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Blood on the Cottage Floor
THEIR FAMILY SECRETS ARE DRENCHED IN BLOOD
The annual cottage getaway to Elm Ridge Falls should have been bliss for Amelia and her sisters. Instead, a looming threat stalks the secluded forest. Trapping them in the confines of the once tranquil vacation home.
The Barlow sisters return to the cottage with one thing in mind, escape. Escape from a secret affair, a retaliatory coworker, and an abusive partner. They were going to bask in the warmth of the summer sun, cruise along the lake, and unwind by the nightly campfires. Though, the skeletons in their closet would soon catch up to them. Unable to outrun the destructive men in their lives, a sighting of a uniquely masked individual, lurking in the shadows, taunts each of them with his mysterious presence.
When one of their family members go missing, Amelia is left to fight for her sister’s survival. One-by-one they start to fall victim to the remote wilderness. Snatched up like prey by a cunning killer. Angry and alone, Amelia seeks out her abducted family, hellbent on vengeance. The concealed killer leads her in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Uncovering secrets that were never meant to see the light of day.
The annual cottage getaway to Elm Ridge Falls should have been bliss for Amelia and her sisters. Instead, a looming threat stalks the secluded forest. Trapping them in the confines of the once tranquil vacation home.
The Barlow sisters return to the cottage with one thing in mind, escape. Escape from a secret affair, a retaliatory coworker, and an abusive partner. They were going to bask in the warmth of the summer sun, cruise along the lake, and unwind by the nightly campfires. Though, the skeletons in their closet would soon catch up to them. Unable to outrun the destructive men in their lives, a sighting of a uniquely masked individual, lurking in the shadows, taunts each of them with his mysterious presence.
When one of their family members go missing, Amelia is left to fight for her sister’s survival. One-by-one they start to fall victim to the remote wilderness. Snatched up like prey by a cunning killer. Angry and alone, Amelia seeks out her abducted family, hellbent on vengeance. The concealed killer leads her in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Uncovering secrets that were never meant to see the light of day.
- GenresHorror
348 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2026
About the author
Elle G. Keating
3 books40 followersElle G Keating is a horror author from Ontario, Canada. She is a devoted mother, who enjoys spending time with her son when she's not writing.
Her Passion for the horror genre was ignited at a young age, beginning a relentless quest to explore the darkest corners of her imagination. With a pen in hand and a head full of frightful inspiration, Elle has crafted a collection of spine-tingling short stories, hoping to transform each one into full-length novels. She composes tales that captivate and terrify, inviting readers to embrace the thrill of the unknown.
Her Passion for the horror genre was ignited at a young age, beginning a relentless quest to explore the darkest corners of her imagination. With a pen in hand and a head full of frightful inspiration, Elle has crafted a collection of spine-tingling short stories, hoping to transform each one into full-length novels. She composes tales that captivate and terrify, inviting readers to embrace the thrill of the unknown.
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July 9, 2026I had the opportunity to read an early copy of Blood on the Cottage Floor. My full review will be posted closer to the July 31 release date.
Review
Blood on the Cottage Floor sounded like it would be exactly my kind of thriller. It had family secrets, a secluded setting, danger, and a mystery with plenty of room for twists, but unfortunately, it never fully pulled me in.
The pacing was slower than I personally prefer, and it took too long for me to feel invested in either the characters or what was happening. The twist itself was good, and I could see the potential in the darker direction the story took, but by the time everything came together, I was too disconnected for it to have the impact it probably should have.
This was not a bad read, but the journey to the reveal felt too slow for me, and I never felt fully grounded in the atmosphere or emotionally connected to the characters.
I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy slower psychological thrillers, family secrets, isolated settings, and mysteries that take their time building toward the final reveal.
Review
Blood on the Cottage Floor sounded like it would be exactly my kind of thriller. It had family secrets, a secluded setting, danger, and a mystery with plenty of room for twists, but unfortunately, it never fully pulled me in.
The pacing was slower than I personally prefer, and it took too long for me to feel invested in either the characters or what was happening. The twist itself was good, and I could see the potential in the darker direction the story took, but by the time everything came together, I was too disconnected for it to have the impact it probably should have.
This was not a bad read, but the journey to the reveal felt too slow for me, and I never felt fully grounded in the atmosphere or emotionally connected to the characters.
I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy slower psychological thrillers, family secrets, isolated settings, and mysteries that take their time building toward the final reveal.
August 14, 2026
Every year the Barlow sisters escape to their family cottage at Elm Ridge Falls for a weekend away from the chaos of everyday life. But this year, their getaway takes a sinister turn. A masked figure begins stalking the property, turning their retreat into a nightmare. When one of the sisters disappears, the remaining women realize they aren't just dealing with a trespasser. Someone is hunting them.
Nothing says relaxing family vacay quite like a masked killer showing up to ruin the mood! This was a quick fun read! The isolated cottage setting, family tension, creeping paranoia and steadily escalating danger made this a great story with slasher vibes. The tension kept building, the atmosphere was creepy and once things started to go sideways, well they really went off the track! Every time I thought I had it all figured out I found myself questioning everyone again. There's something particularly fun about a thriller/slasher that makes you say, okay but who can we really trust?! I would definitely recommend it if you're a fan of slashers, isolated settings, masked killers and vacation plans gone wrong!
Thank you so much to Elle Keating for allowing me to be on your ARC team! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Nothing says relaxing family vacay quite like a masked killer showing up to ruin the mood! This was a quick fun read! The isolated cottage setting, family tension, creeping paranoia and steadily escalating danger made this a great story with slasher vibes. The tension kept building, the atmosphere was creepy and once things started to go sideways, well they really went off the track! Every time I thought I had it all figured out I found myself questioning everyone again. There's something particularly fun about a thriller/slasher that makes you say, okay but who can we really trust?! I would definitely recommend it if you're a fan of slashers, isolated settings, masked killers and vacation plans gone wrong!
Thank you so much to Elle Keating for allowing me to be on your ARC team! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Blood On The Cottage Floor” - “A nice annual cottage getaway with the family, what could possibly go wrong?”
★★★★☆
This was a great debut, giving me exactly what I bargained for! A cottage out in the woods, family drama and all the summer slasher vibes you’ll need for SummerWeen! Good twists, badass female energy and a lot of blood on the cottage floor. For anyone who likes their stories scary and isn’t afraid of some gore this is a must read!
★★★★☆
This was a great debut, giving me exactly what I bargained for! A cottage out in the woods, family drama and all the summer slasher vibes you’ll need for SummerWeen! Good twists, badass female energy and a lot of blood on the cottage floor. For anyone who likes their stories scary and isn’t afraid of some gore this is a must read!
July 3, 2026
Keating’s debut was a lot of fun. I don’t usually read slashers but this has everything you could want and more. I wasn’t expecting crazy twists and they actually caught me off guard so I was quite impressed. The story is really well set up in the first third and made me care for the characters. Great end game and set up perfectly for the sequel.
May 12, 2026
This was an intense twisted thriller, slasher that I couldn’t put down!
This story played out like a movie in my head as I read it. I had some suspicions but it was more than I could have imagined.
I don’t want to say too much to spoil the story, so if you enjoy thriller slasher vibes that keep you guessing, I highly recommend.
Be warned there’s much visceral carnage.
Thank you so much Elle for the early copy, I look forward to seeing what comes next
This story played out like a movie in my head as I read it. I had some suspicions but it was more than I could have imagined.
I don’t want to say too much to spoil the story, so if you enjoy thriller slasher vibes that keep you guessing, I highly recommend.
Be warned there’s much visceral carnage.
Thank you so much Elle for the early copy, I look forward to seeing what comes next
May 23, 2026
5 stars - Blood on the Cottage Floor absolutely hooked me from the very first chapter.
This book does not ease you into a peaceful summer retreat before things go wrong. Right out of the gate, we’re introduced to each of the Barlow sisters alongside the toxic, manipulative, and outright dangerous men in their lives. Every one of them feels capable of being the ultimate villain of the story, which creates this constant sense of distrust and tension that never lets up.
The rotating perspectives between the sisters move fast, almost as fast as Twisted Sister playing “Tear It Loose” off Under the Blade, but the story never loses focus. Instead, each chapter peels back another layer of the characters, their trauma, and the secrets hiding beneath the surface. The deeper the story goes, the more invested you become in every sister and every horrifying revelation.
What impressed me most was how the book balances its twists with the moment-to-moment tension. The secrets buried in this story run deep, and while the payoff is incredible, the journey getting there is just as engaging. You’re never simply waiting for the next reveal because every chapter feels important, suspenseful, and emotionally charged.
And that ending? I was glad to see that Elle G. Keating did not disappoint in giving readers exactly what we were hoping for by that point in the story. The payoff felt earned, satisfying, and left me immediately wanting more. Now that I know we’ll be getting a sequel, I genuinely can’t wait to see what Elle comes up with next.
This book does not ease you into a peaceful summer retreat before things go wrong. Right out of the gate, we’re introduced to each of the Barlow sisters alongside the toxic, manipulative, and outright dangerous men in their lives. Every one of them feels capable of being the ultimate villain of the story, which creates this constant sense of distrust and tension that never lets up.
The rotating perspectives between the sisters move fast, almost as fast as Twisted Sister playing “Tear It Loose” off Under the Blade, but the story never loses focus. Instead, each chapter peels back another layer of the characters, their trauma, and the secrets hiding beneath the surface. The deeper the story goes, the more invested you become in every sister and every horrifying revelation.
What impressed me most was how the book balances its twists with the moment-to-moment tension. The secrets buried in this story run deep, and while the payoff is incredible, the journey getting there is just as engaging. You’re never simply waiting for the next reveal because every chapter feels important, suspenseful, and emotionally charged.
And that ending? I was glad to see that Elle G. Keating did not disappoint in giving readers exactly what we were hoping for by that point in the story. The payoff felt earned, satisfying, and left me immediately wanting more. Now that I know we’ll be getting a sequel, I genuinely can’t wait to see what Elle comes up with next.
August 6, 2026
Okay, so this is going to one of my more emotional reviews, just letting you know. OMG THIS BOOK FLOORED ME!!! I LOVE THE SISTERS SO MUCH AND THE SUSPENSE HAD MY BLOOD PRESSURE THROUGH THE ROOF! I READ 150 PAGES IN ONE SITTING! I would like to point out that the ending is not a sappy, happily ever after ending, not by a long shot. But it was a badass, I'm so proud of you girl type of ending that although is sad it leaves you feeling hopeful. At least a little bit hopeful through the devastation. Anyway, I 100% recommend this book.
August 5, 2026
ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴛʀɪᴘ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀʙɪɴ ʜᴀꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ʜᴇʟʟ… 🩸
The Barlow family’s annual cottage getaway takes a sinister turn as something watches them from the forest. But will it be the killer or their own secrets that come to claim them first?
What a ride this book is! Drenched in blood, revenge, and gore, Blood on the Cottage Floor is unapologetically overflowing with feminine rage from the very first line!
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘨𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.”
This book is a commentary on the brutality of violence against women. I specifically appreciated the inclusion of the bear metaphor made quite literal. But beyond that it lends commentary to the corruption leaking throughout society, ultimately culminating in an oh-so-satisfying, oh-so-bloody finale.
“𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴.”
A story of sisters turned final girls. Ones who don’t just survive… they fight back.
The Barlow family’s annual cottage getaway takes a sinister turn as something watches them from the forest. But will it be the killer or their own secrets that come to claim them first?
What a ride this book is! Drenched in blood, revenge, and gore, Blood on the Cottage Floor is unapologetically overflowing with feminine rage from the very first line!
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘨𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.”
This book is a commentary on the brutality of violence against women. I specifically appreciated the inclusion of the bear metaphor made quite literal. But beyond that it lends commentary to the corruption leaking throughout society, ultimately culminating in an oh-so-satisfying, oh-so-bloody finale.
“𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴.”
A story of sisters turned final girls. Ones who don’t just survive… they fight back.
August 3, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟I now declare Elle G. Keating the Queen of Canadian Horror!!
Wow, what a ride this was! Keating knows how to write such nuanced characters and she especially knows how to write an AMAZING protagonist!! Once the terror starts, it doesn't stop!
Amelia was an absolutely amazing character, and from the beginning, she is someone that you root for. She doesn't take any disrespect from anyone, and that is evident in her backstory! And from the moment she realized who the attacker was, I couldn't put the book down - I absolutely HAD to keep going and see what happens!!
If I could give this more than 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 on here, I absolutely would! Great job, Elle! You've written a true thrill ride into horror and I was all here for it! I can't wait to see what you do next!
Wow, what a ride this was! Keating knows how to write such nuanced characters and she especially knows how to write an AMAZING protagonist!! Once the terror starts, it doesn't stop!
Amelia was an absolutely amazing character, and from the beginning, she is someone that you root for. She doesn't take any disrespect from anyone, and that is evident in her backstory! And from the moment she realized who the attacker was, I couldn't put the book down - I absolutely HAD to keep going and see what happens!!
If I could give this more than 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 on here, I absolutely would! Great job, Elle! You've written a true thrill ride into horror and I was all here for it! I can't wait to see what you do next!
September 20, 2026
Blood on the Cottage Floor was an okay read for me. Thrillers aren’t usually my thing, and the focus on family secrets and drawn-out suspense probably explains some of my lukewarm reaction. There’s a masked killer and plenty of blood, but the family drama takes up a lot of room. Once the action picks up, things move along, but the violence and reveals weren’t enough to make this particularly memorable for me. I didn’t hate it; I just finished without much to say about it.
July 7, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️ Thank you to the author and book funnel for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a huge horror fan and I love slashers…this book did not disappoint! I devoured it! The setting is remote, the characters are great (you love and hate some…loved the Karma for one character I despised), and the plot was fast paced. I literally couldn’t put it down…I had to know what happened and who was behind it. There were many great plot twists and only one I thought was a bit predictable. This kind of story would make an excellent horror movie, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats!
Overall an awesome read and can’t wait for the next one!
I’m a huge horror fan and I love slashers…this book did not disappoint! I devoured it! The setting is remote, the characters are great (you love and hate some…loved the Karma for one character I despised), and the plot was fast paced. I literally couldn’t put it down…I had to know what happened and who was behind it. There were many great plot twists and only one I thought was a bit predictable. This kind of story would make an excellent horror movie, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats!
Overall an awesome read and can’t wait for the next one!
June 27, 2026
✨What starts as a weekend away for Amelia Barlow and her sisters turns into a weekend from hell in this new summer slasher from Elle G. Keating. 🔪🩸. ✨
Right off the bat we know that Amelia is hiding something, but when we get to the cottage we realize that she isn’t the only one.
At one point I found myself saying “no way, that’s too much”, but then by the end of the book I was actively avoiding real life responsibilities to keep reading.
I feel like if this was a movie, the dad absolutely needs to be played by the dad in GET OUT. No one else would make sense.
If you’re into family drama, masked intruders, and like, a lot of gore and machetes, check out Blood On The Cottage Floor releasing July 31st!! 🔪🩸
Right off the bat we know that Amelia is hiding something, but when we get to the cottage we realize that she isn’t the only one.
At one point I found myself saying “no way, that’s too much”, but then by the end of the book I was actively avoiding real life responsibilities to keep reading.
I feel like if this was a movie, the dad absolutely needs to be played by the dad in GET OUT. No one else would make sense.
If you’re into family drama, masked intruders, and like, a lot of gore and machetes, check out Blood On The Cottage Floor releasing July 31st!! 🔪🩸
June 23, 2026
What a roller coaster ride WOW!
I was so invested in the story and couldn’t wait to turn the page to see what was going to happen next. Never a dull moment in this one. So much happens in these 300 pages and it’s nonstop from start to finish. Cannot wait for the sequel!!!
I was so invested in the story and couldn’t wait to turn the page to see what was going to happen next. Never a dull moment in this one. So much happens in these 300 pages and it’s nonstop from start to finish. Cannot wait for the sequel!!!
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May 20, 2026The Barlow family are ready for their annual cottage getaway in secluded Elm Ridge Falls. Anthony, the patriarch, is a wealthy businessman, and the cottage is as luxurious as it gets. Cheryl, the mother, and their three adult daughters are all coming along. Maggie, the oldest, is eight months pregnant. Chloe, the youngest is trying to escape her abusive ex-boyfriend. Amelia, the middle child, is all business and daddy’s good girl.
The family vacation is short lived. In town, they come across missing posters of girls from the area. Strange noises start echoing through the surrounding woods. Are they being watched? Is it a bear? A man? Something is lurking out there, and one of the sisters starts receiving threatening text messages. Soon, old secrets and ugly truths claw their way to the surface.
This story was fast-paced from the start. I was hooked right away. Then it settles into more of a murder mystery atmosphere, where you’re trying to piece together who did what. I enjoyed the story underneath the horror: sisterhood, family dysfunction, buried trauma, and how the past can catch up with you no matter how hard you try to break away from it.
Keating writes women with claws. Not perfect women. Real women. Women capable of surviving terrible things and becoming terrible things in return.
I love horror that lets women go feral.
This was my first Keating read, but it will not be my last. She writes women in a way that I love to read. Thank you so much for sendiing me an ARC.
Blood on the Cottage Floor drops on July 31.
I recommend you make this your holiday read for 2026.
-Vibeke 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wild ride! I originally had a thought of who was doing what but then talked myself out of it with every twist and turn. I love trying to figure out who the bad guys are so I really enjoyed this. I also loved the overall trope of this book and reading the author's interests at the end make the whole vibe of the story and Amelia make total sense. I also really liked that the perspective shifted between the sisters a bit, while still feeling like it was mainly Amelia's story. I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 23, 2026
When Amelia and her family head to their cottage in the woods they don’t realise that there is more ahead of them than a relaxing weekend…
A perfect summer slasher, full of twists & turns, blood & guts and bad ass women!
A perfect summer slasher, full of twists & turns, blood & guts and bad ass women!
October 5, 2026
Blood on the Cottage Floor is a very fun, bloody slasher with masked assailants, secluded cabin in the woods setting, brimming with mystery and feminine rage.
It took a little bit to get to the action, and was slower paced, particularly in the first half. I felt it tried to offer insight into the three sisters to place them as equal protagonists, but there was a clear main character and I feel the insight we got, particularly for the potential perpetrators and personal conflict, could've and was obtained through MC's perspective.
I found it a little odd when the sister's POV would refer to their parents by first name when they called them by the traditional mom/dad. I also felt some characters were more fleshed out than others, making some plot points later more obvious or caricature.
I always enjoy feminine rage, the scream queens fighting back, however some of it felt unearned in a Mary Sue-esque fashion with how exactly MC got so badass? A mention of a shooting range and hitting a deer wasn't really sufficient, though I was mostly happy to suspend belief and revel in the revenge.
There were lots of horror movie references, which I won't list to avoid any potential spoilers, and I enjoyed all the blood and gore (though would've happily had more!).
Overall, a fun enjoyable slasher! Thank you to IndieTron for the ARC.
It took a little bit to get to the action, and was slower paced, particularly in the first half. I felt it tried to offer insight into the three sisters to place them as equal protagonists, but there was a clear main character and I feel the insight we got, particularly for the potential perpetrators and personal conflict, could've and was obtained through MC's perspective.
I found it a little odd when the sister's POV would refer to their parents by first name when they called them by the traditional mom/dad. I also felt some characters were more fleshed out than others, making some plot points later more obvious or caricature.
I always enjoy feminine rage, the scream queens fighting back, however some of it felt unearned in a Mary Sue-esque fashion with how exactly MC got so badass? A mention of a shooting range and hitting a deer wasn't really sufficient, though I was mostly happy to suspend belief and revel in the revenge.
There were lots of horror movie references, which I won't list to avoid any potential spoilers, and I enjoyed all the blood and gore (though would've happily had more!).
Overall, a fun enjoyable slasher! Thank you to IndieTron for the ARC.
July 18, 2026
Absolute Slasher Perfection!
Elle Keating completely knocked it out of the park with Blood on the Cottage Floor! If you are a fan of classic slasher horror mixed with modern, unapologetic energy, you need to pick this up immediately.
The pacing was relentless, the tension was through the roof, and the atmospheric cottage setting served as the perfect backdrop for total chaos. I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t flip them fast enough.
What truly elevated this book for me was the incredible cast of kick-ass female characters. They weren't just helpless tropes waiting around to be rescued; they were fierce, smart, and fought back with everything they had. Watching them take charge and face the horror head-on was easily my favorite part of the entire ride.
It is bloody, thrilling, empowering, and everything a horror fan could possibly want. Five stars aren't enough!
Elle Keating completely knocked it out of the park with Blood on the Cottage Floor! If you are a fan of classic slasher horror mixed with modern, unapologetic energy, you need to pick this up immediately.
The pacing was relentless, the tension was through the roof, and the atmospheric cottage setting served as the perfect backdrop for total chaos. I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t flip them fast enough.
What truly elevated this book for me was the incredible cast of kick-ass female characters. They weren't just helpless tropes waiting around to be rescued; they were fierce, smart, and fought back with everything they had. Watching them take charge and face the horror head-on was easily my favorite part of the entire ride.
It is bloody, thrilling, empowering, and everything a horror fan could possibly want. Five stars aren't enough!
September 21, 2026
This is a great read for the early Autumn, where its still warm but starting to get that chill in the air. This is very slow starting, at first reading more like a thriller or messed up family drama – not an insult it’s very entertaining. Keating draws the line between symapthetic and unlikable really well. In one scene, I’ll like a character and the next I’m reminded how unlikable they are. Don’t get me wrong, they aren’t the most unlikable characters ever, quite often I really empthasied with them, but their attitudes were something else. Overall, I really enjoyed this and I’m waiting on the sequel to come in 2027, I’m excited to see what happens to the characters, how they develop and what new threats they will face.
You can read my full thoughts and opinions here: Bee Reads Horror Blog
You can read my full thoughts and opinions here: Bee Reads Horror Blog
July 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a twisty turny thriller that kept me guessing! I had my suspicions about the main twist, and I was halfway there. This book was packed with action and didn’t let up until the very end.
There were some elements that fell a bit flat for me writing-wise. I think this needs another pass from an editor to keep track of consistency, whether it’s if someone is sitting or standing, what location we’re at, who is speaking/narrating, and consistencies that are true to the location. For example, there are no grizzly bears in Michigan. Stuff like that takes me out of the story and can be confusing, making me stop and go, “wait, where are we? What’s happening??”
However, this was a KILLER start! With a solid round of edits, this could be incredibly spectacular. The story is GOOD, I think it just needs a tune up from an editor.
Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy!
This was a twisty turny thriller that kept me guessing! I had my suspicions about the main twist, and I was halfway there. This book was packed with action and didn’t let up until the very end.
There were some elements that fell a bit flat for me writing-wise. I think this needs another pass from an editor to keep track of consistency, whether it’s if someone is sitting or standing, what location we’re at, who is speaking/narrating, and consistencies that are true to the location. For example, there are no grizzly bears in Michigan. Stuff like that takes me out of the story and can be confusing, making me stop and go, “wait, where are we? What’s happening??”
However, this was a KILLER start! With a solid round of edits, this could be incredibly spectacular. The story is GOOD, I think it just needs a tune up from an editor.
Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy!
July 31, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am hiding this under a spoiler tab because I plan to edit my review to lean more spoil-filled once the book has been out for a few weeks.
This book is a twisty, gory, and entertaining ride! I went into it expecting more of a standard slasher, and while it has some of those elements, it leans much more as thriller-horror.
One of my favorite aspects was the gore. There are several scenes that get surprisingly bloody and graphic. Personally, wish the book had leaned even further into the gore! All of the little call-outs to various horror movies were fun to spot along the way. I also, for the most part, enjoyed Amelia as the main character. She gets some great moments to shine, along with plenty of gory fun.
While I had an overall good time reading this, a few things kept me from rating it higher. Some of the twists felt a little too predictable. That said, I still enjoyed trying to piece them together and seeing if my guesses were right. I also felt some of the antagonists leaned a bit too heavily into being evil simply for the sake of being evil for my personal tastes.
Overall, I still had a fun time reading this. I noticed there's already a sequel in the works, and I'd definitely be interested in seeing where the story goes, even if not every aspect of the plot worked 100% for me. Once again thank you to Elle G. Keating for sending me an arc of the book !
This book is a twisty, gory, and entertaining ride! I went into it expecting more of a standard slasher, and while it has some of those elements, it leans much more as thriller-horror.
One of my favorite aspects was the gore. There are several scenes that get surprisingly bloody and graphic. Personally, wish the book had leaned even further into the gore! All of the little call-outs to various horror movies were fun to spot along the way. I also, for the most part, enjoyed Amelia as the main character. She gets some great moments to shine, along with plenty of gory fun.
While I had an overall good time reading this, a few things kept me from rating it higher. Some of the twists felt a little too predictable. That said, I still enjoyed trying to piece them together and seeing if my guesses were right. I also felt some of the antagonists leaned a bit too heavily into being evil simply for the sake of being evil for my personal tastes.
Overall, I still had a fun time reading this. I noticed there's already a sequel in the works, and I'd definitely be interested in seeing where the story goes, even if not every aspect of the plot worked 100% for me. Once again thank you to Elle G. Keating for sending me an arc of the book !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2026
I had the honor of being able to receive an arc of Blood on the Cottage Floor and let me tell ya, it checked every box! This book was filled with juicy, bloody goodness that had my jaw on the floor. The family dynamic was messy af but I just saw so much of myself in Amelia. She has got to be one of my favorite MC’s I’ve read about in a while! The story had awesome pacing but when the book hit 70%, it got crazier than I ever expected. It was nonstop destruction and I gobbled up every damn word 😍 So if you love bad ass female leads, revenge, and absolute chaos, this one is for you!
Thank you so much Elle for giving me a chance to read this bad ass book! 🥰
Thank you so much Elle for giving me a chance to read this bad ass book! 🥰
September 6, 2026
Feminine rage. Love it. This book was great. Beautiful writing, realistic relationships and so much betrayal and gore lmfao.
I loved Amelia and I grew to love Maggie too. Their strength and ability to not cower to men was amazing. Hard not to feel there is a bit of truth to this as we all have those crazy conspiracy theories about billionaires.....fucking old rich men, the world would be a better place without billionaires.
I would have given this five stars but I knew all along who the bad guy was, didn't know in what capacity but yeah I wasn't surprised.
Overall a great read. Fantastic characters and realistic dialogue.
Highly recommend
I loved Amelia and I grew to love Maggie too. Their strength and ability to not cower to men was amazing. Hard not to feel there is a bit of truth to this as we all have those crazy conspiracy theories about billionaires.....fucking old rich men, the world would be a better place without billionaires.
I would have given this five stars but I knew all along who the bad guy was, didn't know in what capacity but yeah I wasn't surprised.
Overall a great read. Fantastic characters and realistic dialogue.
Highly recommend
July 17, 2026
This book takes place amongst all the trauma and drama of the Barlow family’s cottage weekend. Between the family issues, personal struggles, and all the small-town drama, I genuinely had no idea where this story was going to take me.
By the end, I definitely did not expect the twist that was in store for us! I could not put this book down because I needed to know whose trauma was at the centre of the horrible weekend this family was experiencing.
This story did not disappoint. It was an action-packed thriller with a strong woman who refuses to let her circumstances define her. I loved watching everything come together, and the ending made the journey completely worth it.
I highly recommend picking this one up. It’s a fantastic, quick summer read that will keep you glued till the end.
By the end, I definitely did not expect the twist that was in store for us! I could not put this book down because I needed to know whose trauma was at the centre of the horrible weekend this family was experiencing.
This story did not disappoint. It was an action-packed thriller with a strong woman who refuses to let her circumstances define her. I loved watching everything come together, and the ending made the journey completely worth it.
I highly recommend picking this one up. It’s a fantastic, quick summer read that will keep you glued till the end.
September 16, 2026
Review in exchange of a free copy courtesy of Indie-Tron.
Wow. This was an initially slow burning thriller into a fast paced showdown.
I love a mystery when the reveal makes sense, when you can see all the seeds planted along the way that you maybe overlooked at the time.
There were a few scenes that made me cringe (I really hate stuff about teeth 🤢) but it was very well done.
I believe from the ebook there will be a sequel, and I'd be very interested to see what happens.
Wow. This was an initially slow burning thriller into a fast paced showdown.
I love a mystery when the reveal makes sense, when you can see all the seeds planted along the way that you maybe overlooked at the time.
There were a few scenes that made me cringe (I really hate stuff about teeth 🤢) but it was very well done.
I believe from the ebook there will be a sequel, and I'd be very interested to see what happens.
September 25, 2026
I love myself a slasher movie, and this book reminded me of 3 of my favourites; You’re Next, The Collector, and a little dash of Scream
My only meh point, she’s a little too slow in the pacing for me
I loved how rich, complex and well developed the three sisters in this book are, they’re so distinct in their own ways, but undeniably are sisters ♥️
My only meh point, she’s a little too slow in the pacing for me
I loved how rich, complex and well developed the three sisters in this book are, they’re so distinct in their own ways, but undeniably are sisters ♥️
September 4, 2026
A family takes their annual vacation to their cottage. What starts as a fun and relaxing stay on the lake, quickly turns into a bloody nightmare. When the family sees a mysterious figure stalking through the woods and one of them goes missing they realize their hell has just begun. A great, dark, gory read with strong females. Don't read this one in the dark!!
October 19, 2026
Full review out soon
June 23, 2026
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I went into it expecting a slasher, and while I definitely got the slasher, I also got a story that had me way more invested in the characters than I expected.
The whole cottage setting is perfect for this kind of horror. There’s something about being surrounded by woods, miles away from everything, where you already know things are about to go horribly wrong. The tension starts building pretty early, and once things really get going, this book does NOT let up.
I also really liked Amelia. She felt like an actual person instead of just someone waiting around to become the next victim, and I was genuinely invested in what happened to her and her sisters.
And the killer? Absolutely not. I was constantly trying to figure out who I could trust and whether I was picking up on the right clues. Every time I thought I had things figured out, I started questioning myself again.
There were also some genuinely brutal moments. When the gore hits, it HITS. I definitely had a few “oh, that is disgusting” moments, but obviously I kept reading because apparently I have no self-preservation either.
I really liked the combination of family drama, secrets, mystery, and straight up slasher horror. It made the story feel like more than just people running through the woods trying not to get murdered.
This was tense, creepy, bloody, and so much fun. I flew through it, and by the end I was completely invested in finding out who was behind everything.
Another reminder that going on a relaxing family vacation is apparently never a good idea.
The whole cottage setting is perfect for this kind of horror. There’s something about being surrounded by woods, miles away from everything, where you already know things are about to go horribly wrong. The tension starts building pretty early, and once things really get going, this book does NOT let up.
I also really liked Amelia. She felt like an actual person instead of just someone waiting around to become the next victim, and I was genuinely invested in what happened to her and her sisters.
And the killer? Absolutely not. I was constantly trying to figure out who I could trust and whether I was picking up on the right clues. Every time I thought I had things figured out, I started questioning myself again.
There were also some genuinely brutal moments. When the gore hits, it HITS. I definitely had a few “oh, that is disgusting” moments, but obviously I kept reading because apparently I have no self-preservation either.
I really liked the combination of family drama, secrets, mystery, and straight up slasher horror. It made the story feel like more than just people running through the woods trying not to get murdered.
This was tense, creepy, bloody, and so much fun. I flew through it, and by the end I was completely invested in finding out who was behind everything.
Another reminder that going on a relaxing family vacation is apparently never a good idea.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A relaxing family vacation turns deadly and utterly messed up.
I could see this book playing out like a movie where everyone is "happy" at the vacation spot with hidden secrets and a man in a hood appearing at different times. It very much gave me the 90s slasher vibes.
For me the book did drag a little bit there was so much emphasis placed on making sure you feel the eeriness of the whole situation that the ending kind of felt lost in it all. It was a little predictable but also it happened way too quick for me.
However i do like the authors writing style and for my first slasher book, this was a good start to my slasher journey.
For my slasher lovers there is plenty of moments in this book that you would enjoy and gasp at.
I could see this book playing out like a movie where everyone is "happy" at the vacation spot with hidden secrets and a man in a hood appearing at different times. It very much gave me the 90s slasher vibes.
For me the book did drag a little bit there was so much emphasis placed on making sure you feel the eeriness of the whole situation that the ending kind of felt lost in it all. It was a little predictable but also it happened way too quick for me.
However i do like the authors writing style and for my first slasher book, this was a good start to my slasher journey.
For my slasher lovers there is plenty of moments in this book that you would enjoy and gasp at.
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