The House On Buzzards Bay - Blog Tour

 

Author: Dwyer Murphy 

Publisher: No Exit Press

Publishing Date: 6th November 2025 

Many thanks to the publishing team and Random Things Tours for my physical copy of the book and spot on the tour

Blurb 

When a group of old college friends reunites for a summer vacation at a beach house in coastal Massachusetts, a sudden disappearance and the arrival of a seductive stranger threaten to unearth the darkest secrets of their relationships.

As they hurtle into midlife, Jim and his closest college friends get together to rekindle the bonds of their friendship in his family’s beautiful, generations-old vacation home along Buzzards Bay, the demands of work and family having caused them to drift apart over recent years. But what begins as a quiet and restorative seaside escape takes a darker turn when Bruce, an aloof but successful writer, disappears from the house without a trace, sending the group into an uneasy tension.

Meanwhile, a series of mysterious break-ins besets the town, which is the site of an old Spiritualist campground turned idyllic fishing village. After a series of uncanny disturbances at the house, Jim can’t help but feel that someone—or something—is watching them from the other side of the marsh. And with the arrival of a strange, seductive guest at their home, the group begins to question the very nature of their experiences—along with their already precarious ties with one other.

My Thoughts 

As soon as I read the blurb, I knew this was a book for me! From the very first pages, it was clear that this story would be a blend of family drama, supernatural events, and haunting, unsettling settings — a combination that immediately drew me in. The plot is far from conventional, keeping you on your toes as you try to anticipate what might happen next, and I loved how the author played with expectations to deliver something both eerie and emotionally compelling.

The characters are a standout feature of this book. The author has done an excellent job of creating complex, multi-layered personalities that feel very real. Each character has a mix of flaws and strengths, which adds depth and makes them relatable even when their actions are unexpected. Some are charming, some frustrating, and some downright mysterious, which made it a pleasure to watch the dynamics unfold and kept me invested in their individual arcs.

One of the aspects I particularly appreciated was the slow-burn, sinister pacing. The story builds tension gradually, allowing the creepy, unsettling atmosphere to seep in and create a sense of lingering dread. Even though the pace is deliberate, it never felt boring — on the contrary, the suspense and subtle twists kept me fully engaged throughout. The haunted settings were vividly described, and the author’s attention to atmosphere really amplified the sense of unease and anticipation.

If there’s one area where I felt the story could have been slightly stronger, it would be the ending. While it wrapped up the plot, I felt it could have been more dramatic or surprising to fully match the intensity and intrigue that had been built up over the course of the book. Still, it didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience.

Overall, this is a highly atmospheric, intense, and character-driven read that successfully combines supernatural elements with family dynamics and psychological tension. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys haunting, slow-burn stories with complex characters and a touch of the unexpected. This is a book that stays with you even after you’ve turned the last page.