Author : Amanda Jennings
Title : The Cliff House
Pages : 384
Publisher : HQ
Publication date : May 17, 2018
Cornwall, summer of 1986.
The Davenports, with their fast cars and glamorous clothes, living the dream in a breathtaking house overlooking the sea.
If only… thinks sixteen-year-old Tamsyn, her binoculars trained on the perfect family in their perfect home.
If only her life was as perfect as theirs.
If only Edie Davenport would be her friend.
If only she lived at The Cliff House…
Set in 1980’s Cornwall and told from various perspectives, The Cliff House could quite possibly be one of the most unsettling novels I’ve ever read.
Sixteen year old Tamsyn is utterly obsessed with The Cliff House and the Davenport family. Tamsyn doesn’t have it easy. Her family is struggling but the Davenports seem to be living the dream with their stunning house, flashy cars and oozing glamour. Tamsyn has yet to learn that all the money in the world doesn’t buy you happiness. Striking up an unlikely friendship with Edie Davenport will give Tamsyn a glimpse into life at the Cliff House.
This exquisitely written character-study makes one heck of a psychological thriller. None of the characters are particularly likeable, yet it’s perfectly easy to understand where they’re coming from and why they act the way they do. The looming presence of the Cliff House itself gives this story a bit of a gothic feel and the house is almost a character on its own.
The Cliff House is a dark and disturbing tale of obsession. Rich in atmosphere and full of wonderful descriptions, this slow-burner had me completely captivated. There is a constant almost threatening sort of vibe, an impending feeling of doom. You know something is coming but you have no idea what it will be. I thought there might be clues in the present day chapters but I couldn’t at all figure out which of the girls was talking.
With a brilliant plot, this story about family, loss, grief and obsession slowly builds up to one of the most jaw-dropping endings I’ve ever read. A deliciously haunting tale by Amanda Jennings and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
The Cliff House is available to buy!
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Book 8 from my 20 Books of Summer list
Novel Deelights 
This sounds amazing. I love a psychological thriller, especially when they are so character driven.
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Then I think you’re really going to enjoy this one if you don’t mind the slow pace!
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Well what could be more of a book of summer than a book set in Cornwall? Glad you enjoyed this, I did too.
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Cornwall sounds stunning. It’s on my bucket list.
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Awesome review!
For a second i was like “yess, i actually have this book”. Then i checked. I don’t. I have one called the pool house and the cover is almost the same. Meh.
I need to get this. Love stories set in the 80s and love Cornwall ❤
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That happens to me all the time! 🙄
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