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The Guests
The resort of their dreams.
A destination to die for...
WELCOME TO PARADISE!
Or so the staff say when they greet the Hamiltons at the idyllic Asana Fushi resort in the Maldives.
And it starts off that champagne picnics on powder-white sand, snorkelling in the serene blue sea and moonlit walks under the stars.
But lies lurk beneath the luxury because each of the guests has a secret, and they're not the only ones.
How can a once-in-a-lifetime trip turn into the holiday from hell?
From the author of THE BEACH PARTY comes a novel of sun, sea and secrets for fans of ONE OF THE GIRLS and WHITE LOTUS.
A destination to die for...
WELCOME TO PARADISE!
Or so the staff say when they greet the Hamiltons at the idyllic Asana Fushi resort in the Maldives.
And it starts off that champagne picnics on powder-white sand, snorkelling in the serene blue sea and moonlit walks under the stars.
But lies lurk beneath the luxury because each of the guests has a secret, and they're not the only ones.
How can a once-in-a-lifetime trip turn into the holiday from hell?
From the author of THE BEACH PARTY comes a novel of sun, sea and secrets for fans of ONE OF THE GIRLS and WHITE LOTUS.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2024
106 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Smith
5 books111 followersNikki Smith worked in finance until 2017, when a 'now or never' moment prompted her to apply for the Curtis Brown Creative writing course. She is the author of five novels and co-host of the podcast In Suspense. She lives in Guildford with her family and loves to travel, ideally somewhere hot and sunny.
You can find out more about her on her website www.nikkismithauthor.com & she's on twitter/X as @mrssmithmunday
You can find out more about her on her website www.nikkismithauthor.com & she's on twitter/X as @mrssmithmunday
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
May 16, 2024
After a break in at their family home that left them traumatised, a family heads to the beautiful Maldives for a chance to refresh, relax, and reset. They seem like the perfect family, but appearances can be deceiving, and everyone has secrets.
I felt like this one had the potential to be great. However, it missed the mark for me. Every single character was unlikeable, and a lot of their actions really baffled me. There were plenty of twists throughout the story. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough to make up for the fact that I was a little bored throughout a lot of the story. And to top it all off, it ended on a twist and didn't really wrap anything up. Which is probably going to bug me until the day I die. Unless there's going to be a second book, which I will have to read just to find out what happens, despite not overly liking this one.
I felt like this one had the potential to be great. However, it missed the mark for me. Every single character was unlikeable, and a lot of their actions really baffled me. There were plenty of twists throughout the story. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough to make up for the fact that I was a little bored throughout a lot of the story. And to top it all off, it ended on a twist and didn't really wrap anything up. Which is probably going to bug me until the day I die. Unless there's going to be a second book, which I will have to read just to find out what happens, despite not overly liking this one.
December 26, 2023
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb promised a thriller, but the book didn't deliver the intregue and suspense I was expecting.
The Guests is written as a countdown, with each chapter giving a time left. This leads you to believe that something monumentous will happen when the clock reaches zero...it doesn't. The ending can best be described as a damp squib. I felt cheated. Having ploughed my way through all the totally unbelievable nonsense that the characters got up to, I wanted something major to happen, something that would have made it all worthwhile. What did happen left me regretting wasting my time.
I can't, in all honesty, recommend this book. The characters are shallow and stereotypical. None are particularly likeable and I could feel no affinity for any of them. I didn't really care what happened to them.
The descriptions of the islands is good. I could imagine being on the beaches or in the resort, but that doesn't make up for the rest.
The blurb promised a thriller, but the book didn't deliver the intregue and suspense I was expecting.
The Guests is written as a countdown, with each chapter giving a time left. This leads you to believe that something monumentous will happen when the clock reaches zero...it doesn't. The ending can best be described as a damp squib. I felt cheated. Having ploughed my way through all the totally unbelievable nonsense that the characters got up to, I wanted something major to happen, something that would have made it all worthwhile. What did happen left me regretting wasting my time.
I can't, in all honesty, recommend this book. The characters are shallow and stereotypical. None are particularly likeable and I could feel no affinity for any of them. I didn't really care what happened to them.
The descriptions of the islands is good. I could imagine being on the beaches or in the resort, but that doesn't make up for the rest.
March 27, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive a proof of The Guests just before jetting off to the Maldives, so of course I took it with me and read it on location!
Zach and Cara Hamilton, and their daughter Alexa, decide to take a well deserved break to the exclusive resort of Asana Fushi, where they're promised an idyllic getaway from life's every day stresses. As a self-made man with a flourishing company, Zach promises not to do any business whilst he's away, but that promise doesn't last long when he bumps into Instagram sensation Skye Elliott. Zach sees an opportunity to boost his career if he can push a business idea to Skye and her millions of followers.
Cara does her best to relax but with a terrifying ordeal at home not far from her mind, she's finding it difficult. And Zach's continual disappearances aren't helping. When Zach finally goes off on one of his jaunts and returns much later than expected, she starts to get worried.
The Guests definitely is a twisty thriller with a revelation that makes the bottom drop out of the family's world. Despite it's dark storyline, it really is a great book to be reading on the beach, with a cocktail, and wondering what on earth the other guests are really up to! Great stuff!
Zach and Cara Hamilton, and their daughter Alexa, decide to take a well deserved break to the exclusive resort of Asana Fushi, where they're promised an idyllic getaway from life's every day stresses. As a self-made man with a flourishing company, Zach promises not to do any business whilst he's away, but that promise doesn't last long when he bumps into Instagram sensation Skye Elliott. Zach sees an opportunity to boost his career if he can push a business idea to Skye and her millions of followers.
Cara does her best to relax but with a terrifying ordeal at home not far from her mind, she's finding it difficult. And Zach's continual disappearances aren't helping. When Zach finally goes off on one of his jaunts and returns much later than expected, she starts to get worried.
The Guests definitely is a twisty thriller with a revelation that makes the bottom drop out of the family's world. Despite it's dark storyline, it really is a great book to be reading on the beach, with a cocktail, and wondering what on earth the other guests are really up to! Great stuff!
July 17, 2024
The twists kept it interesting but that’s about the only thing this book had going for it. The characters were all unsympathetic and so I found it hard to care (and even somewhat enjoyed watching) when things blew up in their faces. The writing felt somewhat clunky with some shameless self-promotion of the author’s other book and excessive attempts to be ‘woke’ that just started to feel cringey. Overall, this could have been great with its interesting plot but the delivery just fell short for me.
March 19, 2024
Really liked this. There were so many surprises and twists, I really enjoyed getting blindsided by them all!
June 26, 2024
I bought this for a friend and now I feel sorry for her
July 28, 2024
So bad. Beyond bad. Every chapter ended like a Goosebumps book where the author tried to cause shock and suspense. It did not do so. Barely drawn out characters and an absolutely absurd catalogue of “twists”. There are people out there who would enjoy this book. Equally, there are people who enjoy being 5am risers. I fall into neither category. Avoid this book.
December 8, 2024
3.5 stars. Zach and Cara Hamilton, along with their daughter Alexa, are off to a luxury resort in the Maldives. First a successful businessman like Max, it’s a chance to unwind and destress. And he’s picked an environmentally friendly resort as this topic is close to his heart. But as the days pass there seems to be less relaxation and much more drama and tension. And it soon becomes clear that this beautiful island harbours ugly secrets…
An enjoyable destination thriller; you’ve got to love a luxury resort filled with riches that many of us can only dream about. And it had a decent enough plot. I listened to this on audio and despite being a huge audio fan I didn’t enjoy the narration here; I didn’t warm to the narrator which left me feeling less empathy for the characters, which was a real shame. I’m definitely going to try Nikki Smith again as I thought this had great potential- but next time I’m going to read the actual book!
An enjoyable destination thriller; you’ve got to love a luxury resort filled with riches that many of us can only dream about. And it had a decent enough plot. I listened to this on audio and despite being a huge audio fan I didn’t enjoy the narration here; I didn’t warm to the narrator which left me feeling less empathy for the characters, which was a real shame. I’m definitely going to try Nikki Smith again as I thought this had great potential- but next time I’m going to read the actual book!
March 3, 2024
I do enjoy a destination thriller, especially when it whisks me off to an exotic location where, just for a few hours, I can forget the cold and the rain. The Guests takes us to the tropical Maldives resort of Asana Fushi. The perfect getaway for Cara Hamilton, her husband wealthy businessman Zack, and their daughter Alexa. It’s a chance for the family to rest, relax, reconnect and recover following an awful ordeal. Throw in an untrustworthy supporting cast and you have all the makings for a twisted heart in your mouth psychological thriller.
Based on the prologue, the reader is aware that something terrible has happened to one of the characters. I loved how the author uses each chapter title to count down the days and hours until the ‘shocking event’ it gives the plot a genuine sense of urgency and a hefty dose of impending doom! The characters are pretty unlikable, they're an entitled bunch with no redeeming qualities. They make the worst choices. I’m not going to lie at some points, I screamed in frustration. And yet their tangled relationships make for an addictive read. Every action has a consequence and for some of THE GUESTS the consequences are far-reaching.
Nikki Smith’s visual imagery of the Maldives not only sets the scene, it also transports the reader to the luxury resort to watch the action unfold. Nikki Smith certainly knows how to keep the readers’ attention. As it’s the character’s fate that we learn about in the prologue that propels the plot forward. Anticipation grows as the countdown continues. I found The Guests to be such a fun read, addictive and deliciously twisted. Highly recommended to those who enjoy a destination thriller with a twist in its tail.
You can follow me at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
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Based on the prologue, the reader is aware that something terrible has happened to one of the characters. I loved how the author uses each chapter title to count down the days and hours until the ‘shocking event’ it gives the plot a genuine sense of urgency and a hefty dose of impending doom! The characters are pretty unlikable, they're an entitled bunch with no redeeming qualities. They make the worst choices. I’m not going to lie at some points, I screamed in frustration. And yet their tangled relationships make for an addictive read. Every action has a consequence and for some of THE GUESTS the consequences are far-reaching.
Nikki Smith’s visual imagery of the Maldives not only sets the scene, it also transports the reader to the luxury resort to watch the action unfold. Nikki Smith certainly knows how to keep the readers’ attention. As it’s the character’s fate that we learn about in the prologue that propels the plot forward. Anticipation grows as the countdown continues. I found The Guests to be such a fun read, addictive and deliciously twisted. Highly recommended to those who enjoy a destination thriller with a twist in its tail.
You can follow me at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
March 26, 2024
I think Smith was trying to write a book closely like The White Lotus but it definitely didn’t land. I loved the TV show so could easily see the comparisons but Smith’s writing was simplistic and the plot rushed.
It didn’t feel fleshed out enough with plot points thrown in, a lot of mystery but not a lot of explanation. There would be one long rambling explanation trying to explain something and then that would be it. The characters were completely unlikeable, made worse I think by them feeling very 2D. I didn’t feel like I knew them or their motivations so some of their actions felt bizarre. Some things happened that felt incredibly random and were just another way to add a slight thrill but it didn’t work. The ending felt rushed and not well thought out, kind of a jumbled together way of trying to give some a happy(ish) ending.
I was hoping for an edge of my seat thriller with loads of mystery but if anything I was quite bored. It was an easy read which is why I finished it quite quickly but not one I would be quick to recommend.
It didn’t feel fleshed out enough with plot points thrown in, a lot of mystery but not a lot of explanation. There would be one long rambling explanation trying to explain something and then that would be it. The characters were completely unlikeable, made worse I think by them feeling very 2D. I didn’t feel like I knew them or their motivations so some of their actions felt bizarre. Some things happened that felt incredibly random and were just another way to add a slight thrill but it didn’t work. The ending felt rushed and not well thought out, kind of a jumbled together way of trying to give some a happy(ish) ending.
I was hoping for an edge of my seat thriller with loads of mystery but if anything I was quite bored. It was an easy read which is why I finished it quite quickly but not one I would be quick to recommend.
March 24, 2024
The Guests is an utterly addictive thriller which kept me reading way past my bedtime. Nikki Smith is the queen of destination thrillers, conjuring the Maldives so vividly I could feel the sun beating down, the hot sand beneath my feet and the cool blue ocean lapping at the shore. But beneath the tranquility of the scene, the guests and the staff have self interests and potent secrets they will go to terrifying lengths to protect. Chilling, heart-pounding with suspense, I defy anyone to put this book down until they reach the last nail-biting page.
July 31, 2024
Not a fan of this!
May 15, 2024
4.25*
I needed some glamour in my life so I knew as soon as I read the synopsis that I needed to read The Guests and it didn't disappoint - I devoured this exotic thriller in one day.
This, to sum up from the start, is a proper holiday read thriller with the massive bonus that it's well written too.
Set in the Maldives, we follow a group of guests including the Hamilton family as they try to get away from the stresses of everyday life to relax and enjoy the beauty of their luxury resort. Unfortunately, as is often the case, their secrets and lies aren't quite so easy to leave behind.
This book was glamourous and trashy in all the best ways. The characters all fit classic thriller tropes but feel human and flawed - and incredibly annoying at times. Despite these flaws I didn't get to the point of not caring about them.
I enjoyed the glamourous setting that also managed to feel seedy and dark. There's also plenty of hidden information that is drip fed to us as the story unfolds and I kept reading to see what would come next as the lives of the characters unravelled before my eyes.
This book is all about the sun, sea, sand and secrets. There's lies, deceit and plenty of twists which makes for a fun and compelling read that you need to pick up to read by the pool when you get away this summer.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Penguin for a digital review copy of "The Guests" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
I needed some glamour in my life so I knew as soon as I read the synopsis that I needed to read The Guests and it didn't disappoint - I devoured this exotic thriller in one day.
This, to sum up from the start, is a proper holiday read thriller with the massive bonus that it's well written too.
Set in the Maldives, we follow a group of guests including the Hamilton family as they try to get away from the stresses of everyday life to relax and enjoy the beauty of their luxury resort. Unfortunately, as is often the case, their secrets and lies aren't quite so easy to leave behind.
This book was glamourous and trashy in all the best ways. The characters all fit classic thriller tropes but feel human and flawed - and incredibly annoying at times. Despite these flaws I didn't get to the point of not caring about them.
I enjoyed the glamourous setting that also managed to feel seedy and dark. There's also plenty of hidden information that is drip fed to us as the story unfolds and I kept reading to see what would come next as the lives of the characters unravelled before my eyes.
This book is all about the sun, sea, sand and secrets. There's lies, deceit and plenty of twists which makes for a fun and compelling read that you need to pick up to read by the pool when you get away this summer.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Penguin for a digital review copy of "The Guests" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
May 21, 2024
The Hamilton family (Zach, Cara, & teenage daughter Alexa) arrive at the Asana Fushi resort in the Maldives for a luxury holiday. The resort prides itself on being luxurious yet environmentally friendly, & Skye Elliott, a 'Green Influencer' is also there to provide an in-depth review. Add in a professional rival of Zach's & the stage is set. Beneath the gilded exterior, everyone has their secrets & some might kill to keep them hidden.
I thought this was quite an absorbing thriller with a small cast of characters. The strong points included the plot having lots of different strands & no-one seems to be quite who they say they are. Nor are they very likeable & it made it a tense read. I also really liked the eye-catching cover. Weak points though were that the characters were rather stereotypical (i.e. moody teenage daughter, menopausal mum, etc) & I think the ending let it down a little for me as it was too open-ended. Overall it was very readable & kept my attention well but the character tropes & ending mean that I rate this one 3.5 stars (rounded down).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penguin, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I thought this was quite an absorbing thriller with a small cast of characters. The strong points included the plot having lots of different strands & no-one seems to be quite who they say they are. Nor are they very likeable & it made it a tense read. I also really liked the eye-catching cover. Weak points though were that the characters were rather stereotypical (i.e. moody teenage daughter, menopausal mum, etc) & I think the ending let it down a little for me as it was too open-ended. Overall it was very readable & kept my attention well but the character tropes & ending mean that I rate this one 3.5 stars (rounded down).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penguin, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
June 24, 2024
I found this book intriguing, there were lot's of hints and suspense of different events that had previously happened, that I think my nosiness kept me reading.
The book starts with a family going away on holiday to a very exclusive and supposed eco-friendly resort. Once there all three from the family encounter there own problems that they have to face, whilst also carrying the problems from home.
I didn't particularly like most of the characters, but that's not to say they weren't fully formed and I don't always believe we're supposed to like all the characters in a story.
I thought the story had potential, it really felt like it was building to an exciting end, but I felt let down and underwhelmed by the conclusion of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC
Reviews also published on:
Coffee and Kindle Blog
The StoryGraph
Amazon
The book starts with a family going away on holiday to a very exclusive and supposed eco-friendly resort. Once there all three from the family encounter there own problems that they have to face, whilst also carrying the problems from home.
I didn't particularly like most of the characters, but that's not to say they weren't fully formed and I don't always believe we're supposed to like all the characters in a story.
I thought the story had potential, it really felt like it was building to an exciting end, but I felt let down and underwhelmed by the conclusion of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC
Reviews also published on:
Coffee and Kindle Blog
The StoryGraph
Amazon
June 13, 2024
This is my favourite book, the best book I’ve ever read to be honest! Absolutely loved it. A really good pace, an easy read and lots of twists and turns.
February 26, 2024
Wow what can I say? Nikki is the author to go to for a summer themed holiday thriller. Knocked it right out of the park with this one. Now it may be because I read this on the beach so I was right there with the characters but I got so sucked up into this story. I read it in 2 days straight. I did not see the twists and turns, loved the characters and genuinely felt for them when things took a turn for the worst. By the ending, I was in pieces for Cara and Alexa. Please tell me there is a part 2 to this story Nikki as I NEED to know. Guys please go check out this awesome holiday thriller when it comes out in May. A must read.
April 21, 2024
Ooooh!! Thriller lovers need to add this to their TBR, I mean being transported to the Maldives and some dark and twisty action, who wants to miss out on that!
I really enjoyed the aspect of eco friendly resorts and its purpose, the characters on the other hand? What a bunch of oddballs!
The twists are fantastic and some so unexpected! The use of chapter countdowns really did add to the tension throughout the book and had me racing through it.
Pre-Order now.
I really enjoyed the aspect of eco friendly resorts and its purpose, the characters on the other hand? What a bunch of oddballs!
The twists are fantastic and some so unexpected! The use of chapter countdowns really did add to the tension throughout the book and had me racing through it.
Pre-Order now.
April 30, 2024
FAVOURITE BOOK OF THE YEAR SO FAR!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! I absolutely loved this book, and I could not put it down!! 🫶🏻
The lies, the truths, the setting, the plot, the characters, the twists, the turns, everything was great, and it was so brilliantly written! 👏🏻
Thank you so much to Nikki Smith and Netgalley for allowing me to read this and give my honest review! ❤️
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! I absolutely loved this book, and I could not put it down!! 🫶🏻
The lies, the truths, the setting, the plot, the characters, the twists, the turns, everything was great, and it was so brilliantly written! 👏🏻
Thank you so much to Nikki Smith and Netgalley for allowing me to read this and give my honest review! ❤️
March 8, 2025
utter trash, loved it
September 18, 2025
I have read so many bad thrillers lately. This was unfourtunately not an exception.
February 7, 2025
All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com
This is the first book I’ve read by Nikki Smith but it certainly won’t be the last. I love me a destination thriller and this one had me gripped within its pages from the moment I cracked the spine (helped by the wonderfully, somewhat macabre, prologue). The reader is introduced to the Hamilton family and our lead protagonist, Cara, as they’re about to board a seaplane to Asana Fushi in the Maldives. Cara and her husband, businessman Zack, along with their teenage daughter, Alexa, are on the holiday of a lifetime. A chance to reconnect, a chance to reflect and a chance to escape the humdrum of home. But all is not as it first appears. Because everyone on the island has a secret. A secret they’d do anything to keep…
I loved The Guests! Destination thrillers are absolutely top of the list for me at the moment and have been for a while. The setting screamed glamour, wealth and exclusivity. I’m sure many of us would love to holiday in the Maldives, myself included. I would however advise on avoiding this particular, fictional hotspot. Trust me, I’ve read the book! I thought the characters were well-written and I found myself warming to Cara. The more she showed her true colours, the more I liked her. The supporting characters were all strong and played their parts well. The plot moved along at a great pace, keeping me engaged and immersed in the story. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way. As I approached the denouement, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, keen to find out how things were going to end for the Hamiltons. Still can’t quite believe how wrong I actually got it! All in all, The Guests is a very readable, intriguing psychological thriller which I devoured with a big ol’ smile on my face. Hugely entertaining, perfectly pitched escapism. I’m looking forward to reading more by Nikki Smith soon. Recommended.
This is the first book I’ve read by Nikki Smith but it certainly won’t be the last. I love me a destination thriller and this one had me gripped within its pages from the moment I cracked the spine (helped by the wonderfully, somewhat macabre, prologue). The reader is introduced to the Hamilton family and our lead protagonist, Cara, as they’re about to board a seaplane to Asana Fushi in the Maldives. Cara and her husband, businessman Zack, along with their teenage daughter, Alexa, are on the holiday of a lifetime. A chance to reconnect, a chance to reflect and a chance to escape the humdrum of home. But all is not as it first appears. Because everyone on the island has a secret. A secret they’d do anything to keep…
I loved The Guests! Destination thrillers are absolutely top of the list for me at the moment and have been for a while. The setting screamed glamour, wealth and exclusivity. I’m sure many of us would love to holiday in the Maldives, myself included. I would however advise on avoiding this particular, fictional hotspot. Trust me, I’ve read the book! I thought the characters were well-written and I found myself warming to Cara. The more she showed her true colours, the more I liked her. The supporting characters were all strong and played their parts well. The plot moved along at a great pace, keeping me engaged and immersed in the story. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way. As I approached the denouement, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, keen to find out how things were going to end for the Hamiltons. Still can’t quite believe how wrong I actually got it! All in all, The Guests is a very readable, intriguing psychological thriller which I devoured with a big ol’ smile on my face. Hugely entertaining, perfectly pitched escapism. I’m looking forward to reading more by Nikki Smith soon. Recommended.
May 26, 2025
It’s been ages since I’ve read a thriller that packed a punch like this! I love a destination thriller and this did not disappoint in its ability to have SO much going on and so many questions!
Smith does a really good job of writing a multiple POV book that is somehow still very clear and concise in its narrative. There are so many interconnected threads that come together. This takes so skill!
We meet the affluent Hamilton family (all with their own secrets), influencer Skye, hotel manager Marc, butler Devi and an unknown POV. The setting is the beautiful Asana Fushi hotel in the Maldives. However, this turns out to the be the holiday from hell for the Hamiltons.
I loved that this was easy to read and fast paced. The chapters are set with a countdown, but I was a little disappointed at the lack of ‘HUGE’ ending I was expecting because of it. And I’m a little annoyed that I still have so many questions now that I’ve finished it! It almost finished as if there’s a sequel in the works?
Anyway, overall enjoyable and a good escapist read!
Smith does a really good job of writing a multiple POV book that is somehow still very clear and concise in its narrative. There are so many interconnected threads that come together. This takes so skill!
We meet the affluent Hamilton family (all with their own secrets), influencer Skye, hotel manager Marc, butler Devi and an unknown POV. The setting is the beautiful Asana Fushi hotel in the Maldives. However, this turns out to the be the holiday from hell for the Hamiltons.
I loved that this was easy to read and fast paced. The chapters are set with a countdown, but I was a little disappointed at the lack of ‘HUGE’ ending I was expecting because of it. And I’m a little annoyed that I still have so many questions now that I’ve finished it! It almost finished as if there’s a sequel in the works?
Anyway, overall enjoyable and a good escapist read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin for allowing me this eARC...
This was an enjoyable, quick read for me - one that I can imagine packing in my suitcase to read on holiday. It was my first read from this author, but it definitely won't be my last!
It is a modern-day thriller, where we follow a family of three from the UK on their luxury holiday to The Maldives.
We quickly learn however, that the Hamiltons are not the perfect family that they appear to be - with secrets and lies between them threatening to be exposed, and even fellow guests not being as they seemingly appear.
With plenty of twists, turns & surprises throughout to keep you guessing, this is a good holiday read for the summer.
This was an enjoyable, quick read for me - one that I can imagine packing in my suitcase to read on holiday. It was my first read from this author, but it definitely won't be my last!
It is a modern-day thriller, where we follow a family of three from the UK on their luxury holiday to The Maldives.
We quickly learn however, that the Hamiltons are not the perfect family that they appear to be - with secrets and lies between them threatening to be exposed, and even fellow guests not being as they seemingly appear.
With plenty of twists, turns & surprises throughout to keep you guessing, this is a good holiday read for the summer.
June 24, 2024
Combo of a few things making this an easy 4 star read.
My husband got this book for me in Scotland. I think the author is from the UK, so there is definitely some English tone and cultural elements within this read which I enjoyed. Love the setting of this book-The Maldives which happens to be one of my dream vacation destinations. The twists weren’t really expected, the storyline was fresh and linear, and the ending was an interesting surprise. Could see this being a series, but certainly less tropical based on the ending. This book reminded me so much of White Lotus. The chapters are short, with multiple points of view. It’s an incredibly easy read and very easy to follow. A great beach read. Would recommend reading this who done it in summer.
My husband got this book for me in Scotland. I think the author is from the UK, so there is definitely some English tone and cultural elements within this read which I enjoyed. Love the setting of this book-The Maldives which happens to be one of my dream vacation destinations. The twists weren’t really expected, the storyline was fresh and linear, and the ending was an interesting surprise. Could see this being a series, but certainly less tropical based on the ending. This book reminded me so much of White Lotus. The chapters are short, with multiple points of view. It’s an incredibly easy read and very easy to follow. A great beach read. Would recommend reading this who done it in summer.
June 20, 2025
this was such a good read I hadn't heard of Nikki Smith or read any of her books before so when I saw this on the supermarket shelf I took a chance and grabbed a copy.the cover is stunning the chapters are short.the characters were great I did have doubts about cara at first and Devi.but soon came to like cara.Zach and his wife cara and there daughter Alexa go to the Maldives for a much needed relaxing holiday after going through so much.zach cara and alexa stay at a resort.zach is trying to make environmentally products to save the planet although it seems all the guests including Instagram influencer Skye.me and my friend loved buddy reading this together we flew through the chapters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
**3.5**
The Hamiltons are on their perfect holiday at a luxury resort but underneath is lies and secrets that somebody will kill to keep their secrets buried.
This book was a quick read destination thriller. This book didn't wow me but it was a decent read with some good twists.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin UK and Nikki Smith for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Hamiltons are on their perfect holiday at a luxury resort but underneath is lies and secrets that somebody will kill to keep their secrets buried.
This book was a quick read destination thriller. This book didn't wow me but it was a decent read with some good twists.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin UK and Nikki Smith for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2024
THE GUESTS - NIKKI SMITH
After a horrific incident in their own home The Hamiltons arrive on the stunning resort in the Maldives. Sustainability is important to Mr Hamilton and maybe this holiday will bring his company some much needed help.
Mrs Hamilton is traumatised and hanging on by a thread but her daughter's life will always come first. Their daughter Alexa is going through a lot, will this holiday make everything better or worse?
The staff at the resort have their own secrets but what happens when a gruesome discovery is made long after the Hamiltons have left?
I wanted to enjoy this so much but I just couldn't, something was missing. Plus there were repeated lines and typos I couldn't see past!
@rachaelmcreads
After a horrific incident in their own home The Hamiltons arrive on the stunning resort in the Maldives. Sustainability is important to Mr Hamilton and maybe this holiday will bring his company some much needed help.
Mrs Hamilton is traumatised and hanging on by a thread but her daughter's life will always come first. Their daughter Alexa is going through a lot, will this holiday make everything better or worse?
The staff at the resort have their own secrets but what happens when a gruesome discovery is made long after the Hamiltons have left?
I wanted to enjoy this so much but I just couldn't, something was missing. Plus there were repeated lines and typos I couldn't see past!
@rachaelmcreads
July 29, 2024
Four stars may be slightly generous but I did enjoy the way this book is written really easy to read. Not the most plot twist crazy storyline but I didn’t expect it to end how it did.
August 7, 2024
This was not the thriller for me, I enjoyed the different characters back stories. But overall, the plot was laborious and not that thrilling of an ending. I was left disappointed.
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