5.0 (1 rating)
Adrift A Novel
The author of the “master class in suspense” (Shari Lapena,New York Timesbestselling author)The Chamber returns with a high-tension thriller about a family’s descent into darkness that is perfect for fans of Dennis Lehane and Lisa Jewell.
Peggy and Drew, both aspiring writers, move to an isolated canal boat with their fourteen-year-old son. Peggy is the glue that holds their family together, even as their son is bullied relentlessly for his physique and his family’s lack of money. But when Drew becomes frustrated by his wife’s sudden writing success, he moves their boat further and further from civilization.
With their increasing isolation, personal challenges become harder to ignore, even as they desperately try to break toxic generational patterns. But when Drew’s gaslighting becomes too much for Peggy to take, it sets off a catastrophic series of events.
With Will Dean’s signature “well-drawn characters and excellent prose” (Sarah Pearse, New York Times bestselling author), Adrift is gripping exploration of the ties that bind when everything spirals out of control.
Peggy and Drew, both aspiring writers, move to an isolated canal boat with their fourteen-year-old son. Peggy is the glue that holds their family together, even as their son is bullied relentlessly for his physique and his family’s lack of money. But when Drew becomes frustrated by his wife’s sudden writing success, he moves their boat further and further from civilization.
With their increasing isolation, personal challenges become harder to ignore, even as they desperately try to break toxic generational patterns. But when Drew’s gaslighting becomes too much for Peggy to take, it sets off a catastrophic series of events.
With Will Dean’s signature “well-drawn characters and excellent prose” (Sarah Pearse, New York Times bestselling author), Adrift is gripping exploration of the ties that bind when everything spirals out of control.
Published: February 17, 2026
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781668080054
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Available in: Hardcover
See all editions (5)Reader Reviews
5.0
1 rating
Jolene C.
Feb 8, 2026
Adrift is a tough read, but in the way that really good books sometimes are. It deals with a lot of heavy, uncomfortable topics and it’s definitely dark, so don’t go in expecting anything light or uplifting. That said, I found it completely gripping from start to finish.
The isolation of life on the canal boat feels real and unsettling, and watching the family slowly unravel is heartbreaking. Peggy is especially well written, trying to hold everything together while being pushed further and further to her limits. Drew’s behavior is disturbing in a very believable way, and their son’s experience adds another layer of sadness that’s hard to shake.
Even when the story made me uncomfortable, I couldn’t stop reading. Will Dean has a way of pulling you in and keeping you there, no matter how dark things get, and once again he doesn’t disappoint. Adrift isn’t a happy book, but it’s an interesting, engaging, and powerful one that stayed with me long after I finished.
The isolation of life on the canal boat feels real and unsettling, and watching the family slowly unravel is heartbreaking. Peggy is especially well written, trying to hold everything together while being pushed further and further to her limits. Drew’s behavior is disturbing in a very believable way, and their son’s experience adds another layer of sadness that’s hard to shake.
Even when the story made me uncomfortable, I couldn’t stop reading. Will Dean has a way of pulling you in and keeping you there, no matter how dark things get, and once again he doesn’t disappoint. Adrift isn’t a happy book, but it’s an interesting, engaging, and powerful one that stayed with me long after I finished.