This was my first Dorothy Koomson book and I will definitely be reading more. I didn't realise it was a short story but I loved it. Kept me interested the whole way through and a very satisfying ending.

This author has crafted the actual PERFECT beach read!! In every way, shape, and form!! This needs to be in EVERY thriller lovers beach bag this summer!!

*ARC review*

This was a short crime thriller novella that was fast, intense, emotionally layered, and unforgettable. Perfect for a quick but impactful read!

Dorothy Koomson can always be relied upon to deliver an excellent piece of story telling, and this short story is no exception.

Her protagonist has survived a misogynistic serial killer - whose profile is as unusual as it is interesting (highlighting the potential impact of everyday misogyny on the lives of women) - only to have her safe haven, a beach hut, vandalised as part of a series of attacks on such properties.

Except in the case of her "beach side residence", a body is found in the debris...Whose is it and why is it there?

Very entertaining and highly recommended.

Beach Hut 512 is a captivating short story by Dorothy Koomson that I thoroughly enjoyed. The beachside setting, the intertwined narratives, and the touch of mystery kept me hooked throughout. Debbie Korley and Simon Mattacks brought the characters vividly to life with their engaging narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing | Amazon Original Stories for letting me read this ARC.

Beach Hut 512 had an intriguing premise and some truly emotional moments, but overall, it didn’t quite land for me the way I’d hoped. The story had strong themes of grief, guilt, and buried secrets, and there were parts that were genuinely moving.

That said, the pacing was a bit uneven, and I found myself drifting in and out of the narrative at times. Some plot points felt repetitive, and I struggled to stay fully invested in a few of the characters. It had potential, and there were definitely scenes that delivered tension and heart, but it never fully came together for me.

The audiobook narration was solid, which helped keep me engaged even when the story lagged. While it wasn’t a standout for me, I think readers who enjoy slower-burn emotional dramas may connect with this more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions as a NetGalley reviewer.

Short but punchy, Beach Hut 512 by Dorothy Koomson packs more into 97 pages than some full-length thrillers do. The dual timeline worked well, giving us a layered look at both Sims (who is an absolute badass) and the serial killer, Ronald. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was top-tier—especially Korley, who nailed Sims’ confidence and intensity. The twists didn’t totally shock me, but I was still into it and really liked how it all came together. If you’re looking for a quick, gritty mystery with a strong female lead, this one’s absolutely worth a listen—and I’m definitely curious about book two.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars
Rated R for violence, disturbing themes, and strong language.

How many times does she have to mention that she was kidnapped? Lord. It was a weird story. Ending eh. Writing was fine

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick thriller that started off right in the thick of the action. This story unfolded rather quickly and the mystery in the book was well done with how short it was. I enjoyed how there were a few mysteries packed into this short story. The idea of the stalker and how he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up being the victim was great.

𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Years after Sims escapes a serial killer, her beloved beach hut is vandalized. As she sleuths into the mystery, she’s forced to confront whether this is a random attack or something far more personal.

𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡
The story played out across multiple timelines, giving us insight into both Sims and the serial killer, Ronald. For just 97 pages, it covered a surprising amount - including his origin story, which added some impressive depth.

I listened to the audiobook and thought both narrators were perfect as Sims and Ronald - they sounded exactly as I imagined and Korley’s acting skills were especially powerful playing the badass Sims! She knew exactly who she was and didn’t waste time apologizing for it.

I can’t say I was shocked by the reveals and twists but I didn’t mind - I felt totally satisfied by the way it all wrapped up and fell in love with Sims just that little bit more.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
A short story is such an easy way to discover new-to-you authors! Don’t take my word for it - check it out for free on Kindle Unlimited!

Thanks to Brilliance Publishing and @Netgalley for the early copy!

🎧 Narrated by Simon Mattacks, Debbie Korley
📖 Publishes 07•01•25 | 97 pages | 2h 35m

Sims brought her beach hut on Brighton Beach for cash. She has not been in it for a couple of months, but when it is vandalised a body is found within. Who is he and how did he die? This maybe a short novel but it is well paced, intriguing, has tension and just very good.

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good characters in this mystery novel. Sims has been stalked, kidnapped and almost killed. The man has not been caught. Will he strike again?

I feel it isn’t easy to write a short captivating thriller. I often feel like it’s either rushed or incomplete. That was not the case for this short story by Dorothy Koomson. She did an excellent job packing suspense and mystery into this short story. I really enjoyed the ending. I listened to the audio version, and the narrators did a great job! Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ughh not sure what I just listened to. This left me with many questions. I realize this was a short story but I just felt like so much was missing.

When vandals destroy beach hut 512 on Brighton’s iconic seafront, they reveal a dead body that has apparently lain undisturbed for two months. But according to the hut’s owner, Sims, its locks rusted shut three months ago and she hasn’t had access to it since. So how could the man have got in, and why is there no evidence of the murderer?

Sims has spent the past three years recovering from the trauma of being targeted by a serial killer and narrowly escaping with her life. But this grim discovery feels like too much of a could the person who put the body in her hut be the same man who wants her dead? In a desperate race against time, can she uncover the truth behind beach hut 512 before a murderer with a chilling obsession strikes again?

Koomson is known for her UK based crime stories, often featuring a Black protagonist. In this short story, which is less than a three (3) hour listen, we are treated to two narrators who give dueling perspectives of the crime that was committed-how it was solved and why it was done (and by whom). It is set in Brighton, England with British sensibilities, but one will easily follow along and enjoy how the puzzle unfolds.

In Beach Hut 512, Dorothy Koomson delivers a tightly woven mystery that lingers long after the final page. Though brief in length, this short story is packed with suspense, emotional tension, and an unsettling atmosphere that creeps under your skin. Koomson masterfully uses every word to its full potential, crafting a chilling narrative that twists unexpectedly and leaves the reader questioning everything. Despite the limited page count, the story feels full-bodied and complete, proving Koomson’s talent for creating rich, impactful fiction in even the shortest format. Beach Hut 512 is a haunting, fast-paced read that will leave readers both disturbed and impressed.

I thought the storyline of Beach Hut 152 was okay, through I did enjoy the ending. I listened to this as an audiobook and really did not enjoy the narrator, I felt her different characters were weak. Not my favorite audio experience.

I guess there is a market for what I have come to think of as "the implausible mystery," but it isn't me.



Review copy provided by publisher.

This was a short, fun thriller. I don't expect to get such strong feelings about the characters in a book this short, but I was rooting for the main character and there were 2 bad guys I was rooting against. There were multiple narrators, well done and convincing to me.
The action takes place primarily at this little beach house, which helps keep the focus and raise the tension. How did a dead body get in this empty, off season hut?
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook