Lucy Clarke's The Surf House is a captivating psychological thriller set against the sun-soaked cliffs of Morocco. The story follows Bea, a model seeking refuge after a harrowing encounter in Marrakesh, who finds solace at The Surf House—a sanctuary for travelers chasing waves and sunshine. As Bea becomes entangled in the mystery of a missing woman who vanished a year earlier, Clarke masterfully weaves suspense with evocative descriptions of the coastal setting. The novel's pacing keeps readers on edge, with unexpected twists that heighten the tension. The Surf House is a must-read for fans of atmospheric thrillers that blend intrigue with a vivid sense of place.

Absorbing and suspenseful destination thriller.

Bea has had it with her structured role and work as a model. On a photo shoot in Marrakesh, Morocco, she rips off her couture dress, grabs her backpack and takes off for the souks and what she hopes will be an escape from her regimented life. After a crazy and dangerous encounter, she befriends a woman, Marnie, who takes Bea to a surfer's clifftop paradise guesthouse that she co-owns with her partner, Ped. It's a diverse community but all are there for the surf and for the nomadic lifestyle they call freedom. But some are hiding secrets and, in fact, wasn't there another girl there on her own a year ago who left one day and was never seen again? Savannah's brother, Seth, arrives at the house in search of her.

Told in a past and present timeline and from multiple points of view, though primarily that of Bea and Savannah, the pace is fast and the tension builds as this perfect world starts to unravel. Although i didn't care for many of the characters, I did empathize with some. I liked the writing style and the way the author used the setting to create atmosphere that enhanced the suspense as well as the desperate nature of the situations. She captured the spirit of the young people yearning for something they can't really identify or name that makes them continue their wandering.

There is a lot about surfing in this book, and I know nothing about that sport, so it was interesting and I could see how these young adults chase the waves for the sheer purpose of emptying their heads even as many have no ambition or other focus in mind. People and things can become an obsession. Bad decisions can have calamitous consequences. Hiding from the truth doesn't make you complete or turn things right. Betrayal is deadly. There are twists and turns, some predictable given the typical course of this genre, but I relished the process and the revelations.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Sarah Slimani, did an excellent job bringing the story to life and giving her characters individual accents and personalities. She gave a theatrical flourish to the production that really enhanced my appreciation and enjoyment of the setting and the story.

I loved Lucy Clarke's previous books but this one wasn't for me. I dont know if it was the surfing aspect or what but it didnt have the same appeal.

The Thriller That I Didn’t Know I Needed!

The Surf House is a sun soaked sanctuary for travellers chasing waves but it also hides a dark past. When Bea seeks refuge following a dangerous situation in Marrakesh, she gets tangled up in the mystery of a woman who disappeared without a trace. The answer lies within the Surf House but can Bea survive long enough to uncover the truth.

Lucy Clarke doesn’t fail when it comes to twists and turns and she’s definitely smashed it again. I devoured this book so quickly as I just needed to know what happened next (not a want, a need!). The characters weren’t loveable but they were filled with secrets which made them interesting! The ending completely surprised me too which a thriller hasn’t done in a long time! If you haven’t read this then it needs to be on your TBR list as you won’t be disappointed!

Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the eARC.

Unfortunately I have decided to DNF this one, it wasn't for me.
I will continue to check for future books from this author as I like to give author's a second chance and I won't be put off from DNF this one for my future reads.

🌊Book Review🌊
The Surf House
By Lucy Clarke
Published: 5/20/25
Genre: thriller

This was a very engaging, thrilling read! Having been to Morocco many years ago, I really loved visiting the setting in this story. The twists and turns just kept coming, too. It was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. It was a fun and suspenseful escape that I’d recommend reading if you enjoy traveling and twisty, thrillers.

Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollins for the opportunity to read the digital arc!

#netgalley #harpercollins #lucyclarkeauthor #thesurfhouse #thriller #suspense #bookreview #bookrecommendation #arcreview #bookstagram #readingisfun #reading #books #thrillerbooks #booksinmorocco

Bea decides she’s had enough of the modeling scene, and quits while on a photoshoot in Marrakesh.
After she is robbed of her passport, a woman named Marnie comes to her aid and takes her under her wing. Marnie allows her to stay at her hostel that she runs on the coast with Ped.
Lucy Clark always hits on the compelling storyline of lies, heartache, deceit, and mystery.
I loved how she combined the story of the surfers and their amazing time on the ocean, riding for thrills and avoiding the reef.
Bea fits right in until her curiosity is peaked by a missing traveler named Savannah.

I loved this book, it keeps you locked in from beginning to end.

Thanks to Netgalley, Grove Atlantic, and Lucy Clarke for the chance to read this ARC.

After a violent attack leaves Bea unsettled, she takes refuge with the woman who helped her. At loose ends in her life, Bea stays on at the Surf House, the hostel that Marnie and her boyfriend run. But not all is well at the Surf House.

With a unique story, and plenty of classic Lucy Clarke twists and turns, this was a lovely suspenseful story I'm so glad I got to read!

Thank you Netgalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Monthly Press for the ARC!

3.5⭐️

Big thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC copy. This one is out now!!!

I loved the setting of this one, but unfortunately the pacing felt a bit uneven at times leaving me feeling a little disengaged. While the twists were satisfying, they didn't hit as hard as I expected. The relationships between characters were well-developed but could have used a bit more depth to make the emotional stakes feel more impactful.

Overall, his was a solid read for fans of suspense, but it didn’t quite reach the level of the author’s earlier works for me personally. It’s worth picking up if you enjoy a blend of mystery with a touch of coastal charm though!!

This was an atmospheric read set in Morocco revolving around the world of surfers. The author's descriptive writing style allowed the reader to visualize the environment and scenes as if it were unfolding right in front of them. There were a few times I felt that the surfing aspect almost threw the mystery to the side. I never felt fully connected to the story or the characters, but whether it was me or the story, I couldn't tell. The writing was excellent, the story okay, and the twist surprising but also not. Overall, this was an okay read, and I give it three stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Grove Atlantic, for this ARC.

3.5

I've read all of Lucy Clarke's books starting back in 2013 with her debut, Swimming at Night (now renamed The Sea Sisters). I've consistently read her new books as they're released. She definitely has a formula for her books, and it's a comfort thing for me going into them knowing the layout. What keeps me coming back is that, honestly, she just sets the vibe - especially for the surf, traveling, and messy relationships. Her books always make me feel like I'm there with the characters. Have I outgrown these books? Probably so, but I still read them. Good for anyone in need of a page turner with summer ambiance.

In the middle of a modelling gig in Marrakech Bea decides its not the life she wants, so she quits. Taking to the streets to explore she falls into some trouble only to be saved by Marnie who takes her back to the hostel she owns in Mellah called The Beach House.

While figuring out her next move Bea begins to work at the hostel and hears about a backpacker who disappeared one year prior. Bea finds herself caught up in finding out what happened to Savannah. Is she missing or does she not want to be found?

This is a fantastic destination read. The descriptions of scenery, the food and the parties had me wanting to pack my bags and go. However I found there was a big lull in the middle of the story where I found myself wanting a little less surfing and romancing and a lot quicker investigating thanks Bea!
The story is interspersed with chapters from Savannah's point of view but bar the last couple they offered no new information so didn't further the plot at all.

It definitely picked up again towards the end and just when I was thinking 'this is more like it', it all wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking.

The Surf House kept me interested enough to finish the book but wasn't a wow read for me.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this one

The Surf House was a great read, full of suspense, mystery, drama, secrets, lies, and betrayal. I was drawn in immediately, I honestly couldn't put it down.

Lucy Clarke is one of my favourite thriller authors. Her writing is both deeply emotional and beautifully descriptive. This is the seventh book I've read from Lucy. I've loved every single one so far.

I loved Bea. She was strong, charismatic, and smart. I also really liked Aiden, Savannah, and Marnie.
The storyline was compelling and unique, and the twists were surprising and clever, I didn't see them coming at all.

If you like thrillers with emotional depth and characters you actually care about, then you need to read Lucy Clarke's books.

I highly recommend.

5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Grove Atlantic, and Lucy Clarke for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Surf House opens with Bea, a model, who is on a photo shoot in Morocco. In the middle of the shoot, she decides she has had enough of this career and walks away. Now, alone in a foreign city, she begins to wander through the streets of Marrakesh and suddenly realizes she is being followed by two strange men. Lucky for her, a woman named Marnie appears, bearing a knife and coming to her aid. Marnie then invites Bea to return with her to The Surf House, which is run by Marnie and her husband Ped. At first, she is drawn in by this beautiful retreat overlooking the sea. But as time goes by, she hears of the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Savannah who was last seen at the Surf House. Bea begins to investigate and soon realizes the people she has grown to think of as family, may not be what they seem. There is definitely something sinister beneath this beautiful facade. This was a really beautifully written novel. I loved the surfing lifestyle and well described settings. A perfect combination of thriller, mystery and a little romance, this was fantastic novel.

A perfect summer destination thriller that will keep you guessing and flipping pages! While not my favorite by this author, it was still classic Lucy Clarke, compelling and twisty. Her writing style is always a treat. Definitely recommend getting this one in before summer ends!

The Surf House by Lucy Clarke

A thriller that didn’t thrill me but that will appeal to many who like visiting foreign countries from their armchair, enjoy New Adult Romances with the feel of mystery and suspense, and don’t mind waiting a while for the twist at the end.

The beginning of the book caught my attention as I waited for Bea to find herself losing her possessions and almost being assaulted. She walks away but what has happened in the alley is just the beginning. Bea has left modeling behind, is trying to find herself as she becomes part of the Surf House community and also is fielding phone calls from a not so great sounding mother.

I admit that I skimmed as I realized that I was not invested in Bea’s awakening and what would happen to her as she navigated her time in Morocco but did find that a LOT would happen before the end of the book. There is a lot of darkness in this book with perhaps a glimmer of light at the end although more than one character will have to live with a heavy load for the rest of their lives.

Did I like this book? Not really
Would I read more by this author? Perhaps

Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for the review copy ~ This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

As we know Lucy Clarke is the queen of destination thrillers. I love how she transports me to wherever she is writing about. I'm a big fan of short chapters and this one has them so thank you! This has the isolated surf location of Morrocco. I love the beach, so I really connected with this book In this book we have themes of blackmail, deception and betrayal. I connected to the character of Bea as I felt she was the only one I could trust. You will be questioning all the characters and their motives. We get to know the why and who 3/4 of the way through. The intensity of it all had my inner dialogue going. Great ending. This cover is spectacular.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC.

Lucy Clarke sure can write a destination thriller! This wasn't my FAVORITE of hers (I loved the Hike) but it certainly kept my attention and kept me wanting more. Not necessarily her strongest work but definitely a perfect summer thriller!

I'm a big fan of both Lucy Clarke and atmospheric thrillers in exotic locations, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. And it did not disappoint. Lots of twists and sketchy characters to keep you up reading late into the night. I would absolutely recommend this one.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars. I usually enjoy Lucy Clarke’s thrillers, but The Surf House didn’t hook me the way The Hike or One of the Girls did. The remote Moroccan coastline makes for a striking, atmospheric setting—I even found myself googling surfing in Morocco—but the plot dragged at times and most of the twists were a bit too easy to spot (with one exception).

The story follows Bea, a fashion model who walks off a photoshoot in Marrakesh after a mental health crisis. She’s rescued from a dangerous encounter by Marnie, who runs a rustic surf hostel called The Surf House. Bea heads there because she has nowhere else to go but soon learns that a young woman vanished from the hostel a year earlier. Determined to uncover the truth, Bea finds herself tangled in something that may threaten her own safety.

I’ll definitely keep reading Clarke’s work—she’s great at crafting suspenseful settings—but, for me, this wasn’t her strongest work.