The fact that I stayed to the end, even though I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, or their behaviour towards each other, means that I was invested enough in the outcome, and didn’t know what twists where going to come next. I enjoyed the performances overall but the voice for Cole just didn’t come across like that of a 15-year old boy. That was a hard sell and I couldn’t buy it. Otherwise, the storytelling worked. However I would say that the plot/story seemed similar in some ways to one of his other books ( maybe because they were both set in lodges ),I guessed the crux of the story and that was down to one line fairly early on in the book that gave it away ( easily imo ) these 2 things did not however spoil this book at all but are just my thoughts on them

I was fortune enough to receive a kindle copy and an audio book to review. Either way worked perfect fine. Nicola feels a bit insecure because Kim is richer and more fit than she is but she loves Kim so much that she doesn't let it get to her until she stumbles upon a secret. Instead of confronting it head on, she sits on it until she's sure of what to do. After that it only takes an accidental glance at the wrong text, an over heard conversation, and everything blows up. Ryan resents Lewis' money. Nicola also is jealous and resents all the money things can buy, and how Kim flirts and showcases her body. A very suspenseful slow-burn domestic drama by Daniel Hurst! His writing just gets better and better. He's a new favorite of mine.

EXCERPT: The silence in this part of the world is deafening, the area around this luxury log cabin in the Scottish Highlands so quiet and still that it's starting to become unnerving. Or maybe it just feels that way because of everything that has happened since I got here. When Nicola’s best friend, Kim, and her husband, Lewis, invite them to their luxury log cabin on the outskirts of Glencoe in rural western Scotland, it’s an offer Nicola and Ryan can’t turn down. A free holiday, even with Kim, Lewis and Cole, their 15-year-old son, is nothing to scoff at…especially when finances are tight and they can’t go on vacation with their 11-year-old daughter, Emily. What starts out as a godsend, a perfect holiday, suddenly becomes a nightmare and before they leave, one of them will be dead. In this book by Daniel Hurst, my first actually, I listened to it as an audiobook narrated by two fabulous voice actors, Zoë Mills and Richard Burnip. These narrators made this intriguing story truly compelling. With a story based on secrets and lies, the excellent narration made for an easy read. Then I overhear Ryan having a whispered conversation late one evening, and he says something that sends a shiver down my spine. In this beautiful paradise my whole world is turned upside down. I suspect I can hear the blood pumping around my body too, or at least feel it, but I know that's not a normal thing to be aware of. I'm usually occupied enough not to be thinking about such a thing, but here, it's as if time has stopped and I'm aware of everything.

Believing herself to have the perfect husband, Megan is set to live work-free in their beautiful and secluded country house. Then she begins to want to get out and work again, finding a job in London, but her husband, Craig, is set against it. Soon she begins to learn the truth of their marriage, as not everything is as it seems once she discovers she cannot leave. Can she break free, why is she being held there against her will, and what was the truth behind those wedding vows when they both said ’til death do us part?’ The pace is fast with short chapters ending with foreshadowing adding some suspense to the story however it also felt repetitive.I think I can safely speak for our protagonist when I say that this turned into the vacation from hell. I’m a fan of the author, noted for his delicious twists and that’s a component in this one. The story was entertaining but didn’t leave me stunned as the others had before. It’s still an interesting tale and I never lost interest. 3.5 stars The atmosphere in this one is fantastic - right from the ominous thunder when the six of them arrive at the secluded cabin. The tension ramps up with overheard whispers, secretive texts, and the discovery of things hidden in a closet. Soon the gap between the two couples widens and Cole finds himself in the middle. Who does he side with?

Nicola and her family are invited to join her best friend and her family at their holiday cottage in the Scottish highlands over a long weekend. A free vacation is hard to pass up when money is tight. Nicola and Kim have been long time best friends, when Kim invites Nicola and her husband Ryan and her daughter a weekend away in a remote part of Scotland. Kim’s husband Lewis is doing well for himself and owns his own company. They brought a luxurious cabin for a getaway. At first, Ryan is hesitant as he is not that close with Lewis. As he always boats how much money he has. But for Nicola’s sake he agrees.Like the call of the bird in the trees just outside the cabin, its piercing shriek cutting through the silence like a hot knife through butter.

Wow what can I say this book was amazing , it was a fast paced and kept me guessing throughout… perfect book for psychological thrillers fans! The ending wow I did not see it coming! This book was so good I read it in day! ’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Set across the duration of a single twenty-minute during an afternoon, this sees the direction of someone’s life altered drastically. With characters returning once more, too, it looks at the events that can potentially turn everything around in a single brief period. The decisions made could make or break individuals, switching everything and moving the needle completely for everyone. What are those decisions, who will emerge triumphantly, and what will take place in those 20 minutes to change a life? The weekend is a disaster waiting to happen. Unfortunately, there will be someone not leaving the holiday home alive.