The Escape by Ruth Kelly (Pan Macmillan)

When Adele and Jack, a struggling influencer couple, share a crowdfunding video online, they are astonished by the generous offer of an anonymous benefactor: to purchase for them a charming 17th-century French château. This opportunity serves as a much-needed lifeline for Adele and Jack, allowing them to escape their troubles and heal their strained relationship.

For Adele, this is a dream come true. She plans to document their journey through captivating videos, as they restore the magnificent building, captivating thousands of online subscribers. However, the château is not quite what it appears, and the local community proves to be far from welcoming. Adele can't help but feel a peculiar energy within the old rooms of the creaky, dark building, as though she is not alone. Even Jack's behavior has become increasingly peculiar, leaving Adele suspicious that he is keeping secrets—secrets he refuses to disclose.

Unexpectedly, Adele ceases to upload videos, and her online presence dissipates into silence. Concerned for her sister's well-being, Erin embarks on a journey to France to ensure Adele's safety. However, Erin is met with a disconcerting combination of Adele's obsessed fans, an unsettling history surrounding the château, and the stifling secrecy enveloping the nearby town. Yet, before Erin can accomplish her mission of locating the missing couple, she must uncover the shocking truth: why did the anonymous investor gift Adele and Jack their dream home?

To complicate matters further, Erin struggles with her own internal demons—feelings of envy. She longs for the idyllic life that Adele and Jack have effortlessly embraced, escaping their troubles and starting anew. For years, Erin has endured a hand-to-mouth salary, perpetually sacrificing her desires for financial security. In stark contrast, Adele now lives a lavish life seemingly devoid of financial concerns. How did she acquire the means to purchase such an extravagant château? It simply doesn't add up. Amidst it all, there is one element of Adele's newfound life that Erin wouldn't trade for anything: Jack. Jack, who has become the catalyst for the rift between Adele and Erin, their once-close bond now severed due to his poisonous influence. Did Adele use Jack as a convenient excuse to sever their sisterly bond?

Amidst this tale of intrigue, passion, and mystery, the haunting setting captivates readers with its contemporary yet gothic atmosphere. 

Supporting characters exude an unnerving aura of menace, while the novel delves into dark themes, reminiscent of the enigmatic film "Eyes Wide Shut." The well-drawn and believable characters heighten the palpable tension, maintaining a flawless pacing throughout the narrative. 

Although there are instances when events unfold at a slower pace, overall, it remains a delightfully engrossing read, with twists both predictably satisfying and astonishingly jaw-dropping.

3/5