"The Cottage by the Sea" is an engaging, suspenseful read, but it has its flaws. The plot revolves around a woman grappling with grief and the unsettling mystery surrounding her husband's death, as she slowly uncovers dark secrets from her past. While some twists may feel predictable to seasoned thriller fans, the story still hooks you with its pacing and tense atmosphere. What makes it stand out is the main character—she’s not helpless or overly naive, which is refreshing for the genre. Despite some familiar tropes, it’s an enjoyable book that keeps you turning the pages.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Gritty thriller which failed to hold my interest. Some horrid characters and a pretty awful experience of dating apps.

Whoa, how creepy is this ending? I can't decide if I admire Harper or think she is an idiot? A writer, an author, a widow at thirty five and she goes on an Internet Dating App? What possess some intelligent women is beyond me! The story is of course well written or why else would I be so upset about what Harper does or doesn't do? How can any woman in this century not spend fourteen to thirty dollars on a background check? That's all it cost to look up someone, it's money well spent, you would know within minutes if the person is who they say they are, and in this world of fake identities all over the internet why wouldn't you protect yourself as much as you can? It even tells you if that person has been arrested and what for! As you can tell I am not a timid woman, and I have used this method, it works, I guess the problem with using it in the book would negate the suspense of Harper not knowing who these men truly are, on the other hand it would make women like me think better of Harper, the protagonist would appear stronger and in control. Another hit by a gifted author!
I highly recommend it. Thank you #Netgalley #KeriBeevis #BoldwoodBooks

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Cottage by the Sea by Keri Beevis due to be published October 14, 2024.
I have read three of Keri Beevis’s books, so I was thrilled to get this one!
Harper was trying to integrate into the dating scene using Into You – a site her friend had recommended. She was still reeling from her husband and best friend being killed in a car accident two years ago and trying to put it in the past and move forward. Harper has a lot to learn about internet dating – anyone can hide behind their profile. Strange things keep happening. Is she safe from her online dating possibilities?
This book had me connected to the story as soon as I started it. I couldn’t wait to see what happened to Harper, Charlie, and her best friend, Alicia. It was not at all what I expected – it was full of unbelievably scary twists that had me hooked all the way through. I read this one in one day – I could not put it down! Another hit from Keri Beevis!
#NetGalley #KeriBeevis #BoldwoodBooks #TheCottageByTheSea

It's been two years since Harper's husband passed away in a tragic car accident, now at the urging of her best friend, she signs up for a dating site thinking it might be time to start to move on. We accompany Harper while she navigates a handful of dates and learns the world of on-line dating is not always what it seems. But then, neither is the life in front of you, is it?

Told from two perspectives: Harper's and a mystery admirer, we learn all too well, even the best intentioned people have secrets.

This is another stellar read, Keri Beevis is reliable as always. I have read a handful of her books and she has quickly proven to be a solid winner for me every time, with The Cottage by the Sea as no exception. The twists and turns really expand upon the tragic nature of Harper's life, and don't worry, reader, the dog survives! (In my experience, Beevis has always allowed the animals to live.)

The only "problem" I had with this book was the shifts in perspectives: Harper's was told in 3rd person while the mystery admirer's was told in 1st person, so when they referred to Harper, both had the same perspective - Even with the font changes, I really had to work to remember "they" were not telling the story when we came back to Harper's chapters. It wasn't enough to deter me, just a small bump along my reading journey that I was able to overcome. Overall a 4.5 Star Rating for me! (which will round up to 5 on this site)

Thank you, NetGalley and BoldWood Books for the ARC of The Cottage by the Sea.

I loved this nail biting and nerve wrecking thriller with “You” TV show vibes, a touch of mystery, and plenty of disturbing secrets that got revealed with each page turned.

The story had elements with creepy, dark, and twisted mind of a serial killer who was slowly closing in on his next victim.

I enjoyed the coastal small town setting and the characters as well.
I did NOT see the plot twists coming at all! That was brilliant! And the ending was perfect!
Bonus points for an adorable doggie sidekick.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC that was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Oohh boy do I love a book full of secrets. The main character loses her husband years ago and she tries to move on using a dating website. Suddenly lots of weird events start to happen to her making her think she has a stalker. As she is trying to move on from losing her husband she begins to clean out his office and secrets begin to unravel.
This was a wild ride full of twists that will keep you wanting more.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Another of Keri Beevis’ novels that reads as a movie script, I really enjoyed this one.
It was realistic but tense and thrilling at the same time.
The usual Norwich setting, adds to the realism and the characters, especially Harper was well written a with her foray into the world of online dating surely mirroring many women in the same predicament!
What follows though is a shocking discovery regarding her husband and Harper is plunged into a world of sadistic urges and secrets.
Don’t miss this one!

Keri Beevis does an excellent job of creating a sense of unease as Harper delves deeper into the cottage’s disturbing past. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and complex characters that keep you guessing. It’s a well-crafted and engaging read that thriller enthusiasts will find hard to put down.


Thank you #NetGalley for the #Arc

The cottage by the sea is a good psychological thriller.
We get treated to some really creepy chapters from the POV of the antagonist. The first one in particular was particularly impactful.
I’m not sure that if I was in Harpers situation I would have continued meeting men. I’d have sworn off pretty quickly!
After losing her husband and best friend in a car crash Harper decides it’s time to get back into the dating scene. After a few disasters she starts to notice some worry that something isn’t right.

It is now two years after Harper’s husband has died and she is finally, tentatively ready to give up her self exile. With the urging of her best friend Harper agrees to put her profile out on a dating site. She doesn’t expect a Prince Charming, but who she gets isn’t what she was expecting either.
My head was going back and forth trying to guess which man in Harper’s life was the most distrustful.
The author, Keri Beevis adds just enough detail to each character to make you unsure who to trust. This was a very gripping, tense thriller that hit all the spots for character horror and terror. Full of twists and turns, anonymity and sinister happenings this was an excellent, enjoyable thriller. Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the early copy. This review is my honest opinion.

Another cracking read by Keri Beevis
A brilliant read from the very first page so hard to put down once I started. If you pick this book up you wont be disappointed.

Keri Beevis is one of my favorite authors. I will read anything and everything she writes!! So when I saw that she had a new ARC available on NetGalley, one with an incredibly intriguing premise, I didn’t waste a minute before requesting it.

THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot, multiple potential antagonists, and compelling mystery. The story centers on Harper, who after two years, is still trying to come to terms with the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death. She decides to finally move on, using a dating site to meet potential partners. It is here the real nightmare begins, becoming acquainted with some real losers as well as dangerous fellows. As the mystery unfolds, her inner turmoil becomes palpable, allowing readers to empathize with her journey, even if some of her decisions are quite questionable. The supporting characters, from loyal friends (my absolute favorite being Bailey, her adorable and loving rescues dog) to creepy dates to enigmatic strangers, add layers of intrigue to the narrative.

The POV chapters from our antagonist were so creepy and had my mind working overtime, trying to figure out who it might be. And although I thought I figured it out early on (turns out I was right), I was never 100% sure, which only added to the fun. And the novel could have gone off in so many different directions, so I was never sure where Keri’s story may end up bringing us. Her writing is always taut and engaging, with a pace that steadily accelerates, pulling the reader deeper into the mystery with each chapter.

Overall, THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA is a thrilling novel that combines mystery, suspense, and psychological drama, a perfect read for those who enjoy a good page-turner with a dark, twisty edge.

I want to thank NetGalley, Keri Beevis, and Boldwood Books for gifting me the ARC of THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!

This thriller was the first to wow me in a long time. Read it in a day, couldn't put it down.
Didn't see the twist coming at all and enjoyed it. Loved the character development and the plot. Already can't wait for the next one. One of my auto buy authors.

WELL!
What a read this is,the author has upped the game and gone not just dark with this story but very dark indeed
We meet Harper, widowed and now living a quiet almost agoraphobic life with her rescue dog Bailey and doesn’t really want much to change….she is convinced though by her friend to try on line dating and very tentatively she starts to dabble,her dates are bad,worse and pleasant but she doesn’t find any inkling of romance……at first
All this time she is being pursued although she has no idea of this….however we do
Then the horror begins,real,unimaginable scream out loud scariness and Harper’s life will never be the same again
I always enjoy this authors books,an author that I don’t read the tag line even but know will enjoy but I have to admit to reading the title and thinking I could guess what the story would be about,I was wrong,very wrong as i was about the baddy
This is a psychological thriller with petrifying undertones and one i wont forget,Keri Beevis has created a book to be talked about and talked about it will be
Brilliantly written, unforgettably good

A great book from this author with plenty going on, secrets and lies and I was soon into the storyline and the characters.

I can thoroughly recommend this book and thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this great ARC.

Somehow this was my first book by Keri Beevis, and I was really looking forward to reading it. I have no clue what had made me set really high expectations for her writing, but I had those.
It has been a while now since I have finished reading it and I keep thinking about it again and again. There is so much going on in one tiny book. There is a talented yet heartbroken widow. There is online dating (omfg what a nightmare!). Then there are secrets from the dead husband’s past uncovering themselves. And then there are book crazies. I live for good book crazies. But here, it’s kind of not too easy to see who the real crazies are or why they are crazies.
The storyline is kind of very unique too. Kind of wild, I might even say. And kind of horrible, but so well-told. Also, probably the book needs trigger warnings for those who need them.

Another great book by Keri Beevis! This thriller will have your face glued to this book until you finish it. Well written and full of mystery and intrigue.

Harper has been a shell of herself since her husband died two years ago with another woman, her friend of n the car. When her friend finally convinces Harper to put herself out there and try online dating. After a few bad dates she’s not quite sure she’s ready. As she discovers more details of her late husbands life, strange things start happening around Harper and she’s not sure who she can trust anymore.

A life ripped apart by lies. But what you see can also be hidden.
Lots of depth to this story and as it unravels, well there’s a lot and it’s got some depth!
Great storyline that just keeps going and has parts I was not expecting & to say I was hooked is polite!
Fab

What a great book this was very unique story which was one of those books you really think about after you have read it. I was gripped from start to finish it was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions and so many twists and turns. It was excellently written with such well developed characters.

Author Harper has been struggling for the past two years since her husband and one of her best friends die in a car accident together. When her oldest friend encourages her to use the dating app IntoYou she isn’t sure about it but gives it a go. But not everyone on the site is genuine, and some are not who they say they are what has Harper got herself into?

I will definitely be recommending this fantastic thriller to everyone. Definitely one of my favourites that I have read this year. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy.