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The Reunion
A gripping psychological thriller from bestseller M. A. Hunter. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley.
One night. One mistake. One secret...
It's been twenty years since I was last with Lily, Dan and Rod, the night that everything changed, the night we said we'd never speak of again...
But Rod is getting married at his beautiful manor on a remote Scottish Island and he wants the three of us there. I couldn't say no.
When Lilly suggested we drive up together, I thought it would give me time to relax and prepare, but I didn't bargain on her inviting Dan and Rod along for the ride.
And I didn't expect things to go so wrong, so quickly...
An unsettling and unputdownable edge-of-your-seat thriller set in the eerie mists of Scotland, perfect for fans of The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
One night. One mistake. One secret...
It's been twenty years since I was last with Lily, Dan and Rod, the night that everything changed, the night we said we'd never speak of again...
But Rod is getting married at his beautiful manor on a remote Scottish Island and he wants the three of us there. I couldn't say no.
When Lilly suggested we drive up together, I thought it would give me time to relax and prepare, but I didn't bargain on her inviting Dan and Rod along for the ride.
And I didn't expect things to go so wrong, so quickly...
An unsettling and unputdownable edge-of-your-seat thriller set in the eerie mists of Scotland, perfect for fans of The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
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First published November 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
November 14, 2024
Friends, secrets, and a destination wedding set the stage for The Reunion. Four friends (Dan, Rod, Zoe, Lily) who drifted apart after their graduation come together to attend Rod's wedding to Bella in Scotland. They all cram themselves in a car to go to the Manor home that Rod has inherited. There is not much space in the car as it is full of tension, secrets, dread, and unease. I found this part to be nicely done; especially the awkwardness of being around friends who you used to be close with but have since lost touch.
Each of the characters has a secret that is weighing on them. There is also a shared secret from their past concerning their friend, Saul, which has been weighing down on them as well. But they are hoping to make the most of the weekend but after a night of partying, things take a dark turn. Dan, Lily, Zoe, and Rod will find themselves questioning themselves, others, and the past. I enjoyed how the author showed us what many of the characters were thinking and how each was affected by their actions in the past and in the current day.
This was a twist filled read which kept me on my toes and fully invested. This was a four-star read for me for most of the read, but when it came closer and it was time for the reveal, I began to feel let down. Even when I had a strong inkling about how things would end, it lost me a little. I felt the book was engaging and captivating but then it fizzled out a bit at the end. It is still a worthwhile read and I look forward to reading more of M.A. Hunter's books in the future.
Thank you to Boldwood Books 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 📖
Each of the characters has a secret that is weighing on them. There is also a shared secret from their past concerning their friend, Saul, which has been weighing down on them as well. But they are hoping to make the most of the weekend but after a night of partying, things take a dark turn. Dan, Lily, Zoe, and Rod will find themselves questioning themselves, others, and the past. I enjoyed how the author showed us what many of the characters were thinking and how each was affected by their actions in the past and in the current day.
This was a twist filled read which kept me on my toes and fully invested. This was a four-star read for me for most of the read, but when it came closer and it was time for the reveal, I began to feel let down. Even when I had a strong inkling about how things would end, it lost me a little. I felt the book was engaging and captivating but then it fizzled out a bit at the end. It is still a worthwhile read and I look forward to reading more of M.A. Hunter's books in the future.
Thank you to Boldwood Books 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 📖
October 24, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Reunion, by M A Hunter, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Zoe has been invited to a wedding in Scotland, a reunion of sorts. Zoe has not seen her friends in over two decades, but what could go wrong? These people made horrible choices, but do not really face any consequences. This book really did nothing for me, I did not like the language or the story, or the characters.
January 28, 2025
The author kept me guessing in this one, and the read was okay, but I did not care much for the characters. Sure glad that my reunions aren't like that though.
October 15, 2024
Four friends are about to have a little reunion, after not seeing each other in years. Rod is getting married to a woman named Bella, and he invited his best friends from school to join him. Zoe and Lily were close, but haven’t seen each other in two years. They are planning to drive from England to Scotland for the wedding, but somehow they end up with Rod, Bella and Dan joining them for the road trip. Dan was Zoe’s boyfriend back in the day, so that’s awkward - even more awkward is that she’s now married and also has a boyfriend on the side. No, not Dan, it’s a man named Evan who she works with, who is becoming unhinged because he (wrongfully) thought Zoe might leave her husband Tim for him.
While Zoe is dealing with Evan’s psychotic messages, she’s stuck in the car with these people she barely knows anymore. Her friend Lily has had some big things happen in her life that Zoe didn’t even know about, Dan is acting morose and reclusive being around the (now married) love of his life, and Rod is his normal obnoxious self. Then there’s Bella, who doesn’t fit in with the group - not just because she seems to have a chip on her shoulder, but because she wasn’t around when these four friends were involved of the death of the fifth member of their group, Saul. They’ve made a pact to never tell anyone what happened to their friend the day he was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and that also adds a layer of awkward to this reunion.
Then they get to Scotland and at a pub, meet a girl who tells them about a party in town. They decide to go, and then the next thing they know, they wake up in their car after all passing out in it. They all have terrible hangovers - even Dan, who was the designated driver and didn’t drink - and soon realize they were drugged. What’s worse, when they get out of the car, there happens to be a dead man stuck in the grille. In their panic, the leave his body on the side of the road and continue on to their destination, again vowing to tell nobody what had happened (not that any of them really know, since they can’t remember the previous night).
Then this story started to go sideways for me. I’ve read two other books by this author and enjoyed both of them, but this one wasn’t it for me. It followed the cliché formula of old friends with a secret getting together and their secret being in jeopardy. Even the author admits, through the characters, that the entire situation is quite petty in the end, and the premise was far-fetched. There were of course a couple of twists and turns, but nothing that really shocked me. If you like slow burn mystery/thrillers, you may enjoy this one, but I found it a bit flat. Three stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, M.A. Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 20, 2024.)
While Zoe is dealing with Evan’s psychotic messages, she’s stuck in the car with these people she barely knows anymore. Her friend Lily has had some big things happen in her life that Zoe didn’t even know about, Dan is acting morose and reclusive being around the (now married) love of his life, and Rod is his normal obnoxious self. Then there’s Bella, who doesn’t fit in with the group - not just because she seems to have a chip on her shoulder, but because she wasn’t around when these four friends were involved of the death of the fifth member of their group, Saul. They’ve made a pact to never tell anyone what happened to their friend the day he was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and that also adds a layer of awkward to this reunion.
Then they get to Scotland and at a pub, meet a girl who tells them about a party in town. They decide to go, and then the next thing they know, they wake up in their car after all passing out in it. They all have terrible hangovers - even Dan, who was the designated driver and didn’t drink - and soon realize they were drugged. What’s worse, when they get out of the car, there happens to be a dead man stuck in the grille. In their panic, the leave his body on the side of the road and continue on to their destination, again vowing to tell nobody what had happened (not that any of them really know, since they can’t remember the previous night).
Then this story started to go sideways for me. I’ve read two other books by this author and enjoyed both of them, but this one wasn’t it for me. It followed the cliché formula of old friends with a secret getting together and their secret being in jeopardy. Even the author admits, through the characters, that the entire situation is quite petty in the end, and the premise was far-fetched. There were of course a couple of twists and turns, but nothing that really shocked me. If you like slow burn mystery/thrillers, you may enjoy this one, but I found it a bit flat. Three stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, M.A. Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 20, 2024.)
December 12, 2024
This was an okay story about a group of friends keeping a secret that years later someone else will kill to know. I liked most of the characters but it was a rather average read.
November 4, 2024
3.5 stars!
After years apart, Zoe is invited to a wedding in Scotland, reuniting her with old friends and painful memories. A road trip with her friends turns dark and dangerous, leading to unexpected consequences that will make them question everything they thought they knew.
I had the privilege of being invited to read this book, which happened to be my first experience with this particular author. The story felt like a unique blend of The Hangover and I Know What You Did Last Summer, creating an intriguing mix of humorous mystery and suspense. The plot was meticulously crafted, and the writing itself was of high quality.
While I found the pace to be a bit slow for my personal taste, I still appreciated the well-developed characters who grappled with relatable everyday issues and hidden secrets. The first half of the book had me fully engaged, but as the story progressed, the tempo seemed to drag on with unnecessary explanations that left me feeling less connected to the narrative.
Despite my waning interest, I pushed through and completed the book. I understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to literature, so I encourage you to give this book a chance. After all, our tastes in books can vary greatly, and you may find something to enjoy that I did not.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this book and am honored to have been invited to do so.
Thank you, Boldwood Books for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After years apart, Zoe is invited to a wedding in Scotland, reuniting her with old friends and painful memories. A road trip with her friends turns dark and dangerous, leading to unexpected consequences that will make them question everything they thought they knew.
I had the privilege of being invited to read this book, which happened to be my first experience with this particular author. The story felt like a unique blend of The Hangover and I Know What You Did Last Summer, creating an intriguing mix of humorous mystery and suspense. The plot was meticulously crafted, and the writing itself was of high quality.
While I found the pace to be a bit slow for my personal taste, I still appreciated the well-developed characters who grappled with relatable everyday issues and hidden secrets. The first half of the book had me fully engaged, but as the story progressed, the tempo seemed to drag on with unnecessary explanations that left me feeling less connected to the narrative.
Despite my waning interest, I pushed through and completed the book. I understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to literature, so I encourage you to give this book a chance. After all, our tastes in books can vary greatly, and you may find something to enjoy that I did not.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this book and am honored to have been invited to do so.
Thank you, Boldwood Books for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2025
Zoe has not seen her friends since they graduated High School. When she is invited to a wedding in Scotland, she is apprehensive about going and reliving the painful memories of those last few months of school. The friends reunite and drive together but when they run into trouble on a desolate Highland Road, a cascade of secrets start to be revealed.
This was an okay mystery/thriller for me. The beginning was slow paced but quickly picks up after the group wakes up on the desolate Highland Road. I had figured out most of the secrets for each character and I was left wanting more on the ending. It seemed like there was no consequences for the character's actions and the conclusion still left me with questions that weren't answered. Overall, I think I was just looking for more with this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to review The Reunion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an okay mystery/thriller for me. The beginning was slow paced but quickly picks up after the group wakes up on the desolate Highland Road. I had figured out most of the secrets for each character and I was left wanting more on the ending. It seemed like there was no consequences for the character's actions and the conclusion still left me with questions that weren't answered. Overall, I think I was just looking for more with this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to review The Reunion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 10, 2025
I have mixed feelings about The Reunion. The plot was undeniably gripping—I stayed up late reading, eager to see what would happen next.
However, certain aspects left me wanting more. For one, the extensive inner dialogue and backstory became tedious. I was rather exasperated two-thirds in. I wish the story had begun with the characters' earlier lives. I think this might have reduced the need for exposition and added more action to the mix.
I was also incredulous at the liar’s inability to keep even basic facts straight.
That said, unlike some reviews, I didn’t find the climax entirely predictable. It was, however, underwhelming for a book marketed as a thriller. The focus on inner tension rather than edge-of-the-seat danger is more suspense than thriller, in my opinion.
Overall, it is an engaging read worth picking up for its captivating plot. Just don't expect a heart-pounder.
However, certain aspects left me wanting more. For one, the extensive inner dialogue and backstory became tedious. I was rather exasperated two-thirds in. I wish the story had begun with the characters' earlier lives. I think this might have reduced the need for exposition and added more action to the mix.
I was also incredulous at the liar’s inability to keep even basic facts straight.
That said, unlike some reviews, I didn’t find the climax entirely predictable. It was, however, underwhelming for a book marketed as a thriller. The focus on inner tension rather than edge-of-the-seat danger is more suspense than thriller, in my opinion.
Overall, it is an engaging read worth picking up for its captivating plot. Just don't expect a heart-pounder.
November 14, 2024
Mystery novel about a group of friends who knew each other as teenagers and are now getting together in their 40's for a wedding. Friends with secrets is a common theme in thriller books and this one follows the same path as Lily, Zoe, Dan and Rod have a secret from their past; a secret involving another friend who died before the group went off the University. Rod is getting married and along with his fiancee Bella, they meet up with Zoe, Lily and Dan and plan to drive to Rod's family estate in Scotland. The group end up in Lily's Land Rover and decide to spend the night at a rented house and then have drinks at a nearby pub. Even though none of them are heavy drinkers, they all wake up in the car with headaches and no recollection as to how they got there-and a dead body in front of the car that they may have killed.
This book could have used more action and less inner thoughts of the different narrators as there is too much time with one of characters being suspicious of the others because they bowed their head, put their hands in their pockets or some other minor act. Zoe begins getting threats sent to her cell phone and she is also dealing with a situation regarding a young mans she works with and wonders if he is somehow involved. The group decide to not cal the police and proceed to Rod's estate for the wedding but someone knows about the possible hit and run as well as the secret from their school years. I didn't find any of the characters likable or all that interesting although I did appreciate the twists that came about towards the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
This book could have used more action and less inner thoughts of the different narrators as there is too much time with one of characters being suspicious of the others because they bowed their head, put their hands in their pockets or some other minor act. Zoe begins getting threats sent to her cell phone and she is also dealing with a situation regarding a young mans she works with and wonders if he is somehow involved. The group decide to not cal the police and proceed to Rod's estate for the wedding but someone knows about the possible hit and run as well as the secret from their school years. I didn't find any of the characters likable or all that interesting although I did appreciate the twists that came about towards the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
October 23, 2024
The Reunion opens with a strong, suspenseful premise, and immediately draws you into the tangled relationships of its characters. The multiple perspectives are well-handled, allowing us to understand the story from different angles without losing the thread. It’s this structure that adds depth to the mystery and keeps you turning the pages.
Zoe, Lilly, and Dan were the most layered characters, each carrying their own emotional baggage and secrets. Zoe’s internal conflict and past made her story compelling, though some key moments—like a particular conversation—felt a little unrealistic. Lilly, as her secrets were gradually revealed, became harder to sympathize with, leaving me frustrated with her decisions by the end. Dan, while central to much of the plot, had moments that felt a bit too convenient, especially when it came to withholding information that could have moved the story along faster.
While the tension between the characters and the suspicion among them kept me engaged, the pacing slowed significantly. After a strong start, the momentum stalls, with not much happening for a while, before it finally picks up again around the halfway point. That dip in pacing made the story feel longer than necessary, which affected the buildup to the final reveals.
As for the plot twists, some were a bit predictable and came out faster than I expected, which made the ending feel a bit underwhelming. After all the buildup, the final twist didn’t have the impact I was hoping for. While the conclusion tied the past and present together, it lacked the punch needed to fully satisfy.
Overall, The Reunion offers a strong, character-driven mystery, but struggles with pacing in the middle and doesn’t fully deliver on its promising setup. If you enjoy a thriller that keeps you guessing with multiple layers of secrets and perspectives, this is still worth picking up.
3,5 stars 🌟 rounded up
Zoe, Lilly, and Dan were the most layered characters, each carrying their own emotional baggage and secrets. Zoe’s internal conflict and past made her story compelling, though some key moments—like a particular conversation—felt a little unrealistic. Lilly, as her secrets were gradually revealed, became harder to sympathize with, leaving me frustrated with her decisions by the end. Dan, while central to much of the plot, had moments that felt a bit too convenient, especially when it came to withholding information that could have moved the story along faster.
While the tension between the characters and the suspicion among them kept me engaged, the pacing slowed significantly. After a strong start, the momentum stalls, with not much happening for a while, before it finally picks up again around the halfway point. That dip in pacing made the story feel longer than necessary, which affected the buildup to the final reveals.
As for the plot twists, some were a bit predictable and came out faster than I expected, which made the ending feel a bit underwhelming. After all the buildup, the final twist didn’t have the impact I was hoping for. While the conclusion tied the past and present together, it lacked the punch needed to fully satisfy.
Overall, The Reunion offers a strong, character-driven mystery, but struggles with pacing in the middle and doesn’t fully deliver on its promising setup. If you enjoy a thriller that keeps you guessing with multiple layers of secrets and perspectives, this is still worth picking up.
3,5 stars 🌟 rounded up
November 26, 2024
Lily, Zoe, Dan, and Rod are childhood friends and the four of them are meeting for the first time in years for Rod’s wedding.
Rod’s parents have passed away, leaving him a very wealthy man. When the friends meet Rod’s fiancé Bella they can’t help but be a little suspicious of her. Her hard-to-place and frequently changing accent and the way she met Rod raises some flags that Rod doesn’t see.
But happy to see one another, they’re excited to get their road trip going as they head to the location of Rod’s family estate. Making a stop along the way, a cashier tells the group of a party taking place close by. After agreeing to give her a ride to the party, they set off for a night of fun.
When they awake much later after sleeping in the car, no one seems to remember the party or the night before. Slowly untangling from the limbs stretched out in the car, they’re all shocked when they hear a scream.
Scrambling out of the car, they see a man, dead in the road, with evidence on the car that they had hit him. As they try to process the scene in front of them, things aren’t adding up. The one in the drivers seat would have needed more room for their legs and would have moved the chair back. Another has the actual keys in their pocket yet awoke in the backseat. What happened and why can’t anyone remember?
Dan, Lily, and Zoe immediately flash back to a similar deadly crash when they were in school. They made a pact to never speak about it yet it seems someone knows.
It would seem all the guests have secrets they’re holding and will do anything to keep. Each begins to look at the other wondering who is a friend and who is a foe?
I’m always impressed by the thrilling and engaging stories M.A. Hunter writes! He has a gift for truly providing shocking and jaw-dropping twists. I definitely recommend checking this one out along with his other works!
Rod’s parents have passed away, leaving him a very wealthy man. When the friends meet Rod’s fiancé Bella they can’t help but be a little suspicious of her. Her hard-to-place and frequently changing accent and the way she met Rod raises some flags that Rod doesn’t see.
But happy to see one another, they’re excited to get their road trip going as they head to the location of Rod’s family estate. Making a stop along the way, a cashier tells the group of a party taking place close by. After agreeing to give her a ride to the party, they set off for a night of fun.
When they awake much later after sleeping in the car, no one seems to remember the party or the night before. Slowly untangling from the limbs stretched out in the car, they’re all shocked when they hear a scream.
Scrambling out of the car, they see a man, dead in the road, with evidence on the car that they had hit him. As they try to process the scene in front of them, things aren’t adding up. The one in the drivers seat would have needed more room for their legs and would have moved the chair back. Another has the actual keys in their pocket yet awoke in the backseat. What happened and why can’t anyone remember?
Dan, Lily, and Zoe immediately flash back to a similar deadly crash when they were in school. They made a pact to never speak about it yet it seems someone knows.
It would seem all the guests have secrets they’re holding and will do anything to keep. Each begins to look at the other wondering who is a friend and who is a foe?
I’m always impressed by the thrilling and engaging stories M.A. Hunter writes! He has a gift for truly providing shocking and jaw-dropping twists. I definitely recommend checking this one out along with his other works!
November 23, 2024
Zoe’s going to a wedding, one that’s a bit of a reunion of her school friends. Ones she’s not seen in a while. Sounds like fun, if you like that sort of thing. But she’s not really up for it and after finishing The Reunion I don’t blame her. She’s in for a hellish weekend ! A not so happy reunion!!
But this isn’t just about Zoe and her telling a story. Dan got to tell his perspective; he’s her sixth form sweetheart who has massive problems of his own and they aren’t just hurting him. He’s a man under extreme pressure!! On top of this dual narrative is the sporadic diary entry from the unfortunate and unexpected deceased member of their friendship group.
I’ll admit I was hooked. I wanted to know what happened that fateful night, I wanted to know who set the group on their trajectory in Scotland and I wanted to know who was tormented Zoe. Despite her misdemeanours, I quite liked Zoe. She’s torn between so many points that she doesn’t know which way is up anymore.
Hunter has written another cracking thriller that I was addicted to. When I wasn’t reading, I was playing over in my mind what I had read and trying to be detective (I’m never going to be a police officer, folks). With each chapter my mind got more muddled with the information I was presented with and I suspected everyone! I even questioned whether the person who died, had died!!! A tension packed read for MA Hunter which I thoroughly enjoyed!!
But this isn’t just about Zoe and her telling a story. Dan got to tell his perspective; he’s her sixth form sweetheart who has massive problems of his own and they aren’t just hurting him. He’s a man under extreme pressure!! On top of this dual narrative is the sporadic diary entry from the unfortunate and unexpected deceased member of their friendship group.
I’ll admit I was hooked. I wanted to know what happened that fateful night, I wanted to know who set the group on their trajectory in Scotland and I wanted to know who was tormented Zoe. Despite her misdemeanours, I quite liked Zoe. She’s torn between so many points that she doesn’t know which way is up anymore.
Hunter has written another cracking thriller that I was addicted to. When I wasn’t reading, I was playing over in my mind what I had read and trying to be detective (I’m never going to be a police officer, folks). With each chapter my mind got more muddled with the information I was presented with and I suspected everyone! I even questioned whether the person who died, had died!!! A tension packed read for MA Hunter which I thoroughly enjoyed!!
November 17, 2024
So, yeah, it was an enjoyable read, but I don’t know; I just felt like there wasn’t enough suspense.
It’s normal that in this type of thriller the stakes are low, but I still felt like there was something missing, something that made me not really connect with the story nor the vibes of the setting at all.
I’m no stranger to loving “bad” characters that are morally bad or morally questionable; I love them, but this time I couldn’t like some at all. Dan is the one I disliked the most, which wasn’t ideal because his point of view is the other main one apart from Zoe’s. Perhaps this contributed to me just disconnecting from the story almost entirely.
I love the cover, and the writing was good! The prose and flow were well done; I just felt like there was some suspense missing here.
It’s normal that in this type of thriller the stakes are low, but I still felt like there was something missing, something that made me not really connect with the story nor the vibes of the setting at all.
I’m no stranger to loving “bad” characters that are morally bad or morally questionable; I love them, but this time I couldn’t like some at all. Dan is the one I disliked the most, which wasn’t ideal because his point of view is the other main one apart from Zoe’s. Perhaps this contributed to me just disconnecting from the story almost entirely.
I love the cover, and the writing was good! The prose and flow were well done; I just felt like there was some suspense missing here.
December 2, 2024
This was an absolute smasher, I was glued to this. It was fast paced, the story was smashing. As the book goes on, you read more into their pasts, some characters are not always good as gold.
Some characters I took an instant dislike to them, I thought they were idiots. Unfortunately even the characters I did like i still couldn’t trust either. This was a wild ride with plenty of eye opening moments.
Some characters I took an instant dislike to them, I thought they were idiots. Unfortunately even the characters I did like i still couldn’t trust either. This was a wild ride with plenty of eye opening moments.
December 31, 2024
Really liked the story and the ideas. Atmosphere was really good and the many twists and turns were sometimes foreseeable and sometimes not.
Unfortunately Zoe annoyed me to bits at times with all her theorizing and sleuthing. A bit far fetched at times.
The reveal by the end was putting all the puzzle pieces together and the story had a satisfying ending for me.
Unfortunately Zoe annoyed me to bits at times with all her theorizing and sleuthing. A bit far fetched at times.
The reveal by the end was putting all the puzzle pieces together and the story had a satisfying ending for me.
October 27, 2024
Wow. This one blew me away. I was not expecting that. This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last. This book had me captivated from the start. It was like a game of clue all based upon omission of the truth. But did anyone know what really happened ? This thriller was a wild ride until the very end.
October 16, 2024
So I could only give this book 3 stars. I feel like the plot has been done so many times they just change the scenery, characters and the why. I had it almost figured out in the end there was a small detail that I didn’t see but for the most part you can figure it out pretty easily. If you like a murder mystery that is easy to read this is a book you might enjoy.
November 14, 2024
This will go down as the most boring book I have ever read, truly I am struggling to find anything I liked.
The Reunion by M.A Hunter follows a group of friends who are meeting up for a friends wedding. The last night they were all together at high school graduation, one of their close friends died. Clearly there's more to the story and someone knows something they haven’t shared.
This wedding / meet up is described in the premise as a grand affair at a manor house on a remote island in Scotland. Forgive me for thinking we may get to hear about any of that. This setting sounded like the perfect holiday read, but actually, the wedding, the manor, and Scotland are barely mentioned and don’t even occur until the end!
What then, filled the pages you ask? The question ‘Who was driving?’ - I swear this took up the majority of every page. It was so relentless that by the mid way point, I had no care for who was driving! It was asked in about 300 different ways. I felt like I was being water boarded with this question.
The diary of Saul was also completely unbelievable - who includes exact dialogue in their diary? Who? If the author wanted to include dialogue, they should’ve been flash back chapters, it would’ve worked much better.
Everyone felt one dimensional and the story didn’t feel like it was progressing, just seemed to go round in circles with everyone thinking perhaps so and so did so and so and perhaps this could be why and theorising inside their head.
Exciting premise, but this was unfortunately, just bad. This should’ve been one I didn’t finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Reunion by M.A Hunter follows a group of friends who are meeting up for a friends wedding. The last night they were all together at high school graduation, one of their close friends died. Clearly there's more to the story and someone knows something they haven’t shared.
This wedding / meet up is described in the premise as a grand affair at a manor house on a remote island in Scotland. Forgive me for thinking we may get to hear about any of that. This setting sounded like the perfect holiday read, but actually, the wedding, the manor, and Scotland are barely mentioned and don’t even occur until the end!
What then, filled the pages you ask? The question ‘Who was driving?’ - I swear this took up the majority of every page. It was so relentless that by the mid way point, I had no care for who was driving! It was asked in about 300 different ways. I felt like I was being water boarded with this question.
The diary of Saul was also completely unbelievable - who includes exact dialogue in their diary? Who? If the author wanted to include dialogue, they should’ve been flash back chapters, it would’ve worked much better.
Everyone felt one dimensional and the story didn’t feel like it was progressing, just seemed to go round in circles with everyone thinking perhaps so and so did so and so and perhaps this could be why and theorising inside their head.
Exciting premise, but this was unfortunately, just bad. This should’ve been one I didn’t finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2024
A psychological thriller told from a duo pov of Dan and Zoe also flashback from a past diary entry. I found this easy enough to follow, I sometimes struggle with multi pov. The plot is slow to build up, but the pacing flows quickly with the help of its short chapters.
I can't say that I liked the characters, Lily was probably the most likeable. For this reason, I didn't really care about what happened to them. None of them were particularly likeable.
I really wish the ending wasn't so underwhelming. Maybe because I had worked out all the twists, I hoped the story would have proved me wrong. By the end of it, I just felt, 'Oh, is that it'.
In conclusion, this is an entertaining read. It's a quick, easy, and fast-paced read.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for my ARC.
My opinions are my own
I can't say that I liked the characters, Lily was probably the most likeable. For this reason, I didn't really care about what happened to them. None of them were particularly likeable.
I really wish the ending wasn't so underwhelming. Maybe because I had worked out all the twists, I hoped the story would have proved me wrong. By the end of it, I just felt, 'Oh, is that it'.
In conclusion, this is an entertaining read. It's a quick, easy, and fast-paced read.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for my ARC.
My opinions are my own
November 22, 2024
The Reunion is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages with its secrets, twists, and tension-filled atmosphere. This was my first book by the author, and from the start, it gave me serious Lucy Foley vibes—a fantastic surprise since she’s one of my favorite writers!
The story centers on Zoe, who reluctantly reunites with her old friends for a wedding at a remote manor house in Scotland. Haunted by the memories of a tragic night that fractured their group, Zoe braces herself for a weekend full of unresolved tensions. The road trip to the wedding sets off a chain of chilling events that unearth buried secrets and leave everyone questioning what really happened years ago.
The book starts strong, immediately pulling me into its eerie, atmospheric setting. I especially enjoyed the multiple POV structure, which adds complexity and keeps you guessing. Each character holds a piece of the puzzle, and their secrets slowly unravel in ways that push the story in unexpected directions. The tension between the characters is palpable, creating a sense of unease that permeates every chapter.
While the middle part slows down a bit, the story builds toward a satisfying plot twist. However, I did find the ending slightly predictable—I was hoping for a shocking twist to completely blow me away. Still, the journey to uncover the truth was thrilling, and the final revelations tied the story together effectively.
If you love psychological thrillers with complex characters, a tense atmosphere, and plenty of secrets to unravel, The Reunion is a strong pick. M.A. Hunter has definitely earned a spot on my radar, and I’m excited to explore more of his work!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story centers on Zoe, who reluctantly reunites with her old friends for a wedding at a remote manor house in Scotland. Haunted by the memories of a tragic night that fractured their group, Zoe braces herself for a weekend full of unresolved tensions. The road trip to the wedding sets off a chain of chilling events that unearth buried secrets and leave everyone questioning what really happened years ago.
The book starts strong, immediately pulling me into its eerie, atmospheric setting. I especially enjoyed the multiple POV structure, which adds complexity and keeps you guessing. Each character holds a piece of the puzzle, and their secrets slowly unravel in ways that push the story in unexpected directions. The tension between the characters is palpable, creating a sense of unease that permeates every chapter.
While the middle part slows down a bit, the story builds toward a satisfying plot twist. However, I did find the ending slightly predictable—I was hoping for a shocking twist to completely blow me away. Still, the journey to uncover the truth was thrilling, and the final revelations tied the story together effectively.
If you love psychological thrillers with complex characters, a tense atmosphere, and plenty of secrets to unravel, The Reunion is a strong pick. M.A. Hunter has definitely earned a spot on my radar, and I’m excited to explore more of his work!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 28, 2024
3.5, really.
When 4 old friends (and one of those friend’s fiancée) get together for a road trip, things are going fine, if a bit awkward, until they stop for the night. Then things take a serious turn for the worse, and the friends are forced to make some tough decisions. And they eerily echo a situation from the group’s past that they’ve kept hidden.
The book is told from multiple POVs: the friends Dan, Zoe, Lilly, and excerpts from an old diary.
This was a hard book to rate, because it did keep me engaged and reading, but there were times I was super frustrated with the characters. It was definitely the kind of book where some open communication and conversations could have cleared up a lot of confusion. Instead, everyone was off having side conversations and walking in on each other, making assumptions about what the other people were talking about. It was kind of a mess.
But there were some really great twists in there. Once things get going and new elements are revealed, there were things even I didn’t see coming. It was actually a pretty suspenseful plot line, and you really didn’t know what was going to happen next.
I just didn’t really connect too much with any of the characters, who weren’t really that interesting, if that makes sense. I guess it was the constant miscommunication and some of their actions that just made me roll my eyes at points. I just didn’t love any of them. But it could’ve just been me. Maybe someone else will like them better.
So, I didn’t hate this book, but it wasn’t my favorite book. Perhaps you’ll have more luck if you like suspenseful friends-getting-into-trouble stories.
When 4 old friends (and one of those friend’s fiancée) get together for a road trip, things are going fine, if a bit awkward, until they stop for the night. Then things take a serious turn for the worse, and the friends are forced to make some tough decisions. And they eerily echo a situation from the group’s past that they’ve kept hidden.
The book is told from multiple POVs: the friends Dan, Zoe, Lilly, and excerpts from an old diary.
This was a hard book to rate, because it did keep me engaged and reading, but there were times I was super frustrated with the characters. It was definitely the kind of book where some open communication and conversations could have cleared up a lot of confusion. Instead, everyone was off having side conversations and walking in on each other, making assumptions about what the other people were talking about. It was kind of a mess.
But there were some really great twists in there. Once things get going and new elements are revealed, there were things even I didn’t see coming. It was actually a pretty suspenseful plot line, and you really didn’t know what was going to happen next.
I just didn’t really connect too much with any of the characters, who weren’t really that interesting, if that makes sense. I guess it was the constant miscommunication and some of their actions that just made me roll my eyes at points. I just didn’t love any of them. But it could’ve just been me. Maybe someone else will like them better.
So, I didn’t hate this book, but it wasn’t my favorite book. Perhaps you’ll have more luck if you like suspenseful friends-getting-into-trouble stories.
November 19, 2024
The Reunion by M.A. Hunter
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Never underestimate how much people can change...
It's been years since Zoe last saw them – since they graduated, drifted apart, and lost touch.
Years since Zoe ended things with Dan because the memories were too painful to bear.
Years since that night – the night an unexpected death shattered their close-knit group of friends.
Now, Zoe is invited to Scotland for a wedding – a grand affair at a manor house on a remote island. Apprehensive about the reunion, she hopes the long drive with Lily will help ease her nerves.
But things are far from simple. Lily has also agreed to give Dan a lift, and Rod, not wanting to be left out, is joining them as well, along with his fiancée.
And when they come into trouble on a cold, dark, desolated Highland road, it sets off a chain of events which will leave them all shaken to their very core, and questioning everything they thought they knew…
My Opinion
Dan, Zoe, Lily and Rod have drifted apart since school but they are all brought together for a wedding. The four friends all have a secret that the car journey threatens to reveal. M.A. Hunter has once again written a book full of twists that will easily hold the attention of the. Multiple perspectives have been utilised, as well as the past being told through diary entries but all of this was easy to follow.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Never underestimate how much people can change...
It's been years since Zoe last saw them – since they graduated, drifted apart, and lost touch.
Years since Zoe ended things with Dan because the memories were too painful to bear.
Years since that night – the night an unexpected death shattered their close-knit group of friends.
Now, Zoe is invited to Scotland for a wedding – a grand affair at a manor house on a remote island. Apprehensive about the reunion, she hopes the long drive with Lily will help ease her nerves.
But things are far from simple. Lily has also agreed to give Dan a lift, and Rod, not wanting to be left out, is joining them as well, along with his fiancée.
And when they come into trouble on a cold, dark, desolated Highland road, it sets off a chain of events which will leave them all shaken to their very core, and questioning everything they thought they knew…
My Opinion
Dan, Zoe, Lily and Rod have drifted apart since school but they are all brought together for a wedding. The four friends all have a secret that the car journey threatens to reveal. M.A. Hunter has once again written a book full of twists that will easily hold the attention of the. Multiple perspectives have been utilised, as well as the past being told through diary entries but all of this was easy to follow.
Rating 4/5
October 16, 2024
It's reminiscent of Lucy Foley`s The Hunting Party but better, in my opinion. Four friends are about to have a little reunion, after not seeing each other in years. Rod is getting married to a woman named Bella, and he invited his best friends from school to join him-- Zoe, Lily and Dan. There is a lot of backstory, secrets, relationship/character-building from the past, and how it is affecting them all now. Three of these four friends were involved in the death of the fifth member of their group, Saul and they made a pact to never tell anyone what happened to their friend the day he was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and that also adds to the tension of this reunion. It followed the cliché formula of old friends with a secret and though the premise was far-fetched, I liked the writing and implementation of the devices of a thriller in this book. There were of course a couple of twists and turns, but unfortunately, nothing that shocked me, I figured out who was who and most of what their motives were long before the ending. I found the prologue grabbed me and pulled me in, it was a fast read, with good timing of tension and anticipation-- but I liked the ending actually, I felt at least satisfied.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for this ARC. This is my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for this ARC. This is my honest review.
November 25, 2024
This was very addictive. I was blitzing the audiobook all the time I could. I wanted to know what had happened in the past with these friends. Everyone’s got secrets, and it became addictive because I wanted to know what these secrets were, I had kind of guessed one twist at the end with who was behind everything, but I was wrong in respect that someone I thought was involved wasn’t actually involved. And the moment I was more upset, in a weird way, for who was hurt in Scotland – which to be honest, seemed to have been swept under the rug.
When I found out what had happened back in time with Saul and how the evening had been planned out, I felt a bit of oomph was missing. I didn’t feel like there was a big reveal, even when there was one. I’m not sure why. I felt like everyone got away with everything, and I didn’t know if that was right. I don’t know what I wanted for people, and I’m not sure if that’s the end I wanted. But I found the entire book so very addictive. I thought it was an absolute wild ride to how secrets can damage people, how secrets can damage friendships, and just how at the end of the day everything can be destroyed because of it. This book really amplified this.
I was hooked, I wanted to know the ins and outs of it all. I needed to know. It was on my mind constantly! I just wanted to be left alone to read/listen to it! Kudos to the author for this!
When I found out what had happened back in time with Saul and how the evening had been planned out, I felt a bit of oomph was missing. I didn’t feel like there was a big reveal, even when there was one. I’m not sure why. I felt like everyone got away with everything, and I didn’t know if that was right. I don’t know what I wanted for people, and I’m not sure if that’s the end I wanted. But I found the entire book so very addictive. I thought it was an absolute wild ride to how secrets can damage people, how secrets can damage friendships, and just how at the end of the day everything can be destroyed because of it. This book really amplified this.
I was hooked, I wanted to know the ins and outs of it all. I needed to know. It was on my mind constantly! I just wanted to be left alone to read/listen to it! Kudos to the author for this!
November 16, 2024
It’s been twenty years since the four of them got together before university started, now Rob is getting married to Bella and invites his high school friends to the wedding which is taken place in a large manor he inherited from his mother.
Lilly borrowed his old dad’s car and as the four friends plus Bella head to the remote island in Scotland, they all start to reminisce the past.
They end up in a pub that is about to close when the bartender suggests they attend a party nearby.
Suddenly they woke up in the car. Something happened that they cannot remember as they find a dead body by the car's bumper. Dan is in the driving seat and Cloë has the car keys in her jean’s pocket.
They decide to keep what happened a secret, not the first secret they bound to keep, as history repeats itself, they find themselves in the same position twenty years later. But who is responsible? Who is the victim? What was in those drinks? Who was driving the car?
I love a suspense novel with secrets, twists and specially the author's narration from the points of view of Zoë, Lilly and Dan allowing the reader to perceive the feelings of the main protagonist.
Thanks to M A Hunter, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Lilly borrowed his old dad’s car and as the four friends plus Bella head to the remote island in Scotland, they all start to reminisce the past.
They end up in a pub that is about to close when the bartender suggests they attend a party nearby.
Suddenly they woke up in the car. Something happened that they cannot remember as they find a dead body by the car's bumper. Dan is in the driving seat and Cloë has the car keys in her jean’s pocket.
They decide to keep what happened a secret, not the first secret they bound to keep, as history repeats itself, they find themselves in the same position twenty years later. But who is responsible? Who is the victim? What was in those drinks? Who was driving the car?
I love a suspense novel with secrets, twists and specially the author's narration from the points of view of Zoë, Lilly and Dan allowing the reader to perceive the feelings of the main protagonist.
Thanks to M A Hunter, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
October 14, 2024
3.5/5
When you go to meet up with some old friends from college (or university as they call in the UK) for a wedding in Scotland, but there's lots of past drama, current drama, secrets and a dead body...you know, super casual and normal things...
This book definitely starts out well, bringing you right into the middle of the drama and the heightening the anticipation. You know from the very beginning that there is a lot of stuff going on with this group of friends and there is a lot of questionable history between them. But then once you get into the thick of it, I found that it slowed down quite a bit.
The ending wasn't nearly as satisfying as I wanted it to be. The end of a book (especially in this sort of thriller or mystery category) should be the most exciting and climactic.
But another fun theme of this story is that none of the characters are particularly likable, they're all questionable and unreliable characters. And I find that can make the drama and chaos of a book even more dramatic and chaotic. And that's always a fun little twist for the reader's mind to try to deal with and understand.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
When you go to meet up with some old friends from college (or university as they call in the UK) for a wedding in Scotland, but there's lots of past drama, current drama, secrets and a dead body...you know, super casual and normal things...
This book definitely starts out well, bringing you right into the middle of the drama and the heightening the anticipation. You know from the very beginning that there is a lot of stuff going on with this group of friends and there is a lot of questionable history between them. But then once you get into the thick of it, I found that it slowed down quite a bit.
The ending wasn't nearly as satisfying as I wanted it to be. The end of a book (especially in this sort of thriller or mystery category) should be the most exciting and climactic.
But another fun theme of this story is that none of the characters are particularly likable, they're all questionable and unreliable characters. And I find that can make the drama and chaos of a book even more dramatic and chaotic. And that's always a fun little twist for the reader's mind to try to deal with and understand.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 17, 2024
Zoe is invited to Scotland for a wedding. While there she is due to reunite with her group of old school friends who she hasn’t seen in years; not since an awful event occurred all that time ago. Soon a chain of events has her questioning everything she knew about what really happened.
I liked the mystery behind this thriller and was intrigued to see how it would all play out. Having read a lot of thrillers following the reunion in an isolated house trope, I found that this was fairly predictable and similar to the others I have read. I also found that the character’s aren’t that likeable and I struggled to develop a connection or really care what happened to them.
Although this wasn’t a badly written book. I found the pacing overly slow and struggled to invest myself in the story. I did enjoy the atmospheric setting and thought this was developed well. Unfortunately I didn’t get that many shocks, feel that excited while reading or feel that I was offered anything new. This is however a quick, easy read with secrets to discover, therefore good if you’re looking for that sort of thing. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I liked the mystery behind this thriller and was intrigued to see how it would all play out. Having read a lot of thrillers following the reunion in an isolated house trope, I found that this was fairly predictable and similar to the others I have read. I also found that the character’s aren’t that likeable and I struggled to develop a connection or really care what happened to them.
Although this wasn’t a badly written book. I found the pacing overly slow and struggled to invest myself in the story. I did enjoy the atmospheric setting and thought this was developed well. Unfortunately I didn’t get that many shocks, feel that excited while reading or feel that I was offered anything new. This is however a quick, easy read with secrets to discover, therefore good if you’re looking for that sort of thing. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Read
October 14, 2024I love Hunter's books so was excited to read this one and it did not disappoint! It's a wonderfully convoluted story of a group of friends who all have their individual secrets but share others. Now they are all convening to celebrate the wedding of Rod and "new' woman, Bella. They are somewhat suspicious of her as it seems she suddenly appeared in Rod's life and is acting a bit standoffish to them on this trip. The novel vacillates between 1999 and the present as we see protagonist Zoe relive her high school years as she goes to prom with boyfriend, Dan but then as they all mourn friend, Saul who was killed in a car accident. All of this comes to a head as they are thrown together in the present and we are never sure--until the bitter end--who is telling the truth and who is lying!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
October 20, 2024
The premise of the book really hooked me: friends getting back together for an unexpected reunion for another’s wedding, secrets hidden from each other, a shared secret in their past. But ultimately it fell short for me. The writing style did a lot of telling, there were paragraphs where I disjointed from the page because I was zoning out during a period of on page explanation. The characters felt a little unbelievable, in the sense that the secrets they were keeping and sharing didn’t feel like they lent themselves to the plot, and were more so “shock factors” and not something anyone would actually say or do. The ending did not feel complete because of them, I was left with a lot more “why did that happen?”’s than I was left feeling satisfied. It was an entertaining read nonetheless, but not one I would deem memorable.
October 12, 2024
4 friends from University meet up on a road trip to travel to rural Scotland for Rods wedding. 3 of them are carrying a secret from the past but this secret threatens the present and the future.
Dan is struggling financially and still holds a candle to Zoë.
Zoë is receiving threatening messages from a colleague she's been havng an affair with and Lily is making mysterious phone calls.
After a party, the friends wake up in the car with no recollection of travelling in it. Even worse a dead body is in front of the car. History has a habit of repeating itself as the friends soon discover.
This was a very fast paced thriller, with each chapter my mind was all over the place trying to work out what had happened and who was telling the truth. A unique plot and very cleverly written
Dan is struggling financially and still holds a candle to Zoë.
Zoë is receiving threatening messages from a colleague she's been havng an affair with and Lily is making mysterious phone calls.
After a party, the friends wake up in the car with no recollection of travelling in it. Even worse a dead body is in front of the car. History has a habit of repeating itself as the friends soon discover.
This was a very fast paced thriller, with each chapter my mind was all over the place trying to work out what had happened and who was telling the truth. A unique plot and very cleverly written
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