Gripping, fast-paced and entertaining, this is a book that will keep readers guessing. Yes, it does become a little far-fetched but it was a decent popcorn thriller read.

Really fine writing - and the set up for a locked-room style mystery was launched really well (although overly long…but we needed to know the principal protagonist’s background with the loss of Charlie … and the reason she was on the outs with her former boss - and what style police she is - OCD is mentioned, and analyst for the cops is mentioned. But she becomes an action figure when all these people keep arriving at the house she is caretaking - it all spirals up into a big crime story -

and then, an unlikely first guest turns up - and , low and behold, it’s a cop too! So when things start going loopy, and the missing millionaire becomes a target of enquiry even for her - dangerous action starts to happen- it stretches credibility for me. Actually the moment the first uninvited ‘guest’ arrives, things got iffy for me. Descriptions are terrific but the unexpected cop’s arrival due to an injury reveals him to be that type of woolly, big-hearted hero type who distracts her from her woes, and eventually saves her. (The same old tropes!) in any case, very professional and effective (over-)writing and good tense action but finally toppled over for me.

Reading Cameron Ward's "The Safe House" was an exhilarating experience that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This novel is truly a rollercoaster ride, with its blend of luxury, mystery, and high-stakes action that kept my heart racing. Earning a well-deserved five-star rating from me, The author masterfully balances a gripping plot with a relentless pulse of suspense, making it impossible to put down.

The protagonist, Jess, is brilliantly crafted and stands out as the anchor of the story. Her realistic and grounded reactions to the increasingly intense and unpredictable situations she faces make her incredibly relatable. Jess’s journey through a whirlwind of luxury and intrigue showcases her resilience and adaptability, qualities that I found both inspiring and engaging. Ward’s ability to create such a vivid and compelling character amidst the chaos of the narrative is truly commendable.

Ward's pacing in "The Safe House" is just right. The fast-paced narrative keeps you hooked, yet it never feels overwhelming, allowing you to effortlessly follow the unfolding mystery. The story has just the right amount of characters to keep track of, making it an ideal read for a holiday or a long weekend. I read it in one day! This book is a testament to Ward's skill in maintaining tension and excitement throughout, making every twist and turn a delightful surprise. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next!

I enjoyed this taut, pacy thriller, although will confess to preferring A Stranger on Board because I really loved the setting on a super yacht out at sea. A mansion in the Australian outback didn't hold the same appeal for me personally, however that's my subjective opinion and I'm sure there will be readers who loved it.

Cameron knows how to write tightly plotted and well executed thrillers and I enjoyed the feeling of tension as the wildfire grew closer, and the dynamics between everyone twisted and turned. Jess was an interesting main character and I liked spending time in her head as events unravelled.

With thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC.

In The Safe House, Jess, a police analyst in London, returns to Australia to be a caretaker at an isolated mansion. It seems to be the ideal job to help her recover from a traumatic experience. The trouble starts with the bush fires followed by a succession of strangers seeking shelter.
Who can be trusted?
This fast-paced, well-written, action-packed thriller kept me absorbed throughout.
Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me this arc.

I really enjoyed this book even though I found it slightly drawn out, it still kept me interested and would recommend!

A great read although a little far fetched I did enjoy it. An unusual story which was tense in places and very addictive. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

3.5 stars
After enjoying A Stranger On Board, I was keen to see what this author did next. But this was a bit of a letdown for me.
I liked the setting and the premise itself was an interesting one. However, it didn't really live up to its potential.
This had some pacing issues for me - it took a while for it to really get going.
Then some bits were unbelievable while others were really predictable.
It did have a somewhat satisfying ending but I don't think this was really for me.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story had potential, but was a bit messy, and unbelievable at times. It didn't deliver what I had hoped for.

The Safe House provides a slow-burning sense of unease as Cameron Ward gathers together a motley crew seeking shelter from a raging bushfire. Though they find respite in a luxurious safe house, a sinister threat lurks within their midst. Ward ratchets up the tension between these disparate characters, leaving readers wondering who will make it out alive. With palpable suspense and a building sense of claustrophobia, The Safe House delivers a solid 3.65-star reading experience for those looking to get their pulse racing.

This had great promise and I think would be a great read for many, but wasn't the best story for my personal preference. We're in a secluded location, with danger lurking outside, but I think for me I couldn't connect with the characters or see the stakes high enough as I usually like. I'm excited to explore the authors other work as I've heard great things

An edge of your seat, devour in one sitting, crime thriller, set in amongst burning wildfires and isolated houses. Tense and urgent, a well written and compelling story.

Cameron Ward's "The Safe House" is a thrilling foray into luxury, mystery, and high-stakes action. This riveting read, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars, strikes a harmonious balance between a well-crafted plot and the pulsating rhythm of suspense.

Jess, the central character, emerges as a standout in this tale. Her realistic and grounded responses to unforeseen events anchor the story, providing a relatable touchstone in a whirlwind of luxury and intrigue. Ward has skillfully crafted a protagonist who embodies realism in an extraordinary context, making Jess a character and a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the face of escalating tension.

The narrative's pacing is commendable. Ward's ability to maintain a fast pace without overwhelming the reader with excess characters makes "The Safe House" the ideal holiday read. It's an effortless journey through the pages, where keeping track of the unfolding mystery becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.

While the book's opening chapters set the scene with exceptional skill, captivating the reader with anticipation and intrigue, the ending, though good, still needs to reach the zenith of excellence. Nevertheless, it moves commendably, tying up the plot lines in a satisfying, if not spectacular, conclusion.

"The Safe House" is a recommendation for anyone looking for a holiday read that combines mystery with ease of engagement. The book's unpretentious charm and Ward's knack for creating immersive settings make it a delightful read for mystery lovers and casual readers alike. The prospect of seeing Jess in a sequel is an enticing thought, adding to the book's appeal.

Cameron Ward's "The Safe House" is more than just a mystery novel; it's a journey through suspense, luxury, and the human psyche. It's a book that promises and delivers an escape, making it a worthy addition to any reader's collection. For those seeking excitement and relaxation, "The Safe House" is a door worth opening.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Random House for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this was a thriller of a read. Very fast paced, plenty of suspense and untrustworthy characters - just when you think you know who's guilty, you're forced to think again. Don't start this before bed time thinking you're going to have an hours read - you'll be up all night!

I enjoyed the previous book by this author so I was super hyped for this one.

Even though I enjoyed the previous book more than this, I was still in for a wild ride with one, I don’t think I’ve read a book with the wild/bush fire element before but I loved it and the “locked room” mystery that was unfolding.

Jess was in for a huge shock when she thought she could have some alone time in the luxury house.

A claustrophobic read which doesn't fully deliver to its full potential. I struggled to find some portions credible and it was just a bit too messy in places. Overall , a decent read.

An extremely atmospheric thriller which is certainly a page turner.
Easy writing style which still manages to produce a gritty novel with excellent pacing and a great ending.

Well written, easy to get into and a few nice twists, some a tad predictable, some not.

Enjoyable story and nicely written characters.

The Safe House is a gripping read that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

Dealing with the death and betrayal of her fiancee Jess has returned home to Australia for, what sounds like a relaxing job, caretaking a luxury home in the middle of nowhere. The house is amazing, as befits the owner, multimillionaire Bill Drummond-Willoughby who has disappeared owning millions in taxes. Over the next few days, bushfires draw near bringing in strangers who are trying to escape or are they?

As the fires draw near and there is no escape, tensions increase and secrets come out. Will Jess survive?

This was a very gripping thriller but I did find it to be a little predictable in places. I don’t usually mind predictable twists if the way they are unravelled is really clever, but this felt a tad cliche.