Book Review | Bath Haus by P.J. Vernon

While his partner Nathan is away, Oliver visits a gay bathhouse despite knowing it’s a bad idea. To his horror, he gets attacked by a stranger and barely escaped. But his nightmare has only just begun. Desperate and scared, Oliver realises he’s in trouble but he can’t let Nathan know the truth. What follows is a web of lies and deception, and a dangerous enemy that threatens not only their relationship but their lives.

When do you call time of death on a marriage?

Suspenseful, stifling, steamy – Bath Haus is absolutely riveting. The writing is succinct and sharp, successfully capturing the inner turmoil of a man hiding secrets, the darkness of a traumatic past, and the snarky conversations of people who cannot stand each other. From the nerve-wracking opening scene of a hookup gone wrong to the unbearable tension of a failing relationship, this is a rollercoaster ride of anxiety and surprises.

As a protagonist, Oliver is a sympathetic mess. He continually makes bad decisions but there are underlying causes for his self-destructive behaviour. His partner Nathan seems supportive and stable but he’s older, richer, and more influential. It soon becomes clear that there’s a power imbalance in this relationship that adds to the feeling that something isn’t right. I liked that the book gives both their POVs so I can understand them better. It doesn’t force the reader to take a side.

The book shows how one bad choice can lead to devastating consequences, but also that one bad choice does not determine who you are. It also shows the complicated layers of a gay relationship in modern times, where the conflict comes from power and privilege. I had an inkling of where the plot would go so to see it all fall into place was satisfying. There are dark things at play here – adultery, addiction, rape, abuse, murder. It’s emotionally taxing to read but just like a drug, the highs overcome the lows. I can’t remember the last book I read that actually gave me chills!

Bath Haus is a dark psychological thriller that’s not afraid to get dirty. I can’t recommend it enough!

About the author: P.J. Vernon

Photo by Anastasiia Mukhina