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Lara Stone #1
A jachtparti
Lara Stone újságírót porig sújtotta a hír, hogy barátnőjét, Sandrine-t holtan találták. Lara nem hiszi, hogy baleset volt. A jelek szerint Sandrine halála összefügg Jonathon Meyer meggyilkolásával. Utóbbi titokzatos befektető, akit onnan lehet ismerni, hogy Monte Carlo-i jachtján, a Pandorán fényűző partikat rendezett, amelyeken mindenki ott volt, aki számít.
366 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2021
351 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Tasmina Perry
44 books508 followers"Tasmina Perry left a career in law for the more glamorous world of women’s magazine journalism.
She has written on celebrity and style for many national magazines including Marie−Claire‚ Glamour and Heat and was most recently Deputy Editor of InStyle magazine. She has also found time to launch her own travel and fashion magazine Jaunt. All of her four novels have been Sunday Times best-sellers and her books have been published in seventeen countries.
She lives in Surrey with her husband and son." (Source: http://www.tasminaperry.com/the-autho...)
She also writes under the pseudonym J.L. Butler and with her husband John Perry under the pseudonym Mia James.
She has written on celebrity and style for many national magazines including Marie−Claire‚ Glamour and Heat and was most recently Deputy Editor of InStyle magazine. She has also found time to launch her own travel and fashion magazine Jaunt. All of her four novels have been Sunday Times best-sellers and her books have been published in seventeen countries.
She lives in Surrey with her husband and son." (Source: http://www.tasminaperry.com/the-autho...)
She also writes under the pseudonym J.L. Butler and with her husband John Perry under the pseudonym Mia James.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 6, 2023
This was sort of like a cozy but also trying to be romantic suspense. It was pretty good, if a bit overlong. Lara, the main character, is a journalist at her media conglomerate family's newspaper and finds herself unemployed after losing a court case regarding some of her investigative journalism. Her uncle kills her entire division because it's not profitable compared to entertainment, social media and click bait.
Her BFF comes to town and is found dead and assumed by suicide, Lara suspects foul play, no one believes her so she decides to investigate what her fellow journalist BFF was chasing down. This entails travelling to posh locations to chase leads with an assistant. While I loved that, it rankled that the only reason Lara can do all this is that she's independently wealthy. It made me think Sandrine nor anyone else caught up in the web discovered would have received justice without that. It nagged at me the entire story.
The romantic suspense thread didn't captivate me mostly because the male was fairly bland. On paper he's supposed to be all the things but there wasn't enough showing to sell me on the telling. I imagine they'll really come together in subsequent books.
This was most exciting in the last 15% or so and even tossed out the impetus of another mystery (for the next book maybe?). I have that queued up next because it takes place in a snowy setting and that's what I do in winter.
I read this through Kindle Unlimited.
Her BFF comes to town and is found dead and assumed by suicide, Lara suspects foul play, no one believes her so she decides to investigate what her fellow journalist BFF was chasing down. This entails travelling to posh locations to chase leads with an assistant. While I loved that, it rankled that the only reason Lara can do all this is that she's independently wealthy. It made me think Sandrine nor anyone else caught up in the web discovered would have received justice without that. It nagged at me the entire story.
The romantic suspense thread didn't captivate me mostly because the male was fairly bland. On paper he's supposed to be all the things but there wasn't enough showing to sell me on the telling. I imagine they'll really come together in subsequent books.
This was most exciting in the last 15% or so and even tossed out the impetus of another mystery (for the next book maybe?). I have that queued up next because it takes place in a snowy setting and that's what I do in winter.
I read this through Kindle Unlimited.
November 21, 2022
Ja godīgi, tad nedaudz pārsteidz grāmatas augstais novērtējums (rakstot atsauksmi 76% no visiem vērtējumiem, bija četras vai piecas zvaigznes (pie tam, piecas zvaigznes ir iedotas 42% gadījumos)), tomēr vērtējot izlasīto grāmatu, es personiski neredzu to iemeslu sajūsmai, bet iespējams man vienkārši ar gaumi viss nav OK, jo ieliku tikai divas zvaigznes. Nezinu iespējams, savu lomu nospēlēja tulkojums (lasīju latviešu valodā), bet, personiski, kaut kā tā nelikās, jo saturs, manā ieskatā bija samērā pavājš.
Kāpēc ieliku tikai divas zvaigznes? Tāpēc, ka manā ieskatā grāmata nav nekas izcils/ļoti labs, bet samērā viduvējs trillera un detektīva krustojums. Nezinu, vai pie vainas bija tas, ka autore ir iecerējusi veidot grāmatu sēriju, vai kas cits, bet man personiski radās priekšstats, ka autore ir centusies sabāzt visu vienā grāmatā (gan mīlas trijstūrus, gan ievilkt nākamos noziegumus/izmeklēšanas). Tāpat grāmata likās nedaudz nenostrādāta līdz galam.
Kopumā vienā teikumā vērtējot grāmatu: nav nekas izcils, bet lasīt var.
Kāpēc ieliku tikai divas zvaigznes? Tāpēc, ka manā ieskatā grāmata nav nekas izcils/ļoti labs, bet samērā viduvējs trillera un detektīva krustojums. Nezinu, vai pie vainas bija tas, ka autore ir iecerējusi veidot grāmatu sēriju, vai kas cits, bet man personiski radās priekšstats, ka autore ir centusies sabāzt visu vienā grāmatā (gan mīlas trijstūrus, gan ievilkt nākamos noziegumus/izmeklēšanas). Tāpat grāmata likās nedaudz nenostrādāta līdz galam.
Kopumā vienā teikumā vērtējot grāmatu: nav nekas izcils, bet lasīt var.
March 9, 2023
Not a bad read, cozyish crime story but with lots of romance mixed in. Main character Lara is likeable enough.
June 22, 2021
This book took me a little while to get into because there were a lot of side characters and I kept getting them all mixed up! Once the story found its groove though, I was hooked.
I liked Lara as a character and thought all the main characters were well written and interesting to read about. I think there were a few too many secondary characters and not all of them were particularly relevant to the plot. I found the story fascinating and couldn't quite work out who to trust, so it was fun to find out. I really like Tasmina Perry's writing style and thought the descriptions of people, scenarios and locations were fantastic.
I wasn't aware that this was going to be a series but I'm actually really looking forward to seeing Lara again, especially as the book was left on quite the cliffhanger.
I always knock a point off my rating for a book when a pet is harmed or killed in order to get at the owner. It is overdone as a shock tactic and lacks originality. The kindle edition is also littered with typos. It was a bit distracting and the book could have done with a thorough proofread before being released.
I liked Lara as a character and thought all the main characters were well written and interesting to read about. I think there were a few too many secondary characters and not all of them were particularly relevant to the plot. I found the story fascinating and couldn't quite work out who to trust, so it was fun to find out. I really like Tasmina Perry's writing style and thought the descriptions of people, scenarios and locations were fantastic.
I wasn't aware that this was going to be a series but I'm actually really looking forward to seeing Lara again, especially as the book was left on quite the cliffhanger.
I always knock a point off my rating for a book when a pet is harmed or killed in order to get at the owner. It is overdone as a shock tactic and lacks originality. The kindle edition is also littered with typos. It was a bit distracting and the book could have done with a thorough proofread before being released.
June 16, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://numberoneboats.com/leisure-17...
https://theboatyacht.com/jupiter-29-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/jupiter-29...
https://theboatyacht.com/leisure-17-f...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://numberoneboats.com/leisure-17...
https://theboatyacht.com/jupiter-29-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/jupiter-29...
https://theboatyacht.com/leisure-17-f...
April 11, 2023
My issue with this book is very simple. I'd just finished reading The Midwife of Auschwitz and was now in desperate need of something light and fun. I am a fan of Tasmima Perry and specifically sought out something I hadn't read before from her and chose this... Exactly what I needed, I thought; sun, sea, cocktails, glamour, sex! Perfect!
Except there was barely any of that! The main characters did nothing but whine all the time and were thoroughly unlikeable. The main female and male lead were described as having this fantastic relationship with each other but spent almost every shared scene arguing and then sulking and ignoring each other until the next, and as for what I had hoped would be glamorous, luxurious yacht parties in exotic locations, they barely left the UK. I have no idea who thought it was a good idea to call this Yacht Party. There's even a line at the end where the main character says something along the line of 'I don't want to step on a yacht again'.... Really?!? You actually only stepped on a yacht once, briefly, to interview one man in his office and then you left! But okay! It's still a mystery, I like a good mystery so even if it wasn't quite as advertised I powered through.
But even that was just all a bit dull frankly. There wasn't a huge amount of mystery involved given they'd pretty much highlighted what must have happened just over half way through and later it was just confirmed with only a minor and not that interesting, unexpected or important twist that barely affected anything. The lack of any interest in what was actually happening seemed astounding. There was nothing more than joy about an explosive story of human trafficking, for both sex and labour, from every journalist involved rather than the slightest bit of concern for those affected! It was barely a subplot. The politics of who gets the by-line was far more important.
And finally, the main character is an idiot! The final 'showdown' she decides to go alone to despite knowing full well it's probably a trap and texting the very person she was with just before for back up.... Why!
Just overall very disappointing and somewhat misleading and I'm not remotely interested in reading the next Lara Stone book in the series.
Except there was barely any of that! The main characters did nothing but whine all the time and were thoroughly unlikeable. The main female and male lead were described as having this fantastic relationship with each other but spent almost every shared scene arguing and then sulking and ignoring each other until the next, and as for what I had hoped would be glamorous, luxurious yacht parties in exotic locations, they barely left the UK. I have no idea who thought it was a good idea to call this Yacht Party. There's even a line at the end where the main character says something along the line of 'I don't want to step on a yacht again'.... Really?!? You actually only stepped on a yacht once, briefly, to interview one man in his office and then you left! But okay! It's still a mystery, I like a good mystery so even if it wasn't quite as advertised I powered through.
But even that was just all a bit dull frankly. There wasn't a huge amount of mystery involved given they'd pretty much highlighted what must have happened just over half way through and later it was just confirmed with only a minor and not that interesting, unexpected or important twist that barely affected anything. The lack of any interest in what was actually happening seemed astounding. There was nothing more than joy about an explosive story of human trafficking, for both sex and labour, from every journalist involved rather than the slightest bit of concern for those affected! It was barely a subplot. The politics of who gets the by-line was far more important.
And finally, the main character is an idiot! The final 'showdown' she decides to go alone to despite knowing full well it's probably a trap and texting the very person she was with just before for back up.... Why!
Just overall very disappointing and somewhat misleading and I'm not remotely interested in reading the next Lara Stone book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2021
What happens onboard, stays onboard.
I thought this story was going to be primarly based on the super yacht, however that is not the case.
This thriller appears to be the first of at least two books, as the ending definitely ended with a cliff hanger, which sounds very interesting.
Laura is a reporter, she is sent on a sabbatical due to a law suit over one of her stories.
Laura works at her extended family’s newspaper, with her best friend, Alex, her boss.
During Laura’s break from the paper she catches up with her old friend Sandrine, from Paris, who invites her to join a group of international journalists. Sandrine’s boyfriend is the man in charge of this network.
Sandrine is found dead, circumstances point to suicide, but Laura believes her death is linked to a story she was working on about a dead mogul who hosted huge parties on his huge luxury yacht. There were rumours of him being involved in some sort of trafficking.
A quick and easy story to read, I could easily see this story being a movie.
I liked the story being mainly based in London.
Have been a fan of Tasmina’s writing for years now, she hasn’t let me down with this book either.
I thought this story was going to be primarly based on the super yacht, however that is not the case.
This thriller appears to be the first of at least two books, as the ending definitely ended with a cliff hanger, which sounds very interesting.
Laura is a reporter, she is sent on a sabbatical due to a law suit over one of her stories.
Laura works at her extended family’s newspaper, with her best friend, Alex, her boss.
During Laura’s break from the paper she catches up with her old friend Sandrine, from Paris, who invites her to join a group of international journalists. Sandrine’s boyfriend is the man in charge of this network.
Sandrine is found dead, circumstances point to suicide, but Laura believes her death is linked to a story she was working on about a dead mogul who hosted huge parties on his huge luxury yacht. There were rumours of him being involved in some sort of trafficking.
A quick and easy story to read, I could easily see this story being a movie.
I liked the story being mainly based in London.
Have been a fan of Tasmina’s writing for years now, she hasn’t let me down with this book either.
January 22, 2022
When a newspaper exposé that she helped assemble falls apart, investigative reporter Lara Stone is told to take a break from The Chronicle.
It seems like the perfect time for her to try her hand at something else. Her best friend Sandrine tells her about The Collective, a network of international journalists who are able to chase the big stories that regular newspapers are no longer interested in. But before Lara can meet The Collective, the police call her to announce Sandrine's body has been found.
With a history of mental health issues including depression, Sandrine's death is not considered suspicious. But Lara believes otherwise.
With the help of her former assistant Stella, she begins doing what she does best—investigating.
But someone really doesn't want Lara to find out the truth. And in her quest for justice for Sandrine, is she putting her own life at risk?
I'm not fond of books with cliffhangers but fortunately I know that the second Lara Stone book has already been released. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
It seems like the perfect time for her to try her hand at something else. Her best friend Sandrine tells her about The Collective, a network of international journalists who are able to chase the big stories that regular newspapers are no longer interested in. But before Lara can meet The Collective, the police call her to announce Sandrine's body has been found.
With a history of mental health issues including depression, Sandrine's death is not considered suspicious. But Lara believes otherwise.
With the help of her former assistant Stella, she begins doing what she does best—investigating.
But someone really doesn't want Lara to find out the truth. And in her quest for justice for Sandrine, is she putting her own life at risk?
I'm not fond of books with cliffhangers but fortunately I know that the second Lara Stone book has already been released. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
June 12, 2023
I guess I thought this would have a little more adventure to it but it was interesting and a good read. More corporate crime/greed storyline than congo and Haiti that are referenced as part of the crimes. I would have liked the author bringing us to Haiti to show us the crime but then again this is about journalism so we are investigating and reporting. I see this is going to be a series and our intrepid journalists Lara and Alex will take readers on their journey to finding and exposing crimes in corporate headquarters and beyond. Enjoyable
September 4, 2023
This book is the first book in the Lara Stone series, an investigative reporter for a Newspaper. Her life spirals downhill when she is firstly suspended from her job and secondly when her best friend dies in an apparent suicide. Lara takes things into her own hands and investigates her friends death as thinks its very suspicious. This book was great, I loved Lara and the other characters, I loved the glitzy locations and it had a really good, clever story which all tied together nicely at the end. Looking forward to reading Lara Stone 2
June 28, 2021
I always look forward to reading Tasmina Perry's larest novel. However I am sad to say this has left me somewhat disappointed. The characters are all believable and there was always the promise of a good mystery but it just didn't happen. Predictable and tame. I'm guessing there will be more to come given the last page but I wont hold my breath
September 4, 2021
I have read all of Tasmina Perry’s books to date, and I have always found them to be the perfect beach companions. This book is no exception, very enjoyable, albeit somewhat predictable. The loss of a star is mainly because I found the ending to be a bit of a cop out, and I’m not a fan of the type of ending that means you have to read the next book in order to find out what happened.
January 6, 2024
A decent thriller, but a great start to a series!
I’ve read almost all of Tasmina Perry’s novels, and was excited to find this series that I hadn’t heard of! An easy read that’s gripping from the start, but take it for what it is - escapism with a thin veil of thriller. A perfect beach read.
I’ve read almost all of Tasmina Perry’s novels, and was excited to find this series that I hadn’t heard of! An easy read that’s gripping from the start, but take it for what it is - escapism with a thin veil of thriller. A perfect beach read.
November 9, 2024
Izgalmas krimi, nem túl bonyolult történettel, meglehetősen sok szereplővel. Az elején nagyon zavarónak éreztem a sok karaktert, de aztán tisztult a kép. Ettől mondjuk nem lett senki sem szimpatikusabb, főleg a végén nem értettem hogy felnőtt emberek miért nem képesek a hibákból tanulni. Összességében jó volt, rosszabbra számítottam.
April 11, 2025
Nav īsti ne detektīvs, ne trilleris. Tāds dāmu romāns, kur galvenā varone brauc ar motociklu un pilnīgi noteikti viena ielīdīs vietās, kur galā nepatikšanas.
Par kaķi mīnus viena balle.
Nezinu, kurš atbild par to, tulkotājs vai redaktors, bet vairākās vietās sajaukti personvārdi, traucē lasīšanai.
Par kaķi mīnus viena balle.
Nezinu, kurš atbild par to, tulkotājs vai redaktors, bet vairākās vietās sajaukti personvārdi, traucē lasīšanai.
July 17, 2021
I enjoyed almost all of the book BUT at 93% I felt the conclusion of who did it and the situation they were in at the time was a total let down, a little silly and beyond belief. For this reason I deducted one star.
January 12, 2022
I wanted to love this book just as I’d done with her others, but I just didn’t. Found it slow and not a book that kept my attention and every time I picked it back up I just couldn’t remember the storyline that I’d read. Read far far better by Tasmina.
September 23, 2025
I had to DNF at around Chapter 14. It was painfully boring. The main character is immediately hostile to everyone following the death of her friend. I did not find myself invested at all in whatever scandal is happening on the yachts. "Life is too short to read boring books" won out on this one.
July 27, 2021
Not her best book
I love reading Tasmania Perry's books but this one wasn't great. Lots of spelling and grammar mistakes. The storyline wasn't an interesting one either.
I love reading Tasmania Perry's books but this one wasn't great. Lots of spelling and grammar mistakes. The storyline wasn't an interesting one either.
May 17, 2022
An enjoyable read, I would class it as a beach/holiday read it is more of a romantic/general fiction with a bit of mystery/suspense intertwined.
September 12, 2022
I liked this, but I didn't love it. It wasn't what I was expecting at all. I was expecting glam yacht parties and beautiful people. That wasn't what I got!
December 29, 2022
Good easy read.
I enjoyed the twists & turns in the book. I hadn’t expected the ending that unfolded. Wish the romance had settled more by the end.
I enjoyed the twists & turns in the book. I hadn’t expected the ending that unfolded. Wish the romance had settled more by the end.
April 24, 2023
One of my favourite authors, never disappoints.
September 17, 2023
I'm sorry, but this is not an interesting read at all...
December 2, 2023
I have always loved a Tasmina Perry book but this was incredibly disappointing!!!!
December 10, 2023
Meh. Too much talk, not enough action. Plot not developed enough. I found it boring.
April 2, 2024
I haven't read this author for a long time but have read all her previous books. I enjoyed this one. Really like Lara and Alex. Got the next one in the series...ready to go!
April 27, 2024
Good read
December 5, 2024
Izlasīju, bet visu laiku, lasot neatstāj sajūta - plakani, paredzami, vienkāršoti
August 8, 2025
Entertaing read
Liked the pace of the book and the twist in the end, looking
forward to reading the next in the series
Liked the pace of the book and the twist in the end, looking
forward to reading the next in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews