Neve comes across a troubled woman called Isabelle on Waterloo Bridge late one night. Isabelle forces a parcel into Neve’s hands and jumps to her death in the icy Thames below.
An unexpected gift...
Two weeks later, as Neve’s wreck of a life in London collapses, an unexpected lifeline falls into her lap – a charming cottage in Cornwall left to her by Isabelle, the woman on the bridge. The solution to all her problems.
A twisted secret...
But when Neve arrives, alone in the dark woods late one night, she finds a sinister-looking bungalow with bars across its windows. And her dream home quickly becomes her worst nightmare – a house hiding a twisted secret that will change her life forever...
Packed with suspense and intrigue, In a Cottage, In a Wood is the perfect blend of thriller and mystery. The story centres around Neve, a young woman whose chance encounter with a stranger under the worst of circumstances leads to a brand new life in the country.
Neve is a risk-taker who has fallen on hard times; she has become an expert at projecting an aura of confidence yet struggles to see a way out of her dire financial situation and lacklustre life. She is undeniably flawed yet still somehow endearing, and when the unexpected gift of a cottage arrives on her horizon, you find yourself rooting for Neve and hoping that it will be the perfect opportunity for her to turn things around and make a fresh start.
Of course, though, things aren't quite that simple and before long, Neve is left playing detective and trying her best to find out the story of the woman on the bridge - all while desperately trying to shake the sinister feeling that lurks about her newly-acquired home.
There is definitely a creepy vibe about the cottage that sets your nerves on edge, even as a reader. Reminiscent of so many horror films about abandoned cabins in woods, while this book isn't a horror story, it certainly still borrows the spooky atmosphere of this classic horror trope and plays it to perfection.
In a Cottage, In a Wood is a slow-burner yet still highly engaging throughout. It's packed with surprising twists and turns that keep you guessing right to the end, even as you pray that Neve will somehow earn herself a happily ever after. With a compelling storyline, some deeply disturbed characters and a whole shoal of red herrings to throw you off the scent, this book is expertly written. It's also an ideal novel to devour in a single sitting - but you may find yourself sleeping with the light on afterwards!
Gripping and at times unsettling, this is a great atmospheric thriller to keep you company on a sleepless night.
Rating: 4 stars
In a Cottage, In a Wood is available to buy now.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Will you be reading the book? Let me know in the comments below!
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