When Lucas inherits Stoneborough Manor after his uncle's unexpected death, he imagines it as a place where he and his close circle of friends can spend some time away from London. But, from the beginning, the house changes everything. Lucas becomes haunted by the death of his uncle and obsessed by cine films of him and his friends at Stoneborough thirty years earlier. The group is disturbingly similar to their own, and within the claustrophobic confines of the house over a hot, decadent summer, secrets escape from the past and sexual tensions escalate, shattering friendships and changing lives irrevocably.

The author ratchets up the tension so, even though I disliked most of the characters, I had to keep reading to see what happened. The ending, of course, was not good.

Rabck to another bookcrosser.

This arrived safely, along with Booked to Die, the first thing sent pre-lockdown to reach reach me, hurrah! Thank you again, Tanamo; I have already begun reading this one.

Hmm, serious mixed feelings about this one; I read the first half or so pretty quickly after first getting it, then it lost me and I set it aside. It's very much a slow burn kind of plot. Finished it last week so I could give it to my niece who loves thrillers.
****
Possible spoilers below, don't read until you finish the book: I agree with Tanamo that the characters weren't likeable, and I really found it hard to warm up to Joanna; it was beyond me why, after all that transpired, her and Greg would continue to go there. Also, Greg? He was like a cardboard cut-out of "nice guy" with literally no other distinguishing characteristics. After so long where not much happens, the end all sort of hits at once. I wonder what the author meant for us to think happened. Honestly I didn't really like this book but it was well written, and I would consider giving more of the author's books a try.

Left on the bookshelves by the fireplace nook when I was here yesterday for a day-long art class. Lovely cozy place away from the city. Happy travels, little book!