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The Yacht
The glamorous and twisty new thriller from the author of The Palazzo for all fans of Lucy Foley and White Lotus.
A man on the edge.
A woman hell-bent on revenge.
A cheating husband.
A desperate wife.
A property empire on the brink of collapse.
A family at loggerheads.
A predator hiding in plain sight.
Who will sink and who will swim?
Praise for The Palazzo:
'It seems there's little [Nunn] can't handle, because this slow-burn crime book delivers' Daily Telegraph 5/5 stars
'A brilliantly twisty thriller in a beautiful setting. I couldn't put this down' Pip Drysdale
'The Palazzo is an absorbing and hugely enjoyable read with rich characters and a layered plot. This sophisticated novel will whisk you away from everyday life and immerse you in the Italian mountainside, which turns out to be as deadly as it is idyllic' B.M. Carroll
'A perfectly plotted mystery in a delicious setting, full of characters struggling to hide their darkest selves. I was turning the pages faster and faster, my theories constantly tested until the final page. The Palazzo is the very best kind of absorbing storytelling' Sara Foster
'One of my favourite reads of 2025 - I raced through this Italian holiday thriller in just two days! Worth reading for the sumptuous food descriptions and dreamy location alone, this story is a twisty and addictive mystery with echoes of White Lotus. Captivating, seductive and a whole lot of fun - this is a story to be devoured. Another stunning five-star read, and comes with my highest recommendation!' Sarah Jones
A man on the edge.
A woman hell-bent on revenge.
A cheating husband.
A desperate wife.
A property empire on the brink of collapse.
A family at loggerheads.
A predator hiding in plain sight.
Who will sink and who will swim?
Praise for The Palazzo:
'It seems there's little [Nunn] can't handle, because this slow-burn crime book delivers' Daily Telegraph 5/5 stars
'A brilliantly twisty thriller in a beautiful setting. I couldn't put this down' Pip Drysdale
'The Palazzo is an absorbing and hugely enjoyable read with rich characters and a layered plot. This sophisticated novel will whisk you away from everyday life and immerse you in the Italian mountainside, which turns out to be as deadly as it is idyllic' B.M. Carroll
'A perfectly plotted mystery in a delicious setting, full of characters struggling to hide their darkest selves. I was turning the pages faster and faster, my theories constantly tested until the final page. The Palazzo is the very best kind of absorbing storytelling' Sara Foster
'One of my favourite reads of 2025 - I raced through this Italian holiday thriller in just two days! Worth reading for the sumptuous food descriptions and dreamy location alone, this story is a twisty and addictive mystery with echoes of White Lotus. Captivating, seductive and a whole lot of fun - this is a story to be devoured. Another stunning five-star read, and comes with my highest recommendation!' Sarah Jones
- GenresAudiobook
Audible Audio
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Kayte Nunn
16 books608 followersKayte is the author of seven novels, including the international bestsellers The Botanist's Daughter, The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant, The Silk House and The Last Reunion.
The Botanist's Daughter was awarded the 2020 Winston Graham Historical Fiction Prize, and was selected as the National English Honour Society's Common Reader for 2023/4..
Her books have been described as, 'sensitive, atmospheric and often heartbreaking' (Who Weekly), offering 'compelling storytelling' (Australian Women's Weekly), and 'deliciously immersive' (The Daily Telegraph).
Kayte's novels are available worldwide in English, and have been translated into ten languages.
Born in Singapore, raised in the US and the UK, she now lives in Northern NSW, Australia.
The Botanist's Daughter was awarded the 2020 Winston Graham Historical Fiction Prize, and was selected as the National English Honour Society's Common Reader for 2023/4..
Her books have been described as, 'sensitive, atmospheric and often heartbreaking' (Who Weekly), offering 'compelling storytelling' (Australian Women's Weekly), and 'deliciously immersive' (The Daily Telegraph).
Kayte's novels are available worldwide in English, and have been translated into ten languages.
Born in Singapore, raised in the US and the UK, she now lives in Northern NSW, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 25, 2026
4.5 rounded to 5. Oh my this was an addictive listen on Audible so it only took me two days as I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.
A departure from the author’s usual historical fiction but equally well done and great character developments. Some of the reveals were easily guessed but it was still great to see the unravelling of the rich and their messed up world.
If you like Succession and White Lotus, you will love this entertaining story and it will surely be commissioned by Netflix as it would make great TV.
A departure from the author’s usual historical fiction but equally well done and great character developments. Some of the reveals were easily guessed but it was still great to see the unravelling of the rich and their messed up world.
If you like Succession and White Lotus, you will love this entertaining story and it will surely be commissioned by Netflix as it would make great TV.
May 29, 2026
Coastal deception: A gripping British thriller
Blissfully stumbled upon “The Yacht” by Kayte Nunn on Audible Plus and i was smitten. As a Brit-lit devotee, I’ve devoured heaps of gems from across the pond. Over the past 10 years, I’ve accumulated a vast collection. Nunn’s writing is top-notch. The way she weaves a tangled web of secrets, revenge, and family drama on the brink of collapse – I was hooked. And Beth Lilly’s narration? Though the cramped American dialects got me gritting my teeth. When did those irritating Americans get on board? Anyone catch that? Please let me know. The exquisite British vocals? Pure perfection. I somehow survived the cringe-worthy American parts. No spoilers in this review. Just take it from me, worthy of a listen. Pay attention so you don't miss any crucial details in this complexellent and unpredictable tale. For those who are drawn into bizarre family dramas with enough twists to sink a ship (who'll drown, who'll swim?), “The Yacht” is a must. Grab it from the Audible Plus section now!
Blissfully stumbled upon “The Yacht” by Kayte Nunn on Audible Plus and i was smitten. As a Brit-lit devotee, I’ve devoured heaps of gems from across the pond. Over the past 10 years, I’ve accumulated a vast collection. Nunn’s writing is top-notch. The way she weaves a tangled web of secrets, revenge, and family drama on the brink of collapse – I was hooked. And Beth Lilly’s narration? Though the cramped American dialects got me gritting my teeth. When did those irritating Americans get on board? Anyone catch that? Please let me know. The exquisite British vocals? Pure perfection. I somehow survived the cringe-worthy American parts. No spoilers in this review. Just take it from me, worthy of a listen. Pay attention so you don't miss any crucial details in this complexellent and unpredictable tale. For those who are drawn into bizarre family dramas with enough twists to sink a ship (who'll drown, who'll swim?), “The Yacht” is a must. Grab it from the Audible Plus section now!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a great new book by Kayte Nunn. Piper gets a job as a deckhand on a luxury yacht about to sail for the first time along the coast of Spain. It soon becomes apparent that she is on a mission, but it takes a while to realise what that is and why.
The story is told from several perspectives - the deckhand (Piper), the trophy wife (Sandrine), the eldest daughter (Melissa), the youngest daughter (Kitty), the Patriarch and the detective.
There are several storylines and characters, so it does take a bit of concentration, but it's worth it. The detective is investigating the deaths of a couple of young females that have washed up on the beach. He is interviewing a hospital patient who has survived an accident at sea, but who has lost her memory and cannot recall her own name.
A very exciting story with a lot of twists - happy to recommend. Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
The story is told from several perspectives - the deckhand (Piper), the trophy wife (Sandrine), the eldest daughter (Melissa), the youngest daughter (Kitty), the Patriarch and the detective.
There are several storylines and characters, so it does take a bit of concentration, but it's worth it. The detective is investigating the deaths of a couple of young females that have washed up on the beach. He is interviewing a hospital patient who has survived an accident at sea, but who has lost her memory and cannot recall her own name.
A very exciting story with a lot of twists - happy to recommend. Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
May 29, 2026
The Yacht was an enjoyable read with an appealing premise, but I thought it didn’t quite live up to what it initially promised.
The setting is a real highlight. The luxury yacht and Mediterranean backdrop are vividly described and create a strong sense of atmosphere and isolation. The idea of strangers brought together in such a confined, glamorous space is intriguing, and there’s a steady undercurrent of tension that keeps the story moving.
However, I found the characters a little difficult to connect with. They felt underdeveloped, and their motivations weren’t always clear, which made it difficult to invest in the unfolding drama. The pacing was also uneven at times, with certain sections lingering, while other plots felt slightly rushed.
Overall, while it didn’t completely grip me, it was still an entertaining way to pass the time! Maybe it would be a good holiday read if you were on a yacht!
The setting is a real highlight. The luxury yacht and Mediterranean backdrop are vividly described and create a strong sense of atmosphere and isolation. The idea of strangers brought together in such a confined, glamorous space is intriguing, and there’s a steady undercurrent of tension that keeps the story moving.
However, I found the characters a little difficult to connect with. They felt underdeveloped, and their motivations weren’t always clear, which made it difficult to invest in the unfolding drama. The pacing was also uneven at times, with certain sections lingering, while other plots felt slightly rushed.
Overall, while it didn’t completely grip me, it was still an entertaining way to pass the time! Maybe it would be a good holiday read if you were on a yacht!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kayte Nunn has written a book that tests the security of family.
When the family goes on a holiday that involves a cruise on the yacht they own, the family will have questions about the behaviours of the staff and themselves during the cruise.
Friction between the family and the staff continue to grow, situations change and people begin to change.
I really enjoyed this book as it kept me guessing on where the story was going with the characters involved.
I have been given this book to read for an honest review from #netgalley
When the family goes on a holiday that involves a cruise on the yacht they own, the family will have questions about the behaviours of the staff and themselves during the cruise.
Friction between the family and the staff continue to grow, situations change and people begin to change.
I really enjoyed this book as it kept me guessing on where the story was going with the characters involved.
I have been given this book to read for an honest review from #netgalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2026
Twisty little thriller in the sunny Mediterranean.
May 28, 2026
It had all the makings to be great, but I couldn’t get into it. With less than 30 pages left I quit reading. -KM
May 28, 2026
I honestly have no idea what this book was about. Did not hold my attention in anyway. I’m pretty sure a boat was involved but even that I’m not 100% sure…..
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews