It’s Spring break, which means it’s time to party! Bessie’s friend Allegra and her twin brother Fergus have planned something amazing for the break. Their parents own a bonafide castle, and it’s in the early days of refurbishment. Now there is electricity for the builders but no one around for the weekend, it’s the perfect venue for a secret party to remember.

Allegra is known for her epic events and everyone is keen to attend. With many more on their way, Bessie and her close group of wealthy friends stop for supplies in a small town not far from the venue. Chatting to a local, Bessie learns there is fierce opposition to the castle’s development by the locals. They would prefer it remained as it has always been – not land cut up by developers.

Without a care in the world, they arrive at the castle, gaping at a real live moat that surrounds it. It’s not long before rain begins to fall. It becomes torrential, blocking many partygoers out, and Bessie and her friends in. Can they still have a party with only a handful of them?

But numbers are soon the least of their worries. One of them falls victim to the storm. Then another is found dead. What is going on? Does it have anything to do with the violent graffiti in the cellar? Is an environmentalist from the village on the rampage?

Questions race around Bessie’s mind, along with memories of a car accident nearly a year before. No one wants to talk about it, but their close friend group was badly shaken by what happened that night. By the end of this night, the car accident is nothing compared to the carnage inside the castle.

A thriller, horror mashup, with teenagers all ready to party hard but all falling foul of a plot to annihilate them all. These friends are all privileged and wealthy, and lying to parents about what they are up to for their spring break.

The close knit group falls apart as blame and inner fears fracture them mercilessly, and the blood flows. Readers will be kept guessing until the exciting conclusion. I can see this as a movie – along with the age old advice – don’t split up, don’t go off yourself to try and save the day, and never trust everyone completely.

The villain of this tale is particularly vicious, surprising readers and main character Bessie. An easy, ruthless read set in a atmospheric, shadowy castle with an ever rising moat surrounding them.  

Author – Natasha Preston

Age – 15+

(2025, Bonnier, Hot Key Books, Horror, Crime, Friendship, Betrayal, Murder, Mystery, Action, Family, Grief, Revenge, Memory, Accident, Memories, Blame, Castle, Building development, UK, England, Rural township, Bodies)