Book Review: The Hideaway by Nikki Allen
The Hideaway by Nikki Allen
Published: July 17th 2025 by Pan Macmillan
Rating: ★★★★ (4 stars)
Genres: Adult // Mystery, Thriller
Quick Thoughts: Tantalisingly eerie and deliciously dark, a striking debut that had me turning pages into the night. The way Nikki writes is punchy and intoxicating, and I was utterly captivated by the atmospheric descriptions of Costa Rica and the rainforest.
I was gifted this book via the Publisher/PR. There was no obligation to post/give this book a certain rating. All views are my own. I remain entirely impartial.
Join The Conversation
Reader Information: View Content Warnings.
TW: this book contains mentions and descriptions of death, dead bodies, blood, weapons, injury, cancer, pregnancy, drug abuse, suicide and scenes unsuitable for younger readers. 16+.
Rainforest Getaway
Group of Strangers
Trust No One
Lost and Afraid
About This Book:
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME?
When five strangers are chosen for an all-expenses-paid stay at an exclusive retreat, they leap at the chance to rest and get away from it all amidst the lush Costa Rican rainforest.
OR THE HOLIDAY FROM HELL?
Their famous host is nowhere to be seen when they arrive. Confused, but eager to immerse themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, they head into the wilderness in search of a rejuvenating waterfall – but when calamity strikes, panic sets in and they are plunged into a battle for survival.
Lost under the dense canopies with darkness closing in, they soon realise they cannot trust the beauty of their surroundings – or each other. . .
The Hideaway by Nikki Allen is a pulse-pounding, twisty destination thriller, perfect for fans of Nine Perfect Strangers and The White Lotus as well as readers of Lucy Clarke.
First Thoughts
If you have read my blog for even just a short while, you’ll know thrillers are one of my favourite genres to read. Whether it’s a domestic mystery or tropical getaway like The Hideaway, I am hooked at the sound. I was eager to read Nikki’s debut right from the start because I’m always up for finding new favourite mystery authors. Thank you to BookBreak for my ARC—it has been well and truly devoured and pages turned into the night…
My Review
Picture this: the trip of a lifetime to the Costa Rican rainforest on an all-expenses-paid excursion in an exclusive retreat run by your favourite spiritual influencer. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, that’s what the five strangers who get picked for that exact scenario think. They’re beyond excited to meet Hannah, their famed host, and get started on their healing and wellness journeys at her resort. But when the strangers arrive, greeted by Hannah’s staff, there’s a lull in questioning about their host’s whereabouts. It’s a good job she’s reaching out and telling them she’s nearby and just stranded after bad weather for a day or so then, right?
The five strangers from across the globe, Mira, Scott, Carly, Naya and Ben, begin some of the excursions in the meantime, in wait for Hannah to return. Relaxing seems uncertain for each of them in their own ways, suspicion rife through their POVs as we learn motives for each of their stays at the resort, and who they truly are beneath facades they might be putting on. But when the group fall into danger and discover something truly terrifying in the rainforest, they are thrust into uncertain territory. Who is out to get them? Can they actually trust one another? As darkness falls and getting back to safety seems like a long-lost dream, the group is suddenly discovering their blissful holiday is turning into one they might not leave alive.
Overall, The Hideaway was tantalisingly eerie and deliciously dark, a striking debut that had me turning pages into the night. The alternating POVs of the characters was just what was needed to get into the story, and though I pieced together parts of the mystery alongside the group, the twist had my jaw truly dropped. Though I’m unsure I had a favourite character, Naya and Mira stood out to me as ones that went through the most character development and I felt as though I learned their hearts and lives the most deeply. The way Nikki writes is punchy and intoxicating, and I was utterly captivated by the atmospheric descriptions of Costa Rica and the rainforest, from day to night, even down to nature and the wildlife (that opener was a hook if I’ve ever read one!) This was such a fantastic thriller, and I am so ready to see everyone else love it as much as I did!
RATING:
Let me know your thoughts in the comments or via social media to keep the conversation going.
Happy Reading!
