Unfortunately I did not get into this one, and decided not to finish. I think it will appeal to fans of dark, suspenseful, scary thrillers- but it was just not my cup of tea.

Creepy elements in this book stay with the reader long after the story is done. It is rich, terrifying, but ultimately brilliant. What a wonderful and engaging read.

Clever writing and gripping storyline . Things are not what they seem , good characters felt they were very realistic .

A great read
Plenty of twists and turns
A real page turner
Will have you hooked
Thanks NetGalley

Thrilling and gripping. Flew through it. The tiniest bit disappointed with the ending. Do have some questions which could be answered with a sequel... maybe? Would have loved a more clever reveal at the end but otherwise it was still a good read.

I loved the creepiness in this book along with the obsession. It was petty, and I couldnt wait to see how it all panned out.

When I first read the synopsis of this book, I just knew I had to read it. I love psychological thrillers but don’t read them as often as I should. It can feel like they all seem to roll into one and it’s hard to remember which was which.
That’s not a problem here though as The Doll’s House is going to be a stand out in its genre.
It’s a particularly dark theme full of mystery and suspense.
It focuses around a family whose lives start to fall apart. As a result of which, secrets come to light & buried and almost forgotten truths find their way to the surface.

Natasha Boydell is a truly gifted author. With her skill for such descriptive prowess, she’s created an immersive world that makes you feel everything. Literal goosebumps whilst reading this creepy, atmospheric tale.
This isn’t specific to just the world building, she gives the same attention to detail to the characters as everything else.
They are unique, interesting, complex & flawed and each one brings something to the story.
I absolutely loved this one, and it’s a book that I’ll be thinking about for months to come.
An easy 5 star for me.

Thank you to netgally for allowing me earl access to this book!
The Doll house was such a good!
It had me at the edge of my seat!

Trigger warning: mean girls, bullying, gaslighting

OK, so gaslighting is often a major factor in psychological thrillers but this goes hand in hand with the bullying, which is subtle and oh so heartbreaking. I'm the first to say I'm not a fan of kids and I have none of my own either but after reading this book and reliving my own childhood hell, it reminded me why I don't like kids or have any of my own. The mental and psychological scars from childhood bullying can be so detrimental and lifelong in some cases, so painful it is. And the gaslighting is just an adult's version of bullying because it amounts to the same thing. But when adults start to use children in their games, well...that is just cruel. As intriguing and engaging as this book was, it also made for some uncomfortable reading.

So this is my first book by Natasha Boydell, though I do have a couple of others by her on my shelf "to read", and I was immediately drawn to the story. I felt for Naomi because no one would listen to her or believe her. And while we didn't see anything untoward as the reader (just the nuances Naomi picked up on - but was she reliable?), there was this undercurrent of uneasiness throughout. Summer made my skin crawl and I didn't trust her one bit. But Naomi didn't help matters either by playing right into her hands.

We meet Naomi when the sale of her flat falls through and in walks Summer, a previous bidder, and Naomi, desperate to sell, accepts her offer. It's a wrench leaving behind the flat but the house her and Oliver have bought mean a separate room each for the girls - Bella (12) and Freya (7) - and an office for Naomi who works from home as an accountant. The girls now have a yard in which to play and they have more space for themselves. It's a dream come true. But then things start breaking down in their new home. The boiler packs up. There is damp mould in one of the rooms. And Naomi wonders if they have bitten off more than they can chew by sinking all their savings into their dream home on an affluent street they had only dreamed of in the past. But that is just the beginning.

Everything is fine until Naomi notices that Summer has started wearing the same clothes as her and had her hair cut in the same style. Then Summer enrols her seven year old daughter Luna into the same school that Naomi's daughter Freya who is the same age, on Naomi's recommendation. And soon school drop off and pick up becomes something of a nightmare. Especially when Summer inveigles her way into Naomi's tight friendship group and shutting Naomi out. Soon Naomi's friends are Summer's friends and their children are besties with Luna when they had once been Freya's. Even the parent's WhatsApp group has gone silent until Naomi learns that Summer set a new private one for her and her friends, shutting out Naomi once again. She's also inviting them all around for drinks and get-togethers without Naomi. Not only is Naomi shut out but so is young Freya. To the point where nasty lies are said about Freya and she no longer wants to go to school.

Naomi cannot confide in her friends because they are now Summer's friends and won't have a word said against her, believing it's all in Naomi's mind. I mean, what does she have against Summer and Luna? Both of them have been nothing but lovely to everyone so why does Naomi dislike them so much? But it doesn't matter what she says or who she says it to, no one believes her. Even her voice of reason, her stalwart, husband Oliver is beginning to doubt her. But when Naomi starts hearing sounds outside her door, notices things have gone missing and one of a kind earrings that Oliver had bought her one Christmas are now being worn by Summer, Naomi begins to feel even more threatened. Scared even. This woman has been in her home without her knowledge and stolen little items that the police would laugh at her reporting. And then Naomi sees the smile. Not a pleasant smile. But a small smug smile that tells her she knows that she knows and there is not a damn thing she can do about it.

Naomi has never felt so alone. Until she finds an ally in an unlikely source. And together they aim to show Summer up for the fraud that she is and bring her down to size once and for all.

This is one hell of a creepy read. It just makes your skin crawl. Summer is someone you just love to hate. She comes across all nice and innocent but you just know there is something evil lurking beneath the surface...you just don't know what it is yet. I devoured this book is just over a day because it is a quick read but I also wanted to escape Summer's presence. She makes you want to take a shower just to wash off any trace of her. And that's just reading about her!

I felt sorry for her daughter Luna. She is only seven and the pawn in her mother's game. Children can be horribly cruel, as I remember all too well, but when adults use those children to play their mind games with others that is just not on. It is child abuse and that kind of treatment only serves to damage the child further. And Summer wonders why Luna is how she is?

The story unfolds through Naomi's narrative as we witness firsthand her downward spiral at Summer's subtle hands. And her friends, who have known Naomi for years and Summer for five minutes, were so quick to turn on Naomi and defend Summer. It's hard to be so forgiving when they saw the error of their ways in the end. I would be livid with them. They knew Naomi. They knew she wouldn't make up stuff like they claimed she was. They should have stood by her. But instead they sided with Summer who they didn't know at all but who appeared sweet and innocent on the surface. People are so fickle and if your friends are going to be as fickle as that, then they aren't true friends.

A creepy read throughout, it is fairly predictable but with a few surprises along the way. Especially at the end which will both shock and chill you. And then that final paragraph in the epilogue. Chilling. The complexities within the plot make it all the more intriguing. My first Natasha Boydell but not my last. A chilling and thrilling read.

I would like to thank #NatashaBoydell, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheDollsHouse in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

The Doll's House by Natasha Boydell is a psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Naomi’s life seems to be on track when she finally secures a new home for her family, after a failed sale of her apartment. But the situation takes a dark turn when Summer, a kind-hearted single mother, buys Naomi’s old apartment and begins inserting herself into Naomi’s life in increasingly unsettling ways. From enrolling her child in Naomi’s daughter’s class to dressing like her and even befriending all of Naomi's friends, Summer’s behavior soon crosses a line.

Naomi’s unease grows when she discovers Summer has created a doll’s house that mirrors her own new home, a chilling symbol of how far Summer is willing to go. As Naomi begins to question her reality, she’s faced with the terrifying possibility that Summer’s obsession is more dangerous than she could have imagined.

Boydell expertly builds tension with each turn of the page, delivering a twisted narrative of envy, obsession, and manipulation. The Doll’s House is a fast-paced and gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Sue Watson, who will enjoy its dark and suspenseful exploration of what happens when someone becomes obsessed with stealing another's life.

The Doll's House by Natasha Boydell
Naomi is heartbroken when the sale of her apartment falls through, dashing her dreams of moving to a beautiful 'forever home' nearby with her family. However, her hopes are reignited when a sweet-natured single mother named Summer intends to buy Naomi's old apartment. Suddenly, Naomi might get her new house after all.
Initially, it feels like Summer has saved Naomi's life. But as soon as the sale goes through, Summer appears at Naomi's new home. She enrols her child in the same class as Naomi's daughter, starts dressing like Naomi, and quickly becomes close friends with all of Naomi's friends. To make matters more unsettling, Naomi discovers that Summer possesses a pretty dollhouse that looks just like Naomi's new home.
Naomi wants to believe she is just imagining things. What could Summer possibly want? And how far will she go to take everything Naomi has?
I was eager to join the tour for The Doll's House after enjoying Natasha Boydell's The Woman Next Door and The Perfect Home (among others) by this exceptional author. From the very first page, where Naomi has a phone conversation, and her younger child experiences a moment of vulnerability, I was captivated by Natasha's writing. The plot is cleverly constructed, drawing readers in with twists and turns. Imitation, suspicion, and deceit thread through each chapter like a serpent on the hunt, leading to an explosive finale.
Natasha is a strong, brilliantly written, and complex protagonist who embodies both vulnerability and strength—truly the best of both worlds. Summer plays the role of a dangerously manipulative fantasist, contributing significantly to the story, which depicts the fallout of two colliding worlds. The supporting cast, including Oliver (Naomi's husband), Asha, Victoria, Angela, and Rachel, along with other friends and acquaintances, are all depicted with great attention to detail and emotional depth.
The Doll's House is a domestic psychological thriller that I wholeheartedly recommend.
I want to thank Boldwood Books, author Natasha Boydell, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing a copy for me to read and review.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Natasha Boydell's The Doll's House is a captivating and suspenseful novel that will keep you guessing until the very last page. This is my first foray into Boydell's work, and I can confidently say it won't be my last.
The story centres around Naomi, who is preparing to move out of her beloved family home. When the initial buyer pulls out, a charming woman named Summer steps in, offering a breath of fresh air and the promise of a smooth transition. However, this idyllic picture quickly unravels as a series of unsettling events unfold.
Boydell masterfully weaves a tale of mystery, fear, and frustration, leaving the reader constantly on edge and anticipating the next shocking twist. The level of detail is impressive, creating an immersive and sometimes chilling atmosphere that had me glancing over my shoulder more than once.
Naomi is a relatable and engaging protagonist, making it easy to connect with her emotions and experience the story alongside her. The Doll's House is a truly exceptional read, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a gripping and suspenseful mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

The Doll’s House by Natasha Boydell is an utterly gripping and atmospheric thriller that kept me on edge from start to finish. This was such a tense, twisty tale, with an ever-present sense of isolation and fear that truly immerses the reader in Naomi’s world. The author masterfully builds suspense, making it almost impossible to put the book down.

The setting plays a crucial role in establishing the novel’s eerie and unsettling tone, enhancing the psychological tension throughout. Naomi’s journey is compelling, and while she is an intriguing protagonist, I did find her impulsive and churlish at times, which made it difficult to fully connect with her. Additionally, I was slightly put off by an element of ageism in the story—when Naomi refers to a policeman as "laddie" in a way that felt patronising and unnecessary. This moment didn’t endear me to her character, but it was a minor gripe in an otherwise thrilling read.
I loved how the ending leaves room for a sequel. The pacing is excellent, and the writing style is engaging, making this a book that I finished very quickly.

Overall, The Doll’s House is a fantastic psychological thriller with an intense, gripping atmosphere and a strong sense of unease. I would highly recommend it to fans of suspenseful, character-driven narratives, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from Natasha Boydell!

This was fantastic and I had a hard time putting it down! The suspense is really well done and I didn't know how it was going to end. There are some unsettling moments that had me engrossed. If you enjoy thrillers, I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Natasha Boydell, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! The crazy twist at the end after the big reveal completely blindsided me. I'm a very hard person to do that to lol. The sister twist was a good enough ending and would've got it 4-4.5 but the end sealed the 5 star for me!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Doll's House" is not for the faint of heart. This unsettling debut novel delves into the chilling depths of childhood trauma, exploring themes of isolation, abuse, and the enduring power of the past.

Boydell masterfully builds suspense, weaving a tapestry of unsettling imagery and psychological dread.

"The Doll's House" is a powerful and disturbing exploration of the human psyche. Boydell's prose is raw and unflinching, capturing the suffocating atmosphere of the lingering trauma that continues to shape one's present.

This is a chilling reminder of the enduring power of childhood experiences and the darkness that can lurk within the most innocent of places.

This was my first time reading anything by the author, and I found it a real page turner.

What I enjoyed about the book:
*clever use of the prologue and epilogue to challenge the reader
*interesting plot involving imitation / stalking and mind games
*variable pace and tension
*a sense of everything unravelling and not knowing how things will resolve
*twists and questions

Overall, it was a compelling read covering themes of mental illness, adoption, stalking, child cruelty, bullying, being pushed out of your own life, and losing a grip on reality. I would definitely be keen to read more by the author.

This book creeped me out so much, in a good way! I love when the main character experiences something that no one else does or even notices. This book was very suspenseful and I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what would happen next!

This was a lot of fun.

I have to admit that I was floored when I found out why everything was happening! And, oh, this poor woman. I felt for her so much.

The book is very twisty and very intense. Like cut the tension with a knife intense.

I did find myself very frustrated with many of the characters, but I also didn’t want to stop reading.

I enjoyed this one!

I gave this book 4 stars. I am not overly familiar with the author but I did enjoy the book.. It was a gripping story that I did not want to put down, I found the main story to be about an imposter of the creepy variety. This book was a job well done!