Don't know why it took me so long to get round to reading this one. It's fabulous. Great characterization and a fabulous storyline that really resonates. Creepy and heart stopping in parts this is a book to read with the lights on.

3.75 Stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. I did end up ultimately enjoying the book. There were a lot of twists that kept me on my toes. I didn't really see any of them coming, especially the last reveal. That one was shocking. However, I did think the book dragged in a few places. What Danial and Laura actually saw in the house was kind of anti-climactic. I mean it was horrific, however, I thought Laura's reaction to the events was a bit over the top. I mean if she was that bothered, then she should have said something once they got to safety.

I don't want to give away the plot too much. It is told through multiple perspectives. But it was easy to follow. I would say this is one of the more enjoyable psychological thrillers that I read this year. I do recommend it.

Some real monsters are worse than any you can imagine...

A thirty-something London couple, Daniel Sullivan and Laura Mackenzie, have decided to go on one last big trip before settling down and having a family. They have an adventurous time in Europe travelling with only their backpacks.

Then, whilst in Romania, they board a train. Daniel has 'cheaped out' and bought tickets that did not include any sleeping accommodations - even though they are both bone weary. They meet another young Romanian couple on the train called Ion and Alina. The couple tell them that there is a 'sleeper' compartment empty and that they should try to have a quick rest before resuming their travels. They do, and whilst they are sleeping, they are robbed of their money, their passports, their train tickets, and Laura's phone. Although their new friend Alina, translates on their behalf, the security guards evict them and Alina from the train in the middle of nowhere.

Distraught, they walk along the tracks to find some help. After a while, Alina needs a bathroom break and goes into the woods for privacy. When she doesn't return, Daniel and Laura follow her. They find an ancient, disturbing house in the forest. Immediately, Daniel feels that this is a bad place. He was to be proved correct... They hear a baby crying...

When they escape from the house, they run to the nearest town where they seek help from the police. The help is not forthcoming. Feeling that the police are sinister and quite likely corrupt they escape the town, leaving their backpacks behind.
These events will be life-changing for them both.

Three months pass and Daniel and Laura are back in London. They are now separated and both are suffering from PTSD. What happened to them at that eerie and foreboding house? What happened to Alina? Neither of them will talk about their experiences in Romania. They feel denial of the events that took place there is the only way they can cope...

Then things take a bizarre turn. Laura feels she is being followed. Daniel's flat is broken into. They feel like they are being watched. Laura's psyche begins to deteriorate. Daniel seeks the help of a therapist and he confides in his best friend Jake. Before long, even these avenues of support are removed...

The reader is now feverishly wondering - What happened in that sinister forest house?

How and Why did the evil follow them home?

MY THOUGHTS

The characters and setting were vividly described. The short chapters ensured that the reader feels like the already fast paced narrative was even faster. The narrative evoked a feeling of menace.

Although the subject matter was at times quite disturbing, the author dealt with the topics in a skillful and well paced manner.

With a killer plot twist at the end of the book, this suspense-filled novel should appeal to even the most ardent thriller fans. A real page-turner and a perfect, creepy October read.

4.5 stars rounded up for NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon.

This books starts off following a couple on a backtracking trip then very quickly it takes a turn for the worse. However getting chucked off the train is the least of their worries as their situation becomes more and more nightmarish. Even when they are back in the safety of their home in London life is never the same again and a shadow looms over everything they do.
I whizzed through the first 60% of this book in one go, the creepiness making the hair on my arms stand up! The pace does eventually subside and I did feel when the secret was revealed that I was expecting something a bit more shocking, however that is probably due to my extensive thriller/horror reading.
While I was reading I did worry that the story was going to down an unbelievable route so I was glad that it did not resort to that. The ending made sense and the story all came together well.

I AM SO EMBARRASSED ... JUST NOW FINDING THIS ONE ON MY KINDLE/AMAZON. WAS NEVER READ SO NO REVIEW COMING AT THIS LATE DATE. MY SINCERE APOLOGIES. BOOK HAS BEEN ARCHIVED.