Dead of Winter

 

By Keri Beevis

Review

When Lola discovers she has a brother she never knew existed, she's keen to meet him. Travelling to his secluded home, Midwinter Manor, in the Norfolk countryside a few days before Christmas, she receives an unwelcoming reception. As the weather worsens and a blizzard hits, the realisation of being of stranded overnight at the manor without electricity or a mobile phone signal is just the start of Lola's troubles.

I really enjoyed Dead of Winter. I found the wintery setting very atmospheric and unsettling. Lola is trapped at Midwinter Manor with no means of contacting anyone for help. The situation quickly spirals out of control as she realises she's in grave danger. It would seem the manor's occupants are all hiding secrets and will stop at nothing to keep it that way. Another excellent book from author Keri Beevis.

★★★★☆

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Boldwood Books
• Publication Year: 2025
• Author: Keri Beevis
• Genre: Psychological Thriller

Synopsis

A sister looking for answers.
A brother with secrets to hide...

Three days before Christmas, I travel to Midwinter Manor in Norfolk through a worsening snowstorm to meet Daniel, the brother I never knew existed. He has reluctantly granted me an hour of his precious time.

The welcome I receive is frosty. Daniel is cold, intimidating and unfriendly, while his wife, Rose, is polite, but tense. From the moment I step through the door of this imposing manor house, I sense I’m not welcome.

When I go to leave, the snowy blizzard prevents me. Then there’s a power cut and I can’t let anyone know where I am. I realise I am trapped.

Something feels wrong in this house. The way Daniel and Rose speak in whispers behind closed doors suggests something’s amiss. As cracks start to form in their stories, I wonder what it is they are hiding.

Midwinter Manor is a house full of secrets, and some of them are deadly.