What do you think?
Rate this book
Five Days in Provence
Five lifelong friends gather at a picturesque farmhouse nestled amidst the lavender fields to celebrate a birthday, but beneath the sun-drenched skies of Provence, their dream escape will end in murder.
Steph spent months planning her perfect birthday celebration. Five days in an idyllic setting with her best friends. Long lazy lunches, crisp white wine by the pool and a climb up the beautiful Mont Ventoux. She couldn’t wait. They’ve been there for each other through the good times and the bad. This was the break everyone needed.
After their first night partying, they begin their hike. But as the lavender-scented air turns acrid from local wildfires, fierce winds whip up smoke – and tensions in the group. They become separated. Hours later, when the smoke clears, one of the friends lies dead on the mountainside.
As shadows lengthen across the limestone farmhouse, Steph’s birthday transforms into a nightmare of police questions. Now there are only four friends. And the way they avoid each other’s eyes suggests one unspeakable truth – the killer might be sitting around this kitchen table.
From multimillion-copy bestselling author Simon McCleave comes a consuming ‘just one more page’ psychological thriller that explores the dark side of friendship and the devastating consequences of long-buried secrets. Five Days in Provence will leave you breathless until the final, jaw-dropping twist. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, T.M. Logan and Lisa Jewell.
Praise for Last Night at Villa Lucia:
‘I was gripped by Simon McCleave’s dark, whodunnit, captivating in every way... You can feel the hum of the cicadas and the corrupting beauty of the Italian landscape. A perfect summer read.' Abi Morgan, Emmy / BAFTA winning screenwriter of Netflix hit ‘Eric’ and BBC's ‘The Split’
‘Smart, evocative… full of the kinds of twist and surprises that makes a first-time reader into a lifelong fan. Terrific!’ Gregg Olsen, bestselling author of If You Tell
‘Had me gripped from the first page to the last, outstanding!’ J M Dalgliesh
‘Absolutely loved it. It was totally absorbing and I didn’t want to put it down. The setting was perfect and just superbly crafted… satisfying, stunning and stylish.’ Rachel Lynch
‘Wow! What a fantastic plot! I could not put the book down once I began reading it… I will recommend it to everyone I know!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh my gosh, this book was fantastic!! So many twists and turns, you never knew who did it until the very end! Kept me wanting to not put it down!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved the setting of this book and I devoured it in one sitting as I was gripped to find out what would happen next as I eagerly turned the pages. I was hooked!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Ohh this was a rollercoaster of a thriller. There was so many twists and turns I could not put it down once I stated I was gripped. It was full of suspense...
Steph spent months planning her perfect birthday celebration. Five days in an idyllic setting with her best friends. Long lazy lunches, crisp white wine by the pool and a climb up the beautiful Mont Ventoux. She couldn’t wait. They’ve been there for each other through the good times and the bad. This was the break everyone needed.
After their first night partying, they begin their hike. But as the lavender-scented air turns acrid from local wildfires, fierce winds whip up smoke – and tensions in the group. They become separated. Hours later, when the smoke clears, one of the friends lies dead on the mountainside.
As shadows lengthen across the limestone farmhouse, Steph’s birthday transforms into a nightmare of police questions. Now there are only four friends. And the way they avoid each other’s eyes suggests one unspeakable truth – the killer might be sitting around this kitchen table.
From multimillion-copy bestselling author Simon McCleave comes a consuming ‘just one more page’ psychological thriller that explores the dark side of friendship and the devastating consequences of long-buried secrets. Five Days in Provence will leave you breathless until the final, jaw-dropping twist. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, T.M. Logan and Lisa Jewell.
Praise for Last Night at Villa Lucia:
‘I was gripped by Simon McCleave’s dark, whodunnit, captivating in every way... You can feel the hum of the cicadas and the corrupting beauty of the Italian landscape. A perfect summer read.' Abi Morgan, Emmy / BAFTA winning screenwriter of Netflix hit ‘Eric’ and BBC's ‘The Split’
‘Smart, evocative… full of the kinds of twist and surprises that makes a first-time reader into a lifelong fan. Terrific!’ Gregg Olsen, bestselling author of If You Tell
‘Had me gripped from the first page to the last, outstanding!’ J M Dalgliesh
‘Absolutely loved it. It was totally absorbing and I didn’t want to put it down. The setting was perfect and just superbly crafted… satisfying, stunning and stylish.’ Rachel Lynch
‘Wow! What a fantastic plot! I could not put the book down once I began reading it… I will recommend it to everyone I know!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh my gosh, this book was fantastic!! So many twists and turns, you never knew who did it until the very end! Kept me wanting to not put it down!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved the setting of this book and I devoured it in one sitting as I was gripped to find out what would happen next as I eagerly turned the pages. I was hooked!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Ohh this was a rollercoaster of a thriller. There was so many twists and turns I could not put it down once I stated I was gripped. It was full of suspense...
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2025
825 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
June 28, 2025
Five lifelong friends are holidaying in Provence celebrating a milestone birthday for one of the group. There are lots of issues and arguments between them. I wondered occasionally how their friendship had lasted so long.
The murder happens at the beginning of the book but interestingly we do not know which of the five is the victim. Nor do we have any idea of the killer. I was completely wrong about who the corpse was going to be but I managed to guess the killer just before it was revealed.
I thought this was an excellent thriller, unusual in its process and always well paced. The setting was well done and the characters an interesting mix. I actually spent the whole book thinking I knew who the murderer was only to fall for the author's trick at the end.
I am surprised I have not read this author before but will certainly look out for his books now.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The murder happens at the beginning of the book but interestingly we do not know which of the five is the victim. Nor do we have any idea of the killer. I was completely wrong about who the corpse was going to be but I managed to guess the killer just before it was revealed.
I thought this was an excellent thriller, unusual in its process and always well paced. The setting was well done and the characters an interesting mix. I actually spent the whole book thinking I knew who the murderer was only to fall for the author's trick at the end.
I am surprised I have not read this author before but will certainly look out for his books now.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 26, 2025
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my 2nd book by this author and while not as good as his last, it still entertained me!
Five friends reunite in Provence to celebrate a 50th birthday in a charming farmhouse, surrounded by lavender fields. The morning after a late night of partying and drinking, they decide to take a hike up Mont Ventoux. Once up the hill, wildfires begin surrounding the mountain below them. Once the smoke clears, one of them is dead.
There is not one likable character here. These five women were all bitchy, self-absorbed narcissists. It’s very House-wifey. There is lots of drinking, partying and petty fights. There is one character in particular who is especially obnoxious. She’s a 50+ year old influencer trying to act like she’s 25 - which is super cringe to me. At 55 years old myself, I cannot relate!
Despite the unlikeable characters, I did really enjoy the short chapters, decent twists, and multiple POV’s. I think the author purposely made everyone detestable to add to the “whodunit”. Everyone was a suspect. It’s a decent mystery and I look forward to his next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.
This was my 2nd book by this author and while not as good as his last, it still entertained me!
Five friends reunite in Provence to celebrate a 50th birthday in a charming farmhouse, surrounded by lavender fields. The morning after a late night of partying and drinking, they decide to take a hike up Mont Ventoux. Once up the hill, wildfires begin surrounding the mountain below them. Once the smoke clears, one of them is dead.
There is not one likable character here. These five women were all bitchy, self-absorbed narcissists. It’s very House-wifey. There is lots of drinking, partying and petty fights. There is one character in particular who is especially obnoxious. She’s a 50+ year old influencer trying to act like she’s 25 - which is super cringe to me. At 55 years old myself, I cannot relate!
Despite the unlikeable characters, I did really enjoy the short chapters, decent twists, and multiple POV’s. I think the author purposely made everyone detestable to add to the “whodunit”. Everyone was a suspect. It’s a decent mystery and I look forward to his next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.
May 31, 2025
This was a dud for me. The characters were totally insufferable. The twists were predictable, I figured them out very early on. The dialog between the petty, snarky, narcissistic women gave me major cringe, especially knowing it was written by a man. "Little girlie gang" to describe a group of 50-year-old women almost had me DNFing, and honestly I wish I had...
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the ARC.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the ARC.
September 28, 2025
ARC Review: FIVE DAYS IN PROVENCE by Simon McCleave
4 STARS - OUT NOW!
My summer was filled with sketchy characters, sun-soaked settings, and luxurious pools that begged for a floaty and a fancy drink. And thanks to fab mysteries like “Five Days in Provence”, I can keep living my fantasy vacation life, even when the weather insists on sweaters and my to-do list is judging me from across the room.
This one’s a classic whodunit, but with a side of French sunshine and five lifelong friends who are just a little too good at holding grudges. You know the drill: put a bunch of big personalities in a gorgeous villa, and someone’s bound to bring the drama. One mountain hike later, and surprise, not everyone makes it back for rosé. Suddenly, Provence feels a lot less like a postcard and a lot more like a true crime podcast.
Short chapters? Yes, please. Multiple POVs? Pour me another. There’s tension swirling in every glass of wine, and by the end, I’m wondering which sweet smile is hiding a secret. Did I guess the killer? Nope. But I had a blast playing detective and suspecting literally everyone.
This is my first Simon McCleave, and it gives you the guilty-pleasure thrill of a vacation read with the darker satisfaction of a well-played murder mystery. Four stars from me.
Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#FiveDaysinProvence #SimonMcCleave #StormPublishing #NetGalley #CapCut
Birthday Getaway - Mount Ventoux Hike - Wildfire - Murder - Locked-Room Setup
4 STARS - OUT NOW!
My summer was filled with sketchy characters, sun-soaked settings, and luxurious pools that begged for a floaty and a fancy drink. And thanks to fab mysteries like “Five Days in Provence”, I can keep living my fantasy vacation life, even when the weather insists on sweaters and my to-do list is judging me from across the room.
This one’s a classic whodunit, but with a side of French sunshine and five lifelong friends who are just a little too good at holding grudges. You know the drill: put a bunch of big personalities in a gorgeous villa, and someone’s bound to bring the drama. One mountain hike later, and surprise, not everyone makes it back for rosé. Suddenly, Provence feels a lot less like a postcard and a lot more like a true crime podcast.
Short chapters? Yes, please. Multiple POVs? Pour me another. There’s tension swirling in every glass of wine, and by the end, I’m wondering which sweet smile is hiding a secret. Did I guess the killer? Nope. But I had a blast playing detective and suspecting literally everyone.
This is my first Simon McCleave, and it gives you the guilty-pleasure thrill of a vacation read with the darker satisfaction of a well-played murder mystery. Four stars from me.
Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#FiveDaysinProvence #SimonMcCleave #StormPublishing #NetGalley #CapCut
Birthday Getaway - Mount Ventoux Hike - Wildfire - Murder - Locked-Room Setup
April 27, 2025
★★★½
Five Days in Provence by Simon McCleave is a gripping UK thriller set against the gorgeous backdrop of southern France. Five lifelong friends gather at a picturesque farmhouse nestled amidst the lavender fields to celebrate a birthday, but beneath the sun-drenched skies of Provence, their dream escape will end in murder.
McCleave’s skillful writing and tight plotting made this a one-sitting read for me. The narrative is peppered with twists, some I anticipated due to foreshadowing, but others caught me completely off guard, keeping the suspense alive throughout.
However, the portrayal of female friendships felt somewhat exaggerated. The frequent bickering and occasional physical altercations among the women seemed unrealistic, detracting slightly from the story’s authenticity.
Despite this, the novel serves as an entertaining palate cleanser between heavier reads. Its blend of mystery, scenic settings, and unexpected turns makes it a worthwhile pick for thriller enthusiasts seeking a quick escape.
I was gifted this title from NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Five Days in Provence by Simon McCleave is a gripping UK thriller set against the gorgeous backdrop of southern France. Five lifelong friends gather at a picturesque farmhouse nestled amidst the lavender fields to celebrate a birthday, but beneath the sun-drenched skies of Provence, their dream escape will end in murder.
McCleave’s skillful writing and tight plotting made this a one-sitting read for me. The narrative is peppered with twists, some I anticipated due to foreshadowing, but others caught me completely off guard, keeping the suspense alive throughout.
However, the portrayal of female friendships felt somewhat exaggerated. The frequent bickering and occasional physical altercations among the women seemed unrealistic, detracting slightly from the story’s authenticity.
Despite this, the novel serves as an entertaining palate cleanser between heavier reads. Its blend of mystery, scenic settings, and unexpected turns makes it a worthwhile pick for thriller enthusiasts seeking a quick escape.
I was gifted this title from NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2025
3.5⭐️ Five Days in Provence by Simon McCleave
I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC, set to be published on June 27, 2025.
"Five Days in Provence" is an enjoyable slow-burn read that delves into the intricacies of its characters and the drama surrounding them. The narrative takes its time in developing the characters and revealing the emotional baggage they carry, which adds depth to the story. For readers in search of a mystery filled with drama and unexpected bombshells, this book offers a compelling experience.
Overall, McCleave has crafted a narrative that keeps readers engaged, making it perfect for anyone looking for a rich and intricate mystery.
I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC, set to be published on June 27, 2025.
"Five Days in Provence" is an enjoyable slow-burn read that delves into the intricacies of its characters and the drama surrounding them. The narrative takes its time in developing the characters and revealing the emotional baggage they carry, which adds depth to the story. For readers in search of a mystery filled with drama and unexpected bombshells, this book offers a compelling experience.
Overall, McCleave has crafted a narrative that keeps readers engaged, making it perfect for anyone looking for a rich and intricate mystery.
May 20, 2025
This had all the makings of a compelling thriller: a group of lifelong friends, a stunning Provencal setting and a murder that shatters their seemingly perfect reunion. The atmosphere was rich and immersive and the simmering tension among the characters hinted at deeper secrets waiting to explode. But the story never quite lived up to its potential. The pacing was uneven and the twists were predictable and underwhelming. The final reveal aimed to shock, but it didn’t work out. Not a bad book by any means… I was left wishing for more depth, more suspense, and a stronger emotional punch.
𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 : ★★.75
Thank you to Simon McCleave, Storm Publishing & NetGalley for my e-ARC copy.
𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 : 27 june 2025
𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 : ★★.75
Thank you to Simon McCleave, Storm Publishing & NetGalley for my e-ARC copy.
𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 : 27 june 2025
August 4, 2025
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story by Simon set in France. A great cast of characters and a very intricately woven storyline that kept me gripped to the end. Did not see that coming.Looking forward to reading more.
Another excellent story by Simon set in France. A great cast of characters and a very intricately woven storyline that kept me gripped to the end. Did not see that coming.Looking forward to reading more.
August 4, 2025
This is a standalone, summer type read by this author. Having read a lot of his books, I couldn’t quite identify this one with him. It was a good plot but too much dialogue for me. I have dived straight back into the Snowdonia series!
July 7, 2025
The best thing I have to say about this book is that it definitely held my interest and kept me reading to see what happened. Pacing is great. The group of friends are all pretty insufferable and I almost quit reading due to the intense and annoying level Darcie is so focused on being an influencer and posting online. If we could have liked at least three of them that would have been helpful. I didn't find the second-to-last big twist at the end to be all of that surprising; it felt like there was a trail of breadcrumbs that led to only one person. As for the final reveal, I didn't see it coming but I also wasn't that impressed by it at that point because at the end of the story I was ready to be done with all of these people.
I was given a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2025
5 friends gather together to celebrate Steph's 50th Birthday. On the second day, while hiking, one of them is murdered.
I feel that I have read several books following this trope in the last month! A group of friends, secrets, drama, away in a remote location. I wanted to read this because the characters were closer to my age. I will say the book was somewhat entertaining- had a Housewives of whatever city vibe. However, I soon became tired of the characters- each one seemed to be a caricature of a specific trait: narcissism, controlling, martyr, follower, and brave. Because they were written so strongly to represent a specific trait, they came across as completely one dimensional. I felt like the characters seemed more like adolescent teens, than 50 year old women, and I really wasn't rooting for a single one! And then there were the 2 men. They were in their 30's, and were the caretaker/handymen for the owners of the farm. Shaun was an ok character, but Tom was over the top creepy. I was really hoping that this story would pan out.
Unfortunately, I had the plot/twist figured out in the scene where they leave to go hiking. I also figured out the "killer"- it was supposed to be a twist, but I suspected exactly what would happen at about the 50% mark. And the build up to this twist, and the ending was quick! So this was entertaining, in a "campy, over the top, crazy people" way- but it does not compare to Simon McCleave's "Last Night at Villa Lucia".
These are only my own opinions, as many others rated this much higher, and seemed to really enjoy it.
I plan on reading the next novel, hoping it will be as highly enjoyable as Villa Lucia!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I feel that I have read several books following this trope in the last month! A group of friends, secrets, drama, away in a remote location. I wanted to read this because the characters were closer to my age. I will say the book was somewhat entertaining- had a Housewives of whatever city vibe. However, I soon became tired of the characters- each one seemed to be a caricature of a specific trait: narcissism, controlling, martyr, follower, and brave. Because they were written so strongly to represent a specific trait, they came across as completely one dimensional. I felt like the characters seemed more like adolescent teens, than 50 year old women, and I really wasn't rooting for a single one! And then there were the 2 men. They were in their 30's, and were the caretaker/handymen for the owners of the farm. Shaun was an ok character, but Tom was over the top creepy. I was really hoping that this story would pan out.
Unfortunately, I had the plot/twist figured out in the scene where they leave to go hiking. I also figured out the "killer"- it was supposed to be a twist, but I suspected exactly what would happen at about the 50% mark. And the build up to this twist, and the ending was quick! So this was entertaining, in a "campy, over the top, crazy people" way- but it does not compare to Simon McCleave's "Last Night at Villa Lucia".
These are only my own opinions, as many others rated this much higher, and seemed to really enjoy it.
I plan on reading the next novel, hoping it will be as highly enjoyable as Villa Lucia!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 2, 2025
Five Days in Provence by Simon McCleave was another excellent book by this author especially as it is set in France which I love going to. This was a book which was excellent and imagine going on holiday with 5 life long friends to a beautiful farmhouse in France which is surrounded by lavender fields.
Steph spent months planning her perfect birthday celebration. especially as its the Big 50! Imagine five days in an idyllic setting with her best friends. spending long lazy lunches, crisp white wine by the pool sunbathing and watching the sun ise and set every day.......... to climb up the beautiful Mont Ventoux. Steph couldn’t wait.
All her friends have been there for each other through the good times and the bad times. This was the break everyone needed and is looking forward to.......
After their first night partying, they begin their hike. But as the lavender-scented air turns acrid from local wildfires, fierce winds whip up smoke and tensions in the group. Especially as they become separated.
Now, hours later, when the smoke clears, one of the friends lies dead on the mountainside. 😯
A shadow fall across the limestone farmhouse, Now, Steph’s birthday which she was so looking forward to, has transformed into a nightmare of police questions. Now there are only four friends. They start to avoid each when they are in the farmhouse, this may suggest that one of them is hiding the unspeakable truth – the killer might be sitting around this kitchen table.
WoW, this book was a book I found hard to put down and I really enjoyed it. A great read especially if your are going on holiday in France. I loved this book and the way Simon writes he has away of writing that will just take your breath away!
Steph spent months planning her perfect birthday celebration. especially as its the Big 50! Imagine five days in an idyllic setting with her best friends. spending long lazy lunches, crisp white wine by the pool sunbathing and watching the sun ise and set every day.......... to climb up the beautiful Mont Ventoux. Steph couldn’t wait.
All her friends have been there for each other through the good times and the bad times. This was the break everyone needed and is looking forward to.......
After their first night partying, they begin their hike. But as the lavender-scented air turns acrid from local wildfires, fierce winds whip up smoke and tensions in the group. Especially as they become separated.
Now, hours later, when the smoke clears, one of the friends lies dead on the mountainside. 😯
A shadow fall across the limestone farmhouse, Now, Steph’s birthday which she was so looking forward to, has transformed into a nightmare of police questions. Now there are only four friends. They start to avoid each when they are in the farmhouse, this may suggest that one of them is hiding the unspeakable truth – the killer might be sitting around this kitchen table.
WoW, this book was a book I found hard to put down and I really enjoyed it. A great read especially if your are going on holiday in France. I loved this book and the way Simon writes he has away of writing that will just take your breath away!
August 30, 2025
Simon McCleave takes the classic “friends’ reunion gone wrong” setup and turns it into a tense, atmospheric thriller in Five Days in Provence.
Steph has meticulously planned her 50th birthday celebration—a dream holiday in Provence with her four closest friends. The picture-perfect setting of lavender fields, sunlit vineyards, and leisurely poolside afternoons feels idyllic… until the group’s hike up Mont Ventoux is cut short by raging wildfires. When the smoke clears, one of them is dead, and the once-tight group of lifelong friends quickly fractures under suspicion.
McCleave excels at balancing the beauty of Provence with the claustrophobic tension of mistrust. Lazy lunches and crisp wine are soon overshadowed by police interrogations, whispered accusations, and decades of buried secrets resurfacing. The dynamic between the women—petty rivalries, simmering resentments, and fragile loyalties—feels razor-sharp and real, making every character a possible suspect.
The short chapters keep the pace brisk, with multiple POVs offering just enough to hook you without ever giving too much away. I particularly enjoyed how the lush, almost postcard-perfect setting becomes a stark contrast to the darkness creeping in among the group. By the time the final twist arrived, I was fully invested in not just the mystery, but in watching these friendships unravel under pressure.
This is an engaging, twisty whodunit perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell or Lucy Foley. McCleave’s vivid sense of place and ability to dig into the messy complexities of long-term friendships make Five Days in Provence both suspenseful and emotionally gripping.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Steph has meticulously planned her 50th birthday celebration—a dream holiday in Provence with her four closest friends. The picture-perfect setting of lavender fields, sunlit vineyards, and leisurely poolside afternoons feels idyllic… until the group’s hike up Mont Ventoux is cut short by raging wildfires. When the smoke clears, one of them is dead, and the once-tight group of lifelong friends quickly fractures under suspicion.
McCleave excels at balancing the beauty of Provence with the claustrophobic tension of mistrust. Lazy lunches and crisp wine are soon overshadowed by police interrogations, whispered accusations, and decades of buried secrets resurfacing. The dynamic between the women—petty rivalries, simmering resentments, and fragile loyalties—feels razor-sharp and real, making every character a possible suspect.
The short chapters keep the pace brisk, with multiple POVs offering just enough to hook you without ever giving too much away. I particularly enjoyed how the lush, almost postcard-perfect setting becomes a stark contrast to the darkness creeping in among the group. By the time the final twist arrived, I was fully invested in not just the mystery, but in watching these friendships unravel under pressure.
This is an engaging, twisty whodunit perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell or Lucy Foley. McCleave’s vivid sense of place and ability to dig into the messy complexities of long-term friendships make Five Days in Provence both suspenseful and emotionally gripping.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2025
Five Days in Provence is a fast-paced, drama-filled psychological thriller. Steph is finally turning 50 and she plans an epic celebration with her closest friends at a charming farm in Provence. She is most excited for their traditional hike. The first night is spent partying, celebrating Steph - there is plenty of booze, drama, and men (two young men from across the way). The next morning, fighting off hangovers, the women begin their journey up the mountain. What starts as a sunny, relaxing day soon turns tense when wildfires hit and the women begin rehashing secrets that were revealed the night before. As tensions rise, the group divides itself. When the mountain has to be evacuated, only four of the five women are accounted for. When the fifth woman's body is discovered at the bottom of a cliff, no one knows what to conclude. Was she murdered? Was it over one of the secrets revealed the night before? Why were the two men on the mountain at the same time? What Steph had hoped would be an unforgettable and joyous holiday has morphed into a nightmarish police investigation.
Five Days in Provence is well-paced with nice short chapters. I appreciated the multiple POVs and thought that they added to the overall story. Unfortunately, I could not connect with any of the characters. I found them all extremely dislikable. I was hoping they all were guilty at the end. The twists were quite predictable. I wasn't surprised by any of the reveals. The dialogue was also a bit awkward. Overall, it was a quick read but not an overly enjoyable one.
Five Days in Provence is well-paced with nice short chapters. I appreciated the multiple POVs and thought that they added to the overall story. Unfortunately, I could not connect with any of the characters. I found them all extremely dislikable. I was hoping they all were guilty at the end. The twists were quite predictable. I wasn't surprised by any of the reveals. The dialogue was also a bit awkward. Overall, it was a quick read but not an overly enjoyable one.
May 3, 2025
Set against the stunning backdrop of the French countryside, 5 Days in Provence pulls you in with sun-drenched vineyards, lavender fields, and cobbled village streets. But beneath the postcard-perfect surface, Simon McCleave unravels a tense, gripping mystery.
What starts as a celebratory hiking trip quickly spirals into something darker. A person goes missing, and the joyous occasion turns sour. As suspicions mount and secrets unravel, the beautiful Provençal landscape becomes a chilling contrast to the rising dread. McCleave masterfully uses the setting to heighten the suspense—each scenic vista shadowed by the feeling that something isn’t right.
The death that follows is not just tragic but revealing, exposing buried tensions within the group and casting doubt on everyone’s intentions. What was supposed to be a bonding experience and becomes a nightmare of suspicion and survival. The "celebration" that kicks off the trip feels more like a bad omen in hindsight—poorly timed, poorly judged, and full of cracks that soon split wide open.
5 Days in Provence is a slow-burn thriller that rewards patient readers with layered characters and a satisfying, if unsettling, conclusion. A vacation read that reminds you: sometimes, paradise hides the darkest secrets.
The author has written an engaging but albeit nothing new thriller.
Thank You NetGalley and the Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What starts as a celebratory hiking trip quickly spirals into something darker. A person goes missing, and the joyous occasion turns sour. As suspicions mount and secrets unravel, the beautiful Provençal landscape becomes a chilling contrast to the rising dread. McCleave masterfully uses the setting to heighten the suspense—each scenic vista shadowed by the feeling that something isn’t right.
The death that follows is not just tragic but revealing, exposing buried tensions within the group and casting doubt on everyone’s intentions. What was supposed to be a bonding experience and becomes a nightmare of suspicion and survival. The "celebration" that kicks off the trip feels more like a bad omen in hindsight—poorly timed, poorly judged, and full of cracks that soon split wide open.
5 Days in Provence is a slow-burn thriller that rewards patient readers with layered characters and a satisfying, if unsettling, conclusion. A vacation read that reminds you: sometimes, paradise hides the darkest secrets.
The author has written an engaging but albeit nothing new thriller.
Thank You NetGalley and the Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2025
Steph was going to be fifty and she had decided to celebrate it, along with her four friends by climbing Mount Ventoux in Provence.
The five friends, Steph the lawyer and the arranger, Darcie the self centred, entitled influencer who thought that the world owed her a living, Ruby, Darcie's older sister, the brainy one of the two but also the one with the poor body image, Abi who tries to be like Darcie and Katie who recently came out as gay, these five had been friends since childhood and this story reminisces throughout.
Steph desperately wants this holiday to be a success, she has planned it all but from the start there are arguments, always with Darcie at the root of them.
As the story unfolds, the focus is on Darcie's stalker, a stalker who had threatened her life, a stalker who was on the police radar.........where was this stalker ?
Shaun, the caretaker who lives across from the holiday villa, and Tom his assistant, become friendly with the girls, it is a very strange combination but it is to Shaun and Tom that the girls turn when tragedy occurs.
I enjoyed reading this book but I must admit that I didn't like any of the characters, I know that friends argue but these five didn't seem to have anything in common and argued all the time even though they were spoiling Steph's birthday.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
The five friends, Steph the lawyer and the arranger, Darcie the self centred, entitled influencer who thought that the world owed her a living, Ruby, Darcie's older sister, the brainy one of the two but also the one with the poor body image, Abi who tries to be like Darcie and Katie who recently came out as gay, these five had been friends since childhood and this story reminisces throughout.
Steph desperately wants this holiday to be a success, she has planned it all but from the start there are arguments, always with Darcie at the root of them.
As the story unfolds, the focus is on Darcie's stalker, a stalker who had threatened her life, a stalker who was on the police radar.........where was this stalker ?
Shaun, the caretaker who lives across from the holiday villa, and Tom his assistant, become friendly with the girls, it is a very strange combination but it is to Shaun and Tom that the girls turn when tragedy occurs.
I enjoyed reading this book but I must admit that I didn't like any of the characters, I know that friends argue but these five didn't seem to have anything in common and argued all the time even though they were spoiling Steph's birthday.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
July 10, 2025
Having read Simon McCleave’s Last Night In Villa Lucia, I was really looking forward to this book.
The premise centres around 5 longstanding friends who travel to Provence to celebrate Steph’s 50th birthday. Steph has planned the party to remember in a luxury farmhouse. She feels the need to impress all her friends, particularly Darcie, who is a huge influencer on Instagram. Like a lot of influencers, Darcie has attracted a few undesirables, and in recent times, this has included a stalker who has threatened violence. Included in the plan is a hike up Mont Ventoux of Tour de France fame. Taking little notice of approaching wildfires, the women all become separated, and one of them ends up dead.
Simon McCleave is a strong writer, and there is little to fault in the way this is written. The plot, however, is very much a destination thriller by numbers. One obnoxious person ends up dead, and all the other members of the party had a reason to want them dead. None of the suspects is likeable to any degree. I’d also worked out the twist before it happened.
In conclusion, a good beach read, but I wanted so much more. Three stars from me.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Simon McCleave and especially Storm Publishing for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
The premise centres around 5 longstanding friends who travel to Provence to celebrate Steph’s 50th birthday. Steph has planned the party to remember in a luxury farmhouse. She feels the need to impress all her friends, particularly Darcie, who is a huge influencer on Instagram. Like a lot of influencers, Darcie has attracted a few undesirables, and in recent times, this has included a stalker who has threatened violence. Included in the plan is a hike up Mont Ventoux of Tour de France fame. Taking little notice of approaching wildfires, the women all become separated, and one of them ends up dead.
Simon McCleave is a strong writer, and there is little to fault in the way this is written. The plot, however, is very much a destination thriller by numbers. One obnoxious person ends up dead, and all the other members of the party had a reason to want them dead. None of the suspects is likeable to any degree. I’d also worked out the twist before it happened.
In conclusion, a good beach read, but I wanted so much more. Three stars from me.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Simon McCleave and especially Storm Publishing for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
June 26, 2025
Simon McCleave’s Five Days in Provence is a sharply written and delightfully twisty mystery that transforms a girls’ getaway into a suspenseful and emotionally charged whodunit. What begins as a relaxing escape quickly turns dark when a murder shatters the serenity—and none of the women can be sure who among them can be trusted.
McCleave excels at building tension, crafting a narrative full of shifting suspicions and buried truths. As the story unfolds, secrets emerge and loyalties are tested, pulling each character into a web of doubt. The mystery is paced expertly, with just the right balance of character development and plot twists to keep readers fully engaged.
What makes this novel stand out is its exploration of friendship under pressure—how trust fractures and past grievances resurface when faced with fear and uncertainty. The ending is both satisfying and unexpected, bringing a strong close to a story full of suspense and emotional depth.
Five Days in Provence is a gripping and atmospheric thriller perfect for fans of character-driven mysteries with plenty of twists. McCleave delivers a smart, well-crafted story that will have readers second-guessing everyone until the very last page.
McCleave excels at building tension, crafting a narrative full of shifting suspicions and buried truths. As the story unfolds, secrets emerge and loyalties are tested, pulling each character into a web of doubt. The mystery is paced expertly, with just the right balance of character development and plot twists to keep readers fully engaged.
What makes this novel stand out is its exploration of friendship under pressure—how trust fractures and past grievances resurface when faced with fear and uncertainty. The ending is both satisfying and unexpected, bringing a strong close to a story full of suspense and emotional depth.
Five Days in Provence is a gripping and atmospheric thriller perfect for fans of character-driven mysteries with plenty of twists. McCleave delivers a smart, well-crafted story that will have readers second-guessing everyone until the very last page.
July 29, 2025
A fast-paced and atmospheric mystery set against the sunlit charm of Provence, quickly draws the reader into a seemingly perfect getaway that unravels into suspicion, secrets, and murder.
The story follows Steph and her four closest friends as they reunite for her birthday at a dreamy farmhouse. What begins as a relaxing holiday filled with wine, laughter, and a long walk takes a sinister turn when the hike up Mont Ventoux ends in tragedy. One friend is found dead—and the remaining four are left to wonder who among them might be hiding something deadly.
This was a thoroughly engaging and quick read—perfect for devouring in one sitting. The characters fit the familiar mold of upper-middle-class British women with complicated pasts, strained relationships, and polished facades beginning to crack. While some plot points were easy to predict, the intrigue, layered dynamics, and breezy writing style kept the momentum going.
Despite the grim premise, there’s a surprisingly light touch to the narrative that keeps it from becoming too heavy, making it an ideal pick for fans of friendship thrillers with a sharp edge and a summery setting. An enjoyable, twisty read about loyalty, betrayal, and the dark truths we keep even from those closest to us.
September 22, 2025
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
Steph planned the perfect birthday getaway: five days of wine, sun, lavender-scented breezes, and a bucket-list hike up Mont Ventoux with her closest friends. But by the second day, the dream turns to ash—literally. Wildfires sweep the mountainside, tensions flare, and one friend ends up dead. Suddenly, the crisp rosé and poolside selfies are replaced by police interrogations, side-eyes over breakfast, and the creeping suspicion that the killer might be seated at the same kitchen table.
McCleave leans into the classic locked-room setup—but instead of a snowed-in cabin, we get a Provençal farmhouse and a backdrop of acrid smoke. The short chapters, rotating POVs, and punchy prose make it an addictive one-sitting read. Every character is a suspect and, frankly, a nightmare: five narcissistic women clawing at each other. This isn’t a warm portrait of female friendship—it’s Real Housewives: Mont Ventoux Edition.
And yet, it works. The deliberate unlikability of the cast ramps up the “whodunit” tension, and McCleave’s plotting is as tight as the influencer’s facelift. The twists land hard—some predictable, others blindsiding—and the tension holds all the way to the final pages.
Steph planned the perfect birthday getaway: five days of wine, sun, lavender-scented breezes, and a bucket-list hike up Mont Ventoux with her closest friends. But by the second day, the dream turns to ash—literally. Wildfires sweep the mountainside, tensions flare, and one friend ends up dead. Suddenly, the crisp rosé and poolside selfies are replaced by police interrogations, side-eyes over breakfast, and the creeping suspicion that the killer might be seated at the same kitchen table.
McCleave leans into the classic locked-room setup—but instead of a snowed-in cabin, we get a Provençal farmhouse and a backdrop of acrid smoke. The short chapters, rotating POVs, and punchy prose make it an addictive one-sitting read. Every character is a suspect and, frankly, a nightmare: five narcissistic women clawing at each other. This isn’t a warm portrait of female friendship—it’s Real Housewives: Mont Ventoux Edition.
And yet, it works. The deliberate unlikability of the cast ramps up the “whodunit” tension, and McCleave’s plotting is as tight as the influencer’s facelift. The twists land hard—some predictable, others blindsiding—and the tension holds all the way to the final pages.
May 18, 2025
Five longtime friends travel to Provence to celebrate Steph’s 50th Birthday. They rent a luxury farmhouse where Steph’s has planned the getaway to party hard and then hike up Mont Ventoux. The girls have known each other for most thirty years since their Oxford days and now in their 50’s. Darcie is a local influencer and spends her day posting on Instagram her daily life. She has a stalker where an incident that the stalker had a knife at her throat. So, the time away with her friends are much needed but neither of the girls’ relationships are not plain sailing and tensions arise between them.
The next day the girls hike up Mont Ventoux, when local wildfires start some of the girls get separated and the consequences. One ends up dead.
I have read some of the authors Anglesey series which I really enjoyed. So, I was looking for forwarding this. This is a completely different style of writing from the author that I am used to. I did enjoy the premise of this thriller, and I kept reading this in a day. But unfortunately, I didn’t think that the characters were very likeable. Especially Darcie who I thought was quite obnoxious. 4 stars from me.
The next day the girls hike up Mont Ventoux, when local wildfires start some of the girls get separated and the consequences. One ends up dead.
I have read some of the authors Anglesey series which I really enjoyed. So, I was looking for forwarding this. This is a completely different style of writing from the author that I am used to. I did enjoy the premise of this thriller, and I kept reading this in a day. But unfortunately, I didn’t think that the characters were very likeable. Especially Darcie who I thought was quite obnoxious. 4 stars from me.
July 10, 2025
"Five Days in Provence" is the second book by Simon McCleave I have enjoyed.
A modern chick lit murder where five lifelong friends head off to France for a BIG birthday celebration. Sadly one wouldn't be coming home.
The characters are a cross section of women.....conservative organiser, attention seeking, newly gay, a feedup sister and a wannabee. In a world of social media and over sharing, Darcie is the queen. But she has attracted unwanted attention.....a stalker who has already invaded her house. Has he followed her to France?
Plenty of twists and white herrings along the way, I did clock who the murderer was quite early on.....but the biggest twist is at the end. And so personal.
Claustrophobic is a good word to describe the tension and the pressure cooker closeness of unraveling of friendships and personal barbs. Switching between points of view gave a good perspective of the complex relationships. Personally going on holiday with this lot would drive me crazy.
A good holiday read that moved through chapters swiftly and doesn't require to much thinking. Thanks to NetGalley, Simon McCleave and Storm Publishing for my copy.
A modern chick lit murder where five lifelong friends head off to France for a BIG birthday celebration. Sadly one wouldn't be coming home.
The characters are a cross section of women.....conservative organiser, attention seeking, newly gay, a feedup sister and a wannabee. In a world of social media and over sharing, Darcie is the queen. But she has attracted unwanted attention.....a stalker who has already invaded her house. Has he followed her to France?
Plenty of twists and white herrings along the way, I did clock who the murderer was quite early on.....but the biggest twist is at the end. And so personal.
Claustrophobic is a good word to describe the tension and the pressure cooker closeness of unraveling of friendships and personal barbs. Switching between points of view gave a good perspective of the complex relationships. Personally going on holiday with this lot would drive me crazy.
A good holiday read that moved through chapters swiftly and doesn't require to much thinking. Thanks to NetGalley, Simon McCleave and Storm Publishing for my copy.
May 1, 2025
Five Days in Provence proved to be a gripping page turner, and served as a great introduction to author Simon McCleave.
What sounds like an idyllic birthday celebration, 5 days in a luxury farmhouse in Provence, soon turns into a nightmare. 🗡
Five friends (Steph, Abi, Katie, Ruby and Darcie) head to Provence, to celebrate Steph's 50th birthday. The day after their arrival, tired and hungover after the birthday meal, they head out on a hike. Only 4 make it back alive. There's a killer on the loose, but who could it be? 🗡
This was a fast paced, engaging read, with some very satisfying twists. The characters are interesting, and all is not as it seems with some of them. Darcie is a particularly unlikable character, and you can't help hoping she will get her comeuppance. Does she? I'm not telling you. 🤐
So that's my tuppence worth. Fast paced, engaging, twisty and enjoyable. Five Days in Provence would make perfect holiday reading. 🗡
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
What sounds like an idyllic birthday celebration, 5 days in a luxury farmhouse in Provence, soon turns into a nightmare. 🗡
Five friends (Steph, Abi, Katie, Ruby and Darcie) head to Provence, to celebrate Steph's 50th birthday. The day after their arrival, tired and hungover after the birthday meal, they head out on a hike. Only 4 make it back alive. There's a killer on the loose, but who could it be? 🗡
This was a fast paced, engaging read, with some very satisfying twists. The characters are interesting, and all is not as it seems with some of them. Darcie is a particularly unlikable character, and you can't help hoping she will get her comeuppance. Does she? I'm not telling you. 🤐
So that's my tuppence worth. Fast paced, engaging, twisty and enjoyable. Five Days in Provence would make perfect holiday reading. 🗡
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
July 10, 2025
The first book I have read by this author and to be honest I am unsure what attracted me to read 'Five Days in Provence'. Possible the fact that the author lives in north Wales and the novel is set in beautiful Provence.
Five long term girl friends, now all approaching fifty have gathered together for a weekend of Birthday Celebrations. Things don't work out as planned as by the second day one of them has been murdered!
The portrayal of the women and their relationships with each other was not one I really enjoyed and from this aspect I was disappointed. The storyline did hold my interest though at times I did feel it was rather familiar to another novel I read. This happens of course and is not a criticism of the writer just muddled my brain. Anyway probably worth reading if you are an avid thriller fan.
With thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Simon McCleave for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
Five long term girl friends, now all approaching fifty have gathered together for a weekend of Birthday Celebrations. Things don't work out as planned as by the second day one of them has been murdered!
The portrayal of the women and their relationships with each other was not one I really enjoyed and from this aspect I was disappointed. The storyline did hold my interest though at times I did feel it was rather familiar to another novel I read. This happens of course and is not a criticism of the writer just muddled my brain. Anyway probably worth reading if you are an avid thriller fan.
With thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Simon McCleave for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
May 4, 2025
Five British women set out on a summer trip to Provence to celebrate Steph's 50th birthday. There are a lot of relationship dynamics amongst the women, and varying personalities.
They are staying at a farmhouse and the caretakers are two young men who party with the women on the first night at the house. As the women set out for a difficult hike, the guys are going to bike up the mountains. A wildfire threatens access to the mountain so everyone needs to head back down. The problem is that the women lose track of each other, and one ends up dead (not a spoiler - the death is revealed in the first chapter). There is also a stalker storyline that weaves in and out.
This certainly kept me guessing and as various twists were revealed, I'd still wonder "what about" with something that had occurred earlier in the book and hadn't yet been revealed.
This is the perfect summer read!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
They are staying at a farmhouse and the caretakers are two young men who party with the women on the first night at the house. As the women set out for a difficult hike, the guys are going to bike up the mountains. A wildfire threatens access to the mountain so everyone needs to head back down. The problem is that the women lose track of each other, and one ends up dead (not a spoiler - the death is revealed in the first chapter). There is also a stalker storyline that weaves in and out.
This certainly kept me guessing and as various twists were revealed, I'd still wonder "what about" with something that had occurred earlier in the book and hadn't yet been revealed.
This is the perfect summer read!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
June 1, 2025
An enjoyable standalone read from Simon McCleave. Set in glorious Provence the book relates the story of a group of women celebrating a 50th birthday. They have been friends for years but still find plenty to fall out about usually concerning Darcie the self centered social media influencer in the group. Darcie has a stalker and an alcoholic, sex pest, actor husband on the verge of being outed and cancelled by the press. All these characters are written really well by the author and I felt it was easy to empathize with some and dislike others. The story line I felt was a bit weak in places but it held my interest even though I did guess who the stalker was and what the ending would be. Not quite up to some of the author's other books but an easy and interesting read all the same.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
June 24, 2025
Ughh I really wanted to like this one based on the description....
This book had a promising premise—a scenic setting, long-time friends, and a murder mystery—but ultimately it fell SHORT. While the atmosphere and setup were strong, I found it difficult to connect with the characters as they felt exaggerated and point blank unlikeable. The female friendships came across as unrealistic, filled with petty arguments and even physical fights, which made the story feel less authentic. I'm not sure if this was because the author was a male and it is what he assumed that's what a female friendship entails. The plot twists were predictable for me and the pacing was uneven which led to an unimpactful final reveal. It did not deliver the gripping suspense or emotional depth the description suggested and overall, it was an underwhelming read that didn’t quite live up to my expectation at all.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
This book had a promising premise—a scenic setting, long-time friends, and a murder mystery—but ultimately it fell SHORT. While the atmosphere and setup were strong, I found it difficult to connect with the characters as they felt exaggerated and point blank unlikeable. The female friendships came across as unrealistic, filled with petty arguments and even physical fights, which made the story feel less authentic. I'm not sure if this was because the author was a male and it is what he assumed that's what a female friendship entails. The plot twists were predictable for me and the pacing was uneven which led to an unimpactful final reveal. It did not deliver the gripping suspense or emotional depth the description suggested and overall, it was an underwhelming read that didn’t quite live up to my expectation at all.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
April 26, 2025
This was a great read but I’m a bit disappointed I saw the plot twist coming wayyyyy before the ending. The clues are quite obvious along the way it’s less of a bread crumb trail and more slices of bread trail.
The writing style was the best part of the book. It flowed well, the setting was vivid and the characters are all well rounded. I might be a bit young as the target audience and kept thinking my mum would really enjoy this one.
Darcie was incredibly unlikeable the entire time. I genuinely felt bad for everyone else having to deal with her negativity the entire time.
Do we get Shaun’s backstory in an early interconnected book because I want to know what his arrest warrant was for!
I would definitely pick up another Simon McCleave book due to how easy this was to read.
Thank you to Storm publishing and NetGalley for the arc of this book. This is my honest opinion.
The writing style was the best part of the book. It flowed well, the setting was vivid and the characters are all well rounded. I might be a bit young as the target audience and kept thinking my mum would really enjoy this one.
Darcie was incredibly unlikeable the entire time. I genuinely felt bad for everyone else having to deal with her negativity the entire time.
Do we get Shaun’s backstory in an early interconnected book because I want to know what his arrest warrant was for!
I would definitely pick up another Simon McCleave book due to how easy this was to read.
Thank you to Storm publishing and NetGalley for the arc of this book. This is my honest opinion.
May 3, 2025
Really loved this book. I love a whodunit and a good psychological thriller and this was a mix of both which I loved!
Here we have 5 female best friends and one of them is Steph who had months to plan her perfect birthday getaway with her best friends and she couldn’t be more excited. Things don’t go as planned though. They go for a hike the next of day of arriving and there’s a disagreement where they become separated, there’s also a wildfire going on. Once the smokes clear there a dead body and 4 suspects. Everyone is suspecting Evan’s it’s no brained that one of them is the killer.
I absolutely loved the premise and it was very interesting. Loved all the twist and turns and the final reveal. I will continue reading books by this author.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
Here we have 5 female best friends and one of them is Steph who had months to plan her perfect birthday getaway with her best friends and she couldn’t be more excited. Things don’t go as planned though. They go for a hike the next of day of arriving and there’s a disagreement where they become separated, there’s also a wildfire going on. Once the smokes clear there a dead body and 4 suspects. Everyone is suspecting Evan’s it’s no brained that one of them is the killer.
I absolutely loved the premise and it was very interesting. Loved all the twist and turns and the final reveal. I will continue reading books by this author.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
June 24, 2025
A birthday celebration turns into a tragic nightmare when one of the friends ends up dead. Now you have four friends together all wondering if any of the others are killers. The mind games that they played in their own mind would be enough to drive someone bonkers, and their bickering drove me crazy.
This was a fairly good mystery, though some of the reveals were easy to figure out. I do not believe I have ever read a book where I disliked every character. These ladies were not likable, and maybe that was by design by the author so you would discount anyone as a suspect.
The multiple POV's was interesting and the shorter chapters made this easy to read. I bumped this one up to four stars because I always enjoy reading a good mystery, and this one was pretty decent.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fairly good mystery, though some of the reveals were easy to figure out. I do not believe I have ever read a book where I disliked every character. These ladies were not likable, and maybe that was by design by the author so you would discount anyone as a suspect.
The multiple POV's was interesting and the shorter chapters made this easy to read. I bumped this one up to four stars because I always enjoy reading a good mystery, and this one was pretty decent.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews