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Die Villa
Ein Wochenende mit Freundinnen wird zum Wochenende mit Feindinnen.
Vor drei Jahren starb die zukünftige Braut Aoife bei ihrem eigenen Junggesellinnenabschied. Nun kehren ihre Freundinnen in die Villa zurück, in der sich jenes schreckliche Wochenende abgespielt hat. Sie sehnen sich nach einem Abschluss. Doch kaum haben sie die Villa betreten, brechen alte Wunden auf, und die Spannungen zwischen den Frauen nehmen zu. Jede hat eine andere Version der Ereignisse jener Nacht.
Was verheimlichen sie sich gegenseitig? Und wie weit werden sie gehen, um ihre Geheimnisse zu wahren?
Ein packender Thriller unter der flirrenden Sonne Spaniens von UK Bestsellerautorin Jess Ryder.
Vor drei Jahren starb die zukünftige Braut Aoife bei ihrem eigenen Junggesellinnenabschied. Nun kehren ihre Freundinnen in die Villa zurück, in der sich jenes schreckliche Wochenende abgespielt hat. Sie sehnen sich nach einem Abschluss. Doch kaum haben sie die Villa betreten, brechen alte Wunden auf, und die Spannungen zwischen den Frauen nehmen zu. Jede hat eine andere Version der Ereignisse jener Nacht.
Was verheimlichen sie sich gegenseitig? Und wie weit werden sie gehen, um ihre Geheimnisse zu wahren?
Ein packender Thriller unter der flirrenden Sonne Spaniens von UK Bestsellerautorin Jess Ryder.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2024
179 people are currently reading
2177 people want to read
About the author
Jess Ryder
19 books361 followersJess Ryder is a pseudonym of novelist/screenwriter/television producer, Jan Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
December 14, 2023
Three years ago, Dani, Celine, Tiff and Beth are at the Villa Floriana, near Marbella for Aoife’s hen do. However, one evening and several days into the alcohol fuelled celebrations, Dani wakes and can make little sense of what she’s seeing. In the present day, Dani returns to Andalusia having persuaded Celine,Tiff and Beth to accompany her as a bid for closure of the terrible events that led to the bride to be’s death, which is unresolved. Dani is haunted, she’s damaged by the loss of her dear friend and wants to lay it to rest if she can. However, each of the women have their own version of the events of three years ago, is it possible to get to the truth?
I really enjoy each of the women’s point of view and comparing the varying versions of three years ago in order to piece together recollections to get to the truth. There’s palpable tension in both timelines and the dynamics between them is fascinating. They are very different from each other and can rub sparks. There are some very strange moods at the hen do, some odd behaviour, there’s jealousy between least three of them and definitely mistrust and it becomes increasingly obvious that we have more than one liar. It gets nasty on occasions which creates even deeper divisions. None of them come across as especially likeable, but that adds a certain delicious intensity to the storyline.
As the plot moves forward, it becomes increasingly complicated and therefore more and more intriguing. There’s a strong unsettling sense, it feels offkilter and there’s an oppressive atmosphere. This contrasts well with the lovely Spanish setting and the sunny weather as it’s definitely chilly inside the villa.
This is a well utilised trope in psychological thrillers but the author does a good job via the perspectives of delivering something a little bit different. Whilst there are some good twists, I think the ending could’ve been a bit stronger as I hope for something a bit more punchy. It is an easy entertaining, read with very well explored dynamics.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I really enjoy each of the women’s point of view and comparing the varying versions of three years ago in order to piece together recollections to get to the truth. There’s palpable tension in both timelines and the dynamics between them is fascinating. They are very different from each other and can rub sparks. There are some very strange moods at the hen do, some odd behaviour, there’s jealousy between least three of them and definitely mistrust and it becomes increasingly obvious that we have more than one liar. It gets nasty on occasions which creates even deeper divisions. None of them come across as especially likeable, but that adds a certain delicious intensity to the storyline.
As the plot moves forward, it becomes increasingly complicated and therefore more and more intriguing. There’s a strong unsettling sense, it feels offkilter and there’s an oppressive atmosphere. This contrasts well with the lovely Spanish setting and the sunny weather as it’s definitely chilly inside the villa.
This is a well utilised trope in psychological thrillers but the author does a good job via the perspectives of delivering something a little bit different. Whilst there are some good twists, I think the ending could’ve been a bit stronger as I hope for something a bit more punchy. It is an easy entertaining, read with very well explored dynamics.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 13, 2024
I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My name is Aoife and I'm going on my hen party next week so naturally I decided to pick up a book about a bride called Aoife who gets killed on her hen party. It's three years later and Aoife's friends/hens Dani, Tiff, Celine and Beth have returned to the location of the hen party/murder to celebrate Aoife's life but also in Dani's case retrace their steps from that faithful weekend and try to figure out what happened to end up in Aoife's death.
I think this was fun but from the start there was always a very prickly atmosphere between the girls. While Aoife is friends with Dani from college, Tiff and Beth from childhood and Celine from work, none of them really know each other and in Tiff's case downright dislikes Dani due to jealousy. This was also definitely the worst hen party I've ever heard about and not because the bride ended up dead, haha. Having only 5 people at a hen party is really odd - it's more a girl holiday than a party and they weren't close enough for that and at different points, all the hens are extremely selfish in their behaviour and I feel like they broke the cardinal rules of girlhood so many times (you never, ever leave your friends alone in a club!!).
It's obvious from the start as well that while they all love Aoife (or mostly Tiff and Dani), she can be a hard person to be friends with at times due to some party-hard behaviour and her attitude towards men. Though all of that was explained a bit throughout the novel as we see how stifled Aoife has been by her controlling relationship with Nathan (who was a slime) and how the hen party is her chance to realise she doesn't want to stay with him after all.
There were moments I couldn't believe the women's attitudes towards each other (mostly Tiff, Beth and Celine Vs Aoife and Dani) and I just know my friends would a. never leave two of us in a club on our own if there were some dodgy people about - it's either everyone goes home or no-one goes home - and also if I 'went off' with a man and the man came back without me, there would be hell raised. The fact that all of the girls dismissed Dani's behaviour when she came back in such a state and visibly injured shocked me.
I actually think there were some revelations - particularly about Nathan - that could have been left to later on in the book. The author did like to throw in some red herrings as Nathan, Matt and John all fly around in suspicions, but some elements of Nathan's true personality could have been leaked a bit better through the book rather than the very start us knowing he's had a hand in the entire (shit) hen party.
I don't think there was anything that really surprised me about some of the turn of the events and revelations at the end. Maybe the whodunnit even felt a bit tame after everything. I think I enjoyed this book more because of the particular time I'm reading it when I'm excited about my own hen party - though hopefully it doesn't end up in murder (just murder on the dancefloor lololol).
My name is Aoife and I'm going on my hen party next week so naturally I decided to pick up a book about a bride called Aoife who gets killed on her hen party. It's three years later and Aoife's friends/hens Dani, Tiff, Celine and Beth have returned to the location of the hen party/murder to celebrate Aoife's life but also in Dani's case retrace their steps from that faithful weekend and try to figure out what happened to end up in Aoife's death.
I think this was fun but from the start there was always a very prickly atmosphere between the girls. While Aoife is friends with Dani from college, Tiff and Beth from childhood and Celine from work, none of them really know each other and in Tiff's case downright dislikes Dani due to jealousy. This was also definitely the worst hen party I've ever heard about and not because the bride ended up dead, haha. Having only 5 people at a hen party is really odd - it's more a girl holiday than a party and they weren't close enough for that and at different points, all the hens are extremely selfish in their behaviour and I feel like they broke the cardinal rules of girlhood so many times (you never, ever leave your friends alone in a club!!).
It's obvious from the start as well that while they all love Aoife (or mostly Tiff and Dani), she can be a hard person to be friends with at times due to some party-hard behaviour and her attitude towards men. Though all of that was explained a bit throughout the novel as we see how stifled Aoife has been by her controlling relationship with Nathan (who was a slime) and how the hen party is her chance to realise she doesn't want to stay with him after all.
There were moments I couldn't believe the women's attitudes towards each other (mostly Tiff, Beth and Celine Vs Aoife and Dani) and I just know my friends would a. never leave two of us in a club on our own if there were some dodgy people about - it's either everyone goes home or no-one goes home - and also if I 'went off' with a man and the man came back without me, there would be hell raised. The fact that all of the girls dismissed Dani's behaviour when she came back in such a state and visibly injured shocked me.
I actually think there were some revelations - particularly about Nathan - that could have been left to later on in the book. The author did like to throw in some red herrings as Nathan, Matt and John all fly around in suspicions, but some elements of Nathan's true personality could have been leaked a bit better through the book rather than the very start us knowing he's had a hand in the entire (shit) hen party.
I don't think there was anything that really surprised me about some of the turn of the events and revelations at the end. Maybe the whodunnit even felt a bit tame after everything. I think I enjoyed this book more because of the particular time I'm reading it when I'm excited about my own hen party - though hopefully it doesn't end up in murder (just murder on the dancefloor lololol).
April 21, 2024
Aoife and her friends head to Spain for her hen party. It all ends in disaster when Aoife ends up dead. Dani has to rely on what the other hens say happen as she has no memory from that evening. Three years on, Dani takes the other girls back to the villa in order to restore her memory and find out what really happened. But someone doesn't want them to know.
From the first page, I was invested. It was a fast-paced thriller filled with secrets and lots of twists. The story is told from multiple POVs and also jumps from past to present. It all comes together to build a brilliantly thrilling read. This is my first from this author, and I'm very excited to read more of her work.
From the first page, I was invested. It was a fast-paced thriller filled with secrets and lots of twists. The story is told from multiple POVs and also jumps from past to present. It all comes together to build a brilliantly thrilling read. This is my first from this author, and I'm very excited to read more of her work.
October 15, 2025
3.5 stars your typical beach read that you can read in a day or two, i did have a lot of fun with this because it’s simply easy to read and drama, and who doesn’t love that? bit predictable but wasn’t expecting anything else! still loved it tho
March 16, 2025
DNF bei 37%.
Ich finde es leider einfach nur langweilig, mit Charakteren die sich zum Teil nicht gut kennen oder mögen.
Zudem finde ich sie alle unsympathisch und es ist mir echt egal wer da wen warum umgebracht hat...
Ich finde es leider einfach nur langweilig, mit Charakteren die sich zum Teil nicht gut kennen oder mögen.
Zudem finde ich sie alle unsympathisch und es ist mir echt egal wer da wen warum umgebracht hat...
September 14, 2024
Got through this in just over a day even though it’s not typically what I would read. Had me on the edge of my seat and I was so mad when I became too tired to continue finding out whodunnit.
Literally all of the characters exhibited weasel behaviour with not a single actually likeable personality but it somehow made the storyline more interesting.
I suspected pretty much every character at one point and only guessed the true murderer about 3/4 through (still could have been anyone though until right up to the end!)
Also Tiff can get straight and swiftly into the bin.
Literally all of the characters exhibited weasel behaviour with not a single actually likeable personality but it somehow made the storyline more interesting.
I suspected pretty much every character at one point and only guessed the true murderer about 3/4 through (still could have been anyone though until right up to the end!)
Also Tiff can get straight and swiftly into the bin.
July 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this. A great summer thriller, where things aren’t quite what they seem.
Aoife was due to be married. Her hen do is a fabulous weekend in Marbella. A small group of friends, from both past and present, but from the outset it is clear that something is very wrong. Tension picks up and things come to a head when Aoife is killed.
Three years later the surviving hens make a trip back to Marbella. They each have their reasons for wanting to honour her memory, but for Dani it’s also about trying to work out exactly what happened.
The timeline fluctuates between past and present so as details come to the fore we come to understand the characters a little better. We are definitely steered into a particular way of seeing events, which makes the reality slightly more interesting when it is finally revealed.
Aoife was due to be married. Her hen do is a fabulous weekend in Marbella. A small group of friends, from both past and present, but from the outset it is clear that something is very wrong. Tension picks up and things come to a head when Aoife is killed.
Three years later the surviving hens make a trip back to Marbella. They each have their reasons for wanting to honour her memory, but for Dani it’s also about trying to work out exactly what happened.
The timeline fluctuates between past and present so as details come to the fore we come to understand the characters a little better. We are definitely steered into a particular way of seeing events, which makes the reality slightly more interesting when it is finally revealed.
August 18, 2024
5 ⭐
Fast paced pyschological thriller.
Secrets and full of twists.
Multiple POVS and goes between past and present.
Unputdownable and read in a few hours on holiday.
My 1st from this author and won't be my last, really enjoyed this.
Guessed the guilty party half way but the red herrings along the way had me doubting myself.
Would recommend 💕
Fast paced pyschological thriller.
Secrets and full of twists.
Multiple POVS and goes between past and present.
Unputdownable and read in a few hours on holiday.
My 1st from this author and won't be my last, really enjoyed this.
Guessed the guilty party half way but the red herrings along the way had me doubting myself.
Would recommend 💕
January 11, 2025
First of many books I’m going to read by Jess Ryder what an amazing book so easy to read but the same time it told the story wasn’t too complicated wasn’t too many characters. It was just perfect for what I needed. I’ve ordered another book. It’s coming tomorrow from Amazon, so if you follow me on TikTok or Instagram, I’ll do a review on there. 🥰📚
August 14, 2025
War zwar echt interessant zu lesen, doch die Auflösung und die Ermittlung fand ich etwas Fad. Es war zu ausgeschmückt beschrieben und teilweise auch etwas zu konstruiert. Das Ende kam zu schnell und war gefühlt in einer Seite erledigt. Ein paar Dinge waren leider zu offensichtlich, so dass ich manches bereits in den ersten Kapiteln kommen sehen habe.
Könnte ich mir jedoch gut als Film vorstellen. Für Thriller-Einsteiger gut geeignet!
Könnte ich mir jedoch gut als Film vorstellen. Für Thriller-Einsteiger gut geeignet!
June 25, 2024
The Villa is the new twisty thriller from Ryder due for release in July 2024.
It's a pacey read that's told across dual timelines and from multiple POV, with the story leading us through the before and after of bride to be Aoife's death.
The characters of the hens were fabulously flawed, extremely shallow and certainly not as pretty as the picture they painted of themselves.
I love a thriller with secrets, lies and deception at its core, you know you're in for a wild ride and it's going to take you to hidden depths.
It's a pacey read that's told across dual timelines and from multiple POV, with the story leading us through the before and after of bride to be Aoife's death.
The characters of the hens were fabulously flawed, extremely shallow and certainly not as pretty as the picture they painted of themselves.
I love a thriller with secrets, lies and deception at its core, you know you're in for a wild ride and it's going to take you to hidden depths.
January 14, 2025
Drei Jahre ist es her, dass der Junggesellinnenabschied von fünf Freundinnen in einem Alptraum endete. Die zukünftige Braut Aoife wurde in der angemieteten Villa tot aufgefunden – angeblich ein missglückter Einbruch. Freundin Dani glaubt bis heute nicht daran, doch leider kann sie sich selbst nicht erinnern durch zu viel Alkohol. Nun kehren die vier Frauen zurück in die Villa, um Aiofes Andenken feiern. Dani möchte die Zeit nutzen und ihre Erinnerung zurück gewinnen, doch die Spannungen unter den Frauen nehmen schnell und es wird klar, dass jede von ihnen die Nacht anders erlebt hat…
Eigentlich hätte es ein toller Kurzurlaub für Aoife, Dani, Tiff, Beth und Celine werden sollen. Ein letztes Mal die unverheiratete Freiheit genießen und ordentlich auf den Putz hauen. In Marbella wollen die Frauen Sonne tanken und einen typischen Junggessellinenabschied feiern. Doch es fängt schon damit an, dass nicht alle Frauen der Gruppe sich leiden können und auch die Braut benimmt sich äußerst merkwürdig. Dazu noch der viele Alkohol und schon nimmt die Katastrophe ihren Lauf…
Wir begleiten die meiste Zeit Dani, die mit Tiff darum konkurriert die beste Freundin der Braut zu sein. Auch generell gibt es in der Gruppe einige verborgene Fehden, unausgesprochenen Groll und Missgunst. Ehrlich gesagt hat sich niemand so richtig von seiner sympathischen Seite gezeigt und man fragt sich mehrere Male, wie diese Frauen überhaupt so lange befreundet sein konnten.
Die Geschichte wechselt zwischen der Gegenwart und dem besagten Junggesellinnenabschied von vor drei Jahren. Neben Dani lesen wir hin und wieder auch aus der Perspektive einer der anderen Frauen, was nochmal einiges an Erkenntnis bringt. Dani versucht durch die Rückkehr in die Villa ihre Erinnerungen aufzufrischen und möchte die Tage Stück für Stück rekonstruieren.
Die Story hatte auf mich eine absolute Sogwirkung. Ich hatte einige Ideen wie das ganze ausgehen könnte und tatsächlich kam ich in dem Umfang nicht auf die Lösung. Die Wechsel an Perspektiven und in der Zeitebene waren sehr gut gelungen und man war dabei wie langsam die Geschehnisse aufgeklärt wurden. Das Resumee des Ganzen war vielleicht etwas ernüchtern, aber vermutlich realistisch. Insgesamt eine tolle Story und ich werde zukünftig gerne mehr von der Autorin lesen.
Eigentlich hätte es ein toller Kurzurlaub für Aoife, Dani, Tiff, Beth und Celine werden sollen. Ein letztes Mal die unverheiratete Freiheit genießen und ordentlich auf den Putz hauen. In Marbella wollen die Frauen Sonne tanken und einen typischen Junggessellinenabschied feiern. Doch es fängt schon damit an, dass nicht alle Frauen der Gruppe sich leiden können und auch die Braut benimmt sich äußerst merkwürdig. Dazu noch der viele Alkohol und schon nimmt die Katastrophe ihren Lauf…
Wir begleiten die meiste Zeit Dani, die mit Tiff darum konkurriert die beste Freundin der Braut zu sein. Auch generell gibt es in der Gruppe einige verborgene Fehden, unausgesprochenen Groll und Missgunst. Ehrlich gesagt hat sich niemand so richtig von seiner sympathischen Seite gezeigt und man fragt sich mehrere Male, wie diese Frauen überhaupt so lange befreundet sein konnten.
Die Geschichte wechselt zwischen der Gegenwart und dem besagten Junggesellinnenabschied von vor drei Jahren. Neben Dani lesen wir hin und wieder auch aus der Perspektive einer der anderen Frauen, was nochmal einiges an Erkenntnis bringt. Dani versucht durch die Rückkehr in die Villa ihre Erinnerungen aufzufrischen und möchte die Tage Stück für Stück rekonstruieren.
Die Story hatte auf mich eine absolute Sogwirkung. Ich hatte einige Ideen wie das ganze ausgehen könnte und tatsächlich kam ich in dem Umfang nicht auf die Lösung. Die Wechsel an Perspektiven und in der Zeitebene waren sehr gut gelungen und man war dabei wie langsam die Geschehnisse aufgeklärt wurden. Das Resumee des Ganzen war vielleicht etwas ernüchtern, aber vermutlich realistisch. Insgesamt eine tolle Story und ich werde zukünftig gerne mehr von der Autorin lesen.
January 27, 2024
Great Summer Read (German below)
An ARC was provided to me on Netgalley.
The Villa is a thriller about a hen party that goes totally wrong. The story is told in multiple perspectives and from two different points in time (3 years ago and today). The book is super fast-paced and also very dynamic due to the different perspectives and time jumps. Basically, the focus is on Dani, who can no longer remember the events of 3 years ago and tries to jog her memory. However, it soon becomes clear that nobody in this book has a clean slate. The characters remain somewhat pale, and they are not always really likeable. But the book offers good and worthwhile entertainment.
Ein Rezensionsexemplar wurde mir auf Netgalley bereitgestellt.
The Villa ist ein Thriller über einen Jungesellinnenabschied der total schief läuft. Die Geschichte wird in mehreren Perspektiven und von zwei unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten (vor 3 Jahren und heute) erzählt. Das Buch ist super fast-paced und durch die verschiedenen Perspektiven und Zeitsprünge auch sehr dynamisch. Im Grunde steht Dani im Mittelpunkt, die sich a die Ereignisse von vor 3 Jahren nicht mehr erinnern kann und versucht ihrem Gedächtnis auf die Sprünge zu helfen. Schnell wird aber klar, dass in diesem Buch niemand eine weiße Weste hat. Die Charakter bleiben etwas blass, und so richtig sympathisch sind sie auch nicht immer. Aber das Buch bietet gute und kurzweilige Unterhaltung.
An ARC was provided to me on Netgalley.
The Villa is a thriller about a hen party that goes totally wrong. The story is told in multiple perspectives and from two different points in time (3 years ago and today). The book is super fast-paced and also very dynamic due to the different perspectives and time jumps. Basically, the focus is on Dani, who can no longer remember the events of 3 years ago and tries to jog her memory. However, it soon becomes clear that nobody in this book has a clean slate. The characters remain somewhat pale, and they are not always really likeable. But the book offers good and worthwhile entertainment.
Ein Rezensionsexemplar wurde mir auf Netgalley bereitgestellt.
The Villa ist ein Thriller über einen Jungesellinnenabschied der total schief läuft. Die Geschichte wird in mehreren Perspektiven und von zwei unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten (vor 3 Jahren und heute) erzählt. Das Buch ist super fast-paced und durch die verschiedenen Perspektiven und Zeitsprünge auch sehr dynamisch. Im Grunde steht Dani im Mittelpunkt, die sich a die Ereignisse von vor 3 Jahren nicht mehr erinnern kann und versucht ihrem Gedächtnis auf die Sprünge zu helfen. Schnell wird aber klar, dass in diesem Buch niemand eine weiße Weste hat. Die Charakter bleiben etwas blass, und so richtig sympathisch sind sie auch nicht immer. Aber das Buch bietet gute und kurzweilige Unterhaltung.
July 11, 2024
Headlines:
Hen weekend gone wrong
Retracing steps
Friends or enemies?
The Villa brought a story that invoked intense need to know what happened at that fated hen weekend for Aoife. The book started a few years on with the hens revisiting the villa on the anniversary of Aoife's death. We got differing POVs at the helm of chapters but Dani was the lead narrator. I honestly didn't know what to make of these four hens or Aoife for that matter. What I could immediately see was that many of these characters were morally grey.
The past and present structure really helped scaffold the telling of events but present narrative was the most prominent approach. Did I like any of these characters? Not really, but I did come to improve my initial impressions of one or two of them. I caught some earlyish forshadowing for one of the characters that came to fruition but there were lots of twists that I didn't see.
The male characters of this piece that seemed initially in the background, had some suspect roles to play. None less that Nathan, the way he orchestrated certain matters and how that played out was initially a shocker, again there was some early foreshadowing.
The Villa was entertaining, unputdownable and reminded us all that if you have a hen party only have friends you really trust with you!
Thank you to Penguin Books for the review copy.
Hen weekend gone wrong
Retracing steps
Friends or enemies?
The Villa brought a story that invoked intense need to know what happened at that fated hen weekend for Aoife. The book started a few years on with the hens revisiting the villa on the anniversary of Aoife's death. We got differing POVs at the helm of chapters but Dani was the lead narrator. I honestly didn't know what to make of these four hens or Aoife for that matter. What I could immediately see was that many of these characters were morally grey.
The past and present structure really helped scaffold the telling of events but present narrative was the most prominent approach. Did I like any of these characters? Not really, but I did come to improve my initial impressions of one or two of them. I caught some earlyish forshadowing for one of the characters that came to fruition but there were lots of twists that I didn't see.
The male characters of this piece that seemed initially in the background, had some suspect roles to play. None less that Nathan, the way he orchestrated certain matters and how that played out was initially a shocker, again there was some early foreshadowing.
The Villa was entertaining, unputdownable and reminded us all that if you have a hen party only have friends you really trust with you!
Thank you to Penguin Books for the review copy.
August 21, 2024
I saw this book on a “new releases” shelf during my last holiday in England and decided to buy it. It sounded like a twisty, summery, who dunnit thriller. And it was. It is fast paced, with different pov’s and going back and forth between now and the hen party 3 years ago. All the characters were extremely unlikable apart from Dani who I came to like in the second half of the book. It is a perfect fast beach/holiday read but not more than that. The twists didn’t really surprise or shock me, and the other characters besides the hens were just a bit flat for me. Good to get you out of a reading slump but nothing special!
June 28, 2025
This was an interesting book - I suspected every character at least once and I loved the journey of uncovering the story, how it progressed to the final reveal and the depth of each of the characters.
Because of the use of characters it did feel it started to go in circles for a while however once events started to unlock it all came together and made sense.
Overall, pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the outcome as ir was not one I expected.
Because of the use of characters it did feel it started to go in circles for a while however once events started to unlock it all came together and made sense.
Overall, pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the outcome as ir was not one I expected.
July 16, 2024
This was such an exciting read, I binged it in one sitting, it has it all, untrustworthy characters with so many secrets, twists and turns and all with a slightly dark undertone, I was suspicious of them all!
Although the hens had their faults, they were all so focused on their ‘bride’ having her perfect weekend, despite her being a bit of ungrateful cow! The dual timelines really built up the anticipation of the events and what actually happened.
I spent the whole time chopping and changing my mind around what really happened and got it so wrong! This is the perfect holiday read so add it to your TBR!
Although the hens had their faults, they were all so focused on their ‘bride’ having her perfect weekend, despite her being a bit of ungrateful cow! The dual timelines really built up the anticipation of the events and what actually happened.
I spent the whole time chopping and changing my mind around what really happened and got it so wrong! This is the perfect holiday read so add it to your TBR!
August 18, 2024
Such a repetitive story line and cant stand the characters.
August 21, 2024
Twisty, vivid, easy to dislike a lot of the characters, IYKWIM.
June 17, 2024
Oooh this was a goodun! Fast paced, with multiple perspectives and timelines, this book just had me hooked from the get go and I’d finished it within 2 sittings… I kept changing my mind about who was responsible for Aiofe’s death depending on what nugget of information we’d found at the time.
I actually really like Dani as a character, despite being plugged as the bad influence and the whole ‘tricking the group to go back to the Villa’ bit you could sense that there were hidden depths and she was clearly trying to discover what had happened for all the right reasons.
Even though we didn’t actually read anything from Aiofe’s point of view, she was probably the character that I least warmed to, her antics on the hen do and other bits that came to light as we went on just made me struggle to sympathise with her - obviously she didn’t deserve to die but she also just didn’t seem to be the nicest person!
This was my first read by Jess Ryder but it most definitely won’t be my last, I’ve already got my eye on a couple at the library!
I actually really like Dani as a character, despite being plugged as the bad influence and the whole ‘tricking the group to go back to the Villa’ bit you could sense that there were hidden depths and she was clearly trying to discover what had happened for all the right reasons.
Even though we didn’t actually read anything from Aiofe’s point of view, she was probably the character that I least warmed to, her antics on the hen do and other bits that came to light as we went on just made me struggle to sympathise with her - obviously she didn’t deserve to die but she also just didn’t seem to be the nicest person!
This was my first read by Jess Ryder but it most definitely won’t be my last, I’ve already got my eye on a couple at the library!
June 27, 2025
Ich habe mir das Buch ausgesucht, weil ich eine spannende, aber sommerliche Handlung erwartet habe, die mich fesselt, ähnlich wie in "The Surf House".
Es geht um eine Gruppe von 4 Frauen, die an den Ort zurück kehrt, wo sie vor 3 Jahren den Junggesellinnenabschied von ihrer Freundin Aoife gefeiert haben, die am Wochenende der Feier umgebracht wurde.
Hauptsächlich wird das Geschehen aus der Sicht von Dani geschildert, die ihren Point Of View in der Gegenwart und in der Vergangenheit mit uns teilt. Die Vergangenheit wird allerdings anteilig auch aus der Sichtweise von Tiff, Beth und Celine erzählt.
Die Handlung beginnt und man merkt direkt, dass nicht alle der Mädels sich leiden können. Alle haben etwas gemeinsam, und zwar, dass sie etwas vor dem Rest der Gruppe verheimlichen.
Besonders spannend wird es, als nach und nach Zeichen auftauchen, dass auch dieses Mal nicht alles mit rechten Dingen in der Villa Floriana zugeht. Es wird eingebrochen, es werden Drohungen an den Spiegel gekritzelt und sie werden verfolgt und davon abgehalten die Polizei einzuschalten.
Das Setting ist gut gewählt, könnte aber noch etwas besser ausgearbeitet sein. Dafür, dass die Villa sogar der Titel des Buches ist, spielt sie eine eher untergeordnete Rolle in der Handlung.
Die verschiedenen Handlungsstränge werden sinnvoll vereint. Erst war ich ein bisschen irritiert wegen der vielen Sichtweisen auf die Handlung, aber die Storyline wurde dadurch eher gestützt als zu verwirrend gestaltet.
Alles in allem ist das Buch zu empfehlen, wenn man noch eine sommerliche Lektüre braucht, die gut durchdacht und spannend ist. Ich persönlich habe tatsächlich etwas mehr Tiefgang erwartet, wurde aber super unterhalten.
Es geht um eine Gruppe von 4 Frauen, die an den Ort zurück kehrt, wo sie vor 3 Jahren den Junggesellinnenabschied von ihrer Freundin Aoife gefeiert haben, die am Wochenende der Feier umgebracht wurde.
Hauptsächlich wird das Geschehen aus der Sicht von Dani geschildert, die ihren Point Of View in der Gegenwart und in der Vergangenheit mit uns teilt. Die Vergangenheit wird allerdings anteilig auch aus der Sichtweise von Tiff, Beth und Celine erzählt.
Die Handlung beginnt und man merkt direkt, dass nicht alle der Mädels sich leiden können. Alle haben etwas gemeinsam, und zwar, dass sie etwas vor dem Rest der Gruppe verheimlichen.
Besonders spannend wird es, als nach und nach Zeichen auftauchen, dass auch dieses Mal nicht alles mit rechten Dingen in der Villa Floriana zugeht. Es wird eingebrochen, es werden Drohungen an den Spiegel gekritzelt und sie werden verfolgt und davon abgehalten die Polizei einzuschalten.
Das Setting ist gut gewählt, könnte aber noch etwas besser ausgearbeitet sein. Dafür, dass die Villa sogar der Titel des Buches ist, spielt sie eine eher untergeordnete Rolle in der Handlung.
Die verschiedenen Handlungsstränge werden sinnvoll vereint. Erst war ich ein bisschen irritiert wegen der vielen Sichtweisen auf die Handlung, aber die Storyline wurde dadurch eher gestützt als zu verwirrend gestaltet.
Alles in allem ist das Buch zu empfehlen, wenn man noch eine sommerliche Lektüre braucht, die gut durchdacht und spannend ist. Ich persönlich habe tatsächlich etwas mehr Tiefgang erwartet, wurde aber super unterhalten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
Hen parties are supposed to be a bit of a riot, whether you celebrate close to home or catch a flight to your destination, and Aoife and her friends are determined to enjoy their long weekend in Marbella to the full. The hens, Tiff, Beth, Celeste, and Dani's, fun, alongside their bride-to-be, start in the departure lounge and is in full swing by the time they reach their villa in the hills.
On the three year anniversary, only four of them return to the same villa. All have reasons for wanting or not wanting to be there, but already, they are lying to each other and are anxious to keep their memories to themselves. As the weekend progresses, the tension and distrust increase until everyone just wants to return home, but will the secrets they're keeping prevent that?
This standalone novel is a fun read that was entertaining throughout as well as making me delighted I've never experienced any of what 'Marbs' has to offer the soon to be married! There are twists and turns galore, and what actually happened was gradually revealed at a very satisfying rate with everyone's pov included.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Random House UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a good book to read on holiday, maybe by the pool with a cocktail close at hand.
On the three year anniversary, only four of them return to the same villa. All have reasons for wanting or not wanting to be there, but already, they are lying to each other and are anxious to keep their memories to themselves. As the weekend progresses, the tension and distrust increase until everyone just wants to return home, but will the secrets they're keeping prevent that?
This standalone novel is a fun read that was entertaining throughout as well as making me delighted I've never experienced any of what 'Marbs' has to offer the soon to be married! There are twists and turns galore, and what actually happened was gradually revealed at a very satisfying rate with everyone's pov included.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Random House UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a good book to read on holiday, maybe by the pool with a cocktail close at hand.
March 11, 2024
"The Villa" is a psychological thriller written by Jess Ryder.
A hen party. A wild weekend in Marbella. A magnificent and secluded villa. A bride-to-be brutally murdered. An unsolved mystery. Hens returning, three years later, to that same house for a closing. These are just some of the elements that make up "The Villa," a bewitching, intriguing and compelling book that captured me completely. A story full of jealousies, envy, grudges, lies, deceptions and secrets, which kept me glued to the pages, sweeping me into the vortex of the narrative. A tale developed on two different timelines, alternating between past and present, following the events that led to the tragedy and the hens who return to the mansion three years after the murder. I appreciated this choice, in my opinion handled very well, and I was fascinated by the mystery the author managed to create. The novel proceeds quickly and appealingly, without moments of boredom or heaviness, delivering the puzzle pieces a little at a time, until the final resolution. The hens Dani, Celine, Tiff and Beth, all with their respective povs, convinced me. I admit that I found them shallow and not particularly lovable, but given the enigmatic nature of the tale, this did not bother me.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A hen party. A wild weekend in Marbella. A magnificent and secluded villa. A bride-to-be brutally murdered. An unsolved mystery. Hens returning, three years later, to that same house for a closing. These are just some of the elements that make up "The Villa," a bewitching, intriguing and compelling book that captured me completely. A story full of jealousies, envy, grudges, lies, deceptions and secrets, which kept me glued to the pages, sweeping me into the vortex of the narrative. A tale developed on two different timelines, alternating between past and present, following the events that led to the tragedy and the hens who return to the mansion three years after the murder. I appreciated this choice, in my opinion handled very well, and I was fascinated by the mystery the author managed to create. The novel proceeds quickly and appealingly, without moments of boredom or heaviness, delivering the puzzle pieces a little at a time, until the final resolution. The hens Dani, Celine, Tiff and Beth, all with their respective povs, convinced me. I admit that I found them shallow and not particularly lovable, but given the enigmatic nature of the tale, this did not bother me.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2024
Three years ago, five women arrived in Marbella for a hen party.
Only four returned to the UK.
Dani has no recollection what happened as she partied hard that weekend, and she insisted on booze coming her way.
Aoife, the bride-to-be, was Dani’s best friend, and she tragically died at her own hen party.
Dani manages to persuade the other three women, who attended that fateful weekend, to return to Marbella to piece it all together.
What really happened in Marbella?
This was such a tense read! It definitely portrayed a much darker and sinister side to this hen/stag party destination in Spain.
Everyone had something to hide, including the bride-to-be. I must admit she wasn’t a likeable character at all, but then saying that, you couldn’t really warm up to any of the characters at all.
Dani and Aoife were drinking hard, Tiff was shouting at everyone, Beth followed Tiff like a puppy, and Celine just kept to herself and observed.
I liked the dual timeline, especially the references to the past, as I was desperate to find out what happened and why the women didn’t want to talk about that weekend.
Overall, it’s a tense read, a perfect book to take with you on holiday (maybe not in Marbella 😉).
Only four returned to the UK.
Dani has no recollection what happened as she partied hard that weekend, and she insisted on booze coming her way.
Aoife, the bride-to-be, was Dani’s best friend, and she tragically died at her own hen party.
Dani manages to persuade the other three women, who attended that fateful weekend, to return to Marbella to piece it all together.
What really happened in Marbella?
This was such a tense read! It definitely portrayed a much darker and sinister side to this hen/stag party destination in Spain.
Everyone had something to hide, including the bride-to-be. I must admit she wasn’t a likeable character at all, but then saying that, you couldn’t really warm up to any of the characters at all.
Dani and Aoife were drinking hard, Tiff was shouting at everyone, Beth followed Tiff like a puppy, and Celine just kept to herself and observed.
I liked the dual timeline, especially the references to the past, as I was desperate to find out what happened and why the women didn’t want to talk about that weekend.
Overall, it’s a tense read, a perfect book to take with you on holiday (maybe not in Marbella 😉).
July 5, 2024
A gripping read with a tense and sinister undertone running throughout.
Three years ago, Aoife was killed on her hen weekend in Marbella. Her best friend, Jess, was out of it that night and can't shake the guilt she still carries and so she convinces the other three hens to return to Spain to honour and remember Aoife on the three year anniversary of her death. What she doesn't tell them though, is that she has booked the same villa and intends to retrace their steps to try and trigger her memories of that weekend and find out the truth.
All four of the women, Jess, Tiff, Beth and Celine are strong personalities, not particularly likeable and self absorbed. This means there are clashes, tension and spats pretty much constantly, adding to the intrigue and making them all suspects.
Fast paced and twisty, this is a great summer read.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jess Ryder and Random House, Cornerstone for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Three years ago, Aoife was killed on her hen weekend in Marbella. Her best friend, Jess, was out of it that night and can't shake the guilt she still carries and so she convinces the other three hens to return to Spain to honour and remember Aoife on the three year anniversary of her death. What she doesn't tell them though, is that she has booked the same villa and intends to retrace their steps to try and trigger her memories of that weekend and find out the truth.
All four of the women, Jess, Tiff, Beth and Celine are strong personalities, not particularly likeable and self absorbed. This means there are clashes, tension and spats pretty much constantly, adding to the intrigue and making them all suspects.
Fast paced and twisty, this is a great summer read.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jess Ryder and Random House, Cornerstone for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 1, 2024
This is a pacey little read that jumps between two timelines: the present, and events that occurred three years previously, when Aoife’s life was cut tragically short during her hen party trip to Marbella. The four ´hens’ present at the time have returned to the villa, but old rivalries and secrets simmer, barely below the surface. Dani has her own agenda which she hasn’t shared with the others, who think they’re returning to Marbella for a weekend of remembrance. That’s why Dani’s there too, but she has a different type of remembering in mind.
Although the plot was a little far-fetched at times, this was an enjoyable enough read.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the chance to read an ARC.
Although the plot was a little far-fetched at times, this was an enjoyable enough read.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the chance to read an ARC.
July 5, 2024
The premise of this book drew me in instantly, and the fact that it regularly changed the perspective between different characters and between present and past added great depth to the storytelling.
The mystery is introduced very early on, with a death occurring 3 years prior, yet the introduction of new plot points and characters throughout made it all the more intriguing. I enjoy a book which allows me to continuously guess and second guess where I think it may go, and this allowed for that without having any obvious answers.
The different perspectives allowed me to understand (and be frustrated by) the characters and ensure they were entirely 3D and, somewhat, relatable.
Overall I think this was a great read and I’d love to read more from this author.
The mystery is introduced very early on, with a death occurring 3 years prior, yet the introduction of new plot points and characters throughout made it all the more intriguing. I enjoy a book which allows me to continuously guess and second guess where I think it may go, and this allowed for that without having any obvious answers.
The different perspectives allowed me to understand (and be frustrated by) the characters and ensure they were entirely 3D and, somewhat, relatable.
Overall I think this was a great read and I’d love to read more from this author.
May 22, 2024
3 years ago Aoife arrived in Marbella with 4 friends for her Hen Night. Many activities have been arranged over the weekend culminating in a special surprise. Unfortunately by the end of the night Aoife is dead and life for the "Hens" is never the same. Present day and Dani invites the "Hens" back to Marbella for the anniversary of Aoife's death. Since that fateful night her memory has escaped her so she wants to recreate the weekend in the hope of remembering. But nothing goes to plan and the everything could backfire in the quest for the truth.
I enjoyed the storyline even if I didn't particularly like any of the characters. None of if them had nice traits, all the girls were shallow and self centred. It's an ideal beach read
I enjoyed the storyline even if I didn't particularly like any of the characters. None of if them had nice traits, all the girls were shallow and self centred. It's an ideal beach read
June 30, 2024
When lies and betrayals are the main subjects in a book you know it’s going to be interesting. This thriller is told in multiple POVs with two different timelines and a beautiful Spanish setting.
Each character has its flaws and reasons to commit the murder but the twist at the end was one I didn’t see coming at all! The story unraveling step by step leading us to the big reveal and who did what. To be honest, the characters were not very lovable but that made the story even more compelling.
This is was a good summer thriller and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Jess Ryder, Random House UK, Cornerstone & NetGalley for an e-ARC copy.
#TheVilla #NetGalley
Each character has its flaws and reasons to commit the murder but the twist at the end was one I didn’t see coming at all! The story unraveling step by step leading us to the big reveal and who did what. To be honest, the characters were not very lovable but that made the story even more compelling.
This is was a good summer thriller and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Jess Ryder, Random House UK, Cornerstone & NetGalley for an e-ARC copy.
#TheVilla #NetGalley
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