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Michael Joseph The Lucky Winners.
You’ve won the house of your dreams. It’s about to become a nightmare…
Be the first to read the completely gripping new thriller from bestselling author K.L. Slater, available for pre-order now!
*****
When Merri and Dev buy a ticket on the last day of a national draw to win the house of their dreams, they never, in a million years, expect to win.
Less than a week later, they’re receiving the keys to their new Lake District mansion.
For Dev, it’s a dream come true – no more stressful rent negotiations, or waiting for the landlord to finally fix the damp. Of course he’s delighted to be interviewed about their good luck.
But Merri feels a little uneasy. Dev doesn’t realise there’s a reason she’s never wanted to put down roots, always trying to run away from the memories of what happened the day her little sister died.
At first it’s easy to think she’s imagining the shadowy figures in the lakefront garden. It’s silly to think that someone is watching her through the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
And then a body is found in the lake. And Merri’s new perfect life is about to come crashing down…
*****
PRAISE FOR K. L. SLATER
‘Full of secrets, lies and betrayal – it will keep you guessing right to the end’ T.M. Logan
'A triumph of clever plotting and sharp writing. A compelling thriller, masterfully executed' Rachel Abbott
‘Brilliant, very clever . . . I absolutely recommend it’ B. A. Paris
‘Just when you think you know exactly who did what, there is a twist to beat all twists’ The Times
‘One of the best thrillers I have ever read’ Angela Marsons
‘A gripping thriller that will make you question everything you thought you knew about marriage’ New magazine
Be the first to read the completely gripping new thriller from bestselling author K.L. Slater, available for pre-order now!
*****
When Merri and Dev buy a ticket on the last day of a national draw to win the house of their dreams, they never, in a million years, expect to win.
Less than a week later, they’re receiving the keys to their new Lake District mansion.
For Dev, it’s a dream come true – no more stressful rent negotiations, or waiting for the landlord to finally fix the damp. Of course he’s delighted to be interviewed about their good luck.
But Merri feels a little uneasy. Dev doesn’t realise there’s a reason she’s never wanted to put down roots, always trying to run away from the memories of what happened the day her little sister died.
At first it’s easy to think she’s imagining the shadowy figures in the lakefront garden. It’s silly to think that someone is watching her through the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
And then a body is found in the lake. And Merri’s new perfect life is about to come crashing down…
*****
PRAISE FOR K. L. SLATER
‘Full of secrets, lies and betrayal – it will keep you guessing right to the end’ T.M. Logan
'A triumph of clever plotting and sharp writing. A compelling thriller, masterfully executed' Rachel Abbott
‘Brilliant, very clever . . . I absolutely recommend it’ B. A. Paris
‘Just when you think you know exactly who did what, there is a twist to beat all twists’ The Times
‘One of the best thrillers I have ever read’ Angela Marsons
‘A gripping thriller that will make you question everything you thought you knew about marriage’ New magazine
Hardcover
First published August 14, 2025
775 people are currently reading
2061 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Slater
48 books4,769 followersKim is the number one bestselling author of sixteen psychological crime thrillers. She has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide. She has also written four Carnegie-nominated Young Adult novels as Kim Slater for Macmillan Children’s Books. Kim has an MA in Creative Writing and lives with her husband in a small Nottinghamshire village.
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
August 12, 2025
3.5 Definitely an enjoyable read, always love KL Slater’s books but I have to say this was very slow paced until the 60% mark.
Great concept but the first at least half was our main character couple moving to the house they’ve won and not being accepted into the community, nothing really thrillerish happens until the second half.
Ending was brilliant and I was very satisfied with the second half but just bear that in mind 😊
Great concept but the first at least half was our main character couple moving to the house they’ve won and not being accepted into the community, nothing really thrillerish happens until the second half.
Ending was brilliant and I was very satisfied with the second half but just bear that in mind 😊
Read
September 3, 2025This authors books I read devour then await her ne t one she can never write fast enough for me.
Don’t be mislead by the title winning a dream house walking away from their debts to a better horizon it’s not as easy as that. Why? Because it’s K.L.Slater. The twists within these pages just keep on giving, it’s like knitting, all your stitches are on one needle but drop one and you’ll have a hole to fill, that’s why I was interested in all the way , watching these holes being picked up and see it all coming together making sense. She certainly delivers what I needed in this book.
Don’t be mislead by the title winning a dream house walking away from their debts to a better horizon it’s not as easy as that. Why? Because it’s K.L.Slater. The twists within these pages just keep on giving, it’s like knitting, all your stitches are on one needle but drop one and you’ll have a hole to fill, that’s why I was interested in all the way , watching these holes being picked up and see it all coming together making sense. She certainly delivers what I needed in this book.
August 14, 2025
K L at the top of her game another excellent thriller from a gifted and amazing author.
When her husband buys a raffle ticket as an anniversary present the last thing she expects is to win in fact this cash strapped couple have a completely different view to its purchase. However they win and it brings to light the dark secrets of Merri's past and events are beyond what she expected. But what are the locals responsible for and who can you trust. A new start was all Dev expected and to settle into a chilled life of luxury. But the locals aren't happy as well as someone else and if you love phycology thrillers you will love this, it's so well written and her story telling is excellent
So this is beyond 5stars, great characters as well as story and the twists are unseen until they hit you and they send the tale spinning to several levels you really don't want to miss your I really loved it.
When her husband buys a raffle ticket as an anniversary present the last thing she expects is to win in fact this cash strapped couple have a completely different view to its purchase. However they win and it brings to light the dark secrets of Merri's past and events are beyond what she expected. But what are the locals responsible for and who can you trust. A new start was all Dev expected and to settle into a chilled life of luxury. But the locals aren't happy as well as someone else and if you love phycology thrillers you will love this, it's so well written and her story telling is excellent
So this is beyond 5stars, great characters as well as story and the twists are unseen until they hit you and they send the tale spinning to several levels you really don't want to miss your I really loved it.
August 11, 2025
But are they lucky?
Dev and Merri are struggling, doing without things here, giving things up there and generally just about surviving, but they are happy as they can be and love each other
Then Dev enters a comp to win a luxury mansion and their lives change dramatically
Dev is thrilled, Merri excited but also scared as with this win comes exposure to the media inc photos of her and Dev, something she is not keen on….
Their lives are about to get even more chaotic as bad things start to happen and as new people in their lives and people from dark pasts re-appear….everyone seems on a mission to cause chaos and harm
And then everything and everyone collides at a supper party…..and the trouble really starts
It took a while for me to settle to the characters but once did it was an exciting psychological/whodunit thriller that this author writes so well
Dev and Merri are struggling, doing without things here, giving things up there and generally just about surviving, but they are happy as they can be and love each other
Then Dev enters a comp to win a luxury mansion and their lives change dramatically
Dev is thrilled, Merri excited but also scared as with this win comes exposure to the media inc photos of her and Dev, something she is not keen on….
Their lives are about to get even more chaotic as bad things start to happen and as new people in their lives and people from dark pasts re-appear….everyone seems on a mission to cause chaos and harm
And then everything and everyone collides at a supper party…..and the trouble really starts
It took a while for me to settle to the characters but once did it was an exciting psychological/whodunit thriller that this author writes so well
September 7, 2025
2.5 / 5.0
Slow boring book, will not remember the plot probably tomorrow. Nothing in this book was unique, it’s always based on unknowns. The plot was slow, didn’t enjoy the characters, didn’t enjoy the build up of the plot. Didn’t really enjoy the premise of the book, yes I know people have skeletons in their closet but I think how the plot developed that I didn’t like how weird the trickle of information was applied. At points I found the book inconsistent with the pacing.
Not really my cup of tea
Slow boring book, will not remember the plot probably tomorrow. Nothing in this book was unique, it’s always based on unknowns. The plot was slow, didn’t enjoy the characters, didn’t enjoy the build up of the plot. Didn’t really enjoy the premise of the book, yes I know people have skeletons in their closet but I think how the plot developed that I didn’t like how weird the trickle of information was applied. At points I found the book inconsistent with the pacing.
Not really my cup of tea
December 13, 2025
a real slow burn which
easily grasped my attention,
this had a fun trope and a great
execution - but its dénouement
fell flat after all the tension. :x
easily grasped my attention,
this had a fun trope and a great
execution - but its dénouement
fell flat after all the tension. :x
July 16, 2025
Review to follow.
June 3, 2025
Merri and Dev are struggling to pay their bills and have to watch every penny.
Dev buys a ticket for a competition to win a house for Merri for their wedding anniversary.
They are over the moon when they win a brand new three million dollar house and also a quarter of a million dollars in spending money.
But not everyone is happy about their good fortune and some are even determined to ruin their good luck.
I always enjoy reading books by K. L. Slater and I’m looking forward to her next book already.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House fmy e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dev buys a ticket for a competition to win a house for Merri for their wedding anniversary.
They are over the moon when they win a brand new three million dollar house and also a quarter of a million dollars in spending money.
But not everyone is happy about their good fortune and some are even determined to ruin their good luck.
I always enjoy reading books by K. L. Slater and I’m looking forward to her next book already.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House fmy e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2025
Meh! Great narration on Audible, but as for the story .. nothing shocked me, and I felt like it was quite slow in parts.
September 12, 2025
Dream House has
From a life of debts to winning a dream house. Is this not what everyone dreams of... until it becomes a nightmare.
From a life of debts to winning a dream house. Is this not what everyone dreams of... until it becomes a nightmare.
September 14, 2025
This was okay , kept me thinking. Thought I had an idea but it wasn’t what I thought. I would recommend. On to the next one
August 13, 2025
This is a great psychological thriller.
When Dev wins a large mansion in the Lake District he cannot believe it, however his wife Merri is hesitant to move.
Dev loves all the media attention that his win has caused but Merri wants to hide away from it all.
We learn that Merri has something in her past that Dev doesn't know about, and when things start happening at their new home, she becomes more unsettled.
This is a gripping thriller, that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
When Dev wins a large mansion in the Lake District he cannot believe it, however his wife Merri is hesitant to move.
Dev loves all the media attention that his win has caused but Merri wants to hide away from it all.
We learn that Merri has something in her past that Dev doesn't know about, and when things start happening at their new home, she becomes more unsettled.
This is a gripping thriller, that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
June 5, 2025
When a book by this author comes out it goes straight to the top of my pile. This was a nice easy but engrossing read. I like the way that there were options which kept you guessing.
this book was another example of how miscommunication and not talking has dire consequences.
what I did struggle with is what social services were doing. I don't want to say more but I get it as needed for the plot.
I have often wondered about these houses and who wins them and how people react.
this book was another example of how miscommunication and not talking has dire consequences.
what I did struggle with is what social services were doing. I don't want to say more but I get it as needed for the plot.
I have often wondered about these houses and who wins them and how people react.
August 10, 2025
Merri and Dev are shocked to learn they have won a lake side mansion, especially after struggling with money for a while. For Dev he is delighted to be interviewed about their good fortune. Merri on the other hand feels uneasy as she has been trying to keep secrets from the past hidden. Soon strange things start happening and she feels someone is watching them. Will their perfect new life come crashing down?
Having recently discovering this author and enjoying the books I have already read by her I was keen to read this one. I also liked the cover. I enjoyed the premise of how quickly things can change when you win great fortune and liked how the author explored this within the story. The characters were believable, however at times I did find their actions a bit frustrating.
The story is full of red herrings and twists, I never quite knew who to trust. There is a present and past element that worked well in building up to the main reveals. There was a creepy undertone running throughout the story that helped build the tension and atmosphere. Overall this was a solid, classic psychological thriller and I will certainly continue to read more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Having recently discovering this author and enjoying the books I have already read by her I was keen to read this one. I also liked the cover. I enjoyed the premise of how quickly things can change when you win great fortune and liked how the author explored this within the story. The characters were believable, however at times I did find their actions a bit frustrating.
The story is full of red herrings and twists, I never quite knew who to trust. There is a present and past element that worked well in building up to the main reveals. There was a creepy undertone running throughout the story that helped build the tension and atmosphere. Overall this was a solid, classic psychological thriller and I will certainly continue to read more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
August 14, 2025
I was accepted to read this book before official publication through NetGalley and below is my honest review.
Ohhh I was hooked from the start. A gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time!
The story starts as Merri and Dev, a couple who are struggling financially win a beautiful house in the Lake District and a large sum of money through a competition (think Omaze vibes)!
Not all is as it seems though as that’s where it gets intense. It is told through a dual timeline where we find that Merri is harbouring a dark secret which seems to follow her..
It’s also told through multiple POVs which I think really adds to eerie atmosphere.
This book has the perfect amount of intensity laced through it and you’ll find you don’t know who to trust. It was a ride from start to finish. At one point, it was getting so intense I had to stop myself looking further down the page for answers or what happened next 😂
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a psychological thriller that makes you question everyone!
Overall, I give this book 5 stars!
Ohhh I was hooked from the start. A gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time!
The story starts as Merri and Dev, a couple who are struggling financially win a beautiful house in the Lake District and a large sum of money through a competition (think Omaze vibes)!
Not all is as it seems though as that’s where it gets intense. It is told through a dual timeline where we find that Merri is harbouring a dark secret which seems to follow her..
It’s also told through multiple POVs which I think really adds to eerie atmosphere.
This book has the perfect amount of intensity laced through it and you’ll find you don’t know who to trust. It was a ride from start to finish. At one point, it was getting so intense I had to stop myself looking further down the page for answers or what happened next 😂
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a psychological thriller that makes you question everyone!
Overall, I give this book 5 stars!
October 13, 2025
I’ve just finished this book and whilst I did enjoy it there were a few discrepancies which irritated me for example at one point wall the main character was being interviewed by the police. It suddenly mentioned a Facebook page that hadn’t been spoken to to the police prior it was almost like there was missing a small section and there was a couple of areas where that happened however I was reading a advanced copy so maybe that is why
With regards to the story, I loved the concept.
Meri and Dev have been married for three years and on their third anniversary Dev purchased a £20 ticket for the dream scapes house lottery. Meri, was annoyed. He wasted his money as she didn’t think they had a chance of winning however luck came their way.
After finding out they have won the house, they are thrust into the spotlight and Meri struggles with this as shes worried about someone finding out her secret.
Dev and Meri prepare to move in and head to what they hope to be their Dream house by the lake
However Meri has doubts, she hasn’t told Dev the full truth about herself and shortly after moving in weird things start happening. Is it locals, angry at outsiders moving in, or is there something else going on?
I really enjoyed how this story evolved, being told in the context of both Dev and Meri and events from 15 years previously, along with extracts from The Watcher!
With regards to the story, I loved the concept.
Meri and Dev have been married for three years and on their third anniversary Dev purchased a £20 ticket for the dream scapes house lottery. Meri, was annoyed. He wasted his money as she didn’t think they had a chance of winning however luck came their way.
After finding out they have won the house, they are thrust into the spotlight and Meri struggles with this as shes worried about someone finding out her secret.
Dev and Meri prepare to move in and head to what they hope to be their Dream house by the lake
However Meri has doubts, she hasn’t told Dev the full truth about herself and shortly after moving in weird things start happening. Is it locals, angry at outsiders moving in, or is there something else going on?
I really enjoyed how this story evolved, being told in the context of both Dev and Meri and events from 15 years previously, along with extracts from The Watcher!
August 17, 2025
The lucky winners
K.L. Slater
This is my first K.L. Slater and it certainly will not be my last.
I love the different approach that was taken with this book.
K.L. Slater wrote of a marriage that is a team and not what you normally read where one spouse turns their back on the other or has doubts about the other.
I think that is why I loved Merri and Dev.
They had such a strong relationship.
I think you are meant to know who the Watcher is but I swear right now the last 100 pages had me in a choke hold!
This is a quick sailing triple POV also with past POV so you can get some background on the characters which I love.
Will I be starting some of her other books??
Most certainly!!
Highly recommend to those who are dabbling with reading crime/thrillers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
@klslaterauthor
@penguinbooks
@netgalley
#netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyarc #arcreadersofinstagram #arcreview #crimereads #crimebook #thrillerbooks #thrillerread #booktokuk #booksofinstagram #bookreviewer #bookinsta #booksta #trendingreels
K.L. Slater
This is my first K.L. Slater and it certainly will not be my last.
I love the different approach that was taken with this book.
K.L. Slater wrote of a marriage that is a team and not what you normally read where one spouse turns their back on the other or has doubts about the other.
I think that is why I loved Merri and Dev.
They had such a strong relationship.
I think you are meant to know who the Watcher is but I swear right now the last 100 pages had me in a choke hold!
This is a quick sailing triple POV also with past POV so you can get some background on the characters which I love.
Will I be starting some of her other books??
Most certainly!!
Highly recommend to those who are dabbling with reading crime/thrillers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
@klslaterauthor
@penguinbooks
@netgalley
#netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyarc #arcreadersofinstagram #arcreview #crimereads #crimebook #thrillerbooks #thrillerread #booktokuk #booksofinstagram #bookreviewer #bookinsta #booksta #trendingreels
August 4, 2025
What seems to be a once-in-a-lifetime bit of luck soon becomes a nightmare.
Dev and Merri are struggling to make ends meet. Both worked to the bone, there never seems to be enough money. So when Dev spends £20 on a ticket for a millionaire home giveaway it seems a step too far.
Except they win.
Before we know it Dev and Merri have moved into their beautiful home over Lake Windermere. They make some new friends and are seemingly happy. Until Merri starts to think someone is watching them. Their home gets vandalised and someone posts pictures of their beautiful home online - pictures that mean they’ve been in the house.
A nightmare scenario, but one Merri is particularly concerned by for reasons that she has hidden from her husband. When the body of one of their new friends is pulled out of the lake Merri knows she is going to have to come clean. But will it be enough?
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
Dev and Merri are struggling to make ends meet. Both worked to the bone, there never seems to be enough money. So when Dev spends £20 on a ticket for a millionaire home giveaway it seems a step too far.
Except they win.
Before we know it Dev and Merri have moved into their beautiful home over Lake Windermere. They make some new friends and are seemingly happy. Until Merri starts to think someone is watching them. Their home gets vandalised and someone posts pictures of their beautiful home online - pictures that mean they’ve been in the house.
A nightmare scenario, but one Merri is particularly concerned by for reasons that she has hidden from her husband. When the body of one of their new friends is pulled out of the lake Merri knows she is going to have to come clean. But will it be enough?
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
January 2, 2026
This story is told in dual timelines and it centres around a couple, Merri and Dev, who are really struggling to keep head above water. Dev decides to but a raffle ticket where the prize is a lovely dream house in the Lake District.
Dev settles in to their new life almost instantly but Merri not so much. Being let down and being in foster care with her sister and not having the best life, Merri cant help but think something isn't right. They meet their new neighbours who ask too many questions for Merri's liking. Dev wonders if Merri is being paranoid or if there is a genuine reason for her suspicions.
Of course this is a K L Slater book so nothing is going to be as it seems 🤔
I enjoyed this and struggled to put it down. One more chapter lead to practically the whoke book as each chapter ended it left you wanting to know what was going to happen. Definitely a page turner has you hooked from the start
Dev settles in to their new life almost instantly but Merri not so much. Being let down and being in foster care with her sister and not having the best life, Merri cant help but think something isn't right. They meet their new neighbours who ask too many questions for Merri's liking. Dev wonders if Merri is being paranoid or if there is a genuine reason for her suspicions.
Of course this is a K L Slater book so nothing is going to be as it seems 🤔
I enjoyed this and struggled to put it down. One more chapter lead to practically the whoke book as each chapter ended it left you wanting to know what was going to happen. Definitely a page turner has you hooked from the start
June 4, 2025
The Lucky Winners by K.L. Slater is an addictive, suspenseful read that grabs you from the first page.
When Merri and Dev win a once in a lifetime dream home in the Lake District, it seems too good to be true, and it is.
While Dev revels in their unexpected fortune, Merri is haunted by past trauma and an uneasy feeling that something’s not right. As disturbing events unfold and a body surfaces in the lake, the dream quickly unravels into a gripping nightmare.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was tense, thought-provoking, and packed with suspense, this thriller kept me turning the pages so fast. The short chapters made it easy to race through, and the vivid descriptions brought the house and setting to life, I could picture it all so clearly. Another compelling read from K.L. Slater which I highly recommend.
Thank you to K.L. Slater, NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
When Merri and Dev win a once in a lifetime dream home in the Lake District, it seems too good to be true, and it is.
While Dev revels in their unexpected fortune, Merri is haunted by past trauma and an uneasy feeling that something’s not right. As disturbing events unfold and a body surfaces in the lake, the dream quickly unravels into a gripping nightmare.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was tense, thought-provoking, and packed with suspense, this thriller kept me turning the pages so fast. The short chapters made it easy to race through, and the vivid descriptions brought the house and setting to life, I could picture it all so clearly. Another compelling read from K.L. Slater which I highly recommend.
Thank you to K.L. Slater, NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
July 26, 2025
✮✮✮⋆/⭒☆
Okay.. Imagine winning one of them million pound dream once in a life time luxurious homes in the trending new competitions raffles 🎫
Well, that's me sold on never entering one of them raffles... like ever!!
I absolutely love the book concept, Dev purchases Merri a ticket for their wedding anniversary.. Does that single ticket not only go & win!
Fast forward a week, Merri & Dav have moved into their lavish luxurious new pad in the heart of the Lake District.. Bliss right 🤷♀️ Discomfort starts to rise, deep down there is some fears along side a web of past secrets.. is there a lurker, who is the watcher?
Another fab gripping suspenseful twisty thriller by K.L Slater i enjoyed the neighbourhood dramas, the slight dark edge, mixed with the eerie twists & punchy short chapters made this an compelling satisfying read 📚
Thanking you to Netgally the publisher Micheal Joseph Penguin Random House & K.L Salter for my ARC in return for my honest thoughts ♡
Okay.. Imagine winning one of them million pound dream once in a life time luxurious homes in the trending new competitions raffles 🎫
Well, that's me sold on never entering one of them raffles... like ever!!
I absolutely love the book concept, Dev purchases Merri a ticket for their wedding anniversary.. Does that single ticket not only go & win!
Fast forward a week, Merri & Dav have moved into their lavish luxurious new pad in the heart of the Lake District.. Bliss right 🤷♀️ Discomfort starts to rise, deep down there is some fears along side a web of past secrets.. is there a lurker, who is the watcher?
Another fab gripping suspenseful twisty thriller by K.L Slater i enjoyed the neighbourhood dramas, the slight dark edge, mixed with the eerie twists & punchy short chapters made this an compelling satisfying read 📚
Thanking you to Netgally the publisher Micheal Joseph Penguin Random House & K.L Salter for my ARC in return for my honest thoughts ♡
August 6, 2025
Dev and Merri are drowning in debt when they suddenly win a stunning house worth millions. Situated with incredible lake views and furnished with every luxury they could wish for, all their dreams have come true and their money worries completely gone. However, Merri has her doubts and in addition to feeling way out of her comfort zone as a new millionaire, she worries that with all the publicity her secret past will catch up with her. Feelings of extreme vulnerability threaten to spoil their new life and with rumours of unhappy and jealous locals, Merri wonders if she will ever settle in their new life. As we begin to learn about her tragic past, someone is watching and waiting. A gripping, fast paced story that is full of tension and fear. A clever take on being careful what you wish for. An excellent book that I thoroughly recommend.
August 3, 2025
Merri & Dev, struggling with debt and the heavy weight of hard work and life in general, win a spectacular ‘Dreamkey’ house of dreams on the banks of Lake Windermere. What happens next is the stuff nightmares are made of - is Merri’s dark past catching up with her?
A well written, twisty, turny thriller which had me holding my breath towards the end. Every single character (particularly the women) was a suspect & parts were wonderfully far fetched and ott- but also very enjoyable all the way through.
We have an Omaze house close to where we live - I’ll have to keep an eye out!
Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
August 13, 2025
I enjoyed the book
Blurb
When Merri and Dev buy a ticket on the last day of a national draw to win the house of their dreams, they never, in a million years, expect to win.
Less than a week later, they’re receiving the keys to their new Lake District mansion.
For Dev, it’s a dream come true – no more stressful rent negotiations, or waiting for the landlord to finally fix the damp. Of course he’s delighted to be interviewed about their good luck.
But Merri feels a little uneasy. Dev doesn’t realise there’s a reason she’s never wanted to put down roots, always trying to run away from the memories of what happened the day her little sister died.
At first it’s easy to think she’s imagining the shadowy figures in the lakefront garden. It’s silly to think that someone is watching her through the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Blurb
When Merri and Dev buy a ticket on the last day of a national draw to win the house of their dreams, they never, in a million years, expect to win.
Less than a week later, they’re receiving the keys to their new Lake District mansion.
For Dev, it’s a dream come true – no more stressful rent negotiations, or waiting for the landlord to finally fix the damp. Of course he’s delighted to be interviewed about their good luck.
But Merri feels a little uneasy. Dev doesn’t realise there’s a reason she’s never wanted to put down roots, always trying to run away from the memories of what happened the day her little sister died.
At first it’s easy to think she’s imagining the shadowy figures in the lakefront garden. It’s silly to think that someone is watching her through the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
July 8, 2025
I enjoyed this book. When Merri and Dev buy a lottery ticket, little do they dream that they are about to win the house of their dreams. They move in to the beautiful new build in the Lake District and it seems all their dreams have come true. However, Merri is hiding a big secret and someone from her past has spotted her on the publicity for their win and is determined to get revenge! This is a twisty story that will keep you guessing to the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.
Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.
July 29, 2025
The Lucky Winners - K L Slater
When just-about-managing Merri and Dev buy a lottery ticket to win the house of their dreams, they never expect to win.
For Dev, it’s a dream come true. But Merri is worried. Dev doesn’t realise there’s a reason she’s never wanted to put down roots, always fleeing from the memories of the day her little sister died.
And then a body is found in the lake
Firstly, thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the advanced copy. I have really enjoyed reading this book, it’s a great thriller and a complete page turner. The characters of Merry and Dev are well written and the story really delves into how secrets of the past never truly go away, and how a stroke of luck can set off a chain of events no-one expected!
When just-about-managing Merri and Dev buy a lottery ticket to win the house of their dreams, they never expect to win.
For Dev, it’s a dream come true. But Merri is worried. Dev doesn’t realise there’s a reason she’s never wanted to put down roots, always fleeing from the memories of the day her little sister died.
And then a body is found in the lake
Firstly, thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the advanced copy. I have really enjoyed reading this book, it’s a great thriller and a complete page turner. The characters of Merry and Dev are well written and the story really delves into how secrets of the past never truly go away, and how a stroke of luck can set off a chain of events no-one expected!
August 4, 2025
This is a goodie! I really felt like I got to know all of the characters well and the pages flew by! There are a few red herrings to keep you guessing and the twists and turns do well to throw you off the scent. I enjoyed the writing and felt the storyline was well executed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 13, 2025
I did enjoy this book, it started off really gripping and had me hooked from the get go. However, it did fall flat in the middle and I did find myself having to force my way through the chapters, towards the end this picked back up again hence the 3⭐️
January 6, 2026
Wow what a great 5* read to start my 2026 reading challenge. Great storytelling and nice short chapters. A winning combination. Must read more by this author. A huge thanks to my sister who bought this for me. She always makes great choices.
January 12, 2026
It started off well and then it got boring towards chapter 27 the characters of the story became very bland and uninteresting and the story arc was slow and the main protagonists of the story made very bad decisions and there was so much useless information that it became very boring very quickly.
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