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The Ski Trip
A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT…
Four friends go to the Alps on a boys’ skiing holiday. But their trip is cut short when one of them falls to his death.
Zoe travels to France with Ivy to collect Tom’s body. But while Zoe is consumed by grief, Ivy starts to question everything. OR COLD-BLOODED MURDER?
The slope Tom fell from wasn’t dangerous, and tensions between the group were at breaking point in the days before his death.
But if Ivy’s suspicions are correct, Tom was killed by one of his closest friends. And they are still in the chalet…
Four friends go to the Alps on a boys’ skiing holiday. But their trip is cut short when one of them falls to his death.
Zoe travels to France with Ivy to collect Tom’s body. But while Zoe is consumed by grief, Ivy starts to question everything. OR COLD-BLOODED MURDER?
The slope Tom fell from wasn’t dangerous, and tensions between the group were at breaking point in the days before his death.
But if Ivy’s suspicions are correct, Tom was killed by one of his closest friends. And they are still in the chalet…
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2023
360 people are currently reading
1231 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Clarke
8 books125 followersSarah Clarke worked as a copywriter for 20 years before joining the Faber Academy Writing a Novel course and starting her first psychological thriller.
Sarah was signed by HarperCollins HQ Digital in March 2021. Her debut novel A Mother Never Lies published later that year, and she has since published three more thrillers - Every Little Secret, My Perfect Friend and The Ski Trip. Sarah's next book - The Night She Dies - will be published in July 2024 and Sarah has recently signed with HQ Digital for two more thrillers - coming in 2025.
Sarah lives in London with her husband, two children and super-energetic cockapoo. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her losing a tennis match, or planning her next ski holiday.
Twitter: @SCWwriter
Instagram: @sarahclarkewriter
Facebook: @sarahclarkewriter
Sarah was signed by HarperCollins HQ Digital in March 2021. Her debut novel A Mother Never Lies published later that year, and she has since published three more thrillers - Every Little Secret, My Perfect Friend and The Ski Trip. Sarah's next book - The Night She Dies - will be published in July 2024 and Sarah has recently signed with HQ Digital for two more thrillers - coming in 2025.
Sarah lives in London with her husband, two children and super-energetic cockapoo. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her losing a tennis match, or planning her next ski holiday.
Twitter: @SCWwriter
Instagram: @sarahclarkewriter
Facebook: @sarahclarkewriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
September 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this chilly thriller from Clarke and loved how I could not foresee the plot development. I had plenty of suspects, plenty of motives… but was never correct! Furthermore, the final twist at the very end was even more shocking and effective, making this a great read from start to finish.
I enjoyed Clarke’s characterisation and found their different personalities added to the story. With the men and their battling egos versus the more softer women, I thought they all helped to develop the plot. The competitive nature of Tom, Rob, Julian and Harry helps to establish the negative atmosphere that exists in the events leading up to Tom’s death. The way that Clarke describes the friends makes them all suspicious but I could never be sure who knew the most about the circumstances of the accident.
When Zoe and Ivy arrive, the plot thickens because the atmosphere becomes even tenser between the group. Furthermore, Ivy can never truly relax because her mother is looking after her son and is concerned that someone is watching their house. Switching back to the Alps, it soon becomes clear that so many of the characters have secrets and the lack of trust really fuelled the suspense of the story.
The Alps setting is really vivid and I could imagine myself on the ski slopes with the wind whipping around. Despite reading this in the middle of summer, I could not help but feel a bit chilly! Frequently, the weather closes in on the characters and the use of pathetic fallacy intensified the claustrophobic atmosphere of the story.
This was a great read with as many twists and turns as a ski slope. Plenty of questions are raised along the way and I enjoyed trying to determine the truth behind Tom’s death.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Clarke’s characterisation and found their different personalities added to the story. With the men and their battling egos versus the more softer women, I thought they all helped to develop the plot. The competitive nature of Tom, Rob, Julian and Harry helps to establish the negative atmosphere that exists in the events leading up to Tom’s death. The way that Clarke describes the friends makes them all suspicious but I could never be sure who knew the most about the circumstances of the accident.
When Zoe and Ivy arrive, the plot thickens because the atmosphere becomes even tenser between the group. Furthermore, Ivy can never truly relax because her mother is looking after her son and is concerned that someone is watching their house. Switching back to the Alps, it soon becomes clear that so many of the characters have secrets and the lack of trust really fuelled the suspense of the story.
The Alps setting is really vivid and I could imagine myself on the ski slopes with the wind whipping around. Despite reading this in the middle of summer, I could not help but feel a bit chilly! Frequently, the weather closes in on the characters and the use of pathetic fallacy intensified the claustrophobic atmosphere of the story.
This was a great read with as many twists and turns as a ski slope. Plenty of questions are raised along the way and I enjoyed trying to determine the truth behind Tom’s death.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🏂The Ski Trip is written by South West London based writer Sarah Clarke, who has penned three psychological thrillers since 2021. The Ski Trip is the author’s latest release and is a revenge-based thriller that revolves around dark secrets, shock consequences, payback for past deeds and murder.
🏂The Ski Trip represents the first book I've read by British writer Sarah Clarke. I’m always excited to dive into a new to me author’s work and I was intrigued by Clarke’s background as a marketing copywriter. In The Ski Trip, Clarke presents a story set in the icy, cold snow-covered slopes of the Alps. I have to say with a heatwave happening where I am now, I appreciated this cool weather setting, it added a chilling atmosphere to the novel. The landscape helped increase the feelings of isolation, danger and helplessness that swirls around this tale.
🏂In terms of the plot, The Ski Trip reads like a classic thriller mystery with some well-timed twists and turns. Clarke’s narrative leans towards a revenge and cautionary tale, with a focus on dark secrets. The storyline does take a dark focus as it progresses, as the cast reveal their personal motivations for their behaviour and the consequences of past actions as gradually revealed. The cast were quite varied, but I connected to them in a surface level way only. While the setting was atmospheric and the tension was definitely set by Clarke to high bar, I found the plot to be a bit lacking in overall excitement. It didn’t quite have the punch I was hoping for from a psychological thriller.
🏂Overall, The Ski Trip is a decent winter thriller with intriguing elements, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I’m curious to see how Clarke’s other novels compare.
🏂The Ski Trip is written by South West London based writer Sarah Clarke, who has penned three psychological thrillers since 2021. The Ski Trip is the author’s latest release and is a revenge-based thriller that revolves around dark secrets, shock consequences, payback for past deeds and murder.
🏂The Ski Trip represents the first book I've read by British writer Sarah Clarke. I’m always excited to dive into a new to me author’s work and I was intrigued by Clarke’s background as a marketing copywriter. In The Ski Trip, Clarke presents a story set in the icy, cold snow-covered slopes of the Alps. I have to say with a heatwave happening where I am now, I appreciated this cool weather setting, it added a chilling atmosphere to the novel. The landscape helped increase the feelings of isolation, danger and helplessness that swirls around this tale.
🏂In terms of the plot, The Ski Trip reads like a classic thriller mystery with some well-timed twists and turns. Clarke’s narrative leans towards a revenge and cautionary tale, with a focus on dark secrets. The storyline does take a dark focus as it progresses, as the cast reveal their personal motivations for their behaviour and the consequences of past actions as gradually revealed. The cast were quite varied, but I connected to them in a surface level way only. While the setting was atmospheric and the tension was definitely set by Clarke to high bar, I found the plot to be a bit lacking in overall excitement. It didn’t quite have the punch I was hoping for from a psychological thriller.
🏂Overall, The Ski Trip is a decent winter thriller with intriguing elements, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I’m curious to see how Clarke’s other novels compare.
December 30, 2023
This was definitely a book I won't be forgetting soon, but I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing in this case. First of all this book was more of a drama than a thriller in many ways. There was constant focus on cheating scandals and baby drama that I wasn't expecting at all from the synopsis. I felt like I was almost ready a soap opera, which definitely made it super addicting, but in a "train-wreck" kind of way. Also I was more at a 3 with this until the ending. The fact that the murderer was driven crazy basically by not having a baby was such an overused and harmful stereotype to women. Women are often seen as these hormonal monsters who are obsessed with having a husband and child and that is their main goal in life. The ending of this definitely left a sour taste in my mouth over that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2023
Sarah Clarke's The Ski Trip is another snowbound psychological thriller along the lines of Catherine Cooper's The Chalet or Allie Reynolds's Shiver. Ivy accompanies her friend Zoe to the French ski resort of Moraine after Zoe's husband Tom dies in a freak accident while on a skiing holiday with some of their friends from university. But once they arrive, both new and old rifts surface within the group, and Ivy begins to wonder if Tom could have been murdered. Clarke does a good job of evoking the atmosphere of Moraine, and I enjoyed the snowy landscapes and skiing details. However, this thriller unfortunately did two of my least favourite things: So while I loved the setting, I wished this had been better written.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
November 26, 2023
Read for:
✳️Snowy thriller vibes
✳️Trust no one
✳️Murder or Accident??
🌟🌟🌟. 💫
Loved:
•The setting
•Easy Reading
•Academic Flashbacks
•Friend reunion
•Different pov
•Lots of secrets!
•Flawed characters
•That ending
Didn’t love:
•Anything about Zoe. 🫣
This was a very easy read & a perfect snowy thriller for those dark winter nights!
I did a combination of reading & listening to this book & would recommend both 🩷
✳️Snowy thriller vibes
✳️Trust no one
✳️Murder or Accident??
🌟🌟🌟. 💫
Loved:
•The setting
•Easy Reading
•Academic Flashbacks
•Friend reunion
•Different pov
•Lots of secrets!
•Flawed characters
•That ending
Didn’t love:
•Anything about Zoe. 🫣
This was a very easy read & a perfect snowy thriller for those dark winter nights!
I did a combination of reading & listening to this book & would recommend both 🩷
dnf
May 8, 2024Gave up at 15% on 8th May 2024.
It's not that it wasn't good. It just wasn't that captivating and I was finding my mind wandering a lot, uninterested. There were a lot of scenes in the past. That tends to lose my attention.
It's not that it wasn't good. It just wasn't that captivating and I was finding my mind wandering a lot, uninterested. There were a lot of scenes in the past. That tends to lose my attention.
September 22, 2025
This book started well, liked the pace and the structure of this story. Found many of the characters unlikable so struggled to root for anyone, and found the end a little predictable. Overall this book was well written and I’d read from this author again.
August 30, 2023
3.5 Stars
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a new author to me but the cover and title hooked me straight away so was eager to try it. It reminded me of The Chalet by Catherine Cooper.
The setting of the book was fantastic. Even though I've only been skiing once before, the descriptions and story came alive and brought me into the moment.
There were quite a few characters to follow but only 3 POV to start with. So some of the characters didn't feel as developed as the others.
I was intrigued as the story developed and some of the twists began to reveal themselves. I did feel that maybe there were too many by the end (the epilogue felt like it was only there for shock factor and didn't feel in keeping with the character). Also, a lot of the story and plot felt too convenient.
Overall, a decent thriller and I did enjoy it. I'll be checking out Sarah's other books too.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a new author to me but the cover and title hooked me straight away so was eager to try it. It reminded me of The Chalet by Catherine Cooper.
The setting of the book was fantastic. Even though I've only been skiing once before, the descriptions and story came alive and brought me into the moment.
There were quite a few characters to follow but only 3 POV to start with. So some of the characters didn't feel as developed as the others.
I was intrigued as the story developed and some of the twists began to reveal themselves. I did feel that maybe there were too many by the end (the epilogue felt like it was only there for shock factor and didn't feel in keeping with the character). Also, a lot of the story and plot felt too convenient.
Overall, a decent thriller and I did enjoy it. I'll be checking out Sarah's other books too.
December 24, 2023
2.5 maybeee
This was so weird bc this is one of the first times I’ve disliked a book this much and the reason wasn’t boredom. I mean I was bored but I also disliked so much of it. Ivy was being horrible to Zoe and them the first half, imagine loosing a husband/close friend in a very plausible ski accident and having someone trying to accuse you all of murder, (I mean she was right but in a very off chance.) Also Zoe was horrible and she was supposed to be but i wasn’t a fan of anything about her. Her psychosis didn’t feel believable at all. I don’t like Harry’s romantic implications with Ivy because I don’t think his violence is forgivable. There felt like there were so many loose ends with the friend group, specifically rob and his alcoholism. And I didn’t care at allll about Nina so the plot twist that it was her fell flat. The only thing I kinda liked was ivy’s moms redemption at the end.
ALSO let’s address the epilogue. THAT WAS CRAZY. I have very mixed feelings I really don’t know what to say. I guess it makes a sort of boring book a little more interesting, but I probably would’ve hated it for its suddenness if this was a better book.
This was so weird bc this is one of the first times I’ve disliked a book this much and the reason wasn’t boredom. I mean I was bored but I also disliked so much of it. Ivy was being horrible to Zoe and them the first half, imagine loosing a husband/close friend in a very plausible ski accident and having someone trying to accuse you all of murder, (I mean she was right but in a very off chance.) Also Zoe was horrible and she was supposed to be but i wasn’t a fan of anything about her. Her psychosis didn’t feel believable at all. I don’t like Harry’s romantic implications with Ivy because I don’t think his violence is forgivable. There felt like there were so many loose ends with the friend group, specifically rob and his alcoholism. And I didn’t care at allll about Nina so the plot twist that it was her fell flat. The only thing I kinda liked was ivy’s moms redemption at the end.
ALSO let’s address the epilogue. THAT WAS CRAZY. I have very mixed feelings I really don’t know what to say. I guess it makes a sort of boring book a little more interesting, but I probably would’ve hated it for its suddenness if this was a better book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
Rating: 2.3/5
I find it a frustrating experience reading Sarah Clarke's work. Having been impressed by her debut novel, "A Mother Never Lies", all of her subsequent three books have flattered to deceive to varying degrees.
Her latest offering "The Ski Trip" shapes up promisingly enough in the early stages. It has some familiar characteristics that, although not groundbreaking, have formed the bedrock of a number of appealing mysteries and thrillers. Ski resort settings have been popular with a number of writers in recent years and offer a backdrop that is not only appealing, but that also conjures up a counterintuitive sense of oppressive claustrophobia in spite of the wide open spaces. Add to the mix a cast of long-standing friends who are on their annual jaunt together, although each of them has secrets that they would prefer to keep hidden from the others. Finally, there is a dramatic death - but is it the accident that it appears to be, or the result of foul play?
For the most part, I enjoyed the first half of the book. Sarah Clarke set the scene well and the characterisation was pretty solid. There were a couple of elements of the plot that I was not entirely convinced by, but I was happy to grant the author the necessary artistic licence. However, even dramatic licence needs to remain within certain boundaries in order to maintain credibility and, as the narrative progressed, so I felt that Sarah Clarke crossed that line. The whole scenario became too contrived, to the point of being silly at times, and relied on too many convenient developments. However, worst of all - and probably the biggest sin a mystery writer can be guilty of - is to start pulling rabbits out of the hat. That is simply unforgivable!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
I find it a frustrating experience reading Sarah Clarke's work. Having been impressed by her debut novel, "A Mother Never Lies", all of her subsequent three books have flattered to deceive to varying degrees.
Her latest offering "The Ski Trip" shapes up promisingly enough in the early stages. It has some familiar characteristics that, although not groundbreaking, have formed the bedrock of a number of appealing mysteries and thrillers. Ski resort settings have been popular with a number of writers in recent years and offer a backdrop that is not only appealing, but that also conjures up a counterintuitive sense of oppressive claustrophobia in spite of the wide open spaces. Add to the mix a cast of long-standing friends who are on their annual jaunt together, although each of them has secrets that they would prefer to keep hidden from the others. Finally, there is a dramatic death - but is it the accident that it appears to be, or the result of foul play?
For the most part, I enjoyed the first half of the book. Sarah Clarke set the scene well and the characterisation was pretty solid. There were a couple of elements of the plot that I was not entirely convinced by, but I was happy to grant the author the necessary artistic licence. However, even dramatic licence needs to remain within certain boundaries in order to maintain credibility and, as the narrative progressed, so I felt that Sarah Clarke crossed that line. The whole scenario became too contrived, to the point of being silly at times, and relied on too many convenient developments. However, worst of all - and probably the biggest sin a mystery writer can be guilty of - is to start pulling rabbits out of the hat. That is simply unforgivable!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
December 17, 2023
Ivy works as a university meteorology lecturer, but currently is on maternity leave and due to return to work soon.
One evening, her friend from university, Zoe, turns up on her doorstep crying and saying that Tom, a prominent knee surgeon and Zoe’s husband, has died in a skiing accident in France. Zoe begs Ivy to come with her to France to bring Tom’s body back to the UK.
Reluctantly, Ivy agrees, but only after ensuring that she has childcare for her one-year-old son, Calum.
When the two women arrive at the chalet in Morzine, they meet Tom’s friends: Rob, Julian, and Harry, who are also medical professionals.
Ivy soon discovers that Tom has died on a blue run, which is classed as the one for the beginners, however, Tom was an experienced skier. Furthermore, all was not well on the lads’ holiday, as resentments and arguments were at the centre of their skiing weekend.
As she begins to questions the ‘accident’ even further, she doesn’t realise that her own life may be in danger…
What a twisty psychological thriller from Sarah Clarke. It’s perfect for this winter season, ready to be devoured in the warmth of your own home, surrounded by the fire.
I liked how every character had their own secret, I was trying to piece together who’s done what (I was wrong on all occasions!). I enjoyed the setting, too: secluded mountain range in France, with a billowing storm, and people forced to stay indoors and endure each other’s company.
It was the first book that I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last.
One evening, her friend from university, Zoe, turns up on her doorstep crying and saying that Tom, a prominent knee surgeon and Zoe’s husband, has died in a skiing accident in France. Zoe begs Ivy to come with her to France to bring Tom’s body back to the UK.
Reluctantly, Ivy agrees, but only after ensuring that she has childcare for her one-year-old son, Calum.
When the two women arrive at the chalet in Morzine, they meet Tom’s friends: Rob, Julian, and Harry, who are also medical professionals.
Ivy soon discovers that Tom has died on a blue run, which is classed as the one for the beginners, however, Tom was an experienced skier. Furthermore, all was not well on the lads’ holiday, as resentments and arguments were at the centre of their skiing weekend.
As she begins to questions the ‘accident’ even further, she doesn’t realise that her own life may be in danger…
What a twisty psychological thriller from Sarah Clarke. It’s perfect for this winter season, ready to be devoured in the warmth of your own home, surrounded by the fire.
I liked how every character had their own secret, I was trying to piece together who’s done what (I was wrong on all occasions!). I enjoyed the setting, too: secluded mountain range in France, with a billowing storm, and people forced to stay indoors and endure each other’s company.
It was the first book that I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last.
October 24, 2023
⚠️ CW: death, murder, violence, sexual assault, stalking, infertility, kidnapping and mentions of addiction ⚠️ This was an incredibly thrilling rollercoaster filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end! When four friends embark on a boys skiing holiday in the Alps, they anticipate a weekend of fun, drinking, and some healthy competition on the slopes but their trip is cut short when one of them falls to his death. Tom’s widow, Zoe, travels to France with her friend, Ivy, to collect his body. While Zoe is consumed by grief, Ivy starts to question everything. The slope Tom fell from wasn’t even dangerous and tensions between the group were at breaking point in the days before his death, but if Ivy’s suspicions are correct it means that Tom was killed by one of his closest friends. And they are still in the chalet. This book had me absolutely hooked and I couldn't put it down! It's one of those reads where just when you think you've connected all of the dots, new information or evidence is dropped that makes you question everything and everyone. It is such a deeply complex storyline and I loved the intricacies of the plot and the characters connections. Overall, I loved this book and can't wait to read more by this author.
January 31, 2025
Everyone who knows me should not be surprised, at all, that I read a book entitled The Ski Trip. Like I wasn't going to download this title the second it popped up in my audio account. With that said, I never except much from these types of books. They are merely for my own personal winter/skiing/chalet obsession and enjoyment. However, this book started off really strong. I mean, suck you in, transfix and confuse you (in a good way) strong. The Ski Trip had great character development, excellent ambiance and setting, decent knowledge of skiing and a mystery that I had absolutely no idea where was going.
I loved 3/4ths of this book. I loved that I had no clue about what was actually going on and was excited for the reveal but when it finally came, my 5 star read dropped to a 3.
DO NOT READ ON IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS
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The whole IVF thing?! Good grief. So dumb. The eye rolls definitely started going. No one donates sperm and doesn't tell their spouse, especially when that spouse is the friend of the person asking. No one donates sperm to another woman when their own wife is trying to get pregnant. No one asks their friend's husband to donate sperm. the whole thing was ridiculous. Moving on. The whole getting Ivy out on the ice, in the middle of a snowstorm to kill her, being planned months in advance, is pretty silly. The whole thing just felt completely unbelievable. I really wish that ending could have been better executed. Also, how did the police not know that the chalet that these friends were staying at was not part of a rental group? It's their town. Any minor investigation and red flags would have gone up all over the place.
3.5 but rounded up for a good listen (audio was excellent) that involved skiing and snow. I really wished The Ski Trip was better because I was all in for most of the book.
PS. Can we also talk about that epilogue?! Was it necessary? Did it totally throw you for a loop? Do we love it or hate it? I would love to hear your thoughts on that little extra bit.
I loved 3/4ths of this book. I loved that I had no clue about what was actually going on and was excited for the reveal but when it finally came, my 5 star read dropped to a 3.
DO NOT READ ON IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS
.
.
.
.
.
The whole IVF thing?! Good grief. So dumb. The eye rolls definitely started going. No one donates sperm and doesn't tell their spouse, especially when that spouse is the friend of the person asking. No one donates sperm to another woman when their own wife is trying to get pregnant. No one asks their friend's husband to donate sperm. the whole thing was ridiculous. Moving on. The whole getting Ivy out on the ice, in the middle of a snowstorm to kill her, being planned months in advance, is pretty silly. The whole thing just felt completely unbelievable. I really wish that ending could have been better executed. Also, how did the police not know that the chalet that these friends were staying at was not part of a rental group? It's their town. Any minor investigation and red flags would have gone up all over the place.
3.5 but rounded up for a good listen (audio was excellent) that involved skiing and snow. I really wished The Ski Trip was better because I was all in for most of the book.
PS. Can we also talk about that epilogue?! Was it necessary? Did it totally throw you for a loop? Do we love it or hate it? I would love to hear your thoughts on that little extra bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
Author: Sarah Clarke
Page Count: 305 pages
Published Date: 14th September 2023
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SYNOPSIS:
A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. Four friends go to the Alps on a boys’ skiing holiday. But their trip is cut short when one of them falls to his death. Zoe travels to France with Ivy to collect Tom’s body. But while Zoe is consumed by grief, Ivy starts to question everything. OR COLD-BLOODED MURDER? The slope Tom fell from wasn’t dangerous, and tensions between the group were at breaking point in the days before his death. But if Ivy’s suspicions are correct, Tom was killed by one of his closest friends. And they are still in the chalet…
MY THOUGHTS:
I really enjoyed this book from the beginning and the suspense started right from the start and made you want to carry on reading. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book and didn't suspect anything that happened. My favourite character in this book was Ivy I loved her personality and the character I didn't like was Zoe I think she was evil and wasn't a nice friend. I also really like how the chapters kept spliting from in the past and before the accident and then present day. I would highly recommend this book if you like thrillers. Maybe check some of the triggers as they might not be for you. I have rated this book 5 stars was such an amazing read.
Page Count: 305 pages
Published Date: 14th September 2023
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SYNOPSIS:
A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. Four friends go to the Alps on a boys’ skiing holiday. But their trip is cut short when one of them falls to his death. Zoe travels to France with Ivy to collect Tom’s body. But while Zoe is consumed by grief, Ivy starts to question everything. OR COLD-BLOODED MURDER? The slope Tom fell from wasn’t dangerous, and tensions between the group were at breaking point in the days before his death. But if Ivy’s suspicions are correct, Tom was killed by one of his closest friends. And they are still in the chalet…
MY THOUGHTS:
I really enjoyed this book from the beginning and the suspense started right from the start and made you want to carry on reading. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book and didn't suspect anything that happened. My favourite character in this book was Ivy I loved her personality and the character I didn't like was Zoe I think she was evil and wasn't a nice friend. I also really like how the chapters kept spliting from in the past and before the accident and then present day. I would highly recommend this book if you like thrillers. Maybe check some of the triggers as they might not be for you. I have rated this book 5 stars was such an amazing read.
July 1, 2024
Once more I find myself going against common opinion.
I wanted to enjoy this book. Seriously, no-one buys a book and hopes that it's bloody awful, but based on the blurb, I had reasonable hopes that this would provide a few hours of reading enjoyment.
Instead, I found myself really disliking the book - for several reasons.
The writing style is not my preferred way of having a story unravel. It not only jumped characters, it also jumped time periods. This created a disjointed telling which was clunky rather than intense building.
This could have been bearable if there wasn't in each and every character and time switch a statement hinting at something done by the character which might or might not be made clear at some later time. Several chapters in, I was trying to keep track of too many of these. Often the 'thing' was banal and not at all relevant, and after a while these were annoying rather than informative.
The plot was awful, it was silly, and it required way too much suspension of disbelief. It just wasn't plausible.
I won't put spoilers here because other readers might be enjoying the book and I don't want to drop a 'the butler did it' clanger. All I will say is that the plot twists became more than a tad ridiculous, and the reasons for why the person did what they did was an overused stereotype, which was both poorly conceived, and poorly presented.
Not my cup of tea and not a book I would recommend to any of my fellow readers.
I wanted to enjoy this book. Seriously, no-one buys a book and hopes that it's bloody awful, but based on the blurb, I had reasonable hopes that this would provide a few hours of reading enjoyment.
Instead, I found myself really disliking the book - for several reasons.
The writing style is not my preferred way of having a story unravel. It not only jumped characters, it also jumped time periods. This created a disjointed telling which was clunky rather than intense building.
This could have been bearable if there wasn't in each and every character and time switch a statement hinting at something done by the character which might or might not be made clear at some later time. Several chapters in, I was trying to keep track of too many of these. Often the 'thing' was banal and not at all relevant, and after a while these were annoying rather than informative.
The plot was awful, it was silly, and it required way too much suspension of disbelief. It just wasn't plausible.
I won't put spoilers here because other readers might be enjoying the book and I don't want to drop a 'the butler did it' clanger. All I will say is that the plot twists became more than a tad ridiculous, and the reasons for why the person did what they did was an overused stereotype, which was both poorly conceived, and poorly presented.
Not my cup of tea and not a book I would recommend to any of my fellow readers.
January 16, 2024
There's nothing I love more than a thriller set either in a locked-room type resort OR in a snowy landscape, so chiller thrillers are definitely my favourite kind of vibe. And The Skip Trip is exactly the kind of story I expect from this sub-genre. It uses its chilling landscape well, it's filled with drama, suspense and tension, and there are many twists to keep you on your toes.
I thought I had things pegged quite early on as some of the twists feel quite predictable at the start, but there's a lot more to them than you would first imagine, and I really liked how the story developed.
The dynamic between the friendship group is a little irritating at times as there are so many conflicts (building up plenty of suspects and plenty of motives) that you don't really want to be in any of their company. But it all comes together well at the end when everything makes sense and it certainly took me by surprise.
Overall, a satisfying thriller, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I thought I had things pegged quite early on as some of the twists feel quite predictable at the start, but there's a lot more to them than you would first imagine, and I really liked how the story developed.
The dynamic between the friendship group is a little irritating at times as there are so many conflicts (building up plenty of suspects and plenty of motives) that you don't really want to be in any of their company. But it all comes together well at the end when everything makes sense and it certainly took me by surprise.
Overall, a satisfying thriller, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 13, 2024
A boys skiing trip, best friends from uni who drift apart, and a death. Sounds like my kind of read!
Julian, Tom, Harry and Rob all have pretty big egos and when Tom dies in a blizzard, it appears that they could all have potential motive for murder. Tom's brokenhearted wife, Zoe, begs her old uni friend, Ivy, to accompany her to the ski resort and that's when the drama really ramps up! More twists and turns than a black run!
I kept changing my mind throughout, wondering who, amongst all of the unreliable and egotistical characters would take it as far as murder and the end was a huge shock.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sarah Clarke and HQ for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Julian, Tom, Harry and Rob all have pretty big egos and when Tom dies in a blizzard, it appears that they could all have potential motive for murder. Tom's brokenhearted wife, Zoe, begs her old uni friend, Ivy, to accompany her to the ski resort and that's when the drama really ramps up! More twists and turns than a black run!
I kept changing my mind throughout, wondering who, amongst all of the unreliable and egotistical characters would take it as far as murder and the end was a huge shock.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sarah Clarke and HQ for an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 11, 2023
Received a 'Giveaway' copy of this Book from the Publishers via a FB Group ..
I read alot of Crime Fiction & love an original plot with a good twist or 3 .. The fact that I read this book in just over 2 days shows I was quickly drawn into the storyline ..
Fast paced, easy writing style & a believable plot all feature here. I enjoyed the dual timeline aspect - really helped to develop the characters ..
I did have the eventual perpetrator at the top of my list but had to wait for the Big Reveal for the motive - great last Chapter ..
I read alot of Crime Fiction & love an original plot with a good twist or 3 .. The fact that I read this book in just over 2 days shows I was quickly drawn into the storyline ..
Fast paced, easy writing style & a believable plot all feature here. I enjoyed the dual timeline aspect - really helped to develop the characters ..
I did have the eventual perpetrator at the top of my list but had to wait for the Big Reveal for the motive - great last Chapter ..
September 28, 2024
Slalom Run
This book had more twists and turns than a slalom run down a steep ski slope. Friends from college hook up again after 15 years. They embark on a ski trip to France. The trip was apparently to reunite them, having each moved on with their lives after college.
As the book progresses some history from their days at college starts to emerge, a history that has some less than cozy moments. And as the ski trip progresses there are some chinks in their friendship starting to show. Some ulterior motives for taking the trip start to rear their heads.
As the trip unravels, some secrets, past and present, emerge and things start to get ugly. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be shocked as events turn for the worse. And just as you think the story has come to its conclusion, there is a final twist that no one could have foreseen.
This book had more twists and turns than a slalom run down a steep ski slope. Friends from college hook up again after 15 years. They embark on a ski trip to France. The trip was apparently to reunite them, having each moved on with their lives after college.
As the book progresses some history from their days at college starts to emerge, a history that has some less than cozy moments. And as the ski trip progresses there are some chinks in their friendship starting to show. Some ulterior motives for taking the trip start to rear their heads.
As the trip unravels, some secrets, past and present, emerge and things start to get ugly. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be shocked as events turn for the worse. And just as you think the story has come to its conclusion, there is a final twist that no one could have foreseen.
August 27, 2023
The ski trip is the first novel I read by Sarah Clarke. I love a good thriller and this novel did not disapoint.
The ski trip was supposed to be a get together with good friends,drinks and relaxing but sadly it made a nasty turn for the worst.
A husband accidently falls to his death but was it an accident? Or wasn't it?
This novel kept me on my toes. I couldn't put it down.
The ski trip was supposed to be a get together with good friends,drinks and relaxing but sadly it made a nasty turn for the worst.
A husband accidently falls to his death but was it an accident? Or wasn't it?
This novel kept me on my toes. I couldn't put it down.
April 27, 2024
Fun thriller but some of the plot twists were so dumb i couldn't suspend my disbelief any more
May 31, 2024
maybe the worst book I have ever read
May 22, 2024
Would have rated a 3.5* and don’t think I can round up to 4 compared to some other books. Easy reads and lots of twists and turns in the story!
October 16, 2023
If you ever suggest taking me skiing or ice skating, I will 100% pass. Hard. Do I have a random fear of having limbs sliced open by blades? Yes. Do I know where this comes from? No.
For some reason, this fear is not something everyone feels because the characters in The Ski Trip love the slopes. And that’s their downfall. I mean, this is a thriller. So you know something’s going down.
The Ski Trip is going to be everything you want in a book if you enjoy:
Secrets
Messy friendships
Dark pasts
The slopes
Snow. Lots of snow
Characters who prod and prod and prod
My advice? Stay off the slopes. Stay alive. Also keep your windows closed at night because that’s how murderers get into your house.
For some reason, this fear is not something everyone feels because the characters in The Ski Trip love the slopes. And that’s their downfall. I mean, this is a thriller. So you know something’s going down.
The Ski Trip is going to be everything you want in a book if you enjoy:
Secrets
Messy friendships
Dark pasts
The slopes
Snow. Lots of snow
Characters who prod and prod and prod
My advice? Stay off the slopes. Stay alive. Also keep your windows closed at night because that’s how murderers get into your house.
October 3, 2023
Read this in a single sitting. It’s entertaining, atmospheric, and pacy, but falls into the common problem with the genre of 3/4 slow hints and exposition followed by a dramatic action-packed ending. Most of this book is characters glowering at each other while hinting at dark secrets, while the last quarter goes full Reservoir Dogs.
Almost every character turns out to be a villain in a major or minor way, which you might find refreshingly original, or frustrating in the lack of anyone to root for.
It is pleasing that the one character portrayed as having a diagnosable serious mental illness is practically the only character who doesn’t turn out to be an unhinged violent sociopath.
Almost every character turns out to be a villain in a major or minor way, which you might find refreshingly original, or frustrating in the lack of anyone to root for.
It is pleasing that the one character portrayed as having a diagnosable serious mental illness is practically the only character who doesn’t turn out to be an unhinged violent sociopath.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
A group of men are on a ski trip, theres a tragic accident and one of them dies. But was it actually an accident.?
This is readable with a couple of decent twists, but the conclusion was ridiculous . How did Zoe have a friend that none of her other friends or her husband knew about. What would have happened if they hadn’t booked that chalet? Why would a man randomly be a Sperm donor to a woman who was a friend of his wife’s from college? And not tell his wife? How did she overcome Tom so he fell to his death?. Why would ivys mum give the baby over without speaking to Ivy?
I did like the final twist though. It’s ok but not as good as The Chalet
This is readable with a couple of decent twists, but the conclusion was ridiculous . How did Zoe have a friend that none of her other friends or her husband knew about. What would have happened if they hadn’t booked that chalet? Why would a man randomly be a Sperm donor to a woman who was a friend of his wife’s from college? And not tell his wife? How did she overcome Tom so he fell to his death?. Why would ivys mum give the baby over without speaking to Ivy?
I did like the final twist though. It’s ok but not as good as The Chalet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2023
Four old friends head to the Alps for a skiing holiday, but their relaxing break ends in tragedy when one of them ends up dead. How Tom, an expert skier, managed to ski off the edge of an easy run and fall to his death is a mystery, but the police seem happy to put it down to a tragic accident caused by deteriorating weather.
Tom's widow, successful business woman, Zoe, arrives in the ski resort in the company of her friend Ivy, who is a meteorologist, to arrange repatriation of Tom's body. Zoe appears devastated by her loss and just wants to get through the next few days in one piece, but as soon as Ivy sets foot in the ski chalet she senses that something is not quite right, especially as one of the group is the last man she would have expected to be with successful doctors Tom, Rob and Justin, given their past history.
Ivy is sure that there is more to this situation than meets the eye. Tom was the best skier she has ever known, and it seems unbelievable that he could have died in the way his friends say he did. But if Tom's death was not an accident, then she and Zoe are now under the same roof as his murderer...
Autumn brings with it the temptation of snuggling up with a twisty chiller, and The Ski Trip by Sarah Clarke is the perfect way to get snowy thriller season underway. A tragic death has occurred during a ski trip that was meant to bring four old friends together, and it soon becomes clear that a combination of long-held secrets, and the tension of recent events, may have combined to bring it about.
The threads of the story largely unfurl through timelines from the university years of the characters, the days leading up to the tragedy in the Alps, and events in the present following Tom's death. The narration flips back and forth between Ivy, Zoe and Tom, in a masterclass of storytelling that gradually builds up a picture of how past and present have collided to bring about the moment that dictates Tom's destiny. There is such an air of Agatha Christie about how Clarke does this, as everyone here seems to have something to hide, and she perfectly judges how and when to cast the red herrings aside and reveal the shocking truth.
The twists and turns come at you with a speed that makes you feel you are careering down the trickiest of black runs, until a moment of horrific clarity out on the snowy mountainside finally slots everything into place, but it is the combination of gripping action and the way Clarke weaves in the fall-out from long-repressed emotions and the things left unsaid that makes this thriller so compelling. Every character here is painted in shades of grey, and she delves cleverly into what motivates them to do what they do - even when their behaviour is reprehensible. The darker emotions hold sway, with jealousy and the desire for revenge foremost, but there are underlying themes galore around father-daughter relationships, motherhood, expectation, mental health, the impact of grief, and healing too. I actually found myself tearing up at the end of this story, which was unexpected - before Clarke drops in the slickest of jaw-dropping parting gifts!
This book is an absolute cracker, and should absolutely be on your reading piles this autumn/winter. I am really looking forward to reading more from Sarah Clarke.
Tom's widow, successful business woman, Zoe, arrives in the ski resort in the company of her friend Ivy, who is a meteorologist, to arrange repatriation of Tom's body. Zoe appears devastated by her loss and just wants to get through the next few days in one piece, but as soon as Ivy sets foot in the ski chalet she senses that something is not quite right, especially as one of the group is the last man she would have expected to be with successful doctors Tom, Rob and Justin, given their past history.
Ivy is sure that there is more to this situation than meets the eye. Tom was the best skier she has ever known, and it seems unbelievable that he could have died in the way his friends say he did. But if Tom's death was not an accident, then she and Zoe are now under the same roof as his murderer...
Autumn brings with it the temptation of snuggling up with a twisty chiller, and The Ski Trip by Sarah Clarke is the perfect way to get snowy thriller season underway. A tragic death has occurred during a ski trip that was meant to bring four old friends together, and it soon becomes clear that a combination of long-held secrets, and the tension of recent events, may have combined to bring it about.
The threads of the story largely unfurl through timelines from the university years of the characters, the days leading up to the tragedy in the Alps, and events in the present following Tom's death. The narration flips back and forth between Ivy, Zoe and Tom, in a masterclass of storytelling that gradually builds up a picture of how past and present have collided to bring about the moment that dictates Tom's destiny. There is such an air of Agatha Christie about how Clarke does this, as everyone here seems to have something to hide, and she perfectly judges how and when to cast the red herrings aside and reveal the shocking truth.
The twists and turns come at you with a speed that makes you feel you are careering down the trickiest of black runs, until a moment of horrific clarity out on the snowy mountainside finally slots everything into place, but it is the combination of gripping action and the way Clarke weaves in the fall-out from long-repressed emotions and the things left unsaid that makes this thriller so compelling. Every character here is painted in shades of grey, and she delves cleverly into what motivates them to do what they do - even when their behaviour is reprehensible. The darker emotions hold sway, with jealousy and the desire for revenge foremost, but there are underlying themes galore around father-daughter relationships, motherhood, expectation, mental health, the impact of grief, and healing too. I actually found myself tearing up at the end of this story, which was unexpected - before Clarke drops in the slickest of jaw-dropping parting gifts!
This book is an absolute cracker, and should absolutely be on your reading piles this autumn/winter. I am really looking forward to reading more from Sarah Clarke.
July 14, 2025
This was a good, twisty read—not mind-blowing, but enjoyable and definitely enough to keep me hooked from start to finish. I didn’t really know what I was getting into, and that worked in its favour. The tension was there early on, but it’s the not-knowing that kept me flicking through. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, something shifted or a new detail emerged to throw me off course.
The story revolves around a group of friends reuniting after a tragic event from 15 years ago, and I liked the premise. The isolated snowy setting gave it that classic closed-circle mystery vibe, which always works well in thrillers. There’s something about snow and secrets that just clicks.
Character-wise, I didn’t feel especially connected to any of them. I wouldn’t say I disliked them exactly, but I did struggle to care deeply about their outcomes. I also kept getting Zoe and Ivy muddled—not because they were similar in personality (they weren’t), but because both had short, three-letter names and were introduced in a way that didn’t make them immediately distinct in my head. It’s a small thing, but it meant I had to backtrack a few times to remind myself who was who, which slightly disrupted the flow.
Where the book really hit its stride was towards the end. The final twists were clever and unexpected, and the reveal of what actually happened all those years ago was both shocking and satisfying. I thought it was tied up really well—everything slotted into place and it felt like a proper resolution, not a rushed one. The motivations behind the actions made sense, too, which I always appreciate in a thriller. There’s nothing worse than a twist that feels random or just there for shock value, but this wasn’t that.
Overall, I’d say this is a solid, well-structured thriller with a strong ending. It didn’t quite reach the “can’t stop thinking about it” level for me, but I enjoyed it and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another by Sarah Clarke in the future. Perfect for a weekend read, especially if you’re in the mood for a bit of suspense and a snowy setting with buried secrets.
The story revolves around a group of friends reuniting after a tragic event from 15 years ago, and I liked the premise. The isolated snowy setting gave it that classic closed-circle mystery vibe, which always works well in thrillers. There’s something about snow and secrets that just clicks.
Character-wise, I didn’t feel especially connected to any of them. I wouldn’t say I disliked them exactly, but I did struggle to care deeply about their outcomes. I also kept getting Zoe and Ivy muddled—not because they were similar in personality (they weren’t), but because both had short, three-letter names and were introduced in a way that didn’t make them immediately distinct in my head. It’s a small thing, but it meant I had to backtrack a few times to remind myself who was who, which slightly disrupted the flow.
Where the book really hit its stride was towards the end. The final twists were clever and unexpected, and the reveal of what actually happened all those years ago was both shocking and satisfying. I thought it was tied up really well—everything slotted into place and it felt like a proper resolution, not a rushed one. The motivations behind the actions made sense, too, which I always appreciate in a thriller. There’s nothing worse than a twist that feels random or just there for shock value, but this wasn’t that.
Overall, I’d say this is a solid, well-structured thriller with a strong ending. It didn’t quite reach the “can’t stop thinking about it” level for me, but I enjoyed it and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another by Sarah Clarke in the future. Perfect for a weekend read, especially if you’re in the mood for a bit of suspense and a snowy setting with buried secrets.
December 17, 2023
4⭐️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A thrilling journey packed with twists and turns. 🔥
I really enjoyed this book. As the icy weather intensified, the more chilling the read became and it worked a treat! I liked the setting as I haven’t read a ski themed thriller before and I think it really aided the plot.
The premise was very engaging. Four friends take a skiing trip to the Alps, but only three survive. When Zoe, the widow, arrives to assist in the repatriation of her husband Tom’s body along with her friend Ivy, Ivy begins to suspect that things are not as they seem and that one of the three friends have killed Zoe’s husband. I couldn’t wait to dive in and when I did, I was hooked.
I liked the dynamics between the unreliable characters. Tension was clearly very high and with Rob being impulsive, Julian being frustrated and Harry being irascible, I loved how each of the friends were acting suspicious. I liked Ivy’s perseverance and I was very irritated when no one was listening to her concerns. I felt sorry for Zoe. She was in a nightmare situation.
Secrets and lies fell down as fast as the snow and I found myself changing who I thought was guilty every couple of short chapters. This worked well with the alternating POVs of Zoe and Ivy and the chapters in Tom’s POV leading up to the day of his death.
The last quarter of the book was quite intense and very fast paced and it was great. I found the twists very unexpected and was very surprised when all was revealed. I think part of it was a little unbelievable, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book.
I buddy read this with @clairsbooks, @jessielikestoread, @scilly_geek and @mynextreads and we all had differing thoughts on THAT epilogue. I didn’t really think it fit with the book, but I know that others really enjoyed that final twist of the knife.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more by Clarke in the future. A huge thank you to @whatcarolineread, @hqstories and @sarahclarkewriter for this copy of The Ski Trip which is perfect to be engulfed in whilst the weather is cold! 😍
💬: ‘Sometimes we have to accept our limitations and move on.'
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A thrilling journey packed with twists and turns. 🔥
I really enjoyed this book. As the icy weather intensified, the more chilling the read became and it worked a treat! I liked the setting as I haven’t read a ski themed thriller before and I think it really aided the plot.
The premise was very engaging. Four friends take a skiing trip to the Alps, but only three survive. When Zoe, the widow, arrives to assist in the repatriation of her husband Tom’s body along with her friend Ivy, Ivy begins to suspect that things are not as they seem and that one of the three friends have killed Zoe’s husband. I couldn’t wait to dive in and when I did, I was hooked.
I liked the dynamics between the unreliable characters. Tension was clearly very high and with Rob being impulsive, Julian being frustrated and Harry being irascible, I loved how each of the friends were acting suspicious. I liked Ivy’s perseverance and I was very irritated when no one was listening to her concerns. I felt sorry for Zoe. She was in a nightmare situation.
Secrets and lies fell down as fast as the snow and I found myself changing who I thought was guilty every couple of short chapters. This worked well with the alternating POVs of Zoe and Ivy and the chapters in Tom’s POV leading up to the day of his death.
The last quarter of the book was quite intense and very fast paced and it was great. I found the twists very unexpected and was very surprised when all was revealed. I think part of it was a little unbelievable, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book.
I buddy read this with @clairsbooks, @jessielikestoread, @scilly_geek and @mynextreads and we all had differing thoughts on THAT epilogue. I didn’t really think it fit with the book, but I know that others really enjoyed that final twist of the knife.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more by Clarke in the future. A huge thank you to @whatcarolineread, @hqstories and @sarahclarkewriter for this copy of The Ski Trip which is perfect to be engulfed in whilst the weather is cold! 😍
💬: ‘Sometimes we have to accept our limitations and move on.'
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
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