I’ve always enjoyed Holly Seddon’s novels so was pleased to be accepted for the netgalley proof of her latest one The Short Straw.

In The Short Straw three sisters are driving together when they get lost in a storm. They manage to take shelter in Morthwaite Manor, a stately home where their mother had worked when they were young. Now abandoned the Manor is not the safe haven they were hoping for so the sisters draw straws to see who is going to go for help. As the weather worsens so does the sisters plight.

This was an enjoyable story that I enjoyed reading despite a bit of a slow start. There were quite alot of bits where the actions of the characters were a bit far fetched but to be honest the family dynamic was so good you don’t notice that much until you think about it afterwards.

This was probably more of a family drama than actual thriller but that was the part I really liked. The voices of the sisters are quite distinct and the dynamic between the three of them changes throughout. Initially they fall into their childhood roles of the oldest Nina being in charge but as events take over the roles must diversify if they are going to survive the night.

The back story of the manor is interwoven throughout the book as the alternative chapters flit between past and present. The action takes place over one night which gives a great sense of pace to the action of the characters.

Overall, a great family drama with a compelling storyline.

Pre-order here:

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8252/9781398715462