I really loves the way Keri weaves a story, and there is more twists and turns in her books that you can imagine. This was really another brilliant offering by a very talented author. Can't wait to read more thrilling reads from her pen!
TB

So this is quite a dark book about how little we really know about the people in our life and the very dark side of sex and torture that can exist in the world. Be careful if this may be triggering to you. I did however love the main character and really wanted her to find love and not just meet all these men who just added to her bad luck in life. A great read.

I devoured this book in one sitting, eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding the protagonist's past. The author's writing style is engaging, and the pacing is well-balanced, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
However, I found the plot twists to be somewhat predictable, and the characters lacked a bit of depth. Still I enjoyed it.

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Keri Beevis for the e Arc of The Cottage by the Sea.

The cottage by the Sea is a slow to medium burn book following our MC, Harper getting back into the dating game after losing her Husband in a RTA. Anyone who has done the dating game from online apps knows that safety is paramount and Harper as her friend who she checks in with. So after conveniently bumping into a date who is married, sets off a series of advents in which Harper uncovers the deepest, darkest secret of them all.

This is the second of Keri Beevis' books and Im getting to really like her writing style. The slow build is great as this is where the character development happens so it gives you a good sense of who they are. For me, it makes them feel more human and flawed which I tend to bond better and care about them. The pacing of the book flows well and with the duel POV, Harper herself and a mystery man, it becomes evident that these 2 narratives are going to collide. But at what cost to Harper?

The last 1/3 of the book becomes very tense, keeps you engaged to the very end.

4.25 for story graph rounded to 4 for Netgalley and other sites

There is content that might be triggering for some, so please read the trigger warnings!

While the beginning was slow, the book picked up and I was fully invested. Harper is the main character as she ventures into the crazy world of online dating after losing her husband in a car accident. Harper discovers secrets her husband was keeping as she clears his things out of their house.
There are also chapters throughout narrated by Harper's stalker. There are so many twists, turns and secrets in this book. The pages had me enthralled as the plot developed. I just had to know what was going to happen at the end and who the culprit was. I enjoyed this gripping thriller from Beevis!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"A marriage built on lies. A house built on secrets"


Harper is an author of romance novels. Aged 37 and widowed for two years, she lives in Norfolk. Her best friend from her days living in London is Megan, who, having been there throughout for Harper when she was trying to deal with the death of her husband Charlie, has recently been encouraging her to get back in the saddle, via the online dating apps.

Harper knows she drinks a bit too much and has become almost totally reclusive since Charlie's death, especially when the circumstances surrounding his car accident had come to light, shattering her belief that she had been part of a strong and loving marriage. She knows she has completely lost her confidence and despite the space her publisher has afforded her to grieve, her writing is suffering and deadlines look likely to be missed. In an effort to shake herself out of her apathy and lethargy, Harper has a new rescue dog, Bailey, who ensures that she at least has to leave the house to walk him, although she still tends to go places where she knows she will be almost the only person.

After many nagging phone chats with Megan, Harper reluctantly signs up for a reputable looking dating app and is initially terrified by the invasive nature of the content. When her profile begins to gather likes and friend requests though, she eventually agrees to meet some of the men she finds particularly attractive, although always at a place and time of her choosing. However, Harper seems to gather a rather eclectic mix of date choices and after one or two close shaves, when she realises the many lies and untruths most subscribers will publish to get a meeting, she cancels her profile and leaves the site.

Not soon enough it seems though, as Harper, once again devastated after discovering sickening new evidence about just what kind of a man she had been married to, soon realises that she has also attracted a stalker who will go to any lengths to win his ultimate prize!

Under rather stressful circumstances, Harper meets Irishman Luke, who is a doctor. The pair hit it off right away, although in deference to Harper's rather fragile state of mind, they agree to move very slowly with their relationship and give one another plenty of space. It is some time before Harper feels ready to share all of her troubles with Luke, although by now the stalker has upped the ante considerably and she has no option but to confide in the steadying influence and rock that Luke has become for her.

Will Harper be able to escape the fate this cold and calculating, psychopathic madman has in store for her?

…

I have deliberately kept my summation of the storyline quite vague, as to be honest, it is so mind bogglingly imagined by author Keri Beevis, you really do need to feel the full impact of it for yourself, so please consider yourself warned!

When I began reading, my first thought were, Oh! another contemporary thriller with its premise centred around the perils of online dating. One of the recent similar storylines I had read, had found me reaching for Google to ascertain what, in the context of online dating, was 'ghosting'. This time, as if to reinforce the gaps in my modern thinking, I needed to confirm the exact definition of 'catfishing'

However, it soon became clear that this intense storyline was so much more than I could ever have imagined, as what I had anticipated being a standard psychological thriller, soon took on horror proportions of my worst nightmares, rivalling many authors long established in the field of scaring the living daylights out of me.

Narrated mostly from multiple viewpoints in the third voice, there are some particularly dark, blood-curdling and explicit interjections written in the voice of the stalker themself.

Whilst this is quite a slow-burner of a storyline, the writing is excellent, gripping and very descriptive, so that was never an issue from my point of view. Chapters are plenty and clearly marked, keeping the overall suspense and my anxiety levels being ramped up right to the very end. So many potential suspects are put in the frame before eventually being eliminated. Multiple twists and turns and dead-ends, only further mask the true identity of the perpetrator, so that I never really pinpointed a name before it was actually revealed.

The characters are all unreliable, including Harper herself, who at times finds it quite difficult to hang on to reality, so disturbed is she. This didn't particularly endear me to any of them, which I suspect is exactly as the author intended, making this very much an intentional arms-length connection with them all, which in all honesty I was glad when it was over and my stress levels could return to normal!


Keri did a great job of transporting me, as a confirmed 'armchair traveller', to the county of Norfolk on the east coast of the UK. This is an area I have never visited, so to be treated to seeing in my mind's eye, places which were not fictional and which I was able to track online, was a real joy. I became totally immersed in the sights and sounds of this wonderfully described, 'off the beaten track' location, although that did little to assuage the ever-increasing anxiety levels I was feeling as Harper's life slowly fell apart around her.

A real doozy of a storyline and definitely one to be read with the lights on, preferably when you are not alone!

The twists and turns in this story had me guessing throughout the story. The main character shows growth as she manages her way through the grief of losing her husband and starting to date after 2 years. The question is, how safe is the dating world?!

"The Cottage by the Sea" by Keri Beevis is a quick and captivating 5-star read! Harper, still mourning the loss of her husband two years ago, is finally convinced by her friend to reenter the dating scene. She creates a profile on an online dating site, where she meets some... interesting men, to say the least. However, Harper soon realizes that online dating may not be for her—or that she might not be ready for dating at all. Unfortunately, she may have made that decision too late.

This fast-paced story kept me on the edge of my seat. Much of it is told from Harper’s perspective as she navigates the unpredictable world of online dating while finally clearing out her dead husband’s belongings. Interspersed are chapters narrated by her anonymous stalker (though "stalker" might be too mild a term), offering chilling insights into his disturbing childhood and sinister plans involving Harper.

It’s important to note that this book contains potentially triggering content, so I recommend checking trigger warnings beforehand. While it may not be for everyone, it’s a thrilling read for those who enjoy darker psychological suspense. This was my first book by Keri Beevis, but it certainly won’t be my last!

Thanks to Boldwood Books, Keri Beevis, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

This is the 6th book by Keri Beevis that I’ve read and she never fails to disappoint. Just when I think I have the twist figured out..nope! I would check the trigger warnings before jumping into this one as it could be tough for some readers. Overall though it was another 5 star read for me!

I really liked this book and thought it had a little bit of everything! The story centers on Harper, an author who has become reclusive after the death of her husband (under odd circumstances, at that). Her best friend convinces here to sign up for a dating site and she has horrible experience after horrible experience, while also meeting a couple men outside of the app, When super creepy things start happening, she has a whole cast of potential "bad guys" from which to choose.

Harper is a believable, though sometimes naive, character. I really enjoyed her relationship with her dog as well as the dynamics between her and various people. There were full-out scary parts of this book, and the author did a great job painting the picture of her lonely house that was far from others. There were some great twists in this book and it went an entirely different direction than I thought it was going to go- I love to be tricked like that and it doesn't happen much! The story is action-packed from beginning to end. I really liked the end of the book, both when the full story comes out and how it's all tied up for Harper. There was a lot to unpack but loose ends were tied up well.

Overall, I thought this was a really good book and I raced through it. I'd definitely recommend for those who like mysteries and psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love all of Keri Beevis’ books so was very thankful when I got a copy to read. I inhale them so fast. They’re fast paced and keep you at the edge of your seat while you try to figure out who is to blame.

Bestselling author Keri Beevis returns following Nowhere To Hide with her latest twisty psychological dark thriller, THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA, proposing an ongoing question, 'How well do you know your husband?' This question sets the stage for a gripping tale of mystery and suspense.

Everything unravels when the past collides with the present, and dark and sinister secrets emerge.

A marriage built on lies. A house built on secrets...

About...

Set in Norfolk, England, we meet Harper Reed, a 37-year-old widow and romance (romcom) novel author who is now trying to write her own love story. Words were her day job, and she wrote two novels a year, but her personal life is currently not one for the pages.

Her friend, Megan, had met her husband online, and she is encouraging her to set up an online profile. She has not dated since her husband was killed in a car accident with her best friend two years earlier. She never really had closure. Now, it seems the internet and social media are the main ways people meet.

Her house was now her prison, and she needed to start living again. Her first step was to get a dog, Bailey, a black cocker spaniel. She and her husband had always planned to start a family, so they purchased the large remote home and moved to Norfolk. She now wanted a second chance.

Now, she was registered with IntoYou, where Megan met Tom. However, her journey into the dating world is not what she expected when things turn dark, and she discovers she has a stalker.

My thoughts...

THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA is a creepy, twisty, slow-burn domestic suspense about a woman who can not understand why her husband and her best friend, Alicia, were killed in a car accident. Were they having an affair? Or are things not as they appear? An ongoing mystery about her husband's past, with unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The dating world is not what Harper expects, and shocking secrets rise to the surface, putting her in danger. The first few dates were a disaster, one horrible man after another. Then, unexpectedly, she meets a nice doctor, Luke, who comes to her rescue while walking her dog, and he may not be who he seems.

In addition, when she is cleaning out her husband's things, she soon realizes she never knew him. Harper's worst fears are coming true. Did he have an accomplice? What secrets are hidden in the cottage and the cellar? What goes on behind closed doors the wife does not even suspect?

The novel is dark, sinister, twisted, and creepy, especially the unknown POV, turning into horror. From serial killers, monsters, sociopaths, dark secrets, sick games, obsessions, sacrifice, and murder, the narrative is filled with tension and suspense.

While THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA is not my favorite by the author, and there are no likable characters, some may enjoy traveling to the dark, crazy side. I am a fan of this author and eagerly await her next book. I have always enjoyed her earlier works and am excited to see what she has in store.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a gifted, advanced reading copy for an honest review.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 Stars rounded to 4
Pub Date: Oct 14, 2024
October Newsletter

I have mixed feelings about this book. There are things I loved about it, things that irritated me, and more than a few eye-rolling moments.

Firstly, Harper got on my nerves a bit. Not all the time, but enough of the time to need a firm shakeup. And I don't mean to be disparaging, I'm sure there are many great romances forged on dating apps, but surely after one disastrous attempt, youd think twice. Never mind four! Okay, Justin doesn't count. I do have to add that this poor woman has the worst luck with men.

I liked everything about Luke (especially the Irish bit), and I love Bailey. What a great addition he is to the story. The setting is also great, it's always a big part of any story for me. I wasn't sure which way the story was going or who the bag guy was,I dithered between 4 people until almost the end. I had an inkling earlier on but for some reason discounted it.

The grammar was a little off here and there, it was almost as if words had been left out accidentally, I had to backtrack to check if I' d missed something, but with this being a proof copy that necessary polish might still be coming. It wasn't enough to be a big issue (but would be in a finished copy).

Trigger warnings galore here for the squeamish, but thankfully none to do with animals, apart from the fish, which is glossed over. This killer means business, and I asked myself how likely it is... then laughed, remembering that as a massive Criminal Minds fan, I should know the answer.

A fairly enjoyable and easy read, I'll be looking out for others by this author. The best thing about it? Bailey is fine throughout. It was great to be able to read something without constantly worrying if something was going to happen to him.

A solid 3 and a half stars, rounded up to 4 for Bailey.

If you follow me, then you may be aware that I'm a sucker for a Keri Beevis book. She is fantastic at building tension and unease and creating unexpected twists. She's also pretty good at dark and disturbing, and this book is no different.

The story follows the life of a novelist living a semi reclusive life following the sudden death of her husband and friend. When she starts dating again, unsettling things start to happen. The setting is really well described, and the characters are interesting. The book is twisty and very dark and gruesome at times. Definitely not one to read alone! I thought the resolution was perhaps a little too neat, but that's being picky. It really kept me guessing and was a real page turner - I can't wait to see what Keri comes up with next!

The Cottage by the Sea by Keri Beevis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Holy mother of plot twists. I was not expecting this story to be so good. The author did a great job and misleading me and throwing in all kinds of curveballs.

Harper is a widow and for the past 2 years she has been mourning the death of her husband, She decides to finally put herself out there and go on a dating site. She has no luck until she meets mysterious Luke. Luke seems perfect but she begins to suspect hes hiding something. She discovers a deed to a cottage that belonged to her late husband and there she finds the unexpected.

This book makes me never want to try online dating! This poor woman has been through the wringer and just as she's ready to put herself back out there, things get dangerous and scary. A good read.

I really enjoyed this book and found the writing style easy to follow and a decent pace.
I found some of the main characters choices un believable at times and found that they were written purely as plot devices rather then what would probably happen in that situation.

However I never saw the ending coming and it had me on the edge of my seat.

You can never go wrong with a Keri Beevis book and this is an excellent addition to her catalogue.
It’s well thought out, brilliantly written with a consistent pace.
The characters are believable, and the whole thing has a feeling of suspense throughout.
If you know this author, you’re getting exactly what you know and love and if you’ve never read this author before then why not start here and see what you’ve been missing.
Thank you for my arc and the opportunity to read.

Great book. This book was so intense. It was addictive and I couldnt put it down. Loved the combination of the romance and mystery. I was kept busy trying to work out who the culprit was.

A marriage built on lies, A house built on secrets.

Two years after losing her husband and best friend in a car accident Harper decides it’s time to put her life back together. She joins a dating site but soon realises the people she connects with are not who they say they are. When strange things start happening she is unsure who she can trust.

This author is quickly becoming a go to for me as I’ve really enjoyed most of the books that I have read by her. Thanks to @netgalley for the chance to read this book, one I thought I had figured out but I was wrong.