"The Visitors" by Miranda Rijks presents a mix of strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a middle-of-the-road reading experience. The characters in the novel are intriguing, with complex backstories and motivations that add depth to the narrative. However, their development feels somewhat surface-level, leaving readers wanting more insight into their inner workings and emotional landscapes.

Rijks effectively establishes a chilling atmosphere and setting, particularly in the isolated countryside mansion where much of the story unfolds. The writing style is clear and concise, making for an easy read, but lacks the lyrical quality that could enhance the overall experience. While the plot holds promise with its premise of a family's encounter with sinister visitors, it ultimately falls short in execution, with pacing issues and a lack of truly gripping moments.

Despite its shortcomings, "The Visitors" does manage to generate some intrigue, particularly as the mystery surrounding the titular characters unfolds. However, the logic behind certain plot developments and character relationships feels strained at times, leading to moments of frustration for readers. Overall, while "The Visitors" may offer some enjoyment for fans of psychological thrillers, it fails to fully deliver on its potential.

Rijks skillfully creates an atmosphere of unease and tension from the very beginning, drawing readers into Hannah's seemingly idyllic life only to shatter it with the arrival of the troublesome visitors. As the story unfolds, the author masterfully builds suspense, taking readers on a rollercoaster ride of fear and uncertainty.

Hannah's character is relatable and sympathetic, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in her plight. Rijks explores Hannah's journey from initial frustration and anger to the realization that something far more sinister is at play. The author effectively captures Hannah's growing sense of dread and desperation, making her struggle against Mike and Nadia's machinations all the more compelling.

The antagonists, Mike and Nadia, are truly chilling. Their disruptive and disrespectful behavior serves as a catalyst for the escalating tension in the narrative. Rijks expertly portrays their cunning and ruthlessness, making them formidable adversaries for Hannah. The psychological cat-and-mouse game between the characters adds layers of intrigue and keeps readers guessing about the true extent of their sinister intentions.

The pacing of the novel is superb, with Rijks skillfully ramping up the suspense with each chapter. The short, punchy chapters contribute to the book's fast-paced nature, making it difficult to put down. The author's writing style is engaging, and the descriptive prose effectively conveys the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the story.

Miranda Rijks weaves a complex web of secrets and surprises, gradually unveiling shocking revelations that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, ensuring that the story remains unpredictable until the final pages. The shocking secret from the past adds an extra layer of intrigue, further deepening the mystery and heightening the stakes for Hannah.

"The Visitors" is an enthralling psychological thriller that explores themes of manipulation, obsession, and the lengths one will go to protect their family. Miranda Rijks delivers a suspenseful and captivating narrative, showcasing her talent for crafting intricate plots and multifaceted characters.

In conclusion, "The Visitors" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. With its well-developed characters, relentless suspense, and shocking twists, it is a chilling and engrossing tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Miranda Rijks' future works.

As I said, The Other Mother was not my first Miranda Hijks book, it wasn't even my only book from her that I read this month!

Again, another great read, however this one had me STRESSED while reading it! The premise was that Hannah had set up a holiday cottage next door to the house her and her family live in. The first family visiting come rather too close for comfort, and then when the father has an accident, they refuse to leave. And hence, my stress! This was so well set up and realistic feeling that I had palpitations thinking about the situation poor Hannah was in! Definitely makes you think twice about buying a property to rent out!

Rijks really dials up the uncomfortable tension in this one and keeps you reading in the hope that it all works out in the end. Another great read!

Tank you for the ARC and sorry for the delay in reading, but now read why didn't I read sooner.
Great storyline as always from Miranda, well written, good characters, a great book.

This was a good thriller with a fast paced plot which I found quite gripping and engaging. I will be looking out for more from this author

Great plot to get yourself lost in. This book has everything. A real fast paced thriller. Will get your heart racing on more than one occasion. Very well written. Highly recommend this book

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was a really good read tbh. knew where it was going but overall was pretty good still. liked the ending.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was also gifted the audio version and since I tend to listen to audiobooks more abd get through them faster. I have my review on the audiobook version.

I am really sorry to say this but I just didn’t really enjoy this. I tried finishing it a few time but while the premise sounded interesting I just really didn’t like any of the characters and really hated the dynamic between husband and wife in this. Maybe I will giving it another try at some point but I sadly have to mark it as a dnf for now.

I thought the book was fine. The characters in it made it hard for me to love this book. Most of them made me cringe, especially the men. The men were awful. A few times I thought about DNFing it, but I decided not to. A few of the twists I saw coming. I also think the ending was a bit much. Overall, I thought the storyline was different!

I listened/read the book. I liked the narrator. I think she did a great job. I look forward to reading more from this author. If you are looking for a slow burn, this is it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Dreamscape Media for the copies in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of The Visitors by Miranda Rijks.

Is Rijks underrated? Why aren't we talking about her more, I always really enjoy her stuff.

I was ALL IN on this one. Mostly because some of the things happening were what my absolute nightmares are made of. Guests that won't leave??? That's my own personal haunted house.

Hannah and Daniel are a happily married couple. Daniel is a doctor, and Hannah has just turned their barn into a beautiful and classy rental with a killer view. It's her second set of guests, and they are nothing like the quiet and polite travelers she was hoping for. They are crass, dirty, and rude. They are also very comfortable crossing boundaries into Hannah's home and life. Oh well, it's a small price to pay for new business, and thankfully, they'll be gone soon.

But after one of the guests falls and breaks their leg, and insists that they aren't fit to go home, Hannah starts to suspect that more is going on, and that these might not just be innocent guests looking for a nice view.

Ugh, like I said, I was STRESSED reading this, but in such a good way. This is a fun, impulsively readable suspense novel full of twists and surprises. I enjoyed the characters, the good, bad, and inbetween. If you need a fun read to help a long car ride go by quickly, this is it!

The Perfect Life…?
Hannah seems to have the perfect life. Everything seems to be going swimmingly. At least, it seemed that way until the arrival of the visitors. When Mike and Nadia come to stay at her holiday rental, things begin to take a drastic downward turn. Tension fuelled suspense with a mainly unlikeable cast of characters, but suspend your sense of disbelief.

Did not like Hannah much at all and the plot was just ok for me, but this was still a decent written thriller that I think many will enjoy, easy to read and good pacing!

Great book. Highly recommend and will most defiantly read more by this author and suggest to others!

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. It just didn't draw me in and I did not want to get bogged down trying to continue reading it.

Rijks writes such good twisty thrillers and this one was no exception. I was definitely convinced that the story was going to end one way but was completely surprised in the end!

This is an engaging, well plotted thriller which I felt compelled to read in one day.

Hannah is a music teacher who lives with her children Joel and Rosa and her husband Daniel who is a heart surgeon. It was her dream to renovate the barn and open it as a holiday cottage. However, Mike, Nadia and their daughter, Kayleigh, are not the kind of guests they had in mind, Kayleigh and Rosa become great friends. I found it a bit strange that Hannah was more reluctant to let the visitors walk her dog, Peanut than she was to let them take Rosa out for the day. When Mike is found dead, Daniel is the prime suspect, but did he do it?

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will definitely look out for more by this author.

Tiny criticism- there was one chapter where the word apoplectic featured three time and Daniel's receptionist and accountant had the same surname- Sweetman- although it didn't say they were related in any way.

Thanks indeed to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC,

Easy to read and gripping. This is the first novel that I have read by this author but I will be reading more

This book makes you think twice of buying a property to rent out for some extra income... The book was well written and kept me entertained throughout.

This is the first book of Miranda Rijks that I have read and I wasn’t disappointed.

The prologue crash lands us right in the thick of the drama - someone has been arrested and suspected of murder… flash back two weeks and we discover the lead up to the arrest.

Hannah is desperate to get her holiday rental off the ground. She pours her heart and soul into it (not that her husband Daniel would notice - a detestable character if I ever read one). When Mike, Nadia and their daughter Kayleigh rent it out, things quickly go dramatically wrong!! Who are this downright horrid family and why are they determined to destroy Hannah’s dream?

This book gallops along - such a cleverly written plot, full of suspense and twists. I didn’t like a single character - but that’s ok. Sometimes the best books are those who make you despise the characters so much, thanks to the scintillating writing. And my goodness did I want to throttle Hannah - strap on a pair love!!

But a great ending with some fab twists and turns. If you are planning to rent out accommodation to anyone - don’t! This book will make you think twice. Thank you to Miranda, Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the digital copy. Thoroughly enjoyable psychological thriller.