The Couple in Cabin 14 Book Review

27 August 2024

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!

Thank you to Nancy for reaching out and for giving me an ARC copy of this book. I am happy to share my review of this debut novel, published by Bloodhound Books. It’s available today, so remember to pick up your copy. (The book is available on Amazon)

*The Couple in Cabin 14,* is a tense, atmospheric thriller that delivers on its promise of a holiday gone terribly wrong. The book takes us on a chilling journey through the unravelling of both a marriage and a mystery, as Dean and Amber attempt to mend their fractured relationship in a secluded lakeside resort. But what begins as a hopeful getaway quickly turns into a gripping tale of paranoia, secrets, and distrust.

The premise of the novel is immediately intriguing—two couples, isolated in a remote location, with one harbouring dark secrets. Savage builds suspense from the very first chapter, introducing Sophie and Marc, the mysterious couple next door, who are just too perfect to be true. Amber’s suspicions about them grow slowly but steadily, and as she delves deeper into their past, the tension escalates to a point where you can’t help but turn the pages faster.

Amber is a relatable protagonist, struggling to repair her marriage while being consumed by her need to uncover the truth about Sophie and Marc. Her obsession with the couple next door is both her strength and her downfall, leading her—and the reader—down a path filled with twists and turns. Savage does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing, and just when you think you have it all figured out, she throws in a curveball that leaves you questioning everything.

The setting of the lakeside resort adds to the novel’s claustrophobic feel. The isolation amplifies the sense of dread, making the reader feel as trapped as the characters themselves. The atmosphere is almost a character in its own right, with the dark, foreboding lake and the quiet, eerie woods playing into the overall sense of unease.

If there’s one critique, it’s that the novel occasionally leans on familiar tropes seen in other thrillers—such as the isolated setting and the mysterious neighbours. However, Savage’s fresh voice and the depth of her characters more than makeup for it. The psychological tension between the characters is obvious, and the exploration of trust and betrayal in relationships adds an emotional layer to the suspense.

*The Couple in Cabin 14* is a solid debut that showcases Nancy Savage’s potential as a thriller writer. It’s a book that will keep you up late into the night, frantically turning pages to uncover the truth. Fans of psychological thrillers will find much to enjoy in this tense, well-crafted story. Just be prepared—you might never look at your neighbours the same way again.