I do enjoy Keri Beevis's writing & have read a few of her books! This one was no exception! A great read!!!

“The House in the Woods” by Keri Beevis is a compelling psychological thriller. The story revolves around Emily and her boyfriend Max, who book a boat house for an autumn break, hoping to leave behind a tumultuous period marked by Emily’s father’s death and their own relationship’s secrets and lies. However, their supposed retreat quickly turns into a nightmare as Emily senses a presence lurking in the silence, watching and waiting. As strange occurrences unsettle Emily, Max’s patience wears thin, dismissing her fears as imagination. But Emily harbors a secret so significant it threatens to unravel everything, including their relationship.

The author masterfully crafts a chilling atmosphere, with the boat house itself becoming a character in its own right—claustrophobic and menacing. The setting amplifies the story’s mood, with the isolation of the woods and the proximity to water adding to the sense of entrapment and uncertainty. Just enough information is revealed at the right moments to maintain intrigue and suspense. The characters are well-developed, flawed, and relatable, making their decisions and secrets all the more impactful.

You know you’re onto a winner when the tension ramps up from the outset and you can’t help but keep turning the pages, despite the knot of tension in your stomach!

I raced through this book, desperate to discover the reasons behind the events at the boat house.

I loved how the author initially made Max standoffish and aloof before revealing his true nature as the storyline progresses.

There are several difficult themes within this novel and it’s worth checking the trigger warnings before reading. To hear from the author that some of the events are based on real life experience makes this even more poignant, especially when reflecting on the main character Emily’s continual self reproach when, in fact, she had done nothing wrong.

This is a tense, dramatic psychological thriller which will keep you on the edge of your seat until the climax.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Loved the setting on this one especially. Secluded boat house. It moved at a fast pace, loved the fact a dog is in it. Full of twists , I couldnt get enough of it.

It was not worth of reading. Plain story, not attractive and not believable characters, too many words about nothing.

"The Boat House: A Psychological Thriller" by Keri Beevis is a riveting exploration of psychological suspense that weaves a complex web of intrigue. The book stands out for its atmospheric storytelling and the nuanced portrayal of characters caught in the twists and turns of a psychological thriller.

One commendable aspect of the novel is Keri Beevis's ability to create a compelling atmosphere that heightens the psychological tension. The author skillfully builds an unsettling ambiance that envelops the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The intricate character dynamics and the interplay of suspense contribute to the immersive quality of the story.

Beevis's writing style is both evocative and engaging, drawing readers into the intricate layers of the psychological thriller. The characters are portrayed with depth, and their complexities add to the overall intrigue. The book's pacing is well-executed, maintaining a steady momentum that propels the narrative forward while allowing for moments of suspense to resonate.

However, some readers may find the psychological twists to be intense, and individual reactions to the narrative's developments may vary. As with many psychological thrillers, the success of the story hinges on personal preferences, and readers may have differing expectations regarding the resolution of the psychological elements.

In conclusion, "The Boat House" stands as a captivating psychological thriller that skillfully immerses readers in a world of suspense and psychological intricacies. Keri Beevis's atmospheric storytelling and nuanced character portrayals make the book a compelling read for fans of the genre. While the intensity of the psychological elements may be subjective, the overall execution of the narrative contributes to the novel's success as an engrossing psychological thriller.

Max and Emily book a quiet retreat on the Norfolk Broads to try and rekindle their relationship.
Things have been difficult for the couple so a get away in a quiet location is just what they need. However, from the moment they arrive things start happening and Emily doesn’t feel safe in the quaint little boat house. Max tries to dismiss the incidents but eventually he acknowledges that something is going on.
We also have chapters from the past where Emily is visiting her father who is dying from cancer and we meet Connor who has taken a shine to Emily. A very creepy book. I did guess quite early who was scaring the young couple but it was still a great read. I could not imagine how terrified Emily felt when the sinister events start happening, especially considering the remoteness of the boat house. Suddenly a romantic break away becomes a scene for being terrorized for the secrets you keep…

I enjoyed the setting of this book especially as it links to where I am from. I thought it created a good amount of creepy atmosphere. Lots of suspense but not many real surprises but overall worth a read.

Reading Between the Wines book review #126/115(met goal in Sept!) for 2023:
Rating: 3 ½ 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: The Boat House
Author: Keri Beevis
Available Now!!

Sipping thoughts: The Boat House started off really good and I was expecting a twist or just a quick left, but it really played out the way it seemed like it was going. There were very few surprises but it was interesting enough to want to finish and find out what happened.

Cheers and thank you to @BoldwoodBooks and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @TheBoatHouse.

#TheBoatHouse #KeriBeevis #BoldwoodBooks #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult

THE BOAT HOUSE was a quick and compelling read, easy to follow and entertaining, but ultimately a bit forgettable. Keri Beevis’s books are a bit hit or miss, and this one was merely average.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review THE BOAT HOUSE.

Keri Beevis has done it again. This is another must read which will appeal to fans new and old.

I was pulled into this one and completely unwilling to put this down. I have devoured page after page in just one sitting.

This is creepy and twisted in all the best ways. The pages are laced with tension and suspense which keep you guessing throughout.

I absolutely adored Emily, my heart really went out to her. The setting added a whole other dimension to this one and I loved it.

I’ve read many books by this author and this is one of the best. I cannot wait to see what comes next.

I highly recommend this book.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Such a creepy read.
With a lot that turned my stomach with some delicate issues in the writing of this book from Keri Beevis it's one of her best.
Connor Banks this man is a stalking twisted dangerous rapist that will make you freak out.
Wroxham Norfolk Broads the Stone Boat House is the perfect getaway, for couple Emily Worth and Max Hunter, a cute little boat house a perfect quiet place to get away from their work and spend quality time together, with a tiny cottage opposite with a jetty the place has a tranquil feeling, it's perfect for their border collie dog Scout too, as Emily takes him out for a walk before dark, she was safe here wasn't she?
But from day one things start to happen.
A gripping absolutely gripping read that will make you freak out, I just could not put it down chapter after chapter.
A page turning Psychological thriller, a dark secret, a deadly obsession with no place to hide.
Beevis is a unique story teller

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me this ARC. This quick read The Boat House is now available on Amazon.

*Trigger warning for rape and stalker

Have you ever ordered something at a restaurant that wasn’t cooked exactly how you ordered it, but not bad enough to send back? Maybe they forgot to leave off the sauce, or the steak was just a little over cooked. The meal was still edible and tasty even, but just wasn’t what you expected. That’s the best way I can describe for how I felt after finishing this book. Also, why are all my book analogies food related 😋…ugh.

There were a lot of 5 star reviews on Goodreads so I was extremely excited for this book. For me, the story was a bit predictable and was lacking the twists I so crave in thriller books. I found myself unable to sympathize with the characters because they had multiple chances to get themselves out of the situation they were in, but kept to making poor decisions over and over.

With that being said, there were plenty of positives. I loved the fact that the author incorporated a dog as one of the main characters. Scout was part of the storyline from the beginning to end and was my favorite by far. The chapters were short and I found this such an easy quick read. If you are looking for a popcorn thriller with some stalking vibes that reminded me of “You”, then I’d say give this one a go.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars. The book started out slow for me, but picked up towards the end. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the setting. As the story raced towards the climax the suspense picked up. And, SPOILER, the dog survives, thank goodness! This was an enjoyable read and I’d recommend it. I’d also read another book by this author.

This was a really good read, I enjoyed the twists and turns and the ending was great. The characters were interesting, the story itself was very enjoyable and the style of writing was perfect. I have read a few books by this author, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. Looking forward to the new one out. I would recommend this to anyone who likes reading psychological thrillers.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a honest review.

TRIGGER WARNING/SPOILER ALERT: rape
Emily and Max head off on a romantic retreat, trying to put the spark back into their relationship. Things have been tough for the couple with accusations of infidelity amid family bereavements. But it soon becomes clear that someone has followed them to the boat house and they could be in danger...
The Boat House is a psychological thriller set in the UK. The book is set in the present day as well as a past timeline which shows the lead up to the trip and the issues within the relationship.
Emily and Max are clinging on to their relationship despite a troubled few months. Emily has suffered two bereavements and has been worried about Max's friendship with Leah. She has her own guilt about a friendship with, and attraction to, a hospice volunteer who she met while visiting her dying father.
Most of the book is written in the present day as Emily and Max try to make the most of their time away to reconnect. However, a series of sinister events make the couple uneasy and they begin to fear for their safety. In the back of my mind, I had Emily's frantic emergency services phone call from the prologue so I didn't know who to trust.
There is a rape about halfway through the book and I did guess from the author's clues that this was one of Emily's secrets so I don't feel bad about issuing a trigger warning or risking a spoiler. There is no graphic detail but the aftermath is intense, unpleasant and emotional as Emily adjusts to her new reality.
The Boat House is a tense and dramatic thriller.

This thriller follows Max and Emily on what should be a very romantic trip out in the country to a lake house. The author did an amazing job with the setting. It was very descriptive and I could totally picture every scene in my head.

As you can imagine, creepy things start to happen on their trip. Like Emily receiving notes, hearing sounds outside, a mysterious bottle of wine etc. Both Max and Emily have secrets of their own. Emily is convinced she knows who is tormenting them but telling Max about it is not an option.

This book wasn’t the best thriller I’ve ever read, but it was an easy read, super entertaining but also a little too easy to guess the plot twists. I would give 3.5 stars if I could.

The Boat House - Keri Beevis
Emily and Max look forward to their weekend away. After the stress of the last few months, Emily is looking for a chance to reconnect and leave the past behind her. Jokes on her, from the minute she walks in the door, she notices something is amiss and she fears the truth is going to come out.
Strange things keep happening, from random wine showing up, a mask left at the door, someone staying in an abandoned house across the water. As things keep happening, Max grows more impatient with Emily, unable to understand the constant paranoia.
Unfortunately for Max, Emily had reason to believe she was being targeted and as the truth begins to come out, they might have to fight for their life. Is it too late for them? Can they survive this nightmare of a trip?
This was my second Keri Beevis book and again, I'm so satisfied. This book was an easy read that kept you in n your toes as the secrets start to come out. Emily story was both tragic and terrifying and you were rooting for her to come out on the otherside. I gave this one a wonderful ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 and recommend you grab yourself a copy!
Thank you so much Netgalley for the ARC!

You are never let down by a Keri Beevis read and the Boathouse didn’t disappoint. Max and Emily are going to a holiday home in the Norfolk Broads, staying at the Boathouse. With the house being so isolated and items appearing that neither of them brought, Emily is really unnerved, but Max is trying to be more practical about the events. Soon the are both spooked and want to leave.
With flashbacks to past, it is clear both Max and Emily have their secrets and they start to unravel during their weekend away.
A creepy read with chilling aspects will keep you wanting to read one more chapter! The characters and sub- plot are well thought out and provide plenty of detail for you to become submerged in their action. A perfect standalone thriller book.

Picking up a Beevis book, I know it’s a guarantee that I am in for a good read… and once again, Beevis does not disappoint. Although there is only one book by this writer that I have yet to get my teeth into, I can’t believe how much of a great track-record this author has: there is quality writing, an immersive plot and plenty of twists that come into a formula that works every time.

I liked this story because of how creepy it is. With the isolated boat house setting combined with the time of year – Halloween, misty, long nights – this works perfectly to intensify Emily’s suspicions that she and her boyfriend are not alone. Strange occurrences are dismissed by Max and it just makes Emily feel like a fool, but not that she is wrong. Eventually Max agrees with Emily that there is someone at the boat house who is most definitely not welcome, but this realisation comes with the knowledge that this couple are not as secure as they thought.

There are plenty of secrets between Max and Emily that are gradually revealed over the course of the novel. Although there is no real secret about who might be at the boat house, I enjoyed the truths that come out and the structure of the novel added to the atmosphere. Mixed with a timeline leading up to the romantic getaway, readers see how Max and Emily’s relationship deteriorated – and the events that transpired along the way. I was a bit frustrated by how trusting Emily becomes but reflected that it is her emotional circumstances that drive some of her decisions.

Being a victim is a key theme to this story. I sympathised with Emily’s emotions and was saddened by her reaction to some plot developments. I liked the writer’s note at the end of the story and I think this reinforced how this tale is not just a work of fiction, but a reflection of how so many people can be victims like Emily. The importance of recognising when one is not a victim and then acting appropriately, is a lesson that I think we can all learn.

The ending of the story was effective because it was so open-ended. I think this metaphorically represents how similar perpetrators are always out there and I found myself screaming at the new character – too trusting and easily convinced by such a welcoming stranger.

This was a great tale and perfect for an autumn night. I could not imagine how terrified Emily felt when the sinister events start happening, especially considering the remoteness of the boat house. Suddenly a romantic break away becomes a scene for being terrorised for the secrets you keep…

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.