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The Sleepover
When you’re a kid, you imagine monsters to have horns and fangs. That they hide under the bed or in the wardrobe. And you believe they can only come after you when it’s dark.
You don’t expect them to look like everyday people or that they may be someone you already know…
The summer in question started out with hot, fun-filled days and new friendships.
We had just turned thirteen and had our whole lives ahead of us.
But that was before her…
Before we became known as the Hixton Five and our lives become defined by one night.
It’s hard to believe twenty years have passed since she was locked away.
But now she’s free and strange things have started to happen.
When I close my eyes, the creeping anxiety and fear is overwhelming and all too real.
Because the monster is back, and I know she has a score to settle with us.
You don’t expect them to look like everyday people or that they may be someone you already know…
The summer in question started out with hot, fun-filled days and new friendships.
We had just turned thirteen and had our whole lives ahead of us.
But that was before her…
Before we became known as the Hixton Five and our lives become defined by one night.
It’s hard to believe twenty years have passed since she was locked away.
But now she’s free and strange things have started to happen.
When I close my eyes, the creeping anxiety and fear is overwhelming and all too real.
Because the monster is back, and I know she has a score to settle with us.
370 pages, Audiobook
First published October 24, 2022
3993 people are currently reading
8364 people want to read
About the author
Keri Beevis
22 books1,621 followersHi, I'm Keri Beevis, and I'm the author of the bestselling psychological suspense thrillers, Deep Dark Secrets, Dying To Tell, The Sleepover, and The Summer House.
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,079 reviews
October 25, 2022
3.5/4
Summer should be about friends, fun, laughter but for the Hixton Five, as they would come to be known, it was far from that, and that one fateful night would become a nightmare that they will care with them.
Eileen Wickham was a horrible person who did horrible things. She was sentenced and served her time but now she is out. She is out and strange menacing things have begun to happen. Is Eileen at the bottom of what has been happening? She is out for revenge? Are they safe?
The Hixton five are: Hannah, Rosie, Jill, Tasha, and Lauren. Some have moved on, but Rosie and Hannah are still dealing with what happened. Speaking of which, what did happen? The author will keep you guessing for most of the book.
Rosie and Hannah are approached by Liam Quinn, a journalist who wants to write a book about Eileen Wickham and would like their points of view. Skeptical at first, Hannah begins to warm to the idea.
This was an enjoyable book which kept me guessing. I wanted to know what happened to the Hixton five? I wanted to know who was behind everything. There are some twists and turns along the way. Some readers may have an inkling for, others I did not see coming.
Overall and enjoyable book which kept me guessing.
#TheSleepover #NetGalley.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Summer should be about friends, fun, laughter but for the Hixton Five, as they would come to be known, it was far from that, and that one fateful night would become a nightmare that they will care with them.
Eileen Wickham was a horrible person who did horrible things. She was sentenced and served her time but now she is out. She is out and strange menacing things have begun to happen. Is Eileen at the bottom of what has been happening? She is out for revenge? Are they safe?
The Hixton five are: Hannah, Rosie, Jill, Tasha, and Lauren. Some have moved on, but Rosie and Hannah are still dealing with what happened. Speaking of which, what did happen? The author will keep you guessing for most of the book.
Rosie and Hannah are approached by Liam Quinn, a journalist who wants to write a book about Eileen Wickham and would like their points of view. Skeptical at first, Hannah begins to warm to the idea.
This was an enjoyable book which kept me guessing. I wanted to know what happened to the Hixton five? I wanted to know who was behind everything. There are some twists and turns along the way. Some readers may have an inkling for, others I did not see coming.
Overall and enjoyable book which kept me guessing.
#TheSleepover #NetGalley.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 17, 2022
Dark
Disturbing
Menacing and
Chilling
These are the first words that come to mind now I have read this,the latest psychological thriller from Keri Beevis,I would also say it has elements of family drama and a ‘whodunit’ vibe as well
Eileen Wickham was evil,she did terrible things to the teens she was supposed to be looking after………she got caught and has served her time…..and now she is free…..the ‘Hixton 5’ as they are known ( the survivors of Eileen’s cruelty ) are trying still, many years after , to come to terms with what happened…..but now Eileen is back on their radar and ‘things’ are starting to happen…bad things,again……will Eileen have her revenge.?
A tense,taut thriller,really cleverley done that will have you thinking you know….but really you don't!……the past,is back and back with a vengeance….be afraid…..
Great Read
Disturbing
Menacing and
Chilling
These are the first words that come to mind now I have read this,the latest psychological thriller from Keri Beevis,I would also say it has elements of family drama and a ‘whodunit’ vibe as well
Eileen Wickham was evil,she did terrible things to the teens she was supposed to be looking after………she got caught and has served her time…..and now she is free…..the ‘Hixton 5’ as they are known ( the survivors of Eileen’s cruelty ) are trying still, many years after , to come to terms with what happened…..but now Eileen is back on their radar and ‘things’ are starting to happen…bad things,again……will Eileen have her revenge.?
A tense,taut thriller,really cleverley done that will have you thinking you know….but really you don't!……the past,is back and back with a vengeance….be afraid…..
Great Read
October 14, 2022
Hannah Cole and her best friend Rosie Emerson and a few friends are invited to stay over Mrs Eileen Wickham’s farm one summer night. When Hannah sees something, which involved Mrs Wickham and her son Bill that scares her, and she flees. She never goes around there again. Even though the rest of her friends, which were all nicknamed the Hixton 5 did. Until something bad happened which ended up calling the Police.
Twenty years later Mrs Wickham is released from Prison and the Hixton 5 are scared that she will take out revenge.
At the same time Liam Quinn an investigative journalist comes to town and contacts Hannah, and he is writing a book about what Eileen Wickham that fatal night and he wants her side of the story. Why does he want to dredge up the past that the Hixton 5 are trying desperately to forget. When strange things start to happen, they think Eileen is back to get her revenge.
I have heard good things about Keri Beevis so I thank Boldwood books for a copy of her latest offering The sleepover.
The Sleepover is a dark, disturbing thriller from the author and overall, I did enjoy this story about Hannah and her friends. Maybe I am nit picking here. But all through the book I am thinking what was Eileen Wickham was arrested for and imprisoned for all that time. As the author is good and slowly revealing what happened that night and we only find out the full story at the end. It played on my mind throughout the story. I was also expecting a big explosive ending but was a bit disappointed at the end. Even so I would like to seek the authors books. 4 stars from me.
Twenty years later Mrs Wickham is released from Prison and the Hixton 5 are scared that she will take out revenge.
At the same time Liam Quinn an investigative journalist comes to town and contacts Hannah, and he is writing a book about what Eileen Wickham that fatal night and he wants her side of the story. Why does he want to dredge up the past that the Hixton 5 are trying desperately to forget. When strange things start to happen, they think Eileen is back to get her revenge.
I have heard good things about Keri Beevis so I thank Boldwood books for a copy of her latest offering The sleepover.
The Sleepover is a dark, disturbing thriller from the author and overall, I did enjoy this story about Hannah and her friends. Maybe I am nit picking here. But all through the book I am thinking what was Eileen Wickham was arrested for and imprisoned for all that time. As the author is good and slowly revealing what happened that night and we only find out the full story at the end. It played on my mind throughout the story. I was also expecting a big explosive ending but was a bit disappointed at the end. Even so I would like to seek the authors books. 4 stars from me.
May 18, 2023
I got the kindle version through Prime Reading, I really wasn't sure going in if I'd like it or not. Half way through, I felt disappointed as I thought I knew what the ending plot twist would be later on.
I WAS FOOLED!!!
That plot twist truly shook me! I love books that I cannot predict the twists and turns, and this truly did that to me! So many twists happening and some CRAZY turn of events near the ending. It kept me on my toes and truly gripped me the entire time. Absolutely BRILLIANT writing style and amazing twists and turns that you won't see coming!
I WAS FOOLED!!!
That plot twist truly shook me! I love books that I cannot predict the twists and turns, and this truly did that to me! So many twists happening and some CRAZY turn of events near the ending. It kept me on my toes and truly gripped me the entire time. Absolutely BRILLIANT writing style and amazing twists and turns that you won't see coming!
October 3, 2022
My thanks to Boldwood books, Keri Beevis and Netgalley.
Before I read this book, I decided used to read another Beevis book. I guess to get the lay of the land, if you will!
I wasn't impressed. But, I also didn't hate it!
So...The Sleepover.
Not a great story. I just somehow hated it! It was everything I hate. Manipulation.
Honestly? I like the way this author writes and I plan on reading more. Just because I don't like something doesn't mean it's not worth sticking around for more. This author can only get better!
Before I read this book, I decided used to read another Beevis book. I guess to get the lay of the land, if you will!
I wasn't impressed. But, I also didn't hate it!
So...The Sleepover.
Not a great story. I just somehow hated it! It was everything I hate. Manipulation.
Honestly? I like the way this author writes and I plan on reading more. Just because I don't like something doesn't mean it's not worth sticking around for more. This author can only get better!
December 26, 2022
Graphic depictions of child abuse
This book was not what I was expecting. Even as the book was in many ways predictable, I was not expecting the flashbacks to be about graphic child abuse. It was unnecessary and gratuitous. It kinda makes one wonder about the mindset of the author. There are so many ways the story could have gone, and the girls could have witnessed any number of things that would have still made for a great story. I couldn't get past the first scene when Hannah went upstairs and witnessed the mother abusing her son. Child abuse is not entertainment. The author could have described the reaction of the girl without graphic details of what she was seeing. The author seemed to write the scenes as if it was funny or entertaining. There should be a disclaimer about the content. I would not recommend it. And I won't read any more books from this author.
This book was not what I was expecting. Even as the book was in many ways predictable, I was not expecting the flashbacks to be about graphic child abuse. It was unnecessary and gratuitous. It kinda makes one wonder about the mindset of the author. There are so many ways the story could have gone, and the girls could have witnessed any number of things that would have still made for a great story. I couldn't get past the first scene when Hannah went upstairs and witnessed the mother abusing her son. Child abuse is not entertainment. The author could have described the reaction of the girl without graphic details of what she was seeing. The author seemed to write the scenes as if it was funny or entertaining. There should be a disclaimer about the content. I would not recommend it. And I won't read any more books from this author.
September 25, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley, Boldwood books,and the author Keri Beevis for an early copy of her book.
This is my first psychological book I've read in a while,and my second book I've read from this author. This book starts with a group of friends who visits Eileen Wickham and her son on a farm,where they are not as friendly as they seem.this happened twenty years ago. Now Eileen is out of prison is she wanting revenge sending flowers a break in.was a good read but for me wanted more twists and turns.looking forward to reading more of her books.my rating for this book is 3.5....
This is my first psychological book I've read in a while,and my second book I've read from this author. This book starts with a group of friends who visits Eileen Wickham and her son on a farm,where they are not as friendly as they seem.this happened twenty years ago. Now Eileen is out of prison is she wanting revenge sending flowers a break in.was a good read but for me wanted more twists and turns.looking forward to reading more of her books.my rating for this book is 3.5....
March 2, 2023
MENACING. DISTURBING. SPOOKY. TERRIFYING. CHILLING!
A perfect read for Halloween!👻🎃🦇
Keri Beevis returns following With Friends Like These
with THE SLEEPOVER —A dark and spine-chilling psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with one eye open, afraid of what will happen next.
Set in the fictional town of Hixton in Suffolk, the author has created one of the year's most evil (monster) mothers! A remote farmhouse contains horrible secrets, cruel events, abuse, and nightmares.
The Hixton Five will not be the first victims. There were others before them.
This devilish witch scares me. She is nasty and has two different personalities. When the mask slips, WATCH OUT. Be careful; she will PUNISH you if you DROP anything. You will pay.
The Hixton Five. There were actually six of them that summer, the Americans having moved to the village after Christmas. The five girls that were friends allowed a boy into their fold, making six of them until he was gone, leaving five.
The Hixton Five consisted of Hannah, Lauren, Jill, Rosie, and Tash. Jill's brother Miles was now gone because of THE MONSTER.
The friends were adventurous—entering their teenage years, they liked to explore. They were innocent. UNTIL the monster. HER.
Everything changed that summer twenty years ago. From past to present, the monster had said that as children, no one would believe them. She was wrong. The monster had been taken way to prison. Now she was getting out. The monster was being freed, and they knew she or her son, Bill, would come after them for revenge—they were responsible for putting her behind bars.
Eileen was a mother and befriends the teens, often inviting them over to her remote farmhouse, providing them with food, drinks, fun at the pond, and friendship making them feel like adults, and they loved going there. Also, her son Bill was good-looking and popular, and they looked forward to their visits.
UNTIL Eileen turned into a MONSTER. A psycho. The mask slipped, and Hannah was the first to discover her sick games and how she could torment and abuse children. They made her pay in cruel ways. She did not want to return but was afraid to tell. Eileen even put on the motherly charm with her mother and was forced to go back.
Hannah Cole had moved away to Wells, still tormented by past events. She has tried to start over away from the bad memories. She owns Pawsome Pet Services and loves her dog clients.
Hannah is worried and anxious about having to return to Hixton for her parent's upcoming anniversary. Her mom wants her to stay over, and the idea haunts her. The past is resurfacing.
Hannah was married to Josh in her twenties, but they are divorced but best friends. She often calls on him for advice and help.
Rosie is one of the five, and she is always in some sort of drama and expects Hannah to drop everything when she calls. Rosie was also traumatized by the monster, and she acts out by having sex, being reckless, and binge drinking.
Then the journalist, Liam Quinn comes knocking. He is writing a book about the events twenty years ago since the MONSTER is out of prison. Hannah wants nothing to do with him or a book or revisiting the painful past.
The monster is called Eileen Wickham, Mrs. W, or Eileen Wicked. She calls the Hixton Five, little bitches. She will make them pay. She is now sixty-three years old. Can the police protect them?
Her son, Bill, is her lapdog. Hannah walked in on them, which was disgusting. The horrible games the two played. Totally sicko. Bill does whatever his mother says, and now that she is out of prison, she, of course, wants him to enact revenge on the five, especially Hannah, since she saw what they were doing.
Liam is persistent, and soon Hannah's defenses slowly wear down, and she lets him in. His loveable dog Tank has helped. Can she trust him?
When strange things start happening with notes, flowers, a music box, and things only Rosie and Hannah would understand. They are fearful either Eileen or Bill is trying to teach them a lesson. However, no one can find Eileen.
Then more sinister things occur, and part of the Hixton Five winds up dead under mysterious circumstances. Was she playing a sick game, and who is next?
Things turn dangerous, something is off with Liam, and what is his connection? Hannah starts getting involved with Liam, but can she trust him?
Then Bill shows up, and Hannah is afraid for her life, but is there someone else she should also be fearful of that may be closer than she knows?
OMG! This book captivated me from the first page to the explosive ending! It is intense, with a dark sense of foreboding, and you are waiting for the devil to jump out from behind the door.
The author does a killer job of creating riveting suspense and oh, so many twists, and red herrings, keeping you guessing until the end. She really dives deep into the mind of an evil monster. I enjoyed Hannah, Liam, and Josh's characters.
This is my second book by the author, and already on my favorite author list. I am enjoying these newfound UK authors who definitely know how to create mind-bending twisty psychological thrillers.
For fans of Harlan Coben, Miranda Rijks, and K. L. Slater. If you are looking for an eerie, sinister, frightening, creepy, and terrifying read, this is it! You may want to leave the lights on.
This would make for a great movie, especially the scenes in the cellar and barn. I would definitely keep my eyes closed in some parts. Cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.
Thank you to #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review. I also pre-ordered the audiobook narrated by Imogen Church (a favorite).
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5/5🌟 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 24, 2022
Oct 2022 Must-Read Books
A perfect read for Halloween!👻🎃🦇
Keri Beevis returns following With Friends Like These
with THE SLEEPOVER —A dark and spine-chilling psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with one eye open, afraid of what will happen next.
Set in the fictional town of Hixton in Suffolk, the author has created one of the year's most evil (monster) mothers! A remote farmhouse contains horrible secrets, cruel events, abuse, and nightmares.
The Hixton Five will not be the first victims. There were others before them.
This devilish witch scares me. She is nasty and has two different personalities. When the mask slips, WATCH OUT. Be careful; she will PUNISH you if you DROP anything. You will pay.
The Hixton Five. There were actually six of them that summer, the Americans having moved to the village after Christmas. The five girls that were friends allowed a boy into their fold, making six of them until he was gone, leaving five.
The Hixton Five consisted of Hannah, Lauren, Jill, Rosie, and Tash. Jill's brother Miles was now gone because of THE MONSTER.
The friends were adventurous—entering their teenage years, they liked to explore. They were innocent. UNTIL the monster. HER.
Everything changed that summer twenty years ago. From past to present, the monster had said that as children, no one would believe them. She was wrong. The monster had been taken way to prison. Now she was getting out. The monster was being freed, and they knew she or her son, Bill, would come after them for revenge—they were responsible for putting her behind bars.
Eileen was a mother and befriends the teens, often inviting them over to her remote farmhouse, providing them with food, drinks, fun at the pond, and friendship making them feel like adults, and they loved going there. Also, her son Bill was good-looking and popular, and they looked forward to their visits.
UNTIL Eileen turned into a MONSTER. A psycho. The mask slipped, and Hannah was the first to discover her sick games and how she could torment and abuse children. They made her pay in cruel ways. She did not want to return but was afraid to tell. Eileen even put on the motherly charm with her mother and was forced to go back.
Hannah Cole had moved away to Wells, still tormented by past events. She has tried to start over away from the bad memories. She owns Pawsome Pet Services and loves her dog clients.
Hannah is worried and anxious about having to return to Hixton for her parent's upcoming anniversary. Her mom wants her to stay over, and the idea haunts her. The past is resurfacing.
Hannah was married to Josh in her twenties, but they are divorced but best friends. She often calls on him for advice and help.
Rosie is one of the five, and she is always in some sort of drama and expects Hannah to drop everything when she calls. Rosie was also traumatized by the monster, and she acts out by having sex, being reckless, and binge drinking.
Then the journalist, Liam Quinn comes knocking. He is writing a book about the events twenty years ago since the MONSTER is out of prison. Hannah wants nothing to do with him or a book or revisiting the painful past.
The monster is called Eileen Wickham, Mrs. W, or Eileen Wicked. She calls the Hixton Five, little bitches. She will make them pay. She is now sixty-three years old. Can the police protect them?
Her son, Bill, is her lapdog. Hannah walked in on them, which was disgusting. The horrible games the two played. Totally sicko. Bill does whatever his mother says, and now that she is out of prison, she, of course, wants him to enact revenge on the five, especially Hannah, since she saw what they were doing.
Liam is persistent, and soon Hannah's defenses slowly wear down, and she lets him in. His loveable dog Tank has helped. Can she trust him?
When strange things start happening with notes, flowers, a music box, and things only Rosie and Hannah would understand. They are fearful either Eileen or Bill is trying to teach them a lesson. However, no one can find Eileen.
Then more sinister things occur, and part of the Hixton Five winds up dead under mysterious circumstances. Was she playing a sick game, and who is next?
Things turn dangerous, something is off with Liam, and what is his connection? Hannah starts getting involved with Liam, but can she trust him?
Then Bill shows up, and Hannah is afraid for her life, but is there someone else she should also be fearful of that may be closer than she knows?
OMG! This book captivated me from the first page to the explosive ending! It is intense, with a dark sense of foreboding, and you are waiting for the devil to jump out from behind the door.
The author does a killer job of creating riveting suspense and oh, so many twists, and red herrings, keeping you guessing until the end. She really dives deep into the mind of an evil monster. I enjoyed Hannah, Liam, and Josh's characters.
This is my second book by the author, and already on my favorite author list. I am enjoying these newfound UK authors who definitely know how to create mind-bending twisty psychological thrillers.
For fans of Harlan Coben, Miranda Rijks, and K. L. Slater. If you are looking for an eerie, sinister, frightening, creepy, and terrifying read, this is it! You may want to leave the lights on.
This would make for a great movie, especially the scenes in the cellar and barn. I would definitely keep my eyes closed in some parts. Cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.
Thank you to #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review. I also pre-ordered the audiobook narrated by Imogen Church (a favorite).
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5/5🌟 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 24, 2022
Oct 2022 Must-Read Books
October 19, 2022
Chilling and disturbing, the Sleepover is the perfect psychological thriller for the spooky season. With its well-developed characters and fast pacing, it kept me engaged and interested. I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend it to all psychological thriller fans.
I will definitely be seeking out other books by this author.
Thank you to BoldwoodBooks and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will definitely be seeking out other books by this author.
Thank you to BoldwoodBooks and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2023
although a limited cast
of characters let me spot
some twists from afar, this
was a dark, rich, engaging
cleverly told sad story. :)
of characters let me spot
some twists from afar, this
was a dark, rich, engaging
cleverly told sad story. :)
June 7, 2024
It could've been wrapped up sooner, but overall it was good 🌞
February 13, 2023
**This book contains disturbing content: sexual abuse of a minor, physical abuse of minors, psychological abuse of minors, death of minors, physical abuse & torment of an adult woman, murder, attempted murder and suicide of adult women**
(Mild Spoilers)
This story started off so slow, it finally gained my attention but took a while to get there. I was interested in finding out exactly what happened and how the characters came through it, and who they were now.
It irks me when a title of a book doesn’t truly match the story - The Sleepover had me thinking there was a single event that took place that this story would be built around, it is not that way, and we are never really given the full picture but rather broken up pieces. This left me feeling very unsatisfied.
The book is written in current time, the narrator sharing glimpses of what happened to the Hixton 5 (but truly only 3 of the actual Hixton 6). The characters are, in this current time, in their late 20s/early 30s? Their current ages were not believable to me whatsoever, I felt like they were late teens/early 20s. Very odd.
The author’s writing style felt so juvenile, as if I was reading a Nancy Drew book or something, this may have played a huge part of why it was hard to imagine the characters as the age they were being written.
The overall story, in my opinion, was a disappointment. Poor character development, poor story-telling, and it fell short in the resolution. I would not recommend this book, there are much better stories out there to read. I don’t think I will even be interested in reading a book by this author again.
(Mild Spoilers)
This story started off so slow, it finally gained my attention but took a while to get there. I was interested in finding out exactly what happened and how the characters came through it, and who they were now.
It irks me when a title of a book doesn’t truly match the story - The Sleepover had me thinking there was a single event that took place that this story would be built around, it is not that way, and we are never really given the full picture but rather broken up pieces. This left me feeling very unsatisfied.
The book is written in current time, the narrator sharing glimpses of what happened to the Hixton 5 (but truly only 3 of the actual Hixton 6). The characters are, in this current time, in their late 20s/early 30s? Their current ages were not believable to me whatsoever, I felt like they were late teens/early 20s. Very odd.
The author’s writing style felt so juvenile, as if I was reading a Nancy Drew book or something, this may have played a huge part of why it was hard to imagine the characters as the age they were being written.
The overall story, in my opinion, was a disappointment. Poor character development, poor story-telling, and it fell short in the resolution. I would not recommend this book, there are much better stories out there to read. I don’t think I will even be interested in reading a book by this author again.
March 30, 2024
After reading and enjoying my first Keri Beevis book, "Nowhere to Hide", I decided to check out some of her previous books starting with this one.
A summer of fun turns into a nightmare for a group of friends who become known as the Hixton Five after an event that occurs changing their lives forever. Eileen Wickham is sentenced to prison for her crimes, but 20 years later after her release, Rosie and Hannah (two of the Hixton Five) are approached by a journalist who wants to write a book about Eileen Wickham. The timing couldn't be worse given that strange things have started happening after her release from prison.
"The Sleepover" kept me on my toes trying to figure it all out. You know something bad happened with bits and pieces revealed throughout the story, but not knowing exactly why Eileen Wickham went to jail until later in the book made it more interesting. This is a dark and disturbing story with an ending that surprised me. 3.5 stars rounded up 💫
A summer of fun turns into a nightmare for a group of friends who become known as the Hixton Five after an event that occurs changing their lives forever. Eileen Wickham is sentenced to prison for her crimes, but 20 years later after her release, Rosie and Hannah (two of the Hixton Five) are approached by a journalist who wants to write a book about Eileen Wickham. The timing couldn't be worse given that strange things have started happening after her release from prison.
"The Sleepover" kept me on my toes trying to figure it all out. You know something bad happened with bits and pieces revealed throughout the story, but not knowing exactly why Eileen Wickham went to jail until later in the book made it more interesting. This is a dark and disturbing story with an ending that surprised me. 3.5 stars rounded up 💫
October 6, 2022
What can I say? I just love Keri’s writing style and book content. I also love the fact that she has you guessing, constantly, about the outcome.
So many times during The Sleepover, I thought I knew what happened and I was wrong apart from one thing, (which I’ll not spoil for you).
Such and easy 5 stars to give. Go and buy the book, you will not be disappointed.
So many times during The Sleepover, I thought I knew what happened and I was wrong apart from one thing, (which I’ll not spoil for you).
Such and easy 5 stars to give. Go and buy the book, you will not be disappointed.
April 16, 2025
4,0 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
March 1, 2023
I have to admit, the first thing that drew me to this novel was the cover! Something about it was haunting to me. Then once I read the description of the book, I was certain I had to read it! And I’m so glad I did! I couldn’t turn my Kindle pages quickly enough.
The story is a dark, disturbing one, and we learn very quickly that monsters come in many different forms, some forms the most unlikely. What’s most frightening about a story like this one is the realization that evil such as depicted in the book is all too real. And knowing that makes certain parts difficult to read. But the ending is one that brings a certain amount of closure, and without giving too much away, also gives a formidable voice to victims.
Keri Beevis has a wonderful writing style and you feel so incredibly invested in the story, as well as the characters! Oh, and I’d have to say my favorite, favorite character was Tank, the extraordinarily lovable dog!! His presence in the book added so very much in my opinion! But being partial to dogs (I have 4 dachshunds), how could this have not made the book better and more memorable?!
So if you love books filled with loads of suspense, lots of twists, and a haunting, eerie backdrop, you should add this book to your TBR list ASAP!! I really loved it and plan on reading more from this author!!
The story is a dark, disturbing one, and we learn very quickly that monsters come in many different forms, some forms the most unlikely. What’s most frightening about a story like this one is the realization that evil such as depicted in the book is all too real. And knowing that makes certain parts difficult to read. But the ending is one that brings a certain amount of closure, and without giving too much away, also gives a formidable voice to victims.
Keri Beevis has a wonderful writing style and you feel so incredibly invested in the story, as well as the characters! Oh, and I’d have to say my favorite, favorite character was Tank, the extraordinarily lovable dog!! His presence in the book added so very much in my opinion! But being partial to dogs (I have 4 dachshunds), how could this have not made the book better and more memorable?!
So if you love books filled with loads of suspense, lots of twists, and a haunting, eerie backdrop, you should add this book to your TBR list ASAP!! I really loved it and plan on reading more from this author!!
October 19, 2022
I’ve read a number of books by this author and they are always a good read. This isn’t as dark as some of her books but there are still some pretty scary and chilling events that gave me the shivers. Told from multiple POV mainly in the present but with recollections from the past and the stalker’s thoughts interspersed. The main protagonists are two of the Hixton Five, Hannah and Rosie and journalist Liam Quinn.
Briefly, it’s summer and a group of young teens are befriended by Eileen Wickham and her son Bill. But Eileen’s isn’t the kind mother figure she seems to be. Twenty years later, newly released from prison, and once again some of the friends are looking over their shoulders. Is Eileen back to wreak revenge on the Hixton Five?
The portrayal of the effect the Wickham’s and their evil practices had on Rosie and Hannah is so well done. How could you ever forgive someone that evil? Eileen was able to manipulate the teens though threats and fear, and not just them but her own son. Some good red herrings made it difficult to tell who to trust and who not to and there’s a shocking ending. An excellent psychological thriller, great plot and a really evil antagonist keep you page turning until the end.
Briefly, it’s summer and a group of young teens are befriended by Eileen Wickham and her son Bill. But Eileen’s isn’t the kind mother figure she seems to be. Twenty years later, newly released from prison, and once again some of the friends are looking over their shoulders. Is Eileen back to wreak revenge on the Hixton Five?
The portrayal of the effect the Wickham’s and their evil practices had on Rosie and Hannah is so well done. How could you ever forgive someone that evil? Eileen was able to manipulate the teens though threats and fear, and not just them but her own son. Some good red herrings made it difficult to tell who to trust and who not to and there’s a shocking ending. An excellent psychological thriller, great plot and a really evil antagonist keep you page turning until the end.
February 8, 2025
3.5 stars ↠ i might come back and write a full review at some point, but this was dark and disturbing, and while i guessed everything that was going to happen, i really like how keri beevis writes (minus that one scene) and this was a great introduction to her books. i won’t go into detail, but if it wasn’t for how graphic and out of no where that scene was, i’d probably rate it higher.
tw: graphic child abuse
tw: graphic child abuse
October 26, 2022
One of my favourite authors has a new book out. I am doing the happy dance!!!!
A five star page turner, I really thought I knew what to expect and where the story was going. Boy I was so wrong. You know something bad happened but I was definitely not prepared for what was revealed I was shocked and speechless. With an ending I never saw coming. This is why this author is one of my favourites. Another gripping, fantastic thrill ride from Keri. Loved it!!!!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
A five star page turner, I really thought I knew what to expect and where the story was going. Boy I was so wrong. You know something bad happened but I was definitely not prepared for what was revealed I was shocked and speechless. With an ending I never saw coming. This is why this author is one of my favourites. Another gripping, fantastic thrill ride from Keri. Loved it!!!!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
October 27, 2022
Terrible
February 8, 2023
Poorly written and predictable.
March 17, 2023
What could go wrong while letting your children stay at some random lady's house outside of town? Nothing that I can think of! (Smh, parents, don't do this ffs)
This was longer than I usually prefer so I put it off for a while after I bought it but the reviews were so good that I finally listened and it was sooo good. I got the audio because it's the narrator from Ruth Ware's books and I love her.
So much suspense! I really liked the characters. All around great read.
This was longer than I usually prefer so I put it off for a while after I bought it but the reviews were so good that I finally listened and it was sooo good. I got the audio because it's the narrator from Ruth Ware's books and I love her.
So much suspense! I really liked the characters. All around great read.
January 22, 2024
With a chilling opening, Beevis grabbed my attention from the start; this became a book that I just could not put down.
I enjoyed this story because of how far the writer manipulates you into believing who is the identity of the mysterious voice. I was convinced I was correct… until a plot revelation brought unexpected developments that had me gripping the book even more tightly.
It is clear that Hannah’s life has never been the same since a summer when she was a teenager. She is haunted by her time at Eileen Wickham’s but is determined to move forwards. Her best friend, Rosie, clearly struggles more and this is shown by her cannonball lifestyle that is equally selfish and irritating. Through flashbacks to their teenage years, readers gradually discover what happened to the Hixton Five, and the events are dark and chilling to the bone.
Having now read all of Beevis’s books, I think this is one of her more darkest stories. The events involving Eileen and Billy are twisted and the remote setting intensifies the feeling of being hunted by an apparently welcoming adult. The mistrust that Hannah feels towards strangers was palpable and I understood her reservations towards writer Liam Quinn. Yet, despite claims that he is there to present the truth about what happened that fateful summer, there are enough vague answers that made me completely suspect him of a more serious agenda.
The final quarter of the book was the most thrilling and I loved how surprising Beevis keeps the narrative. Even though Hannah is determined to lay ghosts to rest, I was screaming at my book for her choice to return to the Wickham house. This part of the story was so effective because it is at a point where so many answers are being provided, but not enough to guarantee that Hannah is making the safest of choices.
A great read, I think Beevis goes from strength to strength and I can’t wait for her next novel.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story because of how far the writer manipulates you into believing who is the identity of the mysterious voice. I was convinced I was correct… until a plot revelation brought unexpected developments that had me gripping the book even more tightly.
It is clear that Hannah’s life has never been the same since a summer when she was a teenager. She is haunted by her time at Eileen Wickham’s but is determined to move forwards. Her best friend, Rosie, clearly struggles more and this is shown by her cannonball lifestyle that is equally selfish and irritating. Through flashbacks to their teenage years, readers gradually discover what happened to the Hixton Five, and the events are dark and chilling to the bone.
Having now read all of Beevis’s books, I think this is one of her more darkest stories. The events involving Eileen and Billy are twisted and the remote setting intensifies the feeling of being hunted by an apparently welcoming adult. The mistrust that Hannah feels towards strangers was palpable and I understood her reservations towards writer Liam Quinn. Yet, despite claims that he is there to present the truth about what happened that fateful summer, there are enough vague answers that made me completely suspect him of a more serious agenda.
The final quarter of the book was the most thrilling and I loved how surprising Beevis keeps the narrative. Even though Hannah is determined to lay ghosts to rest, I was screaming at my book for her choice to return to the Wickham house. This part of the story was so effective because it is at a point where so many answers are being provided, but not enough to guarantee that Hannah is making the safest of choices.
A great read, I think Beevis goes from strength to strength and I can’t wait for her next novel.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2022
The Sleepover by Keri Beevis is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Boldwood Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
The five of them were barely teenagers when the monster next door made them grow up fast. Eileen Wickham ended up in prison for 20 years for her crimes, but now she is out, and both she and her son Bill are ready to take revenge for what they went through. The Hixton girls have to pay.
Even though 20 years has passed, the girls still fear Eileen. Jill, Tasha and Lauren seem to have moved on from the awful events of that summer. But Rosie has never been the same. For that matter, neither has Hannah, who has built up walls of protection. Miles, Jill's brother had lost his life.
Liam Quinn, a reporter, wants to write a book about Mrs. W (as Eileen was known), and is interested in the viewpoints of the girls. Hannah, although skeptical is starting to think it may be therapeutic. But now things are happening, and she's just scared, and she is sure that Liam is keeping a secret.
My Opinions:
This was quite good. My only real complaint was that the author released the information of that summer VERY slowly. On the other hand, it built suspense rather well. This author has a good writing style, and I will be watching for more of her books.
Character wise, I had an inkling as to the culprit. Of the five girls, I really only liked Hannah, and was really hoping that Liam was not the perpetrator. LOL...I may not like romance in my mystery novels, but I did like theirs. I loved Tank! I like how the author told the story from multiple perspectives, as well as going back in time to that fateful summer.
There were a number of twists, although I did anticipate a few of them. However, they definitely kept me turning those pages, as I was eager to know what happens next.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book! She's a very talented author.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.
November 2, 2022
⭐ Very original plot, extremely well written villains, really creepy backdrop ⭐
However, 75% of this book is so GOD AWFULLY BORING. The author takes like 3 pages for a character to get out of a car. Just, why?? I wanted to know what happened next and who was behind it all.
The flashbacks were SO interesting to read though, they were by far the best part of the book. The present, however? It was so slow paced I found myself absent minded in between chapters.
I suppose I like faster paced thrillers and this was good, but not an exciting one.
However, 75% of this book is so GOD AWFULLY BORING. The author takes like 3 pages for a character to get out of a car. Just, why?? I wanted to know what happened next and who was behind it all.
The flashbacks were SO interesting to read though, they were by far the best part of the book. The present, however? It was so slow paced I found myself absent minded in between chapters.
I suppose I like faster paced thrillers and this was good, but not an exciting one.
August 29, 2023
I feel like “The Sleepover” is not a good title for this book as the sleepover is barely referred to (4 times total to be precise). An average plot with average characters.
October 12, 2022
I became a huge fan of Keri's writing after reading Every Little Breath last year so I was so excited to get the email inviting me on this tour.
I've been on the edge of my seat the whole book. I got things wrong so many times, I just gave up trying to piece together the clues and enjoy the book.
This book grabs hold of you and doesn't let go til the final page. I feel like I've been holding my breath the whole book waiting to find out what happens.
Keri's writing is addictive and you end up immersed within the pages. Another brilliant read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I've been on the edge of my seat the whole book. I got things wrong so many times, I just gave up trying to piece together the clues and enjoy the book.
This book grabs hold of you and doesn't let go til the final page. I feel like I've been holding my breath the whole book waiting to find out what happens.
Keri's writing is addictive and you end up immersed within the pages. Another brilliant read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 11, 2023
This book was SO great. It really reminds me of a grown up version of Pretty Little Liars. I personally don’t like books in a series anymore, so this was perfect. There were lots of WTF moments, great twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and it captivated my attention. I loved the characters and it was such a great read.
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