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Notes on a Murder
Everyone is capable of murder. Are you?
It started with an invitation to dinner. An evening of good food and good company at a luxury villa. But as the night progresses, the party takes a dark turn.
The host makes you an offer, a party favour he calls it: another guest has committed a heinous crime, you can end their life, stop their terror. He tells you there will be no consequences; do you believe him?
Your decision will change your life. Choose carefully.
It started with an invitation to dinner. An evening of good food and good company at a luxury villa. But as the night progresses, the party takes a dark turn.
The host makes you an offer, a party favour he calls it: another guest has committed a heinous crime, you can end their life, stop their terror. He tells you there will be no consequences; do you believe him?
Your decision will change your life. Choose carefully.
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2023
101 people are currently reading
1515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
November 4, 2023
This time last year I read The Locked Attic by this author and it was a pretty good read. The marketing was a bit off as it really wasn’t a thriller but I did enjoy the story. This one is definitely a thriller though, it’s a bit of a slow-burn one but with murder afoot, it is marketed properly this time.
This book was less than 200 pages on my tablet and nothing happened for the first half of it. It was just two young adult brothers (20s) complaining about being on a Greek vacation with their parents. There was lots of moaning and complaining from everyone and it was a slog to get through. We get no explanation as to why the parents behave the way they do, or why any of the character’s actions are what they are. I felt the book was just too damn short, to be honest.
There are then and now chapters but they were twenty years apart and we have no idea what happened in those twenty years. The story had no cohesion and what eventually played out made no sense to me. I hated every single character in this story and connected to none of them. Walter tried to be serious and his writing wasn’t bad but the latter half of the book was just too over the top for my liking and not in a popcorn thriller kind of way. This is a very dark tale and I get what the author was trying to ask what are we capable of – what would we do for love, lust, excitement?
I don’t think I’ll be picking up any more of this author’s work because they aren’t really my cup of tea. But please do not take my word for it, he is beloved and has many great reviews. Mine just isn’t one of them.
This book was less than 200 pages on my tablet and nothing happened for the first half of it. It was just two young adult brothers (20s) complaining about being on a Greek vacation with their parents. There was lots of moaning and complaining from everyone and it was a slog to get through. We get no explanation as to why the parents behave the way they do, or why any of the character’s actions are what they are. I felt the book was just too damn short, to be honest.
There are then and now chapters but they were twenty years apart and we have no idea what happened in those twenty years. The story had no cohesion and what eventually played out made no sense to me. I hated every single character in this story and connected to none of them. Walter tried to be serious and his writing wasn’t bad but the latter half of the book was just too over the top for my liking and not in a popcorn thriller kind of way. This is a very dark tale and I get what the author was trying to ask what are we capable of – what would we do for love, lust, excitement?
I don’t think I’ll be picking up any more of this author’s work because they aren’t really my cup of tea. But please do not take my word for it, he is beloved and has many great reviews. Mine just isn’t one of them.
February 12, 2024
I’m crying from disappointment here. After reading the excellent dinner guest, I prepared myself for hours of high-quality suspense. I soon realized, my dream was only a mirage. It was slow-burning and the plot was so wild that it felt like a rollercoaster where someone had forgot the safety bar. There was so much evil here, so if you like to feel like wandering through the underworld, you might like it better than me. I must say though, I will give this author new chances, maybe he just was in a foul mood when writing this one.
October 21, 2023
🌟🌟🌟💫
What circumstances would drive you to murder?🤔
Told in two timelines:
In the past:
Oliver meets Alistair while vacationing in Greece with his family. Oliver is quickly pulled into a dangerous game.
The present 20 years later:
Oliver's past catches up to him in an explosive manner. Reminding Oliver - you can never truly walk away from your past.
Hmmmm….
This is the third book I’ve read by this author. I am very familiar with his style. The flow of his writing and storylines always just a bit different. And it has always worked for me in the past.
But for some reason it just didn’t fully come together for this latest. I lacked that needed connection with the characters.😩
Most readers are loving this book so please take the time to read their reviews!
And as a loyal fan of this author I’ll be looking forward to his next, knowing this was just a one-off for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter
What circumstances would drive you to murder?🤔
Told in two timelines:
In the past:
Oliver meets Alistair while vacationing in Greece with his family. Oliver is quickly pulled into a dangerous game.
The present 20 years later:
Oliver's past catches up to him in an explosive manner. Reminding Oliver - you can never truly walk away from your past.
Hmmmm….
This is the third book I’ve read by this author. I am very familiar with his style. The flow of his writing and storylines always just a bit different. And it has always worked for me in the past.
But for some reason it just didn’t fully come together for this latest. I lacked that needed connection with the characters.😩
Most readers are loving this book so please take the time to read their reviews!
And as a loyal fan of this author I’ll be looking forward to his next, knowing this was just a one-off for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter
July 7, 2024
Wow! Just wow! This book left me utterly speechless, from its brilliant opening that immediately seized my attention to the preceding chapters that masterfully teased our curiosity about the central mystery. Finally, the masterful conclusion had me applauding the author's ingenious creativity. All I can say is, "Bravo!" I knew something sinister, a rug-pulling twist, would be coming, but the explanations at the end were not only brilliantly executed but also incredibly reliable and entirely acceptable.
The central question this book poses is deeply thought-provoking: Are all individuals capable of committing murder? It delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche and forces us to confront our own moral compass. What if you were thrust into a harrowing scenario where you had to choose between three lives, knowing that your decision meant saving two while sacrificing one? Whom would you choose? Would it be the person who extended the invitation to this macabre game? Perhaps the suffering soul who was already on their last waltz with life? Or would it be the person you hold dearest to your heart, the one you truly love? These are the haunting dilemmas our anti-hero faces right from the start, setting the stage for an intricate and deeply psychological narrative.
We are seamlessly transported back to that fateful moment twenty years ago, a moment that will cast a long shadow on the events of the present day. In the present, Oliver, now in his early forties, grapples with a painful pill addiction, seeking rehabilitation and redemption. However, when he unexpectedly encounters a ghost from his past, he begins to doubt his own sanity. Twenty years ago, he made a decision that he believed had led to someone's untimely demise. But now, it seems the past is coming back to haunt him, as secrets buried deep within those long-ago years start to unravel, and the consequences of his actions rear their head once more.
The author skillfully guides us through an enthralling narrative that seamlessly shifts between past and present. We gain intimate insight into Oliver's complex inner world, his strained relationships within his dysfunctional family, and his magnetic attraction to Alistair. Alistair, the handsome, highly educated, self-assured individual who recently inherited his parents' vast wealth, draws Oliver into a web of intrigue and passion. Their connection, passionate yet fraught with tension, adds layers of complexity to the story.
As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to Argento, Oliver's father's enigmatic but incredibly dangerous business partner, and Nita, a stunning escort who ignites Douglas, Oliver's brother's, intense interest. The family's vacation in a rented beach house in Greece initially appears to be a tranquil escape, but beneath the surface, tensions and mysteries bubble.
The first half of the book may seem to unfold at a leisurely pace, and at times, I found myself drawing parallels to "Call Me by Your Name," set in the idyllic Greek backdrop. However, I soon realized that this novel was carving its own unique path. Argento, with his enigmatic demeanor and clandestine motives, takes the story in an unexpected direction. He extends an invitation to Oliver and Alistair to visit his residence on a secluded island, transforming what appeared to be a casual meeting into a perilous game with far-reaching consequences. Oliver is thrust into a world where the rules are murky, and the stakes are life-altering. Forced to make choices that will shape his destiny, he grapples with an enigmatic past that refuses to stay buried.
The central mystery that looms large in the narrative is relentless in its grip on the reader's curiosity. What transpired on the remote island? How did Oliver's lover survive? Why has he returned, and what sinister forces await him and his loved ones? These questions linger, unanswered, weaving an intricate tapestry of suspense and intrigue.
This book, a riveting, impeccably executed, brutal, and dark psychological thriller, delves deep into the human psyche, challenging our perceptions of morality, choice, and consequence. It's not a book for the faint of heart, given its triggering and violent subjects, but its storytelling prowess is undeniable. The shocking twists, relentless suspense, and the exploration of the darkest corners of the human soul make it an absolute must-read—a masterpiece by the author that should not be missed!
I extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter for graciously providing me with a digital review copy of this breathtaking book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The central question this book poses is deeply thought-provoking: Are all individuals capable of committing murder? It delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche and forces us to confront our own moral compass. What if you were thrust into a harrowing scenario where you had to choose between three lives, knowing that your decision meant saving two while sacrificing one? Whom would you choose? Would it be the person who extended the invitation to this macabre game? Perhaps the suffering soul who was already on their last waltz with life? Or would it be the person you hold dearest to your heart, the one you truly love? These are the haunting dilemmas our anti-hero faces right from the start, setting the stage for an intricate and deeply psychological narrative.
We are seamlessly transported back to that fateful moment twenty years ago, a moment that will cast a long shadow on the events of the present day. In the present, Oliver, now in his early forties, grapples with a painful pill addiction, seeking rehabilitation and redemption. However, when he unexpectedly encounters a ghost from his past, he begins to doubt his own sanity. Twenty years ago, he made a decision that he believed had led to someone's untimely demise. But now, it seems the past is coming back to haunt him, as secrets buried deep within those long-ago years start to unravel, and the consequences of his actions rear their head once more.
The author skillfully guides us through an enthralling narrative that seamlessly shifts between past and present. We gain intimate insight into Oliver's complex inner world, his strained relationships within his dysfunctional family, and his magnetic attraction to Alistair. Alistair, the handsome, highly educated, self-assured individual who recently inherited his parents' vast wealth, draws Oliver into a web of intrigue and passion. Their connection, passionate yet fraught with tension, adds layers of complexity to the story.
As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to Argento, Oliver's father's enigmatic but incredibly dangerous business partner, and Nita, a stunning escort who ignites Douglas, Oliver's brother's, intense interest. The family's vacation in a rented beach house in Greece initially appears to be a tranquil escape, but beneath the surface, tensions and mysteries bubble.
The first half of the book may seem to unfold at a leisurely pace, and at times, I found myself drawing parallels to "Call Me by Your Name," set in the idyllic Greek backdrop. However, I soon realized that this novel was carving its own unique path. Argento, with his enigmatic demeanor and clandestine motives, takes the story in an unexpected direction. He extends an invitation to Oliver and Alistair to visit his residence on a secluded island, transforming what appeared to be a casual meeting into a perilous game with far-reaching consequences. Oliver is thrust into a world where the rules are murky, and the stakes are life-altering. Forced to make choices that will shape his destiny, he grapples with an enigmatic past that refuses to stay buried.
The central mystery that looms large in the narrative is relentless in its grip on the reader's curiosity. What transpired on the remote island? How did Oliver's lover survive? Why has he returned, and what sinister forces await him and his loved ones? These questions linger, unanswered, weaving an intricate tapestry of suspense and intrigue.
This book, a riveting, impeccably executed, brutal, and dark psychological thriller, delves deep into the human psyche, challenging our perceptions of morality, choice, and consequence. It's not a book for the faint of heart, given its triggering and violent subjects, but its storytelling prowess is undeniable. The shocking twists, relentless suspense, and the exploration of the darkest corners of the human soul make it an absolute must-read—a masterpiece by the author that should not be missed!
I extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter for graciously providing me with a digital review copy of this breathtaking book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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October 2, 2023
A Greek “experience”????
What might you be capable of if push comes to shove? What decisions will you choose to make? What might the consequences be?
In the present day at a wellness centre, Oliver thinks his eyes must be deceiving him as there alighting from a battered taxi is a person he believes died almost 20 years ago.
Then – Oliver takes a holiday in Greece with his brother Douglas and his dysfunctional parents and meets Alastair and Argento. The narrative alternates seamlessly between then and now and what transpires will confound your expectations.
This is a diamond of a book with multiple creative facets and which I think is BP Walters best novel to date. It has me completely enthralled from beginning to end. There are puzzling enigmatic characters with a manipulative spider at the centre of an intriguing web. Right from the start you get a strong sense of foreboding, of impending disaster, of doom about to strike and so prickles of unease go up and down the spine. You question if it’s an illusion, who is casting spells and who the magician with sleight of hand? It becomes increasingly dark, there are some scenes that are chillingly macabre as dilemmas are presented so choices are made that will dictate a life’s direction. To say there are plot twists and turns is a definite understatement. These take us into a nightmarish world with plenty of shocks that you don’t see coming so brace yourself and buckle up. It’s one of those jaw dropper eyedropper books that I relish so much.
The author certainly takes the reader on the journey here, with temptation, infatuation, addiction, retribution, and perhaps (?) leading to self discovery. It’s extremely well written and makes for compulsive reading, especially as there are enticing cliffhangers at the end of many chapters that keep you glued to the narrative. Of course, the Greek setting is perfection as this is like a modern retelling of an ancient Greek tragedy and the wellness centre in the present day also allows the plot to take an innovative direction and mirror the past.
What more can I say other than I love this book which wows me from the get go. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return, for an honest review
What might you be capable of if push comes to shove? What decisions will you choose to make? What might the consequences be?
In the present day at a wellness centre, Oliver thinks his eyes must be deceiving him as there alighting from a battered taxi is a person he believes died almost 20 years ago.
Then – Oliver takes a holiday in Greece with his brother Douglas and his dysfunctional parents and meets Alastair and Argento. The narrative alternates seamlessly between then and now and what transpires will confound your expectations.
This is a diamond of a book with multiple creative facets and which I think is BP Walters best novel to date. It has me completely enthralled from beginning to end. There are puzzling enigmatic characters with a manipulative spider at the centre of an intriguing web. Right from the start you get a strong sense of foreboding, of impending disaster, of doom about to strike and so prickles of unease go up and down the spine. You question if it’s an illusion, who is casting spells and who the magician with sleight of hand? It becomes increasingly dark, there are some scenes that are chillingly macabre as dilemmas are presented so choices are made that will dictate a life’s direction. To say there are plot twists and turns is a definite understatement. These take us into a nightmarish world with plenty of shocks that you don’t see coming so brace yourself and buckle up. It’s one of those jaw dropper eyedropper books that I relish so much.
The author certainly takes the reader on the journey here, with temptation, infatuation, addiction, retribution, and perhaps (?) leading to self discovery. It’s extremely well written and makes for compulsive reading, especially as there are enticing cliffhangers at the end of many chapters that keep you glued to the narrative. Of course, the Greek setting is perfection as this is like a modern retelling of an ancient Greek tragedy and the wellness centre in the present day also allows the plot to take an innovative direction and mirror the past.
What more can I say other than I love this book which wows me from the get go. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return, for an honest review
November 16, 2023
My journey with B.P. Walter's books has been a bumpy one. I read and loved his book, The Dinner Guest, however, my next two books by him weren't nearly as successful and one of them I couldn't even bother to finish. So when this popped up on NetGalley I was hesitant. Did it sound good? Yes, but that has lead me astray before. Then I read some really positive reviews for this (I'm looking at you Ceecee! 😍) and decided to take the plunge and I'm glad I did. This book gave me the same vibes as The Dinner Guest. Different stories entirely but both are proper page-turners. Hurray!!!
Oliver is on vacation in Greece with his bickering parents and older brother Douglas. While there he spots a gorgeous man on the beach that he can't stop thinking about. Imagine his surprise when this same man approaches him at the bar the next evening. The two hit it off and before you know it Oliver is head over heels for Alastair. Oliver is continuously trying to remind himself that this is just a summer fling, warning himself not to get too attached, but at the same time knowing his heart is in far too deep for this not to turn messy and heartbreaking.
A shady business associate of Oliver's father is also vacationing there. His name is Argento and he approaches both Oliver and Alistair and invites them to dinner. Oliver can sense that something is off but can't quite put his finger on what it is that's bothering him. Argento makes it clear that he would like to continue having a friendship with them by having them over to his villa every Saturday evening for dinner and drinks and maybe, just maybe, something much more darker than either young man is prepared for.
After all, everyone is capable of murder, are you?
I have to hand it to B.P. Walter for managing to grip my attention with a storyline that under any other circumstance may not have been my cup of tea. I can't say that any of the characters were 100% likeable but I did have a soft spot for Oliver and his brother Douglas. I appreciated that the brothers had each others backs and really seemed to care for one another. The chapters are short and zippy and each one leaves you hanging just enough for that "just one more chapter" refrain to echo in your head. The past and present timeline was handled exquisitely giving you just enough information to begin to slot those puzzle pieces into place. The ending even managed to give a surprise or two leaving me a happy reader! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for my complimentary copy.
Oliver is on vacation in Greece with his bickering parents and older brother Douglas. While there he spots a gorgeous man on the beach that he can't stop thinking about. Imagine his surprise when this same man approaches him at the bar the next evening. The two hit it off and before you know it Oliver is head over heels for Alastair. Oliver is continuously trying to remind himself that this is just a summer fling, warning himself not to get too attached, but at the same time knowing his heart is in far too deep for this not to turn messy and heartbreaking.
A shady business associate of Oliver's father is also vacationing there. His name is Argento and he approaches both Oliver and Alistair and invites them to dinner. Oliver can sense that something is off but can't quite put his finger on what it is that's bothering him. Argento makes it clear that he would like to continue having a friendship with them by having them over to his villa every Saturday evening for dinner and drinks and maybe, just maybe, something much more darker than either young man is prepared for.
After all, everyone is capable of murder, are you?
I have to hand it to B.P. Walter for managing to grip my attention with a storyline that under any other circumstance may not have been my cup of tea. I can't say that any of the characters were 100% likeable but I did have a soft spot for Oliver and his brother Douglas. I appreciated that the brothers had each others backs and really seemed to care for one another. The chapters are short and zippy and each one leaves you hanging just enough for that "just one more chapter" refrain to echo in your head. The past and present timeline was handled exquisitely giving you just enough information to begin to slot those puzzle pieces into place. The ending even managed to give a surprise or two leaving me a happy reader! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for my complimentary copy.
April 11, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
This was wild. It's like The Talented Mr. Ripley meets Hostel and in all the most sinister of ways...
This book first came onto my radar when I started seeing trusted book friends reviewing it favorably. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if I see a friend reading and liking a book, I want to be reading and liking that book!
FOMO is real, so I scurried out and was luckily able to acquire a copy fairly quickly.
I don't want to say anything about the plot or characters. The publisher's synopsis is equally as vague, so you may as well just suck it up and jump in.
Notes on a Murder pulled me in from the start. I read the first 1/3 in one sitting. I was so captivated by the narrator of the audiobook, and the way that Walter formatted the story.
There are past and present sections, some cleverly incorporated 2nd-person narrative, and plenty of provocative intrigue to keep you turning pages.
I loved the Greek setting and felt like that was really well played out. That backdrop set the perfect tone for this OTT-tale that definitely went places I wasn't expecting.
This got dark. These characters, wow, they surprised me with the lengths they went to in this story.
The sinister feel got deeper and faster as it went. It was like a snowball rolling down hill, building momentum, before it finally took out everything in its way at the bottom.
This is the first of Walter's works I've read, but if they are all this disquieting, I will definitely be reading more.
Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I recommend this one to Readers who enjoy dark, twisted Thrillers.
This was wild. It's like The Talented Mr. Ripley meets Hostel and in all the most sinister of ways...
This book first came onto my radar when I started seeing trusted book friends reviewing it favorably. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if I see a friend reading and liking a book, I want to be reading and liking that book!
FOMO is real, so I scurried out and was luckily able to acquire a copy fairly quickly.
I don't want to say anything about the plot or characters. The publisher's synopsis is equally as vague, so you may as well just suck it up and jump in.
Notes on a Murder pulled me in from the start. I read the first 1/3 in one sitting. I was so captivated by the narrator of the audiobook, and the way that Walter formatted the story.
There are past and present sections, some cleverly incorporated 2nd-person narrative, and plenty of provocative intrigue to keep you turning pages.
I loved the Greek setting and felt like that was really well played out. That backdrop set the perfect tone for this OTT-tale that definitely went places I wasn't expecting.
This got dark. These characters, wow, they surprised me with the lengths they went to in this story.
The sinister feel got deeper and faster as it went. It was like a snowball rolling down hill, building momentum, before it finally took out everything in its way at the bottom.
This is the first of Walter's works I've read, but if they are all this disquieting, I will definitely be reading more.
Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I recommend this one to Readers who enjoy dark, twisted Thrillers.
November 2, 2023
This was a tough one for me. I kept going between “Do I like it?”, “Do I not like it?”, “Do I even know what I think about it?”.
After finishing the book, I let things percolate a bit and finally concluded: I still don’t know.
It’s somewhat disturbing and absolutely dark. There isn’t an iota of positivity in this. There’s also a ton of manipulation from each and every one of our characters that makes you feel kind of ick.
As for our main character? I didn’t like Oliver. But that’s okay, I didn’t like a single one of the characters we meet.
In the end, I just felt a little non-plussed. I just thought: Well, that was a book and I read it.
Moving on.
• ARC via Publisher
After finishing the book, I let things percolate a bit and finally concluded: I still don’t know.
It’s somewhat disturbing and absolutely dark. There isn’t an iota of positivity in this. There’s also a ton of manipulation from each and every one of our characters that makes you feel kind of ick.
As for our main character? I didn’t like Oliver. But that’s okay, I didn’t like a single one of the characters we meet.
In the end, I just felt a little non-plussed. I just thought: Well, that was a book and I read it.
Moving on.
• ARC via Publisher
September 19, 2023
Oh, I so love Walter's books and this one was as dark and twisty as they come! It takes the format of "now" and "then" and each section kept me wanting more so I powered through it quickly. In the beginning (present) at Wood View Wellness Centre we meet Oliver who sees a man he thought was dead twenty years ago. Then in the past we see Oliver as he vacations in Greece with his parents and brother, Douglas. He meets another gay man, Alastair and they begin a summer fling; later they both are invited to an island by Argento, a "business associate" of Oliver's father. And things get dicey...! Suffice it to say there is sunshine, swimming, sex...and poisoning! It's creepy-good, just the way I like my books and Walter is still a go-t0 author for me!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 10, 2023
Argh, I'm sorry to say that I didn't really enjoy this book much at all.
In this book we get dual timelines (then and now) and whilst this can build tension, for me it completely failed.
It is such a slow burn that I found it to be really quite dull and by 30% not much had happened at all.
The pacing was far too slow for my tastes. I was willing things to happen to make it interesting or exciting but they never happened.
I feel like blurb for this is misleading. I found it to be much more like literary fiction or even domestic fiction rather than a thriller or mystery.
I was never invested in the plot and the connection between the main characters Oliver and Alastair never came across.
In the second half I had lost interest and was skim reading.
I have read The Locked Attic by this author before and was left disappointed by that, so maybe this is just not an author for me. There are comparisons on the cover of this to The Talented Mr Ripley and that I do agree with, so if you enjoyed that, you might like this.
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
In this book we get dual timelines (then and now) and whilst this can build tension, for me it completely failed.
It is such a slow burn that I found it to be really quite dull and by 30% not much had happened at all.
The pacing was far too slow for my tastes. I was willing things to happen to make it interesting or exciting but they never happened.
I feel like blurb for this is misleading. I found it to be much more like literary fiction or even domestic fiction rather than a thriller or mystery.
I was never invested in the plot and the connection between the main characters Oliver and Alastair never came across.
In the second half I had lost interest and was skim reading.
I have read The Locked Attic by this author before and was left disappointed by that, so maybe this is just not an author for me. There are comparisons on the cover of this to The Talented Mr Ripley and that I do agree with, so if you enjoyed that, you might like this.
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
November 20, 2023
I want to give NetGalley a big thanks for letting me review this title. I'm not sure what I think of this book, I'm torn. Most of the book is so boring I had to force myself to continue reading it. The wording of this book was unlike anything I ever read before and I didn't like it at all. It's a story of two lovers Oliver and Alastair who have been invited to a villa while on vacation in Greece. The villa is owned by Oliver's fathers colleague. They are shown the dungeons and the horrible acts that occur their. Oliver is blackmailed to watch the colleague commit a murder. Which affects Oliver negatively over the next 20 years. The dungeon and the murder scenes were not as exciting as I thought they should be. The best way I can describe this book, it's as if a college professor with that one no emotional change droning voice is giving you a lecture that puts you to sleep. The best thing I can say is that it's a perfect book if you have insomnia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book as I have done for all of B.P. Walter's books.
The synopsis doesn't give much away and I won't either as I think this is one of those books where it is better to go in blind rather than having a pre-conceived idea of what might be going on.
All I will say is that it is pretty dark and the comparisons to Ripley are accurate!
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The synopsis doesn't give much away and I won't either as I think this is one of those books where it is better to go in blind rather than having a pre-conceived idea of what might be going on.
All I will say is that it is pretty dark and the comparisons to Ripley are accurate!
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 19, 2024
4.5 stars
Notes on a Murder by B.P. Walter is a psychological thriller about a young man searching for himself.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When 21 year old Oliver meets Alistair, he is immediately smitten. This trip with his parents to Greece suddenly looks promising. Then he meets Argento and Nita, business associates of his father, although no one wants to discuss that, and his father wants nothing to do with the pair.
Argento invites Oliver and Alistair to his island for dinner, but as visits increase, so do the dark aspects of these dinners. Argento invites other guests who have questionable and somewhat savage back-stories, and Oliver is eventually given the opportunity to end their life, thereby stopping the atrocities that they have been getting away with.
Oliver finds himself in over his head, but Alistair seems to be on board. Decisions must be made.
Twenty years later, the consequences of those island visits re-surface.
My Opinions:
I was immediately captivated by the story. It is deep, it is dark, and it just pulled me in.
The story is told in the often-used Current and Past (20 years ago) time-frame method, and the reader was fed the background in segments. As much as it sometimes slowed down the plot, it worked really well. The entire story is told from Oliver's perspective.
Character-wise, my thoughts were all over the place. I didn't always like Oliver's decisions (although I did somewhat like him), didn't really trust Alistair, felt sorry for Douglas, found the parents atrocious, and don't get me started on Argento and Nita.
The book's overall theme seems to be the question of whether everyone is capable of murder. But the answer is influenced by a number of factors including temptations, sexual desires, addiction, manipulation, retribution and revenge. However, there are also elements of love and redemption.
Overall, it was a very dark and chilling book, and very thought-provoking. It takes the reader on an interesting journey. I loved it.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 23, 2023
I really didn’t get on with this book, which is such a shame as I have previously enjoyed reads from this author. This time, I thought the plot was not very thrilling nor intense and I disliked the key relationship that is explored within the story.
For sure, the sense of claustrophobia is portrayed with the Greek setting. The heat was palpable in this novel and I think this is reflected by less-than-sensible decisions made by key characters. The protagonist, Oliver, does not get along with his family and his time in Greece sees him fall for the beautiful and intoxicating Alistair. Yet, a meeting with one of his father’s work associates leads Oliver down a dark path that sees him abandon morality and what it means to be fair and moral.
The structure of the novel switches between present day, where Oliver is apparently recovering from an addiction, checked into a wellness retreat to aid his recovery. At the same time, we are taken back to this fateful Greek summer to get an understanding of what causes Oliver’s downfall. I enjoyed seeing this back story but disliked how the character constantly refers to Alistair as ‘you’, as if he is talking directly to him. Yes, it makes it seem quite chilling, but I did not enjoy this confessional style of narrative.
As the plot thickens, it is like Oliver has become enchanted by his new friends. Again, this links brilliantly with the setting, providing a heady and intoxicating atmosphere. Yet, when it becomes clear the purpose of some of the macabre actions taking place, I thought that Walter lost my attention and the story was more far-fetched. I did not connect with the extent that Oliver is influenced and was frustrated by his naivety towards Alistair and Argento. The vigilante theme felt a convenient plot device and I did not find this a thrilling way to explain what was taking place on the island.
At times the narrative felt forced, other times unrealistic and I grew bored by how easily Oliver was manipulated by the more awful characters in the story. They take advantage of Oliver’s narrow view of the world and I think this is still reflected in the present-day timeline. As the story progressed, I thought it was a far cry from what the blurb implied, just adding to my disappointment in the read.
With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For sure, the sense of claustrophobia is portrayed with the Greek setting. The heat was palpable in this novel and I think this is reflected by less-than-sensible decisions made by key characters. The protagonist, Oliver, does not get along with his family and his time in Greece sees him fall for the beautiful and intoxicating Alistair. Yet, a meeting with one of his father’s work associates leads Oliver down a dark path that sees him abandon morality and what it means to be fair and moral.
The structure of the novel switches between present day, where Oliver is apparently recovering from an addiction, checked into a wellness retreat to aid his recovery. At the same time, we are taken back to this fateful Greek summer to get an understanding of what causes Oliver’s downfall. I enjoyed seeing this back story but disliked how the character constantly refers to Alistair as ‘you’, as if he is talking directly to him. Yes, it makes it seem quite chilling, but I did not enjoy this confessional style of narrative.
As the plot thickens, it is like Oliver has become enchanted by his new friends. Again, this links brilliantly with the setting, providing a heady and intoxicating atmosphere. Yet, when it becomes clear the purpose of some of the macabre actions taking place, I thought that Walter lost my attention and the story was more far-fetched. I did not connect with the extent that Oliver is influenced and was frustrated by his naivety towards Alistair and Argento. The vigilante theme felt a convenient plot device and I did not find this a thrilling way to explain what was taking place on the island.
At times the narrative felt forced, other times unrealistic and I grew bored by how easily Oliver was manipulated by the more awful characters in the story. They take advantage of Oliver’s narrow view of the world and I think this is still reflected in the present-day timeline. As the story progressed, I thought it was a far cry from what the blurb implied, just adding to my disappointment in the read.
With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2024
"Notes on a Murder" by B P Walter failed to captivate my attention, earning a mere 1 star – if a zero rating were possible, I would have chosen it. Despite my penchant for psychological thrillers, this novel left me utterly disinterested. The lack of a coherent theme left me feeling as though I was merely navigating through Oliver's inner musings rather than engaging with a gripping plot. The characters, particularly the dysfunctional family dynamics, failed to resonate with me, leading to a complete disengagement by page 147. From that point onward, I found myself skimming through the remaining pages, only stopping to read the final chapter. Overall, I cannot recommend this book to fellow readers seeking an enthralling thriller experience.
December 8, 2023
perfect for turning off my gay little brain and having fun. its camp its pulp fiction its hilarious. lady diana is here.
two of the characters are named after iliad heroes in case you forgot its set in greece. the most valuable lesson is not to idolise men that dont get the books you like
two of the characters are named after iliad heroes in case you forgot its set in greece. the most valuable lesson is not to idolise men that dont get the books you like
January 18, 2025
Stupid plot line & terribly written!
October 5, 2024
Another great 5 ⭐ read.
Fast paced, short chapters, dual timeline.
Dark, sinister psychological thriller that I couldn't put down.
Full of twists and turns and the suspense was fab.
Likeable characters, great plot and setting.
Minority in my rating but as someone who doesn't read too many thrillers I loved this.
Would recommend 💕
Fast paced, short chapters, dual timeline.
Dark, sinister psychological thriller that I couldn't put down.
Full of twists and turns and the suspense was fab.
Likeable characters, great plot and setting.
Minority in my rating but as someone who doesn't read too many thrillers I loved this.
Would recommend 💕
December 31, 2023
Never read anything by this author before, and I can’t see that I will again after this. This really is rubbish as far as thrillers go. I’m okay with a slightly ludicrous plot if it’s gripping or I’m invested in the characters but this really didn’t have anything going for it I’m quite surprised I actually finished it but I was curious to see how on earth the 20 year timeline was going to come together. There was nothing to like about any of the characters, underdeveloped and whingy.
The plot made no sense on any level. It felt like the autor just liked the setting and wanted to write about it. Crap.
The plot made no sense on any level. It felt like the autor just liked the setting and wanted to write about it. Crap.
October 4, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and unfortunately, it wasn’t as expected per the provided blurb. The concept of dispensing your own justice was interesting, but it wasn’t even executed until halfway through the book. So, until that point, the plot moves pretty slowly. And while the character in the story is shown convincing evidence of the perpetrator’s depravity, the reader isn’t – it’s only hinted at as deplorable, with the character exclaiming to ‘turn off the video.’ But actually knowing what was on the video would certainly help the reader decide if the person depicted did indeed deserve to die. I mean that’s the crucial question – how horrible does someone have to be to make an ordinary person want them dead? You have to provide specific details!
Up until this point, we’re introduced to Oliver, a middle-aged man in treatment at a wellness center. He spots a ghost from his past and the story begins to split between the present and two decades ago, when he was on vacation with his family in Greece. There he meets and becomes infatuated with a man. Yes, the same man he had glimpsed in the wellness center. Except that he alludes to this man being dead, and himself the one who killed him. This isn’t a spoiler; it’s all given away at the beginning of the story.
Oliver also encounters some strange clients meeting with his father while they’re on vacation. That’s another thing, the interactions between him and his father, or him and his brother with his father, are just weird. He’s hostile towards the brothers all of the time for absolutely no reason. And they just live like that. You can’t just accept that odd tension, there has to be a reason the father is like that towards his sons and it’s never explained.
I can’t think of the exact word to describe it, but the story just feels off, or incomplete, or something. Are we supposed to be shocked that a normal young man would be prone to violence towards those whom he feels deserve it? Because that’s not shocking at all. He is naïve, completely unaware of how evil those close to him are. But that’s not shocking, either. I don’t know, I wanted to like the book, but it just felt unsatisfying, like it was trying to be so much more, but wasn’t.
Up until this point, we’re introduced to Oliver, a middle-aged man in treatment at a wellness center. He spots a ghost from his past and the story begins to split between the present and two decades ago, when he was on vacation with his family in Greece. There he meets and becomes infatuated with a man. Yes, the same man he had glimpsed in the wellness center. Except that he alludes to this man being dead, and himself the one who killed him. This isn’t a spoiler; it’s all given away at the beginning of the story.
Oliver also encounters some strange clients meeting with his father while they’re on vacation. That’s another thing, the interactions between him and his father, or him and his brother with his father, are just weird. He’s hostile towards the brothers all of the time for absolutely no reason. And they just live like that. You can’t just accept that odd tension, there has to be a reason the father is like that towards his sons and it’s never explained.
I can’t think of the exact word to describe it, but the story just feels off, or incomplete, or something. Are we supposed to be shocked that a normal young man would be prone to violence towards those whom he feels deserve it? Because that’s not shocking at all. He is naïve, completely unaware of how evil those close to him are. But that’s not shocking, either. I don’t know, I wanted to like the book, but it just felt unsatisfying, like it was trying to be so much more, but wasn’t.
April 27, 2024
I honestly could not wait for this to end. It made such little sense and felt like it went on forever despite only being 250 pages. I did not like a single character and the motives for any of the characters because were never explained?! Also a random inclusion of what I think is the death of princess diana? It’s all just very odd - either I am too stupid to understand this book or literally nothing made sense. The blurb of this book really paints the plot as something different to what it is - if this wasn’t a library book I’d be asking for my money back due to fraudulent misrepresentation.
November 16, 2023
Notes On A Murder is well-written, the characters are engaging, and the story certainly piqued my curiosity at the start. However, I did not get on with the plot. It felt under-developed, unbelievable, and ended far too abruptly.
BP Walter is a good writer, but this one wasn't for me.
BP Walter is a good writer, but this one wasn't for me.
March 20, 2024
2.5 stars
Not for me I'm afraid. Wanted to love it but just took me ages to get into and when I finally did get to a good bit, I just didn't get it... Good premise though.
Not for me I'm afraid. Wanted to love it but just took me ages to get into and when I finally did get to a good bit, I just didn't get it... Good premise though.
March 25, 2024
(3.5 rounded up to 4🌟)
August 3, 2024
Enjoyed this more than I was expecting. Quite a twisted little tale in the end and an easy listen.
November 23, 2023
Well…… that was weird. I like the past and present story telling and the premise of life and death and deciding who dies in a very sinister and atmospheric backdrop. The characters are fascinating to say the least and compelling in a dark and mysterious way. The storytelling starts slowly and builds to crescendo level which I also liked and there were some surprising twists along the way. Quite unsettling overall in a good way and definitely weird and inventive. Definitely worth a read.
February 17, 2024
I think this is one of the hardest books to review ……. I felt there was not much character depth or history which may have helped explain there heinous decisions . 1.5 rounded up . It was just telly odd
December 24, 2023
I found this one to be a decent page turner. Not quite sure where it was going at points, but I enjoyed it all the same. Some very strange scenarios involving murders. I felt that some of the characters were a bit one dimensional, however it was a good book (which was free on my library app) to read on my kindle.
October 10, 2023
This was a read that completely took over my life for a day I just couldn’t put it down and ignored everything else until I finished it. The story is a very dark one but starts off very normally with a summer holiday in Greece but then it quite quickly began to fill my mind with a very disturbing sense of unease as the story progressed and oh boy it was one heck of a good read. There is a lot going on the book and it’s almost impossible to describe it’s told in a then and now format which worked very well and just plays with your mind over and over again. The characters were all well crafted and believable, the writing was superb and built the tension up to a brilliant and extremely satisfying conclusion that shocked the life out of me !
So a great read and many thanks to B P Walter for a dream of a book.
My thanks also to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
So a great read and many thanks to B P Walter for a dream of a book.
My thanks also to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 19, 2023
Oliver has just finished college and goes to Greece with his family (mom, dad, brother) for their annual villa vacation. He's bored and listless until he meets Alistair and they start sleeping together. Then the boys are invited to a private island by a business associate of Oliver's father and are faced with a crazy choice.
I don't quite know what to say about this book. The characters felt very underdeveloped and as such the decisions they made seemed like they came out of nowhere and didn't make a lot of sense. I generally enjoy a dual timeline, but the way the now/then was structured with a twenty-year gap in the story felt disjointed and left too many open questions. I can see why other reviewers enjoyed this book - it was definitely fast-paced and raised some interesting ideas, but it was too all over the place for me to fully enjoy it.
* thanks to HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for the NetGalley review copy. NOTES ON A MURDER publishes November 23.
I don't quite know what to say about this book. The characters felt very underdeveloped and as such the decisions they made seemed like they came out of nowhere and didn't make a lot of sense. I generally enjoy a dual timeline, but the way the now/then was structured with a twenty-year gap in the story felt disjointed and left too many open questions. I can see why other reviewers enjoyed this book - it was definitely fast-paced and raised some interesting ideas, but it was too all over the place for me to fully enjoy it.
* thanks to HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for the NetGalley review copy. NOTES ON A MURDER publishes November 23.
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