It took a few chapters for me to get into this book, but once I was in, I was hooked. This book had me double checking that all my doors were locked. I thought the ending was perfect as well.

Also Fred is just the perfect character.

I didn’t want to put this book down.. every page made me want more! Definitely put this on your reading list :)

In One Dark Summer by Saskia Sarginson, Meg was 11 when she was sent to live with her cousins over summer break because her father was struggling after her mother/his wife suddenly left one recent day, never to return. During that summer of getting to know her cousins and uncle, she tries to fit in but is left out more often than in. Then tragedy strikes the family one day and their lives are shattered. Several years later, Meg returns but goes by Margaret when she is hired by the oldest cousin as a nanny. Margaret is determined to piece together what happened in the walls of the manor that fateful summer.

Positives: The transformation of the characters - Meg, the sisters, even Meg’s mother. The sisters were an unknown on how they’d end up being as I read the book.

Struggles: Meg/Margaret’s first part was a bit slow, but then part 2 turned to her mother’s story and twist one happens. I don’t know that this is a hard core suspense/thriller. I would say more light suspense/mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on April 13, 2025. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #OneDarkSummer #SaskiaSarginson #BoldwoodBooks

This is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.
The writing is both engaging and suspenseful, with well-developed characters that add depth to the narrative.
The pacing of the novel is perfect, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers hooked without feeling overwhelmed.
The setting is vividly described, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience.

'One Dark Summer' has a brilliant atmosphere that really sets the plot alight. The whole way through there was an intense, dark feeling to the book which only increased as the plot progressed. This kept me interested and hooked and meant I could not tear myself away from this for long. This also has surprises in it, one of them being this is told by multiple perspectives and in different timelines. As a result, the plot was more involved than I initially thought and I enjoyed discovering the different elements to the book.
The characters are fantastic too and support the plot brilliantly. This has plenty of dark secrets to uncover that will keep you guessing and keep your interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

I was so excited to read this book! Megs mother left her when she was young and she decides to take a job under an alias to try to get some answers. I absolutely loved the plot and the writing was so good. I was hooked from the start and was not disappointed. I also loved that this book was so much more than just a mystery/thriller. There’s other aspects and genres apart of this book, which made it very interesting.

This is the story of Meg who needs answers and disguises herself to find them. Its compulsive and captivating plot had it playing on rewind in mind when I wasn't reading. The beautifully written words are informative and vivid creating a haunting tale.

This was an engaging book. There were twists in it that made the story very captivating. I felt many emotions when reading and I could not put this book down. I hadn't read a book by this author before, but I hope to read another in the future because of how it kept me engaged until the end. I highly suggest this book to anyone who likes a mysterious and suspenseful book.

It was the summer that changed everything…
With trembling hands, Meg knocks on the door of the large manor house. Behind her, the view down to the river is spectacular. She’s here to be the nanny to two young children. It’s not the job Meg is anxious about, though. It’s the house itself that scares her, and the secrets lurking inside. Not only that, but will her new employer recognize her?! Great read!!! Lots of dark family secrets! It had great suspense, mystery, murder, gaslighting, intriguing, and some crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

This thriller kept me up my bedtime to finish it. Loved how it played with my head to figure out the twists and plot in this.

Totally recommend to read ASAP.

Meg returns to Deben Manor where she stayed with her cousins as a young girl when her mother abandoned her. She is now calling herself Margaret, and is nanny to her cousin's children. She needs answers to her past.

This novel has a gothic feel to it. The characters are well developed, and the story is well thought out. Very well written and I enjoyed it thoroughly, needing to see what Meg finds out and remembers.
Meg feels she is being constantly watched, and it feels quite chilling.

Being a crazy cat lady, I love the part where Fred saves Meg's life!

There is everything in this book, mystery, suspense, romance, emotion, all of which make it a compelling read.

4/5 stars from me, highly recommended.

This book was really all over the place for me. When Meg takes on a false identity to find the truth of her past, she is only startled to find out the truth.
Let, me just say this. I loved the characters; they were extremely well developed. The book kept me on my toes and really never stopped getting more and more interesting. Until the end, there were small things that annoyed me and left me wanting more. I needed something major to happen but then it all fell flat, and everyone was so happy and content.
The book was awesome though.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really good thriller. Will definitely read more from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgally for this advance copy.

I went in blind on this one, simply knowing it was a mystery thriller type. I love doing that and this was no exception.

From the first page, I was hooked. The writing pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let go. Without spoiling anything, I have to say that the premise is very interesting. It keeps you reading, blowing through multiple chapters a day.

I really enjoyed the characters. You feel for the main character instantly, which is great. It’s another thing that pulled me into the book so fast.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of mysteries. It’s extremely engrossing and so hard to put down.

One Dark Summer by @saskiasarginson will have you wishing you could get rid of gaslighting narcissistic psychopath…... Even though it’s a work of fiction, the stuff that happens in the book has happened in real life to some degree or another. Kidnapping, SA, drugs, lies, betrayal, jealousy and I’m sure I’ve missed some things.

I want to know who Mick really is. We are told who he is, but I don’t believe the source it came from.

One Dark Summer is a compelling exploration of fractured relationships and the lingering shadows of past trauma. Sarginson crafts a tense atmosphere, effectively weaving together disparate timelines to reveal the gradual unraveling of hidden truths. The book’s strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of complex characters, each grappling with their own internal struggles. While the narrative treads familiar territory within the domestic suspense genre, Sarginson's evocative prose and skillful pacing contribute to a satisfyingly unsettling read.

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and Boldwood Books for approving my request to read this book.

One Dark Summer is a fast paced twisty thriller which sees Meg return to a house from her childhood in her quest to find out what happened to her mother.

Packed with deceit and secrets throughout I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending this to others.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

First, as always, I wanna thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!

I felt really drawn towards the cover, blurb and title, and what can I say? The book did not dissappoint! Like, what can go wrong when Meg returned disguised as a nanny to the Manor where her life changed completely so many years ago? A lot, I would say! Because bad things have happened in the Manor so many years ago. And Meg is determined to find out the truth behind them...

This is a captivating, twisty story that kept me turning page after page so I did basically devour it within twenty-four hours. And now, I need to check out the other novels by Saskia Sarginson. This was my first one, but I do know now it will not be my last!

This book follows Meg and her mission to find out what really happened to her mum, Irene. I devoured this book in half a day. It is so fast paced and impossible to put down! The author sucks you in from the first chapter to the last. I came up with so many theories about Irene and I wasn't disappointed at any of the reveals. Although the book was told from multiple view points it was never confusing and it never got boring. I will definitely be looking at more books by this author.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc.