I love a locked-room murder mystery as it goes without saying that the murderer - and next victim - is a character you know as there's a limited group of suspects. Set on a closed nature reserve at night during a snow storm, this was the perfect closed "room" setting where the clever title could equally have related to the bird hides just as much as hiding for your life. The small set of characters were cleverly developed so as one of them says: "I feel like I've seen everyone here in a different light this evening, and that has changed my opinion of them all, some for better, others for worse." In fact the antagonist turns out to be a true psychopath which I didn't foresee but really enjoyed. What I didn't buy, however, were the overly convenient connections between the characters. Lots to like with this but it was slightly let down by the middle which consisted of a lot of running around in the dark without much actually happening.

Seven friends take a Boxing Day hike around a nature reserve to view a starling murmuration. But tension soon begins to surface. With heavy snow falling and darkness fast approaching, a gunshot shatters the peace. Someone is dead. Panic rises as they realise they are sitting ducks. Unable to agree on the best route to safety, they split into two groups; each going in a different direction. The fight for survival begins. I thought this was a great read. It may have been a little far-fetched but I have to admit I really enjoyed it. With a tangled web of secrets and lies, the plot was fast-paced and immersive. Each character's backstory gave a glimpse into what led them to that fateful day. A gripping and addictive read.

I really liked this book and particularly the way it was set out with a chapter for each of the characters and we got the story from each of their perspectives. Lauren is the manager of a nature reserve and organises a monthly group visit to other nature reserves for people who are interested in wildlife and ornithology. This month the group have gathered at Lauren’s nature reserve for an overnight meet to spot a rare bird. Each of the group have something going on in the background and some of them have ulterior motives for being part of the group. The overnight meet starts off well and quickly turns bad as a shot rings out and the rest of the group discover that Alec has been killed. Is there someone else in the nature reserve with them or is the murderer part of their group? The group slit into two to try and get back to the safety of the visitor centre so that they can call the police. The journey back to the visitor centre is troublesome for both of the groups. This story is full of twists and turns and as we find out more about each of the group, I kept changing my mind about who the murderer was.

I’m a big fan of Nell Pattison’s “Silent” series and was excited to learn she had written a new stand alone thriller. The story is based around a group of seven very different characters who’ve formed a nature enthusiasts group. The group meet up on Boxing Day at a nature reserve and it soon becomes apparent that they all have secrets to hide from the others. Exactly what these secrets are isn’t apparent and only adds to the suspension throughout the book. The style of writing kept me gripped, with each chapter being told from the point of view of the different characters. The way the storyline came together at the end was a definite “wow” moment for me! This was a fast paced, atmospheric thriller of a read with great characters and one that I highly recommend.

Hide is fast paced and suspenseful with a premise that drew me in. I enjoyed the multiple points-of-view and loved the setting - a nature group goes on a winter hike in an otherwise closed nature reserve. A gunshot rings out and they find one of the group dead. Alone, at night, with no cellphone reception and unsure who to trust, they have to traverse several snowy miles to get back to their cars and call for help. Recommended for fans of suspense. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #suspense