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.

**The Surf House** by Lucy Clarke is the perfect summer escape — atmospheric, twisty, and totally addictive. Clarke weaves together secrets, friendships, and coastal vibes in a way that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. The setting feels so vivid you’ll practically hear the waves crashing, and the characters are layered and real. It’s the kind of book that’s equal parts beachy and suspenseful, and I loved every minute of it!

I loved the setting in this book and felt like it was beautifully written. The Surf House book transports you to coast of Morocco. Perfect amount of suspense and secrets to keep you turning the pages. I loved the surfing aspect of this story and felt like it was a perfect summer read. The Surf House is sort of like a hostile for travelers with some long time guests and some just stopping in for a vacation. Bea is invited to tay when she meets Marnie. One of the long term residents of the house sister Savanah disappeared a year ago and Bea decides to help try to solve the mystery. Twists, turns, mysteries, secrets and suspense really made this such a fast page turner.

This novel really spoke to me. My life has gotten rather crazy. The locale really pulled me in with the laid back life and the calming waves. I wanted to get on a plane and just disappear to there for a month. The mystery really kept me guessing. I had some suspicions but was not sure if I was right until the end. I hope Adrien finally accepts love and Bea finds what makes her happy.

"The Surf House" is a destination thriller full of drama, secrets, and lies. I really enjoyed Lucy Clarke's last novel, "The Hike," but it was the cover that sold me on this one immediately 😍. Once again, Clarke delivered an atmospheric and suspenseful page-turner. I loved the setting, the intriguing and complex characters, and dual POVs and timelines. It was a bit of a slow burn, but there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me invested in the story. The compelling mystery had me turning pages late into the night to find out what happened next. Another solid thriller from Clarke. I look forward to seeing where in the world her next book will take us!

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Surf House is a captivating, sun-drenched psychological thriller that delves into the power of friendship, the burden of secrets, and the thrill—and risk—of a fresh start. Against the dreamy backdrop of a coastal surf town, the novel entices readers into a story that's both emotionally gripping and pulse-pounding. Clarke brings authenticity to the setting with vivid descriptions of crashing waves, the scent of salt in the air, and the surf culture. The setting is idyllic yet carries an undercurrent of danger, perfectly mirroring the novel's tone.

High up on Morocco's cliffs, the Surf House is a haven for travelers seeking sun and surf. After a terrifying incident in Marrakesh, Bea finds refuge there until she can get back on her feet. To pay her way, she takes on some household chores and forms a bond with Marnie. Shortly after, a Californian arrives in Morocco looking for his sister, Savannah, who vanished over a year ago. As Bea struggles to make ends meet, she becomes entangled in the mystery.

It's a gripping, fast-paced story packed with unexpected twists that keep you hooked until the very last page. With multiple perspectives and flashbacks, Clarke crafts a story that's both sun-soaked and ominous, making it a perfect fit for fans of destination thrillers. The vivid writing and constant twists create high emotional stakes and nonstop tension.

I was completely captivated by this immersive and suspenseful story, full of flawed yet fascinating characters. The coastal setting, which I love, feels like a character itself—its stunning beauty balanced perfectly with a sense of lurking danger. I highly recommend reading this if you enjoy stories set in exotic locations with thrilling, edge-of-your-seat plots.

Thank you Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for my eARC!
Originally posted on BookshelfbyTori on Instagram!

This is a perfect twisty beach read about a young woman who is entranced into the carefree lifestyle of surfers at a Moroccan eco resort only to discover they all have secrets. While the characters were a bit one dimensional at times, I really enjoyed the story and setting of this one. Read it in one day! Looking forward to the next one by this author. Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!

Good atmosphere and strong writing, but the protagonist is a bit naive and the outcome a bit predictable

The Surf House is an exciting and mysterious story set in Morocco. It follows Bea, a model who’s feeling lost and scared after a bad experience in Marrakech. She ends up at a quiet guesthouse called The Surf House, which seems like a safe place—but it’s hiding some dark secrets. A year before, a young woman named Savannah disappeared from there, and Bea starts to uncover what really happened.

What I really liked about this book is how well the author describes Morocco—the busy markets, the ocean waves, and the whole vibe of the place. It makes you feel like you’re right there with Bea. The surfing culture is also a cool part of the story and adds a nice touch to the mystery.

Bea is easy to relate to, though sometimes she seems a little too trusting for someone who’s been through a lot. The story moves at a good pace, with surprises that keep you interested until the end. The other characters are interesting, but some could have been explained more.

There are a few parts where things feel a bit too lucky or predictable, but overall, the story is gripping. The book deals with some serious topics like violence and loss, so keep that in mind before reading.

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If you're looking for a book that's as intoxicating as a Moroccan sunset and as suspenseful as a shark lurking beneath the waves, then "The Surf House" by Lucy Clarke is your next obsession.

Sun, Sand, and Seriously Sinister Secrets...

Morocco, a surf house perched high on the cliffs, a community of expats chasing the endless summer. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong.

This isn't your average beach read, folks.

Lucy Clarke, the queen of destination thrillers, has crafted a story that's as seductive as it is unsettling.

Bea, seeking refuge after a close call in Marrakesh. She thinks she's found paradise, but paradise has a dark side. A woman vanished a year ago, same age, same beaches, same guests. And the truth? It's buried somewhere within The Surf House.

This book is a masterclass in suspense. Lucy Clarke's writing is so vivid, you'll feel the Moroccan sun on your skin and the salt spray on your face, even as you're shivering with dread. The Surf House itself transforms from a haven into a house of mirrors, where everyone's a suspect and every shadow holds a secret.

If you love thrillers that transport you to exotic locations while simultaneously making you question everyone's motives,

"The Surf House" is a must-read. Get ready for a wild ride, because this is one surf trip you won't forget.

This wasn't the most suspenseful thriller, but there was enough of a twist and an interesting plot. I thought there was decent character development in some of the main characters, but others felt flat.

Lucy Clarke’s books always make me feel like I’m on holiday, and The Surf House swept me away to Morocco with its mix of surf, sun, and secrets.

Bea has travelled the world as a model, but after abruptly walking away from her latest job in Marrakesh, she’s accosted in a market by two men attempting to rob her. A bystander, Marnie, steps in to help—but in the chaos, Bea accidentally stabs one of her attackers. Desperate to get her out of the city, Marnie brings Bea to her remote seaside guesthouse to lie low. There, Bea meets an eclectic group of guests and locals and begins to settle into a slower, more peaceful rhythm. But The Surf House holds secrets of its own, and Bea soon learns that a young woman went missing from the property just a year ago.

The standout element in this novel is undoubtedly the setting—Lucy Clarke’s vivid descriptions of Morocco, from its buzzing markets to its wild, windswept coastline, transported me completely. The story kept me intrigued, with a cast of mysterious characters and enough twists to keep the pages turning.

A quick, easy holiday read—just what I’ve come to expect and love from Lucy Clarke. And after this one, Morocco is definitely climbing higher on my travel bucket list.

Lucy Clarke has been an auto buy author for me from day one. Her stories, always involving strong female characters and a love of the sea, have resonated with me in a way I can't explain. The last few books haven't quite hit the spot like this one. It was beautifully written from start to finish. An exotic setting, hot and dusty. A share house for surfers, gritty with sand. And at it's core, a mystery that threatens to unravel all that's been built at The Surf House.