Bad Places - The Highland Retreat (Bad Places)

By Tess Mackey

‘AHHHH I loved this thriller! Secrets, a manor, crazy weather, suspense, Scottish setting… It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time’ Reader review

She’s run as far as she can. But danger is closer than ever…

In the aftermath of tragedy, Callie has escaped to a writing retreat at an isolated Scottish manor. Surrounded by wilderness and her fellow creatives, she plans to let words flow onto the page and heal from the horrifying event that ripped her life apart six months ago.

But one night, Callie hears someone crying out. Soon after, the remains of a deer are placed ominously on the writers’ doorstep.

It’s not long before the bodies start piling up. And that these so-called accidents are shown to be anything but innocent coincidences…

This atmospheric and pulse-pounding plotted locked-room thriller is ideal for fans of Freida McFadden and Daniel Hurst.

Available to pre-order now!

PRAISE FOR TESS MACKEY

‘Had me gripped in the best way possible… Unputdownable’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘I could feel the sense of dread and just wanted to read and read’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘Tess has done it again! Another thriller which gets inside your head’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘The plot twist slapped me across the face so hard I couldn’t control my breathing’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘I did not want to put it down once I started reading’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘This was hard to put down. So many twists and turns’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘If you think you’ve read every possible twist in a psychological thriller… think again.’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘Fast paced, captivating and filled with twists’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘I cannot recommend The Perfect Wedding highly enough. It is a thrilling, character-driven mystery that I encourage everyone to add to their reading list’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

‘A fast paced read that has you easily turning pages and wanting to know more with each new bit you read’ ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer

Format: Paperback
Release Date: 10 Nov 2026
ISBN: 978-0-00-881074-0

Tess Mackeyis an author based in Shrewsbury who loves writing characters into terrifying situations inspired by her lived experiences. When she’s not allowing her mind to wander to dark and twisty places, she pursues more wholesome activities, like growing mediocre vegetables in her garden, camping with her daughter, and the odd bit of horse riding when she’s feeling brave enough.

Her Young Adult debutSomeone is Watching Youpublished in 2023, followed by You Wouldn’t Catch Me Dead in 2024 – both published by Hachette. A further two YA thrillers with horror elements will be published by Rock The Boat (Oneworld) in 2026 (Better Off Dead) and 2027 (Dying To Be Here). Tess’s YA novels have been shortlisted and highly commended for numerous awards.

PRAISE FOR TESS MACKEY -

'The plot twist slapped me across the face so hard I couldn’t control my breathing' ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer -

'I did not want to put it down once I started reading' ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer -

'This was hard to put down. So many twists and turns' ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer -

'If you think you’ve read every possible twist in a psychological thriller… think again.' ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer -

'Fast paced, captivating and filled with twists' ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer -

'I cannot recommend The Perfect Wedding highly enough. It is a thrilling, character-driven mystery that I encourage everyone to add to their reading list' ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer -

'A fast paced read that has you easily turning pages and wanting to know more with each new bit you read' ★★★★★ Netgalley reviewer -

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