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Five Nights
A powerful family. A luxury cruise. A killer on board…
You’re invited to join the infamous Scarmado family on a five night voyage aboard their glamorous new ship. It’s a chance to see your best friend, Belle, newly married to Mattia Scarmado. You haven’t seen her in years.
FIVE
On the first night, you’ll be wrapped up in the glamour of the ship.
FOUR
On the second night, you’ll wonder who is sending you threatening notes.
THREE
On the third night, someone will die.
TWO
On the fourth night, you’ll discover that someone knows the truth of what you did.
ONE
On the last night, you’ll be left for dead.
WILL YOU MAKE IT BACK TO SHORE ALIVE?
You’re invited to join the infamous Scarmado family on a five night voyage aboard their glamorous new ship. It’s a chance to see your best friend, Belle, newly married to Mattia Scarmado. You haven’t seen her in years.
FIVE
On the first night, you’ll be wrapped up in the glamour of the ship.
FOUR
On the second night, you’ll wonder who is sending you threatening notes.
THREE
On the third night, someone will die.
TWO
On the fourth night, you’ll discover that someone knows the truth of what you did.
ONE
On the last night, you’ll be left for dead.
WILL YOU MAKE IT BACK TO SHORE ALIVE?
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2024
103 people are currently reading
2020 people want to read
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January 27, 2024Wealthy sexagenarian marries very young woman, his adult kids are enraged, they all go on a luxury cruise along with her estranged best friend, and secrets explode in everyone's faces. Boom.
It's a highly entertaining, gleefully rich-people-are-awful romp, with tons of glitz, drama, and plot turns. The fun is all in working out what everyone's hiding and what secret will detonate next. Basically, a book born to be read lying next to a perfect blue swimming pool with a frozen margarita to hand.
I had an ARC from the author.
It's a highly entertaining, gleefully rich-people-are-awful romp, with tons of glitz, drama, and plot turns. The fun is all in working out what everyone's hiding and what secret will detonate next. Basically, a book born to be read lying next to a perfect blue swimming pool with a frozen margarita to hand.
I had an ARC from the author.
January 1, 2024
A luxury cruise ship travelling from the south of England to New York…what could go wrong?!!?
Five Nights is an addictive, popcorn thriller, full of wild twists and unlikeable characters. Estranged friends, Emily and Belle reunite on the cruise ship, owned by Belle’s new, uber rich husband. The whole Scarmando family are there, and the children and not keen on their new step mother. Emily answers Belle’s call for help and joins for on the ship. It is not long before things start to go wrong, people are injured and threatened. Is it the kids warning Belle off, or does someone know Emily’s deepest darkest secrets?
I was entertained throughout this book, even though I had guessed a few of the major plot twists. Always love a rich people behaving badly story, and a locked room mystery as well. It is a fun, quick read.
Thanks to Aria and Aries for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on February 29th.
Five Nights is an addictive, popcorn thriller, full of wild twists and unlikeable characters. Estranged friends, Emily and Belle reunite on the cruise ship, owned by Belle’s new, uber rich husband. The whole Scarmando family are there, and the children and not keen on their new step mother. Emily answers Belle’s call for help and joins for on the ship. It is not long before things start to go wrong, people are injured and threatened. Is it the kids warning Belle off, or does someone know Emily’s deepest darkest secrets?
I was entertained throughout this book, even though I had guessed a few of the major plot twists. Always love a rich people behaving badly story, and a locked room mystery as well. It is a fun, quick read.
Thanks to Aria and Aries for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on February 29th.
February 24, 2024
A book about a family that is filthy rich and thus think themselves way better than other people. The Scarmado family are the kind of people I never ever hope to meet. So, it was easy to understand why Emily was rather reluctant to accept the invitation of Belle Scarmado, her erstwhile best friend, to join her on a 5 day cruise with this family. Belle married the head of the family and of course most people think she's a gold digger - especially Mattia's five children, of which there are a few only a couple of years younger than she is.
But, three years ago Emily and Belle went through a horrible experience together, and Emily still feels guilty over the way she handled the situation.
The book is set on board of one of those cruise ships that don't offer any interesting stops at faraway places; this one will travel to New York in five days. All the people on board have to do is enjoy themselves - mainly by eating and drinking too much.
Emily receives a threatening note just before she boards the ship and she's only a couple of hours on deck before the first of a series of disturbing accidents happen. Now how can she rekindle her friendship with Bella, help her out of her latest predicament and save herself from having to tell the whole truth?
Although there are a couple of interesting scenes, and there is a lot of tension going on between the family members, Belle, and Emily herself, it's rather slow paced until about three quarters of the story. It's then that the real secrets get spilled and all hell breaks loose.
I enjoyed it but I would have liked it to be more compact and with fewer time spoiled on just sitting, drinking and quarrelling.
Thanks to Aria & Aries and Netgally for this review copy.
But, three years ago Emily and Belle went through a horrible experience together, and Emily still feels guilty over the way she handled the situation.
The book is set on board of one of those cruise ships that don't offer any interesting stops at faraway places; this one will travel to New York in five days. All the people on board have to do is enjoy themselves - mainly by eating and drinking too much.
Emily receives a threatening note just before she boards the ship and she's only a couple of hours on deck before the first of a series of disturbing accidents happen. Now how can she rekindle her friendship with Bella, help her out of her latest predicament and save herself from having to tell the whole truth?
Although there are a couple of interesting scenes, and there is a lot of tension going on between the family members, Belle, and Emily herself, it's rather slow paced until about three quarters of the story. It's then that the real secrets get spilled and all hell breaks loose.
I enjoyed it but I would have liked it to be more compact and with fewer time spoiled on just sitting, drinking and quarrelling.
Thanks to Aria & Aries and Netgally for this review copy.
August 10, 2023
This book immerses the reader in the lives of the Scarmados - a family that harbors more than one secret and an abundance of animosity towards one another. I didn't encounter one likeable character, most of them were quite bland and lacked development. Some twists were far fetched and the friendship between Belle and Emily felt very insincere.
This wasn't a bad read but it lacked tension for me. Readers who like their thrillers more on the light side might appreciate this novel more.
I received an ARC of this book thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review.
This wasn't a bad read but it lacked tension for me. Readers who like their thrillers more on the light side might appreciate this novel more.
I received an ARC of this book thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2024
I had never heard about Rachel Wolf, or this book, but a thriller taking place aboard a ship, involving a filthy rich, completely dysfunctional, family sounded like a good idea.
And I was not disappointed.
The Scarmardos were all horrible, but Belle and Emily were no better. I liked it a lot how the story developed, when everything started to unravel. No one is what they seem.
My only (slight) regret was that this story was quite predictable in some parts. After a while, I could see where it was going. Although, I must say, there were some good twists I could not forsee.
An author to keep an eye on.
And I was not disappointed.
The Scarmardos were all horrible, but Belle and Emily were no better. I liked it a lot how the story developed, when everything started to unravel. No one is what they seem.
My only (slight) regret was that this story was quite predictable in some parts. After a while, I could see where it was going. Although, I must say, there were some good twists I could not forsee.
An author to keep an eye on.
July 21, 2023
agatha christie meets succession in this cleverly crafted, fast paced mystery that I tore through in less than 24 hours. If you are looking for a book to get you out a slump, this one is definitely for you and is available on publishing date: 29 feb 2024 !
thank you to netgalley & head of zeus for this arc.
thank you to netgalley & head of zeus for this arc.
May 26, 2024
I need to stop trusting goodreads reviews
March 2, 2024
Five Nights is an addictive thriller, written by Rachel Wolf, and published by Head of Zeus; Emily has been invited to a luxury cruise ship by her friend Belle, three years since the last time they reunited (and due to a good reason). But Belle needs her support to deal with the Scamardo family and their machinations, an opportunity for Emily's redemption.
But if the Scamardo family and Emily share something, is their life being full of secrets; and after receiving some threatening messages, Emily decides to start investigating, all to see if she can help Belle. However, passing five nights will be proven as tricky, especially as things start to heat, and the actual personality of many of the Scamardo's siblings are revealed.
A plot that starts unraveling more questions than answers, combining three timelines in order to let the reader try to guess who is the assassin inside; all while dealing with the unlikeable personality of many of the characters. The pacing is fast, going from scene to scene without a single moment to breath, creating a great intrigue that only gets resolved a few pages before the gran finale.
A really interesting thriller, which is perfect if you like character-driven narratives with multiple timelines; an intriguing proposal that Wolf executes almost flawlessly. If you are looking for your next film, read Five Nights.
But if the Scamardo family and Emily share something, is their life being full of secrets; and after receiving some threatening messages, Emily decides to start investigating, all to see if she can help Belle. However, passing five nights will be proven as tricky, especially as things start to heat, and the actual personality of many of the Scamardo's siblings are revealed.
A plot that starts unraveling more questions than answers, combining three timelines in order to let the reader try to guess who is the assassin inside; all while dealing with the unlikeable personality of many of the characters. The pacing is fast, going from scene to scene without a single moment to breath, creating a great intrigue that only gets resolved a few pages before the gran finale.
A really interesting thriller, which is perfect if you like character-driven narratives with multiple timelines; an intriguing proposal that Wolf executes almost flawlessly. If you are looking for your next film, read Five Nights.
November 25, 2024
A nice standalone thriller set on a luxury cruise with a family drama ensuing.
The novels protagonist Emily is invited out of the blue by her former best friend Belle to travel on a luxury cruise with her super rich new family.
Much of the initial driving narrative center's around the mystery rift surrounding them two.
The close circle mystery is so effective due to the location of being confined to a ship.
There's plenty happening including threading notes and random attacks.
The narrative is split over 5 nights (hence the title) and whilst the first section is mainly just getting to know the characters - the novel gets more gripping with each passing day.
The novels protagonist Emily is invited out of the blue by her former best friend Belle to travel on a luxury cruise with her super rich new family.
Much of the initial driving narrative center's around the mystery rift surrounding them two.
The close circle mystery is so effective due to the location of being confined to a ship.
There's plenty happening including threading notes and random attacks.
The narrative is split over 5 nights (hence the title) and whilst the first section is mainly just getting to know the characters - the novel gets more gripping with each passing day.
February 27, 2024
3.5 stars
Five Nights is a closed-circle mystery and suspense novel. The author limits the setting to a luxury cruise ship, which does add to the suspense, since the wealthy family at the centre of this story seem only to keep within certain areas of the ship. The setting works well, and I do like a small footprint mystery.
If I were to break this down into sections, and the book does by splitting this into five days/nights, I would say that the last few days/nights are the most gripping. The setup of the story took a while to hook me, even with mysterious notes suggesting a mystery or a threat later in the story. Maybe it's the way the characters were introduced or described early on? I'm not sure. Whatever it was, I did find my attention waver during that first section, but the story does grab you more as the days/nights progress.
A huge theme of this story is secrets, big and small, and how those secrets often have dire consequences. The characters in this story also exude jealousy, greed, paranoia, arrogance, and hate. All ingredients that make you dislike them but, at times, find them engaging and compelling. Still, in a book such as this, characters that behave in those ways do make you wonder if they will be next. That becomes all part of the fun in a book like this.
One thing I found perplexing is the friendship between Emily and Belle. It reads like the most toxic friendship imaginable. I recently read another suspense/thriller that showed a similar friendship and I wondered about that to. Are toxic friendships common in thrillers? Despite the author being able to take those elements and use it to drive more suspense and doubt, I do hope it doesn't become a trend.
One the whole, this is a novel to just sit back and suspend belief. It's a bit of ride, it does pull you into the story, and it may make you think twice about taking a cruise.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
Five Nights is a closed-circle mystery and suspense novel. The author limits the setting to a luxury cruise ship, which does add to the suspense, since the wealthy family at the centre of this story seem only to keep within certain areas of the ship. The setting works well, and I do like a small footprint mystery.
If I were to break this down into sections, and the book does by splitting this into five days/nights, I would say that the last few days/nights are the most gripping. The setup of the story took a while to hook me, even with mysterious notes suggesting a mystery or a threat later in the story. Maybe it's the way the characters were introduced or described early on? I'm not sure. Whatever it was, I did find my attention waver during that first section, but the story does grab you more as the days/nights progress.
A huge theme of this story is secrets, big and small, and how those secrets often have dire consequences. The characters in this story also exude jealousy, greed, paranoia, arrogance, and hate. All ingredients that make you dislike them but, at times, find them engaging and compelling. Still, in a book such as this, characters that behave in those ways do make you wonder if they will be next. That becomes all part of the fun in a book like this.
One thing I found perplexing is the friendship between Emily and Belle. It reads like the most toxic friendship imaginable. I recently read another suspense/thriller that showed a similar friendship and I wondered about that to. Are toxic friendships common in thrillers? Despite the author being able to take those elements and use it to drive more suspense and doubt, I do hope it doesn't become a trend.
One the whole, this is a novel to just sit back and suspend belief. It's a bit of ride, it does pull you into the story, and it may make you think twice about taking a cruise.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
July 1, 2024
This is very fun and easy to read book. The mystery is quite good too but I think it’s dragged on towards the end a lot.
August 7, 2023
Five Nights by Rachel Wolf is a captivating thriller that delves into the hidden secrets of a wealthy and influential family during a five-night luxury cruise. The narrative revolves around the Scarmados, a powerful family whose unity begins to crumble when the patriarch decides to embark on this consequential voyage alongside his four adult children.
Emily and Belle were once inseparable best friends, until an incident three years ago strained their relationship. Currently, Belle is married to Mattia, an older and wealthier man, while Emily, a struggling single mother, faces financial challenges. When Belle extends an invitation for Emily to join them on the inaugural cruise of her husband's cruise liner, they strive to reconcile their lost time. However, Mattia's adult children harbor animosity towards Belle, and as strange occurrences unfold, Emily becomes concerned. Trapped on the ship with no means of escape and with a distant destination ahead, tension rises.
Over the course of five nights, "Five Nights" takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with suspense and intrigue. The characters in the novel are wonderfully deceptive, heightening the air of mystery and suspense. The combination of the opulent setting and the Scarmados family's menacing secrets creates a captivating atmosphere, intensifying the suspense throughout the story. The setting plays a significant role, as it provides a confined and isolated environment where family members must confront their troubled past and the imminent threat posed by the onboard assailant.
While readers need to suspend disbelief, once they immerse themselves in the narrative, they will be thoroughly entertained, as I was. This gripping novel is an excellent choice for a holiday read, offering a compelling storyline. However, I found the connection between Emily and Belle somewhat lacking sincerity, rendering it difficult to relate to. Despite being somewhat implausible, the story had me completely engrossed and reluctant to put it down.
Emily and Belle were once inseparable best friends, until an incident three years ago strained their relationship. Currently, Belle is married to Mattia, an older and wealthier man, while Emily, a struggling single mother, faces financial challenges. When Belle extends an invitation for Emily to join them on the inaugural cruise of her husband's cruise liner, they strive to reconcile their lost time. However, Mattia's adult children harbor animosity towards Belle, and as strange occurrences unfold, Emily becomes concerned. Trapped on the ship with no means of escape and with a distant destination ahead, tension rises.
Over the course of five nights, "Five Nights" takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with suspense and intrigue. The characters in the novel are wonderfully deceptive, heightening the air of mystery and suspense. The combination of the opulent setting and the Scarmados family's menacing secrets creates a captivating atmosphere, intensifying the suspense throughout the story. The setting plays a significant role, as it provides a confined and isolated environment where family members must confront their troubled past and the imminent threat posed by the onboard assailant.
While readers need to suspend disbelief, once they immerse themselves in the narrative, they will be thoroughly entertained, as I was. This gripping novel is an excellent choice for a holiday read, offering a compelling storyline. However, I found the connection between Emily and Belle somewhat lacking sincerity, rendering it difficult to relate to. Despite being somewhat implausible, the story had me completely engrossed and reluctant to put it down.
February 21, 2024
3.5*
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Wow I flew through this book, the story was addictive and I couldn't stop reading. The pacing of the writing was spot on for the story.
This book has so many interesting characters and a plot that keeps you guessing as we learn more and the days move on. I would have liked a little bit more time on the ending of the cruise itself but otherwise I really enjoyed this book. Will be a great holiday read!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Wow I flew through this book, the story was addictive and I couldn't stop reading. The pacing of the writing was spot on for the story.
This book has so many interesting characters and a plot that keeps you guessing as we learn more and the days move on. I would have liked a little bit more time on the ending of the cruise itself but otherwise I really enjoyed this book. Will be a great holiday read!
March 10, 2024
I've finished reading Five Nights by @rachelwolfauthor, and I rate it 5 stars 🌟
Emily receives an invitation to go on a luxury cruise, and the invite came from her former best friend Belle, who's now married the wealthy Mattia Scarmardo owner of the ship
Worriedly concerned at why Belle would send her an invitation out of the blue after years of not seeing each other, Emily decides to accept the invite as she boards the ship and joins Belle and her husband along with Mattia Scarmardo's grown up children, Emily's about to experience a holiday from hell and with a killer on bored it's going to be a deadly game of cat and mouse.. secrets and lies will destroy so many lives..
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish it was a perfect edge of your seat thriller, I couldn't put it down it was very fast-paced, and the story was just brilliant with fantastic characters it's filled with plenty of twists and turns
The story had me me gripped from the start it was very tense at times. I loved how the story played out and how it all came together with a deadly conclusion, I loved the ending. I thought it fit the story and characters perfectly. I'm just disappointed it ended. I highly recommend this book
Emily receives an invitation to go on a luxury cruise, and the invite came from her former best friend Belle, who's now married the wealthy Mattia Scarmardo owner of the ship
Worriedly concerned at why Belle would send her an invitation out of the blue after years of not seeing each other, Emily decides to accept the invite as she boards the ship and joins Belle and her husband along with Mattia Scarmardo's grown up children, Emily's about to experience a holiday from hell and with a killer on bored it's going to be a deadly game of cat and mouse.. secrets and lies will destroy so many lives..
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish it was a perfect edge of your seat thriller, I couldn't put it down it was very fast-paced, and the story was just brilliant with fantastic characters it's filled with plenty of twists and turns
The story had me me gripped from the start it was very tense at times. I loved how the story played out and how it all came together with a deadly conclusion, I loved the ending. I thought it fit the story and characters perfectly. I'm just disappointed it ended. I highly recommend this book
May 7, 2024
Five Nights and The Yacht by Sarah Goodwin are basically the same book. However, I think this book executes its themes (wealth disparity and friendship) better.
July 14, 2024
i was dubious in the first half cause it was a bit slow and repetitive. but around halfway through it really picked up. The ending was very sudden but the clues were well weaved in that the ending actually made sense. Surprised how much I started to enjoy it lol.
February 16, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Firstly it’s the first book I’ve read by this author and it was fabulous. The character build left me wanting more and more from them and the twists were fabulous. I devoured this in a day so to say I enjoyed it was an understatement! Excellent!
April 26, 2024
I had to DNF at about 25% purely because I noticed quite a few errors or sentences that didn’t make sense, almost like it’s been poorly translated from a different language. I just could read it
March 15, 2024
Emily wird von Belle auf eine Luxusschifffahrt eingeladen - drei Jahre nachdem sie gemeinsam schlimmes erlebt und sich seitdem nicht mehr gesehen haben. Belle hat in der Zwischenzeit in eine reiche Familie eingeheiratet. Ihr viel älterer Mann und seine fünf Kinder sind ebenfalls an Bord. Die Stimmung ist alles andere als gut, denn die erwachsenen Kinder verabscheuen ihre neue Stiefmutter. Außerdem wird es gefährlich an Bord des Schiffes.
Das Buch war ganz in Ordnung, aber auch nicht mehr. Ich habe mir lange schwer getan die einzelnen Kinder der Familie auseinander zu halten. Es hat lange gedauert bis man sie so gut kennen lernte, dass ein Bezug zu den Charakteren hergestellt werden konnte. Es sind auch einfach zu viele, die plötzlich alle da sind. Generell fand ich, dass das Buch etwas zu schnell erzählt wurde - nicht unbedingt auf die Länge der Geschichte bezogen, sondern eher die Abstände zwischen den Geschehnissen. Kaum geht der eine weg, kommt der andere um die Ecke während ein Dritter vorbeiläuft - wie soll man da noch den Überblick behalten?
Davon abgesehen waren, finde ich, einfach alle Charaktere zumindest zeitweise unsympathisch. Klar braucht ein gutes Buch nicht zwingenderweise einen Sympathieträger, aber ich fand es dennoch schwierig, dass ich bei all den Dramen eigentlich nicht mal wusste, zu wem ich halten soll.
Grob betrachtet dreht sich alles darum, herauszufinden, wie die Mutter der Kinder gestorben ist. Ich könnte nicht behaupten, dass ich sonderlich gespannt auf die Lösung war. Erst gegen Ende des Buches war ich gefesselt, weil zumindest bestimmte Zusammenhänge klar waren und nicht mehr alles so ein großes Fragezeichen. Spannung und Geheimnisse hin oder her - ich brauche zumindest irgendetwas zum Festhalten. Es war einfach alles ein einziges Rätsel - man wusste nicht, was Emily damals passiert ist, warum sie keinen Kontakt mehr zu Belle hatte, wer der Vater ihres Kindes ist, warum sie auf das Schiff eingeladen wurde, was mit der Mutter passiert ist etc. Also man wusste genau gar nichts und fast nichts wurde vor dem Ende des Buches aufgelöst - das war mir eine zu lange Durststrecke.
Auch Emotionen konnten mir leider kaum vermittelt werden, obwohl sie da waren und viele Situationen für die Figuren sehr nervenaufreibend waren. Sie kamen einfach nicht bei mir an.
Ich glaube, man hätte aus der Geschichte deutlich mehr machen können. Eventuell hätte sich die Autorin weniger darauf konzentrieren , immer wieder zu betonen, um welche Celebrities es sich bei der Familie handelt, dafür mehr auf die Emotionen eingehen sollen. Dann hätte daraus ein guter Psychothriller werden können
Das Buch war ganz in Ordnung, aber auch nicht mehr. Ich habe mir lange schwer getan die einzelnen Kinder der Familie auseinander zu halten. Es hat lange gedauert bis man sie so gut kennen lernte, dass ein Bezug zu den Charakteren hergestellt werden konnte. Es sind auch einfach zu viele, die plötzlich alle da sind. Generell fand ich, dass das Buch etwas zu schnell erzählt wurde - nicht unbedingt auf die Länge der Geschichte bezogen, sondern eher die Abstände zwischen den Geschehnissen. Kaum geht der eine weg, kommt der andere um die Ecke während ein Dritter vorbeiläuft - wie soll man da noch den Überblick behalten?
Davon abgesehen waren, finde ich, einfach alle Charaktere zumindest zeitweise unsympathisch. Klar braucht ein gutes Buch nicht zwingenderweise einen Sympathieträger, aber ich fand es dennoch schwierig, dass ich bei all den Dramen eigentlich nicht mal wusste, zu wem ich halten soll.
Grob betrachtet dreht sich alles darum, herauszufinden, wie die Mutter der Kinder gestorben ist. Ich könnte nicht behaupten, dass ich sonderlich gespannt auf die Lösung war. Erst gegen Ende des Buches war ich gefesselt, weil zumindest bestimmte Zusammenhänge klar waren und nicht mehr alles so ein großes Fragezeichen. Spannung und Geheimnisse hin oder her - ich brauche zumindest irgendetwas zum Festhalten. Es war einfach alles ein einziges Rätsel - man wusste nicht, was Emily damals passiert ist, warum sie keinen Kontakt mehr zu Belle hatte, wer der Vater ihres Kindes ist, warum sie auf das Schiff eingeladen wurde, was mit der Mutter passiert ist etc. Also man wusste genau gar nichts und fast nichts wurde vor dem Ende des Buches aufgelöst - das war mir eine zu lange Durststrecke.
Auch Emotionen konnten mir leider kaum vermittelt werden, obwohl sie da waren und viele Situationen für die Figuren sehr nervenaufreibend waren. Sie kamen einfach nicht bei mir an.
Ich glaube, man hätte aus der Geschichte deutlich mehr machen können. Eventuell hätte sich die Autorin weniger darauf konzentrieren , immer wieder zu betonen, um welche Celebrities es sich bei der Familie handelt, dafür mehr auf die Emotionen eingehen sollen. Dann hätte daraus ein guter Psychothriller werden können
February 26, 2024
AD/PR - I have a weakness for rich dysfunctional families like the Sacklers (Empire Of Pain book) and in the tv shows Succession and The Fall Of The House Of Usher! If you’re like me then you’ll love Five Nights and the toxic Scarmado family. This book is a Succession meets Lucy Clarke locked room thriller set aboard a luxury cruise ship!
Five Nights is a thoroughly entertaining popcorn thriller that’s full of suspense and deceit. The cruise ship drips with luxury and is the height of glamour. The five Scarmado siblings are exactly what you’d expect - spoilt, entitled, causing scandals in the press and very concerned about their inheritance. They’re convinced their father’s much younger new wife Belle is a gold digger and was involved in their mother’s conveniently timed death. She’s also now pregnant 😬. Fearing for her safety, Belle invites her old friend Emily on the voyage, who she’s not spoken to in three years (more drama there 👀). Emily is embroiled in a tug of war of secrets and mind games as Belle and the Scarmado siblings try to convince her to take their sides. The stakes are high as Emily finds herself threatened and attacked, while it seems someone’s trying to kill off the Scarmados… dun, dun, DUNNNN.
I did guess a few of the twists but I feel like I was meant to so it didn’t spoil my enjoyment… it was more about the how and why! I also saw some people on goodreads say they preferred the last few nights of the cruise and while I agree that they were gripping and fast paced, I actually loved the first few days more! I enjoyed the suspense and watching the power plays and interactions between the Scarmado siblings and Belle/Emily. I just had the best time reading about uber rich brats misbehaving on a cruise ship 😂✌🏻.
Five Nights is a thoroughly entertaining popcorn thriller that’s full of suspense and deceit. The cruise ship drips with luxury and is the height of glamour. The five Scarmado siblings are exactly what you’d expect - spoilt, entitled, causing scandals in the press and very concerned about their inheritance. They’re convinced their father’s much younger new wife Belle is a gold digger and was involved in their mother’s conveniently timed death. She’s also now pregnant 😬. Fearing for her safety, Belle invites her old friend Emily on the voyage, who she’s not spoken to in three years (more drama there 👀). Emily is embroiled in a tug of war of secrets and mind games as Belle and the Scarmado siblings try to convince her to take their sides. The stakes are high as Emily finds herself threatened and attacked, while it seems someone’s trying to kill off the Scarmados… dun, dun, DUNNNN.
I did guess a few of the twists but I feel like I was meant to so it didn’t spoil my enjoyment… it was more about the how and why! I also saw some people on goodreads say they preferred the last few nights of the cruise and while I agree that they were gripping and fast paced, I actually loved the first few days more! I enjoyed the suspense and watching the power plays and interactions between the Scarmado siblings and Belle/Emily. I just had the best time reading about uber rich brats misbehaving on a cruise ship 😂✌🏻.
August 5, 2023
A powerful family. A luxury cruise. A dark secret.
The Scarmados are the most famous family in Britain, notorious for throwing lavish parties funded by their media and shipping empire. Now, head of the family Mattia is about to retire, and he's taken his four children and his new young wife Belle on the maiden voyage of one of his luxury cruise ships. The tabloids are buzzing: is he about to announce his successor?
Friday night, drinks with the girls or this book? I decided with respect to the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced copy I decided on a night in with this book and I am so glad I did. What a wild ride this was and I stayed up late to finish it. For five nights on a ship there is so much packed into this story. Some truly awful entitled people who it seems will do anything to hang on to the family inheritance and get their share. This is a story that leads to heartache for many but is also what makes it so good.
Emily and Belle have been friends since childhood but then at a later stage in their lives a major event occurs that changes things for them both and they lose touch. But then Belle gets in touch with Emily and invites her onto a five night cruise on the Scarmodos luxury liner. Emily comes face to face with this very wealthy family and soon things take a turn for the worse. Everyone has secrets including Emily herself, and as usual in these situations lives will be shattered and truths uncovered.
Yes, you need to suspend belief but once you do and just go with the flow you will be totally entertained, or at least I was. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
The Scarmados are the most famous family in Britain, notorious for throwing lavish parties funded by their media and shipping empire. Now, head of the family Mattia is about to retire, and he's taken his four children and his new young wife Belle on the maiden voyage of one of his luxury cruise ships. The tabloids are buzzing: is he about to announce his successor?
Friday night, drinks with the girls or this book? I decided with respect to the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced copy I decided on a night in with this book and I am so glad I did. What a wild ride this was and I stayed up late to finish it. For five nights on a ship there is so much packed into this story. Some truly awful entitled people who it seems will do anything to hang on to the family inheritance and get their share. This is a story that leads to heartache for many but is also what makes it so good.
Emily and Belle have been friends since childhood but then at a later stage in their lives a major event occurs that changes things for them both and they lose touch. But then Belle gets in touch with Emily and invites her onto a five night cruise on the Scarmodos luxury liner. Emily comes face to face with this very wealthy family and soon things take a turn for the worse. Everyone has secrets including Emily herself, and as usual in these situations lives will be shattered and truths uncovered.
Yes, you need to suspend belief but once you do and just go with the flow you will be totally entertained, or at least I was. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
March 20, 2024
This is a perfect guilty pleasure holiday read. It has everything you want for an easy holiday murder/mystery. Stunning top of the range cruise ship, rich spoilt family of beautiful adult siblings that you love to hate and a whodunit moment on each of the 5 nights of the cruise. None of the characters are likeable, they are all very self centered and self important yet it kind of works in an old style Dynasty/new style Kardashian way.
Nothing life changing or out of this world but an easy holiday read and escape to see how the other half live. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 thanks for the copy of #FiveNights #NetGalley
Nothing life changing or out of this world but an easy holiday read and escape to see how the other half live. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 thanks for the copy of #FiveNights #NetGalley
August 14, 2024
Five Nights is exactly the type of thriller I love. Full of suspense, drama, and surprising twists I didn't see coming.
The writing style was excellent, really entertaining. I was drawn in immediately. I devoured it in one sitting, I honestly couldn't put it down.
I loved everything about it, from the setting, the spoiled but charming characters, to the crazy twists.
This is the first I've read from Rachel Wolf, but it definitely won't be the last. I can't wait for her next book.
Fans of Ruth Ware, Lucy Clarke and Sarah Goodwin will love it.
I highly recommend.
5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The writing style was excellent, really entertaining. I was drawn in immediately. I devoured it in one sitting, I honestly couldn't put it down.
I loved everything about it, from the setting, the spoiled but charming characters, to the crazy twists.
This is the first I've read from Rachel Wolf, but it definitely won't be the last. I can't wait for her next book.
Fans of Ruth Ware, Lucy Clarke and Sarah Goodwin will love it.
I highly recommend.
5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 17, 2024
I enjoyed the setting of this crime/thriller novel and the characters had interesting back stories. I did find the ending a little rushed and "neat" but the book was difficult to put down as there was always something going on and a new piece to the puzzle. Easy to read, and definitely entertaining, this would make a good holiday or beach read. Better still, read it on a cruise! Love the cover - it's very eye catching.
I received this arc from netgalley and Head of Zeus in exchange for my honest review.
I received this arc from netgalley and Head of Zeus in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2023
Wow, you can cram a lot into five nights.
Did I guess where a lot of this was going? YES
Did I find a lot of it totally unbelievable? YES
Did I struggle to find a truly likeable character? YES
Did I ignore all that and buckle up for a wild ride that was fast paced and such good fun?
I think you know the answer.
Perfect beach read.... or sofa, or bus.
A bit of escapism where we can see richer isn't always better (and other stuff)
Did I guess where a lot of this was going? YES
Did I find a lot of it totally unbelievable? YES
Did I struggle to find a truly likeable character? YES
Did I ignore all that and buckle up for a wild ride that was fast paced and such good fun?
I think you know the answer.
Perfect beach read.... or sofa, or bus.
A bit of escapism where we can see richer isn't always better (and other stuff)
February 26, 2025
Hearing Rachel talk about her books and her writing process at a recent event made me want to read Five Nights immediately and so I did! And I was not disappointed. It's a gripping thriller that immerses readers in a world of luxury, secrets and suspense. Locked room - but in the middle of the ocean on a luxury cruise ship - it is full of tension, twists and, although it's a cruise ship full of people, isolation.
This is the book to reignite your passion for reading, fast-paced and with twists that are delivered with a literary punch, the brilliant cast of characters (some of whom you'll hate!) and the luxury setting combine to make this a real page-turner.
It is a fresh and fairly unique thriller, an unpredictable plot and a great combination of family drama, mystery a little romance and an intriguing setting.
This is the book to reignite your passion for reading, fast-paced and with twists that are delivered with a literary punch, the brilliant cast of characters (some of whom you'll hate!) and the luxury setting combine to make this a real page-turner.
It is a fresh and fairly unique thriller, an unpredictable plot and a great combination of family drama, mystery a little romance and an intriguing setting.
February 3, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars rounded up.
This was everything you want in a thriller and more! It’s intense, fast paced, gripping and left me shocked.
I was hooked in the first few chapters and I didn’t see any of the twists coming.
I really enjoyed the authors writing style and read this in less than 24 hours, I just couldn’t get enough!
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Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to review this book.
This was everything you want in a thriller and more! It’s intense, fast paced, gripping and left me shocked.
I was hooked in the first few chapters and I didn’t see any of the twists coming.
I really enjoyed the authors writing style and read this in less than 24 hours, I just couldn’t get enough!
———————
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to review this book.
April 16, 2024
A good read although I did pick up a couple of typos/grammatical errors which, even though only minor, annoyed me. A USB being referred to as a UBS was one and a word was also missing at a point in the book which I picked up.
A very good story though if you ignore the above. Maybe I’m being picky but things like this make me question the professionalism of the writing.
A very good story though if you ignore the above. Maybe I’m being picky but things like this make me question the professionalism of the writing.
July 12, 2024
This book was so so messy. I didn’t really enjoy it, only small bits of the story. Not only did the grammar mistakes annoy me - how did those even slip through? - but the writing was messy. I feel like a lot of the phrases were used multiple times, and the phrasing was also weird. I gave it three stars for the plot and storyline, but if I ignored that it would get two stars. So, sorry to say, not the best book I’ve read.
BYE!
BYE!
August 16, 2024
1.5 stars
Even though it was very interesting in the beginning it felt like it was dragging from the middle on and progressively the way the characters acted became more and more irrational.
Emily suspecting a different character in every chapter due to the faintest of hints quickly became boring and overall I lost interest.
The ending was kind of rushed and it was even more bizarre due to the rest of the book dragging. Not really worth my time, it kind of threw me into a reading slump.
Even though it was very interesting in the beginning it felt like it was dragging from the middle on and progressively the way the characters acted became more and more irrational.
Emily suspecting a different character in every chapter due to the faintest of hints quickly became boring and overall I lost interest.
The ending was kind of rushed and it was even more bizarre due to the rest of the book dragging. Not really worth my time, it kind of threw me into a reading slump.
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