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A Killer in Paradise
Brought to you by Penguin.
The trip of their dreams is about to end in murder.
When five old friends are invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest, they jump at the chance to spend a week in paradise.
None of them have heard from Abigail since the summer they went backpacking in Central America as students – a trip that ended in disaster for one member of the group…
Ten years may have passed, but old rivalries are never far from the surface. So when a body is discovered during the hotel’s launch event, it soon becomes clear that one among them must be responsible.
Someone is desperate to keep an old secret hidden – whatever the cost…
© Tom Hindle 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
The trip of their dreams is about to end in murder.
When five old friends are invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest, they jump at the chance to spend a week in paradise.
None of them have heard from Abigail since the summer they went backpacking in Central America as students – a trip that ended in disaster for one member of the group…
Ten years may have passed, but old rivalries are never far from the surface. So when a body is discovered during the hotel’s launch event, it soon becomes clear that one among them must be responsible.
Someone is desperate to keep an old secret hidden – whatever the cost…
© Tom Hindle 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Audible Audio
Published January 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 3, 2026
The characters fall flat and are mostly unlikeable, the story is predictable from the first page and lacked any twists or unpredictable revelations. The only saving grace was the beautiful setting in the Costa Rican Jungle.
February 12, 2026
This is both my first and last Tom Hindle book — a true full-circle moment.
I really wanted to enjoy it. I packed snacks. I settled in. I was ready. Unfortunately, the characters had the personality of unbuttered toast, the plot arrived exactly where I expected it to (often waving from a mile away), and the writing felt like it was permanently set to “basic mode.”
If I had to sum it up in one phrase: it’s an eye roll from start to finish — the kind where your eyeballs consider filing for overtime.
I kept hoping for a twist, a spark, a single moment of “oh!” Instead, it was more “oh… okay.” And not in a good way.
On the bright side, it was a very efficient read — largely because I was so desperate to finish it.
Not for me, but I wish it well on its journey to someone who enjoys their mysteries served mild.
I really wanted to enjoy it. I packed snacks. I settled in. I was ready. Unfortunately, the characters had the personality of unbuttered toast, the plot arrived exactly where I expected it to (often waving from a mile away), and the writing felt like it was permanently set to “basic mode.”
If I had to sum it up in one phrase: it’s an eye roll from start to finish — the kind where your eyeballs consider filing for overtime.
I kept hoping for a twist, a spark, a single moment of “oh!” Instead, it was more “oh… okay.” And not in a good way.
On the bright side, it was a very efficient read — largely because I was so desperate to finish it.
Not for me, but I wish it well on its journey to someone who enjoys their mysteries served mild.
February 27, 2026
A Killer in Paradise is another absorbing mystery featuring an exotic setting, as readers have come to expect from author Tom Hindle (previous books have been set on a plush transatlantic liner, on an island in Italy's Lake Garda and on an airship above the Arctic).
Hotel heiress Abi Blythe invites five friends from her university days in York, England to the opening party of her new eco-resort, isolated in the jungle of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. In itself, this wouldn't be so strange, but Abi has barely been in contact with any of them since they finished University ten years ago. Why is she bringing them together for a reunion after all this time, and why did she so abruptly withdraw from them all those years ago. Olive, who regarded Abi as her best friend through University was particularly hurt by Abi's failure to even respond to an email asking her to be Olive's bridesmaid, but is the member of the group who seems most enthusiastic about reconnecting with their old friend.
Hotel heiress Abi Blythe invites five friends from her university days in York, England to the opening party of her new eco-resort, isolated in the jungle of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. In itself, this wouldn't be so strange, but Abi has barely been in contact with any of them since they finished University ten years ago. Why is she bringing them together for a reunion after all this time, and why did she so abruptly withdraw from them all those years ago. Olive, who regarded Abi as her best friend through University was particularly hurt by Abi's failure to even respond to an email asking her to be Olive's bridesmaid, but is the member of the group who seems most enthusiastic about reconnecting with their old friend.
January 31, 2026
This is the second book I've read from Tom Hindle, and I definitely preferred this to Death in the Arctic; I thought this was really easy to get into and I flew through the last half of the story in particular. I think there's a great atmosphere created here of dread and an impending sense of the world closing in, especially with the isolated setting of the jungle. The characters did all feel a bit similar, especially the three guys in the friendship group, but Stevie was a really strong main character. I found the plot to be a bit predictable, it was pretty obvious from the second the killer is introduced who it is going to be, but I enjoyed seeing how the mystery unfolded.
November 23, 2025
I love Tom Hindle’s writing, he draws you in from the opening scene and keeps you hooked until the final chapter. I’ve read all his previous books, and he excels at exploring the shifting dynamics within a group of friends… if they can even be called that. Watching those relationships strain and unravel is fascinating, and you quickly start to question what ever held them together.
This time we’re in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, at a brand-new luxury resort about to open. A group of old university friends have been invited by Abigail Blythe, daughter of the late hotel magnates Frank and Jane Blythe. Although the resort is Abi’s project, it was once meant to be shared with her brother Humphrey — until the board ousted him.
Olive Ross was Abi’s best friend at York University. She’d taken Abi under her wing when she first arrived in the UK, bringing her into her tight-knit group. They stayed inseparable through three years of study and the group travelled together afterwards. The site of the new resort is the last place they were all together ten years ago, and where Olive got engaged to Zach.
But after that trip, Abi went back to the States, and never replied to Olive again. So why the sudden reunion? Why did she ignore Olive’s messages for a decade, including the one asking her to be a bridesmaid? Olive is thrilled to see her again; her husband Zach, far less so. Olive’s cousin Jazz comes along out of caution, having never trusted Abi. Meanwhile, the other two friends, Mike and Seth, barely tolerate one another.
The novel unfolds in seven parts. From the first chapter we know someone is dead, but not who. Gradually the truth emerges — secrets, betrayals, and long-buried tensions. Why were they invited? And what was the big announcement Abi planned to make?
I suspected one twist early on, but it didn’t spoil anything; I still couldn’t guess the culprit or the motive. Most of the characters are intentionally unlikeable (with a couple of exceptions), which only heightens the tension. As we revisit the origins of the friendships, we learn the truths Abi never shared — revelations that hit Olive hardest. What really happened the last time they were all in Costa Rica?
If you enjoy Agatha Christie-style mysteries or the intensity of a locked-room setup — even though this one takes place deep in the rainforest — this is absolutely for you. The author once again brings a group together and skillfully sets them against each other. The resort and rainforest descriptions are vivid enough to transport you there.
Another gripping read from a master of mystery. Thank you to the @centurybooksuk @penguinrandom for an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own, and have not been influenced in any way.
This time we’re in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, at a brand-new luxury resort about to open. A group of old university friends have been invited by Abigail Blythe, daughter of the late hotel magnates Frank and Jane Blythe. Although the resort is Abi’s project, it was once meant to be shared with her brother Humphrey — until the board ousted him.
Olive Ross was Abi’s best friend at York University. She’d taken Abi under her wing when she first arrived in the UK, bringing her into her tight-knit group. They stayed inseparable through three years of study and the group travelled together afterwards. The site of the new resort is the last place they were all together ten years ago, and where Olive got engaged to Zach.
But after that trip, Abi went back to the States, and never replied to Olive again. So why the sudden reunion? Why did she ignore Olive’s messages for a decade, including the one asking her to be a bridesmaid? Olive is thrilled to see her again; her husband Zach, far less so. Olive’s cousin Jazz comes along out of caution, having never trusted Abi. Meanwhile, the other two friends, Mike and Seth, barely tolerate one another.
The novel unfolds in seven parts. From the first chapter we know someone is dead, but not who. Gradually the truth emerges — secrets, betrayals, and long-buried tensions. Why were they invited? And what was the big announcement Abi planned to make?
I suspected one twist early on, but it didn’t spoil anything; I still couldn’t guess the culprit or the motive. Most of the characters are intentionally unlikeable (with a couple of exceptions), which only heightens the tension. As we revisit the origins of the friendships, we learn the truths Abi never shared — revelations that hit Olive hardest. What really happened the last time they were all in Costa Rica?
If you enjoy Agatha Christie-style mysteries or the intensity of a locked-room setup — even though this one takes place deep in the rainforest — this is absolutely for you. The author once again brings a group together and skillfully sets them against each other. The resort and rainforest descriptions are vivid enough to transport you there.
Another gripping read from a master of mystery. Thank you to the @centurybooksuk @penguinrandom for an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own, and have not been influenced in any way.
October 21, 2025
A 10 year reunion with Uni friends. Invited back to the rainforest resort where they were last altogether.
Old arguments rise to the surface and when a body is found they have to look at those last few weeks together with fresh eyes.
Twisty and suspenseful and a luxurious and tropical location.
A good mystery read!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy to review.
Old arguments rise to the surface and when a body is found they have to look at those last few weeks together with fresh eyes.
Twisty and suspenseful and a luxurious and tropical location.
A good mystery read!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy to review.
March 19, 2026
This novel was easy to read with short, busy chapters and descriptions of the Costa Rican jungle. However, the characters were a bit one dimensional and some of the twists were apparent early on. I didn’t feel the suspense built up particularly, so that when all was revealed I didn’t find it shocking or surprising.
March 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this whodunnit!
Fell for the trap as to who the guilty party was. Thought all the way through I was being clever and picking up hidden themes, only to find I had fallen into the author’s cunning trap. Well played, Mr Hindle!
Fell for the trap as to who the guilty party was. Thought all the way through I was being clever and picking up hidden themes, only to find I had fallen into the author’s cunning trap. Well played, Mr Hindle!
February 9, 2026
Devoured in under 24 hours. My fav book of his so far and this took me back to my trip to Costa Rica!
March 12, 2026
Zero likeable characters and a writing style that seemed very amateurish. I am genuinely shocked people buy books that read like a primary school child wrote them
One star purely for basing it in Costa Rica
One star purely for basing it in Costa Rica
February 19, 2026
Meh! I don't know why I keep reading these. I suppose they're like a quick burger between more satisfying meals...
Several points were repeated early on, for no reason, and just about every 'twist' was telegraphed from page 1 almost.
Several points were repeated early on, for no reason, and just about every 'twist' was telegraphed from page 1 almost.
January 9, 2026
When five friends, who met at the University of York, are invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury hotel, they jump at the chance — each with different reasons and some more eager than others. Although they were once closely knit, they have not heard from Abigail since they backpacked in Central America as students. A decade has passed, but old rivalries resurface, and confusion mounts regarding the motives behind the sudden reunion after years of unexplained estrangement. When a body is found during the hotel launch and secrets flare, it is clear that the murderer is among them and is going to stop at nothing to ensure their secrets remain hidden.
With tension, betrayals, and a claustrophobic atmosphere that escalates the element of impending dread, A Killer in Paradise is another compelling mystery, reminiscent of Agatha Christie; Hindle has skillfully created a complicated friend dynamic, consisting of conflicting personalities, an abundance of secrets, and palpable apprehension, rendering it an ideal whodunnit novel.
January 28, 2026
honestly one of the worst books i’ve ever read. more than 3/4 of the book is useless nonsense i swear i learned more about the landscape of the hotel they were staying in than i did about any of the actual characters. it was a very predictable ending. the story dragged on. none of the characters were likeable and we barely knew anything abt their stories or anything like that. it was very poorly structured and i definitely do not recommend it. my first time reading tom hindle’s books and i can tell you now i will not be reading one ever again.
January 14, 2026
I was immediately drawn to this novel; the combination of Tom's flawless writing and the intricate mystery threads he seems to construct.
This novel is just as I expected: easy to snap into, very engaging, with a unique and fluid writing pattern. It didn't take me long to become engrossed.
Tom consistently uses isolated locations to create a fierce mystery. I have to admit this paradise setting of Costa Rica was just what I needed to warm my bones in this UK Jan chill. With sharp descriptions, I was whisked away to this luxury resort and felt all the summery vibes.
Although this vacation soon turns sour when it ends in murder.
Five friends are invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury rainforest resort. Who could refuse a free accommodation trip?
However, none of these 'friends' have heard anything from Abigail in ten years. Once Olive's best friend, she seemed to vanish. Abigail has missed big life events and ignored any form of communication over the years.
So what brings on this mysterious reunion? It takes a body to be found for the missing puzzle pieces to start to slot into place.
This is a character-rich story, and somehow I found it really easy to remember who was who.
Tom is brilliant at crafting individual personalities and vibrant characters. He then utilisies these qualities and throws them into unlikely scenarios. This allows the reader to connect to them, yet remain suspicious of their narration.
This book explores deeply ingrained affinity. I was hooked on the toxic drama and enjoyed watching the secrets be slowly revealed.
It's clear to see that this group is unstable, but once the body count increases, it becomes clear someone has a hidden agenda.
My mind was racing with questions; it's a novel that pushes the boundaries of what true friendship is and keeps you in suspense.
There was some predictability, but you're still taken by surprise with the sneaky hidden twists.
A very engaging mystery from start to finish. The narration complements the varied pacing, with short chapters that have you hooked on the cliffhangers. A very fun murder mystery which was a very enjoyable buddy read.
This novel is just as I expected: easy to snap into, very engaging, with a unique and fluid writing pattern. It didn't take me long to become engrossed.
Tom consistently uses isolated locations to create a fierce mystery. I have to admit this paradise setting of Costa Rica was just what I needed to warm my bones in this UK Jan chill. With sharp descriptions, I was whisked away to this luxury resort and felt all the summery vibes.
Although this vacation soon turns sour when it ends in murder.
Five friends are invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury rainforest resort. Who could refuse a free accommodation trip?
However, none of these 'friends' have heard anything from Abigail in ten years. Once Olive's best friend, she seemed to vanish. Abigail has missed big life events and ignored any form of communication over the years.
So what brings on this mysterious reunion? It takes a body to be found for the missing puzzle pieces to start to slot into place.
This is a character-rich story, and somehow I found it really easy to remember who was who.
Tom is brilliant at crafting individual personalities and vibrant characters. He then utilisies these qualities and throws them into unlikely scenarios. This allows the reader to connect to them, yet remain suspicious of their narration.
This book explores deeply ingrained affinity. I was hooked on the toxic drama and enjoyed watching the secrets be slowly revealed.
It's clear to see that this group is unstable, but once the body count increases, it becomes clear someone has a hidden agenda.
My mind was racing with questions; it's a novel that pushes the boundaries of what true friendship is and keeps you in suspense.
There was some predictability, but you're still taken by surprise with the sneaky hidden twists.
A very engaging mystery from start to finish. The narration complements the varied pacing, with short chapters that have you hooked on the cliffhangers. A very fun murder mystery which was a very enjoyable buddy read.
November 24, 2025
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Century for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is my first of Tom's books. I think I had a copy of A Fatal Crossing when it first came out but I can't remember reading it, which is annoying, as I can't find it anymore so I must find that again. And I will definitely be looking up his other works.
There is a relatively large cast of characters, and as someone who is notoriously terrible and remembering names, I was concerned I'd get lost, but it's really easy. Tom has given them distinct personalities which makes them easy to differentiate, and he's chosen a handful of main characters for us to invest more in.
It is very character heavy and plot light, which I like.
I loved the setting of this isolated jungle, the claustrophobia and the feeling of being enclosed, it adds an extra element of fear, which is great for this genre.
I saw one twist coming but not the big whodunnit - which doesn't surprise me because I never guess it right. I thought I had it and was rather pleased with myself, but just when I was relaxed, something happened and I was back to square one! There's enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and on your toes, but it never feels like too much.
I did think the murder would be earlier on. I know you have to set the scene and introduce the characters so the reader actually cares about who dies and whatnot. And I'm not saying it's a bad thing that it comes in later, just pointing it out. It is mentioned in the first chapter but it doesn't happen till well after halfway. I'd have liked it a little earlier. What is there is great and I enjoyed it very much and I won't say anything bad about it but I feel if there's going to be a whodunnit, I need the "dunnit" earlier on so I can think who the "who" was.
I read it in one sitting, late into the night, as I just couldn't stop until I'd finished it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Century for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is my first of Tom's books. I think I had a copy of A Fatal Crossing when it first came out but I can't remember reading it, which is annoying, as I can't find it anymore so I must find that again. And I will definitely be looking up his other works.
There is a relatively large cast of characters, and as someone who is notoriously terrible and remembering names, I was concerned I'd get lost, but it's really easy. Tom has given them distinct personalities which makes them easy to differentiate, and he's chosen a handful of main characters for us to invest more in.
It is very character heavy and plot light, which I like.
I loved the setting of this isolated jungle, the claustrophobia and the feeling of being enclosed, it adds an extra element of fear, which is great for this genre.
I saw one twist coming but not the big whodunnit - which doesn't surprise me because I never guess it right. I thought I had it and was rather pleased with myself, but just when I was relaxed, something happened and I was back to square one! There's enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and on your toes, but it never feels like too much.
I did think the murder would be earlier on. I know you have to set the scene and introduce the characters so the reader actually cares about who dies and whatnot. And I'm not saying it's a bad thing that it comes in later, just pointing it out. It is mentioned in the first chapter but it doesn't happen till well after halfway. I'd have liked it a little earlier. What is there is great and I enjoyed it very much and I won't say anything bad about it but I feel if there's going to be a whodunnit, I need the "dunnit" earlier on so I can think who the "who" was.
I read it in one sitting, late into the night, as I just couldn't stop until I'd finished it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is only my second book by this author but having loved both, I am now even more determined to make some inroads into his back catalogue...
This time we follow a bunch of old friends who have a kind of reunion when they are all invited to join Abigail as guests at the opening of her luxury hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest. I say "friends", they aren't really friends with Abigail now as none of them had seen or heard from her since 10 years ago when they went backpacking as students to the very same location where the hotel has now been built. A trip that ending very badly for one of the group... It beggars the question of why has she invited them? Especially when all the secrets and lies start to flood out... Oh and the dead body doesn't really help things...
Firstly, there are a lot of characters. As well as the friends, we also have extended family. And it soon becomes apparent that there is a LOT going on between them which means that they are ALL in the frame, at least initially. Throw in a fair few red herrings to keep the reader on their toes and serve with a very healthy slice of dysfunctional behaviour and you really have got yourself a humdinger of a read...
Pacing is mostly fast all the way through, but always matches the narrative. This is helped by punchy chapters and a lot of end of chapter cliff hangers which makes the book very hard to put down. And boy does it all ramp up towards the exhausting but wholly satisfying ending.
All in all, a worthy addition to an already well impressive back catalogue, of which I am off to try and work my way through... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This time we follow a bunch of old friends who have a kind of reunion when they are all invited to join Abigail as guests at the opening of her luxury hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest. I say "friends", they aren't really friends with Abigail now as none of them had seen or heard from her since 10 years ago when they went backpacking as students to the very same location where the hotel has now been built. A trip that ending very badly for one of the group... It beggars the question of why has she invited them? Especially when all the secrets and lies start to flood out... Oh and the dead body doesn't really help things...
Firstly, there are a lot of characters. As well as the friends, we also have extended family. And it soon becomes apparent that there is a LOT going on between them which means that they are ALL in the frame, at least initially. Throw in a fair few red herrings to keep the reader on their toes and serve with a very healthy slice of dysfunctional behaviour and you really have got yourself a humdinger of a read...
Pacing is mostly fast all the way through, but always matches the narrative. This is helped by punchy chapters and a lot of end of chapter cliff hangers which makes the book very hard to put down. And boy does it all ramp up towards the exhausting but wholly satisfying ending.
All in all, a worthy addition to an already well impressive back catalogue, of which I am off to try and work my way through... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
*Book Review*
ℙ𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝟙𝟝𝕥𝕙 𝕁𝕒𝕟𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞
This is the second @tom.hindle book I have read now and I will defo be keeping my eye out for his work. His writing manages to draw you in from the get go and it keeps you gripped to the very end. I will defo be checking out some of his previous work. The way he is able to manipulate the dynamic between a group of friends is just fab. They way that you watch the friendship groups start to fall apart or turn on one another really gets you questioning what was keeping them together in the first place.
I really enjoyed that way that the story was split up into seven different sections. You know from the very start you are aware that someone is dead but you’re just not quite sure who, I did have my suspicions (which were correct). As you journey though the seven sections the truth comes to light and it is full of secrets and betrayal.
There are twist of plenty within this story. I did guess one or two but for me that did not ruin it. I still wasn’t sure who the suspect was and was still um’ing and ar’ing right at the end before all was revealed. The character development within this novel is that of unlike-ability, which I guess you are lead in that direction by Hindle himself, which for me adds more depth to the story creating tensions of plenty.
If you’re into locked room types of mystery or are a fan of Agatha Christie then this one is for you. The descriptions are fabulous you feel your right there with the in that rainforest. Another gripping masterpiece from Hindle.
Thankyou to Tom, @centurybooksuk @hanasparkes and @penguinukbooks for sending me a paperback proof of his up and coming new novel.
ℙ𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝟙𝟝𝕥𝕙 𝕁𝕒𝕟𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞
This is the second @tom.hindle book I have read now and I will defo be keeping my eye out for his work. His writing manages to draw you in from the get go and it keeps you gripped to the very end. I will defo be checking out some of his previous work. The way he is able to manipulate the dynamic between a group of friends is just fab. They way that you watch the friendship groups start to fall apart or turn on one another really gets you questioning what was keeping them together in the first place.
I really enjoyed that way that the story was split up into seven different sections. You know from the very start you are aware that someone is dead but you’re just not quite sure who, I did have my suspicions (which were correct). As you journey though the seven sections the truth comes to light and it is full of secrets and betrayal.
There are twist of plenty within this story. I did guess one or two but for me that did not ruin it. I still wasn’t sure who the suspect was and was still um’ing and ar’ing right at the end before all was revealed. The character development within this novel is that of unlike-ability, which I guess you are lead in that direction by Hindle himself, which for me adds more depth to the story creating tensions of plenty.
If you’re into locked room types of mystery or are a fan of Agatha Christie then this one is for you. The descriptions are fabulous you feel your right there with the in that rainforest. Another gripping masterpiece from Hindle.
Thankyou to Tom, @centurybooksuk @hanasparkes and @penguinukbooks for sending me a paperback proof of his up and coming new novel.
January 18, 2026
I always look forward to reading Tom's books and this was another great read - a murder mystery, an exotic but isolated location, a complicated set of friendships and plenty of twists.
American Abigail Blythe is opening a luxury resort hotel in Costa Rica and invites the five friends she made whilst at the University of York. The hotel is built on land the group visited ten years previously while backpacking - but that is the last time any of them heard from Abi. They all accept the invitation, some more willingly than others, and each for their own reasons - but it doesn't take long for old rivalries to resurface and tensions to escalate.
The story is told in seven parts and from the outset we know someone is dead, but not who. As the truth unfolds we learn just how many secrets exist amongst the group - who would be prepared to kill to stop the truth coming to light? And there is not just a dysfunctional friendship group to consider, as Abi's own family are equally dysfunctional......
There is plenty to keep the reader guessing as we get to know the cast of largely unlikeable characters, all of whom bring some pretty substantial baggage and seemingly no shortage of motives. Add to that the natural dangers lurking in an idyllic but somewhat claustrophobic setting and the tension builds, with short chapters keeping me turning the pages and surprising me along the way.
It's another gripping read from Tom - if you enjoy locked room mysteries and haven't yet discovered his books, this would be a great place to start!
American Abigail Blythe is opening a luxury resort hotel in Costa Rica and invites the five friends she made whilst at the University of York. The hotel is built on land the group visited ten years previously while backpacking - but that is the last time any of them heard from Abi. They all accept the invitation, some more willingly than others, and each for their own reasons - but it doesn't take long for old rivalries to resurface and tensions to escalate.
The story is told in seven parts and from the outset we know someone is dead, but not who. As the truth unfolds we learn just how many secrets exist amongst the group - who would be prepared to kill to stop the truth coming to light? And there is not just a dysfunctional friendship group to consider, as Abi's own family are equally dysfunctional......
There is plenty to keep the reader guessing as we get to know the cast of largely unlikeable characters, all of whom bring some pretty substantial baggage and seemingly no shortage of motives. Add to that the natural dangers lurking in an idyllic but somewhat claustrophobic setting and the tension builds, with short chapters keeping me turning the pages and surprising me along the way.
It's another gripping read from Tom - if you enjoy locked room mysteries and haven't yet discovered his books, this would be a great place to start!
October 13, 2025
I’ve read and enjoyed Tom Hindle’s previous books and was excited to get a chance to read “A Killer in Paradise”
This book’s title really describes what happens in the book- there’s no doubt about that.
When married couple, Olive and Zach arrive in Costa Rica for a 10 year university reunion, little do they expect a murder to happen. Olive is excited to see her American friend, Abi who she has not heard from since they parted 10 years earlier.
However her cousin Jazz has never liked Abi and is in possession of information that might upset Abi. Jazz comes along to watch over her cousin whilst Zach seems really unhappy about the trip although he ends up going.
As the group arrive in the Eco resort and start to catch up with Abi it becomes clear there is much she has not told them.
The reunion begins to fall apart with arguments and distrust until suddenly someone is found murdered.
Abi’s sister Stevie starts to investigate and discovers nothing and indeed no one is as they seem, secrets gradually come out with several motives for murder coming to light.
This is what you would call a locked room mystery, a small number of suspects in a remote place- the culprit must be one of them but who could it be. I suspected several as the book progressed.
This was an engrossing and entertaining murder mystery which I would recommend to fans of this genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
This book’s title really describes what happens in the book- there’s no doubt about that.
When married couple, Olive and Zach arrive in Costa Rica for a 10 year university reunion, little do they expect a murder to happen. Olive is excited to see her American friend, Abi who she has not heard from since they parted 10 years earlier.
However her cousin Jazz has never liked Abi and is in possession of information that might upset Abi. Jazz comes along to watch over her cousin whilst Zach seems really unhappy about the trip although he ends up going.
As the group arrive in the Eco resort and start to catch up with Abi it becomes clear there is much she has not told them.
The reunion begins to fall apart with arguments and distrust until suddenly someone is found murdered.
Abi’s sister Stevie starts to investigate and discovers nothing and indeed no one is as they seem, secrets gradually come out with several motives for murder coming to light.
This is what you would call a locked room mystery, a small number of suspects in a remote place- the culprit must be one of them but who could it be. I suspected several as the book progressed.
This was an engrossing and entertaining murder mystery which I would recommend to fans of this genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
November 1, 2025
This would a perfect read at any time, but perfect read to get you through the Winter Blues. This fantastic murder mystery is set in the stunning sounding Costa Rican rainforest,
We are invited into a reunion of five friends who all met at university and haven't seen each other for ten years. But we are pulled in instantly when we know that there is murder afoot right from the start of the book. A murder in a beautiful paradise setting.
I loved the simmering tension between the people who were supposed to be best friends. From the moment we meet the group we learn about rivalries, secrets and lies that stretch back for years. Nothing is quite as it seems. Hindle stirs in the tension, guilt and claustrophobic storyline with cunning and skill.
The characters are really well written. I do love it when you meet characters and you instantly feel suspicious about all of them. There are plenty of red herrings and intriguing stories about each individual to keep you enthralled as the investigation unfolds.
The location is stunning and plays a wonderful part in the story. A land with it's own mysterious history, filled with gorgeous fauna and flora that I thought was brilliantly intertwined with the human puzzle that unravels in front of our eyes.
The pacing was brisk, full of twists, cliffhangers and turns as reach the dramatic outcome.
With thanks to Tom Hindle, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
We are invited into a reunion of five friends who all met at university and haven't seen each other for ten years. But we are pulled in instantly when we know that there is murder afoot right from the start of the book. A murder in a beautiful paradise setting.
I loved the simmering tension between the people who were supposed to be best friends. From the moment we meet the group we learn about rivalries, secrets and lies that stretch back for years. Nothing is quite as it seems. Hindle stirs in the tension, guilt and claustrophobic storyline with cunning and skill.
The characters are really well written. I do love it when you meet characters and you instantly feel suspicious about all of them. There are plenty of red herrings and intriguing stories about each individual to keep you enthralled as the investigation unfolds.
The location is stunning and plays a wonderful part in the story. A land with it's own mysterious history, filled with gorgeous fauna and flora that I thought was brilliantly intertwined with the human puzzle that unravels in front of our eyes.
The pacing was brisk, full of twists, cliffhangers and turns as reach the dramatic outcome.
With thanks to Tom Hindle, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 18, 2026
When five old friends are invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest, they jump at the chance to spend a week in paradise. None of them have heard from Abigail since the summer they went backpacking in Central America as students – a trip that ended in disaster for one member of the group. Ten years may have passed, but old rivalries are never far from the surface. So when a body is discovered during the hotel’s launch event, it soon becomes clear that one among them must be responsible. Someone is desperate to keep an old secret hidden, whatever the cost…
I always enjoy Tom’s books and this latest title definitely lived up to expectations. I feel that I always know that I will get a mystery to solve that will keep me guessing all the way through.
As always there is an intriguing cast of characters, all with their own distinct personalities, all brought together for a specific reason, of which is reveals throughout the story. From the beginning we know there is a murder to solve and we are transported through the events preceding this discovery in separate sections, breaking the title down into portions that assist in building the clues and tension for the reader.
Despite guessing one of the twists quite early on, I have learned by now in Tom’s books that there will always be more to the story, and he once again proves this in this book. An intriguing, captivating and uncomplicated read that fans of this author will definitely enjoy.
I always enjoy Tom’s books and this latest title definitely lived up to expectations. I feel that I always know that I will get a mystery to solve that will keep me guessing all the way through.
As always there is an intriguing cast of characters, all with their own distinct personalities, all brought together for a specific reason, of which is reveals throughout the story. From the beginning we know there is a murder to solve and we are transported through the events preceding this discovery in separate sections, breaking the title down into portions that assist in building the clues and tension for the reader.
Despite guessing one of the twists quite early on, I have learned by now in Tom’s books that there will always be more to the story, and he once again proves this in this book. An intriguing, captivating and uncomplicated read that fans of this author will definitely enjoy.
January 27, 2026
Venturing into a university reunion set amid the Costa Rican rainforest should feel ripe with tension, and as Olive reunites with old friends to celebrate Abi’s opening of The Midnight Orchid, the setting certainly promises intrigue. With secrets simmering beneath the surface and a sudden spate of murders, the novel positions itself squarely within familiar cosy crime territory.
Think Death in Paradise filtered through the gentler rhythms of the Marlow series. The luxurious rainforest backdrop is a pleasant twist, and Hindle clearly understands the mechanics of the genre. There is comfort to be found here: approachable characters, a manageable mystery, and a plot that never demands too much of the reader.
However, that safety is also the novel’s main limitation. The mystery lacks real bite, with the culprit and their motivations becoming apparent far too early. The story rarely surprises and feels content to follow established genre beats rather than challenge them. While there are solid ideas at play, they are never pushed far enough to feel distinctive.
Overall, this is an easy, undemanding read that works well as escapism but falls short of being memorable. A pleasant addition to the cosy crime genre, though not one that reaches the stronger heights of Hindle’s other work.
Think Death in Paradise filtered through the gentler rhythms of the Marlow series. The luxurious rainforest backdrop is a pleasant twist, and Hindle clearly understands the mechanics of the genre. There is comfort to be found here: approachable characters, a manageable mystery, and a plot that never demands too much of the reader.
However, that safety is also the novel’s main limitation. The mystery lacks real bite, with the culprit and their motivations becoming apparent far too early. The story rarely surprises and feels content to follow established genre beats rather than challenge them. While there are solid ideas at play, they are never pushed far enough to feel distinctive.
Overall, this is an easy, undemanding read that works well as escapism but falls short of being memorable. A pleasant addition to the cosy crime genre, though not one that reaches the stronger heights of Hindle’s other work.
August 26, 2025
Tom Hindle’s latest mystery unfolds like a sun-drenched postcard with a bloodstain at the corner. Set against the lush backdrop of a Costa Rican rainforest, A Killer in Paradise invites us into a reunion that was never meant to be idyllic. Five old friends gather at Abigail Blythe’s luxury hotel launch—ten years after a backpacking trip that left one of them dead and all of them changed.
From the moment the group arrives, Hindle masterfully stirs the waters of old rivalries and buried secrets. The rainforest setting is more than scenic—it’s claustrophobic, humid with tension, and alive with the sense that something is watching. When a body turns up, the paradise quickly curdles, and the novel shifts into a taut, clever investigation of guilt, memory, and the cost of silence.
Hindle’s signature style—clean, classy, and quietly cunning—is in full force here. The pacing is brisk without feeling rushed, and the characters, while familiar in archetype, are given just enough depth to keep us guessing. It’s not just a puzzle to solve; it’s a reckoning.
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Agatha Christie, this is a beach read with bite. Just don’t trust anyone holding a cocktail.
With thanks to Tom Hindle, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
From the moment the group arrives, Hindle masterfully stirs the waters of old rivalries and buried secrets. The rainforest setting is more than scenic—it’s claustrophobic, humid with tension, and alive with the sense that something is watching. When a body turns up, the paradise quickly curdles, and the novel shifts into a taut, clever investigation of guilt, memory, and the cost of silence.
Hindle’s signature style—clean, classy, and quietly cunning—is in full force here. The pacing is brisk without feeling rushed, and the characters, while familiar in archetype, are given just enough depth to keep us guessing. It’s not just a puzzle to solve; it’s a reckoning.
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Agatha Christie, this is a beach read with bite. Just don’t trust anyone holding a cocktail.
With thanks to Tom Hindle, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
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October 27, 2025I've read and enjoyed all of Tom Hindle’s mysteries and my opinion is this is the best one. Hindle is very good at exploring the relationships between a group of people who call each other friends , but are in fact anything but. This time, set in a tropical paradise of a newly built and just about to be opened luxury resort, a group of friends, in name but not in behaviour, are pulled back together for a reunion ten years after the last time they were together in this very spot. The book opens on the police arriving to discover a murder and as the plot unfolds we find out the identity of the deceased and their killer, along with so many other secrets which make it all make sense.
I enjoyed the characters, all deliberately terrible people , antagonising each other. This is something different from Hindle's previous works where the main character was inherently good and it made all the terrible things which befell them seem quite desperate, this time the whole lot of them had it coming. The setting of the hotel was sumptuously well described and I'd have liked more of this.
A really enjoyable, well paced , twisty mystery. Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed the characters, all deliberately terrible people , antagonising each other. This is something different from Hindle's previous works where the main character was inherently good and it made all the terrible things which befell them seem quite desperate, this time the whole lot of them had it coming. The setting of the hotel was sumptuously well described and I'd have liked more of this.
A really enjoyable, well paced , twisty mystery. Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Olive, Zach, Mike, Seth, Jazz and Abi were all friends at university in York, England. After graduation and a holiday together Abi returned to the United States and the others have not heard from her since.
Now, out of the blue, Abi has invited them all to the grand opening of her family firm's new ecotourism resort in Costa Rica. They all attend but some were more reluctant than others to do so and it doesn't take long for issues from their student days to crop up. It also becomes clear that Abi wasn't completely truthful about her family while she was at university and that her silence over the previous decade hid a very big secret. They all start to wonder why, after such a long time, she has finally made contact and invited them almost half way around the world. When Abi is killed during the evening of the resort's launch party fingers are pointed and long held secrets come to light.
This was a great read. Good story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House and Tom Hindle for the eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Now, out of the blue, Abi has invited them all to the grand opening of her family firm's new ecotourism resort in Costa Rica. They all attend but some were more reluctant than others to do so and it doesn't take long for issues from their student days to crop up. It also becomes clear that Abi wasn't completely truthful about her family while she was at university and that her silence over the previous decade hid a very big secret. They all start to wonder why, after such a long time, she has finally made contact and invited them almost half way around the world. When Abi is killed during the evening of the resort's launch party fingers are pointed and long held secrets come to light.
This was a great read. Good story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House and Tom Hindle for the eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
January 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
This was my first time reading a murder mystery by Tom Hindle, and it won’t be my last!
I loved every bit of this story, the location the relationships, the secrets, the twists.
An estranged friend of 10 years suddenly arranges a reunion with her old uni friends. The location? Her newly opened resort in the Costa Rican Rainforest. Strange after all this time…
I really enjoyed the structure of the story. In the first chapter, you follow the police officer arriving on the scene. You do not know for sure who has died or how. The next chapter jumps back in time to follow the group of friends, and the events leading up to the murder. Not only are you left guessing who done it, but who also dies.
So much character building so you really get a good insight on the dynamic in the friend group and their relationships with each other.
There is twist after twist all the way through the book, which felt like anything was possible and I had no idea how the story would end.
Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for providing me with this ARC 🫶🏼
This was my first time reading a murder mystery by Tom Hindle, and it won’t be my last!
I loved every bit of this story, the location the relationships, the secrets, the twists.
An estranged friend of 10 years suddenly arranges a reunion with her old uni friends. The location? Her newly opened resort in the Costa Rican Rainforest. Strange after all this time…
I really enjoyed the structure of the story. In the first chapter, you follow the police officer arriving on the scene. You do not know for sure who has died or how. The next chapter jumps back in time to follow the group of friends, and the events leading up to the murder. Not only are you left guessing who done it, but who also dies.
So much character building so you really get a good insight on the dynamic in the friend group and their relationships with each other.
There is twist after twist all the way through the book, which felt like anything was possible and I had no idea how the story would end.
Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for providing me with this ARC 🫶🏼
February 15, 2026
I picked up this book in London at the airport so that I could have an entertaining read on the flight back to Dallas. I know the adage is to "never judge a book by its cover", but the cover is absolutely fantastic. The colors, the script, the tagline—it truly captured my attention. I thumbed through the book and decided to go for it.
The book is an easy read, and if you're a true crime junkie, it'll certainly appeal to you. The author did an excellent job of artfully depicting the scene, the characters, and the backdrop. Think "White Lotus" (HBO Max Series), meets murder mystery, meets Clue. It's definitely a thrilling game of "Who-Dun-It", as you try to put together the clues and break the case.
Some of the underlying plots were easy to solve immediately; however, the extra added twists and turns, made the novel ultimately satisfying, as it proved that there was always one additional layer that may have not been considered to identify the true killer, and the motive.
A real thrill of a read, that will definitely have you sifting through the brush of details to solve the murder.
The book is an easy read, and if you're a true crime junkie, it'll certainly appeal to you. The author did an excellent job of artfully depicting the scene, the characters, and the backdrop. Think "White Lotus" (HBO Max Series), meets murder mystery, meets Clue. It's definitely a thrilling game of "Who-Dun-It", as you try to put together the clues and break the case.
Some of the underlying plots were easy to solve immediately; however, the extra added twists and turns, made the novel ultimately satisfying, as it proved that there was always one additional layer that may have not been considered to identify the true killer, and the motive.
A real thrill of a read, that will definitely have you sifting through the brush of details to solve the murder.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Olive and her old university friends are invited to a reunion at Abigal’s new luxury resort in Costa Rica. Even though they haven’t see Abigail since they were all students, they jump at the chance at a week in paradise. Only when a body is discovered, do old rivalries come to the surface and it becomes clear someone is desperate to keep old secrets hidden.
I have enjoyed this author’s books and always know that I’ll be in for a solid mystery, with the added lovely cover. This ended up being another entertaining story and the setting was perfect to escape from the current cold weather. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and descriptions of the jungle, this helped make the story seem a bit more unique than the usual locked room mystery.
Even though I enjoyed the setting, I did find this one quite predictable, where by I guessed the outcomes very early on. Even so, there was still plenty of drama and intriguing, but at times unlikeable, characters to keep me turning the pages. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
February 8, 2026
When a group of uni friends are invited to the opening of their friend's eco-lodge in the Costa Rican jungle, they jump at the chance but are curious as to the reason since they haven't see the owner, Abigail Blythe, for a decade. The only American in their group, she headed back to the States not long after graduation and has blanked them all since, even when two of them married. But before long it is obvious that some people have long-buried secrets and Abi has an ulterior motive to getting them there. And when not one but two bodies turn up, the past starts to come out.
A Killer in Paradise is a closed circle mystery in yet another interesting setting with a few twists and turns along the way. Although I enjoyed the mystery, it just wasn't as exciting to me as Tom Hindle's previous books (I've read 4 out of the 5), and it took me ages to get into the story whereas I normally finish his books within a couple of days. The "twists" are all quite predictable, I wasn't that invested in the characters and I guessed whodunnit pretty early on. Still, it's enjoyable enough as a holiday read and although I don't think it's as good as his previous books, I enjoyed the ride well enough.
A Killer in Paradise is a closed circle mystery in yet another interesting setting with a few twists and turns along the way. Although I enjoyed the mystery, it just wasn't as exciting to me as Tom Hindle's previous books (I've read 4 out of the 5), and it took me ages to get into the story whereas I normally finish his books within a couple of days. The "twists" are all quite predictable, I wasn't that invested in the characters and I guessed whodunnit pretty early on. Still, it's enjoyable enough as a holiday read and although I don't think it's as good as his previous books, I enjoyed the ride well enough.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars 🌟
This is not my usual genre of book to read but I saw this on NetGalley and it looked good so I requested it. And I was not disappointed! There is a large cast of characters and lots of twists and turns in the story as more secrets and betrayals are revealed. There is a lot teased at the start but keep reading to find out why those things happened. It is fast paced and keeps momentum throughout. It is a great murder mystery.
I love the setting in Costa Rica as well, it reminded me of the BBC series Death in Paradise and my favourite holiday ever was when I went to Costa Rica so I was really immersed in the setting. I also liked the isolation of the jungle and feeling like they are stuck there with a killer on the loose.
Thus is my first Tom Hindle book and won't be my last. I have added all his previous books to my TBR since reading A Killer in Paradise.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Century for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my usual genre of book to read but I saw this on NetGalley and it looked good so I requested it. And I was not disappointed! There is a large cast of characters and lots of twists and turns in the story as more secrets and betrayals are revealed. There is a lot teased at the start but keep reading to find out why those things happened. It is fast paced and keeps momentum throughout. It is a great murder mystery.
I love the setting in Costa Rica as well, it reminded me of the BBC series Death in Paradise and my favourite holiday ever was when I went to Costa Rica so I was really immersed in the setting. I also liked the isolation of the jungle and feeling like they are stuck there with a killer on the loose.
Thus is my first Tom Hindle book and won't be my last. I have added all his previous books to my TBR since reading A Killer in Paradise.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Century for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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