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Getaway #3
Stockholm
An extravagant anniversary trip turns into a desperate scramble for survival in an unsettling short story about desire, manipulation, and revenge by a New York Times bestselling author.
Psychiatrist Olivia Cole is a shell of herself after only two years with her tyrannical husband, the outwardly perfect Sebastian. On their two-year anniversary, she’s subjected to one power move too many when Sebastian whisks her away on a surprise trip—first to the charming capital of Sweden, then to an unexpected final destination. Miles from home and help, the only way for Olivia to wrest back control of her life is to give Sebastian an even bigger, shocking surprise.
Stockholm by Catherine Steadman is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
Psychiatrist Olivia Cole is a shell of herself after only two years with her tyrannical husband, the outwardly perfect Sebastian. On their two-year anniversary, she’s subjected to one power move too many when Sebastian whisks her away on a surprise trip—first to the charming capital of Sweden, then to an unexpected final destination. Miles from home and help, the only way for Olivia to wrest back control of her life is to give Sebastian an even bigger, shocking surprise.
Stockholm by Catherine Steadman is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
41 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2022
About the author
Catherine Steadman
9 books5,162 followersCatherine Steadman is an actress and writer based in North London, UK. She is best known for her role as Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey and is currently filming on the new Starz television series 'The Rook'. She grew up in the New Forest, UK, and lives with a small dog and an average sized man. Something in the Water is her first novel.
(source: Amazon)
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
September 16, 2022
Stockholm by Catherine Steadman
narrated by Samara Naeymi
Olivia Cole's dating life with Seb has always been about taking risks to the edge, pushing each other as far as possible, a power struggle that fueled each of them. Then they got married and Seb got the upper hand in a way that has Olivia trapped forever, with no way out. She is powerless under his control, she has lost everything.
A surprise trip to Sweden turns into a journey into frigid no man's land. The house they are staying at is beautiful but it's a prison for Olivia and there is on one to see the captive. Olivia has a plan but when it's thwarted she lands on a foolproof one that will be the surprise of Seb's life.
This short story is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns.
narrated by Samara Naeymi
Olivia Cole's dating life with Seb has always been about taking risks to the edge, pushing each other as far as possible, a power struggle that fueled each of them. Then they got married and Seb got the upper hand in a way that has Olivia trapped forever, with no way out. She is powerless under his control, she has lost everything.
A surprise trip to Sweden turns into a journey into frigid no man's land. The house they are staying at is beautiful but it's a prison for Olivia and there is on one to see the captive. Olivia has a plan but when it's thwarted she lands on a foolproof one that will be the surprise of Seb's life.
This short story is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns.
January 6, 2023
I enjoyed my first Steadman's book, The Family Game and I'm happy to try another. This is a good short story with a brow-raising ending. 🥶
Husband and wife travel to Stockholm for their second anniversary. The seemingly perfect couple is anything but. She plans to leave him in Stockholm but to her surprise, their destination is an isolated cabin outside of Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden in sub-zero temperature, snow, and reindeer. Atmospheric. Fitting title. Enjoyed this one!
Part 3/6 in the Getaway short story collection. Free with Prime/KU. 59mins/41pages
Husband and wife travel to Stockholm for their second anniversary. The seemingly perfect couple is anything but. She plans to leave him in Stockholm but to her surprise, their destination is an isolated cabin outside of Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden in sub-zero temperature, snow, and reindeer. Atmospheric. Fitting title. Enjoyed this one!
Part 3/6 in the Getaway short story collection. Free with Prime/KU. 59mins/41pages
September 18, 2022
If you have Amazon Prime-there is a new short story collection included with your membership-THE GETAWAY series.
The common theme of each is that they are all about dream escapes that take an unimaginable or sinister turn. Each can be read or listened to, in a single sitting.
I always find these collections to be a great way to sample the work of an author you have not read, or a way to enjoy bonus content from a favorite author between full length novels.
This collection includes:
Uncharted Waters-Sally Hepworth
His Happy Place-Zakiya Dalila Harris
Stockholm-Catherine Steadman
Belle Mer-Luanne Rice
Catch Her in a Lie-Jess Lourey
She’ll Game-Rumaan Alam
In Stockholm, we meet Psychiatrist Olivia Cole. How did a once successful, strong woman become only a shell of her former self after just two years of being married to Sebastian-a man who appears perfect to those outside of the marriage but is actually far from it. (A common theme in books lately)
And, will she be able to finally make her escape from him, when he takes her on an extravagant Anniversary trip, miles away from home…….?
Estimated reading time: 41 minutes and also available as an Audible
The common theme of each is that they are all about dream escapes that take an unimaginable or sinister turn. Each can be read or listened to, in a single sitting.
I always find these collections to be a great way to sample the work of an author you have not read, or a way to enjoy bonus content from a favorite author between full length novels.
This collection includes:
Uncharted Waters-Sally Hepworth
His Happy Place-Zakiya Dalila Harris
Stockholm-Catherine Steadman
Belle Mer-Luanne Rice
Catch Her in a Lie-Jess Lourey
She’ll Game-Rumaan Alam
In Stockholm, we meet Psychiatrist Olivia Cole. How did a once successful, strong woman become only a shell of her former self after just two years of being married to Sebastian-a man who appears perfect to those outside of the marriage but is actually far from it. (A common theme in books lately)
And, will she be able to finally make her escape from him, when he takes her on an extravagant Anniversary trip, miles away from home…….?
Estimated reading time: 41 minutes and also available as an Audible
November 30, 2022
Ok I loved the snowy setting of this one. Perfect wintery read for us Canadians who are settling in for another 4 months of snow LOL. I thought the descriptions of the northern lights were well done and I would be down for a quiet weekend in the cabin..
Although the plot had potential, the execution lacked logic. I had many questions. Plus that ending????? Are you dead ass??? Catherine Steadman if you don't get your ass back here and write at least three more pages to wrap this up. Acting like it's a guarantee she's gonna do xyz when she can't even legally lock a door for privacy.
These short stories are like a litmus test if I want to endure a full length novel from that author. In this case, I can say most likely not lol. I can see myself tiring very quickly of her writing style and this main character. Even for 40 some pages, it was beginning to feel repetitive.
3 generous stars.
Although the plot had potential, the execution lacked logic. I had many questions. Plus that ending????? Are you dead ass??? Catherine Steadman if you don't get your ass back here and write at least three more pages to wrap this up. Acting like it's a guarantee she's gonna do xyz when she can't even legally lock a door for privacy.
These short stories are like a litmus test if I want to endure a full length novel from that author. In this case, I can say most likely not lol. I can see myself tiring very quickly of her writing style and this main character. Even for 40 some pages, it was beginning to feel repetitive.
3 generous stars.
December 6, 2022
I was looking for a fun and fast read as some downtime between books when I found this collection of stories!
I really liked the Christmas-y, winter feel of this one and it was incredibly unexpected in a good way.
What didn’t totally work was I felt a bit underwhelmed by it. I was hoping for maybe some cool twist or a big change in the story, but it just never came.
I may have liked this more had the ending been explained further and wasn’t so abrupt. Good for a fast read to pass the time. I’ll definitely read the rest in the collection.
I really liked the Christmas-y, winter feel of this one and it was incredibly unexpected in a good way.
What didn’t totally work was I felt a bit underwhelmed by it. I was hoping for maybe some cool twist or a big change in the story, but it just never came.
I may have liked this more had the ending been explained further and wasn’t so abrupt. Good for a fast read to pass the time. I’ll definitely read the rest in the collection.
December 26, 2022
A quick read that I enjoyed. In very little time we are introduced to a destructive relationship that she wants to escape from. A fascinating cat-and-mouse game. I rooted for her from the beginning, not an easy feat when you have so little time to get to know a character.
January 7, 2023
This short story is part of the Getaway series, but may be read as a standalone. Olivia’s marriage appears to be perfect and enviable. Appearances prove to be deceiving as the tragic truth comes to light. Persistence, risk and extreme tension describe this intense and atmospheric psychological thriller. The narrators expertly add a layer of suspense and anxiety. The final twist was jaw dropping.
October 4, 2022
the setup…
Olivia Cole once had a big life of her own…that is until she met her husband, Sebastian, and what started as risky and provocative fantasies, ended up with him assuming absolute control of her life following their marriage. She never saw it coming and now they’re on a trip to Stockholm to celebrate their two-year anniversary. Olivia has a getaway plan until she realizes that will not be their final destination, thwarting her plan for the moment.
the heart of the story…
Sebastian is all about mind games and Olivia had thought she was an equal partner until she wasn’t. Now she’s got to reengage to figure out how she can find her freedom when he has all the power and control. I was drawn in right away, plotting and looking for seams to open for Olivia as she used her brain to best him.
the narration…
Though she’s new to me, the narrator was outstanding as she carefully delivered a subtle and understated performance in a story that was rather dramatic. That just ratcheted up the tension, which was excellent.
the bottom line…
I am wild about the ending, which delivered the irony I was hoping for. This was a gem, my favorite in the series so far. Well done, Olivia.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Olivia Cole once had a big life of her own…that is until she met her husband, Sebastian, and what started as risky and provocative fantasies, ended up with him assuming absolute control of her life following their marriage. She never saw it coming and now they’re on a trip to Stockholm to celebrate their two-year anniversary. Olivia has a getaway plan until she realizes that will not be their final destination, thwarting her plan for the moment.
the heart of the story…
Sebastian is all about mind games and Olivia had thought she was an equal partner until she wasn’t. Now she’s got to reengage to figure out how she can find her freedom when he has all the power and control. I was drawn in right away, plotting and looking for seams to open for Olivia as she used her brain to best him.
the narration…
Though she’s new to me, the narrator was outstanding as she carefully delivered a subtle and understated performance in a story that was rather dramatic. That just ratcheted up the tension, which was excellent.
the bottom line…
I am wild about the ending, which delivered the irony I was hoping for. This was a gem, my favorite in the series so far. Well done, Olivia.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 12, 2022
Quite the journey.
Very good short story by Steadman. Good tension throughout and perfect ending. This wasn't my first read by this author and this didn't disappoint.
A worthy entry in the Getaway collection.
Very good short story by Steadman. Good tension throughout and perfect ending. This wasn't my first read by this author and this didn't disappoint.
A worthy entry in the Getaway collection.
January 22, 2024
Not gonna lie, this short story gave me anxiety. It's a quick read but packed with a lot of dread, as an abused wife plans an escape from her ghastly husband during an anniversary trip to Sweden. I enjoyed this one, from the isolated snowy setting to the intense and unexpected ending. I've enjoyed previous books by Catherine Steadman, and this mini thriller did not disappoint!
September 14, 2022
Escape in the Sami Lands
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (August 31, 2022), released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook.
The setup and the location of this was intriguing. Despite the title hint which made me think of "Stockholm Syndrome", it was instead a bait and switch which took us into Northern Sweden and the lands and customs of the Sami people (known as Laplanders to many). That made me hope for some sort of intriguing twist with the protagonist escaping the abusive controlling relationship that she was in with the help of the local indigenous people. Unfortunately it did not end that way. I'll admit then that my Finno-Ugric heritage bias affected my rating.
Stockholm is one of six Amazon Original Kindle eBooks/Audible Audio audiobooks released on August 31, 2022 as part of the Getaway Collection of short stories where "Secrets follow you everywhere. Perfect vacation or last resort? In this collection of short psychological thrillers, bestselling authors bring trouble to paradise. Today’s itinerary: surfing, sailing, hiking, facing your worst fears... Most dream vacations never live up to expectations—but few cause this many nightmares."
Trivia and Link
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Kindle short stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (August 31, 2022), released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook.
The setup and the location of this was intriguing. Despite the title hint which made me think of "Stockholm Syndrome", it was instead a bait and switch which took us into Northern Sweden and the lands and customs of the Sami people (known as Laplanders to many). That made me hope for some sort of intriguing twist with the protagonist escaping the abusive controlling relationship that she was in with the help of the local indigenous people. Unfortunately it did not end that way. I'll admit then that my Finno-Ugric heritage bias affected my rating.
Stockholm is one of six Amazon Original Kindle eBooks/Audible Audio audiobooks released on August 31, 2022 as part of the Getaway Collection of short stories where "Secrets follow you everywhere. Perfect vacation or last resort? In this collection of short psychological thrillers, bestselling authors bring trouble to paradise. Today’s itinerary: surfing, sailing, hiking, facing your worst fears... Most dream vacations never live up to expectations—but few cause this many nightmares."
Trivia and Link
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Kindle short stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
November 3, 2022
Damn...I feel cheated! You go girl! I sure do wish I had witnessed the final swing⭐⭐⭐⭐+ Kindle unlimited with audible...getaway series
December 28, 2022
Succinct portrayal of how an accomplished, intelligent woman can find herself in thrall to an abusive husband. And her attempts to escape. Well done.
February 20, 2023
I found this anthology on Kindle Unlimited recently and decided, hey! I don’t read many short stories, there are some fantastic authors in this anthology, and jumped right in! It took around an hour to finish….that made me feel accomplished!🤣
A woman and her husband are going to Stockholm, Sweden (or so the woman thinks.) They end up in a remote part of Northern Sweden. This is not a healthy relationship in the least….a situation where the woman wants to leave her husband, but doesn’t know how. She has been caught and stopped before. What would be different this time?
It kept my attention, which has been short lately. I recommend it for sure!
Now, onto another short story in the series! ✌🏻
November 30, 2024
I never thought a book could make me this angry. Ugh.
The antagonist absolutely deserves a painful death, and I wish this short story had been longer just to see it happen.
Anyone who reads this will no doubt feel a unique kind of rage. The helplessness, the silenced voice because no one believes you, the stripping away of your identity and your right to choose—it’s infuriating.
A perfect getaway, a surprise anniversary gift, set in an isolated, snowbound landscape. But sometimes, a man’s heart can be colder than winter.
The antagonist absolutely deserves a painful death, and I wish this short story had been longer just to see it happen.
Anyone who reads this will no doubt feel a unique kind of rage. The helplessness, the silenced voice because no one believes you, the stripping away of your identity and your right to choose—it’s infuriating.
A perfect getaway, a surprise anniversary gift, set in an isolated, snowbound landscape. But sometimes, a man’s heart can be colder than winter.
June 28, 2024
The Man She Always Wanted
Olivia is a Psychiatrist who fell for a rich and famous cardiovascular surgeon. He was handsome and she was attracted to him as was every woman he met, but it was Olivia that Sebastian wanted. She gave up her independence to him a little at a time. First she made herself available to him for calls between his patients, and in ten months she gave up the lease to her apartment. She thought she wanted to be married to Sebastian, but that was before she realized that she would have to give up everything being married to him, even her career.
Olivia’s mother committed suicide when her father left them for another woman, and when Olivia had a car accident after her lost pregnancy it was obviously a family trend and a conservatorship would be required for Sebastian to care for his wife. She was trapped.
Honestly, I am never really certain if Sebastian is as crazy as he sounds, and it seems like he is, or if Olivia’s cheese has slipped off her cracker sometime along the way. This is a well-written short story that makes you go hmm and never lets you really be too certain either way. Four stars for the clever writing.
Olivia is a Psychiatrist who fell for a rich and famous cardiovascular surgeon. He was handsome and she was attracted to him as was every woman he met, but it was Olivia that Sebastian wanted. She gave up her independence to him a little at a time. First she made herself available to him for calls between his patients, and in ten months she gave up the lease to her apartment. She thought she wanted to be married to Sebastian, but that was before she realized that she would have to give up everything being married to him, even her career.
Olivia’s mother committed suicide when her father left them for another woman, and when Olivia had a car accident after her lost pregnancy it was obviously a family trend and a conservatorship would be required for Sebastian to care for his wife. She was trapped.
Honestly, I am never really certain if Sebastian is as crazy as he sounds, and it seems like he is, or if Olivia’s cheese has slipped off her cracker sometime along the way. This is a well-written short story that makes you go hmm and never lets you really be too certain either way. Four stars for the clever writing.
January 29, 2024
Chilling tale of twisted domestic violence.
Catherine Steadman is an excellent writer, so I was excited to delve into this tale.
Sebastian has planned a surprise anniversary trip for Olivia. While most wives would be thrilled, Olivia is not. Her marriage is not what she expected, and she feels trapped with an overbearing husband who controls every aspect of her life. So, she is not eager to go to an undisclosed location with him.
This story is a chilling tale of a twisted type of domestic violence. I was engrossed in the story, but unfortunately, I did not care for the ending.
#Stockholm #CatherineSteadman #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited #DomesticViolence #RemoteLocation #thriller #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
Catherine Steadman is an excellent writer, so I was excited to delve into this tale.
Sebastian has planned a surprise anniversary trip for Olivia. While most wives would be thrilled, Olivia is not. Her marriage is not what she expected, and she feels trapped with an overbearing husband who controls every aspect of her life. So, she is not eager to go to an undisclosed location with him.
This story is a chilling tale of a twisted type of domestic violence. I was engrossed in the story, but unfortunately, I did not care for the ending.
#Stockholm #CatherineSteadman #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited #DomesticViolence #RemoteLocation #thriller #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
October 12, 2022
So intense, especially at the end.
I didn't want this one to end. It ended open, so you can imagine what happened. I would have preferred a full length novel with details on Olivia and what happens.
I'm still so very invested!!
I definitely want more from this author also. Such talented writing to have me this gripped!
4.5/5
I didn't want this one to end. It ended open, so you can imagine what happened. I would have preferred a full length novel with details on Olivia and what happens.
I'm still so very invested!!
I definitely want more from this author also. Such talented writing to have me this gripped!
4.5/5
October 18, 2022
The ending ruined it for me.
October 28, 2022
Olivia Cole and her husband Sebastian head to Stockholm on their anniversary, or so she thinks.
This was a suspenseful story that kept my attention!
This was a suspenseful story that kept my attention!
November 2, 2022
2.5-3
Domestic Violence … thought the story would be about the syndrome or surviving with it; and not a hopeless situation sort of. Ambiguous ending. Meh.
Okay writing.
Domestic Violence … thought the story would be about the syndrome or surviving with it; and not a hopeless situation sort of. Ambiguous ending. Meh.
Okay writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2022
3.5 stars
September 10, 2022
3.5 rounded up
This was short but well handled.
This was short but well handled.
September 6, 2022
Good.... a woman losses control of everything...wow. Is she crazy or is her controlling husband?
He takes to a remote cabin....
He takes to a remote cabin....
May 23, 2024
Folding the laundry while listening to a short audiobook is a new-ish hobby I picked up in 2023. This one is a terrific story with an engaging narrator, about a couple flying to Sweden to celebrate their wedding anniversary. It's a look-can-be-deceiving domestic thriller, set in a cold and snowy setting. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
May 13, 2023
4¼⭐
I really liked this one…it packed quite a punch for how short it is. It was well written with great narration and it grabbed my attention right from the start and kept it till the end. It does have kind of an open-ending but that’s not always a bad thing.
I really liked this one…it packed quite a punch for how short it is. It was well written with great narration and it grabbed my attention right from the start and kept it till the end. It does have kind of an open-ending but that’s not always a bad thing.
August 25, 2024
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ quick and punchy Amazon Original Story!!
This is the second book in the Getaway Collection which is a short story series. If you read my reviews you know that I usually look to these short stories as a palette cleanser after a particularly bad or good book (or when I simply can’t choose from my never ending TBR).
This was a great story with a bitter topic… I liked the intrigue and I was outraged on the FMC’s behalf but I did like how it ended. I know some readers didn’t like the ambiguity but for me thats what made it better. I could decide how I think things went down and I choose to have things end my way (of course) so that worked for me.
It did exactly what it intended and has given me a little taste of the authors writing so I will go and check out Catherine Steadman and add some of her books to my TBR.
This is the second book in the Getaway Collection which is a short story series. If you read my reviews you know that I usually look to these short stories as a palette cleanser after a particularly bad or good book (or when I simply can’t choose from my never ending TBR).
This was a great story with a bitter topic… I liked the intrigue and I was outraged on the FMC’s behalf but I did like how it ended. I know some readers didn’t like the ambiguity but for me thats what made it better. I could decide how I think things went down and I choose to have things end my way (of course) so that worked for me.
It did exactly what it intended and has given me a little taste of the authors writing so I will go and check out Catherine Steadman and add some of her books to my TBR.
September 1, 2022
This is a terrifying short story of a modern woman trapped by a legal document to a child like existence inside her marriage.
July 12, 2024
“Stockholm” by author Catherine Steadman is a short story that explores the depths of manipulation, desire, and revenge.
Olivia Cole is a psychiatrist and feels trapped in a toxic marriage with the seemingly perfect yet tyrannical Sebastian. Following just two years with Sebastian her confidence is low and she feels far more inferior than her previous self. The scene is set for a tense and unsettling anniversary trip that will test Olivia’s resolve and ingenuity.
Olivia is pushed to breaking point as Sebastian’s manipulation reaches new heights, and the tension builds as it is unsure how the story will unfold. The story twists when it looks like Olivia may seek vengeance on the domineering Sebastian. The story shows the lengths someone may go to when they are pushed to the very limits.
“Stockholm” is well paced and full of tension, suspense and anticipation. A good short story that delivers a psychological depth, and dramatic twists.
Olivia Cole is a psychiatrist and feels trapped in a toxic marriage with the seemingly perfect yet tyrannical Sebastian. Following just two years with Sebastian her confidence is low and she feels far more inferior than her previous self. The scene is set for a tense and unsettling anniversary trip that will test Olivia’s resolve and ingenuity.
Olivia is pushed to breaking point as Sebastian’s manipulation reaches new heights, and the tension builds as it is unsure how the story will unfold. The story twists when it looks like Olivia may seek vengeance on the domineering Sebastian. The story shows the lengths someone may go to when they are pushed to the very limits.
“Stockholm” is well paced and full of tension, suspense and anticipation. A good short story that delivers a psychological depth, and dramatic twists.
September 1, 2022
Read via Kindle Unlimited and audible audio *
Narration: 4 stars 🌟
Story: 3.5 stars 🌟
Narration: 4 stars 🌟
Story: 3.5 stars 🌟
Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews