
The Holiday Cottage
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed

Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Jenny Myers
-
By:
-
Maria Frankland
About this listen
It was supposed to be a holiday to fix the cracks in our fractured family. I knew the seven days would be endless, but I never imagined that one of us would only survive for six of them…
As I carry my case into the charming and rustic cottage and smile at my sister-in-law, Kelli, I allow myself a moment of hope. Perhaps this holiday will force our family to address our long-held grudges and leave with the promise of a happier future.
But my vision of harmonious meals and exciting outdoor pursuits is dashed on the first night as all my effort goes into dodging the catty remarks of my other sister-in-law, Martha and avoiding the relentless misogyny of my father-in-law, Karl.
Longstanding rivalries reignite, leaving my mother-in-law, Gill, helpless in her quest for a perfect holiday. Only my daughter seems oblivious to the toxicity swirling around her. I go to bed at the same time as her on the first night, wondering how I’ll make it to the end of the week.
As the tension escalates with every passing day, the secrets among us transform the cottage into a pressure cooker, pushing us all to the brink. The picturesque location offers no refuge, and the looming eruption becomes inevitable. Soon, someone among us will take drastic measures to silence a voice that has become unbearable.
As the ultimate showdown between us explodes, it becomes clear there is only one way the holiday is going to end.
One of us will be a victim.
Another will be a killer…
Perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Sue Watson and Freida McFadden, this is a compelling and captivating psychological thriller full of twists and turns.
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
His Ex-Wife
- By: Maria Frankland
- Narrated by: Kristin Atherton, Lucy Scott
- Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I’ve never felt welcome in my husband Dominic’s family home. His parents make it clear I’m a poor comparison to his perfect first wife, Carla. But we’re here for Christmas, so it’s important to pretend everything is fine. Until Dominic’s mother bustles into our bedroom. Smiling thinly, she blindsides me: ‘You won’t mind, will you. Carla is coming for the holidays. She’s still one of the family to us, and she can’t get home because of the storm.’ My eyes widen—did she and Carla plan this on purpose? I know Dominic won’t say a thing. He never stands up to his parents.
-
-
Outstanding!
- By Constance Lori on 03-09-25
By: Maria Frankland
-
The Colleagues
- By: Daniel Hurst
- Narrated by: Helen Phillips
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I used to enjoy my job. I was good at it and felt fulfilled. I also used to enjoy spending time with the people I worked with. They say you spend more time with your work colleagues than you do with your family members, but that was fine by me because I made two very good friends at the office. I also allowed myself to get a little too close to my boss, but I soon realized that was a mistake. Unfortunately, it was too late by then, and as my personal and professional lives quickly blurred into one, that was when everything changed.
-
-
Same ole , same ole!
- By Shots RN on 01-29-25
By: Daniel Hurst
-
The Honeymoon
- By: Gemma Rogers
- Narrated by: Imogen Church
- Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
My wedding was the perfect whirlwind of a day. The happiest I’d ever been. That was until I discovered my beloved husband, Ryan, tucked away in a compromising summer house clinch with Liza, his best friend’s wife. Reeling with this ultimate betrayal, my world in freefall, with nowhere to turn, I flee my own wedding unable to face anyone, not even my family. I just want to escape this nightmare. With our flight, to our luxury honeymoon leaving in a matter of hours, could ten blissful days of Cretan Island life, minus my cheating husband help me figure out my future?
-
-
Why did she love him?
- By Laurie on 10-22-24
By: Gemma Rogers
-
Wife, Mother, Liar
- By: Sue Watson
- Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard, Bronwen Price
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wife: I couldn’t be prouder of my charming husband and quiet and kind son. I’ve poured everything into my little family, so I choose to ignore my husband’s late-night phone calls and wandering eye. I won’t let anything ruin my perfect life…
-
-
Two Families Best of Friends or True Enemies
- By Lulu Dx on 03-22-25
By: Sue Watson
-
You Deserve to Know
- By: Aggie Blum Thompson
- Narrated by: Alex Picard
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Neighbors Gwen, Aimee, and Lisa share more than playdates and coffee mornings on their tranquil street in East Bethesda. They confide their deepest secrets, navigate the challenges of motherhood together, and provide a support system that seems unbreakable. But when Gwen's husband is found murdered after one of their weekly Friday night dinners, the peaceful quiet of their cul-de-sac shatters. The seemingly idyllic world of the three close-knit mom friends becomes a web of deception, betrayal, and revenge.
-
-
Engaging story, goofy narration
- By Kim W. on 04-24-25
-
Your Husband's Fault
- By: Kerry Wilkinson
- Narrated by: Melanie Crawley
- Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Emma is so happy to have moved from the city to her husband’s small hometown. James was strangely reluctant at first – but she convinced him their little cottage is the perfect place to settle down. The perfect place to give their six-year-old son a new life. But then a woman at the school gates asks Emma if she is really married to ‘that man’. ‘Which man?’ Emma asks. The woman replies…
By: Kerry Wilkinson
-
His Ex-Wife
- By: Maria Frankland
- Narrated by: Kristin Atherton, Lucy Scott
- Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I’ve never felt welcome in my husband Dominic’s family home. His parents make it clear I’m a poor comparison to his perfect first wife, Carla. But we’re here for Christmas, so it’s important to pretend everything is fine. Until Dominic’s mother bustles into our bedroom. Smiling thinly, she blindsides me: ‘You won’t mind, will you. Carla is coming for the holidays. She’s still one of the family to us, and she can’t get home because of the storm.’ My eyes widen—did she and Carla plan this on purpose? I know Dominic won’t say a thing. He never stands up to his parents.
-
-
Outstanding!
- By Constance Lori on 03-09-25
By: Maria Frankland
-
The Colleagues
- By: Daniel Hurst
- Narrated by: Helen Phillips
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I used to enjoy my job. I was good at it and felt fulfilled. I also used to enjoy spending time with the people I worked with. They say you spend more time with your work colleagues than you do with your family members, but that was fine by me because I made two very good friends at the office. I also allowed myself to get a little too close to my boss, but I soon realized that was a mistake. Unfortunately, it was too late by then, and as my personal and professional lives quickly blurred into one, that was when everything changed.
-
-
Same ole , same ole!
- By Shots RN on 01-29-25
By: Daniel Hurst
-
The Honeymoon
- By: Gemma Rogers
- Narrated by: Imogen Church
- Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
My wedding was the perfect whirlwind of a day. The happiest I’d ever been. That was until I discovered my beloved husband, Ryan, tucked away in a compromising summer house clinch with Liza, his best friend’s wife. Reeling with this ultimate betrayal, my world in freefall, with nowhere to turn, I flee my own wedding unable to face anyone, not even my family. I just want to escape this nightmare. With our flight, to our luxury honeymoon leaving in a matter of hours, could ten blissful days of Cretan Island life, minus my cheating husband help me figure out my future?
-
-
Why did she love him?
- By Laurie on 10-22-24
By: Gemma Rogers
-
Wife, Mother, Liar
- By: Sue Watson
- Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard, Bronwen Price
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wife: I couldn’t be prouder of my charming husband and quiet and kind son. I’ve poured everything into my little family, so I choose to ignore my husband’s late-night phone calls and wandering eye. I won’t let anything ruin my perfect life…
-
-
Two Families Best of Friends or True Enemies
- By Lulu Dx on 03-22-25
By: Sue Watson
-
You Deserve to Know
- By: Aggie Blum Thompson
- Narrated by: Alex Picard
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Neighbors Gwen, Aimee, and Lisa share more than playdates and coffee mornings on their tranquil street in East Bethesda. They confide their deepest secrets, navigate the challenges of motherhood together, and provide a support system that seems unbreakable. But when Gwen's husband is found murdered after one of their weekly Friday night dinners, the peaceful quiet of their cul-de-sac shatters. The seemingly idyllic world of the three close-knit mom friends becomes a web of deception, betrayal, and revenge.
-
-
Engaging story, goofy narration
- By Kim W. on 04-24-25
-
Your Husband's Fault
- By: Kerry Wilkinson
- Narrated by: Melanie Crawley
- Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Emma is so happy to have moved from the city to her husband’s small hometown. James was strangely reluctant at first – but she convinced him their little cottage is the perfect place to settle down. The perfect place to give their six-year-old son a new life. But then a woman at the school gates asks Emma if she is really married to ‘that man’. ‘Which man?’ Emma asks. The woman replies…
By: Kerry Wilkinson
-
I Let Her In
- By: Maria Frankland
- Narrated by: Emma Swan, Kristin Atherton
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I open the front door and there’s Amy, smiling sweetly and ready to help. She’s been a lifesaver since Jon and I moved here–from walking the dog to picking up my little son Teddy from nursery last minute. I’m so lucky we met in the playground the first day we arrived. Amy is more than just a good friend. My only friend, really. Whenever Amy and Jon exchange glances I’m sure it seems like they’ve met before, even though Jon swears they haven’t. But then again Jon recognises lots of people from his childhood round here without truly knowing them.
-
-
Horrible Narrator/ Good story
- By SavannahLime on 02-16-25
By: Maria Frankland
-
Good Bad Mother
- By: Anya Mora
- Narrated by: Lauryn Allman, Penelope Rawlins
- Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When we move to the exclusive Cutters Island, my life changes overnight. Dressed like the perfect wife, pushing my baby down the street in her pink stroller, I look up and smile at the security cameras. Because I know they are watching. And for now, I need to play my part.
-
-
This book moved way too slowly.
- By W. L. Mckay on 04-12-25
By: Anya Mora
-
Welcome to West Street
- By: Nicole Trope
- Narrated by: Taryn Ryan
- Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Caroline twitches aside her curtains to see the new family moving in. A mother – beautifully dressed in expensive clothes – and two young children. Where is her husband, she wonders? And why are they moving in to the smallest house on the street? They really don’t seem the type. But Caroline believes it’s important to be welcoming. It’s important to know everything that’s happening on West Street.
By: Nicole Trope
-
The Fake Mother
- By: Jenna Kernan
- Narrated by: Ina Marie Smith
- Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Eliza has everything I’ve ever wanted. Three perfect children. A doting husband. A dream home. But I know a secret that could destroy it all. When Eliza Watts hires me as her assistant, I can’t believe my luck. I steady my nerves as she glances approvingly at my glittering CV. I need this job more than anything. But she must never know why. It’s funny she doesn’t recognize me, because we’ve met before. And ever since we crossed paths, I’ve wanted nothing but to be close to her and her flawless family.
By: Jenna Kernan
-
The First Husband
- By: Elisabeth Carpenter
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Bower
- Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I thought my first husband was dead. But when I get a letter with his name on it just days before my wedding, it will tear my perfect new life apart… As we drive up to the gorgeous house by the lake with its red and yellow roses round the door, I breathe in the pure air and count my blessings. In two days’ time I’m getting married to Matt, my soulmate and the father of my beautiful boy. After all the pain of my past, my life now is perfect.
-
The Cry
- By: S.D. Robertson
- Narrated by: Imogen Church
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I look at our neighbours gathered in the garden for our annual summer barbeque, sipping chilled wine and smiling at my two daughters sprawled on the grass. I go inside to help refill glasses and then I hear it. A shrill scream that stops me in my tracks. I race outdoors to silence, a sea of bewildered faces. My first thought is for my girls, but they are there unhurt. With relief, we push the chilling sound to the back of our minds, returning to our drinks and conversations like it never happened.
-
-
AWFUL Narration
- By T. Horwitz on 05-24-25
By: S.D. Robertson
-
The Lodger
- By: Valerie Keogh
- Narrated by: Rose Robinson
- Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Leigh Simons can’t say for sure what made her do it. A moment of madness, perhaps, but when the young, loud and gorgeous waitress at her favorite coffee shop reveals she is homeless, Leigh offers her the empty room in her house. Gina is the perfect lodger; Leigh, lonely and frustrated with her life, becomes infatuated with the woman—her boldness, her zeal. If only Leigh could be more like Gina. So when Leigh returns from a work trip she’s shocked to find Gina missing. Where could the young woman have gone...and why?
-
-
Excellent Story and Narration!
- By Olympia1010 on 07-10-23
By: Valerie Keogh
-
Everyone Has Secrets
- By: A J McDine
- Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
How well do you really know your own family? The wife: Eve is desperate for her life to be perfect. Living in a beautiful house, with gorgeous views of the countryside, is all she’s ever wanted. And she’ll do whatever it takes to hold onto her dream life. The son: Joe is a model student; he never puts a foot wrong. He knows his mother wouldn’t tolerate it. Until the night of his sixteenth birthday party, when things go horribly wrong and someone in the house is left fighting for their life. As the blue flashing lights of the police and ambulance arrive, all eyes are on the Griffiths family.
-
-
Interesting but I figured it out to soon….
- By Courtney on 12-29-24
By: A J McDine
-
Not a Good Enough Mother
- By: Nicole Trope
- Narrated by: Taryn Ryan
- Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
She knows everything about you… but can you trust her? I walk in to my interview with Ava Green and carefully hand over my application. It’s all made up, of course, but Ava doesn’t have to know that. There is so much worry in her blue eyes. Her phone pings with constant messages and a small stain marks her crisp shirt. Breakfast with her two little girls before heading out to this high-flying job every morning can’t be easy. Ava needs me, I think. More than anything.
-
-
SNOOZE FEST
- By Snuggly Bunny on 05-02-25
By: Nicole Trope
-
The Husband Before You
- By: A J McDine
- Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard, George Weightman
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I thought my first husband died ten years ago. But now he’s back... Opening the front door, I’m stunned to see a familiar face. I never thought I’d see Freddie’s deep brown eyes and crooked smile again. But how is this possible when he died ten years ago…? It took years to move on, but finally my life is almost perfect.
-
-
Interesting Tale
- By Mia Momma on 04-28-25
By: A J McDine
-
One More Lie
- By: Sheryl Browne
- Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard
- Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the last day of school, my friends and I gather on the beach to celebrate the long summer ahead. Sipping cans of warm cider and watching campfire embers dance into the inky sky, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier. Until a scream pierces the night. The next morning, we find shy newcomer Pippa on the beach, sandflies gathering on her lifeless body…
-
-
Emelia was mispronounced the whole time
- By Carla J. Webb on 01-03-25
By: Sheryl Browne
-
The Roommate
- By: Gemma Rogers
- Narrated by: Imogen Church
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was surreal returning to work after a five-month enforced sabbatical following the suspicious death of my best friend Livvy at a work event. I was grateful for the time away to grieve and had slotted straight back in work but a surprise awaited my return. Amanda Dowd, Livvy’s replacement, was entrenched as my new flatmate in the company apartment. Something didn’t feel right, I felt on edge. But everyone seemed to love her. Even my ex-Jayden was blinded by her outgoing personality and model looks.When I began to receive calls, photos and presents supposedly from Livvy, I became spooked.
-
-
love these characters
- By Suze on 08-29-23
By: Gemma Rogers
narration
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Excellent story!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Nothing better than a bloody dysfunctional family holiday week!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Great Read/Listen
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Lots of secrets
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Magnificent
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
The Holiday cottage
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Listener received this title free
Excellent performance!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I’m truly amazed at the high rating for this one
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.