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One Dark Summer: the gripping new crime thriller that will keep you up all night, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell
'I absolutely devoured One Dark Summer. It had me gripped from the very first page and didn't let me go until the end . . . totally captivating'
Angela Marsons, #1 million-copy bestseller
'A deeply absorbing novel with a wonderfully atmospheric setting. Beautifully written and thrillingly plotted, this is a terrific summer read'
B P Walter, bestselling author of The Dinner Guest
Lily has spent her whole life not knowing the truth.
Now, one island will change everything.
When she was four years old, Lily's mother, Penny, walked out the family home and never returned. Growing up, Lily tried to block out the pain of betrayal. But years later, when Lily learns her mum's family used to own a holiday home on Osea Island, she can't resist booking a last-minute trip, hoping to finally find a connection to her mother.
But Osea is no ordinary place. Tidal and remote, it keeps its secrets close.
As Lily begins to peel back layers of the past, she uncovers a web of silence, betrayal, and pain stretching back twenty-five years. The island holds the truth of what really happened to Penny and why she never made it back home.
But some secrets aren't buried in the past. Nor are they still on the island. Some are closer than Lily ever imagined.
Readers are absolutely hooked on One Dark Summer
'A stormy setting, and equally stormy ending makes all the pieces of this book fall into place. Totally absorbing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This psychological thriller blossoms like a flower as the petals bloom' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I really really enjoyed this read. It felt deeper than a thriller' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I could not put this down, a one sitting read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Wow. This was a stormy read, literally and metaphorically!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Praise for Sarah's Hornsley's thrillers
'Suspenseful, addictive, twisty' Fionnuala Kearney
'Unsettling in the best way' Roxie Cooper
'satisfyingly complex, twisty and twisted' James Oswald
'A fresh take on a legal thriller' Amy McCullough
'Atmospheric with a killer twist' Catherine Cooper
'A tangled, twisty thrill-ride' Cressida McLaughlin
'A first-rate psychological thriller' Guy Morpuss
Angela Marsons, #1 million-copy bestseller
'A deeply absorbing novel with a wonderfully atmospheric setting. Beautifully written and thrillingly plotted, this is a terrific summer read'
B P Walter, bestselling author of The Dinner Guest
Lily has spent her whole life not knowing the truth.
Now, one island will change everything.
When she was four years old, Lily's mother, Penny, walked out the family home and never returned. Growing up, Lily tried to block out the pain of betrayal. But years later, when Lily learns her mum's family used to own a holiday home on Osea Island, she can't resist booking a last-minute trip, hoping to finally find a connection to her mother.
But Osea is no ordinary place. Tidal and remote, it keeps its secrets close.
As Lily begins to peel back layers of the past, she uncovers a web of silence, betrayal, and pain stretching back twenty-five years. The island holds the truth of what really happened to Penny and why she never made it back home.
But some secrets aren't buried in the past. Nor are they still on the island. Some are closer than Lily ever imagined.
Readers are absolutely hooked on One Dark Summer
'A stormy setting, and equally stormy ending makes all the pieces of this book fall into place. Totally absorbing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This psychological thriller blossoms like a flower as the petals bloom' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I really really enjoyed this read. It felt deeper than a thriller' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I could not put this down, a one sitting read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Wow. This was a stormy read, literally and metaphorically!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Praise for Sarah's Hornsley's thrillers
'Suspenseful, addictive, twisty' Fionnuala Kearney
'Unsettling in the best way' Roxie Cooper
'satisfyingly complex, twisty and twisted' James Oswald
'A fresh take on a legal thriller' Amy McCullough
'Atmospheric with a killer twist' Catherine Cooper
'A tangled, twisty thrill-ride' Cressida McLaughlin
'A first-rate psychological thriller' Guy Morpuss
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Everything always comes back to this idea of what a family is, the book says, and this is definitely true of this story.
At the start, there is an unnamed narrator, a child, who gradually gives clues to her life with her parents. Then it switches to Lily and her father in the present, followed by chapters on her mother and her aunt, identical twins, in the past. Gradually, the secrets of the past are revealed and Lily finds out what happened to her mother.
There were a fair few twists in this, which I didn't see coming, so I would say this is a good thriller, which I read almost in a day. My one criticism is that when Lily meets up with her aunt and her family, they all accept very easily that Lily is a relation. I would have expected them to be more curious. more careful, before taking her in. But one of the final twists may explain this? One star knocked off because of this.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy.
At the start, there is an unnamed narrator, a child, who gradually gives clues to her life with her parents. Then it switches to Lily and her father in the present, followed by chapters on her mother and her aunt, identical twins, in the past. Gradually, the secrets of the past are revealed and Lily finds out what happened to her mother.
There were a fair few twists in this, which I didn't see coming, so I would say this is a good thriller, which I read almost in a day. My one criticism is that when Lily meets up with her aunt and her family, they all accept very easily that Lily is a relation. I would have expected them to be more curious. more careful, before taking her in. But one of the final twists may explain this? One star knocked off because of this.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
On first impression, after hearing the prologue, this really gave me Room (Emma Donoghue) vibes - but as we delve further into the story, there was so, so much more going on here and i could not stop reading.
After her mum left her and her dad back when she was only four years old, Lily has felt hurt and betrayed.
Her dad has done a good job bringing her up, but he will never talk about Penny and why she decided to leave.
Now, years later, Lily needs answers and plans a trip out to Osea Island, where Penny's parents owned a house - but she was not quite ready for all of the answers and secrets that would be revealed.
This story unfolds gradually through multiple timelines - the past - when Penny and her twin sister Rosie were teenagers, the present day and also Lily's past too - and there were so many layers and threads woven together that just had me completely immersed from start to finish.
Despite guessing part of the ending fairly early on, I just couldn't believe how much more storyline was packed within the pages and I loved how this all worked around each other and then came together in the final few chapters.
I really enjoyed our time on Osea Island.
The past was very atmospheric and I really felt nostalgic for my own teenage summers away.
For Lily, Osea turns into a dark and foreboding prison as the storm forces her to remain and face all the secrets held there.
This was quite a heart wrenching story and I actually felt for all the characters on some level - yes, even the bad ones.
The characters were all relatable and vulnerable in their own ways and I think that with better care, none of the situations would have spiralled as much as they did - but sadly this was not the case and events compounded creating more and more mess.
This was brilliantly written and kept me hooked right the way though.
I liked the twists and turns and even though I wouldn't say this was a heart pounding thriller, this definitely had me on edge throughout and dealt with some darker themes.
A great first read from this author and I can't wait for my next one....
After her mum left her and her dad back when she was only four years old, Lily has felt hurt and betrayed.
Her dad has done a good job bringing her up, but he will never talk about Penny and why she decided to leave.
Now, years later, Lily needs answers and plans a trip out to Osea Island, where Penny's parents owned a house - but she was not quite ready for all of the answers and secrets that would be revealed.
This story unfolds gradually through multiple timelines - the past - when Penny and her twin sister Rosie were teenagers, the present day and also Lily's past too - and there were so many layers and threads woven together that just had me completely immersed from start to finish.
Despite guessing part of the ending fairly early on, I just couldn't believe how much more storyline was packed within the pages and I loved how this all worked around each other and then came together in the final few chapters.
I really enjoyed our time on Osea Island.
The past was very atmospheric and I really felt nostalgic for my own teenage summers away.
For Lily, Osea turns into a dark and foreboding prison as the storm forces her to remain and face all the secrets held there.
This was quite a heart wrenching story and I actually felt for all the characters on some level - yes, even the bad ones.
The characters were all relatable and vulnerable in their own ways and I think that with better care, none of the situations would have spiralled as much as they did - but sadly this was not the case and events compounded creating more and more mess.
This was brilliantly written and kept me hooked right the way though.
I liked the twists and turns and even though I wouldn't say this was a heart pounding thriller, this definitely had me on edge throughout and dealt with some darker themes.
A great first read from this author and I can't wait for my next one....
June 4, 2026
When she was four years old, Lily's mother, Penny, walked out the family home and never returned. But years later, when Lily learns her mum's family used to own a holiday home on Osea Island, she can't resist booking a last-minute trip, hoping to finally find a connection to her mother. But Osea is no ordinary place. Tidal and remote, it keeps its secrets close. As Lily begins to peel back layers of the past, she uncovers a web of silence, betrayal, and pain stretching back twenty-five years. The island holds the truth of what really happened to Penny and why she never made it back home. But some secrets aren't buried in the past. Nor are they still on the island. Some are closer than Lily ever imagined.
After reading Bad Blood last year by this author I knew I’d want to read more from her in the future and have eagerly awaited this new upcoming release.
Right from the start the intrigue levels are high as the reader gets their head around the different characters and what is happening. Told through varying alternating character POV chapters, sharing snippets of the past in flashbacks alongside the present day events, it was evident this book has you drawn in completely.
It’s hard to say too much about the plot without giving spoilers away and this is definitely a title you want to go into not knowing what is coming. I did figure out the twist halfway through but I still never expected events to unfold further and the last quarter totally ramps up the pace, tension and suspense to the max!
The mystery character POV chapters were a very clever addition, I was completely engrossed as to how this fitted into the overall story, I think this element definitely helps the reader to piece the full picture together in the long run. None of the characters are particularly likeable but neither are they meant to be, the narration does a fabulous job of bringing them all to life, particularly through the parts when everything is falling into place in the concluding sections.
A really enjoyable read and I look forward to what comes next from Sarah!
After reading Bad Blood last year by this author I knew I’d want to read more from her in the future and have eagerly awaited this new upcoming release.
Right from the start the intrigue levels are high as the reader gets their head around the different characters and what is happening. Told through varying alternating character POV chapters, sharing snippets of the past in flashbacks alongside the present day events, it was evident this book has you drawn in completely.
It’s hard to say too much about the plot without giving spoilers away and this is definitely a title you want to go into not knowing what is coming. I did figure out the twist halfway through but I still never expected events to unfold further and the last quarter totally ramps up the pace, tension and suspense to the max!
The mystery character POV chapters were a very clever addition, I was completely engrossed as to how this fitted into the overall story, I think this element definitely helps the reader to piece the full picture together in the long run. None of the characters are particularly likeable but neither are they meant to be, the narration does a fabulous job of bringing them all to life, particularly through the parts when everything is falling into place in the concluding sections.
A really enjoyable read and I look forward to what comes next from Sarah!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I really enjoyed this one - it was a four star read for me right up until the point at which we hear the murderer's confession. This is really a bit of squeamishness on my part - I don't like spending time inside the mind of killers if I can help it. I know a lot of readers are a bit braver than I, and so for them it may well continue to be a four-star read.
Three stars from me always means that a book is well written and I believe that the author has achieved all their aims. In this case, Sarah Hornsley has introduced us to some fascinating and believable characters - twins Rose and Penny and Penny's daughter Lily. Penny has gone missing in her early twenties and so Rose does not know Lily exists until she shows up at the family's holiday cottage, having just found out about it. We then hear two parallel narratives - one from Penny on the build up to her leaving Rose and one from Lily who has known her mother only for a few years before she disappears again.
The whole is cleverly set up as an investigation of generational trauma. Lily, a therapist, is fascinated by the idea that she may be carrying her mother's trauma inside her, even though all her childhood memories are happy ones - her Dad has kept her safe and she has no reason to doubt his love. In a bid to find out more about what happened to her Mum before Lily was born, she travels to the Essex island on which she has just found out her Mum and family spent their summers. Little does she know how the memories from the year her Mum left Rose will unravel and spill into her own life and everything she thought she knew about it.
Three stars from me always means that a book is well written and I believe that the author has achieved all their aims. In this case, Sarah Hornsley has introduced us to some fascinating and believable characters - twins Rose and Penny and Penny's daughter Lily. Penny has gone missing in her early twenties and so Rose does not know Lily exists until she shows up at the family's holiday cottage, having just found out about it. We then hear two parallel narratives - one from Penny on the build up to her leaving Rose and one from Lily who has known her mother only for a few years before she disappears again.
The whole is cleverly set up as an investigation of generational trauma. Lily, a therapist, is fascinated by the idea that she may be carrying her mother's trauma inside her, even though all her childhood memories are happy ones - her Dad has kept her safe and she has no reason to doubt his love. In a bid to find out more about what happened to her Mum before Lily was born, she travels to the Essex island on which she has just found out her Mum and family spent their summers. Little does she know how the memories from the year her Mum left Rose will unravel and spill into her own life and everything she thought she knew about it.
July 9, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The beginning immediately foreshadows that something happened in the past that has a profound impact on the present, and finding out what really happened turns into an interesting journey.
Lily grows up believing her mother ran away without any reason. Staying in the house by herself for extended periods always causes her anxiety. When her father goes away and she must come to terms with being on her own, she takes the opportunity to leave home and visit the place her mother was connected to while growing up. When she arrives on the island, she runs into a woman who looks oddly familiar, only to learn that she is her mother's twin sister, who has believed for years that her sister died.
But Lily is clear proof that this is not the case. What really happened?
I really enjoyed the past and present timelines, as well as the different POVs, slowly building up to the moment when we finally learn what really happened and how all the puzzle pieces fit together. There are a lot of twists, and once the truth is revealed, it turned out to be even more than I expected, which I really liked. The story kept me entertained from beginning to end (although there were a few minor things that felt a bit over the top to me), and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
I had the pleasure of listening to this and the narrator did a really good job separating the characters out and make it very engaging.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The beginning immediately foreshadows that something happened in the past that has a profound impact on the present, and finding out what really happened turns into an interesting journey.
Lily grows up believing her mother ran away without any reason. Staying in the house by herself for extended periods always causes her anxiety. When her father goes away and she must come to terms with being on her own, she takes the opportunity to leave home and visit the place her mother was connected to while growing up. When she arrives on the island, she runs into a woman who looks oddly familiar, only to learn that she is her mother's twin sister, who has believed for years that her sister died.
But Lily is clear proof that this is not the case. What really happened?
I really enjoyed the past and present timelines, as well as the different POVs, slowly building up to the moment when we finally learn what really happened and how all the puzzle pieces fit together. There are a lot of twists, and once the truth is revealed, it turned out to be even more than I expected, which I really liked. The story kept me entertained from beginning to end (although there were a few minor things that felt a bit over the top to me), and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
I had the pleasure of listening to this and the narrator did a really good job separating the characters out and make it very engaging.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One Dark Summer is the kind of novel that pulls you in with its mood before you even realise how tightly it’s holding you. Sarah Hornsley blends family secrets, emotional discovery, and a wonderfully eerie sense of place into a story that feels both intimate and unsettling.
Lily is a relatable, quietly determined protagonist, shaped by the absence of a mother she barely remembers. Her decision to visit Osea Island—hoping for even the smallest thread of connection—is tender and brave, and it sets the tone for a story that’s as much about identity as it is about mystery.
Osea itself is a standout. Tidal, remote, and steeped in silence, it becomes a character in its own right. Hornsley captures that strange mix of beauty and unease so well: the shifting causeway, the sense of isolation, the feeling that the past is never quite done with you. It’s the perfect backdrop for a story built on long‑buried truths.
As Lily digs deeper, the layers of betrayal, pain, and family secrets unfold with a steady, compelling rhythm. I loved how the narrative balances emotional depth with suspense—never rushing, always building. And just when you think the answers lie on the island, the story reminds you that some dangers follow you home.
A haunting, heartfelt, and elegantly written mystery about mothers, daughters, and the shadows we inherit. I was completely absorbed.
My thanks to Sarah Hornsley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Lily is a relatable, quietly determined protagonist, shaped by the absence of a mother she barely remembers. Her decision to visit Osea Island—hoping for even the smallest thread of connection—is tender and brave, and it sets the tone for a story that’s as much about identity as it is about mystery.
Osea itself is a standout. Tidal, remote, and steeped in silence, it becomes a character in its own right. Hornsley captures that strange mix of beauty and unease so well: the shifting causeway, the sense of isolation, the feeling that the past is never quite done with you. It’s the perfect backdrop for a story built on long‑buried truths.
As Lily digs deeper, the layers of betrayal, pain, and family secrets unfold with a steady, compelling rhythm. I loved how the narrative balances emotional depth with suspense—never rushing, always building. And just when you think the answers lie on the island, the story reminds you that some dangers follow you home.
A haunting, heartfelt, and elegantly written mystery about mothers, daughters, and the shadows we inherit. I was completely absorbed.
My thanks to Sarah Hornsley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eBook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One Dark Summer is a slow-burn psychological thriller that gradually builds tension and intrigue. Lily was only four years old when her mother suddenly left, leaving her to be raised by her father. Growing up, she never learned the full truth behind her mother's disappearance. When she visits the island where her mother once spent time with her family, long-buried secrets begin to surface.
I found the beginning quite slow, and it didn't immediately grip me in the way some thrillers do. However, once Lily arrived on the island, the story really started to pick up, and I became invested in uncovering what had happened to her mother.
The novel is told through multiple POVs, including Lily in the present day and her mother in 1990, along with a few others that I won't mention to avoid spoilers. The alternating timelines worked well and helped piece together the mystery while gradually revealing the events surrounding Lily's mother's past.
Once I reached around the 60% mark, the pace ramped up considerably, and I found it difficult to put the book down. While I managed to predict a few of the twists, there were plenty of surprises that caught me off guard.
If you're looking for a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, this is definitely worth picking up. Just be prepared for a slower start before the story really takes off.
One Dark Summer is a slow-burn psychological thriller that gradually builds tension and intrigue. Lily was only four years old when her mother suddenly left, leaving her to be raised by her father. Growing up, she never learned the full truth behind her mother's disappearance. When she visits the island where her mother once spent time with her family, long-buried secrets begin to surface.
I found the beginning quite slow, and it didn't immediately grip me in the way some thrillers do. However, once Lily arrived on the island, the story really started to pick up, and I became invested in uncovering what had happened to her mother.
The novel is told through multiple POVs, including Lily in the present day and her mother in 1990, along with a few others that I won't mention to avoid spoilers. The alternating timelines worked well and helped piece together the mystery while gradually revealing the events surrounding Lily's mother's past.
Once I reached around the 60% mark, the pace ramped up considerably, and I found it difficult to put the book down. While I managed to predict a few of the twists, there were plenty of surprises that caught me off guard.
If you're looking for a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, this is definitely worth picking up. Just be prepared for a slower start before the story really takes off.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.8⭐️ 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
When Lily discovers her missing mother's family once owned a remote island cottage, she travels there, searching for answers and hoping to finally learn why her mother disappeared from her life.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was an easy listen, perfect for drive time. My only issue was that Penny and Lily are voiced the same way, so I had to pay attention at the start of each chapter when it was announced who was speaking.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is an easy to follow suspense novel. It’s a slow burn with more focus on Lily’s feelings and family history than on twists or edge of your seat suspense.
I admired Lily for pushing past her insecurities and sheltered upbringing to search for answers.
Even with multiple POVs and timelines, the small cast and single mystery kept things simple and easy to follow.
I was surprised by some of the reveals and appreciated how everything came together in the end.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is a straightforward family secret thriller with an entertaining mystery and an isolated island setting. I enjoyed following Lily’s search for answers, but I personally wanted more depth from both the characters and the overall story.
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton Audio and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Daphne Kouma
📖 Release 07•09•26 | 320 pages | 8h 1m
When Lily discovers her missing mother's family once owned a remote island cottage, she travels there, searching for answers and hoping to finally learn why her mother disappeared from her life.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was an easy listen, perfect for drive time. My only issue was that Penny and Lily are voiced the same way, so I had to pay attention at the start of each chapter when it was announced who was speaking.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is an easy to follow suspense novel. It’s a slow burn with more focus on Lily’s feelings and family history than on twists or edge of your seat suspense.
I admired Lily for pushing past her insecurities and sheltered upbringing to search for answers.
Even with multiple POVs and timelines, the small cast and single mystery kept things simple and easy to follow.
I was surprised by some of the reveals and appreciated how everything came together in the end.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is a straightforward family secret thriller with an entertaining mystery and an isolated island setting. I enjoyed following Lily’s search for answers, but I personally wanted more depth from both the characters and the overall story.
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton Audio and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Daphne Kouma
📖 Release 07•09•26 | 320 pages | 8h 1m
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars for me.
Lily needs to find out why her mother Penny left her when she was four years old.Her father let it slip that she had a family,but Peny didn't want to have anything to do with them.Going to Osea Island is the only clue that might help her to understand why her mother is gone.
Will Lily get her answers?
It was surprising and gripping story that left me heartbroken.Lily's a really likable character,being raised without her mother yet still compassionate and warm,something she did't get from her father who's really set in his ways.The story told from few POV-past and present was really engrossing,I could not decide what really happened all those years ago and why Penny made the choice's she made.The truth was far more worse then I was thinking.Full of secrets and the twist that was a unexpected tale of choices and wrong decisions that can hunt you even after the years passed.My first book by this author and will be watching out for the next one.
If you looking for a mystery that is filled with secrets and twists I would recommend this one.
Thank you netgalley and Hodder&Stoughton audio for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Lily needs to find out why her mother Penny left her when she was four years old.Her father let it slip that she had a family,but Peny didn't want to have anything to do with them.Going to Osea Island is the only clue that might help her to understand why her mother is gone.
Will Lily get her answers?
It was surprising and gripping story that left me heartbroken.Lily's a really likable character,being raised without her mother yet still compassionate and warm,something she did't get from her father who's really set in his ways.The story told from few POV-past and present was really engrossing,I could not decide what really happened all those years ago and why Penny made the choice's she made.The truth was far more worse then I was thinking.Full of secrets and the twist that was a unexpected tale of choices and wrong decisions that can hunt you even after the years passed.My first book by this author and will be watching out for the next one.
If you looking for a mystery that is filled with secrets and twists I would recommend this one.
Thank you netgalley and Hodder&Stoughton audio for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In this novel we follow two characters in two timelines - Lily in the present and her mother, Penny, in the 90s. In the present, Lily lives with her father after her mother left them when she was very young. In the past, Penny and her twin sister Rosie have to deal with their mother's illness at their isolated home on Osea island. Lily decides to visit Osea island to find out more about her mother and extended family and makes some shocking discoveries.
I found the story engaging and the mystery kept me guessing. Hornsley did a great job at making the setting feel authentic and the characters are well-rounded. The middle part felt a bit drawn out, but not to the extent that I wanted to stop. The novel explores themes of grief, family secrets and isolation.
The narrator, Daphne Kouma, kept me engaged and her voice suited the story and characters.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy mysteries focused on family secrets, isolated settings and captivating plot twists.
In this novel we follow two characters in two timelines - Lily in the present and her mother, Penny, in the 90s. In the present, Lily lives with her father after her mother left them when she was very young. In the past, Penny and her twin sister Rosie have to deal with their mother's illness at their isolated home on Osea island. Lily decides to visit Osea island to find out more about her mother and extended family and makes some shocking discoveries.
I found the story engaging and the mystery kept me guessing. Hornsley did a great job at making the setting feel authentic and the characters are well-rounded. The middle part felt a bit drawn out, but not to the extent that I wanted to stop. The novel explores themes of grief, family secrets and isolation.
The narrator, Daphne Kouma, kept me engaged and her voice suited the story and characters.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy mysteries focused on family secrets, isolated settings and captivating plot twists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A missing mother. A clue to unravel an enduring mystery. A family link to an unknown island.
After losing her mother at the age of only for, Lily is determined to find what made her mother Penny leave her her behind. Never having recovered from her mother's abandonment of her, when Lily finds a possible lead, she decides to explore her family's past on Osea Island. But not all secrets lie in the past, as Lily is about to find out...
This is a dark and compelling mystery, and the audio book narrator does a good job of conveying the atmospheric environment of the tidal island and the angst of the main character. Scoring 3.5 stars, it's worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
After losing her mother at the age of only for, Lily is determined to find what made her mother Penny leave her her behind. Never having recovered from her mother's abandonment of her, when Lily finds a possible lead, she decides to explore her family's past on Osea Island. But not all secrets lie in the past, as Lily is about to find out...
This is a dark and compelling mystery, and the audio book narrator does a good job of conveying the atmospheric environment of the tidal island and the angst of the main character. Scoring 3.5 stars, it's worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lily's can't remember her mother or why she disappeared. Identical twins Penny and Rosie fight to be recognised as individuals. A girl and her mother are kept prisoner by her father.
These strands all connect, but it will take some time and a fair bit of suspense to work out how.
This is a multi-POV, multi-timepoint thriller about family secrets and hidden identities. It is entertaining, fast-paced, and easy to read. In essence, it is a standard thriller! I do recommend it for thriller lovers, even if it's not the best I've ever read. I didn't care a lot about the characters, but the plot got me more and more gripped as it went on. The audio narration was smooth and suited the story.
3.5 stars overall. Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.
These strands all connect, but it will take some time and a fair bit of suspense to work out how.
This is a multi-POV, multi-timepoint thriller about family secrets and hidden identities. It is entertaining, fast-paced, and easy to read. In essence, it is a standard thriller! I do recommend it for thriller lovers, even if it's not the best I've ever read. I didn't care a lot about the characters, but the plot got me more and more gripped as it went on. The audio narration was smooth and suited the story.
3.5 stars overall. Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One Dark Summer by Sarah Hornsley is a haunting, atmospheric tale that pulls you in from page one and holds you captive until the very end.
The story follows Lily, an anxious young woman plagued by night terrors, who travels to the picturesque Osea Island to uncover the truth about her long-lost mother.
Beautifully illustrated, the narrative brings the setting to life as Lily pieces together her fractured past. It is a sensitively written exploration of family fragility and the delicate bonds that can either hold us together or pull us apart. Ultimately, Lily realises the truth might be closer than she ever imagined. A lingering, unforgettable read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
The story follows Lily, an anxious young woman plagued by night terrors, who travels to the picturesque Osea Island to uncover the truth about her long-lost mother.
Beautifully illustrated, the narrative brings the setting to life as Lily pieces together her fractured past. It is a sensitively written exploration of family fragility and the delicate bonds that can either hold us together or pull us apart. Ultimately, Lily realises the truth might be closer than she ever imagined. A lingering, unforgettable read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have always been slightly fascinated by books about twins, so was drawn to this, and I wasn't disappointed.
Lily is very naïve, and we gradually learn why. Alongside her story, we learn about her mother Penny, and her twin Rosie. This psychological thriller blossoms like a flower as the petals bloom. There are deaths, twists and lies galore, as Lily gradually begins to remember her early life as she tries to try to track down what happened to her mother. Who is lying to her? Who can she trust? Will there be a happy ending for anyone in Osea?
I really enjoyed this, so great thanks tp Sarah Hornsley, the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review..
Lily is very naïve, and we gradually learn why. Alongside her story, we learn about her mother Penny, and her twin Rosie. This psychological thriller blossoms like a flower as the petals bloom. There are deaths, twists and lies galore, as Lily gradually begins to remember her early life as she tries to try to track down what happened to her mother. Who is lying to her? Who can she trust? Will there be a happy ending for anyone in Osea?
I really enjoyed this, so great thanks tp Sarah Hornsley, the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review..
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one has some twists and turns that I thought i knew but I was wrong.
What should a family look like? What would you do to find your family? Can trauma be hiding away forever?
After Lilys mum left when she was really little it's just been her and her dad but now Lily want to know who her family is and why her mum left her? Her dad let's slip where she might find some family and off she goes in search of answers. It won't be the answers she wants but she begins to realise who she really is.
Thank you @netgalley and @sarahlitagent for allowing me to listen to this audiobook pre publication.
What should a family look like? What would you do to find your family? Can trauma be hiding away forever?
After Lilys mum left when she was really little it's just been her and her dad but now Lily want to know who her family is and why her mum left her? Her dad let's slip where she might find some family and off she goes in search of answers. It won't be the answers she wants but she begins to realise who she really is.
Thank you @netgalley and @sarahlitagent for allowing me to listen to this audiobook pre publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalleyUK and the publisher for an eARC in return for an honest review.
This new crime thriller features two protagonists with stories separated by 20 years or so. The story rapidly builds tension, in a way that is no less satisfying for being a little predictable.
I read it cover to cover in under 24 hours, which certainly speaks to the strength of the writing. Despite being generally quite poor at predicting plots, I spotted 3 plot twists in advance, which might indicate excellent foreshadowing, but I suspect just means it was a little predictable.
Overall, this was a very fun reading experience, and I'll certainly look out for the author in the future.
This new crime thriller features two protagonists with stories separated by 20 years or so. The story rapidly builds tension, in a way that is no less satisfying for being a little predictable.
I read it cover to cover in under 24 hours, which certainly speaks to the strength of the writing. Despite being generally quite poor at predicting plots, I spotted 3 plot twists in advance, which might indicate excellent foreshadowing, but I suspect just means it was a little predictable.
Overall, this was a very fun reading experience, and I'll certainly look out for the author in the future.
February 21, 2026
Lily doesn’t remember much about her mum, just what her dad has told her that she walked out when lily was four years old. Plagued with questions about the past, Lily travels to Osea island where she knows her mum spent a lot of time. As she uncovers the truth about her mother’s history, she discovers family secrets and betrayals going back decades.
Told on dual timelines, this is a page turning mystery that pulls you in from the first pages.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Told on dual timelines, this is a page turning mystery that pulls you in from the first pages.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Good book and loved the narrator.
The story follows Lily travelling to a remote island to try and find out the truth about what happened to her mum. I thought the premise was really interesting and it kept me wanting to know what was going to be revealed next.
The isolated island setting worked really well and added to the tension throughout. I liked the gradual uncovering of secrets and the realisation was good, although I did guess the twist quite a while before it was revealed.
Good book and loved the narrator.
The story follows Lily travelling to a remote island to try and find out the truth about what happened to her mum. I thought the premise was really interesting and it kept me wanting to know what was going to be revealed next.
The isolated island setting worked really well and added to the tension throughout. I liked the gradual uncovering of secrets and the realisation was good, although I did guess the twist quite a while before it was revealed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
Dark and twisty from start to finish. I absolutely loved this and couldn’t get enough of the dual timeline multiple POV’s. Books about twins always fascinate me so I was excited to read and it absolutely didn’t disappoint. I didn’t see any of the twists coming and found the book fast paced and kept me gripped. I will say as a mum of young children I found the last chapter very triggering so maybe we mindful of that but overall brilliant book
I did this as an audio book and the narration was great
Thank you to NetGalley & Hodder & Stroughton for my ALC in return for my honest review.
I did this as an audio book and the narration was great
Thank you to NetGalley & Hodder & Stroughton for my ALC in return for my honest review.
2026
June 26, 2026This books synopsis was intriguing the book starts off as a young child with her mother and then switches to Lily and her dad in the present day. Lily is keen to learn about her mother who left the family home some years ago but her dad is firm that she left because she didn’t love them. Lily decides to learn more about her mother and this leads to Lily discovering horrendous secrets
I really enjoyed this book some of the twists were expected but some I felt could have had much more exploration. Overall a good read
Thank you NetGalley for early release in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed this book some of the twists were expected but some I felt could have had much more exploration. Overall a good read
Thank you NetGalley for early release in exchange for an honest review
February 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy. The book is a dual timeline with many family secrets and mysteries. I found the plot line quite muddled and unbelievable, with so much going on, although as the story unfolds the clues are there and can easily be worked out. Additionally, I found one of the plot lines very similar to other books I have read. However, overall an enjoyable read.
February 16, 2026
I enjoyed One Dark Summer. It’s a thriller about a woman who returns to the island where her mother disappeared. The story setting feels dark and eerie, which really sets the scene.
The story kept me interested, because it slowly releases secrets from the past, which kept me engaged. There are a few twists that I didn’t predict, which made the short really great. I found it gripping.
I really liked this book
The story kept me interested, because it slowly releases secrets from the past, which kept me engaged. There are a few twists that I didn’t predict, which made the short really great. I found it gripping.
I really liked this book
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One Dark Summer follows the story of Penny and Lily across two different timelines, looking at how people can be so easily deceived and you should never judge a book by its cover.
I really enjoyed reading this book, with enough unpredictable twists and turns for me to devour this! I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a psychological thriller.
One Dark Summer follows the story of Penny and Lily across two different timelines, looking at how people can be so easily deceived and you should never judge a book by its cover.
I really enjoyed reading this book, with enough unpredictable twists and turns for me to devour this! I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a psychological thriller.
July 1, 2026
I absolutely loved this book and everything about it!
‘The Palace’ chapters gave the story that extra something special. Even though I managed to piece together the identity of the child living in The Palace, the book gave absolutely nothing away, so my suspicions weren't officially confirmed until toward the end. It was so satisfying to watch it all unfold.
Nothing about this book disappointed me, and it was one of those reads where I just wanted to keep turning the pages.
‘The Palace’ chapters gave the story that extra something special. Even though I managed to piece together the identity of the child living in The Palace, the book gave absolutely nothing away, so my suspicions weren't officially confirmed until toward the end. It was so satisfying to watch it all unfold.
Nothing about this book disappointed me, and it was one of those reads where I just wanted to keep turning the pages.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this title would’ve been better received by mr had I managed to binge listen. I didn’t gel brilliantly with the narrator either but I believe the story itself perhaps would’ve had a higher rating if I’d ate it whole.
Several twists that I wasn’t expecting which is essentially what it sits at a 3 star rating and not the 2.5 I had in mind for the majority of listening time.
Huge thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Aydio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🎧
Several twists that I wasn’t expecting which is essentially what it sits at a 3 star rating and not the 2.5 I had in mind for the majority of listening time.
Huge thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Aydio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🎧
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy. It was a fast read but I found myself skipping a little as it was a repetitive at times. The plot was bit convoluted but, it was fun to read, and it was compelling enough to keep going. I really wanted to know what had happened. The author did tidy up all the different story lines quite neatly, so it was overall a satisfying read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a real page turner that pulls you in and grips you to the end. The story of Lily trying to find out more about the mother that left when she was four, has many layers and twists. A stormy setting, and equally stormy ending makes all the pieces of this book fall into place. Totally absorbing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book. An avid audiobook listener I enjoyed both the story line and the narrator. Family secrets revealed, twists and turns, everything kept my interested in finding out exactly what happened.
I would definitely recommend this author.
Thank you to the author and Netgally for the opportunity to ARC read this
I would definitely recommend this author.
Thank you to the author and Netgally for the opportunity to ARC read this
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Both a positive and a negative due to my poor memory was how complex the story became given the multiple points of view you had to get your head around. The story is riveting and keeps you hooked. The narrator was fine, I think it would be a particularly difficult book to read as a narrator. Overall, very good.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I found this an okay read. I thought it was a bit slow until towards the end when it all started coming together and things were revealed. Overall a good thriller.
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