What do you think?
Rate this book
The Island
The perfect escape, or the perfect trap?
When a select group of influencers and journalists receive an exclusive invitation to a luxury resort in the Maldives, it seems like the ultimate press trip.
But when the island is cut off during a storm and people start dying, it looks like someone has murder in mind.
Are the guests really who they seem to be, or does each one of them have a secret to hide?
Something they would kill for?
When a select group of influencers and journalists receive an exclusive invitation to a luxury resort in the Maldives, it seems like the ultimate press trip.
But when the island is cut off during a storm and people start dying, it looks like someone has murder in mind.
Are the guests really who they seem to be, or does each one of them have a secret to hide?
Something they would kill for?
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2023
168 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cooper
9 books272 followersI am a freelance journalist living in the South of France with my husband and two teenage children. We moved from London in 2009 so that the children could grow up bilingual and we could all ski more, and to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.
I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.
I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.
The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.
Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.
I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.
The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.
Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
September 25, 2023
Carrying on with destination books I this time find myself in a 6 star sumptuous resort in The Maldives
It is a brand new hotel, pre opening that has gathered journalist’s and influencer’s to give them the full exquisite experience so they can take photo’s, post online and basically rave about the place
Which is all great…until things start to go wrong, badly wrong and suddenly guests and staff alike start to wonder just why they have all been assembled here and what their fate will be
Very immersive, beautiful in its descriptional writing of The Maldives and the resort ( and mouth watering food ) and more than intriguing enough to get this old ‘seen it all’ in books puzzled, involved and excited
Thoroughly enjoyable in every way a book can be
It is a brand new hotel, pre opening that has gathered journalist’s and influencer’s to give them the full exquisite experience so they can take photo’s, post online and basically rave about the place
Which is all great…until things start to go wrong, badly wrong and suddenly guests and staff alike start to wonder just why they have all been assembled here and what their fate will be
Very immersive, beautiful in its descriptional writing of The Maldives and the resort ( and mouth watering food ) and more than intriguing enough to get this old ‘seen it all’ in books puzzled, involved and excited
Thoroughly enjoyable in every way a book can be
January 30, 2024
I really didn't think much of this book. It was slow to get going, plus, the characters were spoiled, over indulgent, shallow individuals who only seemed to care about when the Internet was going to start working. I found this book tedious which is a shame as I've enjoyed her others in the past.
January 29, 2024
I loved The Chalet and The Cruise, I liked the Chateau very much, but this book was plain without any likeable character, the storyline was flat without real twists. There was more description of hotel amenities then building characters and storyline.
October 14, 2025
Nobody dgaf the way characters in this book dgaf
(points docked for the mother of all revelation dumps at the end)
(points docked for the mother of all revelation dumps at the end)
October 11, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
Malia is an Instagram influencer, still trying to build her brand. She’s invited to a brand new, luxurious resort in the Maldives as part of their promotional campaign.
There she meets not only the other influencers and journalists, but also the hotel owners’ Henry Cadwallader and his twin sister, Ophelia.
At the beginning, the trip seems like an absolute dream: visiting the turtle sanctuary, riding on the quad bikes, sea diving, eating brilliant dinners with all the drink and wine you could ever wish for.
But when one of the guests falls ill and dies, the trip turns into a nightmare. When the wild storm hits the island and the Wi-Fi goes down, the guests realise they are trapped.
With a killer in their midst.
Catherine Cooper is back with yet another tense and twisty psychological thriller.
I am such a big fan of her books (I’ve read them all), so I was looking forward to reading this one. I wasn’t disappointed!
I loved how it was written from different points of view, and the construction of the dual timeline. I was desperate to discover what happened in 1990 that I finished the book in two sittings.
As I was nearing the end, I still had no idea who was responsible for the murders.
Brilliant!
Malia is an Instagram influencer, still trying to build her brand. She’s invited to a brand new, luxurious resort in the Maldives as part of their promotional campaign.
There she meets not only the other influencers and journalists, but also the hotel owners’ Henry Cadwallader and his twin sister, Ophelia.
At the beginning, the trip seems like an absolute dream: visiting the turtle sanctuary, riding on the quad bikes, sea diving, eating brilliant dinners with all the drink and wine you could ever wish for.
But when one of the guests falls ill and dies, the trip turns into a nightmare. When the wild storm hits the island and the Wi-Fi goes down, the guests realise they are trapped.
With a killer in their midst.
Catherine Cooper is back with yet another tense and twisty psychological thriller.
I am such a big fan of her books (I’ve read them all), so I was looking forward to reading this one. I wasn’t disappointed!
I loved how it was written from different points of view, and the construction of the dual timeline. I was desperate to discover what happened in 1990 that I finished the book in two sittings.
As I was nearing the end, I still had no idea who was responsible for the murders.
Brilliant!
November 14, 2023
This is a thriller set in a luxury resort in the Maldives, where first guess find themselves stranded due to a violent storm. At the same time we follow a story of young teenagers at the smash ball. Right away we know it will all finish badly. But half of the book is gone and not much else happens except some glamorous resort experiences. Sadly, it was not a book for me - too slow and not enough believable.
January 6, 2024
Malia can’t believe her luck when she’s invited to promote the Ketenangan resort in the Maldives, owned by Henry and Ophelia Cadwallader. She’s an influencer but she hadn’t gained a massive following yet, so a red flag came up immediately for me, especially since half of the story is told via her. She’s easy to identify with though (although definitely more adventurous than me because I don’t think I would dare to eat fugu), she has no attitude and is simply enjoying everything as it comes, yet I wondered throughout the story why this choice… I could have known if I’d have thought it through more probably but sometimes it’s just as nice to be surprised right?
Ah the Maldives, the descriptions of the resort, the location (with its own turtle sanctuary!) and everything the invited journalists and influencers were able to experience, who wouldn’t be envious?! Then again, when something looks too good to be true it usually is… I enjoyed that the author played on that and made me feel anxious for what was to come… There were a couple of false starts and some red herrings and the anticipation was steadily building. When someone doesn’t feel well, is it someone’s doing or simply a case of too much food and drink? Ah the uncertainty was great but killing me too. If you’re a reader who wants to jump right into the action of looking for a killer you might be disappointed here, but I was perfectly content to follow their amazing experiences at the resort… those bodies will still come you know.
At 70% in I had managed to find a suspect – because of a teeny tiny clue mentioned when looking for clues about someone else in a room – and it felt like a small victory to me but then I only had a name and I didn’t even know half of it by then. I enjoyed getting to know the younger versions of some of the characters in the other timeline set in the 1990s and what they were really made of. In the end I did feel for Alexander, I don’t know if it is justified or not but I wouldn’t have let it end for him the same as the author did (I’m not saying with this that he died). The motive was a bit so and so for me, the MO however was inventive and the story as a whole had me wanting to read it in one go.
This is a perfect novel for armchair travelers. As the author mentions in the story some place and shocked me a bit because it never even crossed my mind but ‘how many people have died in hotel beds? Do they always throw them away? I doubt it.’ Yeah I’m fine staying home now :-). I can’t wait to see which new high-upscale place I’ll read about next!
Ah the Maldives, the descriptions of the resort, the location (with its own turtle sanctuary!) and everything the invited journalists and influencers were able to experience, who wouldn’t be envious?! Then again, when something looks too good to be true it usually is… I enjoyed that the author played on that and made me feel anxious for what was to come… There were a couple of false starts and some red herrings and the anticipation was steadily building. When someone doesn’t feel well, is it someone’s doing or simply a case of too much food and drink? Ah the uncertainty was great but killing me too. If you’re a reader who wants to jump right into the action of looking for a killer you might be disappointed here, but I was perfectly content to follow their amazing experiences at the resort… those bodies will still come you know.
At 70% in I had managed to find a suspect – because of a teeny tiny clue mentioned when looking for clues about someone else in a room – and it felt like a small victory to me but then I only had a name and I didn’t even know half of it by then. I enjoyed getting to know the younger versions of some of the characters in the other timeline set in the 1990s and what they were really made of. In the end I did feel for Alexander, I don’t know if it is justified or not but I wouldn’t have let it end for him the same as the author did (I’m not saying with this that he died). The motive was a bit so and so for me, the MO however was inventive and the story as a whole had me wanting to read it in one go.
This is a perfect novel for armchair travelers. As the author mentions in the story some place and shocked me a bit because it never even crossed my mind but ‘how many people have died in hotel beds? Do they always throw them away? I doubt it.’ Yeah I’m fine staying home now :-). I can’t wait to see which new high-upscale place I’ll read about next!
October 17, 2023
The Island is a psychological thriller by Catherine Cooper. I’ve read all of her previous thrillers and they are all superb reads. So when I started The Island I expected great things and I certainly wasn’t let down. Set in the beautiful Maldives this was a book that hooked me right from the very beginning.
The story is told in two timelines. 1990 and present day and both timelines were gripping and tense. The characters were all described so well and I really had no clue who to trust as they all seemed to be hiding something . I had no idea who was responsible for it all and I was left open mouthed when it was all finally revealed. Apart from the thrilling and at times tense read I adored reading about this fabulous Island and as for the descriptions of the difference foods. Oh my mouth was watering. This is another utterly brilliant read by Catherine Cooper . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is told in two timelines. 1990 and present day and both timelines were gripping and tense. The characters were all described so well and I really had no clue who to trust as they all seemed to be hiding something . I had no idea who was responsible for it all and I was left open mouthed when it was all finally revealed. Apart from the thrilling and at times tense read I adored reading about this fabulous Island and as for the descriptions of the difference foods. Oh my mouth was watering. This is another utterly brilliant read by Catherine Cooper . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 28, 2023
Rating: 3.4/5
Glossy suspense thrillers, set in enviably luxurious locations are becoming very much the trademark of Catherine Cooper. Her latest offering has a high-end resort in the Maldives as its enticing backdrop, but although the author may not have exhausted the supply of suitably lavish locations, she has at least been forced to move on from those that begin with a "C"! Following "The Chalet", "The Chateau" and "The Cruise" we now have "The Island". I was full of praise for Catherine Cooper's first two thrillers, but far less impressed by "The Cruise". Nonetheless, I was still keen to pick up book four and I am pleased to report that something more akin to normal service has been restored. Overall, I don't think "The Island" quite matches up to "The Chalet" or "The Chateau", but it isn't too far behind them.
There are plenty of appealing ingredients in the mix, as I have come to expect from this author. A selection of journalists and social media influencers have been invited to the Maldives as part of the soft marketing launch of a new luxury resort, "Ketenangan". It is clear from the start of the book, with the reference to William Blake's "A Poison Tree", that the story is going to be one of revenge ... the questions being, who is it that will be seeking revenge and why? Catherine Copper once again makes use of a dual timeline and the viewpoints of multiple protagonists to develop the narrative and to gradually unveil the backstories of the characters and potential motivations for someone to bear them more than a degree of malice.
Although you could potentially level the accusation at the writer that this this leans towards glossy melodrama - and that it borrows tried and trusted elements from other books of this genre - Catherine Cooper really does do this kind of thing very well. (Usually, at least - though less so in "The Cruise"). "The Island" unquestionably makes for engaging, enjoyable and entertaining reading, although it does become a little far-fetched at certain points. In fairness, the author does stop short of creating plot twists that are unimaginable nonsense, but they do approach being somewhat implausible.
I do enjoy reading Catherine Cooper's work and am pleased that "The Island" has marked a return towards her earlier good form. That being the case, I am sure I will be returning for book five.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Glossy suspense thrillers, set in enviably luxurious locations are becoming very much the trademark of Catherine Cooper. Her latest offering has a high-end resort in the Maldives as its enticing backdrop, but although the author may not have exhausted the supply of suitably lavish locations, she has at least been forced to move on from those that begin with a "C"! Following "The Chalet", "The Chateau" and "The Cruise" we now have "The Island". I was full of praise for Catherine Cooper's first two thrillers, but far less impressed by "The Cruise". Nonetheless, I was still keen to pick up book four and I am pleased to report that something more akin to normal service has been restored. Overall, I don't think "The Island" quite matches up to "The Chalet" or "The Chateau", but it isn't too far behind them.
There are plenty of appealing ingredients in the mix, as I have come to expect from this author. A selection of journalists and social media influencers have been invited to the Maldives as part of the soft marketing launch of a new luxury resort, "Ketenangan". It is clear from the start of the book, with the reference to William Blake's "A Poison Tree", that the story is going to be one of revenge ... the questions being, who is it that will be seeking revenge and why? Catherine Copper once again makes use of a dual timeline and the viewpoints of multiple protagonists to develop the narrative and to gradually unveil the backstories of the characters and potential motivations for someone to bear them more than a degree of malice.
Although you could potentially level the accusation at the writer that this this leans towards glossy melodrama - and that it borrows tried and trusted elements from other books of this genre - Catherine Cooper really does do this kind of thing very well. (Usually, at least - though less so in "The Cruise"). "The Island" unquestionably makes for engaging, enjoyable and entertaining reading, although it does become a little far-fetched at certain points. In fairness, the author does stop short of creating plot twists that are unimaginable nonsense, but they do approach being somewhat implausible.
I do enjoy reading Catherine Cooper's work and am pleased that "The Island" has marked a return towards her earlier good form. That being the case, I am sure I will be returning for book five.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
March 24, 2024
Feeling miserable with a terrible cold so needed something 'light' to escape into. This superb thriller sees a bunch of people stranded in a luxury resort on a remote island where one of the staff or guests has murder in mind. Loved the 'locked room' mystery to this and the fun of trying to work out whodunnit. Half right so my brain isn't totally addled by germs lol.
August 17, 2024
A quick read but I did guess what was going to happen early on, I just didn’t have all the facts in the right order! Most of the characters were not very nice but I enjoyed the dual timeline, flitting back to present day to build up the story.
January 20, 2024
It was a little contrived and there was a revelation dump at the end.
February 23, 2024
The stunning Maldives acts as a backdrop for this pacy thriller. As a group of influencers come together to taste the finest offerings from an exclusive resort, things quickly take a serious turn when one of them perishes under questionable circumstances. With another injured party and a turn in the weather, meaning no one can leave the island, things take a sinister twist. Dual timelines take us back and forthbtonthe 1990s and a drugs fuelled party ran by the twin owners of the resort Henry and Ophelia. It seems someone from the past is keen to havoc revenge. A great holiday read. #theisland #catherinecooper #harpercollinsuk #netgalley
May 28, 2025
I find this writer’s books quite frustrating. They are largely quite average in terms of writing style with irritating characters that you don’t care about and a lot of dialogue that doesn’t ring true at all. And yet they’re also really quite gripping. I didn’t really like anyone - and the ending was both drawn out and then, right at the very end, brought to an abrupt close.
August 21, 2024
I've read similar plots many times before but I always enjoy a Catherine Cooper book, and I'll take my summer thrillers wherever I can find them!
The setting is brilliant and I loved the summer feels of the hot weather, beautiful location, and heated tensions. The characters are developed well and I enjoyed following them.
Overall, it didn't grip me or massively shock me in any way, but it did keep me intrigued throughout, and the audiobook definitely made my long train journey more entertaining!
The setting is brilliant and I loved the summer feels of the hot weather, beautiful location, and heated tensions. The characters are developed well and I enjoyed following them.
Overall, it didn't grip me or massively shock me in any way, but it did keep me intrigued throughout, and the audiobook definitely made my long train journey more entertaining!
October 24, 2023
We've had The Chalet, The Chateau, The Cruise and now The Island. A slow burner that speeds up as the pages turn.
The Island sounds beautiful and picturesque and sounds like a dream, or in this case a nightmare.
As with all of Catherine's books, there comes a point in the book where I think "yes I've got this, I know who has done it" and then I'm proven wrong.
Another fantastic read from Catherine and I can't wait to see what comes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Island sounds beautiful and picturesque and sounds like a dream, or in this case a nightmare.
As with all of Catherine's books, there comes a point in the book where I think "yes I've got this, I know who has done it" and then I'm proven wrong.
Another fantastic read from Catherine and I can't wait to see what comes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 28, 2023
Loved the setting of this book and the isolation. The characters were also all very memorable and I enjoyed the different POV and time lines. I find this author's writing very easy and a joy to read and I loved the detail and descriptions as it felt as if I was there. The ending let it down a little for me. I found it a hit predictable.
December 1, 2023
All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com
Destination thrillers are fast becoming a favourite sub-genre of mine. I think, in part, it’s due to the distinct lack of ‘Summer’ we had in the UK this year. Only a small part though. The main reason is more to do with a number of extremely talented writers being able to transport us ‘sodden, rained upon readers’ to luxurious and exotic locations. The Island is the second book I’ve read by Catherine Cooper (the first being The Chateau) and oh my goodness what a thrilling, highly compelling tale it was!
Influencer Malia can’t believe her luck when she’s picked to attend a soft launch of an exclusive new resort in the Maldives. The trip is so different to everything else she’s been asked to promote but she’s not going to point that out to Araminta, the resorts publicist. The small group of reporters and influencers are shown what the resort has to offer whilst being wined and dined by Araminta and resort owner, Henry Cadwallader. But then things start to go wrong. Essential equipment fails leading to injuries and accidents. Then the biggest storm the island has ever seen hits, stranding the group with minimal staff for company. Unable to call for help. What Malia first thought of as paradise soon becomes hell on earth…
The Island is a highly compelling and thoroughly engaging psychological thriller which I devoured with undeniable glee. I was always drawn back to the novel. Grabbing a few minutes here and there in the middle of ‘adulting’. I was so keen to discover how the events of the prologue tied in to the rest of the story. By the end of the novel it all makes perfect sense but I could not wait to find out what the author was keeping from me! The story is told using a dual timeline – at a smash ball in May 1990 where students of an exclusive school drink themselves silly and take whatever is on offer. And in the present, as the press pack drink the finest champagne and gorge themselves on what the resort has to offer. There are obvious connections between the past and the present but I could not tie everything together in my mind, despite trying! I needed the skill and dare I say, deviousness, of the author to do that!
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I LOVED The Island with its stunning setting and well-written sense of place, its cast of mainly unlikeable characters who create some lovely tension just by ‘being’, and a great, twisty plot that drew me into the characters’ rather privileged world. Although the characters are mainly unlikeable I did really warm to Malia who through the whole experience still couldn’t quite believe how lucky she was to have been invited! If you’re looking for a spot of escapism in your next book and you’re a fan of the psychological thriller then this is an absolute ‘must read’. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was reminded once again what a talented author Cooper is. Full of beautifully written suspense and tension, with a lovely sense of foreboding throughout, this engaging, highly addictive read was just what I needed. Highly recommended.
Destination thrillers are fast becoming a favourite sub-genre of mine. I think, in part, it’s due to the distinct lack of ‘Summer’ we had in the UK this year. Only a small part though. The main reason is more to do with a number of extremely talented writers being able to transport us ‘sodden, rained upon readers’ to luxurious and exotic locations. The Island is the second book I’ve read by Catherine Cooper (the first being The Chateau) and oh my goodness what a thrilling, highly compelling tale it was!
Influencer Malia can’t believe her luck when she’s picked to attend a soft launch of an exclusive new resort in the Maldives. The trip is so different to everything else she’s been asked to promote but she’s not going to point that out to Araminta, the resorts publicist. The small group of reporters and influencers are shown what the resort has to offer whilst being wined and dined by Araminta and resort owner, Henry Cadwallader. But then things start to go wrong. Essential equipment fails leading to injuries and accidents. Then the biggest storm the island has ever seen hits, stranding the group with minimal staff for company. Unable to call for help. What Malia first thought of as paradise soon becomes hell on earth…
The Island is a highly compelling and thoroughly engaging psychological thriller which I devoured with undeniable glee. I was always drawn back to the novel. Grabbing a few minutes here and there in the middle of ‘adulting’. I was so keen to discover how the events of the prologue tied in to the rest of the story. By the end of the novel it all makes perfect sense but I could not wait to find out what the author was keeping from me! The story is told using a dual timeline – at a smash ball in May 1990 where students of an exclusive school drink themselves silly and take whatever is on offer. And in the present, as the press pack drink the finest champagne and gorge themselves on what the resort has to offer. There are obvious connections between the past and the present but I could not tie everything together in my mind, despite trying! I needed the skill and dare I say, deviousness, of the author to do that!
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I LOVED The Island with its stunning setting and well-written sense of place, its cast of mainly unlikeable characters who create some lovely tension just by ‘being’, and a great, twisty plot that drew me into the characters’ rather privileged world. Although the characters are mainly unlikeable I did really warm to Malia who through the whole experience still couldn’t quite believe how lucky she was to have been invited! If you’re looking for a spot of escapism in your next book and you’re a fan of the psychological thriller then this is an absolute ‘must read’. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was reminded once again what a talented author Cooper is. Full of beautifully written suspense and tension, with a lovely sense of foreboding throughout, this engaging, highly addictive read was just what I needed. Highly recommended.
October 13, 2023
I read my first Catherine Cooper book in 2021 when participating in the blog tour for The Chateau and fell in love with this author’s glamourous settings. I am reading one of her books every year. Last year I reviewed The Cruise and now I escaped with The Island. I have a copy of The Chalet sitting on my TBR pile which I need to make some time for soon.
If you are not familiar with the author, then you can expect a gripping thriller with an amazing setting. All her books transport you to beautiful destinations with amazing scenic descriptions that will leave you feeling that you visited these wonderful places. If you are looking for an escape read, then you won’t go wrong reaching for one of Catherine Cooper’s books.
The author successfully transports you to an island in the Maldives when you open this book. The story features two timelines 1990 and the present. Each chapter shares new information about the characters. The Island is an intriguing read about rich twins, their privileged lives and the impact their choices had on other people. While this book has a slow start, you will soon find yourself engrossed and unable to put it down.
Malia is an influencer, but she does not have an impressive following, yet. An exclusive invitation to a luxury resort in the Maldives would go a long way to increasing her followers. Malia is not sure how she got added to the guest list, but she plans on taking full advantage of this rare opportunity. But when the Wi-Fi goes down and people start dying, while a raging storm keeps everyone trapped on the island, Malia is eager to go home. The luxury of the hotel is not enough to make her feel safe.
This book brought the Maldives to me. I loved the detailed description of the food and food presentation. I was curiously turning the pages to find out what was coming next.
The characters in this story are full of surprises. Not all of them are good. I shared Malia's doubts about these people. Henry, the spoiled rich kid, who saw himself as better than everyone else, was a huge disappointment. The way he stood up for Ophelia when he knew she was not a nice person left him annoying me. As for Ophelia, how can anyone be that cold and selfish? Xander was so concerned with what Henry would think that he never considered how badly he treated Ashley. Sadly, he did not receive any sympathy from me. Claire made me smile with her constant diva comments. She added a lighter side to the story. Araminta was difficult to place, initially, she seemed to fall flat – it was as if she didn’t have a personality at all. That changed towards the end of the book. The only character I felt bad for was Ashley. She was innocent in this story.
This was yet another great read from Catherine Cooper. The graphic detail about the food left my mouth watering while turning the pages. Whether you are new to this author or not you will find her books to be a fabulous escape. If you are looking for a glamorous thriller that is full of surprises, then you will not want to miss this book. You should note that by the time you reach the end of this story, you might want to head to the Maldives to experience the amazing food and water sports.
https://featzreviews.com/the-island-b...
If you are not familiar with the author, then you can expect a gripping thriller with an amazing setting. All her books transport you to beautiful destinations with amazing scenic descriptions that will leave you feeling that you visited these wonderful places. If you are looking for an escape read, then you won’t go wrong reaching for one of Catherine Cooper’s books.
The author successfully transports you to an island in the Maldives when you open this book. The story features two timelines 1990 and the present. Each chapter shares new information about the characters. The Island is an intriguing read about rich twins, their privileged lives and the impact their choices had on other people. While this book has a slow start, you will soon find yourself engrossed and unable to put it down.
Malia is an influencer, but she does not have an impressive following, yet. An exclusive invitation to a luxury resort in the Maldives would go a long way to increasing her followers. Malia is not sure how she got added to the guest list, but she plans on taking full advantage of this rare opportunity. But when the Wi-Fi goes down and people start dying, while a raging storm keeps everyone trapped on the island, Malia is eager to go home. The luxury of the hotel is not enough to make her feel safe.
This book brought the Maldives to me. I loved the detailed description of the food and food presentation. I was curiously turning the pages to find out what was coming next.
The characters in this story are full of surprises. Not all of them are good. I shared Malia's doubts about these people. Henry, the spoiled rich kid, who saw himself as better than everyone else, was a huge disappointment. The way he stood up for Ophelia when he knew she was not a nice person left him annoying me. As for Ophelia, how can anyone be that cold and selfish? Xander was so concerned with what Henry would think that he never considered how badly he treated Ashley. Sadly, he did not receive any sympathy from me. Claire made me smile with her constant diva comments. She added a lighter side to the story. Araminta was difficult to place, initially, she seemed to fall flat – it was as if she didn’t have a personality at all. That changed towards the end of the book. The only character I felt bad for was Ashley. She was innocent in this story.
This was yet another great read from Catherine Cooper. The graphic detail about the food left my mouth watering while turning the pages. Whether you are new to this author or not you will find her books to be a fabulous escape. If you are looking for a glamorous thriller that is full of surprises, then you will not want to miss this book. You should note that by the time you reach the end of this story, you might want to head to the Maldives to experience the amazing food and water sports.
https://featzreviews.com/the-island-b...
October 13, 2023
'The Island' is a bit of a slow burn and Cooper takes her time building the atmosphere but it is worth it for when the action starts to happen. We follow Malia on a PR trip to a luxury resort in the Maldives, we know something is going to happen and Cooper builds the intensity and atmosphere until it is revealed. As well as this there are chapters set in the past and we know the events of the present are linked. There is a big mystery at the heart of this read and I liked how Cooper builds the intrigue and tension. Having this set in the Maldives was another positive for me as it really felt like escapism whilst I was reading this and I could envisage the beauty of the surroundings. The characters all have something about them and again I was keen to get to know them and their secrets. 'The Island' is worth the wait for the action at the end and I particularly enjoyed how Cooper then ties everything up. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance copy.
October 18, 2023
Having read and loved The Chalet by this author, I jumped at this one. Another excellent 5 star read!
Malia is an insta influencer who is still growing her follower count. She is invited to an exclusive, brand new resort in the Maldives along with other journalists & influencers. Its an all expenses paid trip to drum up publicity for the Island. Everything you could ever want is included even a turtle sanctuary. What more could they want...a dead body in the underwater restaurant? Oh somethings not right.
There is a dual Timeline from 1990 which builds the story for present day. Multiple Povs & plenty of red herrings keep you guessing throughout.
I loved this! Everything I thought I had it, the next page proved me wrong. Catherine Cooper is now an autobuy author for me.
Malia is an insta influencer who is still growing her follower count. She is invited to an exclusive, brand new resort in the Maldives along with other journalists & influencers. Its an all expenses paid trip to drum up publicity for the Island. Everything you could ever want is included even a turtle sanctuary. What more could they want...a dead body in the underwater restaurant? Oh somethings not right.
There is a dual Timeline from 1990 which builds the story for present day. Multiple Povs & plenty of red herrings keep you guessing throughout.
I loved this! Everything I thought I had it, the next page proved me wrong. Catherine Cooper is now an autobuy author for me.
December 18, 2023
There was a lot going on in this book and I was there for every second of it!
I loved the combination of the past with the present as well as, later on, the addition of the thoughts from the anonymous murderer... I had multiple suspects go through my mind as I read on. Murder aside, I'd love to stay in this resort!
I did feel someone got a bit of a raw deal, where more information could have helped. Also, I was surprised by a decision and wanted to know the motive behind it.
Overall, a great plot and I loved the additional details about the food and experience - meant I could picture the whole thing.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from RandomThingsTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved the combination of the past with the present as well as, later on, the addition of the thoughts from the anonymous murderer... I had multiple suspects go through my mind as I read on. Murder aside, I'd love to stay in this resort!
I did feel someone got a bit of a raw deal, where more information could have helped. Also, I was surprised by a decision and wanted to know the motive behind it.
Overall, a great plot and I loved the additional details about the food and experience - meant I could picture the whole thing.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from RandomThingsTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 24, 2024
3.75
What a fun popcorn thriller! It was a super easy to read that eased me out of my reading funk. It started with a bang and successfully straddled two timelines. When small plot twists were revealed in the first half I found myself shocked. Towards the end I had already thought through a number of possibilities as to who and what had happened. I was therefore slightly less surprised when the truth was revealed, but that was more akin with my voracious thriller reading mind and not Catherine's writing. It was definitely not what I had assumed the book would be and the very last twist I found satisfying as for a second I thought there was going to be a loose end! But no! It was neatly tied up :)
What a fun popcorn thriller! It was a super easy to read that eased me out of my reading funk. It started with a bang and successfully straddled two timelines. When small plot twists were revealed in the first half I found myself shocked. Towards the end I had already thought through a number of possibilities as to who and what had happened. I was therefore slightly less surprised when the truth was revealed, but that was more akin with my voracious thriller reading mind and not Catherine's writing. It was definitely not what I had assumed the book would be and the very last twist I found satisfying as for a second I thought there was going to be a loose end! But no! It was neatly tied up :)
November 10, 2023
Probably my favourite Catherine Cooper book to date and yes I have read them and thoroughly enjoyed all the others too.
A fantastic cast of characters and an exceptional location, on an island in the Maldives where you can almost feel you are there too, but very grateful that I'm actually not. Raced through this book as was so hard to put down with the twists and turns and needed to know what happened next and "who dunnit".
Hope The Island gets made into a movie or short tv series as would transfer really well.
A big thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the Arc for review.
A fantastic cast of characters and an exceptional location, on an island in the Maldives where you can almost feel you are there too, but very grateful that I'm actually not. Raced through this book as was so hard to put down with the twists and turns and needed to know what happened next and "who dunnit".
Hope The Island gets made into a movie or short tv series as would transfer really well.
A big thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the Arc for review.
October 17, 2023
I had fun in reading this mystery set in a wonderful place and featuring a cast of mixed characters that you can love or hate.
Well plotted and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well plotted and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 13, 2024
Not going to lie after reading The Cruise which I have 5⭐️ and didn’t want to end. This one was a bit boring to me. I felt it dragged and didn’t flow like the other one. And there wasn’t a huge story line it was just whiny influencers who get are dealing with people dying. I didn’t feel it to be thrillery either. I’m just disappointed.
October 26, 2023
I really enjoyed it!
June 21, 2024
3.5* A solid fluffy vacation thriller - glamorous, jet set characters and location, dual timeline with long held secrets coming out in the modern day.
A fun and satisfying read
A fun and satisfying read
June 3, 2025
Leuke thriller! Bizar doordacht.
September 17, 2023
I've loved Catherine Cooper's previous novels - tight and twisty psychological thrillers set in such great locations as a French chateau, a fancy ski resort or on board a luxury cruise ship. With that in mind, I was very keen to visit (from my armchair, obviously!) the latest high-end setting, a sumptuous and exclusive Maldives resort in 'The Island'.
This is a dual timeline novel told from multiple perspectives - we spend the majority of the novel on a press junket to the posh resort set up by high-society twins Henry and Ophelia. A range of journalists and influencers have been invited to enjoy the resort before the main launch - but bad luck seems to plague the party from the start. When the island is cut off due to a storm and a little internet outage, the danger levels rise as the group realise that there could be a killer among them.
The second timeline takes us back to Henry and Ophelia's earlier entrepreneurial endeavours when they were at school, running debauched parties for teens. As with Cooper's other novels, the seeds of present-day disasters lie in the past, but (as usual) I totally failed to pick up many of the clues and the denouement was a surprise to me - just as it should be!
I thought that the characters were more sympathetic in this novel than in some of the previous ones. There are always going to be some horrors, but I found a few of the main characters to be genuinely likeable. I especially liked Malia, the least experienced of the influencer/journalist group and one of the main narrators - her awe at the luxury of the resort but determination to play it cool was just how I imagine I'd feel!
The setting is beautifully written - the resort sounds like an absolute dream, even if the itinerary would strike fear into my heart - scuba diving, quad biking, eating risky fugu sushi...I think I'd be passing up opportunities, although hopefully with more grace than some of the less polite journalists in the book!
If you've enjoyed Cooper's previous novels, there's lots more to enjoy here. If you're a keen armchair traveller, ditto. This is a page-turner that will keep you reading right until the end - the twists come thick and fast and there are some real surprises along the way.
This is a dual timeline novel told from multiple perspectives - we spend the majority of the novel on a press junket to the posh resort set up by high-society twins Henry and Ophelia. A range of journalists and influencers have been invited to enjoy the resort before the main launch - but bad luck seems to plague the party from the start. When the island is cut off due to a storm and a little internet outage, the danger levels rise as the group realise that there could be a killer among them.
The second timeline takes us back to Henry and Ophelia's earlier entrepreneurial endeavours when they were at school, running debauched parties for teens. As with Cooper's other novels, the seeds of present-day disasters lie in the past, but (as usual) I totally failed to pick up many of the clues and the denouement was a surprise to me - just as it should be!
I thought that the characters were more sympathetic in this novel than in some of the previous ones. There are always going to be some horrors, but I found a few of the main characters to be genuinely likeable. I especially liked Malia, the least experienced of the influencer/journalist group and one of the main narrators - her awe at the luxury of the resort but determination to play it cool was just how I imagine I'd feel!
The setting is beautifully written - the resort sounds like an absolute dream, even if the itinerary would strike fear into my heart - scuba diving, quad biking, eating risky fugu sushi...I think I'd be passing up opportunities, although hopefully with more grace than some of the less polite journalists in the book!
If you've enjoyed Cooper's previous novels, there's lots more to enjoy here. If you're a keen armchair traveller, ditto. This is a page-turner that will keep you reading right until the end - the twists come thick and fast and there are some real surprises along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews