Synopsis: “A gripping, twisty new thriller from the bestselling author of Our House.
Charlotte and Perry long for summers at Cliff View, their gorgeous holiday home overlooking the turquoise waters of Pine Ridge. And now that city friends Amy and Linus have bought a property nearby, they plan lazy weeks of sun, sea and sipping rosé on Charlotte’s summerhouse veranda. But there’s trouble in paradise… A rising tide of resentment towards second-home owners is heading their way and small acts of criminal damage are escalating into something more menacing. By the end of the summer, families and friendships will be torn apart and Pine Ridge will be known for more than its sun-drenched beaches. It will be known for murder… “

My Review

This was a really good book set in the south of England, that started with a brilliant opening chapter!

It was full of short chapters from multiple characters, but not so many that I found it too confusing, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past.

There were quite a few unlikeable characters, especially the entitled second home owners down from London (DFL) for their August summer holiday.

I liked Robbie the leader of the Not Just For August protest group, but I also liked Beattie the teenage daughter of the one the DFL families. They were both interesting characters. I could identify more with Robbie than Beattie, but I liked her because she was different to her parents, and although her actions weren’t at all good, her character brought a lot more tension to the story.

The setting on the south coast of England was good, and felt like an other character in the book.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a summery domestic drama with a coastal setting.

Book 1 of 20 Books of Summer 2026