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Heat Trap: A Short Story
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26A vacation in the French countryside turns sinister in a twisty short story of manipulation and revenge among friends.
Yet again, Lizzie has taken on the task of organising the annual summer getaway in France for her longtime friend group. After all, she’s got the time: The others are married, with families and high-powered jobs, while Lizzie is a perpetually single personal assistant. This year, though, she’s excited to show off her charming new boyfriend, Mal. While the holiday group chat buzzes with questions for Lizzie, Mal stays quiet, but once they gather at the château, he’s all charisma—even as dangerous mishaps begin to mount. The guests begin to realise that one of their number has his or her own sinister reasons for joining this year’s trip.
Yet again, Lizzie has taken on the task of organising the annual summer getaway in France for her longtime friend group. After all, she’s got the time: The others are married, with families and high-powered jobs, while Lizzie is a perpetually single personal assistant. This year, though, she’s excited to show off her charming new boyfriend, Mal. While the holiday group chat buzzes with questions for Lizzie, Mal stays quiet, but once they gather at the château, he’s all charisma—even as dangerous mishaps begin to mount. The guests begin to realise that one of their number has his or her own sinister reasons for joining this year’s trip.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
Ellery Lloyd
9 books1,299 followersEllery Lloyd is the pseudonym for New York Times Bestselling husband-and-wife writing team Collette Lyons and Paul Vlitos.
Collette is a journalist and editor, the former content director of Elle (UK) and editorial director at Soho House. She has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, and the Sunday Times.
Paul is the author of two previous novels, Welcome to the Working Week and Every Day is Like Sunday. He is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Greenwich.
Collette is a journalist and editor, the former content director of Elle (UK) and editorial director at Soho House. She has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, and the Sunday Times.
Paul is the author of two previous novels, Welcome to the Working Week and Every Day is Like Sunday. He is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Greenwich.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 5, 2026
Ok guys…funny story real quick. I signed up for this ARC without reading the blurb. Now, that can be a dangerous thing to do, but was it worth it this time? Absolutely. It made the book all the more interesting and I was definitely caught off guard a few times because of it.
Imagine this….a bunch of friends getting together for a week of the summer. No biggie. It’ll be fun! That’s how it’s supposed to go anyway. Did it happen that way? Why no, no it didn’t. That would’ve made the story boring. Some kind of twist had to be thrown in there to keep it interesting.
𝑳𝒊𝙯𝒛𝗶𝒆:
My poor girl. She is just trying to get together with all her childhood friends and have a good time. Is it really that difficult?? Hehe….yes. It is difficult when you have a dumb ole guy trying to ruin everything 😒
𝑴𝒂𝒍:
Oh he made me angry. What a poopoo bum breath. He just had to go and try to ruin everything.
Yeah, well guess what mister, jokes on you cause you aren’t as good at hiding your true identity as you thought 😈
Shoutout to 𝘈𝘳𝘫𝘶𝘯. I loved him so much! He’s like that one big brother you get attached to while reading. I appreciated how protective he was when it came to the girls in the friend group. Also, how observant he was. He definitely is one of the main ones who figured things out and it probably saved a few people’s lives🙂↕️
I loved the different POV’s from the characters. It really helped me get to know how they worked and what they were thinking. Their characters had such individuality and uniqueness. I need to see more of that in books🙌🏻🙌🏻
𝑨𝒍𝒔𝒐, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒈 𝑩𝒐𝒃?!? 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒏?
Overall: This was surprisingly very interesting. When you read a novella, sometimes you expect it to be shallow with a silly plot. Not this one though! It kept me hooked till the end🙂↕️
𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 —> 🌶️
𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 —> yes
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ ♡ ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮:) 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣!
Imagine this….a bunch of friends getting together for a week of the summer. No biggie. It’ll be fun! That’s how it’s supposed to go anyway. Did it happen that way? Why no, no it didn’t. That would’ve made the story boring. Some kind of twist had to be thrown in there to keep it interesting.
𝑳𝒊𝙯𝒛𝗶𝒆:
My poor girl. She is just trying to get together with all her childhood friends and have a good time. Is it really that difficult?? Hehe….yes. It is difficult when you have a dumb ole guy trying to ruin everything 😒
𝑴𝒂𝒍:
Oh he made me angry. What a poopoo bum breath. He just had to go and try to ruin everything.
Yeah, well guess what mister, jokes on you cause you aren’t as good at hiding your true identity as you thought 😈
Shoutout to 𝘈𝘳𝘫𝘶𝘯. I loved him so much! He’s like that one big brother you get attached to while reading. I appreciated how protective he was when it came to the girls in the friend group. Also, how observant he was. He definitely is one of the main ones who figured things out and it probably saved a few people’s lives🙂↕️
I loved the different POV’s from the characters. It really helped me get to know how they worked and what they were thinking. Their characters had such individuality and uniqueness. I need to see more of that in books🙌🏻🙌🏻
𝑨𝒍𝒔𝒐, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒈 𝑩𝒐𝒃?!? 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒏?
Overall: This was surprisingly very interesting. When you read a novella, sometimes you expect it to be shallow with a silly plot. Not this one though! It kept me hooked till the end🙂↕️
𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 —> 🌶️
𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 —> yes
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ ♡ ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮:) 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣!
July 12, 2026
I was immediately drawn to Heat Trap because morally grey characters with a grifter angle are very much my thing, and Ellery Lloyd delivered exactly the kind of tension I was hoping for.
Being a short story, this was fast-paced enough to read in a single sitting and made for an entertaining palate cleanser between longer books. The premise hooked me straight away and I enjoyed seeing it unfold, even if I found myself wishing there had been a few more chapters to spend with these characters and let the story breathe a little more. I definitely would have happily stayed in this world longer.
3.5⭐️
Being a short story, this was fast-paced enough to read in a single sitting and made for an entertaining palate cleanser between longer books. The premise hooked me straight away and I enjoyed seeing it unfold, even if I found myself wishing there had been a few more chapters to spend with these characters and let the story breathe a little more. I definitely would have happily stayed in this world longer.
3.5⭐️
June 24, 2026
Lizzie takes her friends and new boyfriend to her bosses’ house and pretends it’s an AirBnB. What could go wrong? Surprisingly in just 80 pages, a lot can go wrong. Heat Trap is a fun little mystery. I recommend for a nice palette cleanser between books.
June 29, 2026
This was really boring. When I pick up thriller short stories, I expect them to be fast-paced and engaging, but this fell flat in both regards. All of the characters were one-dimensional and any one of them could have been removed from the story for the same general result. I just didn’t care about any of it and none of it was thrilling.
Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You just know somebody has made a terrible decision before the holiday even starts. Everyone's happily chatting away in the group text, packing swimsuits and wine, while Lizzie is quietly balancing a lie that's way too big to fit in a carry-on. Then she shows up with a brand-new boyfriend that nobody has met before, and I immediately became the friend in the corner whispering, "I don't trust that man. I don't even know why yet, but I don't."
Poor Lizzie has the energy of someone who desperately wants everyone to have a lovely time. She's the planner. The organizer. The one making sure everyone has bedrooms and dinner reservations while accidentally inviting absolute chaos into the château. Meanwhile Mal strolls in being charming enough that everyone else is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. I was not. If someone is that smooth in a thriller, I'm already checking where the exits are.
I actually loved the friend group. They felt like people who've known each other long enough to finish each other's sentences and occasionally annoy each other without it turning into World War III. Everyone has their own stuff going on, little secrets, little insecurities, little relationship drama. It felt like crashing someone else's annual vacation where you're pretending not to eavesdrop but absolutely hearing everything.
I was a little lost at the beginning because there are a lot of moving pieces for such a short story. I kept thinking I'd accidentally skipped a chapter somewhere. Then once everyone settled into place, it became one of those reads where every conversation made me squint a little harder. Nobody seemed to be telling the whole truth, which is exactly how I like my vacation thrillers.
The French countryside honestly felt like it was judging everyone. Gorgeous scenery, beautiful château, amazing food... and underneath all of it was that uncomfortable feeling that somebody showed up with an entirely different itinerary than the rest of the group. It had that wonderful thriller quality where even normal conversations start sounding suspicious after a while.
I did wish this had been a full-length novel because I would've happily spent another couple hundred pages with these people while everything unraveled. Just when I felt like I had everyone's number, the story was already sprinting toward the finish line. Thankfully, the ending absolutely stuck the landing, and I closed the book thinking, "Well...that escalated exactly the way I hoped it would."
This was a fun 3.5-star read for me. Not every Amazon Original completely lands for me, but they continue to be ridiculously entertaining little palate cleansers, and this one reminded me why I keep grabbing every thriller they release.
Whodunity Award: For Making "Meet My New Boyfriend" Sound Like the Most Threatening Sentence in the French Countryside
And thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the ARC. Next time someone tells me they're taking their closest friends to a gorgeous château they definitely booked legitimately, I'll be checking the booking confirmation before I pack my suitcase.
Poor Lizzie has the energy of someone who desperately wants everyone to have a lovely time. She's the planner. The organizer. The one making sure everyone has bedrooms and dinner reservations while accidentally inviting absolute chaos into the château. Meanwhile Mal strolls in being charming enough that everyone else is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. I was not. If someone is that smooth in a thriller, I'm already checking where the exits are.
I actually loved the friend group. They felt like people who've known each other long enough to finish each other's sentences and occasionally annoy each other without it turning into World War III. Everyone has their own stuff going on, little secrets, little insecurities, little relationship drama. It felt like crashing someone else's annual vacation where you're pretending not to eavesdrop but absolutely hearing everything.
I was a little lost at the beginning because there are a lot of moving pieces for such a short story. I kept thinking I'd accidentally skipped a chapter somewhere. Then once everyone settled into place, it became one of those reads where every conversation made me squint a little harder. Nobody seemed to be telling the whole truth, which is exactly how I like my vacation thrillers.
The French countryside honestly felt like it was judging everyone. Gorgeous scenery, beautiful château, amazing food... and underneath all of it was that uncomfortable feeling that somebody showed up with an entirely different itinerary than the rest of the group. It had that wonderful thriller quality where even normal conversations start sounding suspicious after a while.
I did wish this had been a full-length novel because I would've happily spent another couple hundred pages with these people while everything unraveled. Just when I felt like I had everyone's number, the story was already sprinting toward the finish line. Thankfully, the ending absolutely stuck the landing, and I closed the book thinking, "Well...that escalated exactly the way I hoped it would."
This was a fun 3.5-star read for me. Not every Amazon Original completely lands for me, but they continue to be ridiculously entertaining little palate cleansers, and this one reminded me why I keep grabbing every thriller they release.
Whodunity Award: For Making "Meet My New Boyfriend" Sound Like the Most Threatening Sentence in the French Countryside
And thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the ARC. Next time someone tells me they're taking their closest friends to a gorgeous château they definitely booked legitimately, I'll be checking the booking confirmation before I pack my suitcase.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5★
"'I really should have mastered one signature dish from each of the countries I’ve lived in,' Mal is saying. But I don’t pick up practical things as easily as I do languages, which are just second nature. My dad used to work for the foreign office, you see, so we bounced around all over the place. It sounds glamorous, but it didn’t feel like it at the time.'"
Mal is Lizzie's quite new boyfriend, talking to her longstanding group of friends. The four women have been taking holidays together, but this year's trip nearly didn't happen. The Airbnb fell through, but at the last minute, Lizzie – the group's designated event planner – showed them a terrific French manor house she could get.
Over the years, they've brought boyfriends, kids, and others along, and this year Lizzie introduced Mal, adding him to their WhatsApp group chat about the holiday. Sarah, who divorced last year, had replied immediately.
"Really looking forward to getting to know you, Mal. Actually I should mention that I’ll be joined by the new man in my life too. Bob is a total dreamboat: chestnut curly hair, so sweet and really funny. His only major flaw is that he eats my slippers."
Yasmin has brought her fifteen-year old, sulky daughter with her, but husband and father Elliot has to work. Zoe's husband Arjun is missing Elliot's camaraderie, and this new Mal guy is no replacement.
Arjun is an amateur chef, keen to have the kitchen to himself to serve up delicious spreads for this extended family group. As he listens to Mal bragging about his background and facility for languages, he watches the reactions of the others.
"Zoe and Yasmin look engrossed: Both women have their chins resting in their palms, keep nodding and smiling. Lizzie’s expression is positively gooey. Only Sarah is unreadable. Arjun wonders if this is her therapist’s face: the neutral composure of someone quietly processing while a client lays themselves bare, silently forming her unspoken judgement.
Well, Arjun has already formed 'his:' that Mal is a bit of a dickhead, unfortunately."
It's a good premise with the bonus of a beautiful backdrop on an impressive estate. The author/s build up a nice sense of unease as the story progresses.
I wasn't completely sold on one aspect of 'mistaken identity', but it was still an enjoyable read, and I was happily surprised by the dramatic ending. It could easily have fizzled out, I think.
I think this would appeal to young people and YA readers as well as the general public.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the copy of #HeatTrap for review.
"'I really should have mastered one signature dish from each of the countries I’ve lived in,' Mal is saying. But I don’t pick up practical things as easily as I do languages, which are just second nature. My dad used to work for the foreign office, you see, so we bounced around all over the place. It sounds glamorous, but it didn’t feel like it at the time.'"
Mal is Lizzie's quite new boyfriend, talking to her longstanding group of friends. The four women have been taking holidays together, but this year's trip nearly didn't happen. The Airbnb fell through, but at the last minute, Lizzie – the group's designated event planner – showed them a terrific French manor house she could get.
Over the years, they've brought boyfriends, kids, and others along, and this year Lizzie introduced Mal, adding him to their WhatsApp group chat about the holiday. Sarah, who divorced last year, had replied immediately.
"Really looking forward to getting to know you, Mal. Actually I should mention that I’ll be joined by the new man in my life too. Bob is a total dreamboat: chestnut curly hair, so sweet and really funny. His only major flaw is that he eats my slippers."
Yasmin has brought her fifteen-year old, sulky daughter with her, but husband and father Elliot has to work. Zoe's husband Arjun is missing Elliot's camaraderie, and this new Mal guy is no replacement.
Arjun is an amateur chef, keen to have the kitchen to himself to serve up delicious spreads for this extended family group. As he listens to Mal bragging about his background and facility for languages, he watches the reactions of the others.
"Zoe and Yasmin look engrossed: Both women have their chins resting in their palms, keep nodding and smiling. Lizzie’s expression is positively gooey. Only Sarah is unreadable. Arjun wonders if this is her therapist’s face: the neutral composure of someone quietly processing while a client lays themselves bare, silently forming her unspoken judgement.
Well, Arjun has already formed 'his:' that Mal is a bit of a dickhead, unfortunately."
It's a good premise with the bonus of a beautiful backdrop on an impressive estate. The author/s build up a nice sense of unease as the story progresses.
I wasn't completely sold on one aspect of 'mistaken identity', but it was still an enjoyable read, and I was happily surprised by the dramatic ending. It could easily have fizzled out, I think.
I think this would appeal to young people and YA readers as well as the general public.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the copy of #HeatTrap for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From the very first page, Heat Trap by Ellery Lloyd grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. By opening at the heart-stopping conclusion, Lloyd immediately shifts the entire narrative into a high-stakes puzzle. You aren’t just reading to see what happens next; you are desperately racing to uncover exactly how the characters arrived at such a devastating ending.
The premise is deceptively simple: Lizzie, the perpetual planner of the friend group, embarks on a picturesque getaway to the French countryside with her new boyfriend, Mal and her closest girlfriends. But the idyllic setting is merely a veil for a mounting sense of unease. As the couple settles into their vacation, a single, seemingly minor lie spirals into an uncontrollable unraveling of secrets.
What makes Heat Trap so compelling—and at times, deeply unsettling—is its exploration of the “vacation paradox.” We often travel to escape our daily lives and get to know those closest to us, yet Lloyd forces the reader to confront a chilling question: Do we ever really know who we’re vacationing with?
The tension is expertly calibrated, escalating in lockstep with the sweltering heat of the French landscape. Every conversation feels like a negotiation, and every glance carries the weight of a hidden agenda. Lloyd masterfully peels back the layers of Lizzie and Mal’s relationship, proving that even the most “perfect” romance can be built on the shakiest of foundations.
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers that prioritize atmosphere and character-driven suspense over cheap scares, this is a must-read for your summer list. It is a sharp, claustrophobic, and addictive ride that will make you rethink your next holiday booking.
Heat Trap is available on Amazon on July 14th. Grab a martini, find a poolside lounger, and clear your schedule—you won’t be able to put this one down.
The premise is deceptively simple: Lizzie, the perpetual planner of the friend group, embarks on a picturesque getaway to the French countryside with her new boyfriend, Mal and her closest girlfriends. But the idyllic setting is merely a veil for a mounting sense of unease. As the couple settles into their vacation, a single, seemingly minor lie spirals into an uncontrollable unraveling of secrets.
What makes Heat Trap so compelling—and at times, deeply unsettling—is its exploration of the “vacation paradox.” We often travel to escape our daily lives and get to know those closest to us, yet Lloyd forces the reader to confront a chilling question: Do we ever really know who we’re vacationing with?
The tension is expertly calibrated, escalating in lockstep with the sweltering heat of the French landscape. Every conversation feels like a negotiation, and every glance carries the weight of a hidden agenda. Lloyd masterfully peels back the layers of Lizzie and Mal’s relationship, proving that even the most “perfect” romance can be built on the shakiest of foundations.
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers that prioritize atmosphere and character-driven suspense over cheap scares, this is a must-read for your summer list. It is a sharp, claustrophobic, and addictive ride that will make you rethink your next holiday booking.
Heat Trap is available on Amazon on July 14th. Grab a martini, find a poolside lounger, and clear your schedule—you won’t be able to put this one down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a wonderfully quick summer read this novella is! With all the busyness that comes with vacation, it’s often hard to find time to dive into a full-length novel. This novella is the perfect choice for those moments when you're pressed for time.
Every year, Lizzie and her friends escape their hectic lives to reconnect and enjoy a much-needed break from the stresses of adulthood. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Lizzie, Mal, Yasmin, Arjun, Sarah, Zoe, and Kira. Each character's viewpoint is easy to follow, making it simple to keep track of the dynamics at play. Just how far will one person go to make the most of this short getaway? You’ll have to read it to find out!
As a novella, it offers just enough depth to understand each character and the unfolding drama. Remarkably, it reads more like a full novel thanks to the author’s skillful development of characters and events and the enchanting chateau setting.
This is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a suspenseful read that helps meet their reading goals while still delivering a captivating story. Perfect for those who enjoy a secluded atmosphere in the French countryside and don’t shy away from themes of manipulation and revenge that actually succeed. I found this fast-paced short read thoroughly enjoyable!
Thank you, Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Every year, Lizzie and her friends escape their hectic lives to reconnect and enjoy a much-needed break from the stresses of adulthood. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Lizzie, Mal, Yasmin, Arjun, Sarah, Zoe, and Kira. Each character's viewpoint is easy to follow, making it simple to keep track of the dynamics at play. Just how far will one person go to make the most of this short getaway? You’ll have to read it to find out!
As a novella, it offers just enough depth to understand each character and the unfolding drama. Remarkably, it reads more like a full novel thanks to the author’s skillful development of characters and events and the enchanting chateau setting.
This is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a suspenseful read that helps meet their reading goals while still delivering a captivating story. Perfect for those who enjoy a secluded atmosphere in the French countryside and don’t shy away from themes of manipulation and revenge that actually succeed. I found this fast-paced short read thoroughly enjoyable!
Thank you, Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Overall, I enjoyed this book and felt like it was a quick summer read to enjoy by the pool. The setting felt like its own character by itself and the story line was easy to follow. It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing was engaging and immediately pulled me in from page 1. I was fully engrossed in the story up until the halfway mark, which is when things started to feel more rushed and I started to notice more plot holes.
I wish this was a full length novel because I genuinely wanted more background into the characters and was itching to see some important aspects to the plot be more fleshed out. I found myself wishing it was a longer book because the ending felt very abrupt and left the reader with many pending questions.
Of note, there is mention of “off page” pedophilia and I think it would be valuable to add a potential trigger warning so readers are aware prior to starting the book.
If you are looking for a fast paced, quick and easy short read that you can finish in 1-2 hours, then this checked every box. Just be prepared not to have all your questions answered by the end.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Overall, I enjoyed this book and felt like it was a quick summer read to enjoy by the pool. The setting felt like its own character by itself and the story line was easy to follow. It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing was engaging and immediately pulled me in from page 1. I was fully engrossed in the story up until the halfway mark, which is when things started to feel more rushed and I started to notice more plot holes.
I wish this was a full length novel because I genuinely wanted more background into the characters and was itching to see some important aspects to the plot be more fleshed out. I found myself wishing it was a longer book because the ending felt very abrupt and left the reader with many pending questions.
Of note, there is mention of “off page” pedophilia and I think it would be valuable to add a potential trigger warning so readers are aware prior to starting the book.
If you are looking for a fast paced, quick and easy short read that you can finish in 1-2 hours, then this checked every box. Just be prepared not to have all your questions answered by the end.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Read
July 7, 2026(Read on Netgalley)
was really intrigued by the premise. A girls’ holiday, a mysterious man who is clearly up to no good, and the promise of a mystery with horror elements sounded right up my street. Unfortunately, it never quite came together for me.
The mystery lost its tension far too quickly, and I kept waiting for another twist or revelation that never really arrived. I also struggled with the dialogue, which felt surprisingly formal throughout. Even the WhatsApp conversations didn’t sound particularly natural, and Lizzie and Mal often spoke more like acquaintances than a couple.
I also found the characters’ decisions frustrating. They were presented as intelligent, yet repeatedly overlooked obvious clues or made choices that didn’t feel believable. A lot of the interpersonal drama also felt quite juvenile for characters in their late thirties.
The ending unfortunately didn’t land for me either. Rather than feeling shocking, it just left me wondering… why did she set him on fire?
It’s a shame because I genuinely liked the premise, and I think it had the potential to be a really fun thriller. Sadly, the dialogue, pacing and character decisions meant I never became fully invested.
was really intrigued by the premise. A girls’ holiday, a mysterious man who is clearly up to no good, and the promise of a mystery with horror elements sounded right up my street. Unfortunately, it never quite came together for me.
The mystery lost its tension far too quickly, and I kept waiting for another twist or revelation that never really arrived. I also struggled with the dialogue, which felt surprisingly formal throughout. Even the WhatsApp conversations didn’t sound particularly natural, and Lizzie and Mal often spoke more like acquaintances than a couple.
I also found the characters’ decisions frustrating. They were presented as intelligent, yet repeatedly overlooked obvious clues or made choices that didn’t feel believable. A lot of the interpersonal drama also felt quite juvenile for characters in their late thirties.
The ending unfortunately didn’t land for me either. Rather than feeling shocking, it just left me wondering… why did she set him on fire?
It’s a shame because I genuinely liked the premise, and I think it had the potential to be a really fun thriller. Sadly, the dialogue, pacing and character decisions meant I never became fully invested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Lizzie reunites with her longtime friends for their annual vacation, eager to introduce her new boyfriend. But as unsettling accidents pile up, it becomes clear someone has arrived with a hidden agenda, turning the getaway into a dangerous game of manipulation and revenge.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Esther Wane’s narration perfectly matches the vibe of this popcorn thriller. I found her performance delightful and I highly recommend giving this a listen.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
It starts with a WhatsApp group chat called Holibobs Chat (“holibob” is a cutesy British way of saying holiday), and it’s fitting because this really feels like the quintessential vacation read.
It’s plot-driven, perhaps because of its short length, but there’s still plenty of personality thanks to the multiple POVs.
It’s evenly paced and efficient. Although I thought I’d spotted a few plot holes, everything came together really nicely by the end.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is such a fun, entertaining revenge thriller. For such a shortie, it really packs a punch, and I’d definitely be interested in another holibob with this friend group.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing, Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Esther Wane
📖 Release 07•14•26 | 96 pages | 2h 28m
Lizzie reunites with her longtime friends for their annual vacation, eager to introduce her new boyfriend. But as unsettling accidents pile up, it becomes clear someone has arrived with a hidden agenda, turning the getaway into a dangerous game of manipulation and revenge.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Esther Wane’s narration perfectly matches the vibe of this popcorn thriller. I found her performance delightful and I highly recommend giving this a listen.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
It starts with a WhatsApp group chat called Holibobs Chat (“holibob” is a cutesy British way of saying holiday), and it’s fitting because this really feels like the quintessential vacation read.
It’s plot-driven, perhaps because of its short length, but there’s still plenty of personality thanks to the multiple POVs.
It’s evenly paced and efficient. Although I thought I’d spotted a few plot holes, everything came together really nicely by the end.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is such a fun, entertaining revenge thriller. For such a shortie, it really packs a punch, and I’d definitely be interested in another holibob with this friend group.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing, Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Esther Wane
📖 Release 07•14•26 | 96 pages | 2h 28m
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellery Lloyd and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read this book early in advance for an honest review.
I've said this before and I'll say it again: I'm an Amazon Original Stories addict. Whenever I see a new one, I have to read it – even if it is just to get in touch with new authors' works. Heat Trap was no exception, though I was originally drawn in by the cover. And I was hooked on this one from the very first line and the prologue itself only cemented it: I had to know who the 'he' and the 'she' were immediately – and how the hell we had gotten to that place.
But this book was full of gems. The girls' group dynamic was so realistic and intriguing, same as each individual character with their own unique traits. Despite being a short story, this book is so well written that it does not feel that way. I still devoured it in one sitting, obviously, but I was not left wanting more. And for a book with such a huge ensemble, this is very telling of the quality and skill in Ellery Lloyd's writing. And that ending? I was mind-blown! Seriously a great read, definitely recommend it!
I've said this before and I'll say it again: I'm an Amazon Original Stories addict. Whenever I see a new one, I have to read it – even if it is just to get in touch with new authors' works. Heat Trap was no exception, though I was originally drawn in by the cover. And I was hooked on this one from the very first line and the prologue itself only cemented it: I had to know who the 'he' and the 'she' were immediately – and how the hell we had gotten to that place.
But this book was full of gems. The girls' group dynamic was so realistic and intriguing, same as each individual character with their own unique traits. Despite being a short story, this book is so well written that it does not feel that way. I still devoured it in one sitting, obviously, but I was not left wanting more. And for a book with such a huge ensemble, this is very telling of the quality and skill in Ellery Lloyd's writing. And that ending? I was mind-blown! Seriously a great read, definitely recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This novella was a read now , so I grabbed it. I've read another of this author's short stories and liked it.
Lizzie is going on holiday with her best friends and bringing her new boyfriend, Malcolm. They are staying in a French chateau, coming from the UK. They were going to stay in an air bnb but Lizzie's boss gave her a last minute assignment. Lizzie's friends Sarah, who is going through a divorce, along with Yasmin and her teen daughter Kira, and Zoe and her husband Arjun are coming along.
From the beginning, we know Malcolm is nefarious and has ulterior motives. Those motives are slowly revealed. It was a little hard to keep track of the characters, but eventually, the group became suspicious of Malcolm, especially thanks to Sarah's obsessed ex Jasper. Malcolm has a plan to steal and sell artwork, after getting fired as a tutor.
It was mostly fast paced and longer than a typical short story. I enjoyed the ending. Available July 14.
Lizzie is going on holiday with her best friends and bringing her new boyfriend, Malcolm. They are staying in a French chateau, coming from the UK. They were going to stay in an air bnb but Lizzie's boss gave her a last minute assignment. Lizzie's friends Sarah, who is going through a divorce, along with Yasmin and her teen daughter Kira, and Zoe and her husband Arjun are coming along.
From the beginning, we know Malcolm is nefarious and has ulterior motives. Those motives are slowly revealed. It was a little hard to keep track of the characters, but eventually, the group became suspicious of Malcolm, especially thanks to Sarah's obsessed ex Jasper. Malcolm has a plan to steal and sell artwork, after getting fired as a tutor.
It was mostly fast paced and longer than a typical short story. I enjoyed the ending. Available July 14.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻.
ㅤ
This was my first Amazon Original Story, and if this is the standard, it definitely won't be my last.
ㅤ
Heat Trap hooked me from the very first page and never let go. Packed with twists and turns, a satisfying thread of revenge, and an ending that delivered the perfect payoff, it was everything I wanted from a bite-sized thriller. More than one twist caught me completely off guard, making it impossible to stop reading.
ㅤ
The pacing is relentless. Not a single page feels wasted. It's short, straight to the point, and non-stop from beginning to end. Instead of wishing it had been longer, I found myself appreciating just how tightly it was written.
ㅤ
I finished this with a huge smile on my face—it was just so much fun.
ㅤ
If you're looking for a quick, twisty thriller, this one's 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿, 𝗻𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿.
ㅤ
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and Ellery Lloyd for providing me with an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
ㅤ
This was my first Amazon Original Story, and if this is the standard, it definitely won't be my last.
ㅤ
Heat Trap hooked me from the very first page and never let go. Packed with twists and turns, a satisfying thread of revenge, and an ending that delivered the perfect payoff, it was everything I wanted from a bite-sized thriller. More than one twist caught me completely off guard, making it impossible to stop reading.
ㅤ
The pacing is relentless. Not a single page feels wasted. It's short, straight to the point, and non-stop from beginning to end. Instead of wishing it had been longer, I found myself appreciating just how tightly it was written.
ㅤ
I finished this with a huge smile on my face—it was just so much fun.
ㅤ
If you're looking for a quick, twisty thriller, this one's 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿, 𝗻𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿.
ㅤ
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and Ellery Lloyd for providing me with an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received an Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley!!
If you're looking for a thriller you can finish in one sitting, Heat Trap is exactly that.
Set during an annual summer getaway at a French château, the story follows a close-knit group of friends whose seemingly idyllic holiday slowly unravels. As tensions simmer beneath the surface and strange accidents begin to pile up, it becomes clear that someone has arrived with far more sinister intentions than a relaxing vacation.
This is a short, fast-paced novella that wastes no time pulling you in. Despite its length, it does an excellent job of exploring human behaviour, hidden motives, and the complexities of long-standing friendships. The psychological tension builds steadily, making every chapter more gripping than the last.
I flew through this in one sitting—it was genuinely unputdownable. Sharp, suspenseful, and packed with enough twists to keep you guessing, Heat Trap is proof that you don't need hundreds of pages to deliver a satisfying thriller.
If you're looking for a thriller you can finish in one sitting, Heat Trap is exactly that.
Set during an annual summer getaway at a French château, the story follows a close-knit group of friends whose seemingly idyllic holiday slowly unravels. As tensions simmer beneath the surface and strange accidents begin to pile up, it becomes clear that someone has arrived with far more sinister intentions than a relaxing vacation.
This is a short, fast-paced novella that wastes no time pulling you in. Despite its length, it does an excellent job of exploring human behaviour, hidden motives, and the complexities of long-standing friendships. The psychological tension builds steadily, making every chapter more gripping than the last.
I flew through this in one sitting—it was genuinely unputdownable. Sharp, suspenseful, and packed with enough twists to keep you guessing, Heat Trap is proof that you don't need hundreds of pages to deliver a satisfying thriller.
July 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
The premise immediately hooked me and had all the makings of a great thriller. My biggest complaint was that it was simply too short. At around 80 pages, everything moved so quickly that I never felt like the characters or suspense had enough time to fully develop. I really think this concept would have worked even better as a full-length novel.
I enjoyed the friend group dynamic and found myself wishing I had more time with the characters. Their relationships felt believable, and I liked how quickly they picked up on things that didn’t quite feel right. Lizzie was trying her best to do what she thought was right for her friends, and honestly, most people would have jumped at the opportunity she felt like she had to take. Overall, Heat Trap was a quick, entertaining thriller with an intriguing concept that left me wanting more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise immediately hooked me and had all the makings of a great thriller. My biggest complaint was that it was simply too short. At around 80 pages, everything moved so quickly that I never felt like the characters or suspense had enough time to fully develop. I really think this concept would have worked even better as a full-length novel.
I enjoyed the friend group dynamic and found myself wishing I had more time with the characters. Their relationships felt believable, and I liked how quickly they picked up on things that didn’t quite feel right. Lizzie was trying her best to do what she thought was right for her friends, and honestly, most people would have jumped at the opportunity she felt like she had to take. Overall, Heat Trap was a quick, entertaining thriller with an intriguing concept that left me wanting more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A summer vacation in France with a group of friends sounds idyllic... until you realize not everything is as it seems.
Even with its short length, this novella made me question everyone's motives and hooked me right from the start. It's a perfect read if you're looking for something suspenseful that you can read in one sitting.
My only real complaint is that one reveal hinges on a detail involving the French language, and as a French speaker, I just couldn't buy it. I'll be vague to try to stay spoiler-free, but will still blur the next part as a precaution : It was one of those moments where I had to suspend my disbelief a little more than I wanted to.
Overall, though, this was an entertaining, twisty little mystery and I enjoyed it.
Even with its short length, this novella made me question everyone's motives and hooked me right from the start. It's a perfect read if you're looking for something suspenseful that you can read in one sitting.
My only real complaint is that one reveal hinges on a detail involving the French language, and as a French speaker, I just couldn't buy it. I'll be vague to try to stay spoiler-free, but will still blur the next part as a precaution : It was one of those moments where I had to suspend my disbelief a little more than I wanted to.
Overall, though, this was an entertaining, twisty little mystery and I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Heat Trap has all the ingredients of a compelling thriller. The isolated setting, rising tension, and steady sense that something isn't quite right kept me turning the pages. Ellery Lloyd does a good job building suspense and revealing information at just the right pace, especially as secrets begin to surface and the pressure on the characters continues to build.
Where the book fell a little short for me was in the character connections. I admired the plotting and appreciated how the mystery unfolded, but I never became fully invested in the people at the center of the story. Even so, the twists kept me engaged, and I wanted to see how everything would come together. If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with plenty of tension and unexpected turns, this is still well worth picking up. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Where the book fell a little short for me was in the character connections. I admired the plotting and appreciated how the mystery unfolded, but I never became fully invested in the people at the center of the story. Even so, the twists kept me engaged, and I wanted to see how everything would come together. If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with plenty of tension and unexpected turns, this is still well worth picking up. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A thriller novella featuring a group of best friends going on holiday to a French chateau. The people pleasing FMC is bringing her new boyfriend and right away we can tell things are off but it wasn’t really thriller-y. Just sort of like “huh?”, lol.The characters can tell things are off too but what is really going on? I was intrigued about the hows and whys so it was easy to keep reading despite it not being suspenseful. I enjoyed the story I just think too much time was wasted on introducing each of the characters and setting things up. So when stuff finally starts happening it somehow felt too late to save this as a thriller but also rushed. It’s a fun short read, perfect for summer, and I liked the revenge and their friendships, but I think it would have been more successful as a full length.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Heat Trap is a suspenseful short story set in the south of France. A group of friends travel together for a week each year to relax and catch up with each other. Lizzie, the trip organizer, has brought her new boyfriend Malcolm along this time and he soon raises suspicions all around.
There is so much going on with each person on the trip than we first realize. So many secrets come to light and my main wish for this story was that it was a book, so that the plot could be developed in more detail. The characters were all so different and we got an introduction to each one, but I wanted to know more. I love a thriller that keeps me guessing until the end, and this story's direction was pretty clear, but it was still an enjoyable ride.
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
There is so much going on with each person on the trip than we first realize. So many secrets come to light and my main wish for this story was that it was a book, so that the plot could be developed in more detail. The characters were all so different and we got an introduction to each one, but I wanted to know more. I love a thriller that keeps me guessing until the end, and this story's direction was pretty clear, but it was still an enjoyable ride.
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 12, 2026
now miss girl!!!! i had no business enjoying this as much as i did.
the best part about this being a short story is that there was literally no time for it to start rambling about something i don’t care about. it gets in, does its job, and gets out. i read the whole thing in one sitting, and honestly i think i still would’ve if it had been a full-length book because the plot was genuinely interesting and KEPT 👏🏼 IT 👏🏼 MOVING! 👏🏼
my only complaint is the ending. we find out the twist a couple chapters before it’s over, and i spent the rest of the book sitting there like “…okay, but that can’t be all there is…” i wanted one more punch to the face or at least an epilogue to satisfy my nosy ass. instead it just… ended.
still, for a quick thriller, this one absolutely did what it came to do.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
the best part about this being a short story is that there was literally no time for it to start rambling about something i don’t care about. it gets in, does its job, and gets out. i read the whole thing in one sitting, and honestly i think i still would’ve if it had been a full-length book because the plot was genuinely interesting and KEPT 👏🏼 IT 👏🏼 MOVING! 👏🏼
my only complaint is the ending. we find out the twist a couple chapters before it’s over, and i spent the rest of the book sitting there like “…okay, but that can’t be all there is…” i wanted one more punch to the face or at least an epilogue to satisfy my nosy ass. instead it just… ended.
still, for a quick thriller, this one absolutely did what it came to do.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
You just know something will go wrong when you lie from the very start... and soon Lizzie will realize it too.
At this point I think that, with a clear conscience I can say, that I'm a sucker for Amazon Original Stories. While not all of them are a hit for me, they're still pretty fun to read (especially thriller and horror ones).
I was a bit confused at first (it felt as if I was missing a crucial information, that made things seem chaotic and made it hard to grasp everything) and for most part it was like a rollercoaster (there were chapters that had me more interested than the others, especially since we were jumping POVs all the time), but in the end I enjoyed the story, especially the ending.
You just know something will go wrong when you lie from the very start... and soon Lizzie will realize it too.
At this point I think that, with a clear conscience I can say, that I'm a sucker for Amazon Original Stories. While not all of them are a hit for me, they're still pretty fun to read (especially thriller and horror ones).
I was a bit confused at first (it felt as if I was missing a crucial information, that made things seem chaotic and made it hard to grasp everything) and for most part it was like a rollercoaster (there were chapters that had me more interested than the others, especially since we were jumping POVs all the time), but in the end I enjoyed the story, especially the ending.
June 29, 2026
✨3.5
This was an entertaining short story at under 100 pages. The FMC invites her group of friends and her new boyfriend to a summer getaway at a Chateau in France. Not everyone or everything is as it seems.
The alternating POVs of all the characters kept the story interesting as you learned about each character. Overall I enjoyed it and especially liked the closure of the story with the great ending. Often with short stories I am left wanting more, but this story closed up nicely.
A solid quick summer read for those who like thrillers with a revenge theme.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing the book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an entertaining short story at under 100 pages. The FMC invites her group of friends and her new boyfriend to a summer getaway at a Chateau in France. Not everyone or everything is as it seems.
The alternating POVs of all the characters kept the story interesting as you learned about each character. Overall I enjoyed it and especially liked the closure of the story with the great ending. Often with short stories I am left wanting more, but this story closed up nicely.
A solid quick summer read for those who like thrillers with a revenge theme.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing the book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up - Heat Trap is a short story that packs suspense and mystery in less than 100 pages. I could definitely see this story being fleshed out to a full novel but I think it also works in this short form.
A group of friends get together for their annual holiday. From the beginning, there are some things that seem off with certain characters. Over the course of several chapters the mystery unfolds, and some revelations are obvious but there was one I didn’t figure out in advance. Overall a good low stakes read.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars rounded up - Heat Trap is a short story that packs suspense and mystery in less than 100 pages. I could definitely see this story being fleshed out to a full novel but I think it also works in this short form.
A group of friends get together for their annual holiday. From the beginning, there are some things that seem off with certain characters. Over the course of several chapters the mystery unfolds, and some revelations are obvious but there was one I didn’t figure out in advance. Overall a good low stakes read.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This short story by writing duo Ellery Lloyd follows a group of friends on their yearly summer holiday, this time visiting a French chateau. Lizzie, the group's trip organizer, has brought along her new boyfriend, Malcolm, who may not be exactly who he seems. Couple this with the fact that they aren't exactly supposed to be staying in this particular chateau and you've got quite a fun little experience awaiting you. The suspense is thick with tension while the reader is left to wonder what will happen, and who is Malcolm really? This short story is a very quick and satisfying summer read that would be a perfect way to while away an hour or two lounging by the pool!
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June 25, 2026This short story by writing duo Ellery Lloyd follows a group of friends on their yearly summer holiday, this time visiting a French chateau. Lizzie, the group's trip organizer, has brought along her new boyfriend, Malcolm, who may not be exactly who he seems. Couple this with the fact that they aren't exactly supposed to be staying in this particular chateau and you've got quite a fun little experience awaiting you. The suspense is thick with tension while the reader is left to wonder what will happen, and who is Malcolm really? This short story is a very quick and satisfying summer read that would be a perfect way to while away an hour or two lounging by the pool!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A group of friends reunites for their annual weeklong getaway, but this year there’s a new addition to the group—Lizzie’s new love interest, Mal, who immediately gives off a slightly unsettling vibe.
The first half of this short story focuses on introducing the characters and establishing the dynamics within the group. Once the second half begins, the story finally starts to take a darker turn and picks up the pace.
I was expecting a different kind of twist, but, it was still an entertaining, quick read that kept me curious enough to see how it would end.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A group of friends reunites for their annual weeklong getaway, but this year there’s a new addition to the group—Lizzie’s new love interest, Mal, who immediately gives off a slightly unsettling vibe.
The first half of this short story focuses on introducing the characters and establishing the dynamics within the group. Once the second half begins, the story finally starts to take a darker turn and picks up the pace.
I was expecting a different kind of twist, but, it was still an entertaining, quick read that kept me curious enough to see how it would end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was ok for a quick read. At only 80 pages, it will definitely help with those reading goals. Having read another short story by this duo I was intrigued to find out more.
For such a short story a lot of characters were initially introduced, but they all had their parts to play in this story so I could make my peace with it.
It is fast paced and can be easily binged in one sitting.
I won't say much else to not give much away but one character was truly loathable and the ending felt very fitting!
My rating is 3.5.
Thank you to Ellery Lloyd and Amazon Original Stories for this complimentary advanced copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
For such a short story a lot of characters were initially introduced, but they all had their parts to play in this story so I could make my peace with it.
It is fast paced and can be easily binged in one sitting.
I won't say much else to not give much away but one character was truly loathable and the ending felt very fitting!
My rating is 3.5.
Thank you to Ellery Lloyd and Amazon Original Stories for this complimentary advanced copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for an unbiased review.
It was fine to commit to just 90 quick pages of this novella. It was good, not great.
It suffered from what I dislike most about short novellas: As if so much was crammed into a short book, giving a sense that multiple important chapters were removed for brevity. I'd rather the author had given the story the full novel it needs.
For just 90 pages, there are FAR too many characters (4 friends, their +1s), and the first chapter is very long and detailed- but everything snaps into fast motion after Chapter 1, and left me feeling as if I'd missed a chapter or two.
It was fine to commit to just 90 quick pages of this novella. It was good, not great.
It suffered from what I dislike most about short novellas: As if so much was crammed into a short book, giving a sense that multiple important chapters were removed for brevity. I'd rather the author had given the story the full novel it needs.
For just 90 pages, there are FAR too many characters (4 friends, their +1s), and the first chapter is very long and detailed- but everything snaps into fast motion after Chapter 1, and left me feeling as if I'd missed a chapter or two.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This novella had an intriguing premise and a satisfying overall concept, but the execution didn’t quite live up to its potential. The final act relied heavily on exposition, with characters frequently explaining their plans and motivations instead of allowing the suspense to unfold naturally. Dialogue often felt more like a vehicle for the plot than authentic conversation. While the ending tied the story together in a logical way, I found myself wishing for more subtlety and stronger character interactions. An entertaining idea with moments of promise, but ultimately an average read for me. It did hook me in the beginning and I wanted to see where it would land. 3 stars.
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