What an absolutely wild ride this one was! Hooked me in right from the start and kept me guessing the entire time!!!

Thanks to Netgalley/Boldwood Books for the ARC to review

The Getaway had me hooked from the very first sentence. When a book opens with a character asking themselves, “Are we really going to do this?”—my immediate response is this: “Nope, I’m not moving until I find out what this is. And from there, I didn’t look up once.

This novel moves at lightning speed. No fluff, no filler—just high-stakes secrets, pulse-pounding tension, and enough cliffhangers to make you cancel your plans. Every chapter cranks the suspense higher, and there’s never a dull moment.

And the characters? OMG. These people are layered, messy, and teetering on the edge of disaster. Every relationship is a ticking time bomb—loaded with lies, betrayal, and sharp-edged conflict.

The writing is flat-out phenomenal. This is an author who knows the domestic suspense playbook inside and out—and then shreds it. Familiar tropes are flipped, twisted, and reimagined in ways that even seasoned thriller fans won’t see coming.

In short: this book is the perfect summer read. Fast, smart, wickedly addictive, and full of gasp-worthy moments that’ll have you texting your friends at midnight with, “You HAVE to read this.”

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rona Halsall for the eArc of The Getaway..

Having read a few of Rona Halsall's books in the past I was excited to read this one. As always, Rona delivers a medium paced, twisty thriller in which you are literally shouting at the MFC, DONT DO IT! I loved the characters in this book, told mainly from Maddie's POV. We do get introduced to other POV further into the book which is a nice way to gather the background of this domestic thriller. The characters are very well built and believable. We have what could be several unreliable narrators and Maddie is slap in the middle of a whirlwind of lies. The shortish chapters and the little cliff hangers spur you on to just read " one more chapter " and before you know it, you are flicking through the pages like a mad person wanting to know how things play out for Maddie. What I like about the direction of the plot, it goes where you think it's going, it's the characters that mess with your head!

Can't wait to listen to this on audio once its been released.

4.5 for storygraph. 4 stars for other review sites

The getaway is the kind of book that gets its claws into you from the first chapter and doesn’t let go to the end. I confess I wanted to read this book as I liked the cover and was drawn in by the synopsis. And with a tag line stating ‘her perfect escape is about to become her perfect nightmare’ what more could you ask for? The book starts in Croatia with Maddie and her long term boyfriend Tom having a much needed break. Their dream is to be able to become part of the digital mom and phenomena, living and working abroad but for now have to make do with a holiday. But once Maddie is befriended by Alex, her dream could be one step closer to reality. They plan to swap houses and swap lives, just for a couple of weeks. What could possibly go wrong? A fast paced tension builder with some twists that will keep you guessing to the end. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.

I was intrigued by the premise that Maddie and Tom swapped apartments with a "random" couple that Maddie met while she was out exploring during vacation and her husband was working. Unfortunately, that may turn out to be the worst mistake of her life.

This book scked me in from the very beginning and kept me interested in turning pages to find out who shje should trust and how the book ends.

I'm a big fan of Rona Halsall so I was thrilled to receive an ARC from Boldwood Books of her new novel The Getaway. I don't know how she does it but this is her best book yet and my new favourite.

This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. I started reading thinking I’d just read a chapter or two before bed, but the next thing I knew, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down!

What really stood out for me was the constant air of unease that runs through the entire book. Even in the quieter moments, there was this underlying sense that something wasn’t quite right and that tension kept me on edge the whole time.

I loved the character of Maddie, she felt so real to me. I honestly felt like I was right there with her, trying to piece everything together. Every chapter seemed to reveal another secret, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn I didn’t see coming.

I would definitely recommend you read this if you love thrillers that keep you second guessing everyone’s motives and leave you with that deliciously uneasy feeling, The Getaway is definitely one to add to your list. I’m still thinking about it!

It’s slick, twisty, and unsettling as paradise peels away, revealing secrets, shifting loyalties, and a dream holiday that turns into claustrophobia.

Gripping, shocking, thrilling and full of tension! There are certain authors I know are going to deliver time and time again and Rona Halsall is one of them! The Getaway had me turning the pages and wanting more! This is the 6th book which I have read by Rona Halsall and she has had me glued to the pages and on edge of my seat in every single one of those books!

Maddie and Tom are on vacation in Croatia when Maddie meets Alex, a lovely woman who engages her in conversation. After speaking, Maddie is excited as Alex and her boyfriend are living the life that Maddie dreams about! They are digital explorers/nomads who live and work abroad while switching homes with others! Maddie and Tom have talked about this and Maddie decides to take the plunge! Maddie agrees to let Alex and her partner stay in their flat in London, while Maddie and Tom will stay in Alex and her partner's place in Croatia! Keys are exchange and......

Soon things begin to not add up, and as unease and tension soon make their appearance. It soon becomes obvious that something isn't quite right. Things are not adding up, and what initially seemed like a good idea quickly turns into a nightmare. I loved the pacing in this book and how secrets, twists, and shocking revelations begin to rattle Maddie to the core!

This book had tension and unease galore! I found myself shaking my head at all of the bad decisions and judgement calls being made. This is how you do it! The pacing is fast, the twists are shocking, the reveals are jaw dropping and I was left happy having read this captivating psychological thriller!

Wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced and shocking! Rona Halsall has delivered yet again!

I was introduced to 'digital nomads' in this story and whilst it may seem to be an ideal way to live, this story certainly shows otherwise !! I am not too sure about the title being the right one for the book as the characters all end up back in the UK for most of it. I did like the description of the weather in Croatia, where the author states that not only did the rain suddenly appear but that it was torrential and if you have ever been to that area, you know how true this is. None of the characters were appealing to me and at times the story could have been more concise however it is a good read especially if you're on holiday.

Thanks to Netgalley/Boldwood Books for the ARC to review

Thank you for the advance copy of The Getaway by Rona Halsall pub date the 25th July, Maddie and her partner are holidaying in the beautiful croatia, Maddie dreams of a nomad existence and when she meets a young couple who befriends them are her dreams of a nomad way of living coming to fruition or is it going to end up a in living nightmare? I loved the twist and turns of this book, such a fantastic book ideal for holiday reading I’d highly recommend it

Y’all! The Getaway is a twisty beach thriller that had me yelling “DON’T DO IT, MADDIE!” into the void. Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from this armchair detective.

Maddie and Tom just want a taste of the digital nomad life. Sun, sand, and strangers offering to swap houses? Sounds dreamy—until it really doesn’t. The second those London keys change hands, the red flags start flapping like beach towels in a gale.

Halsall delivers sunshine and suspense in equal measure, with a slow-burn sense of dread that creeps in like a sunburn you didn’t see coming. The setting is vivid (I could smell the salty air) and the tension builds like a forgotten secret waiting to detonate.

Final verdict: Juicy, paranoid fun that’ll make you side-eye every Airbnb listing from now on.

Want more 👇https://vanessakeck.wordpress.com/2025/07/21/📚-the-getaway-by-rona-halsall/

Thanks to Boldwood Books for this advance copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review.
#TheGetAway #NetGalley

Maddie and her long-term boyfriend, Tom, dream of a life living and working abroad, though right now they’re settling for a lovely vacation in the sunny European beach town.
When Maddie is befriended by a lovely-seeming couple, who are living the digital nomad lifestyle, they make her an offer that feels hard to refuse…

This is a good read. Well written, pacy with lots of twists and turns throughout. I found it a real page turner which was hard to put down. Excellent characterisation and description.

Tom and Maddie are enjoying a break in Croatia away from their busy jobs and lives. Tom dislikes mornings so Maddie ventures out alone and meets Alex, whose partner Ed also dislikes an early start. They quickly bond and discuss how Alex and Ed are now digital nomads, working from wherever their travels take them. Suddenly the idea of a home swap for a period is agreed however things are not all as rosy as they seem.

Lots of twists and turns in this and although I kept wondering why Maddie made such disastrous decisions this was a great plot with some well thought out characters.

One to highly recommend to those who enjoy a suburban psychological thriller.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Getaway takes readers to the shimmering coastlines of Croatia, where Maddie and Tom find their holiday transformed into something far more sinister than they could have anticipated. The couple’s chance encounter with Alex and Ed, effortlessly glamorous digital nomads, sets the stage for intrigue and temptation. Maddie, captivated by Alex’s freewheeling lifestyle, soon finds herself making choices that ripple with devastating consequences for both herself and Tom.

This is a novel that hooks with the promise of escape and adventure, then steadily tightens the knot of suspense. The story is well-paced, whisking us from road side cafe chats and laughter to moments of gasp-inducing revelation without missing a beat.

The plot has several twists and surprises—some predictable, others genuinely shocking. While the story’s momentum rarely falters, readers will be required to suspend disbelief at key moments. Certain plot developments stretch plausibility, yet, for those willing to embrace the wild ride, these flourishes add to the escapist pleasure.

What truly elevates the novel is the authors craft for characterisation. Maddie’s fascination with Alex feels believable and relatable, and the gradual unveiling of each character’s secrets keeps the tension simmering. The dynamic between the two couples is fraught and compelling, raising questions about envy, trust, and the cost of chasing an idealised life.

The Getaway is a taut, well-crafted thriller that offers plenty of sun-soaked atmosphere and juicy twists. Fans of psychological suspense will find much to enjoy.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

Maddie and her long-term boyfriend, Tom, dream of a life living and working abroad, though right now they are settling for a lovely vacation in the sunny European beach town. When Maddie is befriended by a lovely-seeming couple who are living the digital lifestyle, they make her an offer that feels hard to refuse. Swap houses, swap lives - just for a couple of weeks - and see if living abroad is a lifestyle that would suit them. But as soon as they've handed the keys over to their home in London, it becomes clear the couple aren't who they seem to be. And Maddie and Tom's dream getaway is about to become a nightmare they could never have imagined.

Maddie doesn't just make one bad decision, she continues to make them throughout the book. Tom and Maddie were holidaying in Croatia when Maddie met Alex. Alex and her partner are living the digital nomad lifestyle/ They decide to house swap to see if living abroad is a lifestyle that would suit them.

Just when you thing that you have it all worked out, you'll be wrong. There were plenty of twists. Tom annoyed me. And you don't know who you can trust.

Published 28th July 2025

I woulod like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the authir #RonaHalsall for my ARC of #TheGetaway in exchange for an honest review.

This one is extremely wordy. Things start to go bad as soon as the two couples exchange keys, but that's well into the book because there's been so much discussion about how to live as a digital nomad. It's full of questionable decisions and overlooked details and once things started to go really wrong, I didn't feel much sense of urgency for the characters. I've enjoyed some of the author's other books (The Honeymoon was my favorite so far) but The Getaway didn't work for me.

3.5 stars

When Maddie meets Alex and Ed in Croatia, her spirits soar as they introduce her to the liberating digital nomad lifestyle. Things look even brighter when they agree to a house swap, moving into the UK apartment Maddie shares with Tom.

Unsettling events soon unfold, leading Maddie and Tom to fear they've made a colossal mistake.

This was a fast-paced and entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to fans of Frieda McFadden.

However, I do have a couple of criticisms. Firstly, the plot is extremely far-fetched, and Maddie's naivety is eye-rolling at times. Secondly, the characters are all unreliable, frequently shifting between good and bad and by the end I was a bit bored of guessing who was ‘good.’

This is a new-to-me author and from the off, I was hooked! The pages turned themselves and I found it an incredibly easy read. That said - it was utterly bonkers at the same time! I found myself inwardly screaming at Tom and Maddie to stop being so gullible. It seemed to be on a downward spiral from the minute they exchanged keys, but I found this entertaining and gripping. I would read more by this author.

Maddie and her boyfriend Tom are enjoyin a holiday in Croatia.


Tom is busy working so Maddie decides to wander around and very soon she meets Alex,

Alex and her partner they are 'digital nomads', and very soon their friendship develops,

They decide to swap apartments, with Alex and Ed moving into Maddie’s London home as Alex has to return home to see her ill mother and Maddie and Tom are able to stay on their holiday for a little longer

This is a thriller that has secrets and lies and is an intense read. I was wondering what would happen next and why Tom wasn't so keen about the arrangement.

As this book unfolds it is quite clear that not is all as first seems and very soon we realise that the two couples have more than just a fleeting connection

A really good read

I want to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read ‘The Getaway’ by Rona Halsall in exchange for my honest review.

Maddie and her boyfriend Tom are on vacation in Split, Croatia. While Tom is busy working in their hotel room, Maddie visits a coffee shop where she meets Alex, who shares an apartment with her partner Ed. Alex explains they are digital nomads, traveling the world while staying connected to their jobs in England. However, Alex has to return to London the next day due to her mother’s illness. They decide to swap apartments, with Alex and Ed moving into Maddie’s London home and Maddie and Tom extending their stay in Alex’s Split apartment for two more weeks. As Maddie hands over the keys, she snaps a photo of Alex and sends it to Tom, who ominously warns that they’ve just made the biggest mistake of their lives.

‘The Getaway’ is an enthralling tale of grudges, grievances, and deceit. Just as Maddie and Tom hope to relax and enjoy their extended holiday, they are thrust into a nightmare. This psychological thriller boasts an ingenious plot filled with drama, suspense, and characters so cunning that trust becomes impossible. The story delivers major surprises, dramatic twists, and a shocking conclusion that left me turning pages faster and faster, desperate to uncover Maddie and Tom’s fate. Rona Halsall has crafted an unputdownable, thrilling read that I wholeheartedly recommend.