The Private Jet

by Sarah Goodwin

Glitz, glamour, and a deadly game at 30,000 feet…THE HIGHER YOU FLY…

In the dazzling lights of Thailand, socialite Lila Wilde is ready for the best night of her life. When her fame-hungry DJ boyfriend proposes in an exclusive nightclub, Lila impulsively invites a mix of celebrities and strangers to continue the celebrations back at her luxurious villa — only a short flight away over the lush Thai jungle.

THE HARDER YOU FALL.

The mood on Lila's private jet is electric, pulsing with music, champagne, and the promise of an unforgettable afterparty. But as the plane cuts through the night sky, excitement turns to tension. And when the lights suddenly go out, a sinister new game begins. Trapped at 30,000 feet, secrets unravel, trust shatters, and the party turns truly deadly.

Fasten your seatbelt — this is a ride you won’t forget.

The Private Jet is a totally addictive psychological thriller with twists and turns you just won’t see coming. Fans of The Castaways, The Hunting Party and The White Lotus will be totally gripped from the very first page until the final, breath-taking conclusion.

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Readers LOVE Sarah ‘Wow! This just got under my skin from the start and I couldn't put it down! I flew through it in a day and loved every second’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Suspense, twists, deceit… I had my heart in my mouth the whole time’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘IT WAS SO GOOD’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Utterly unputdownable… You’re going to love every single twisty page!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘INTENSE… My heart was pounding’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I started this book today and finished it in one sitting. I literally could not put it down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Definitely a five-star read. I couldn't put this one down. It never failed to keep me on the edge of my seat… Such a great ending too!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow! I read this way too quickly, I really didn't want it to end… Amazing… Loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘You'll be on the edge of your seat, racing to finish this book… I read this book one afternoon. I simply could not put it down. I cannot wait until a friend reads this book because I want to discuss it… Get a copy now!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Thriller, Survival, Psychological Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Suspense

347 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2025

About the author

Also writing as Amy Cunningham (The Serial Killer's Party) and Amelia Wildwood (rom-com coming in summer 2026)

Reviews

[Lisa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHEN THE PARTY STOPS SURVIVAL BEGINS!!!!!


Lila Wilde is a socialite & influencer who has money she invites her friends on the holiday of a lifetime to Thailand where the hot sun ☀️ bares down on you & party…
What could go wrong right!


Lilah is having the time of her life when her boyfriend Bryce proposes to her then something unforeseen happens.

I am not going any further as I don’t want to give away spoilers I loved this intense thrilling compelling novel by Sarah Goodwin narrated by Imogen Front I would recommend the audio version you could feel the tension rise each chapter the characters were well fleshed out & the setting was eerily creepy recommend for those who love a tense pulsating read.


TW animal cruelty!!!!!

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The queen of survival thrillers is back in good form. FINALLY a book that kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to end. Loved the influencer angle as well, as it made the story more authentic for the age we live in.

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟
If everyone will please take their seats….
Lila Wilde is the daughter of a famous rock star. Her life-style may be short on love and support, but the perks are enormous. She has the ability to buy anything she wants, and access to daddy’s private jet to travel anywhere in the world.

Her latest indulgence is taking off to Thailand with her boyfriend Bryce. After the first night of partying she doesn’t want the night to end. So she invites a group of fellow partiers (virtual strangers) on her jet to her dad’s private Villa, just an hour away.

But life will change forever in that one hour.

The publisher’s blurb kept the premise quite vague, and so will I. You need to go into this read as blind as possible!

OMG! This was not what I expected and I mean that in the best possible way! I was absolutely super-glued to my kindle and devoured this in just a couple sittings.

Sarah Goodwin has done it again! She has delivered a thoroughly unputdownable read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flying the friendly skies has never been more frightening! Glitz, glamour, party, music, champagne, and survival! The Private Jet is an intense story of survival, strength, prestige, courage, and determination. Many of Sarah Goodwin's books have focused on survival, with the characters struggling against the odds, finding the strength inside themselves to keep going no matter what! With The Private Jet, Sarah Goodwin delivered once again.

Socialite Lila Wilde is having a great time celebrating after her DJ boyfriend proposed in Thailand. Caught up in the music, the dancing, and the partying, Lisa invites a group of people to join her and her new fiancé on her private jet to travel over the Thai jungle back to their luxury villa to continue partying. Once on the jet, things take a drastic turn!

This was a gripping, tension filled, shocking tale of survival. I loved the vivid descriptions of the jungle and of the characters. I thought Sarah Goodwin did a wonderful job of showing how the characters changed over a short period of time. I loved the tension, the mounting dread, the lurking danger, and the overwhelming drive to survive. I was fully invested and on the edge of my seat throughout the book. I also found myself wondering what I would do and how I would react if I were in the same situation(s) as the characters in this book.

Wonderfully written, riveting, tense, and shocking!

Thank you to Avon Books UK | Avon and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published February 13, 2025.

I can’t in good conscience, give this book more than three stars, because it’s throwaway trash. However, FOR throwaway trash (and why am I saying that, since it’s redundant?) it wasn’t bad.

Socialite Lila Wilde (oh, the names in these books!), daughter of a very famous rock star is in Thailand having what she believes is the best night of her life. Her “fame-hungry DJ boyfriend” (methinks this won’t end well) proposes at a fancy nightclub and Lila’s response is to gather a group of “celebrity” influencers she barely knows and some strangers to celebrate…via a short flight to her family’s home over the Thai jungle.

Guess what happens. C’mon, guess. Fine. Things do not go well.

Since the book begins by giving readers the number of wild tigers left. Well. And (SPOILER ALERT) you just know that rotten DJ is going to get it. So little career longevity in DJing.

So, again, trash, but, boy did I keep turning the pages. (SPOILER ALERT) Given the buildup, not nearly enough tiger.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

WHAT A READ

Influencer and mega rich, due to Daddy’s rock star wealth, Lila Wilde is in Thailand, she is partying hard and ‘fancies’ carrying on that party at the family mansion, to do this she charters her private jet and pilot/staff and with her bf, other influencers and randoms off they go, heady, full of it and carefree

Until the plane crashes

In the jungle

Some survive, some don’t, the ones that survive wish they hadn’t as snakes, wild pigs, tigers, dengue fever and other jungley things start to pick them off

Then they start on each other, some are deemed disposable, some granted the right to survive

Chilling and exceptionally believable

Will anyone survive this jungle hell or survive the self imposed hierachy

Needs to be a film, series asap

10/10 superb creative writing

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested an ARC of this book via NegGalley because I really liked Sarah Goodwin's Stranded.

The Private Jet has a similar lost in the wilderness, "Man vs. Nature" vibe

Rich and famous for being famous, Lila Wilde, daughter of a legendary rockstar and lifestyle influencer, travels to Thailand with her boyfriend to film some reels and enjoy a tropical vacation. Her plan goes to hell in a handbasket when her private jet, with a party crowd onboard, crashes in a Thai jungle.

Cue drama, pain, and tears. Once the veneer of civilization is lost, people's true selves emerge. Goodwin does a great job immersing the reader in the jungle setting and making the characters come alive.

Where I struggled was with Lila as a protagonist. Her personality flipped from spoiled princess to brave survivalist too quickly to be believable. Even then, I didn't find her likable and couldn't bring myself to root for her.

On the whole, this is a well-written, fast-paced story that fans of this author will surely enjoy.

[Ivana - Diary of Difference · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed “The Private Jet” way more than I anticipated. What I thought was going to be a plane crash mystery, turned out to be a full season of “Survivor” with a dark twist. Incredibly thrilling and excitingly fast-paced.

The story starts when rich Lila Wilde and her boyfriend Bryce go on a holiday. On this holiday, during a wild party, Lila invites everyone to her private jet to continue the party. What no one expects to happen is for the plane to crash in the middle of the jungle.

The character building and development is incredible. Especially with Lila, whilst she discovers people’s true nature and herself having to do some gruesome things to survive. It was amazing to see how the team dynamic changes and what people are willing to do to survive. It reminded me of the Hunger Games a little bit. Everyone that survives a plane crash very soon shifts into a survival mode, and very soon they realise that the jungle is a dangerous place to be stuck in, but not the only enemy. Suddenly, it no longer matters who has the most wealth, but who is the strongest in the group.

I couldn’t help but wonder what I might do if I were in Lila’s situation. It’s quite scary to think it’s a possibility, especially in this day and age where we are used to the comfort of the modern world. After the first half of the book, I couldn’t put it down. It gripped me and kept pleasantly surprising me. The ending was satisfying, and I love the idea of the book asking the reader a question. This book would make a perfect choice for a book club, I am already anxious to speak to someone about it. The most satisfying part is that one character that receives their karma back. Chef’s kiss. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! It’s too good a thriller not to. Definitely worth your time.

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[Jennifer *Nottoomanybooks* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine flying in a private jet with 30 randoms from a club in Thailand, only to crash in the jungle. Welcome Lila Wilde, daughter of a famous rock star. It is her great idea to hop on a plane in the middle of the night to go to one of her dad’s homes to keep partying. Only they don’t make it……

At first, this book annoyed me. The characters were so shallow and self absorbent. I almost DNF’d. But I am glad I kept reading! Once the plane crash happened, the characters started showing a little more depth and their true colors came out. The crazy things they encountered, and things they had to do to survive for the over two weeks they were stranded…..had me so invested. I was dying to see what was going to happen next!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The jungle was the first thing in my life that didn’t care who my father was."

Every time I read a new Sarah Goodwin book, I say it's her best yet! I'm saying it again. I didn't think she could top the sheer tension of The Yacht but being dropped into the itchy hot jungle really did it for me.

Lila is a famous influencer and the daughter of a rock star. She's vacationing with her boyfriend Bryce in Thailand when a drunk and high decision changes many lives. Lila and ~30 of her new closest friends(some people she and Bryce met at the club) decide to take her father's private jet to one of his party homes nearby.

They hit turbulence, both literally and figuratively, and crash in the middle of the jungle. You'd think you'd be rescued quickly these days but they were not.

Only a few survive the initial crash and many more succumb to the elements along the way. As always, a social order reveals itself and there are winners and losers. Despite it being Lila's plane, she ends up as a have-not.

This story is told interestingly, as we hear from Lila in the jungle and then from Lila who is watching an interview of herself on TV in the airport. We know Lila survives but who else lived to tell the tale and why are people so mad at Lila?

This was absolutely excellent. Like an influencer Yellowjackets and I was so into it. This one will keep you up late turning the pages, especially the last half!

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read most of this authors previous books and have enjoyed them. So whenever she has a new release, I'm one of the first wanting to read it.
You know what you are going to get with this authors books. Something that is written simply, never anything deep, an easy read that you will have a great time reading.
But unfortunately this one missed the mark for me.
Right from the start I struggled to get invested and I think this was because all the characters are so unlikable I truly didn't care what the hell happened to them. Not only were they unlikeable, they all blurred into one as none of them had any depth or backstory. Therefore I had no one to root for and this sadly made not care one little bit about the plot.
I also found the plot lacked any tension, thrills, twists and because of certain chapters you do realise how it's all going to play out early on.
When I finished this I was left feeling incredibly let down by the whole story. This book is nothing that I hadn't read before and I'm so sad to say that I actually found it really dull and that is a first for me from this author because usually I really enjoy her books and find them so entertaining and not at all dull.
So, this one was a miss for me but I will read from this author again as hopefully I will enjoy her next book more.

Thanks to Avon Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Goodwin certainly makes it difficult for me to like her characters. They always seem to be rich, young immature people that I can’t take too.
I’ve actually stopped reading two of her books for that reason, but this story pulled me right in. I was there in the Thai jungle with Lila Wilde and her contemporaries, most of them strangers. I couldn’t stop reading this story and by the end I was rooting for Lila.
Definitely my favourite of Sarah Goodwins books, I would recommend it if you like a good psychological thriller. I actually had a nightmare about a plane whilst reading this!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Auđur · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

[Natalia Farnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

So second book of hers in the last week and I can definitely sense a theme hehehehehe. This was a good one that kept me on my toes. Super quick read and just an interesting story that does a great job going between the past and present. Going to have to read more from this author for sure!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book became as irritating as the critters in the jungle. The story seems to move from one calamity to the next, to the point that I began trying to predict what disaster would befall the survivors next.

I don’t think the writer intends for readers to like the protagonist. Lila is presented as a spoiled “daddy’s girl” whose goal in life is ensuring her social media followers see the very best of her. Lila cares for her sponsorship, her image, and very little else. Quite why we have to observe such brattish behaviour made for a disappointing read; I don’t think there were many moments where I stopped to admire Lila’s actions, or felt that she had learned anything from her ordeal.

Lila’s wealth means she can be very popular, very quickly. When her private jet crashes somewhere in a Thailand jungle, she soon discovers that these are simply leeches, using her for her money and her contacts. Even her fiancé shows a new, disturbing side to him and I could not believe how disgusting his behaviour becomes. In such a high-pressured environment where rescue seems days away, the group of survivors break down into factions, and this lot of youngsters definitely don’t know what “teamwork” means.

The jungle is massive and full of threats. From the wildlife to the lack of supplies, from potential poachers to threats within the group, it is clear that no one is safe from the elements (and each other). I disliked how the characters responded to their situation and found I did not care less about their fate. I don’t think it helped that they all seemed quite similar – shallow, selfish etc. – so it made it difficult to discern the different backgrounds. I would have preferred the writer to have used a broader range of characters as I think this would have brought more to the plot.

As the novel progressed, I grew frustrated by the leap from one disaster to the next. At times I felt that Goodwin really pushes on what is realistic and I struggled to understand how the characters survive for so long with minimal food and drink, as well as exposure to deadly diseases. This really impacted my enjoyment of the story and I found I was as relieved as the characters were when a rescue team appears.

In my opinion, this book follows a group of faceless wannabes who are only interested in fame and fortune. Perhaps Mother Nature was doing society a favour by having their plane crash in the middle of nowhere…

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sabrina Bay · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Nik · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 – So close to perfection. Sarah Goodwin delivers another knockout. It's been years since I read one of her books, but I'm thrilled to see that she is still absolutely SLAYING in the survival genre.

What’s worse than being stranded in the remote Thai jungle following a plane crash? Being stranded with a bunch of influencers and party goers—privileged, clueless, and utterly unprepared. As expected, things just go from bad to worse as the number of survivors slowly dwindles. They are pitted against nature, and against themselves. With tensions rising and desperation setting in, the group must decide how far they’re willing to go in order to stay alive.

The setup is a bit slow, but once the group becomes stranded, the tone and pacing shift dramatically. From that point on, it’s nearly impossible to put down. The influencer angle felt very modern, and it gave plenty of room for character growth and change. Goodwin has a real talent for writing both villains and heroes. You’ll find yourself furious at some characters and fiercely rooting for others. Our main character Lila has such an incredible journey and transformation. I was surprised how quickly I found myself attached to her after she seemed so vapid and shallow in the beginning.

This is a deeply emotional and tense read. If you’re a fan of survival stories, there’s so much to love about this one. 100% recommend.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This thriller book just wasn’t thrilling enough! The jump from past to present definitely ruined some of the tension. It would have been nice to be left guessing the fate of our MC...

[Jayne Kirby]

DNF

Hated the ridiculous self entitled social media aspect of the main character. I didn’t make it too far in (14% actually) but I wasn’t getting any thriller vibes at all and I couldn’t keep reading to try get to it. Too slow for me and I wasn’t a fan of the writing style at all, especially the present interview of the main character at the very beginning it just doesn’t fit into the book for me. Maybe I’ll try again another time but for now I gotta pass.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling book about survivors of a plane crash! The details of the jungle are thrilling, and the survivors even more so!

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being plucked from obscurity by Lila Wilde, a famous influencer and rock star royalty, to join her exclusive entourage on a private jet. Wilde, true to her larger-than-life persona, lives up to her namesake with an invitation to continue the party at her opulent mansion in Thailand. Over 30 people, caught up in the glamour and allure, eagerly join the spontaneous adventure.

But the dream quickly morphs into a nightmare when the private jet crashes in the heart of an unforgiving jungle. Stranded, disoriented, and with no way of knowing if rescue will ever come, the group faces the terrifying reality of survival. The black box is likely miles away, and so are their chances of salvation.

Sarah Goodwin’s The Private Jet is a masterclass in tension as she methodically ratchets up the fear. The jungle itself becomes an antagonist, with every conceivable terror—diseases, dehydration, dangerous wildlife, and even poachers—lurking in the shadows. With no one and nothing to trust, the survivors must navigate a perilous balance between cooperation and self-preservation, and the question remains: how many will make it out alive?

This thriller had me absolutely hooked from start to finish. Goodwin’s vivid descriptions and relentless pacing kept me on edge the entire way. My only critique? The most sinister character didn’t quite get the comeuppance they deserved. But that’s a minor qualm in an otherwise electrifying read.

If you’re ready for a pulse-pounding tale of survival, betrayal, and the primal instincts that emerge when the comforts of modern life vanish, this is the book for you!

[Abbeigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

When influencer Lila Wilde and her boyfriend, Bryce, decide to use her private jet for a private party, inviting strangers along, the last thing they expect is for the plane to go down… in the jungle.

What lengths will they go to to ensure their own survival; even if it means sacrificing others in the process? Money can buy a lot of things… but it can’t buy survival in a jungle full of danger.

Wow, this book really did bring so many deep seated fears to life for me! I enjoyed the concept of the book, and the author really had a way of making the danger in the book come alive.

It’s definitely a page turner, however I felt there were parts that, for me, as a reader, I would have enjoyed some more tension and twists within them.

[DJO · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 35%. I just can’t continue. All of the characters are horrible. Entitled, selfish, shallow, immature. I couldn’t care less about any of them. The story itself is boring and basic. I realize now that I’ve read two other works from this author. One a three star (and I recall that being generously given), the other a one-star. The premises for her plots always sound amazing but my experience is the delivery is completely lacking. Happy to be leaving this one behind and will steer clear of her works in future.

[Nika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should have loved this. I love survival stories, especially about plane crashes. I love Sarah Goodwin's writing. I love unique settings for survival like the jungle. Why didn't I love this when everything was supposed to be right up my alley?

Well, I really, really, really hated every single character in this book and I could not give a shit about what happens to them and they all deserved to die. This book was so incredibly boring, with no twists and nothing creepy nor exciting really happened, just a bunch of stupid people with no personality besides how much money they have and/or want. Not even the cool jungle setting could've saved this. Not even Sarah Goodwin, the queen of survival thrillers, can pull it off.

I'm so incredibly disappointed. This should've been my favorite book of the year, but I will forget everything about it in two days tops.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisty and hard to put down! Lila Wilde, daughter of a rockstar, doesn’t want the party to end. So she and her star struck boyfriend invite a group of virtual strangers, mostly a group of celebrities and influencers, to join them at her dad’s villa in Thailand just an hour away by plane. But trapped at 30,000 feet, things take a sinister turn and some may not live to tell about it. This storyline was exciting and addicting to read, overall a great survival thriller.

Thank you Netgalley, Avon Books UK, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on February 13, 2025

[Trina Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the daughter of a famous rock star, Lila Wilde is used to getting everything she wants, money is no object and her life is on the up. She's in Thailand with boyfriend Bryce, and when he proposes in a nightclub she invites a crowd to Daddy's private villa. Hiring Daddy's private plane all she can think of is the party they will have when they arrive. But a storm appears and bad turbulence causes the plane to crash and all of the survivors have to live on their wits to stay alive. Not easy to do when you're stuck in a jungle with people who resent you.
I found this a quick, easy read. I didn't particularly like the characters, the "rich" characters were unbearable and self centered. Lila,however, redeemed herself in my eyes by the end. The experience certainly was life changing for her

[Mel (CrazyforBooksandCoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila private jet is party central with music and champagne and the lure of an after-party in Thailand. Things quickly go wrong trust is lost and the party turns deadly. The higher you fly. The harder you fall.
Sarah Goodwin is one of my favourite authors and this story did not disappoint. Go in blind and enjoy the ride I had no idea what to expect and it was a thrilling and tense ride from start to finish. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Sarah Goodwin for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Denise Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐lila wilde is a socialite.living a life of luxury funded by her famous father.a private jet is always there when she needs it.when her and her boyfriend who are holdaying in thailand meet a mixture of celebrties at a club.she invites them all on the jet to take them to her villa an hr away over the thai jungle.with drinks flowing and a plane full of party goers is there disaster ahead.its a battle for survival.ruthless.suspense.betrayal.if the disaster doesnt kill them what will.a good suspense read.

[Tamisha booklovertamisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This was another interesting survivalist read. Lila and her spoiled entitlement annoyed but fascinated me at the same time. Alot of book was spent on the jungle...perhaps too much time. I loved the mix of past and present.

[Natalia thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before this book Stranded was by far her best book, but this one may beat it!! I found myself holding my breath, envisioning myself trapped in the dark with them. I stayed up too late and will be miserable at work tomorrow but I had to finish it!!