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A Killer in Paradise
The trip of their dreams is about to end in murder.
When five old friends are invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest, they jump at the chance to spend a week in paradise.
None of them have heard from Abigail since the summer they went backpacking in Central America as students – a trip that ended in disaster for one member of the group…
Ten years may have passed, but old rivalries are never far from the surface. So when a body is discovered during the hotel’s launch event, it soon becomes clear that one among them must be responsible.
Someone is desperate to keep an old secret hidden – whatever the cost…
When five old friends are invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest, they jump at the chance to spend a week in paradise.
None of them have heard from Abigail since the summer they went backpacking in Central America as students – a trip that ended in disaster for one member of the group…
Ten years may have passed, but old rivalries are never far from the surface. So when a body is discovered during the hotel’s launch event, it soon becomes clear that one among them must be responsible.
Someone is desperate to keep an old secret hidden – whatever the cost…
394 pages, Hardcover
Published January 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 3, 2026
The characters fall flat and are mostly unlikeable, the story is predictable from the first page and lacked any twists or unpredictable revelations. The only saving grace was the beautiful setting in the Costa Rican Jungle.
February 12, 2026
This is both my first and last Tom Hindle book — a true full-circle moment.
I really wanted to enjoy it. I packed snacks. I settled in. I was ready. Unfortunately, the characters had the personality of unbuttered toast, the plot arrived exactly where I expected it to (often waving from a mile away), and the writing felt like it was permanently set to “basic mode.”
If I had to sum it up in one phrase: it’s an eye roll from start to finish — the kind where your eyeballs consider filing for overtime.
I kept hoping for a twist, a spark, a single moment of “oh!” Instead, it was more “oh… okay.” And not in a good way.
On the bright side, it was a very efficient read — largely because I was so desperate to finish it.
Not for me, but I wish it well on its journey to someone who enjoys their mysteries served mild.
I really wanted to enjoy it. I packed snacks. I settled in. I was ready. Unfortunately, the characters had the personality of unbuttered toast, the plot arrived exactly where I expected it to (often waving from a mile away), and the writing felt like it was permanently set to “basic mode.”
If I had to sum it up in one phrase: it’s an eye roll from start to finish — the kind where your eyeballs consider filing for overtime.
I kept hoping for a twist, a spark, a single moment of “oh!” Instead, it was more “oh… okay.” And not in a good way.
On the bright side, it was a very efficient read — largely because I was so desperate to finish it.
Not for me, but I wish it well on its journey to someone who enjoys their mysteries served mild.
April 12, 2026
For me, this was quite a disappointing cosy crime. Despite having a fairly strong premise - six formerly close friends with secrets reuniting in a tropical paradise setting - I thought it was a very tame story.
The secrets that were being kept by four of the friends and which were fundamental to the plot were very easy to rumble and it was also fairly simple to understand very quickly why some of them seemed to be acting so suspiciously. The characters were very underdeveloped and it was difficult to engage with them or even care about their plight, even when they were in danger.
In addition, although the ending was a surprise, it came so far out of left field that it didn't really work for me. I felt there were earlier opportunities to bring the story to a more satisfying conclusion with, probably, a more appropriate killer.
I'm particularly disappointed because I enjoyed an earlier novel by the same author (Murder on Lake Garda) so I was expecting something livelier in the same vein. It may be me though, so please read other reviews for more positive viewpoints.
The secrets that were being kept by four of the friends and which were fundamental to the plot were very easy to rumble and it was also fairly simple to understand very quickly why some of them seemed to be acting so suspiciously. The characters were very underdeveloped and it was difficult to engage with them or even care about their plight, even when they were in danger.
In addition, although the ending was a surprise, it came so far out of left field that it didn't really work for me. I felt there were earlier opportunities to bring the story to a more satisfying conclusion with, probably, a more appropriate killer.
I'm particularly disappointed because I enjoyed an earlier novel by the same author (Murder on Lake Garda) so I was expecting something livelier in the same vein. It may be me though, so please read other reviews for more positive viewpoints.
March 4, 2026
i might upset some people with this one.
this book was boring, sloppy, predictable, about 100 pages too long, and with a tacky title to top it all off. the characters aren't likeable or complex; the ending is too perfect; the writing is unengaging and unimpressive. truly what possessed janice hallett to call this a "perfect" crime novel???
this book has (steals?) a classic christie-esque premise and it showed a lot of potential. it takes some kind of skill to fuck it up this badly.
also, the sheer laziness of not using an actual hereditary disease and nebulously referring to it as a "horrible disease" the whole time???? but then taking the time to research a manchineel tree, which is so irrelevant to the plot????? i actually cannot. NEXT!
this book was boring, sloppy, predictable, about 100 pages too long, and with a tacky title to top it all off. the characters aren't likeable or complex; the ending is too perfect; the writing is unengaging and unimpressive. truly what possessed janice hallett to call this a "perfect" crime novel???
this book has (steals?) a classic christie-esque premise and it showed a lot of potential. it takes some kind of skill to fuck it up this badly.
also, the sheer laziness of not using an actual hereditary disease and nebulously referring to it as a "horrible disease" the whole time???? but then taking the time to research a manchineel tree, which is so irrelevant to the plot????? i actually cannot. NEXT!
May 27, 2026
Un misterio francamente incompetente, aunque quizá no tan incompetente como lo pintan muchos reseñadores aquí. Personajes de cartón, prosa bien básica. Hecho para leer cuando no tienes nada mejor que hacer. Y con una resolución que se ve venir a leguas.
Me llamó la atención porque está ambientado en un país en el que viví siete años. Y la verdad se nota que el autor sí ha ido a Costa Rica por lo menos una vez de vacaciones. Esperaba muchas inexactitudes y solo hallé una obvia (el hotel del libro tiene su propia playa privada de arena blanca. En la península de Osa la arena no es blanca: es gris o marrón).
Me llamó la atención porque está ambientado en un país en el que viví siete años. Y la verdad se nota que el autor sí ha ido a Costa Rica por lo menos una vez de vacaciones. Esperaba muchas inexactitudes y solo hallé una obvia (el hotel del libro tiene su propia playa privada de arena blanca. En la península de Osa la arena no es blanca: es gris o marrón).
April 9, 2026
A Killer in Paradise is another absorbing mystery featuring an exotic setting, as readers have come to expect from author Tom Hindle (previous books have been set on a plush transatlantic liner, on an island in Italy's Lake Garda and on an airship above the Arctic).
Hotel heiress Abi Blythe invites five friends from her university days in York, England to the opening party of her new eco-resort, isolated in the jungle of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. In itself, this wouldn't be so strange, but Abi has barely been in contact with any of them since they finished University ten years ago. Why is she bringing them together for a reunion after all this time, and why did she so abruptly withdraw from them all those years ago? Olive, who regarded Abi as her best friend through University was particularly hurt by Abi's failure to even respond to an email asking her to be Olive's bridesmaid, but is the member of the group who seems most enthusiastic about reconnecting with their old friend.
Hotel heiress Abi Blythe invites five friends from her university days in York, England to the opening party of her new eco-resort, isolated in the jungle of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. In itself, this wouldn't be so strange, but Abi has barely been in contact with any of them since they finished University ten years ago. Why is she bringing them together for a reunion after all this time, and why did she so abruptly withdraw from them all those years ago? Olive, who regarded Abi as her best friend through University was particularly hurt by Abi's failure to even respond to an email asking her to be Olive's bridesmaid, but is the member of the group who seems most enthusiastic about reconnecting with their old friend.
March 23, 2026
I cannot believe there are so many books by this author if they are all this vapid?? The “twist” was astoundingly obvious from the start and was this even written by an adult human?
March 12, 2026
Zero likeable characters and a writing style that seemed very amateurish. I am genuinely shocked people buy books that read like a primary school child wrote them
One star purely for basing it in Costa Rica
One star purely for basing it in Costa Rica
July 7, 2026
Sadly, this one wasn’t for me. I didn’t really connect with the characters, and the story was quite predictable from the beginning. I kept waiting for a big twist or surprise, but it never came. The beautiful Costa Rican jungle setting was definitely the best part!
January 28, 2026
honestly one of the worst books i’ve ever read. more than 3/4 of the book is useless nonsense i swear i learned more about the landscape of the hotel they were staying in than i did about any of the actual characters. it was a very predictable ending. the story dragged on. none of the characters were likeable and we barely knew anything abt their stories or anything like that. it was very poorly structured and i definitely do not recommend it. my first time reading tom hindle’s books and i can tell you now i will not be reading one ever again.
February 19, 2026
Meh! I don't know why I keep reading these. I suppose they're like a quick burger between more satisfying meals...
Several points were repeated early on, for no reason, and just about every 'twist' was telegraphed from page 1 almost.
Several points were repeated early on, for no reason, and just about every 'twist' was telegraphed from page 1 almost.
April 9, 2026
Predictable and an unnecessary number of 2/3 page long chapters
August 15, 2026
I enjoyed this book, the fifth by Tom Hindle. Were some of the characters a bit annoying, particularly Olive? Yes. Were some of the twists easy to see coming? Yes. However I enjoyed the setting and the plot was engaging.
August 4, 2026
Comfortably predictable, nothing too crazy to report but an easy page turner
January 31, 2026
This is the second book I've read from Tom Hindle, and I definitely preferred this to Death in the Arctic; I thought this was really easy to get into and I flew through the last half of the story in particular. I think there's a great atmosphere created here of dread and an impending sense of the world closing in, especially with the isolated setting of the jungle. The characters did all feel a bit similar, especially the three guys in the friendship group, but Stevie was a really strong main character. I found the plot to be a bit predictable, it was pretty obvious from the second the killer is introduced who it is going to be, but I enjoyed seeing how the mystery unfolded.
April 6, 2026
Another perfect crime novel from Tom. Just when you think you have it all sussed and wrapped up, more twists and turns. Such an easy and enjoyable read
August 20, 2026
My first Tom Hindle book, and honestly, I’d pick up another. It didn’t exactly blow my socks off, but it did deliver those cosy murder vibes.
The killer was pretty obvious the little clues throughout made it hard to miss and the whole “Abi is the villain because she bullies her sister” angle never really landed, especially once it’s clear she’s actually trying to protect her. Zack being Miley’s dad was another twist you could see coming from a mile away, but it still made for a pleasant, easy read that helped me switch off at the end of the day.
The only part I couldn’t get behind was Jazz’s over the top protectiveness of Olive. It felt unnecessary, added nothing to the story. Jazz could’ve been cut from the book and it wouldn’t change a thing.
Also it annoyed me how whiny Olive was.
The killer was pretty obvious the little clues throughout made it hard to miss and the whole “Abi is the villain because she bullies her sister” angle never really landed, especially once it’s clear she’s actually trying to protect her. Zack being Miley’s dad was another twist you could see coming from a mile away, but it still made for a pleasant, easy read that helped me switch off at the end of the day.
The only part I couldn’t get behind was Jazz’s over the top protectiveness of Olive. It felt unnecessary, added nothing to the story. Jazz could’ve been cut from the book and it wouldn’t change a thing.
Also it annoyed me how whiny Olive was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2026
2.5 ⭐️’s.
this wasn’t as good as i expected it to be but maybe it’s my fault for having my expectations so high.
i felt like all of the characters were so bland. jazz had no personality, just olive’s cousin. seth was just annoying. mike hated seth. humphrey has anger issues. zack was non existent. olive was abi’s old bestfriend. like???
everything was so predictable up until the last 10%. i guessed everything to do with miley and abi’s “bus” secret but i honestly wouldn’t have predicted the ending at all. it’s very rare that i read a mystery book that changes the whole narrative in the last 5% after arrests have been made etc so i was very pleasantly surprised. but other than that, not great.
it was a good time and a good mystery with a beautiful jungle setting. it kept me guessing at the start and was very addictive until the 40% mark. around 60% it just started dragging for me, becoming predictable and then at the 90% it was like BAM, shock.
a very weird one for me to rate, but i’ll go with the middle ground of 2.5 ⭐️ because it was a good time.
would i recommend? honestly, no.
this wasn’t as good as i expected it to be but maybe it’s my fault for having my expectations so high.
i felt like all of the characters were so bland. jazz had no personality, just olive’s cousin. seth was just annoying. mike hated seth. humphrey has anger issues. zack was non existent. olive was abi’s old bestfriend. like???
everything was so predictable up until the last 10%. i guessed everything to do with miley and abi’s “bus” secret but i honestly wouldn’t have predicted the ending at all. it’s very rare that i read a mystery book that changes the whole narrative in the last 5% after arrests have been made etc so i was very pleasantly surprised. but other than that, not great.
it was a good time and a good mystery with a beautiful jungle setting. it kept me guessing at the start and was very addictive until the 40% mark. around 60% it just started dragging for me, becoming predictable and then at the 90% it was like BAM, shock.
a very weird one for me to rate, but i’ll go with the middle ground of 2.5 ⭐️ because it was a good time.
would i recommend? honestly, no.
August 13, 2026
This is such a difficult one to review as I have enjoyed his other books. This one - set at a reunion in Costa Rica - was as readable as ever but I saw a few of the revelations coming and wasn’t overly invested in the setting or the crime. Plus some of the characters - maybe deliberately so - were so insipid. Without spoiling anything, Olive was a whiny character moaning simply because her ‘friend’ had kept secrets from her. And Mike - whilst potentially involved in a ‘shock’ twist a behaved in a rather unbelievable manner. Still a quick read but not on a par with his previous reads.
March 19, 2026
This novel was easy to read with short, busy chapters and descriptions of the Costa Rican jungle. However, the characters were a bit one dimensional and some of the twists were apparent early on. I didn’t feel the suspense built up particularly, so that when all was revealed I didn’t find it shocking or surprising.
November 23, 2025
I love Tom Hindle’s writing, he draws you in from the opening scene and keeps you hooked until the final chapter. I’ve read all his previous books, and he excels at exploring the shifting dynamics within a group of friends… if they can even be called that. Watching those relationships strain and unravel is fascinating, and you quickly start to question what ever held them together.
This time we’re in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, at a brand-new luxury resort about to open. A group of old university friends have been invited by Abigail Blythe, daughter of the late hotel magnates Frank and Jane Blythe. Although the resort is Abi’s project, it was once meant to be shared with her brother Humphrey — until the board ousted him.
Olive Ross was Abi’s best friend at York University. She’d taken Abi under her wing when she first arrived in the UK, bringing her into her tight-knit group. They stayed inseparable through three years of study and the group travelled together afterwards. The site of the new resort is the last place they were all together ten years ago, and where Olive got engaged to Zach.
But after that trip, Abi went back to the States, and never replied to Olive again. So why the sudden reunion? Why did she ignore Olive’s messages for a decade, including the one asking her to be a bridesmaid? Olive is thrilled to see her again; her husband Zach, far less so. Olive’s cousin Jazz comes along out of caution, having never trusted Abi. Meanwhile, the other two friends, Mike and Seth, barely tolerate one another.
The novel unfolds in seven parts. From the first chapter we know someone is dead, but not who. Gradually the truth emerges — secrets, betrayals, and long-buried tensions. Why were they invited? And what was the big announcement Abi planned to make?
I suspected one twist early on, but it didn’t spoil anything; I still couldn’t guess the culprit or the motive. Most of the characters are intentionally unlikeable (with a couple of exceptions), which only heightens the tension. As we revisit the origins of the friendships, we learn the truths Abi never shared — revelations that hit Olive hardest. What really happened the last time they were all in Costa Rica?
If you enjoy Agatha Christie-style mysteries or the intensity of a locked-room setup — even though this one takes place deep in the rainforest — this is absolutely for you. The author once again brings a group together and skillfully sets them against each other. The resort and rainforest descriptions are vivid enough to transport you there.
Another gripping read from a master of mystery. Thank you to the @centurybooksuk @penguinrandom for an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own, and have not been influenced in any way.
This time we’re in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, at a brand-new luxury resort about to open. A group of old university friends have been invited by Abigail Blythe, daughter of the late hotel magnates Frank and Jane Blythe. Although the resort is Abi’s project, it was once meant to be shared with her brother Humphrey — until the board ousted him.
Olive Ross was Abi’s best friend at York University. She’d taken Abi under her wing when she first arrived in the UK, bringing her into her tight-knit group. They stayed inseparable through three years of study and the group travelled together afterwards. The site of the new resort is the last place they were all together ten years ago, and where Olive got engaged to Zach.
But after that trip, Abi went back to the States, and never replied to Olive again. So why the sudden reunion? Why did she ignore Olive’s messages for a decade, including the one asking her to be a bridesmaid? Olive is thrilled to see her again; her husband Zach, far less so. Olive’s cousin Jazz comes along out of caution, having never trusted Abi. Meanwhile, the other two friends, Mike and Seth, barely tolerate one another.
The novel unfolds in seven parts. From the first chapter we know someone is dead, but not who. Gradually the truth emerges — secrets, betrayals, and long-buried tensions. Why were they invited? And what was the big announcement Abi planned to make?
I suspected one twist early on, but it didn’t spoil anything; I still couldn’t guess the culprit or the motive. Most of the characters are intentionally unlikeable (with a couple of exceptions), which only heightens the tension. As we revisit the origins of the friendships, we learn the truths Abi never shared — revelations that hit Olive hardest. What really happened the last time they were all in Costa Rica?
If you enjoy Agatha Christie-style mysteries or the intensity of a locked-room setup — even though this one takes place deep in the rainforest — this is absolutely for you. The author once again brings a group together and skillfully sets them against each other. The resort and rainforest descriptions are vivid enough to transport you there.
Another gripping read from a master of mystery. Thank you to the @centurybooksuk @penguinrandom for an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own, and have not been influenced in any way.
July 26, 2026
2.75 very predictable but the vibes were great
July 23, 2026
A straight forward and fast paced holiday read!
March 26, 2026
Pretty average and much like his other books.
I call this kind of book “beige paint “ as it’s not offensive but not exciting.
I call this kind of book “beige paint “ as it’s not offensive but not exciting.
June 18, 2026
A little predictable but a good classic whodunnit
May 4, 2026
Maybe it‘s because I read the book on the balcony in the sunshine, or maybe because I’m already in vacation spirit. Whatever the reason, I liked it!
The setting in the Costa Rican jungle and Agatha Christie’s narrative style—both kept me thoroughly entertained. Did I hold my breath in suspense? No. Because the big mystery was actually predictable relatively early on. Not so the twist at the end.
I had fun reading the book and am now going all in: I’ve ordered two more Tom Hindle books!
The setting in the Costa Rican jungle and Agatha Christie’s narrative style—both kept me thoroughly entertained. Did I hold my breath in suspense? No. Because the big mystery was actually predictable relatively early on. Not so the twist at the end.
I had fun reading the book and am now going all in: I’ve ordered two more Tom Hindle books!
October 21, 2025
A 10 year reunion with Uni friends. Invited back to the rainforest resort where they were last altogether.
Old arguments rise to the surface and when a body is found they have to look at those last few weeks together with fresh eyes.
Twisty and suspenseful and a luxurious and tropical location.
A good mystery read!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy to review.
Old arguments rise to the surface and when a body is found they have to look at those last few weeks together with fresh eyes.
Twisty and suspenseful and a luxurious and tropical location.
A good mystery read!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy to review.
March 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this whodunnit!
Fell for the trap as to who the guilty party was. Thought all the way through I was being clever and picking up hidden themes, only to find I had fallen into the author’s cunning trap. Well played, Mr Hindle!
Fell for the trap as to who the guilty party was. Thought all the way through I was being clever and picking up hidden themes, only to find I had fallen into the author’s cunning trap. Well played, Mr Hindle!
May 19, 2026
One of those books leftover to share at the hotel. Luckily it was a quick read because the plot seemed to be written by a 3rd grader and the writing was equally as bad. I only finished it because I couldn’t believe the ending would be as obvious as it seemed, but alas it was.
August 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
not the best thriller ive read but i was intrigued from the beginning! i liked how even though there were alot of characters it didnt get confusing on who was who.
i wouldnt say i was massively shocked at the twists but i still enjoyed the book and would recommend for a quick read.
not the best thriller ive read but i was intrigued from the beginning! i liked how even though there were alot of characters it didnt get confusing on who was who.
i wouldnt say i was massively shocked at the twists but i still enjoyed the book and would recommend for a quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews