Release Date: October 14th 2021
Publisher: Zaffre
Pages: 400
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

Nell Galilee, her husband, and twelve-year-old step-daughter Maude rent a holiday cottage by the sea, needing time and space away from home after Maude became involved in some troubling events. Nell grew up in this small, wind-blown town and has mixed feelings about returning, and it isn’t long before she is recognised by a neighbour, seemingly desperate to befriend her. The cottage too has been empty for some time, and from the start Nell feels uncomfortable there. Something isn’t quite right about this place . . .

Maude, furious about being brought here against her will and her father’s attention falling so often elsewhere, soon finds herself beguiled by the house’s strange atmosphere. There are peculiar marks in the roof beams above her bedroom, and in another room, a hiding place, concealing a strange, unnerving object.

As the house gradually reveals its secrets, Nell becomes increasingly uneasy – and Maude spellbound. But these women – and the women that surround them – are harbouring their own secrets too, and soon events will come to a terrible head . . .

Review

The Hiding Place is the dark and compelling story that follows Nell Galilee and her family as they return to the place by the sea that Nell grew up. Renting a holiday cottage so they can attend a family party, Nell is soon recognised by some of the neighbours who are desperate to befriend her. As they spend more time in the cottage strange things start to happen, making Nell uncomfortable and her stepdaughter Maude captivated by its secrets, but will Nell and Maude discover the truth behind Elder House and the villagers that surround them?

The Hiding Place is an incredibly atmospheric read, one that’s absolutely perfect for reading in the dark, wintry nights. I started reading late one evening and was completely captivated by this story. I loved the way there was a slightly uneasy feeling to begin with, growing steadily more unsettling until I was on the edge of my seat for the last quarter of the book. I was completely fascinated and desperate to know what was going on with this creepy old house.

The Hiding Place is a well-paced story and I loved the Whitby setting. The characters were well created and it was interesting reading about the dynamics between the family, with Maude and Nell being left on their own whilst Chris has to return home. There were more than a few moments that sent a shiver up my spine and I definitely felt this was the kind of book that sticks with you long after reading. The book did give me Laura Purcell vibes so if you’ve enjoyed books like The Silent Companions I think you would adore this book. A captivating and atmospheric read, this is one not to be missed.