The beautiful, old cottage in the Peak District was the perfect place for Simone to take a much-needed break following a horrific attack. Surrounded by nature and peace, she can finally relax.
Until she realises she isn’t alone.
Her partner and therapist, Chris, insists there’s nobody else there. She just needs to rest. But Simone finds out that this particular cabin has some dark secrets.
The prologue grabbed me instantly. I don't want to spoil anything, but just a few pages in, I had to learn why the MC did what she did... then the story changed to almost a love story. Not a spicy love story, more like sappy... Honestly, I lost interest at one point, by by the end I was once again thoroughly glued to the book
This was a twisty thriller that dipped into some dark places. A murder mystery rotated around Simone and Theo. Were they in love or were they both crazy? Secrets and pasts were slowly revealed and along with them the depths of depravity. I thought I knew what was going to happen but was surprised over and over.
Huge thanks to Ashley for the arc ebook. I read it in two sittings, it was so hard to put down! It goes at a great pace, has really interesting characters and keeps you on your toes as each turn keeps you guessing. Loved it.
This is definitely my favorite book by this author. The characters are well written, the story flows at a nice pace, and it keeps you guessing. You think you have an idea of what’s going on, but each chapter adds twists and you’re never actually sure until the very end.
I loved getting to see the different thought processes of both Simone and Theo, especially as the story progressed. Needing to know what happened next made it hard to put down, and I definitely enjoyed the suspense you’re left with each time the story changes perspectives.
It was a quick and easy read that pulled me in right away. My rating is an easy 4.5/5 stars. I look forward to seeing what this author does next!
I’ve read all this authors books and this is definitely one of my favourites. The book starts with a shocking prologue where a woman, Simone, is violently attacked and believes she only escaped with her life as voices were heard nearby, by the attacker. From this point on the story is told from two POV, that of Simone and of her therapist Theo. A psychological thriller that is full of suspense and impending danger: I was on edge through much of the book expecting something bad to happen.
Briefly, after the attack Simone cannot bear to be in her own home. Theo finds a beautiful old cottage in the Peak District that he rents for a month so Simone can have a peaceful break. But she soon finds it anything but peaceful. Unexplainable items appear in the house, she feels like she’s being watched and ultimately discovers a shocking secret about the cottage. Is she really safe?
There are lots of hints, many of which are red herrings, dropped throughout the book and more than once I was convinced I had it all sussed out. But don’t rest on your laurels readers, there’s definitely another twist coming. A relatively short read but packed a punch, very enjoyable.
Far too often the marketing for books claim an “amazing twist which you will not see coming” and it proves to be a complete let down as the alleged twist is obvious from a very early stage. Fortunately this book does not make that claim but the one certainty about it is that it is not giving up all its secrets easily and you have to get to the very last line to get to all of them. You may think you have it sussed but it may not be “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”. Readers may become a little confused at times because the book starts out with a lie and for that reason it becomes impossible to know who is trustworthy but our sympathies are always going to be with the victim. The author has skilfully drawn her characters in shades of grey, demonstrating that no-one is perfect even if someone else thinks we are. It has been a long time since a book surprised me as well as this one has. For me at least, it steps outside the box which contains the customary themes and dressing of the genre and keeps on giving right to the end - even the last line contains the promise of a surprise but that isn’t a spoiler because you have to read the whole book to understand it.
2.5. I pretty much read the entirety of this little thriller in one sitting which is always nice. It’s definitely one I didn’t take too seriously as the plot is pretty ridiculous and far fetched in places, especially towards the end. I didn’t really feel anything towards any of the characters, they all felt really surface level and unlikeable for the most part.
There were some twists I didn’t see coming at the end and the book did hold my interest enough for me to power through it. I just don’t really feel anything upon finishing the story and would say it’s a very standard thriller. The isolated setting in the Peak District also wasn’t utilised as much as I hoped it would be. Still a fast paced, twisty read though so I still had fun.
So many twists and turns it will leave you wanting more!
I have now read all of the books Ashley Beegan has on Kindle and there all amazing. Full of plot twists and very cleverly written not like most books in this genre where the ending is obvious! I can’t recommend these books enough but I have come to the conclusion that you don’t want to get on the authors bad side you never know what might happen with her wonderful imagination 😆 Seriously though if you haven’t already get stuck into this author’s work you will be hooked within a few pages! Can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve next Ashley! ❤️
2.5 stars, rounded up. This book felt like driving through flat, boring Ohio with no exits.
I was confused for most of it: wildly inappropriate therapist, everyone calling each other “babe,” and a plot that felt more romance than thriller. The pacing is slow, repetitive, and honestly kind of ridiculous. I kept waiting for the twists everyone mentioned… and waiting… and waiting.
That said, the ending twist almost saves it. No spoilers, but it did make me pause and rethink things.
I’m very on the fence. If you can tolerate a long, straight road for one sharp turn at the end, this might work for you.
The Holiday Home was a fast read, with twists that surprised me almost from the start! Loved the characters, loved the plot, and was definitely surprised at the end! I’m a fan of Ashley Beegan and she did not disappoint with this one.
Wow what a great thriller. I could not put it down. A very fast-paced and engaging read - amazing. I do not want to give anything away about the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this beauty. Highly recommended.
“The Holiday Home” is a claustrophobic thrill ride. Beegan pulls you in fast—then traps you in a luxury getaway where every glance feels loaded and every secret threatens to blow the walls wide open. Dark, addictive, and utterly bingeable, this one will keep you turning pages!
Apparently I don’t enjoy unreliable narrators. Although it became more interesting in the last two chapters I would rather have read the book with the knowledge of who the antagonist really was or would be revealed to be.