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Incidentals: A Novel
A couple’s luxury vacation in the Maldives takes a sinister turn when they’re befriended by two strangers in a twisty and darkly comic novel by the author of
Friends in Napa
.
Sarah and Sam have lost the very spark that brought them together. In an effort to save their marriage, they embark on an anniversary trip to the Maldives where a week at a luxury resort might remind them of why they fell in love. On the plane, they meet Krista and Kevin, a happy older, exceptionally generous couple headed to the same destination and eager to make vacation friends. They could be just the marriage mentors Sarah and Sam need.
But when a dead body is pulled from the crystalline waters only days into the vacation, a dark pall is cast over the sunny coral isles. The official story is a tragic accident. But that doesn’t sit right with Sarah, who senses something off with their new couple friends. What could these very wealthy, too-fast friends possibly want from a modest couple like them?
The answers could destroy what’s left of her marriage. Then again, a murder in the Maldives might be the best thing that ever happened to it.
Sarah and Sam have lost the very spark that brought them together. In an effort to save their marriage, they embark on an anniversary trip to the Maldives where a week at a luxury resort might remind them of why they fell in love. On the plane, they meet Krista and Kevin, a happy older, exceptionally generous couple headed to the same destination and eager to make vacation friends. They could be just the marriage mentors Sarah and Sam need.
But when a dead body is pulled from the crystalline waters only days into the vacation, a dark pall is cast over the sunny coral isles. The official story is a tragic accident. But that doesn’t sit right with Sarah, who senses something off with their new couple friends. What could these very wealthy, too-fast friends possibly want from a modest couple like them?
The answers could destroy what’s left of her marriage. Then again, a murder in the Maldives might be the best thing that ever happened to it.
255 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️ 3 ⭐️ The Incidentals is nowhere near the psychological thriller genre that I was hoping for. It read more like general fiction with a murder mystery that felt more like an afterthought despite bringing strong White Lotus vibes. Marikar's novel explores many themes like marriage in distress, relationships, personal insecurities, the facade of perfection. It touches on sensitive topics of alcoholism and resentment, personal/financial unsatisfaction and childbearing. The cover and the premise had me screaming 'I need a vacay! Take me there! Give me a margarita! I need a tan!'. The book had all the right ingredients but it lacked the sharpness to deliver the final punch.
Sam and Sarah have been married for 5 years but are going through a rough patch. To rekindle their marriage, they embark on a luxurious vacation set in the Maldives. They meet an older couple on their flight, Krista and Kevin, that seem quite likable, chatty and very open, something that both Sarah and Sam needed to help improve their communication. The older couple invites them to join their activities but Sam quickly grows very suspicious of the the older couple while Sarah grows weary and annoyed with Sam and his frequent need to go to the bar (yes he is an alcoholic and a terrible gambler). But what was supposed to be a cool and healing vacation quickly turns into a mysterious murder riddle. A body turns up dead and the story takes a darker turn.
The book felt like it tried to be two different books--the first half read like general fiction and second half like a light mystery without any thrills to it. Sam and Sarah were well nuanced and well explored in the first half of the book, but I must admit that I found them both very unlikable despite their fairly relatable issues. Sam's love was always the bottle while Sarah's love seemed to be punishing her husband for his ways. She was unlikable, in a permanent state of flex and easily irritated. Marikar created a couple that really would benefit from divorce. You could feel the frustrations but they both had no redeeming qualities. The unhappiness of the couples was repetitive and dragged in the middle portion of the book.
The mystery itself wasn't that mysterious at all. It had some entertaining and good parts to it but overall it was, like I said, an afterthought. The ending wrapped up too quickly but cleanly. This is one of those books that would have been much better if it stayed in the general fiction lane.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Little A Publisher and the author, Sheila Yasmin Marikar for an early ARC!
Publication date: March 31, 2026
Sam and Sarah have been married for 5 years but are going through a rough patch. To rekindle their marriage, they embark on a luxurious vacation set in the Maldives. They meet an older couple on their flight, Krista and Kevin, that seem quite likable, chatty and very open, something that both Sarah and Sam needed to help improve their communication. The older couple invites them to join their activities but Sam quickly grows very suspicious of the the older couple while Sarah grows weary and annoyed with Sam and his frequent need to go to the bar (yes he is an alcoholic and a terrible gambler). But what was supposed to be a cool and healing vacation quickly turns into a mysterious murder riddle. A body turns up dead and the story takes a darker turn.
The book felt like it tried to be two different books--the first half read like general fiction and second half like a light mystery without any thrills to it. Sam and Sarah were well nuanced and well explored in the first half of the book, but I must admit that I found them both very unlikable despite their fairly relatable issues. Sam's love was always the bottle while Sarah's love seemed to be punishing her husband for his ways. She was unlikable, in a permanent state of flex and easily irritated. Marikar created a couple that really would benefit from divorce. You could feel the frustrations but they both had no redeeming qualities. The unhappiness of the couples was repetitive and dragged in the middle portion of the book.
The mystery itself wasn't that mysterious at all. It had some entertaining and good parts to it but overall it was, like I said, an afterthought. The ending wrapped up too quickly but cleanly. This is one of those books that would have been much better if it stayed in the general fiction lane.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Little A Publisher and the author, Sheila Yasmin Marikar for an early ARC!
Publication date: March 31, 2026
April 5, 2026
I was drawn to this story by the cover and the blurb. It sounded like it would be a great mystery with a beautiful backdrop. The story is said to be a "twisty and darkly comic novel", while I agree with the twisty sentiment I can't say that I found much dark comedy in the tale.
I didn't really like any of the characters, neither of the main couples were the greatest of people. I wanted to root for Sarah and Sam, but they had some serious issues and I was kind of shocked how things ended.
Overall, I enjoyed this book enough that I would consider reading more from Marikar in the future.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't really like any of the characters, neither of the main couples were the greatest of people. I wanted to root for Sarah and Sam, but they had some serious issues and I was kind of shocked how things ended.
Overall, I enjoyed this book enough that I would consider reading more from Marikar in the future.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2026
3.5⭐️ a sun-soaked and entertaining mystery set on a resort in the Maldives. It follows a couple at the brink of divorce on a last chance trip but en route, they meet a couple who befriends them but may not be exactly who they seem to be…
A had a fun time reading this one and had a few laugh out loud moments! I’d say this is a bit more literary fiction with mystery vs a psychological thriller, but I really liked the structure of the book.
A had a fun time reading this one and had a few laugh out loud moments! I’d say this is a bit more literary fiction with mystery vs a psychological thriller, but I really liked the structure of the book.
October 22, 2025
The Incidentals by Sheila Yasmin Marikar is a twisty, sun-soaked thriller set in the Maldives. Sarah and Sam head there to save their marriage and end up befriending another couple who seem too good to be true. Then a body washes up, and the whole trip takes a dark turn.
It’s glamorous, tense, and a little bit White Lotus—a fun mix of vacation escapism and slow-burn suspense. I really enjoyed the characters and the way their relationships shifted as the story went on. Some parts were predictable, but overall it’s an entertaining, fast read perfect for a weekend or beach trip.
Definitely will be looking at more of her books !!
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Arc !!!
It’s glamorous, tense, and a little bit White Lotus—a fun mix of vacation escapism and slow-burn suspense. I really enjoyed the characters and the way their relationships shifted as the story went on. Some parts were predictable, but overall it’s an entertaining, fast read perfect for a weekend or beach trip.
Definitely will be looking at more of her books !!
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Arc !!!
April 17, 2026
It was going ok until the end. What happened there?
An unhappy couple that should probably just get a divorce go on holiday and meet a couple who seem to have it all.. until someone ends up dead.
White Lotus vibes and rich people problems. I really enjoyed that part but the ending seemed really rushed. I felt it was a blink and you miss it moment.
An unhappy couple that should probably just get a divorce go on holiday and meet a couple who seem to have it all.. until someone ends up dead.
White Lotus vibes and rich people problems. I really enjoyed that part but the ending seemed really rushed. I felt it was a blink and you miss it moment.
October 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked this book! From the plot to the setting, I kinda wanted to be along for the ride. As a fan of crime writing, I would have preferred a bit more of 'investigation' talk but I understand why it wasnt present here. I too am now dying to fly Emirates and stay in a hut on the water! As for the characters, I immediately started to dislike Sarah and wanted to shake her loose of the superficiality. Sam had a way of making me feel sorry for him but he also wasnt helping himself in the situation. I was very happy to see the character arcs and it end with them on the same page. Feel like the author left room for a sequel, which i would totally read.
I really liked this book! From the plot to the setting, I kinda wanted to be along for the ride. As a fan of crime writing, I would have preferred a bit more of 'investigation' talk but I understand why it wasnt present here. I too am now dying to fly Emirates and stay in a hut on the water! As for the characters, I immediately started to dislike Sarah and wanted to shake her loose of the superficiality. Sam had a way of making me feel sorry for him but he also wasnt helping himself in the situation. I was very happy to see the character arcs and it end with them on the same page. Feel like the author left room for a sequel, which i would totally read.
April 15, 2026
it was OK. I enjoyed the snark and ennui pervasive in the novel, but the action and other crucial parts of the book were rushed/not fully explained, whereas other parts were explained too much/too repetitive.
3.5 rounded up
3.5 rounded up
Want to Read
October 9, 2025A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 28, 2026
I absolutely fell for the title and cover, but thankfully the blurb intrigued me too. A luxury resort in the Maldives, a marriage on the rocks, a suspiciously generous older couple, and a body in the water? On paper, this had all the makings of a juicy, bingeable, perfect-for-me little thriller. Unfortunately, the thriller part felt like it got skipped over almost entirely.
At its core, this is much more a messy marriage/social status novel than the twisty vacation thriller I was expecting. Sarah is deeply preoccupied with image, status, and the kind of branded, perfect life that looks good online. She’s desperate to feel chosen by the cool moms who have it all, and that desperation has already cost her a friendship and derailed her career. A lot of her dissatisfaction gets redirected at Sam, her husband, who may still love her hopelessly, but is dealing with plenty of his own issues like drinking, sports betting, ambition, and a father whose business keeps their lives afloat.
Together, they're exhausting. Their marriage is resentful but oddly codependent and the book describes it best: their marriage feels "like playing poker. Or roulette. Russian roulette." Even though both characters were grating in their own ways, their tension drove the story forward and worked for me more than I expected. Then there's Kevin and Krista, the older wealthy couple that likes to collect vacation friends, their "Incidentals." Sam and Sarah respond to the couple and their affluence differently, filtering their charm or oddness through their own insecurities. There's something very believable about how quickly a struggling couple might get swept up by a couple who seems to have everything they don't but want.
But once the body turns up, the book never really becomes the thriller it keeps hinting it wants to be. There’s very little buildup, which I could have forgiven if the unraveling had been worth it. Instead, the mystery feels weirdly underexplained and underdeveloped. We get the setup for something sinister, but not enough payoff to make it satisfying. The twist was one I caught earlier, and the clues felt less like breadcrumbs and more like entire loaves of bread left out in the open (yes, a nod just for you, if you're reading). Still, what frustrated me most was how abruptly the actual danger escalates. The confrontation itself felt strangely absent because we jump from "here's a knife that could cut steal" to "here's a memory of red." I didn't need anything graphic, but I did need tension, suspense, unraveling, something. It all happens too quickly and incompletely, which left me feeling like I'd actually somehow missed pages.
That said, there were also moments that felt fleshed out, like the snorkeling scene which felt most vivid to me. Sarah's anxious spiral in the ocean, surrounded by venomous sea villains" that may or may not be able to "sense anxiety the way that dogs sense fear," felt both funny and real. It captured that specific feeling of irrational yet rational panic well. Overall this wasn't a bad read, it just wasn't the book I was expecting or even hoping it'd be. If you're reading for a sharp, tension-filled thriller in paradise, this one may leave you wanting more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for the opportunity to read and review this title.
At its core, this is much more a messy marriage/social status novel than the twisty vacation thriller I was expecting. Sarah is deeply preoccupied with image, status, and the kind of branded, perfect life that looks good online. She’s desperate to feel chosen by the cool moms who have it all, and that desperation has already cost her a friendship and derailed her career. A lot of her dissatisfaction gets redirected at Sam, her husband, who may still love her hopelessly, but is dealing with plenty of his own issues like drinking, sports betting, ambition, and a father whose business keeps their lives afloat.
Together, they're exhausting. Their marriage is resentful but oddly codependent and the book describes it best: their marriage feels "like playing poker. Or roulette. Russian roulette." Even though both characters were grating in their own ways, their tension drove the story forward and worked for me more than I expected. Then there's Kevin and Krista, the older wealthy couple that likes to collect vacation friends, their "Incidentals." Sam and Sarah respond to the couple and their affluence differently, filtering their charm or oddness through their own insecurities. There's something very believable about how quickly a struggling couple might get swept up by a couple who seems to have everything they don't but want.
But once the body turns up, the book never really becomes the thriller it keeps hinting it wants to be. There’s very little buildup, which I could have forgiven if the unraveling had been worth it. Instead, the mystery feels weirdly underexplained and underdeveloped. We get the setup for something sinister, but not enough payoff to make it satisfying. The twist was one I caught earlier, and the clues felt less like breadcrumbs and more like entire loaves of bread left out in the open (yes, a nod just for you, if you're reading). Still, what frustrated me most was how abruptly the actual danger escalates. The confrontation itself felt strangely absent because we jump from "here's a knife that could cut steal" to "here's a memory of red." I didn't need anything graphic, but I did need tension, suspense, unraveling, something. It all happens too quickly and incompletely, which left me feeling like I'd actually somehow missed pages.
That said, there were also moments that felt fleshed out, like the snorkeling scene which felt most vivid to me. Sarah's anxious spiral in the ocean, surrounded by venomous sea villains" that may or may not be able to "sense anxiety the way that dogs sense fear," felt both funny and real. It captured that specific feeling of irrational yet rational panic well. Overall this wasn't a bad read, it just wasn't the book I was expecting or even hoping it'd be. If you're reading for a sharp, tension-filled thriller in paradise, this one may leave you wanting more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for the opportunity to read and review this title.
March 21, 2026
Incidentals by Sheila Yasmin Marikar* is one of those books that starts off a little disorienting—but quickly clicks into place in a way that makes the ride worth it.
At first, I wasn’t totally sure what was going on. The tone felt a little off and I couldn’t quite get a read on the characters. But pretty quickly, it becomes clear that Sarah and Sam's marriage is struggling and they are on a last-ditch anniversary trip to the Maldives, trying to save a marriage that’s already hanging by a thread. They’ve lost the spark that once brought them together, and this luxury getaway feels like their final attempt to fix what’s broken.
On the plane, they meet Krista and Kevin—an older, wealthy couple who seem almost too friendly and generous right from the start. And that’s where things start to feel… off. Sam picks up on it immediately, sensing that something isn’t quite right about them, while Sarah sees opportunity. After completely derailing her journalism career by backstabbing the wrong influencer (a decision that seriously blew up in her face), she views this trip—and maybe even these new connections—as a chance to rebuild.
What I really liked is how messy and flawed these characters are. Both Sarah and Sam are deeply unhappy with themselves, and you can feel how much that’s bleeding into their relationship. Their dynamic isn’t pretty, and that tension adds a lot to the story.
Then you layer in the setting—this gorgeous Maldives resort with beaches, drinks, massages, and all the luxury you could imagine—and it creates this sharp contrast with what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Because of course, things don’t stay relaxing for long. When a dead body turns up in the water just days into the trip, the whole vibe shifts. It’s ruled an accident, but it doesn’t sit right, and the unease that was already there just intensifies.
From there, the story leans into its darker, twistier side. There’s flirtation, suspicion, and a constant feeling that everyone might have their own agenda. The relationships—both between Sarah and Sam, and with Krista and Kevin—get more complicated in ways that make you question everyone’s intentions.
I also appreciated that the book doesn’t try to make anyone overly likable. These are very questionable people making questionable decisions, and that’s part of what makes it interesting. It has that mix of romantic tension and mystery, with a slightly dark, almost ironic edge running through it.
Overall, if you’re into destination thrillers with messy relationships, a bit of dark humor, and characters you’re not quite sure you trust, this is definitely one to pick up. Just be prepared for a slightly confusing start—but once it finds its footing, it really pulls you in.
At first, I wasn’t totally sure what was going on. The tone felt a little off and I couldn’t quite get a read on the characters. But pretty quickly, it becomes clear that Sarah and Sam's marriage is struggling and they are on a last-ditch anniversary trip to the Maldives, trying to save a marriage that’s already hanging by a thread. They’ve lost the spark that once brought them together, and this luxury getaway feels like their final attempt to fix what’s broken.
On the plane, they meet Krista and Kevin—an older, wealthy couple who seem almost too friendly and generous right from the start. And that’s where things start to feel… off. Sam picks up on it immediately, sensing that something isn’t quite right about them, while Sarah sees opportunity. After completely derailing her journalism career by backstabbing the wrong influencer (a decision that seriously blew up in her face), she views this trip—and maybe even these new connections—as a chance to rebuild.
What I really liked is how messy and flawed these characters are. Both Sarah and Sam are deeply unhappy with themselves, and you can feel how much that’s bleeding into their relationship. Their dynamic isn’t pretty, and that tension adds a lot to the story.
Then you layer in the setting—this gorgeous Maldives resort with beaches, drinks, massages, and all the luxury you could imagine—and it creates this sharp contrast with what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Because of course, things don’t stay relaxing for long. When a dead body turns up in the water just days into the trip, the whole vibe shifts. It’s ruled an accident, but it doesn’t sit right, and the unease that was already there just intensifies.
From there, the story leans into its darker, twistier side. There’s flirtation, suspicion, and a constant feeling that everyone might have their own agenda. The relationships—both between Sarah and Sam, and with Krista and Kevin—get more complicated in ways that make you question everyone’s intentions.
I also appreciated that the book doesn’t try to make anyone overly likable. These are very questionable people making questionable decisions, and that’s part of what makes it interesting. It has that mix of romantic tension and mystery, with a slightly dark, almost ironic edge running through it.
Overall, if you’re into destination thrillers with messy relationships, a bit of dark humor, and characters you’re not quite sure you trust, this is definitely one to pick up. Just be prepared for a slightly confusing start—but once it finds its footing, it really pulls you in.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⋆ ׁ── three stars🪴
I’m somewhat disappointed. Maybe I set too high an expectation in my ability to pick five-star arcs, or maybe under all the issues with this, there’s a pretty great novel. Then again, I might just be trying to massage my bruised ego.
A marriage in crisis, a destination vacation, and a little side-mystery. Sounds like it’d make a promising novel, and it could have. Incidentals follows a couple — Sam and Sarah— on a last-ditch vacation, trying to save what's left of their marriage during their anniversary week. Sam’s used all their travel points to make this expensive trip happen. He’s got an itinerary and all. But, Sarah, who’s mad at him for very valid reasons, is less than enthusiastic until, of course, they meet Krista and Kevin on the plane. Older, wiser and stupendously wealthy, they’re everything Sarah envisions for her own marriage. But when someone ends up dead barely after they arrive at their vacation, they have to reevaluate their friendship with these strangers, and what’s most important to them.
The plot is so good, I just wish it were fleshed out more. A significant portion of the book was spent pre-death, and the rest of the book suffered from not being given enough room to breathe. That, and the fact that they kept honing in on Krista and Kevin being suspicious. Those made the plot twist (I would barely call it a plot twist) so predictable. I’d been able to map out an idea of what had happened, and I was so on the nose, I might have been in the author’s head when she wrote it.
But, I will say, although I didn’t form a connection with the characters, I liked how Sam and Sarah were characterised. Sarah, the fallen journalist, whose reputation is essentially dust, and can’t help but compare and envy other women of colour around her. And Sam, the typical good boy who doesn’t know how to stand up to his father and forge a path for himself, and in the process of conforming, ruins every other good thing in his life.
Maybe with another 100 pages, this would have been a good read. Unfortunately, it’s just okay. The ending was a letdown, honestly, because when I swiped for the next chapter and saw the epilogue, you could not imagine my surprise.
I want to express a very heartfelt appreciation to NetGalley, Little A, and Sheila Yasmin Marikar for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I’m somewhat disappointed. Maybe I set too high an expectation in my ability to pick five-star arcs, or maybe under all the issues with this, there’s a pretty great novel. Then again, I might just be trying to massage my bruised ego.
A marriage in crisis, a destination vacation, and a little side-mystery. Sounds like it’d make a promising novel, and it could have. Incidentals follows a couple — Sam and Sarah— on a last-ditch vacation, trying to save what's left of their marriage during their anniversary week. Sam’s used all their travel points to make this expensive trip happen. He’s got an itinerary and all. But, Sarah, who’s mad at him for very valid reasons, is less than enthusiastic until, of course, they meet Krista and Kevin on the plane. Older, wiser and stupendously wealthy, they’re everything Sarah envisions for her own marriage. But when someone ends up dead barely after they arrive at their vacation, they have to reevaluate their friendship with these strangers, and what’s most important to them.
The plot is so good, I just wish it were fleshed out more. A significant portion of the book was spent pre-death, and the rest of the book suffered from not being given enough room to breathe. That, and the fact that they kept honing in on Krista and Kevin being suspicious. Those made the plot twist (I would barely call it a plot twist) so predictable. I’d been able to map out an idea of what had happened, and I was so on the nose, I might have been in the author’s head when she wrote it.
But, I will say, although I didn’t form a connection with the characters, I liked how Sam and Sarah were characterised. Sarah, the fallen journalist, whose reputation is essentially dust, and can’t help but compare and envy other women of colour around her. And Sam, the typical good boy who doesn’t know how to stand up to his father and forge a path for himself, and in the process of conforming, ruins every other good thing in his life.
Maybe with another 100 pages, this would have been a good read. Unfortunately, it’s just okay. The ending was a letdown, honestly, because when I swiped for the next chapter and saw the epilogue, you could not imagine my surprise.
I want to express a very heartfelt appreciation to NetGalley, Little A, and Sheila Yasmin Marikar for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An absolutely fine vacation you only half wanted to go on! Really smart writing and great emotional depth, Incidentals is a very easy read.
Incidentals follows Sam and Sara on a vacation to, hopefully, save their marriage. They've both got problems and they've been on the rocks for a while now and this trip to a resort is a hail mary for keeping them together. While traveling they meet a couple going to the same resort that they are and become fast friends. Though early into the trip itself one of their new friends has an unfortunate accident that sets off an unexpected and stressful chain of events that might just save a marriage.
The best part of this novel are Sam and Sara. Their relationship is rocky and while Sara is intensely unlikable in the beginning, the heart of this story really flows well for them. The progression of their relationship feels good to watch unfold and they also both feel like real people. Sara is haunted by her mistakes and past and feels stagnant and stuck on moving forward past those mistake and Sam is stagnant in that he isn't growing as a person or partner. They both need a push and this vacation is the perfect thing they need.
The rest of the story is a little lacking in some ways depending on what you're wanting out of this story. The twist is very easy to guess and this book glosses over a lot of details that make the twist able to happen, which honestly isn't a bad thing depending on how you look at it. If you were hoping for a fun little thriller-mystery in between this couple making amends, you'll be disappointed. But if you were hoping for a low stakes relationships exploration, you'll be very pleased! The story itself isn't that exciting but it is packed with drama to keep you engaged.
Overall, honestly a really great book for personal introspection. Sam and Sara are kind of hard to like but it's very likely that you will see parts of yourself reflected in them with a bad habit or past mistake and maybe seeing that in a character will help you consider that aspect of yourself and how you'd like to change for the sake of yourself.
I would highly recommend this to anyone needing a quick read that you don't have to be super invested in. This would be a great read on the plane on your way to vacation! I wouldn't recommend this to anyone wanting a super intense mystery or thriller.
Incidentals follows Sam and Sara on a vacation to, hopefully, save their marriage. They've both got problems and they've been on the rocks for a while now and this trip to a resort is a hail mary for keeping them together. While traveling they meet a couple going to the same resort that they are and become fast friends. Though early into the trip itself one of their new friends has an unfortunate accident that sets off an unexpected and stressful chain of events that might just save a marriage.
The best part of this novel are Sam and Sara. Their relationship is rocky and while Sara is intensely unlikable in the beginning, the heart of this story really flows well for them. The progression of their relationship feels good to watch unfold and they also both feel like real people. Sara is haunted by her mistakes and past and feels stagnant and stuck on moving forward past those mistake and Sam is stagnant in that he isn't growing as a person or partner. They both need a push and this vacation is the perfect thing they need.
The rest of the story is a little lacking in some ways depending on what you're wanting out of this story. The twist is very easy to guess and this book glosses over a lot of details that make the twist able to happen, which honestly isn't a bad thing depending on how you look at it. If you were hoping for a fun little thriller-mystery in between this couple making amends, you'll be disappointed. But if you were hoping for a low stakes relationships exploration, you'll be very pleased! The story itself isn't that exciting but it is packed with drama to keep you engaged.
Overall, honestly a really great book for personal introspection. Sam and Sara are kind of hard to like but it's very likely that you will see parts of yourself reflected in them with a bad habit or past mistake and maybe seeing that in a character will help you consider that aspect of yourself and how you'd like to change for the sake of yourself.
I would highly recommend this to anyone needing a quick read that you don't have to be super invested in. This would be a great read on the plane on your way to vacation! I wouldn't recommend this to anyone wanting a super intense mystery or thriller.
October 25, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I found Incidentals to be a 5 star fun-filled ride!
📚 Sheila Yasmin Marikar’s Incidentals is a sun-drenched psychological thriller that lures readers into paradise only to unravel its glossy veneer with a wicked twist. Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Maldives, this novel is a cocktail of marital malaise, social satire, and slow-burning suspense—served with a slice of dark humor.
💔 Sarah and Sam, the central couple, arrive at a luxury resort hoping to rekindle their fading spark. Their relationship is frayed, their conversations brittle, and their silences louder than the ocean breeze. Enter Krista and Kevin, an older, exuberantly generous couple who seem too good to be true. Their arrival injects energy into the narrative—and tension into the marriage. Are they saviors, or something more sinister?
🌀 Marikar masterfully builds unease. A dead body surfaces days into the vacation, and what was once a romantic escape becomes a claustrophobic descent into suspicion and manipulation. The novel doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore; instead, it thrives on psychological dissonance and the creeping realization that paradise can be a prison.
🎭 What sets Incidentals apart is its biting wit. Marikar skewers the performative nature of vacation friendships, the curated perfection of Instagram-ready lives, and the transactional dynamics of modern relationships. Her prose is sharp, her dialogue crackling with subtext, and her characters flawed in ways that feel uncomfortably familiar.
🌴 Incidentals is not just a beach read—it’s a beach reckoning. It asks what we’re really escaping when we flee to paradise, and whether the people we meet there are reflections of who we are… or who we fear becoming. Marikar’s latest is a stylish, unsettling gem that will leave readers questioning every friendly smile and every sunset selfie.
Recommended for fans of Ottessa Moshfegh, Lisa Jewell, and anyone who enjoys their thrillers with a twist of satire and a splash of saltwater.
I found Incidentals to be a 5 star fun-filled ride!
📚 Sheila Yasmin Marikar’s Incidentals is a sun-drenched psychological thriller that lures readers into paradise only to unravel its glossy veneer with a wicked twist. Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Maldives, this novel is a cocktail of marital malaise, social satire, and slow-burning suspense—served with a slice of dark humor.
💔 Sarah and Sam, the central couple, arrive at a luxury resort hoping to rekindle their fading spark. Their relationship is frayed, their conversations brittle, and their silences louder than the ocean breeze. Enter Krista and Kevin, an older, exuberantly generous couple who seem too good to be true. Their arrival injects energy into the narrative—and tension into the marriage. Are they saviors, or something more sinister?
🌀 Marikar masterfully builds unease. A dead body surfaces days into the vacation, and what was once a romantic escape becomes a claustrophobic descent into suspicion and manipulation. The novel doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore; instead, it thrives on psychological dissonance and the creeping realization that paradise can be a prison.
🎭 What sets Incidentals apart is its biting wit. Marikar skewers the performative nature of vacation friendships, the curated perfection of Instagram-ready lives, and the transactional dynamics of modern relationships. Her prose is sharp, her dialogue crackling with subtext, and her characters flawed in ways that feel uncomfortably familiar.
🌴 Incidentals is not just a beach read—it’s a beach reckoning. It asks what we’re really escaping when we flee to paradise, and whether the people we meet there are reflections of who we are… or who we fear becoming. Marikar’s latest is a stylish, unsettling gem that will leave readers questioning every friendly smile and every sunset selfie.
Recommended for fans of Ottessa Moshfegh, Lisa Jewell, and anyone who enjoys their thrillers with a twist of satire and a splash of saltwater.
April 18, 2026
Incidentals opens with, Sam and Sarah, a couple with their marriage in turmoil going on a romantic getaway in the Maldives. Because what better to save a struggling marriage than spending a week in close quarters on a small island? Right? But all goes awry before they even get on the flight. That is until they meet ,Krista and Kevin, a rich older couple on the same flight going to the same resort. What are the odds? Right? Sam is immediately on guard and suspicious of these retired vacationers but Sarah feels that Krista is her chance to get a mentor and rise in the ranks of insta influencers from which she has been recently scorned. They become vacation friends or Incidentals as Krista and Kevin call it. They have layovers in luxury lounges and dinner at the hottest restaurants at the resort until Krista goes missing and her husband is acting strange. Is it a just drunken dive gone wrong or is something much bigger than they know taking place?
This book felt so slow for a little more than 200 pages because even though we got alternating POV’s, Sam and Sarah, respectively, were just repeating the same complaints and gripes about each other up until like 80 percent mark when they suddenly get a change of heart and decided to turn their life around for the sake of love.
There was no gradual coming together through a tragedy, no learning to appreciate each other again while solving the mystery, just one page they can’t stand each other, on the verge of divorce, and the next they’ve turned over a whole new leaf. There was promise, ultimately, this book just didn’t fulfill any of it. The writing was simple and to the point the characters were believable if lacking depth and the setting could have been used more. It was neither psychological nor thrilling. Not a horrible read but could have had a little more showing instead of telling.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!!
This book felt so slow for a little more than 200 pages because even though we got alternating POV’s, Sam and Sarah, respectively, were just repeating the same complaints and gripes about each other up until like 80 percent mark when they suddenly get a change of heart and decided to turn their life around for the sake of love.
There was no gradual coming together through a tragedy, no learning to appreciate each other again while solving the mystery, just one page they can’t stand each other, on the verge of divorce, and the next they’ve turned over a whole new leaf. There was promise, ultimately, this book just didn’t fulfill any of it. The writing was simple and to the point the characters were believable if lacking depth and the setting could have been used more. It was neither psychological nor thrilling. Not a horrible read but could have had a little more showing instead of telling.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!!
November 12, 2025
Luxury travel takes a wicked twist in the book, Incidentals, written by Sheila Yasmin Marikar, and being published by Little A, New York, March 31, 2026.
Who hasn't seen a picture of an over the water bungalow and thought, "I'd love to go there!" Such a romantic setting, the perfect place to work to rekindle a marriage. At least that was what Sam thought, as he cashed in all his points to take his wife Sarah on a once in a lifetime vacation to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.
From the start of the vacation, the reader is made aware that Sam and Sarah are at odds in their lives and marriage. Sarah does not want the vacation and Sam wants to escape his life in an exotic tropical paradise. I was hooked from the beginning of the book as I got to know the couple and their struggles. Early in their luxury flight, they meet, Krista and Kevin, first class travelers that seem to have everything money can buy and more. What looks to be a comrade and instant friend to Sarah, becomes an immediate annoyance to Sam, until a death in the Maldives throws the entire vacation into turmoil and intrigue.
I liked the concept of the story and the setting. However, what started as a fun read grew tiring half way through. It felt as though there was a constant rehashing of the same issues and when the climatic event was revealed, it was rushed and lacked zest.
There were definitely parts that I enjoyed in the novel Incidentals, but I felt like Marikar pushed through to complete the book, but lost enthusiasm that was felt in the onset. Due to that, I will have to give it 3 stars. Yet, I look forward to reading more of Marikar's work as I did enjoy her story overall.
Thank you NetGalley, Little A and Sheila Yasmin Marikar for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Who hasn't seen a picture of an over the water bungalow and thought, "I'd love to go there!" Such a romantic setting, the perfect place to work to rekindle a marriage. At least that was what Sam thought, as he cashed in all his points to take his wife Sarah on a once in a lifetime vacation to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.
From the start of the vacation, the reader is made aware that Sam and Sarah are at odds in their lives and marriage. Sarah does not want the vacation and Sam wants to escape his life in an exotic tropical paradise. I was hooked from the beginning of the book as I got to know the couple and their struggles. Early in their luxury flight, they meet, Krista and Kevin, first class travelers that seem to have everything money can buy and more. What looks to be a comrade and instant friend to Sarah, becomes an immediate annoyance to Sam, until a death in the Maldives throws the entire vacation into turmoil and intrigue.
I liked the concept of the story and the setting. However, what started as a fun read grew tiring half way through. It felt as though there was a constant rehashing of the same issues and when the climatic event was revealed, it was rushed and lacked zest.
There were definitely parts that I enjoyed in the novel Incidentals, but I felt like Marikar pushed through to complete the book, but lost enthusiasm that was felt in the onset. Due to that, I will have to give it 3 stars. Yet, I look forward to reading more of Marikar's work as I did enjoy her story overall.
Thank you NetGalley, Little A and Sheila Yasmin Marikar for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2025
Incidentals was a great read from the get go. The day to day ordeals of a married couple who decide to go on vacation to the Maldives is woven into the plot line in a tellingly descriptive manner played out with comedic displays of the “he said/she said” variety drawing the reader into their ongoing conflicts and their messed up lives; the story features another couple, Krista and Kevin who get acquainted with Sam and Sarah in midair while travelling to the Maldives with other minor characters from the Jala resort introduced on the fringe. The evolution of the couples’ friendship is normative and on a good footing but the author soon reveals Sam’s burgeoning suspicion that all is not right with the Kings. It becomes clear that Krista and Kevin are acting strangely and there are connotations of extramarital activities of the unusual kind associated to them. Sam and Sarah are then immersed into a furtive investigation that will bring them together to figure out the situation which will involve an incident that arises when Krista suddenly disappears. The issues that Sarah and Sam each face - the former dealing with potential motherhood, her neediness to be liked at all costs, her job, and lack of friendships and the latter dealing with his insecurity issues in dealing with his father, his gambling and drinking habits, are well described and brims with drama, suspense whilst eliciting the sympathy of the reader in advocating for their eventual reconciliation. They were a lost couple who were on the brink of divorce but somehow found their way back to each other. I couldn’t help but root for them. An exceptional well written novel by an outstanding author. I can’t wait to read more of her books in the near future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Litte A and Netgalley for providing this ARC of Incidentals by Sheila Yasmin Marikar! The following is my honest feedback and review of this novel:
Incidentals had all the ingredients I typically devour—luxury hotel setting, messy characters with secrets, sharp social commentary—but somehow the final dish left me wanting more.
Marikar's prose is undeniably sharp, and she clearly knows the world she's writing about. The Chateau Paraiso setting practically glitters off the page, and there are moments of genuinely biting wit that made me laugh out loud. When this book is good, it's good.
But I struggled to connect with any of the characters on a deeper level. They felt more like archetypes than people—the influencer, the burnout, the mysterious guest—and while that may be intentional commentary on how superficial this world is, it kept me at arm's length. I wanted to care about what happened to them, but I mostly just... observed.
The pacing also felt uneven. The first half builds atmosphere beautifully, but the back half rushes through revelations that deserved more room to breathe. By the final pages, I was left thinking "wait, that's it?" rather than feeling satisfied.
That said, if you're looking for a quick, atmospheric read with a satirical edge and don't need to deeply invest in the characters, this might work better for you than it did for me. The writing itself kept me turning pages even when the story didn't.
Bottom line: Stylish and sharp, but ultimately surface-level. A solid beach read that doesn't quite stick the landing.
Incidentals had all the ingredients I typically devour—luxury hotel setting, messy characters with secrets, sharp social commentary—but somehow the final dish left me wanting more.
Marikar's prose is undeniably sharp, and she clearly knows the world she's writing about. The Chateau Paraiso setting practically glitters off the page, and there are moments of genuinely biting wit that made me laugh out loud. When this book is good, it's good.
But I struggled to connect with any of the characters on a deeper level. They felt more like archetypes than people—the influencer, the burnout, the mysterious guest—and while that may be intentional commentary on how superficial this world is, it kept me at arm's length. I wanted to care about what happened to them, but I mostly just... observed.
The pacing also felt uneven. The first half builds atmosphere beautifully, but the back half rushes through revelations that deserved more room to breathe. By the final pages, I was left thinking "wait, that's it?" rather than feeling satisfied.
That said, if you're looking for a quick, atmospheric read with a satirical edge and don't need to deeply invest in the characters, this might work better for you than it did for me. The writing itself kept me turning pages even when the story didn't.
Bottom line: Stylish and sharp, but ultimately surface-level. A solid beach read that doesn't quite stick the landing.
November 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah and Sam are in the trenches. Not literally; just their marriage. They're actually embarking on a luxurious vacation to the Maldives, in hopes of finding some spark that will bring them back together. Off to a rough start before even stepping foot on the plane, they end up meeting Krista and Kevin - a seemingly perfect couple who take Sarah and Sam under their incredibly generous wings. How serendipitous. Only... something seems off with Krista and Kevin. Too nice? Too rich? Too perfect?
When a body washes up to shore on day 1 of their island vacation, Sarah and Sam's world becomes even more complicated than when they arrived. Could a murder in the Maldives be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for this couple, or is it maybe just the thing they need for a happy ending?
Incidentals by Sheila Yasmin Marikar was just what the doctor ordered when it comes to anything teetering on the mystery/thriller genres. In a world where plot twists have become too predictable and themes are overdone, Incidentals stands out. It intrigued me from start to finish, and at no point did I know where we were headed next.
If you're like me and find yourself often bored with the mystery/thriller best sellers you see all over the internet, give Incidentals a try. This was a fun, original, and character driven novel with a unique plot twist.
Sarah and Sam are in the trenches. Not literally; just their marriage. They're actually embarking on a luxurious vacation to the Maldives, in hopes of finding some spark that will bring them back together. Off to a rough start before even stepping foot on the plane, they end up meeting Krista and Kevin - a seemingly perfect couple who take Sarah and Sam under their incredibly generous wings. How serendipitous. Only... something seems off with Krista and Kevin. Too nice? Too rich? Too perfect?
When a body washes up to shore on day 1 of their island vacation, Sarah and Sam's world becomes even more complicated than when they arrived. Could a murder in the Maldives be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for this couple, or is it maybe just the thing they need for a happy ending?
Incidentals by Sheila Yasmin Marikar was just what the doctor ordered when it comes to anything teetering on the mystery/thriller genres. In a world where plot twists have become too predictable and themes are overdone, Incidentals stands out. It intrigued me from start to finish, and at no point did I know where we were headed next.
If you're like me and find yourself often bored with the mystery/thriller best sellers you see all over the internet, give Incidentals a try. This was a fun, original, and character driven novel with a unique plot twist.
October 28, 2025
3.5 stars! Incidentals follows a married couple's vacation to the Maldives where they befriend a couple that they might later regret. Sheila Yasmin Marikar created the perfect thriller to read while you are on a vacation!
I cannot express how much I loved the writing in this novel. The writing style felt more literary fiction, even though it as a thriller. I adored everything about that. I think it added more substance to the story. Being able to give the detail that Sheila Yasmin Marikar did made the reading process entertaining.
The beginning intrigued me immediately. I loved the humor that the author added in the very beginning. She shared a story of the couple we were following, and it gave me a good idea of the couple's dynamic. Sam and Sarah were very different, and we needed to understand this for the story. Not to mention, we will see how their marriage unravels during this plot.
It was not rated higher because I did start to lose the high level of interest that was present in the beginning. The story felt slow, but I think this was due to the way of writing that I mentioned prior. Overall, this was a great introduction to Sheila Yasmin Marikar!
Thank you NetGalley, Little A, and Sheila Yasmin Marikar for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Incidentals is released on March 31, 2026!
I cannot express how much I loved the writing in this novel. The writing style felt more literary fiction, even though it as a thriller. I adored everything about that. I think it added more substance to the story. Being able to give the detail that Sheila Yasmin Marikar did made the reading process entertaining.
The beginning intrigued me immediately. I loved the humor that the author added in the very beginning. She shared a story of the couple we were following, and it gave me a good idea of the couple's dynamic. Sam and Sarah were very different, and we needed to understand this for the story. Not to mention, we will see how their marriage unravels during this plot.
It was not rated higher because I did start to lose the high level of interest that was present in the beginning. The story felt slow, but I think this was due to the way of writing that I mentioned prior. Overall, this was a great introduction to Sheila Yasmin Marikar!
Thank you NetGalley, Little A, and Sheila Yasmin Marikar for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Incidentals is released on March 31, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book- a couple gives their marriage one last shot by taking a tropical vacation, then they meet a couple who are going to the same place, only for everything to go to hell when a body is suddenly found. A murder mystery with a tropical setting? I’m so in!
The plot was great and easy to follow. That being said, I wish this book wasn’t so short. I think it would have benefitted from it being longer, especially near the climax. The climax felt rushed and was a bit confusing to follow. The lead up was solid, but the build up to the climax and then the climax itself was a tad too rushed for my liking. If this book was a few chapters longer, I think this wouldn’t have happened. But the twists made up for all this, as I didn’t expect them!
The main characters were interesting, albeit rather unlikeable. But given the fact that they were a couple in a struggling marriage, it made sense. Their flaws were realistic and made them more human. I liked seeing their respective thoughts and seeing how they viewed each other. I also liked learning about their relationship and seeing how their marriage changed throughout the book.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn thriller set in a tropical location, this is a solid pick!
I was intrigued by the premise of this book- a couple gives their marriage one last shot by taking a tropical vacation, then they meet a couple who are going to the same place, only for everything to go to hell when a body is suddenly found. A murder mystery with a tropical setting? I’m so in!
The plot was great and easy to follow. That being said, I wish this book wasn’t so short. I think it would have benefitted from it being longer, especially near the climax. The climax felt rushed and was a bit confusing to follow. The lead up was solid, but the build up to the climax and then the climax itself was a tad too rushed for my liking. If this book was a few chapters longer, I think this wouldn’t have happened. But the twists made up for all this, as I didn’t expect them!
The main characters were interesting, albeit rather unlikeable. But given the fact that they were a couple in a struggling marriage, it made sense. Their flaws were realistic and made them more human. I liked seeing their respective thoughts and seeing how they viewed each other. I also liked learning about their relationship and seeing how their marriage changed throughout the book.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn thriller set in a tropical location, this is a solid pick!
February 22, 2026
I was drawn to Incidentals by Sheila Yasmin Marikar by the simple premise in a beautiful location.
Sam and Sarah, a couple struggling in their marriage, are on their way to the Maldives for their fifth wedding anniversary. In the airport lounge, they meet Krista and Kevin, a couple a bit older than they are, and they’re traveling to the same destination as our couple. It sounds like they’re on their way to becoming good vacation friends. When a body is pulled from the water a few days later, Sarah doesn’t feel like it’s adding up. What did Krista and Kevin want from them? Is this more than just a tragic accident?
I was really with this book for the first half. I thought the frustrations of Sarah and Sam’s marriage were well shown, and I felt for both of them. The landscape of this story was beautifully painted and I loved the friendship between Sarah and Krista. The further it went on though, the anger between our two main characters over the disdain in their marriage started to take away from the plot. The twist felt like such an afterthought. I hated the abruptness of the ending and wasn’t sure what to think of epilogue.
Frustrating by the end. Just wasn’t my bag.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little A for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sam and Sarah, a couple struggling in their marriage, are on their way to the Maldives for their fifth wedding anniversary. In the airport lounge, they meet Krista and Kevin, a couple a bit older than they are, and they’re traveling to the same destination as our couple. It sounds like they’re on their way to becoming good vacation friends. When a body is pulled from the water a few days later, Sarah doesn’t feel like it’s adding up. What did Krista and Kevin want from them? Is this more than just a tragic accident?
I was really with this book for the first half. I thought the frustrations of Sarah and Sam’s marriage were well shown, and I felt for both of them. The landscape of this story was beautifully painted and I loved the friendship between Sarah and Krista. The further it went on though, the anger between our two main characters over the disdain in their marriage started to take away from the plot. The twist felt like such an afterthought. I hated the abruptness of the ending and wasn’t sure what to think of epilogue.
Frustrating by the end. Just wasn’t my bag.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little A for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 Stars
I was immediately sold on this one by the cover and the opening hook: a luxury Maldives vacation that takes a sinister turn? Say less. As a total vibe reader, I was ready to be transported to an indulgent, slightly eerie resort setting, and this definitely delivered on atmosphere.
This gave strong White Lotus vibes, with a cast of morally messy characters made up of both guests and resort staff, all tangled in a slow-building mystery. The setting and concept were honestly so compelling, and I kept waiting for it to fully hit......but it never quite did for me.
While the plot itself had a lot of potential, I struggled to stay invested because there wasn’t a single character I found myself rooting for. I don’t mind unlikable characters, but I do need someone to latch onto a little bit, and without that, the mystery felt a little flat. The twists also didn’t land as dramatically as I hoped, which left me wanting more from the overall payoff.
That said, it was an entertaining read, and I flew through the audiobook in a single day so it definitely holds your attention. Overall, it had a strong premise and immersive setting, but it didn’t quite deliver the wow-factor I was hoping for.
I was immediately sold on this one by the cover and the opening hook: a luxury Maldives vacation that takes a sinister turn? Say less. As a total vibe reader, I was ready to be transported to an indulgent, slightly eerie resort setting, and this definitely delivered on atmosphere.
This gave strong White Lotus vibes, with a cast of morally messy characters made up of both guests and resort staff, all tangled in a slow-building mystery. The setting and concept were honestly so compelling, and I kept waiting for it to fully hit......but it never quite did for me.
While the plot itself had a lot of potential, I struggled to stay invested because there wasn’t a single character I found myself rooting for. I don’t mind unlikable characters, but I do need someone to latch onto a little bit, and without that, the mystery felt a little flat. The twists also didn’t land as dramatically as I hoped, which left me wanting more from the overall payoff.
That said, it was an entertaining read, and I flew through the audiobook in a single day so it definitely holds your attention. Overall, it had a strong premise and immersive setting, but it didn’t quite deliver the wow-factor I was hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thought the premise for this sounded so fun - a couple take a luxury holiday in an attempt to rekindle their marriage, and end up meeting an older and richer couple on the plane who seem like perfect friends for the trip - until a tragic accident makes them realise things aren’t as perfect as they seem.
I was really enjoying parts of this book to begin with. The writing was great, and you really start to understand the characters, the dynamics, and why these two (fairly unlikeable) people are the way they are. There were a lot of interesting themes surrounding relationships, social media, self confidence, and self destruction.
However, I felt like the mystery plot was a bit of an afterthought. I got a bit bored of watching our couple just constantly fight and moan about each other, and only really wanted to keep reading to see what had happened/the plot twist. And when we finally do find out what happened, and reach the climax of the book, it’s very rushed through and was a bit of a disappointment for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for this eARC (pub date: march 31st 2026).
I was really enjoying parts of this book to begin with. The writing was great, and you really start to understand the characters, the dynamics, and why these two (fairly unlikeable) people are the way they are. There were a lot of interesting themes surrounding relationships, social media, self confidence, and self destruction.
However, I felt like the mystery plot was a bit of an afterthought. I got a bit bored of watching our couple just constantly fight and moan about each other, and only really wanted to keep reading to see what had happened/the plot twist. And when we finally do find out what happened, and reach the climax of the book, it’s very rushed through and was a bit of a disappointment for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for this eARC (pub date: march 31st 2026).
March 12, 2026
This quenched my thirst for a new White Lotus season. This was GRIPPING.
Incidentals follows Sarah and Sam, their marriage troubles, and exploration of wanting things they simply don't have. This is a magical escape into the world of wealth and luxury while being on the outside--both the reader and the characters.
The modern setting and descriptors worked very well emphasizing excess and higher living without being overkill.
I will say the exposition is quite long, but it's necessary to drive the plot and character plots, motivations, and interiority. I think it was fine and was still interested, but reader beware it is a little slow.
While being so interested in this novel, I do feel like the ending was rushed. It didn't detract from my story experience, but I think given the page length, Marikar could have explored Krista's story more. It wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be.
Overall, this was great! It felt like summer in a book. The drama of the wealthy and people who wish they were will never cease to draw me in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Incidentals follows Sarah and Sam, their marriage troubles, and exploration of wanting things they simply don't have. This is a magical escape into the world of wealth and luxury while being on the outside--both the reader and the characters.
The modern setting and descriptors worked very well emphasizing excess and higher living without being overkill.
I will say the exposition is quite long, but it's necessary to drive the plot and character plots, motivations, and interiority. I think it was fine and was still interested, but reader beware it is a little slow.
While being so interested in this novel, I do feel like the ending was rushed. It didn't detract from my story experience, but I think given the page length, Marikar could have explored Krista's story more. It wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be.
Overall, this was great! It felt like summer in a book. The drama of the wealthy and people who wish they were will never cease to draw me in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.
April 1, 2026
Sarah and Sam are headed to the Maldives. They have used up all the miles, points and money to make this trip in an attempt to save their marriage. Sarah seems to be having second thoughts about the trip and Sam manages to stay in this relationship by drinking, a lot. They eventually end up at their vacation site and hopefully something will make them liven up and fix their marriage. On this trip they meet a couple who seems perfect, too perfect to be true which makes Sam wonder about them. When a body appears in the water, suspicious arise everywhere.
Poor Sarah and Sam, I didn't know whether to root for them or just tell them to end their relationship and move on. Sarah was a bit annoying and dreary and Sam knew how to numb himself which made you feel sorry for him, sometimes. Sarah is a very unhappy individual who always see the grass greener everywhere but within herself and her marriage. She puts all that unhappiness unto Sam. The rich couple, Krista and Kevin, made Sarah and Sam's trip much sweeter and made them forget about their own problems.
Thank you Netgalley and Little A for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Poor Sarah and Sam, I didn't know whether to root for them or just tell them to end their relationship and move on. Sarah was a bit annoying and dreary and Sam knew how to numb himself which made you feel sorry for him, sometimes. Sarah is a very unhappy individual who always see the grass greener everywhere but within herself and her marriage. She puts all that unhappiness unto Sam. The rich couple, Krista and Kevin, made Sarah and Sam's trip much sweeter and made them forget about their own problems.
Thank you Netgalley and Little A for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a thriller of sorts if you can get past the bickering unhappy couple, Sam and Sarah, who open the book. The premise is all there, the twists make the ending good, but what happens in between is exhausting.
Sam and Sarah are taking an all-inclusive trip to the Maldives to renew their dithering marriage. They meet an older couple, Krista and Kevin, on the plane. A friendship between Krista and Sarah ensues but Sam just has off vibes with the couple. When Krista turns up missing, Sam and Sarah realize something isn’t right. At this point the story takes off and it’s pretty good from there on. Sam and Sarah investigate and what a twist!
This is a character-driven novel but the characters are awful! Sarah wants to punish her husband and I’m not sure where Sam’s head is except in a bottle. These two couples could drink themselves to death. I think the author had a great idea but in trying to show a couple trying to repair their marriage, but she created a couple in need of a divorce.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Little A for allowing me to read this ARC.
Sam and Sarah are taking an all-inclusive trip to the Maldives to renew their dithering marriage. They meet an older couple, Krista and Kevin, on the plane. A friendship between Krista and Sarah ensues but Sam just has off vibes with the couple. When Krista turns up missing, Sam and Sarah realize something isn’t right. At this point the story takes off and it’s pretty good from there on. Sam and Sarah investigate and what a twist!
This is a character-driven novel but the characters are awful! Sarah wants to punish her husband and I’m not sure where Sam’s head is except in a bottle. These two couples could drink themselves to death. I think the author had a great idea but in trying to show a couple trying to repair their marriage, but she created a couple in need of a divorce.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Little A for allowing me to read this ARC.
March 21, 2026
Full disclosure: This was my very first read from this author. I also received a free audio copy of an ARC from NetGalley and Brilliance Audio. My opinions are my own.
“Incidentals” by Sheila Yasmin Marikar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Review for the storyline:
It started off a little slow - All of Sarah’s thoughts had my head spinning and I couldn’t wait for her to stop talking. However, when Sarah and her husband meet the couple on the plane the story finally picks up and then catapulted me into a story filled with twists and turns.
By the last few chapters I was so engaged I couldn’t put it down. I won’t spoil the story, but I see this storyline being used for a movie or tv series in the future!
Bottom line if you can get through the beginning of the book you’ll be rewarded with a pretty good story! Give it a chance!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Review for the voice artist:
I thought Soneela Nankani did an excellent job with the voices. There were several characters to voice in this novel and I was easily able to distinguish between them due to Nankani’s acting.
“Incidentals” by Sheila Yasmin Marikar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Review for the storyline:
It started off a little slow - All of Sarah’s thoughts had my head spinning and I couldn’t wait for her to stop talking. However, when Sarah and her husband meet the couple on the plane the story finally picks up and then catapulted me into a story filled with twists and turns.
By the last few chapters I was so engaged I couldn’t put it down. I won’t spoil the story, but I see this storyline being used for a movie or tv series in the future!
Bottom line if you can get through the beginning of the book you’ll be rewarded with a pretty good story! Give it a chance!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Review for the voice artist:
I thought Soneela Nankani did an excellent job with the voices. There were several characters to voice in this novel and I was easily able to distinguish between them due to Nankani’s acting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah and Sam are heading for divorce when they take a last-ditch-effort epic romantic resort vacation to the Maldives. They are floundering not only in their marriage but also in their personal growth, families, and careers. They meet a slightly older, much wealthier couple that invites them to join them for the most elite, top tier travel experiences - a departure from their purchased with credit card points, budget, nickel and dime trip. The story is a mystery that has you wondering what this wealthy couple see in Sarah and Sam, what is their endgame, who is murdered, and who is the murderer?
This one was so-so for me. It felt a bit like two privileged millenials whining about adulting and having unrealistic expectations of life, marriage, and each other. The ending felt rushed and was a bit predictable. I would've liked a half and half split novel from the different couples' perspectives. Still an enjoyable read though and loved living in the Dubai, Maldives, lavish world for a bit.
Thanks for an ARC NetGalley, author Sheila Yasmin Marikar, Brilliance Publishing.
This one was so-so for me. It felt a bit like two privileged millenials whining about adulting and having unrealistic expectations of life, marriage, and each other. The ending felt rushed and was a bit predictable. I would've liked a half and half split novel from the different couples' perspectives. Still an enjoyable read though and loved living in the Dubai, Maldives, lavish world for a bit.
Thanks for an ARC NetGalley, author Sheila Yasmin Marikar, Brilliance Publishing.
October 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
When Sarah and Sam go on vacation to save their failing marriage, they don’t expect to befriend a mysterious, too-perfect couple- let alone witness a tragic death that pulls them into something far darker than they imagined.
As a mystery lover, I was immediately intrigued by the premise. While the pacing felt a bit slow at first, once the story hit its midpoint and the tension ramped up I found myself drawn in. I did predict the ending, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the journey- it delivered the kind of domestic suspense and unease I was hoping for.
What really stood out to me was the refreshing Indian representation and cultural nuance woven naturally into the narrative. It added a layer of authenticity and depth I really appreciated.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read that I ended up enjoying. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by Sheila.
When Sarah and Sam go on vacation to save their failing marriage, they don’t expect to befriend a mysterious, too-perfect couple- let alone witness a tragic death that pulls them into something far darker than they imagined.
As a mystery lover, I was immediately intrigued by the premise. While the pacing felt a bit slow at first, once the story hit its midpoint and the tension ramped up I found myself drawn in. I did predict the ending, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the journey- it delivered the kind of domestic suspense and unease I was hoping for.
What really stood out to me was the refreshing Indian representation and cultural nuance woven naturally into the narrative. It added a layer of authenticity and depth I really appreciated.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read that I ended up enjoying. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by Sheila.
November 8, 2025
'Incidentals' follows a love-lost couple as they attempt to repair their marriage by going on an all-out luxury holiday. It delves super briefly into class relations as the couple meet a older and more wealthy couple that they are both envious and enamoured by. When Krista, the wealthy woman, goes missing the couple seem inextricably linked.
These book had a super fun concept and the set up (which lasted 50%) was actually engaging and made me interested in the characters. Although super repetitive. There was lots of side plots integrated in the beginning that was not returned to. Instead, like most of the plot rushed or forgotten about. I couldn't believe that we didn't actually see an ending or the mystery unfolded and instead was given a rushed epilogue. With all the build up of the characters the fallout and conclusion to their relationship status made no sense.
Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC of #incidentals.
2.5 stars
These book had a super fun concept and the set up (which lasted 50%) was actually engaging and made me interested in the characters. Although super repetitive. There was lots of side plots integrated in the beginning that was not returned to. Instead, like most of the plot rushed or forgotten about. I couldn't believe that we didn't actually see an ending or the mystery unfolded and instead was given a rushed epilogue. With all the build up of the characters the fallout and conclusion to their relationship status made no sense.
Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC of #incidentals.
2.5 stars
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