Book Review: The Summer House by Keri Beevis
As a long-time fan of Keri Beevis, I was eagerly anticipating her latest suspense thriller, The Summer House. The premise sounded tantalizing: a family grappling with dark secrets in their grandmother’s home, and a murder mystery that unfolds across two timelines. Who could resist diving into the depths of a narrative that promises both nostalgia and chills?
Set against the haunting backdrop of Mead House, the story opens in 2005 with the ominous start of dangerous games: a vague note instructs Camille, the elder sister, to meet someone at The Summer House—a secluded part of the garden. From the outset, there’s an unsettling energy, amplified by the contrast between Camille’s reckless nature and her more reserved twin, Lana. The menacing atmosphere quickly escalates, culminating in Camille’s tragic death, which sends ripples through the family for years to come.
Fast forward to present day—Lana returns to Mead House following the death of their grandmother, with her twin brother, Ollie, to clean out the clutter of their shared past. This home, once filled with memories, now teems with ghosts that refuse to stay silent. As they sort through belongings, Lana discovers Camille’s journals, igniting doubt about the circumstances of her sister’s murder and the man imprisoned for the crime, Sebastian. The tension builds beautifully as menacing events unfold around Lana, pulling her deeper into a web of secrets and suspicion.
Beevis excels at creating atmospheric tension. The isolated setting and the vivid descriptions of The Summer House pull you right in. However, the narrative is admittedly packed with characters, and I found myself wishing for deeper exploration into each one’s motives and backstories. The multitude of personalities, from the troubled and narcissistic to those driven by jealousy, often muddled my connection to the characters, making it difficult to root for anyone except Lana and her former boyfriend, Xav.
The pacing also felt uneven. The opening grabbed me immediately with suspense, while the middle felt stretched, losing some of the initial tension. Yet, the final act did ramp up the action significantly, delivering an intense showdown and intriguing twists that kept me on edge.
That said, I grappled with suspending disbelief towards the climax, as the eventual revelation of the killer seemed inconsistent when considering the events that transpired earlier. This lack of connection ultimately made it harder for me to invest in the characters’ fates, often filled with overwhelming darkness.
Despite my critiques, there’s something undeniably captivating about The Summer House. The intricate plot twists, the chilling sense of family betrayal, and the palpable atmosphere all resonate deeply. It may not have been my favorite Beevis novel, yet it certainly lays the groundwork for future storytelling—one that keeps readers guessing and engaged.
If you are a fan of thrillers that delve into family dynamics laden with secrets, The Summer House may find a place on your reading list. It’s an unsettling exploration of love, obsession, and the lengths one goes to uncover the truth. Though it may not be perfect, Beevis has crafted a haunting tale that lingers long after the last page is turned.
I invite you to give it a read and share your thoughts—after all, every reader’s perspective is uniquely valuable! Until next time, happy reading!
Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: March 6, 2023
Thank you to #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review Posted @ JudithDCollins.com | @JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
