Member Reviews
This is not the first of Rijks' novels - they really pack a punch. Miranda is a legend when it comes to writing twisty mystery novels full of surprises and this one was just that.
I really enjoyed the premise of this novel - a house swap with a twist. It intrigued me and kept me guessing right until the very end. A dysfunctional family is such a good ingredient for this kind of novel and Miranda conveyed this absolutely perfectly. I loved how there were small twists and turns throughout the novel, rather than just waiting for a big plot twist right at the end of the book. This kept me massively on my toes.
However, I didn't seem to be as gripped as the other novels I have read of Rijks. I think I am just quite hard to please when it comes to mysteries, especially considering the love I have for Miranda's other work. Due to this, I have rated this novel a 3.5 stars.
First book by this author and really enjoyed it!!!
Gripping, twisty and a good storyline!
I’ll definitely read more from this author
This was such an interesting premise and like are of Miranda’s books, they were executed perfectly. From page one I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find out what happened!
I had mixed feeling about the twist, but overall I did enjoy the book and it kept me turning pages. The concept of two families swapping homes, where secrets are uncovered is a good one. It didn't quite grab me as much after I got around two thirds along, but it was still a good read overall.
The House Swap
Another banger by Miranda Rijks! Ever thought about swapping homes with someone? Well these two couples have and after reading this you probably would not. With the expectation of a relaxing holiday, both couples learn that things aren’t always as glamorous as they appear; and stepping into someone else’s lifestyle isn’t always rewarding. As you turn each page…Before you hit a quarter of this book, you’ll ask yourself…” Why didn’t they just go back home?”. But as you’ll see…everyone has their own agenda, deep-seated feelings are revealed, secrets begin to unfold, and soooo much family drama! Oh, and did I forget to mention that someone goes missing?
As always with her books, It was a very good and easy read with lots of twists…the twists even have twists. And her twists are NEVER disappointing! These characters will have you going through a range of emotions…lol!
I am extremely grateful to Miranda Rijks for having received this complimentary ARC via NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way; this review is strictly based on whether I enjoyed the book or not. I look forward to reading her other books. This book is currently available for purchase; So you may want to add this book to your TBR if you haven’t already read it.
Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am a really big thriller fan so I was dead chuffed to get an early copy of this book, I felt like the premise was really good and I liked that it flipped between characters to delve deeper into their lives so you really got to know the characters.
Sadly, I felt like this thriller was quite predictable, Niall had no real character growth but you immediately knew he was the issue, and the angst that I was yearning for, didn't materialise. Then the ending wrapped up really quickly which was disappointing for me.
I'm really glad I've read it - so thank you Netgalley.
I don't think I'd call this book a "thriller" necessarily. The first 2/3 had very little, if any, mysterious aspects; a few hints alluding to something hidden here or there, but nothing overt. The last 1/3 was all the action, which unfortunately was completely unconvincing. I get that these characters had secrets, but it was like the author turned them into completely different people, not at all how we got to know them. Which would be thrilling, if it had been in any way believable.
Overall, I liked the idea of the book and the characters were wonderfully flawed; it was as perfect formula for a phycological thriller.
It just fell flat and didn't come across as believable unfortunately.
A decent thriller here. Gripping story but could’ve had better pacing, I found it hard to get into at first. Once you’re in tho it’s Intense and chilling — a must-read for thriller fans
Thank you Inkubator Books and Netgalley.
This was a quick read but wasn't the most gripping psychological thriller that was promised.
In parts it was predictable, but it was a good read.
This was a quick read and was fine, but it wasn't the "gripping psychological thriller" that was promised. It was predictable. It was still a good read, but it wasn't very gripping, psychological, or much of a thriller!
This review was also posted on Goodreads.
This requested this copy because it sounds like the movie, The Holiday, but with a thriller twist. I loved the events that happened with these 2 families. The great multiple perspectives kept me engaged. Thank you for this ARC.
I found this book full of suspense. I found myself reading into the wee hours of the night. I anxiously await to read more of this authors books in the future
I love Miranda's books and this was a fast paced read. I loved this and couldn't put it down. Read in less than a day and that's a positive what a ride
Thanks for the opportunity to review
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Pub Date: 12/4
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When the Browns and the Lesters agree to a house swap, both families think they are getting the vacation of a lifetime. But when weird things start happening, the vacation goes from a dream to a nightmare.
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I was hooked to this story right from the start. I was super sketched out by certain events that happened pretty early on and from there things just spiraled. There were characters that I liked and others that made me a bit weary. but I feel like this flow of the characters was pivotal in making this such a great story.
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This is told in multiple POVs between members of the Lester family and also from the Brown family. The story starts off a little bit on the slower side and gradually picks up the pace as the story moves forward with a really awesome bomb drop and some serious suspense at the end.
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I love that we get a look into what happened to both of the families after everything is revealed. It really brought the story full circle in the end.
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Overall this was a fantastic read. I love a good psychological thriller and this one checked all the boxes. I highly recommend it! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Miranda Rijks and Inkubator Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
When the browns and the letsters decide to swap houses it should be the perfect holiday.
However the strange things start to happen it becomes apparent things are not as they seem.
A very fast paced book which I couldn’t put down
4 stars
Thanks to net galley and the publisher for this arc
This was a fantastic thrilllwr. Great characters base in the uk and France for an unconventional house swop. One family and a husband and wife who seem to be more connected than they think. Great twists within loved it
Intriguing settings, interesting plot, mystery and deception. This book has it all, and is a very good read!
When two couples, one in London, the other in Provence, France, decide to swap houses for a vacation, both end up shocked at the accommodations. The London home is first class, and luxurious. The “ chateau” in Provence is run down, and under renovation construction. In addition, the chateau has some mysterious history.
As the book progresses, we discover that both couples have loads of secrets, that tie
this story together!
Thank you NetGalley and
Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. My opinions are unbiased!
Thank you NetGalley for letting me review this book.
This book is about two families swapping houses. Who wouldn’t want to experience living in London in a townhouse or in France in a chateau? Both families experience issues, and these issues lead to secrets coming out.
The Brown’s, while at the France chateau, learn that a woman who lived there disappeared and was never seen again and there is a mysterious break-in. The Lester’s while at the London Townhouse, 17-year-old Rafael, disappears.
Secretive and mysterious events kept happening throughout this book and kept me wanting more. I went to bed and was excited to open the book back up, to see what will happen next.
This book was balanced very well with character and plot development. It was a very gripping thriller and I highly recommend this book!
Rijks does write a good thriller, so I jumped at the chance to tour with her latest offering, The House Swap.
It's a pacey read that is narrated from multiple POV and spans several locations. A twisty, engaging story of deception and betrayal that will have you theorising and making wild assumptions until the truth is revealed.
Fantastic characters that could easily be real. A plot to die for and an enjoyable read to boot.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC of this fun thriller in exchange for an honest review. This book kept my interest from beginning to end and had a great twist to wrap it up in the end. I will definitely be reading more from this author and very much enjoyed this book. Highly recommended!