the setup…
Sims has only recently acquired beach hut 512 on the seafront of Brighton. It is an intended respite after her recovery from being assaulted and nearly dying at the hands of a serial killer three years ago. But when she finally visits after having been away for months, Sims finds that her hut was vandalized and a dead body discovered inside. And, apparently he’s been there for two months.
the heart of the story…
It’s quite a feat to pull off past and present transitions in a short story and this one works. We get the points of view from Sims and the serial killer. Who’s been vandalizing the beach huts? Who was the man inside? Who was his killer? I wasn’t sure where this was going but then it took a turn and its cleverness was revealed.
the narration…
Debbie Korley and Simon Mattacks delivered strong performances and I enjoyed their storytelling. They made me believe in their characters and the story.
the bottom line…
This story crept up on me and I didn’t realize what was really going on until near the end. This is my first by Koomson in this genre and I’ve now another reason to be a fan. Nicely done.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 1, 2025
- Narrators: Debbie Korley & Simon Mattacks
- Audio Length: 2 hours, 35 minutes
- Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Listen to a Sample!
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Blue Mood Café 
Fab review, Jo. I’ve enjoyed a few of her books in the past, and I think she’s got quite a good back catalogue!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 It’s been a while since I last read her books and when I saw this, it brought back great reading memories.
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You’re on a roll with short books / novellas right now – not that easy to review but you manage them well Jonetta!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 It is tricky so that means a lot.
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Glad to hear this one was worthwhile.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne💜 It was refreshingly different.
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I bloody love Dorothy Koomson – she’s fabulous
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That’s wonderful, Sarah💜
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Not my favourite of her work although in general I really enjoy her books! I thought My Other Husband was brilliant! ( A very different book from My Otter Husband which autocorrect just tried to do 😆)
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I’ve clearly some catching up to do💜
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Fab review! You’ve definitely made me curious. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜
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I thought I had downloaded this, Jo, but obviously didn’t and now it has disappeared 🤷♀️I’m angry with myself. Glad this was such a great read and I will somehow get my hands on a copy. 💖📚
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Oh, no!!! I’ve had that happen before.
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Another excellent sounding story to add to my Novellas in November list. Great review, it sounds like a nail biter. Hopefully it is in the plus catalogue.
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This one slowly creeps up on you. Not sure if it’s in the Plus catalogue.
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It is read/listen in KU, so I’m good.
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