by T. H. Murdock, but I absolutely loved his writing style, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of his books!
✨ Bonus: The ebook is available on Kindle Unlimited, and the audiobook is available too! 😍🎧
If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced psychological thriller that’s easy to get lost in, definitely give this one a try!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Against all odds, Seren has just won her dream home in the Cotswolds, a grand old estate called Netherham House. It couldn’t have come at a better time, as she’s burnt out after a decade of nursing, and she and her boyfriend are barely surviving paycheck to paycheck. The house is everything she ever dreamed of, even if the maintenance and taxes will be more than they were planning on. But of course, if something seems too good to be true, it generally is.
The estate comes with a cottage house that currently has a tenant – who only pays $100 a month. They’re not looking forward to ending his tenancy, but does he really expect they’ll let him stay on for free? And when Seren discovers how he’s connected to the previous estate owners, she’s afraid that her happily ever after might still be out of reach.
The story is a quick read that I plowed through in just a few sittings. It’s a bit predictable because there aren’t that many characters, so you pay extra attention to each one and what their true motivations may be. The descriptions of the estate and surrounding countryside are lovely and make you feel as though you’re right there with Seren, living the dream in your dream home. It’s the perfect story to escape into, like a modern-day fairy tale - complete with the evil beast that Seren faces down.
My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the free advance reading copy of this book.
The estate comes with a cottage house that currently has a tenant – who only pays $100 a month. They’re not looking forward to ending his tenancy, but does he really expect they’ll let him stay on for free? And when Seren discovers how he’s connected to the previous estate owners, she’s afraid that her happily ever after might still be out of reach.
The story is a quick read that I plowed through in just a few sittings. It’s a bit predictable because there aren’t that many characters, so you pay extra attention to each one and what their true motivations may be. The descriptions of the estate and surrounding countryside are lovely and make you feel as though you’re right there with Seren, living the dream in your dream home. It’s the perfect story to escape into, like a modern-day fairy tale - complete with the evil beast that Seren faces down.
My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the free advance reading copy of this book.
September 15, 2026
Seren Carter thinks she’s finally caught a break when she inherits her dream home, but the reality of Netherham House quickly turns into something much darker. Between unsettling events, a mysterious tenant and someone seemingly determined to make her question her own sanity, Seren finds herself fighting to figure out exactly what she’s walked into.
I found this one a little predictable in parts, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. Sometimes you can see where things are heading and still have a bloody good time getting there.
And while domestic thrillers are a subgenre I’m starting to get a little bit of the ick for 😅 this one absolutely delivered. It gave me that same “WOAH” feeling I remember getting when I first got back into reading and was devouring books in this genre.
I also really enjoyed Seren as an FMC. She wasn’t some ditzy woman making stupid decisions just to keep the plot moving. She felt like a true protagonist who had found herself in a genuinely shitty situation. I could actually get behind her, which made a huge difference.
The characters in general felt rich and real, rather than simply existing to serve the plot.
And then there’s the epilogue. I genuinely think it might be one of the best twists I’ve read. I did NOT see it coming, and it gave me that proper holy shit moment I’m always chasing in a thriller.
And that is ALL I’m saying about it because you need to experience it for yourself.
I found this one a little predictable in parts, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. Sometimes you can see where things are heading and still have a bloody good time getting there.
And while domestic thrillers are a subgenre I’m starting to get a little bit of the ick for 😅 this one absolutely delivered. It gave me that same “WOAH” feeling I remember getting when I first got back into reading and was devouring books in this genre.
I also really enjoyed Seren as an FMC. She wasn’t some ditzy woman making stupid decisions just to keep the plot moving. She felt like a true protagonist who had found herself in a genuinely shitty situation. I could actually get behind her, which made a huge difference.
The characters in general felt rich and real, rather than simply existing to serve the plot.
And then there’s the epilogue. I genuinely think it might be one of the best twists I’ve read. I did NOT see it coming, and it gave me that proper holy shit moment I’m always chasing in a thriller.
And that is ALL I’m saying about it because you need to experience it for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dream home, entertaining twists, and fantastic narration made this a thriller I happily enjoyed from start to finish!
Winning your dream home sounds amazing, right? Well... maybe not so much. 😂 I really enjoyed the premise of this one, and while it's definitely a milder thriller, it kept me entertained throughout.
The twists were plausible without being over-the-top, which I appreciated. I do wish the characters had a little more depth, though. Henry was easily my favorite because he was so unapologetically himself!
I do have questions, though. How were they affording to go out and throw a huge party after winning a house? Was there a cash prize I missed? Because winning a home doesn't magically fill your bank account. Or maybe it does; maybe someday I'll find out.
And can we talk about the animal guts and the shaved cat?! I would've turned that kid in SO fast, and someone would've gotten punched in the nuts for touching my cat. JUST SAYING. 🐈
The audiobook was fantastic! Elizabeth Knowelden and Alex Wyndham delivered superb performances that kept me invested in the story. Their narration really elevated the experience and made this an especially enjoyable listen.
Overall, a fun, entertaining thriller that doesn't need outrageous twists or nonstop action to hold your attention!
📖 The Dream House
✍️ T. H. Murdock
🎙️ Elizabeth Knowelden & Alex Wyndham
🎁 NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing
📅 10/16/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Winning your dream home sounds amazing, right? Well... maybe not so much. 😂 I really enjoyed the premise of this one, and while it's definitely a milder thriller, it kept me entertained throughout.
The twists were plausible without being over-the-top, which I appreciated. I do wish the characters had a little more depth, though. Henry was easily my favorite because he was so unapologetically himself!
I do have questions, though. How were they affording to go out and throw a huge party after winning a house? Was there a cash prize I missed? Because winning a home doesn't magically fill your bank account. Or maybe it does; maybe someday I'll find out.
And can we talk about the animal guts and the shaved cat?! I would've turned that kid in SO fast, and someone would've gotten punched in the nuts for touching my cat. JUST SAYING. 🐈
The audiobook was fantastic! Elizabeth Knowelden and Alex Wyndham delivered superb performances that kept me invested in the story. Their narration really elevated the experience and made this an especially enjoyable listen.
Overall, a fun, entertaining thriller that doesn't need outrageous twists or nonstop action to hold your attention!
📖 The Dream House
✍️ T. H. Murdock
🎙️ Elizabeth Knowelden & Alex Wyndham
🎁 NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing
📅 10/16/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I read the premise of the book I ignored the rest of my TBR and immediately picked it up. The synopsis grabbed my attention right away; imagine winning one of those house lotteries but the house ends up being not what you expected at all. I also think this book would make a really entertaining movie.
Highlights: I enjoyed the dual perspectives of Seren and Henry. I enjoyed the overall arc of the book and did find myself a bit surprised by the ending. The story itself was unique and unlike other thrillers I've read. I love stories that revolve around haunted/eerie old houses.
What could have been better: A faster-paced first half. I felt like it dragged on a bit at the beginning, I wasn't a big fan of the FMC as she did not seem very realistic to me / her character progression lacked depth. How, in the age of the internet, did she do zero research before packing up her life and moving into this house? It sort of felt like a short story that was watered down to meet a page count. I think more creepy events could have happened in the house to make the story more of a page turner.
Overall, it was still a fun and mostly entertaining read I'd recommend if you like Freida type books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC to review!
Highlights: I enjoyed the dual perspectives of Seren and Henry. I enjoyed the overall arc of the book and did find myself a bit surprised by the ending. The story itself was unique and unlike other thrillers I've read. I love stories that revolve around haunted/eerie old houses.
What could have been better: A faster-paced first half. I felt like it dragged on a bit at the beginning, I wasn't a big fan of the FMC as she did not seem very realistic to me / her character progression lacked depth. How, in the age of the internet, did she do zero research before packing up her life and moving into this house? It sort of felt like a short story that was watered down to meet a page count. I think more creepy events could have happened in the house to make the story more of a page turner.
Overall, it was still a fun and mostly entertaining read I'd recommend if you like Freida type books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC to review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What would you do if the life-changing prize you finally won turned out to be the thing that could ruin your life?
I read this in nearly one sitting, and I'm still thinking about it. Seren is an exhausted nurse who finally gets the grand house she never dared to dream of, and watching that dream curdle into something sinister was unsettling in the best way.
The moment that hooked me was early on, when Seren walks into Netherham House with Matt for the first time. Everything should feel like a win: the grand rooms, the grounds, the fresh start she's earned. Then they learn about Henry, the tenant in the estate cottage who has no intention of leaving, and the whole perfect day takes on a shadow. Murdock builds that sense of foreboding so well that I felt it right along with Seren, and I couldn't relax after that.
For a long time I had no idea who to trust, Henry included. I kept expecting Seren to crumble as the threats piled up. Instead she dug in, and by the end I was fully on her side. The twists kept me guessing, and I was wrong more than once.
Highly recommended for fans of domestic suspense that make you want to check your own doors and windows are locked.
My thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the early read. All views are my own.
I read this in nearly one sitting, and I'm still thinking about it. Seren is an exhausted nurse who finally gets the grand house she never dared to dream of, and watching that dream curdle into something sinister was unsettling in the best way.
The moment that hooked me was early on, when Seren walks into Netherham House with Matt for the first time. Everything should feel like a win: the grand rooms, the grounds, the fresh start she's earned. Then they learn about Henry, the tenant in the estate cottage who has no intention of leaving, and the whole perfect day takes on a shadow. Murdock builds that sense of foreboding so well that I felt it right along with Seren, and I couldn't relax after that.
For a long time I had no idea who to trust, Henry included. I kept expecting Seren to crumble as the threats piled up. Instead she dug in, and by the end I was fully on her side. The twists kept me guessing, and I was wrong more than once.
Highly recommended for fans of domestic suspense that make you want to check your own doors and windows are locked.
My thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the early read. All views are my own.
October 16, 2026
This kept me guessing throughout, and I genuinely didn’t see the twists coming! The storytelling was so playful and flowed brilliantly. I always enjoy stories told from multiple perspectives, and I loved the Dickens reference.
I actually gasped at parts! The story cleverly builds false narratives in your mind before you fully understand the characters, and I couldn’t listen fast enough to find out what was really going on!
If you haven’t read anything by Tom yet, change that soon. You won’t regret it!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to listen to this one! @netgalley @brilliancepublishing @t_h_murdock
The story
Seren can’t seem to catch a break. She’s overworked, down on her luck and short on cash, while her best friend seems to be constantly achieving her dreams and one upping her.
When Seren finally wins her dream house in a competition she’s entered countless times, she and her partner Matt move in, only to discover that money doesn’t always mean happiness.
We follow Seren as she navigates the challenges of moving, figuring out who to trust and finally feeling like things are going her way, only for everything to be turned upside down again.
#TheDreamHouse #THMurdock #BookReview #NetGalley #Audiobook
I actually gasped at parts! The story cleverly builds false narratives in your mind before you fully understand the characters, and I couldn’t listen fast enough to find out what was really going on!
If you haven’t read anything by Tom yet, change that soon. You won’t regret it!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to listen to this one! @netgalley @brilliancepublishing @t_h_murdock
The story
Seren can’t seem to catch a break. She’s overworked, down on her luck and short on cash, while her best friend seems to be constantly achieving her dreams and one upping her.
When Seren finally wins her dream house in a competition she’s entered countless times, she and her partner Matt move in, only to discover that money doesn’t always mean happiness.
We follow Seren as she navigates the challenges of moving, figuring out who to trust and finally feeling like things are going her way, only for everything to be turned upside down again.
#TheDreamHouse #THMurdock #BookReview #NetGalley #Audiobook
October 21, 2026
After his debut novel The Date was such a good read I was worried this next one would be tough to equal. Although it’s a very different read the author has stuck to short chapters and an easy to read writing style in this entertaining psychological drama.
Briefly, Seren is a nurse living in a rented flat in Cheltenham with her boyfriend Matt. Permanently in debt, in fact they met at a debt counselling session, Seren is a bit of a dreamer always thinking about a beautiful house in the country. Be careful what you wish for. When she is told she has won a dream Cotswolds House worth £3m plus cash her life is thrown into disarray. Well wouldn’t anybody’s be! But after they move in all is not coming up roses; strange incidences occurring, a sitting tenant and she starts to think of selling up.
Seren is a great character she’s a lot stronger than she originally seemed and I had her back! The story moves along like a well oiled machine but you know the chains are going to come off and they do in spectacular fashion. The house was almost a character in itself with its dark history. And whilst I did have an inkling quite early on about the person responsible for the strange happenings it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book and as for that epilogue! Brilliant!
Briefly, Seren is a nurse living in a rented flat in Cheltenham with her boyfriend Matt. Permanently in debt, in fact they met at a debt counselling session, Seren is a bit of a dreamer always thinking about a beautiful house in the country. Be careful what you wish for. When she is told she has won a dream Cotswolds House worth £3m plus cash her life is thrown into disarray. Well wouldn’t anybody’s be! But after they move in all is not coming up roses; strange incidences occurring, a sitting tenant and she starts to think of selling up.
Seren is a great character she’s a lot stronger than she originally seemed and I had her back! The story moves along like a well oiled machine but you know the chains are going to come off and they do in spectacular fashion. The house was almost a character in itself with its dark history. And whilst I did have an inkling quite early on about the person responsible for the strange happenings it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book and as for that epilogue! Brilliant!
October 28, 2026
THE DREAM HOUSE | T.H. Murdoch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finally, an audiobook I genuinely enjoyed!
Imagine winning the house of your dreams, moving in with the person you love, and thinking life couldn't possibly get any better. That's exactly how Seren feels when she and her partner, Matt, move into Netherham House.
But sometimes the dream life isn't quite what it seems. 👀
What starts as an exciting new chapter slowly turns into something much darker, with jealousy, envy, secrets, and the unsettling realization that the people closest to you aren't always who you think they are.
Was the storyline somewhat predictable? Yes. Did I have a pretty good idea where things were heading? Also yes! But you know what? I didn't care. I was entertained from beginning to end!
The audiobook kept my attention, the pacing worked for me, and I genuinely enjoyed the story.
I could absolutely picture this as one of those suspense movies you'd curl up and watch on a cozy fall Sunday afternoon, with a blanket, a glass of Pinot, and absolutely no plans to leave the couch. 🍂🍷
Final thoughts:Sometimes a thriller doesn't need a mind-blowing twist to be enjoyable. It just needs to tell a good story, and this one did exactly that!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finally, an audiobook I genuinely enjoyed!
Imagine winning the house of your dreams, moving in with the person you love, and thinking life couldn't possibly get any better. That's exactly how Seren feels when she and her partner, Matt, move into Netherham House.
But sometimes the dream life isn't quite what it seems. 👀
What starts as an exciting new chapter slowly turns into something much darker, with jealousy, envy, secrets, and the unsettling realization that the people closest to you aren't always who you think they are.
Was the storyline somewhat predictable? Yes. Did I have a pretty good idea where things were heading? Also yes! But you know what? I didn't care. I was entertained from beginning to end!
The audiobook kept my attention, the pacing worked for me, and I genuinely enjoyed the story.
I could absolutely picture this as one of those suspense movies you'd curl up and watch on a cozy fall Sunday afternoon, with a blanket, a glass of Pinot, and absolutely no plans to leave the couch. 🍂🍷
Final thoughts:Sometimes a thriller doesn't need a mind-blowing twist to be enjoyable. It just needs to tell a good story, and this one did exactly that!
October 16, 2026
How would you react if you won the Omaze house? (It’s not called Omaze in the book, but it’s the same thing!) Seren Carter reacts pretty much how I would - disbelief, followed by thinking how will I clean those chandeliers? And how much will the bills cost?
I felt like I very quickly warmed to Seren. I liked the first-person writing style, which felt like she was talking to me like a friend. I really wanted everything to work out well for her.
When she wins the countryside Manor House, her and her boyfriend Matt have been due some good luck. And she’s thrilled to finally be doing as well as her snooty friend, Iona. But it soon seems that the house has a dark history, and the unsettling addition of an unfriendly tenant on the grounds.
But all is not as it may seem, and I kept changing my allegiances as to who I trusted! There were some fantastic twists - one which made me do a full-on jaw-drop gasp, and then laugh at myself!
When everything started ramping up towards the end, I was cackling maniacally and just really enjoying how everything wrapped up!
This was such a fun read - I highly recommend if you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, John Marrs, etc.
I felt like I very quickly warmed to Seren. I liked the first-person writing style, which felt like she was talking to me like a friend. I really wanted everything to work out well for her.
When she wins the countryside Manor House, her and her boyfriend Matt have been due some good luck. And she’s thrilled to finally be doing as well as her snooty friend, Iona. But it soon seems that the house has a dark history, and the unsettling addition of an unfriendly tenant on the grounds.
But all is not as it may seem, and I kept changing my allegiances as to who I trusted! There were some fantastic twists - one which made me do a full-on jaw-drop gasp, and then laugh at myself!
When everything started ramping up towards the end, I was cackling maniacally and just really enjoying how everything wrapped up!
This was such a fun read - I highly recommend if you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, John Marrs, etc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was intrigued by the plot of The Dream House and picked it up right away to read. Seren Carter wins the lottery and moves into her dream home in the remote English countryside with her fiancé and their cat. When they move in, someone begins to harass them. Is it the gruff tenant they weren’t informed of? Or is there something more sinister afoot?
While it was an enjoyable read, the first third of the story moved at a glacial pace, and they did not even move into the dream house until a third of the way through the book.
I was able to make it through the very slow first third, because the characters were dynamic and I quite liked Seren and her inner monologue. I’m glad I stuck it out, as the remainder of the book was an enjoyable read and moved at a much faster pace.
I much preferred the suspense and mystery that began upon moving into the dream house. If T.H. Murdock had quickened the pace for the first third, it would be a five-star read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
While it was an enjoyable read, the first third of the story moved at a glacial pace, and they did not even move into the dream house until a third of the way through the book.
I was able to make it through the very slow first third, because the characters were dynamic and I quite liked Seren and her inner monologue. I’m glad I stuck it out, as the remainder of the book was an enjoyable read and moved at a much faster pace.
I much preferred the suspense and mystery that began upon moving into the dream house. If T.H. Murdock had quickened the pace for the first third, it would be a five-star read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 13, 2026
Imagine suddenly finding out that you’ve won a house. And not just any house, but an actual dream house — an incredibly atmospheric property in a picturesque neighbourhood. You excitedly start planning the move, dreaming with your boyfriend about a complete change of lifestyle… and then everything turns upside down.
But what would a story about a house be without a few secrets? This one certainly doesn’t lack them. Of course, the house has its “quirks.” Of course, things aren’t quite as perfect once you arrive.
The plot unfolds in an engaging and compelling way, with a rich, dynamic atmosphere that kept me turning the pages. And although, as an experienced reader, I guessed who the main villain was fairly early on, I still enjoyed watching the protagonist slowly put the pieces together and arrive at the truth herself.
I also really liked the ending, particularly the little philosophical reflections on luck, chance, and how our own choices shape the course of our lives.
I enjoyed this book 100%!
But what would a story about a house be without a few secrets? This one certainly doesn’t lack them. Of course, the house has its “quirks.” Of course, things aren’t quite as perfect once you arrive.
The plot unfolds in an engaging and compelling way, with a rich, dynamic atmosphere that kept me turning the pages. And although, as an experienced reader, I guessed who the main villain was fairly early on, I still enjoyed watching the protagonist slowly put the pieces together and arrive at the truth herself.
I also really liked the ending, particularly the little philosophical reflections on luck, chance, and how our own choices shape the course of our lives.
I enjoyed this book 100%!
October 1, 2026
“Seren Carter finally gets her dream home. But shortly after moving in with her partner, Matt, the threats begin. Soon, their perfect house becomes a living nightmare and Seren realizes someone wants her gone…” 😱
The moment I saw the cover and the premise, I knew this was a book I absolutely had to read!
I really enjoyed this one. The pacing was quick, so I found myself flying through the pages and finishing it in just one day. The twists didn’t quite have the impact I was hoping for, as I found some parts a little predictable. But that might also be because I read a lot of thrillers.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it didn’t completely blow me away. It was a fun, easy read with a good pace, and I think it would be a great choice for anyone who’s new to the thriller genre!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
The moment I saw the cover and the premise, I knew this was a book I absolutely had to read!
I really enjoyed this one. The pacing was quick, so I found myself flying through the pages and finishing it in just one day. The twists didn’t quite have the impact I was hoping for, as I found some parts a little predictable. But that might also be because I read a lot of thrillers.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it didn’t completely blow me away. It was a fun, easy read with a good pace, and I think it would be a great choice for anyone who’s new to the thriller genre!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
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