Sadie and Ted’s marriage is on shaky ground, so they plan a Christmas getaway to a secluded cabin with their kids and parents, hoping to reconnect. But their plans are derailed when Ted’s ex from 15 years ago unexpectedly arrives with a teenager in tow, claiming she was invited. Tensions rise as secrets from the past resurface, threatening to unravel everything.

The story is tense and unpredictable, with twists on nearly every page. Sadie’s emotional journey is compelling—her anxiety and uncertainty practically leap off the page as her world spirals out of control. Ted, while frustratingly immature at times, still manages to be endearing in his own way. While the ending feels a bit far-fetched and inconsistent, the journey is gripping, keeping you guessing until the very last chapter.

I was completely engrossed in this story from beginning to end. The pacing was perfect, and the characters were so well-written. It’s one of the best books I’ve read recently.

I’m rating this one 3.5 stars. I can’t believe I forgot to finish this one and it was good. Although this came out a while ago it’s the perfect Christmas read. The story takes place at a secluded house in the winter during Christmas. I enjoyed all the twists and turns and many unexpected things happened. The characters were unreliable and just when I think I had it figured it I was wrong. I would’ve related this one higher but the ending felt rushed. I enjoyed how the story wrapped up but I was surprised that it was over so fast. I will read more from this author and I do recommend this one for a quick, Christmas thriller.

This book had me on edge the entire time! The tension between the protagonist and her husband’s ex, Alice, is electric from the start. The remote Highland cottage setting adds to the suspense, especially when the power goes out and the storm hits.

The fear of Alice being a threat to the protagonist's family, especially with her creepy behavior and the chilling moment when she locks the protagonist in the basement, was so well done. The protagonist’s determination to protect her family, combined with the dark secrets she’s keeping, makes for a gripping read. I couldn’t put it down, and the suspenseful twists kept me guessing until the end. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a touch of danger!

I enjoyed this book. There were some twists that were not expected. Would recommend!

This is a fast-paced thriller set over the Christmas holiday in a remote rented house. Sadie has planned a family focused Christmas holiday with her husband, Ted, two daughters, Charlie & Tamara, Ted's parents, Neal & Patricia, Ted's brother Matt and Sadie's own mother, Julie. Sadie and immediate family arrive early to the rental in the Scottish Highlands so they can have one night as a family before the extended family arrives.

As they are settling in, there's a knock at the door, Sadie opens the door and in walks Ted's ex-girlfriend, Alice, with her own daughter, Natasha who appears to be 12 or so.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

I love married couple psychological thrillers like this. If you enjoyed Behind Closed Doors, The Housemaid, The Wives, The Last Mrs Parrish, The Perfect Marriage, etc then you will love this one. I ate up the twist and had a great time. Recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a slow burner, and to be honest with you I was hoping for something more. I found Sadie to be very frustrating and didnt connect with her. The ending was disappointing and felt very rushed.

It took me some time into getting invested in this thriller. I found it a bit dragging, and unfortunately I wasn't surprised by the ending.

I read this in one day! It’s a tantalizing tale of suspicions created in a remote weather-trapped cabin. It took mind-boggling turns by the end!

This gripping thriller will keep you racing through the pages!

Thank you, Rosie Walker, Bookouture, & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.

Took a little to get into the story at the start but loved reading this book. Really keeps you on your toes. It's eerie, full of drama and keeps you guessing throughout the whole story. Nothing is as it seems which i really loved and everything falls into place only right at the end. There are many unexpected turns and it was brilliantly written.

I’m sorry to say I really didn’t like this book. I think it was the unreliable narrative style. I’ve never done well with this style where you can’t believe anything the narrator says.
I’m sure many readers will love it. Just not me!

I knew I’d like this novel when I started reading the first page. The plot is twisted and unnerving as you watch an ex girlfriend crash a family holiday in a winter storm. Easy read, well done!

This book turned out to be disappointing for me. Firstly, I do not like the main character, Sadie. She is very self-absorbed and only thinks of herself. The book is repetitive. I keep reading about people having hot drinks and ram that I feel like hurling my ereader the next time I hear about hot drinks in that chapter. The ending is also far-fetched with a lot of plot holes. The story also seems like a jumbled mess with incoherent storyline. I also feel that the ending isn't properly explained. Like, is Robin really dead? Overall, I couldn't guess the twist but it does not make into favourite thriller list.

A brilliant read that keeps you guessing until the very last chapter of the book. I found it very hard to put down once I had started.

Description sounded good and the book certainly lived up to it. Twists galore and an ending I would never have guessed. Thoroughly enjoyed this ARC and many thanks to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read it i return for an honest review

I struggled with this one it started off with potential i was quite gripped but then i just thought it started getting a bit much in places
the characters are hard too warm too and understand and start too get on your nerves a bit
i didnt think i'd finish it but as i got quite away thtough i thought i may as well see how it ends.

Though this book started strong for me, and I loved the premise, I feel the ending went a bit rushed at times and lacked the major climax I was really seeking. I absolutely scored Rosie Walker's writing and will be reading more from her, but this title in particular just missed a tad for me in the end.

Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book, I thought from the synopsis that this would be my kind of book however I found it to be rushed and there could have been a lot of potential.

I was unfamiliar with the author, but the description appealed to me. Unfortunately, I felt it didn't live up to expectations.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.