The House Swap is Rebecca Fleet’s debut novel, though her writing style is on par with a talented veteran author. The narrative flows seamlessly between past and present and is peppered with nuanced characters with real issues that have repercussions throughout the story.

This novel was marketed as a domestic noir or a psychological thriller, and to my mind, the branding completely missed the mark. As a noir or thriller, this story falls flat. The tale unfolds at a meandering pace, and while the piecemeal narrative and morally ambiguous characters could have made for a gripping noir, the characters were only developed to a certain point and the tension and suspense never came to fruition. I never felt concerned for the characters, and while I appreciate that the instigator for the house swap was not the obvious choice, I found the direction the author took it to be lackluster. The reveal was unsurprising and uninspired, not built up enough throughout the story to seem at all relevant. It was far less of a shocking twist than it was a hiccuping climax leading to a deflated dénouement.

That said, the author has written an engaging domestic drama that explores the escalating tension in a relationship. Fleet shows how a series of snags in the thread of marriage can unravel the entire tapestry and how the burden of loneliness and apathy can breed obsession, but she also tackles the courage and perseverance it takes to try to mend a relationship.

The author has a distinct command of language and a keen insight into human nature. Though the story suffered from misbranding, The House Swap is an unflinching glimpse into the complexities of domestic life and the labyrinth of marriage.

Recommended for fans of domestic drama that explores a female perspective on marriage and infidelity.