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Vertiges
White Lotus
meets
The Talented Mr Ripley
in this sun-drenched psychological thriller set against the glittering backdrop of the Amalfi Coast in the sweltering summer of 1961 - where nothing is as it seems...
The perfect couple. Beautiful young bride Clara Carmichael and her wealthy new husband Spencer arrive on the Amalfi Coast. A glorious month of dazzling blue seas, lemon trees heavy with fruit, and their sparkling, marble-clad honeymoon suite stretches ahead of them.
The perfect honeymoon. For the newlyweds, the days slip by in a haze of boat rides, sun-bathing on the private beach, and cocktails beneath a star-studded sky. It's paradise - until a note is slipped under their door, and everything unravels.
The perfect lie? In black ink, the message is He's lying to you. Suddenly, Clara questions everything. Why does Spencer seem so familiar with their hotel? Why does she have the feeling she's being watched?
As she winds through the twists and turns of Amalfi Coast's sun-bleached alleyways and jagged cliffs, Clara is forced to confront the the man she married may not be who he says he is. And the closer she gets to the answers, the more danger she's in.
Seductive, suspenseful and dripping with old-world glamour, this is an addictive story of obsession, betrayal, and the darkness hiding just beneath the shimmering surface.
---
'Rebecca Taylor McKay has conjured up a slice of perfect intrigue with this sun drenched but dark and unsettling Italian honeymoon thriller . . . This is a superior vintage style thriller.' Chris Bridges, author of Sick to Death
'A seductive and secretive novel, simmering with threat. And the ending! Just glorious. I loved it.' Emma van Straaten, author of This Immaculate Body
'A thrilling, sun-soaked dive into the dark places that love - and our own minds - can take us to. I read it in one sitting.' Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin, author of Ordinary Saints
The perfect couple. Beautiful young bride Clara Carmichael and her wealthy new husband Spencer arrive on the Amalfi Coast. A glorious month of dazzling blue seas, lemon trees heavy with fruit, and their sparkling, marble-clad honeymoon suite stretches ahead of them.
The perfect honeymoon. For the newlyweds, the days slip by in a haze of boat rides, sun-bathing on the private beach, and cocktails beneath a star-studded sky. It's paradise - until a note is slipped under their door, and everything unravels.
The perfect lie? In black ink, the message is He's lying to you. Suddenly, Clara questions everything. Why does Spencer seem so familiar with their hotel? Why does she have the feeling she's being watched?
As she winds through the twists and turns of Amalfi Coast's sun-bleached alleyways and jagged cliffs, Clara is forced to confront the the man she married may not be who he says he is. And the closer she gets to the answers, the more danger she's in.
Seductive, suspenseful and dripping with old-world glamour, this is an addictive story of obsession, betrayal, and the darkness hiding just beneath the shimmering surface.
---
'Rebecca Taylor McKay has conjured up a slice of perfect intrigue with this sun drenched but dark and unsettling Italian honeymoon thriller . . . This is a superior vintage style thriller.' Chris Bridges, author of Sick to Death
'A seductive and secretive novel, simmering with threat. And the ending! Just glorious. I loved it.' Emma van Straaten, author of This Immaculate Body
'A thrilling, sun-soaked dive into the dark places that love - and our own minds - can take us to. I read it in one sitting.' Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin, author of Ordinary Saints
416 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Rebecca Taylor McKay
2 books5 followersRebecca Taylor McKay lives in West Yorkshire with her husband and two teenagers. When she isn’t at her desk, you’ll usually find her with her nose in a book, watching old films, or roaming the countryside in her wellies with her dogs.
Her debut novel, The Honeymoon Suite was longlisted for the Women’s Prize Discoveries Prize and shortlisted for the Northern Writers Sid Chaplin Award for working-class writers.
The Honeymoon Suite came out in the UK on the 18th of June 2026 and is also out in France and Germany.
Rebecca is represented by Laura Williams at Greene & Heaton.
Her debut novel, The Honeymoon Suite was longlisted for the Women’s Prize Discoveries Prize and shortlisted for the Northern Writers Sid Chaplin Award for working-class writers.
The Honeymoon Suite came out in the UK on the 18th of June 2026 and is also out in France and Germany.
Rebecca is represented by Laura Williams at Greene & Heaton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 18, 2026
Dolce Vita
Als sie aus dem Flugzeug steigen und mit einem Cabrio die Italienische Küste entlang fahren scheint der Himmel voller Geigen zu hängen. Schnell stellt sich heraus, dass nicht alles eitel Sonnenschein ist zwischen Spencer und Clara Carmichael. Vielleicht ist es im Jahr 1961 ein Ausdruck der Zuneigung, seine Frau Bambi zu nennen. Vielleicht will Spencer ihr jedoch auch ihre zarte Konstitution vor Augen halten. Sie war krank, längere Zeit sogar. Es sollte ihr langsam besser gehen. So richtig will sich die Flitterwochenstimmung aber noch nicht einstellen. Die Bekanntschaft zu einem weiteren Ehepaar könnte etwas Auflockerung bringen.
Was stimmt nicht zwischen diesen beiden Eheleuten. Sie könnten glücklich sein. Spencer ist der Eigentümer einer Firma und Clara war im Schreibbüro. Eigentlich ein schönes Märchen, die kleine Angestellte und der Chef verlieben sich und heiraten. Und nun die Flitterwochen in Italien. Eine wunderschöne Gegend, gutes Essen, schöne Erlebnisse. Das soll helfen, die Folgen der Erkrankung zu lindern. Allerdings fühlt sich Clara nicht richtig wohl. Liegt es an ihrem Mann? Besser entspannen kann sie sich mit Vivian und Fred. Dennoch merkt Clara, dass sie noch nicht richtig wiederhergestellt ist. Kann sie selbst etwas tun, um sich besser zu fühlen? Sie versucht ihr Möglichstes. Was allerdings wird die Zeit bringen?
Ein ungewöhnlicher Thriller, in dem Urlaubsstimmung mit einer unterschwelligen Spannung kombiniert werden. Aus dem, was man liest, inklusive einiger Rückblenden, kann man eine eigene Deutung finden. Dabei lenkt die Autorin einen geschickt. Und gerade wenn man denkt, man hat das Rätsel gelöst, gibt es eine faustdicke Überraschung. Vor dem Hintergrund der schönen italienischen Landschaft und den malerischen Orten wirkt die Handlung beinahe noch unheimlicher. Man kann sehr gut nachempfinden wie das Misstrauen immer größer wird. Ob man dann jede Wendung ganz optimal findet, ist halt eine Sache des eigenen Gefühls. Insgesamt jedoch ist dieses Debüt sehr gelungen.
Obwohl es sich um einen Thriller handelt, löst das Cover den Wunsch aus, diese Küste selbst einmal zu besuchen.
Als sie aus dem Flugzeug steigen und mit einem Cabrio die Italienische Küste entlang fahren scheint der Himmel voller Geigen zu hängen. Schnell stellt sich heraus, dass nicht alles eitel Sonnenschein ist zwischen Spencer und Clara Carmichael. Vielleicht ist es im Jahr 1961 ein Ausdruck der Zuneigung, seine Frau Bambi zu nennen. Vielleicht will Spencer ihr jedoch auch ihre zarte Konstitution vor Augen halten. Sie war krank, längere Zeit sogar. Es sollte ihr langsam besser gehen. So richtig will sich die Flitterwochenstimmung aber noch nicht einstellen. Die Bekanntschaft zu einem weiteren Ehepaar könnte etwas Auflockerung bringen.
Was stimmt nicht zwischen diesen beiden Eheleuten. Sie könnten glücklich sein. Spencer ist der Eigentümer einer Firma und Clara war im Schreibbüro. Eigentlich ein schönes Märchen, die kleine Angestellte und der Chef verlieben sich und heiraten. Und nun die Flitterwochen in Italien. Eine wunderschöne Gegend, gutes Essen, schöne Erlebnisse. Das soll helfen, die Folgen der Erkrankung zu lindern. Allerdings fühlt sich Clara nicht richtig wohl. Liegt es an ihrem Mann? Besser entspannen kann sie sich mit Vivian und Fred. Dennoch merkt Clara, dass sie noch nicht richtig wiederhergestellt ist. Kann sie selbst etwas tun, um sich besser zu fühlen? Sie versucht ihr Möglichstes. Was allerdings wird die Zeit bringen?
Ein ungewöhnlicher Thriller, in dem Urlaubsstimmung mit einer unterschwelligen Spannung kombiniert werden. Aus dem, was man liest, inklusive einiger Rückblenden, kann man eine eigene Deutung finden. Dabei lenkt die Autorin einen geschickt. Und gerade wenn man denkt, man hat das Rätsel gelöst, gibt es eine faustdicke Überraschung. Vor dem Hintergrund der schönen italienischen Landschaft und den malerischen Orten wirkt die Handlung beinahe noch unheimlicher. Man kann sehr gut nachempfinden wie das Misstrauen immer größer wird. Ob man dann jede Wendung ganz optimal findet, ist halt eine Sache des eigenen Gefühls. Insgesamt jedoch ist dieses Debüt sehr gelungen.
Obwohl es sich um einen Thriller handelt, löst das Cover den Wunsch aus, diese Küste selbst einmal zu besuchen.
May 10, 2026
J’ai eu la chance de le lire avant sa sortie et j’ai beaucoup aimé ma lecture !
On suit l’histoire d’un couple marié, Clara et Spencer, qui se rendent à Positano en Italie pour leur lune de miel.
Mais durant leur séjour, des événements de plus en plus étranges se produisent, et Clara commence à se poser beaucoup de questions sur son mari…
Le roman m’a fait voyager, j’avais l’impression d’être en Italie ! L’autrice a une plume très fluide et riche en vocabulaire. Les lieux, les personnages et les décors sont très détaillés, on est totalement plongé dans l’histoire.
Le début du roman m’a semblé un peu long, avec quelques longueurs, sans forcément faire avancer l’histoire.
Mais à partir du milieu du roman, les événements et les rebondissements s’enchaînent : entre le suspense, les mensonges et les révélations, c’était très addictif, on a envie d’en savoir plus !!
J’ai beaucoup apprécié la tournure que prennent les événements ainsi que l’évolution des personnages, très bien écrits et pas du tout prévisibles. Je suis très satisfaite de la fin, je ne pouvais pas imaginer mieux.
Si vous aimez les romans très détaillés, entrer dans la tête d’un personnage et les thrillers psychologiques, je vous le recommande à 100 % !!
Merci à @sonatineeditions et @gleephapp pour cette découverte et pour votre confiance 💛
Roman offert
On suit l’histoire d’un couple marié, Clara et Spencer, qui se rendent à Positano en Italie pour leur lune de miel.
Mais durant leur séjour, des événements de plus en plus étranges se produisent, et Clara commence à se poser beaucoup de questions sur son mari…
Le roman m’a fait voyager, j’avais l’impression d’être en Italie ! L’autrice a une plume très fluide et riche en vocabulaire. Les lieux, les personnages et les décors sont très détaillés, on est totalement plongé dans l’histoire.
Le début du roman m’a semblé un peu long, avec quelques longueurs, sans forcément faire avancer l’histoire.
Mais à partir du milieu du roman, les événements et les rebondissements s’enchaînent : entre le suspense, les mensonges et les révélations, c’était très addictif, on a envie d’en savoir plus !!
J’ai beaucoup apprécié la tournure que prennent les événements ainsi que l’évolution des personnages, très bien écrits et pas du tout prévisibles. Je suis très satisfaite de la fin, je ne pouvais pas imaginer mieux.
Si vous aimez les romans très détaillés, entrer dans la tête d’un personnage et les thrillers psychologiques, je vous le recommande à 100 % !!
Merci à @sonatineeditions et @gleephapp pour cette découverte et pour votre confiance 💛
Roman offert
June 28, 2026
This is a fabulous story about a couple, Clara and Spencer Carmichael. They are having a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast, somewhat later than planned because of the trouble that Clara went through.
Clara and Spencer are from different worlds. He is rich, and she worked for him, so there is a certain amount of imposter syndrome; then there are the troubles that befell Clara, which you don't get until much later in the book. But it seems everyone is secretive, whispering behind her back, making decisions for her. She is allowing this as she feels delicate, somewhat helpless and with this she is anxious.
The story is not so much told, but leaked and cajoled out of the pages. Nothing is as it seems, but a lot of it is a feeling, so when the author drops the various nitty-gritty details, they come as a shock. It is a book that tiptoes into various genres, but the overall ones for me are mystery and thriller.
A well-paced story of discovering the truth, remembering the past and the sense of suspicion is in this book throughout. It was a fabulous book to read and one I would definitely recommend.
Clara and Spencer are from different worlds. He is rich, and she worked for him, so there is a certain amount of imposter syndrome; then there are the troubles that befell Clara, which you don't get until much later in the book. But it seems everyone is secretive, whispering behind her back, making decisions for her. She is allowing this as she feels delicate, somewhat helpless and with this she is anxious.
The story is not so much told, but leaked and cajoled out of the pages. Nothing is as it seems, but a lot of it is a feeling, so when the author drops the various nitty-gritty details, they come as a shock. It is a book that tiptoes into various genres, but the overall ones for me are mystery and thriller.
A well-paced story of discovering the truth, remembering the past and the sense of suspicion is in this book throughout. It was a fabulous book to read and one I would definitely recommend.
April 5, 2026
From the first paragraph the book grabs you and doesn’t let go until after the final words in the final chapter. A mystery with an underlying woozy feeling, like you’re in a dream. Not quite sure where it is going to lead you, compelling, beautifully written and is crying out to be made into a movie! What a brilliant debut! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 14, 2026
C'était looooong mais looooong pour finalement pas grand chose mais que les gens sont dramatiques et pourquoi ils passent leur temps à s'engueuler aux bords des falaises évidemment qu'ils tombent enfin. Bon ceci dit ça me donne envie d'aller en vacances en Italie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2026
The Honeymoon Suite follows newlyweds Clara and Spencer Carmichael, a dazzlingly wealthy couple honeymooning in Positano, Italy in the summer of 1961. Their days are filled with sun-soaked luxury, marble-clad suites, boat rides along the Amalfi Coast and evenings beneath the stars until a note appears with a chilling message: He’s lying to you. Suddenly Clara begins questioning everything she thought she knew about her husband, her memories and even herself. As secrets begin to surface, paradise slowly transforms into something far more unsettling.
—
I would probably classify this as a psychological thriller, though it’s quite different from many of the thrillers I’ve read recently. What struck me first and foremost was the writing itself. The prose is incredibly lush and atmospheric, which feels rare in a genre that often leans towards straightforward, utilitarian writing.
Here, the writing is so vivid and descriptive that Positano almost becomes a character in its own right. I could vividly picture the hotel, the villa, the cliffs, the winding streets of the village and the glittering coastline. I always appreciate books where the setting feels alive and inseparable from the story and The Honeymoon Suite does this beautifully.
I also loved that the story is told entirely through Clara’s perspective. We are so deeply inside her head that she becomes, at least in my eyes, an unreliable narrator (and I am always here for an unreliable narrator). We never receive a full picture of what’s happening; instead, we experience the world and the other characters solely through Clara’s lens. The novel becomes an exercise in determining not only who Clara can trust, but whether we as readers can trust Clara herself.
I’ve always gravitated towards books that immerse us entirely in one character’s thoughts and inner monologue. It creates something that feels less like a plot-driven thriller and more like a character study, and character studies almost always work for me. The gorgeous prose combined with that intimate first-person perspective was more than enough to keep me turning the pages.
In terms of pacing, this is certainly slower than your typical fast-paced thriller. There aren’t constant twists or dramatic reveals every few chapters, but what the book lacks in action it more than makes up for in tension. There’s an underlying sense of unease that never really lets go of you.
For me, that worked incredibly well. While I appreciate fast-paced thrillers, I tend to gravitate more towards slower, character-driven stories, and this very much falls into that category. The suspense builds gradually and patiently until it becomes almost addictive. That said, I can already tell that the pacing won’t work for everyone.
If there’s one aspect I’m still undecided on, it’s the ending. I won’t say anything further because I don’t want to spoil it, but I’m still marinating on whether I loved it as much as I loved the journey getting there.
Beyond the mystery itself, this book explores some fascinating ideas about relationships, memory, identity and trust. How well can we ever truly know another person? What happens when our memories begin to conflict with the reality in front of us? Who do we trust when our instincts, our memories and the people around us all seem to be telling us different things?
Ultimately, The Honeymoon Suite is a novel about knowing and not knowing. This was Rebecca Taylor McKay’s debut novel, and I was fascinated to learn that an early extract from the manuscript was longlisted for the Women’s Prize Discoveries programme before eventually growing into the novel we have today. That’s such an incredible achievement for a debut author.
I’m very glad I had the opportunity to read this one and will absolutely be keeping an eye out for whatever Rebecca Taylor McKay writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Quercus, Renegade and Rebecca Taylor McKay for the opportunity to read and review this book.
—
I would probably classify this as a psychological thriller, though it’s quite different from many of the thrillers I’ve read recently. What struck me first and foremost was the writing itself. The prose is incredibly lush and atmospheric, which feels rare in a genre that often leans towards straightforward, utilitarian writing.
Here, the writing is so vivid and descriptive that Positano almost becomes a character in its own right. I could vividly picture the hotel, the villa, the cliffs, the winding streets of the village and the glittering coastline. I always appreciate books where the setting feels alive and inseparable from the story and The Honeymoon Suite does this beautifully.
I also loved that the story is told entirely through Clara’s perspective. We are so deeply inside her head that she becomes, at least in my eyes, an unreliable narrator (and I am always here for an unreliable narrator). We never receive a full picture of what’s happening; instead, we experience the world and the other characters solely through Clara’s lens. The novel becomes an exercise in determining not only who Clara can trust, but whether we as readers can trust Clara herself.
I’ve always gravitated towards books that immerse us entirely in one character’s thoughts and inner monologue. It creates something that feels less like a plot-driven thriller and more like a character study, and character studies almost always work for me. The gorgeous prose combined with that intimate first-person perspective was more than enough to keep me turning the pages.
In terms of pacing, this is certainly slower than your typical fast-paced thriller. There aren’t constant twists or dramatic reveals every few chapters, but what the book lacks in action it more than makes up for in tension. There’s an underlying sense of unease that never really lets go of you.
For me, that worked incredibly well. While I appreciate fast-paced thrillers, I tend to gravitate more towards slower, character-driven stories, and this very much falls into that category. The suspense builds gradually and patiently until it becomes almost addictive. That said, I can already tell that the pacing won’t work for everyone.
If there’s one aspect I’m still undecided on, it’s the ending. I won’t say anything further because I don’t want to spoil it, but I’m still marinating on whether I loved it as much as I loved the journey getting there.
Beyond the mystery itself, this book explores some fascinating ideas about relationships, memory, identity and trust. How well can we ever truly know another person? What happens when our memories begin to conflict with the reality in front of us? Who do we trust when our instincts, our memories and the people around us all seem to be telling us different things?
Ultimately, The Honeymoon Suite is a novel about knowing and not knowing. This was Rebecca Taylor McKay’s debut novel, and I was fascinated to learn that an early extract from the manuscript was longlisted for the Women’s Prize Discoveries programme before eventually growing into the novel we have today. That’s such an incredible achievement for a debut author.
I’m very glad I had the opportunity to read this one and will absolutely be keeping an eye out for whatever Rebecca Taylor McKay writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Quercus, Renegade and Rebecca Taylor McKay for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Renegade for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I thought this was a modern book but it's actually set in the 60s which instantly gave it a different feel. It's weird, I've never given it much thought before, but I now think that whodunnits should be set in historical settings (although to call the 1960s historical sounds weird), and thrillers should be in modern times. I don't know why but that's how I feel with this book. It had this modern tone but then you're reminded it's set in the 60s and it feels at odds.
It's set in Positano which was lovely; I adore Positano and desperately want to go back, so this was a nice little reminder.
Spencer is a right piece of work and I disliked him from the first page. Whereas Clara, whilst hiding something, I found to be quite delightful at times. She's a bit naïve perhaps, frightened, but I liked her more than Spencer. She did get a little annoying but I think that was part of her character, but I would have liked her to stand up for herself a bit. She is a bit of a wet weekend at times, but that is explained a bit by her backstory. Although I liked her the most, I can't say I liked any of them really or felt engaged with them enough to really care what happened to them.
It's very ambiguous, a lot of cliff-hangers and mysterious, half-finished sentences. Which I expect in a thriller sure, but I'd rather not have them every other sentence. I would like some facts, some actual storyline ,rather than it constantly being like, "He can't find out what I did", or "it isn't like before", for instance. It's fine to have them, but not at expense of actual storyline because at times I had no idea what they were talking about.
I did enjoy the juxtaposition of this glamorous life they lead, the opulent hotel, flashy car, expensive wines etc. and the creeping danger that underpins the story. I also liked the look at power and control, particularly of a husband over his wife.
It is a bit slow for a thriller. It's a quiet thriller, which I generally like, one that creeps about and drip feeds you clues, and then gives you the big payoff at the end. And this did do that, but at times it just felt slow rather than deliberately paced and I did glaze over at times.
It's not the most thrilling of thrillers. I wasn't as hooked as I expected to be. But it's a promising debut, if things were just ironed out a bit more. It's say it's the ideal real if you're lying by the pool on holiday - bonus points if you're in Positano - where you don't want something too heavy or taxing.
I thought this was a modern book but it's actually set in the 60s which instantly gave it a different feel. It's weird, I've never given it much thought before, but I now think that whodunnits should be set in historical settings (although to call the 1960s historical sounds weird), and thrillers should be in modern times. I don't know why but that's how I feel with this book. It had this modern tone but then you're reminded it's set in the 60s and it feels at odds.
It's set in Positano which was lovely; I adore Positano and desperately want to go back, so this was a nice little reminder.
Spencer is a right piece of work and I disliked him from the first page. Whereas Clara, whilst hiding something, I found to be quite delightful at times. She's a bit naïve perhaps, frightened, but I liked her more than Spencer. She did get a little annoying but I think that was part of her character, but I would have liked her to stand up for herself a bit. She is a bit of a wet weekend at times, but that is explained a bit by her backstory. Although I liked her the most, I can't say I liked any of them really or felt engaged with them enough to really care what happened to them.
It's very ambiguous, a lot of cliff-hangers and mysterious, half-finished sentences. Which I expect in a thriller sure, but I'd rather not have them every other sentence. I would like some facts, some actual storyline ,rather than it constantly being like, "He can't find out what I did", or "it isn't like before", for instance. It's fine to have them, but not at expense of actual storyline because at times I had no idea what they were talking about.
I did enjoy the juxtaposition of this glamorous life they lead, the opulent hotel, flashy car, expensive wines etc. and the creeping danger that underpins the story. I also liked the look at power and control, particularly of a husband over his wife.
It is a bit slow for a thriller. It's a quiet thriller, which I generally like, one that creeps about and drip feeds you clues, and then gives you the big payoff at the end. And this did do that, but at times it just felt slow rather than deliberately paced and I did glaze over at times.
It's not the most thrilling of thrillers. I wasn't as hooked as I expected to be. But it's a promising debut, if things were just ironed out a bit more. It's say it's the ideal real if you're lying by the pool on holiday - bonus points if you're in Positano - where you don't want something too heavy or taxing.
July 17, 2026
Spannung baut sich langsam auf, um dann doch gewaltig anzuziehen
Die Amalfiküste, der strahlend blaue Himmel, das wie gemalte Tyrrhenische Meer - wie oft bin ich diese Küstenstraße schon entlang gefahren. Immer wieder staune ich über so viel Schönheit, genau so wie die Britin Clara, die mit ihrem Mann Spencer aus dem unwirtlichen London flieht, um hier ihre Flitterwochen zu verbringen, im Palazzo Rossi in Positano werden sie wohnen.
Schon beim Einchecken kommt es Clara komisch vor, dass Piera, eine Hotelangestellte, mit ihrem Mann ein ziemlich hitziges Gespräch führt, noch dazu in italienischer Sprache. Als dann bald danach ein handgeschriebener Zettel unter der Tür ihrer Suite durchgeschoben wird, auf dem mit schwarzer Tinte ER LÜGT geschrieben steht, behält Clara dies für sich. Mehr noch, sie vernichtet den Zettel.
Das Cover weckt Sehnsucht nach diesem herrlichen Küstenabschnitt, lediglich der gelbe PickUp stört die Idylle, sollte es doch ein zitronengelbes Cabrio sein, mit dem das Ehepaar Carla und Spencer Carmichael anreist. Nun, der Autotyp spielt keine maßgebende Rolle, es ist eher das nicht durchschaubare Spiel, welches Spencer hier vollführt. Zumindest hat es den Anschein, als ob er etwas zu verbergen hätte und genau deshalb ist er mir nicht sehr sympathisch. Carla dagegen sehe ich in der Opferrolle, seit ich weiß, dass sie lange krank war und er sie bevormundet? Oder sollte man eher sagen, er passt auf sie und ihren immer noch labilen Gesundheitszustand gut auf? Nun, sie lernen Vivien und Fred kennen, ein schillerndes Paar, das sehr nett ist und das gut zu harmonieren scheint.
Zwei Nächte waren es, die für mich ziemlich kurz waren, in denen ich diesem Lügner auf die Spur kommen wollte. Der Sommer der Wahrheit sollte der Aufenthalt in und um Positano sein und ja, der Wahrheit bin ich sehr nahe gekommen, es hat allerdings schon gedauert. Wobei die Spannung stets da war, wenngleich diese in der ersten Hälfte eher auf Sparflamme geköchelt hat, um dann gewaltig anzuziehen. Denn erst dann passiert eine ganze Menge, die Sichtweise verschiebt sich – und das nicht nur einmal. Habe ich mich zuvor gefragt, ob mir die Story gefällt, ich weiterlesen will, so treibt es mich danach so richtig vorwärts bis hin zum Schluss, der – nun ja, ganz anders ist als angenommen.
Als Thriller würde ich die erste Hälfte nicht bezeichnen, eher ist es für mein Empfinden ein durchaus unterhaltsamer Roman, der sich dann als Thriller entpuppt. Berechnend, beklemmend, manipulativ.
Die Amalfiküste, der strahlend blaue Himmel, das wie gemalte Tyrrhenische Meer - wie oft bin ich diese Küstenstraße schon entlang gefahren. Immer wieder staune ich über so viel Schönheit, genau so wie die Britin Clara, die mit ihrem Mann Spencer aus dem unwirtlichen London flieht, um hier ihre Flitterwochen zu verbringen, im Palazzo Rossi in Positano werden sie wohnen.
Schon beim Einchecken kommt es Clara komisch vor, dass Piera, eine Hotelangestellte, mit ihrem Mann ein ziemlich hitziges Gespräch führt, noch dazu in italienischer Sprache. Als dann bald danach ein handgeschriebener Zettel unter der Tür ihrer Suite durchgeschoben wird, auf dem mit schwarzer Tinte ER LÜGT geschrieben steht, behält Clara dies für sich. Mehr noch, sie vernichtet den Zettel.
Das Cover weckt Sehnsucht nach diesem herrlichen Küstenabschnitt, lediglich der gelbe PickUp stört die Idylle, sollte es doch ein zitronengelbes Cabrio sein, mit dem das Ehepaar Carla und Spencer Carmichael anreist. Nun, der Autotyp spielt keine maßgebende Rolle, es ist eher das nicht durchschaubare Spiel, welches Spencer hier vollführt. Zumindest hat es den Anschein, als ob er etwas zu verbergen hätte und genau deshalb ist er mir nicht sehr sympathisch. Carla dagegen sehe ich in der Opferrolle, seit ich weiß, dass sie lange krank war und er sie bevormundet? Oder sollte man eher sagen, er passt auf sie und ihren immer noch labilen Gesundheitszustand gut auf? Nun, sie lernen Vivien und Fred kennen, ein schillerndes Paar, das sehr nett ist und das gut zu harmonieren scheint.
Zwei Nächte waren es, die für mich ziemlich kurz waren, in denen ich diesem Lügner auf die Spur kommen wollte. Der Sommer der Wahrheit sollte der Aufenthalt in und um Positano sein und ja, der Wahrheit bin ich sehr nahe gekommen, es hat allerdings schon gedauert. Wobei die Spannung stets da war, wenngleich diese in der ersten Hälfte eher auf Sparflamme geköchelt hat, um dann gewaltig anzuziehen. Denn erst dann passiert eine ganze Menge, die Sichtweise verschiebt sich – und das nicht nur einmal. Habe ich mich zuvor gefragt, ob mir die Story gefällt, ich weiterlesen will, so treibt es mich danach so richtig vorwärts bis hin zum Schluss, der – nun ja, ganz anders ist als angenommen.
Als Thriller würde ich die erste Hälfte nicht bezeichnen, eher ist es für mein Empfinden ein durchaus unterhaltsamer Roman, der sich dann als Thriller entpuppt. Berechnend, beklemmend, manipulativ.
July 18, 2026
Er lügt von Rebecca Taylor McKay / Rezension
„Ich werfe einen Seitenblick auf meinen Ehemann, und erneut überläuft mich ein Kribbeln, als ich mir bewusst mache, dass er genau das ist. Mein Ehemann. Ich hatte bislang so wenig Gelegenheit, es auszusprechen, es wirklich zu fühlen. Auf dieser Reise wird sich das vielleicht ändern, und wir können noch einmal von vorne anfangen, als normales, glückliches Paar.“
Das war grundsätzlich ein Thriller nach meinem Geschmack, etwas ruhiger, sehr atmosphärisch mit einem idyllischen Setting, das einem dennoch Unbehagen bereitet:
Amalfiküste, Italien, 1961: Clara und Spencer Carmichael verbringen glückliche Flitterwochen, aber Spencer scheint etwas zu verbergen und dieser Eindruck wird verstärkt, als jemand Clara einen Zettel zuschiebt, auf dem „Er lügt“ steht… Als die beiden neue Freunde kennenlernen, wird jedoch schnell klar: alle haben ihre Geheimnisse und in diesem Sommer der Wahrheit wird abgerechnet…
Vom Vibe her hat mich das Buch sehr an „Rebecca“ von Daphne du Maurier (ein wunderbarer Klassiker) erinnert. Ansonsten muss ich sagen, dass mich hauptsächlich die Atmosphäre gefangen genommen hat, weil das Buch kein klassischer Thriller ist. Es fehlt jegliche Action, es gibt keine nackten Leichen, keine Ermittlungen über irgendwas etc.
Die Spannung ist subtil in den Zwischentönen und man braucht vor allem eines: Geduld! Wenn man den ersten Teil „schafft“, in dem leise Spannung aufgebaut wird, aber ansonsten nicht viel passiert, dann kann man sich auf eine unvorhersehbare Entwicklung freuen.
Leider habe ich erst vor ein paar Tagen ein Buch gelesen, das ein wesentliches Element der Auflösung ebenfalls enthält. That’s a me Problem 😂😅. Vor allem im letzten Teil habe ich mich also nicht mehr allzu sehr unterhalten gefühlt. Ein früheres Ende mit einem offenen Schockmoment, der einen eiskalt zurücklässt, hätte meiner Meinung besser zum Rest der Geschichte gepasst. Mehr ist nicht immer mehr.
Und ich habe mich extrem über die grundsätzliche Beziehungsdynamik zwischen Clara und Spencer geärgert. Die arme junge Waise und der reiche, erfahrenere Erbe, der sie „Bambi“ nennt, ich sage es Euch, früher war definitiv nicht alles besser, in den 1960ern eine Ehefrau zu sein z.B. war definitiv kein Spaß.
Insgesamt definitiv ein empfehlenswertes Buch, das ich in 24 Stunden ausgelesen habe. Wie sehr man von allem überrascht wird, hängt von vielen Faktoren ab, der große Twist hat mich eiskalt erwischt und ich denke nicht, dass jemand es kommen sieht.
Danke schön an die Autorin und ihr Team für diese Geschichte!
7/10 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋
„Ich werfe einen Seitenblick auf meinen Ehemann, und erneut überläuft mich ein Kribbeln, als ich mir bewusst mache, dass er genau das ist. Mein Ehemann. Ich hatte bislang so wenig Gelegenheit, es auszusprechen, es wirklich zu fühlen. Auf dieser Reise wird sich das vielleicht ändern, und wir können noch einmal von vorne anfangen, als normales, glückliches Paar.“
Das war grundsätzlich ein Thriller nach meinem Geschmack, etwas ruhiger, sehr atmosphärisch mit einem idyllischen Setting, das einem dennoch Unbehagen bereitet:
Amalfiküste, Italien, 1961: Clara und Spencer Carmichael verbringen glückliche Flitterwochen, aber Spencer scheint etwas zu verbergen und dieser Eindruck wird verstärkt, als jemand Clara einen Zettel zuschiebt, auf dem „Er lügt“ steht… Als die beiden neue Freunde kennenlernen, wird jedoch schnell klar: alle haben ihre Geheimnisse und in diesem Sommer der Wahrheit wird abgerechnet…
Vom Vibe her hat mich das Buch sehr an „Rebecca“ von Daphne du Maurier (ein wunderbarer Klassiker) erinnert. Ansonsten muss ich sagen, dass mich hauptsächlich die Atmosphäre gefangen genommen hat, weil das Buch kein klassischer Thriller ist. Es fehlt jegliche Action, es gibt keine nackten Leichen, keine Ermittlungen über irgendwas etc.
Die Spannung ist subtil in den Zwischentönen und man braucht vor allem eines: Geduld! Wenn man den ersten Teil „schafft“, in dem leise Spannung aufgebaut wird, aber ansonsten nicht viel passiert, dann kann man sich auf eine unvorhersehbare Entwicklung freuen.
Leider habe ich erst vor ein paar Tagen ein Buch gelesen, das ein wesentliches Element der Auflösung ebenfalls enthält. That’s a me Problem 😂😅. Vor allem im letzten Teil habe ich mich also nicht mehr allzu sehr unterhalten gefühlt. Ein früheres Ende mit einem offenen Schockmoment, der einen eiskalt zurücklässt, hätte meiner Meinung besser zum Rest der Geschichte gepasst. Mehr ist nicht immer mehr.
Und ich habe mich extrem über die grundsätzliche Beziehungsdynamik zwischen Clara und Spencer geärgert. Die arme junge Waise und der reiche, erfahrenere Erbe, der sie „Bambi“ nennt, ich sage es Euch, früher war definitiv nicht alles besser, in den 1960ern eine Ehefrau zu sein z.B. war definitiv kein Spaß.
Insgesamt definitiv ein empfehlenswertes Buch, das ich in 24 Stunden ausgelesen habe. Wie sehr man von allem überrascht wird, hängt von vielen Faktoren ab, der große Twist hat mich eiskalt erwischt und ich denke nicht, dass jemand es kommen sieht.
Danke schön an die Autorin und ihr Team für diese Geschichte!
7/10 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋
May 22, 2026
✨NetGalley Review✨
This dual timeline story follows Bambi, who is honeymooning with her husband Spencer on the Amalfi Coast in Italy during the 1960s. From the beginning, there is tension between the newlyweds and things soon take a strange turn when they befriend another couple staying at their hotel.
One of the standout aspects of the novel was the atmosphere and setting. Rebecca Taylor Mc Kay did a fantastic job capturing the beauty and charm of Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast. I also appreciated the integration of the Italian language throughout the story, which encouraged me to do little bits of research along the way and helped piece together elements of the plot early on. The 1960s setting was another highlight for me and was a breath of fresh air from many of the books I’ve read recently.
In terms of the characters, I mostly enjoyed Bambi. While she irritated me at times, I think a lot of that frustration reflected the social expectations and attitudes of the era rather than simply her personal choices, which added to the story for me.
Unfortunately, the pacing didn’t fully work for me. I felt it took nearly half the book before the plot really gave me something substantial to become invested in. While I understand the importance of building atmosphere and characters backstories, I think this could have been done a little earlier. I also wouldn’t describe this as a straightforward thriller or at least not the type typically associated with the genre. I enjoy a good slow burn,provided the payoff is worth it. For me this was not the case. Don’t get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the twists and reveals but they felt a little rushed.
It was also a little unfortunate that two of the novel’s major themes and reveals felt quite similar to books I’ve read recently within the same genre.
That said, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and would definitely be interested in reading more of her work in the future.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC ✨
This dual timeline story follows Bambi, who is honeymooning with her husband Spencer on the Amalfi Coast in Italy during the 1960s. From the beginning, there is tension between the newlyweds and things soon take a strange turn when they befriend another couple staying at their hotel.
One of the standout aspects of the novel was the atmosphere and setting. Rebecca Taylor Mc Kay did a fantastic job capturing the beauty and charm of Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast. I also appreciated the integration of the Italian language throughout the story, which encouraged me to do little bits of research along the way and helped piece together elements of the plot early on. The 1960s setting was another highlight for me and was a breath of fresh air from many of the books I’ve read recently.
In terms of the characters, I mostly enjoyed Bambi. While she irritated me at times, I think a lot of that frustration reflected the social expectations and attitudes of the era rather than simply her personal choices, which added to the story for me.
Unfortunately, the pacing didn’t fully work for me. I felt it took nearly half the book before the plot really gave me something substantial to become invested in. While I understand the importance of building atmosphere and characters backstories, I think this could have been done a little earlier. I also wouldn’t describe this as a straightforward thriller or at least not the type typically associated with the genre. I enjoy a good slow burn,provided the payoff is worth it. For me this was not the case. Don’t get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the twists and reveals but they felt a little rushed.
It was also a little unfortunate that two of the novel’s major themes and reveals felt quite similar to books I’ve read recently within the same genre.
That said, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and would definitely be interested in reading more of her work in the future.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC ✨
July 19, 2026
Teile, die fehlen
Im August 1961 verbringen die Carmichaels ihre Flitterwochen in Positano. Der Palazzo Rosso an der Amalfiküste bildet als Luxushotel die perfekte Kulisse für den reichen Spencer und seine zweiundzwanzigjährige Frau. Als diese einen Zettel erhält, auf dem „Er lügt“ steht, wachsen ihre Zweifel, denn Spencer scheint verändert, ist plötzlich angespannt und spricht sogar Italienisch. Auch das selbstbewusste Paar Vivian und Fred, das die beiden im Hotel kennenlernen, scheint geheimnisvoll. Und diese Geheimnisse werden immer dunkler in diesem Sommer der Wahrheit.
Wären nicht die grellgelben Lettern des Titels und der dunkel bewölkte Himmel auf dem Cover, könnte man eine romantische Urlaubslektüre erahnen: eine Brücke, die sich über Felsen spannt, ein Sportwagen, die Weite des Meers. Doch die Romantik tritt in dieser Geschichte sehr bald in den Hintergrund. Die drei Teile des Buchs bestehen aus kurzen Kapitel, die teils aus der Zeit der Hochzeitsreise, teils aus dem Jahr davor spielen. Die Ich-Erzählerin gibt die Ereignisse ihres Lebens recht langsam preis. Dennoch ist die Geschichte zu keiner Zeit langatmig. Ich schreibe den ruhigen und ausführlich erzählten ersten Teil einfach der Augusthitze der Amalfiküste zu.
Die Beschreibung von Positano und seiner Umgebung versetzt einen direkt an diesen Ort; man meint, die Atmosphäre dort zu spüren und gar die Zitronen riechen zu können. Auch die Charaktere sind authentisch gezeichnet. Das Prädikat Slow-Burn-Lesethrill ist hier vollkommen gerechtfertigt. Die Spannung, die sich leise aufbaut, ist eher zwischen den Zeilen zu finden. Wie die Ich-Erzählerin beginnt man auch als Lesender zu zweifeln, sich zu fragen, wer hier lügt, denn nichts ist, wie es scheint. Manches Mal meint man sogar zu wissen, wie diese Geschichte ausgehen muss, wären da nicht die zahlreichen Wendungen, die vor allem am Ende des Buchs gehäuft vorkommen.
Ein Buch, das zum Sommer passt - unterhaltsam, beklemmend, intensiv; mit unvorhergesehenen Wendungen und daher garantierter Spannung ohne Blutvergießen.
Im August 1961 verbringen die Carmichaels ihre Flitterwochen in Positano. Der Palazzo Rosso an der Amalfiküste bildet als Luxushotel die perfekte Kulisse für den reichen Spencer und seine zweiundzwanzigjährige Frau. Als diese einen Zettel erhält, auf dem „Er lügt“ steht, wachsen ihre Zweifel, denn Spencer scheint verändert, ist plötzlich angespannt und spricht sogar Italienisch. Auch das selbstbewusste Paar Vivian und Fred, das die beiden im Hotel kennenlernen, scheint geheimnisvoll. Und diese Geheimnisse werden immer dunkler in diesem Sommer der Wahrheit.
Wären nicht die grellgelben Lettern des Titels und der dunkel bewölkte Himmel auf dem Cover, könnte man eine romantische Urlaubslektüre erahnen: eine Brücke, die sich über Felsen spannt, ein Sportwagen, die Weite des Meers. Doch die Romantik tritt in dieser Geschichte sehr bald in den Hintergrund. Die drei Teile des Buchs bestehen aus kurzen Kapitel, die teils aus der Zeit der Hochzeitsreise, teils aus dem Jahr davor spielen. Die Ich-Erzählerin gibt die Ereignisse ihres Lebens recht langsam preis. Dennoch ist die Geschichte zu keiner Zeit langatmig. Ich schreibe den ruhigen und ausführlich erzählten ersten Teil einfach der Augusthitze der Amalfiküste zu.
Die Beschreibung von Positano und seiner Umgebung versetzt einen direkt an diesen Ort; man meint, die Atmosphäre dort zu spüren und gar die Zitronen riechen zu können. Auch die Charaktere sind authentisch gezeichnet. Das Prädikat Slow-Burn-Lesethrill ist hier vollkommen gerechtfertigt. Die Spannung, die sich leise aufbaut, ist eher zwischen den Zeilen zu finden. Wie die Ich-Erzählerin beginnt man auch als Lesender zu zweifeln, sich zu fragen, wer hier lügt, denn nichts ist, wie es scheint. Manches Mal meint man sogar zu wissen, wie diese Geschichte ausgehen muss, wären da nicht die zahlreichen Wendungen, die vor allem am Ende des Buchs gehäuft vorkommen.
Ein Buch, das zum Sommer passt - unterhaltsam, beklemmend, intensiv; mit unvorhergesehenen Wendungen und daher garantierter Spannung ohne Blutvergießen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The perfect couple. The perfect destination. The perfect lie.
It’s the 1960s and Clara ‘Bambi’ and Spencer Carmichael are on their dream honeymoon in Italy. They have a glorious month of dazzling blue seas, lemon trees and stunning food and drinks ahead of them. For the newlyweds, the first days slip by in a haze. The boat rides, private beaches and cocktails beneath a star-studded sky with their new friends, Vivien and Fred. It is paradise … until a note is slipped under the door of their suite and everything begins to unravel. It states ‘he is lying to you’.
Suddenly, Clara begins to question everything. Why does she have the feeling she’d been watched? And why does Spencer seem so familiar within their hotel when he says he has never been here before? Clara is forced to confront the idea that the man she married may not be the person he says he is.
The closer she gets to finding the answers, the more danger Clara finds herself. How far are those around her willing to go to protect their secrets?
A story of obsession, betrayal and darkness, t this book seems like the worst honeymoon ever! The way the book was written and the scenario in which the Carmichael’s find themselves in Italy makes you almost think you are within someone’s dream. And wow!! The descriptions of the Amalfi Coast were just incredible and I am desperately dreaming of a sun-drenched trip here! ☀️🇮🇹
A dual timeline, psychological thriller where nothing is as it seems; the glamorous setting, material belongings and money, with the unsettling juxtaposition of danger, tension and creepy behaviour. A slow burner that picks up in Part 2 that then feels very rushed in the end. The pacing just feels a little off. The majority of the twists did seem a little predictable but if you are looking for an easy, summer read, with an incredible backdrop then this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Quercus Publishers and Rebecca Taylor McKay for the ARC of the book in return for an honest review.
It’s the 1960s and Clara ‘Bambi’ and Spencer Carmichael are on their dream honeymoon in Italy. They have a glorious month of dazzling blue seas, lemon trees and stunning food and drinks ahead of them. For the newlyweds, the first days slip by in a haze. The boat rides, private beaches and cocktails beneath a star-studded sky with their new friends, Vivien and Fred. It is paradise … until a note is slipped under the door of their suite and everything begins to unravel. It states ‘he is lying to you’.
Suddenly, Clara begins to question everything. Why does she have the feeling she’d been watched? And why does Spencer seem so familiar within their hotel when he says he has never been here before? Clara is forced to confront the idea that the man she married may not be the person he says he is.
The closer she gets to finding the answers, the more danger Clara finds herself. How far are those around her willing to go to protect their secrets?
A story of obsession, betrayal and darkness, t this book seems like the worst honeymoon ever! The way the book was written and the scenario in which the Carmichael’s find themselves in Italy makes you almost think you are within someone’s dream. And wow!! The descriptions of the Amalfi Coast were just incredible and I am desperately dreaming of a sun-drenched trip here! ☀️🇮🇹
A dual timeline, psychological thriller where nothing is as it seems; the glamorous setting, material belongings and money, with the unsettling juxtaposition of danger, tension and creepy behaviour. A slow burner that picks up in Part 2 that then feels very rushed in the end. The pacing just feels a little off. The majority of the twists did seem a little predictable but if you are looking for an easy, summer read, with an incredible backdrop then this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Quercus Publishers and Rebecca Taylor McKay for the ARC of the book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Honeymoon Suite is a seductive, slow‑burn psychological thriller that captures the shimmering beauty of the Amalfi Coast while letting something far darker coil beneath the surface. From the moment Clara and Spencer arrive in their marble‑clad suite, the story feels drenched in sunlight and secrets — a paradise so perfect it almost dares you to look closer.
Clara is a wonderfully compelling narrator, caught between the glow of newlywed bliss and the uneasy sense that something isn’t quite right. The heat, the glamour, the endless blue of the sea all create a dreamy haze, and the novel uses that softness to its advantage. When the note appears — He’s lying to you — it slices through the idyll with a quiet, devastating precision. Suddenly every gesture, every glance, every too‑smooth explanation from Spencer takes on a different weight.
The setting is beautifully rendered, full of lemon groves, cliffside paths, and sun‑bleached alleyways that seem to twist just out of sight. As Clara begins to follow those twists, the tension builds with a delicious subtlety. The sense of being watched, the familiarity Spencer shouldn’t have, the feeling that the past is brushing against the present — it all gathers like a storm behind the glittering façade.
What makes the novel so addictive is the way it balances glamour with unease. The world is gorgeous, but the danger is intimate, creeping, and rooted in obsession. By the time Clara uncovers the truth, the story has shifted from a dreamy honeymoon to something far more sinister, and the final revelations land with a satisfying, sun‑scorched sting.
A lush, atmospheric thriller perfect for readers who love old‑world glamour, slow‑building suspense, and the unsettling knowledge that even paradise can hide a predator.
With thanks to Rebecca Taylor McKay, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Clara is a wonderfully compelling narrator, caught between the glow of newlywed bliss and the uneasy sense that something isn’t quite right. The heat, the glamour, the endless blue of the sea all create a dreamy haze, and the novel uses that softness to its advantage. When the note appears — He’s lying to you — it slices through the idyll with a quiet, devastating precision. Suddenly every gesture, every glance, every too‑smooth explanation from Spencer takes on a different weight.
The setting is beautifully rendered, full of lemon groves, cliffside paths, and sun‑bleached alleyways that seem to twist just out of sight. As Clara begins to follow those twists, the tension builds with a delicious subtlety. The sense of being watched, the familiarity Spencer shouldn’t have, the feeling that the past is brushing against the present — it all gathers like a storm behind the glittering façade.
What makes the novel so addictive is the way it balances glamour with unease. The world is gorgeous, but the danger is intimate, creeping, and rooted in obsession. By the time Clara uncovers the truth, the story has shifted from a dreamy honeymoon to something far more sinister, and the final revelations land with a satisfying, sun‑scorched sting.
A lush, atmospheric thriller perfect for readers who love old‑world glamour, slow‑building suspense, and the unsettling knowledge that even paradise can hide a predator.
With thanks to Rebecca Taylor McKay, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
June 29, 2026
This is the debut novel by Rebecca Taylor McKay and what a debut, I really like her style of writing, she paints pictures with words, especially her description of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and the stunning Italian town of Positano, colourful and rising majestically from the blue Mediterranean sea, a place very close to my heart.
"He is lying to you" that's what the note said, the note that was pushed under the door of the honeymoon suite.
Shy, red haired Clara was just a girl from the typing pool, an orphan who had worked hard to get where she was, and now, much to the envy of her colleagues, she was married to the owner of the company, handsome, wealthy, Spencer Carmichael.
Clara had been ill so their honeymoon had been delayed, but the were now at the prestigious Palazzo Rossi in the beautiful old town of Positano where Spencer had booked the honeymoon suite.
Everything was idyllic, the scenery was stunning, the food and wine exquisite but Clara was uneasy from the start, everything seemed familiar, people acted oddly and then there was the note.
Clara and Spencer quickly made friends with another couple staying at the hotel, stunningly beautiful Vivien and her wealthy husband, Fred, although, it has to be said, Spencer wasn't too taken with them, something wasn't quite right..........but what ?
This story is not fast paced, the author stretches the mystery out page by agonising page, the tension is slow build and I can't really say that I liked any of the characters although I found them intriguing. I won't give any spoilers away but just to say that the ending is dramatic, although i'm not sure that it was one that I liked, but that is just my opinion.
This story is one that I really enjoyed and would recommend as long as you don't like your mysteries to be fast paced.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC my review is totally voluntary.
"He is lying to you" that's what the note said, the note that was pushed under the door of the honeymoon suite.
Shy, red haired Clara was just a girl from the typing pool, an orphan who had worked hard to get where she was, and now, much to the envy of her colleagues, she was married to the owner of the company, handsome, wealthy, Spencer Carmichael.
Clara had been ill so their honeymoon had been delayed, but the were now at the prestigious Palazzo Rossi in the beautiful old town of Positano where Spencer had booked the honeymoon suite.
Everything was idyllic, the scenery was stunning, the food and wine exquisite but Clara was uneasy from the start, everything seemed familiar, people acted oddly and then there was the note.
Clara and Spencer quickly made friends with another couple staying at the hotel, stunningly beautiful Vivien and her wealthy husband, Fred, although, it has to be said, Spencer wasn't too taken with them, something wasn't quite right..........but what ?
This story is not fast paced, the author stretches the mystery out page by agonising page, the tension is slow build and I can't really say that I liked any of the characters although I found them intriguing. I won't give any spoilers away but just to say that the ending is dramatic, although i'm not sure that it was one that I liked, but that is just my opinion.
This story is one that I really enjoyed and would recommend as long as you don't like your mysteries to be fast paced.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC my review is totally voluntary.
July 14, 2026
Als ich das Cover gepaart mit dem vielversprechenden Klappentext in der Programmvorschau des Rowohlt Verlags entdeckte, war klar, dass ich "Er lügt - Doch es ist der Sommer der Wahrheit" von Rebecca Taylor McKay, übersetzt von Silke Jellinghaus und erschienen im Rowohlt Verlag, unbedingt lesen wollte.
Mit hohen Erwartungen ging ich an diesen Thriller und hatte einen sehr schönen Einstieg in die Geschichte, in der immer etwas Düsteres mitschwang.
Das traumhafte Setting schaffte die Autorin sehr schön zu transportieren, und ich konnte die Landschaft und das Flair Italiens vor meinem inneren Auge sehen. Allerdings wurde ich mit den Figuren des Romans nicht warm, und sie waren für mich nicht greifbar. Dennoch wollte ich erfahren, was es mit Spencer und Clara auf sich hat und welche Geheimnisse sich hinter der Fassade verbergen. Leider schaffte es die Autorin nicht, den Spannungsbogen aufrechtzuerhalten, da es immer wieder zu Längen im Handlungsablauf kam und das Storytelling oft zu behäbig und langatmig war. Hier hätte ich mir mehr Zug gewünscht und auch etwas mehr Tiefe.
Bei mir entscheidet fast immer das Ende, ob ich einen Thriller gut finde oder nicht. Eine Wendung gegen Schluss kann hier meine gesamte Meinung ändern. Nur leider blieb dieser Knall am Ende aus, und so schloss ich das Buch etwas unbefriedigt ab. Für mich ist "Er lügt" mehr ein Spannungsroman als ein Thriller, und auch als solcher weist er für meinen Geschmack zu viele Längen auf. Aber wie immer ist dies meine persönliche Meinung, und ich freue mich über jeden, der diese Story geliebt hat.
Leider fehlten mir am Ende einfach unvorhersehbare Wendungen, Zug im Storytelling und die Nahbarkeit der Protagonisten. Von mir gibt es daher 3 von 5 Sterne für diesen Spannungsroman, der jedoch mit dem Setting Italien punkten kann.
Mit hohen Erwartungen ging ich an diesen Thriller und hatte einen sehr schönen Einstieg in die Geschichte, in der immer etwas Düsteres mitschwang.
Das traumhafte Setting schaffte die Autorin sehr schön zu transportieren, und ich konnte die Landschaft und das Flair Italiens vor meinem inneren Auge sehen. Allerdings wurde ich mit den Figuren des Romans nicht warm, und sie waren für mich nicht greifbar. Dennoch wollte ich erfahren, was es mit Spencer und Clara auf sich hat und welche Geheimnisse sich hinter der Fassade verbergen. Leider schaffte es die Autorin nicht, den Spannungsbogen aufrechtzuerhalten, da es immer wieder zu Längen im Handlungsablauf kam und das Storytelling oft zu behäbig und langatmig war. Hier hätte ich mir mehr Zug gewünscht und auch etwas mehr Tiefe.
Bei mir entscheidet fast immer das Ende, ob ich einen Thriller gut finde oder nicht. Eine Wendung gegen Schluss kann hier meine gesamte Meinung ändern. Nur leider blieb dieser Knall am Ende aus, und so schloss ich das Buch etwas unbefriedigt ab. Für mich ist "Er lügt" mehr ein Spannungsroman als ein Thriller, und auch als solcher weist er für meinen Geschmack zu viele Längen auf. Aber wie immer ist dies meine persönliche Meinung, und ich freue mich über jeden, der diese Story geliebt hat.
Leider fehlten mir am Ende einfach unvorhersehbare Wendungen, Zug im Storytelling und die Nahbarkeit der Protagonisten. Von mir gibt es daher 3 von 5 Sterne für diesen Spannungsroman, der jedoch mit dem Setting Italien punkten kann.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Clara Carmichael arrives on the Amalfi Coast with her new husband, Spencer, ready for a picture perfect honeymoon of sun, sea, and luxury. But their blissful routine is shattered when a note appears under their door with a chilling message: He’s lying to you. Suddenly nothing feels right. Spencer seems strangely familiar with the hotel, Clara senses she’s being watched, and doubts about her new marriage begin to spiral. As she searches for answers along the Amalfi Coast’s winding streets and dramatic cliffs, Clara is forced to confront the possibility that Spencer isn’t who he claims to be—and that uncovering the truth may put her in danger.
I found this novel surprisingly slow, and my attention drifted more often than I expected. The repeated references to Spencer’s his constant dismissal of Fred and Vivien became tiresome, especially since the connection between Spencer and Vivien is obvious from the outset; although it eventually ties the plot together, it wasn’t compelling enough to hold my interest. I also struggled with Clara’s lack of questioning—despite sensing something is wrong on their honeymoon, her reluctance to confront Spencer feels implausible. The characters overall lacked the depth needed to make me invest in their journey. By the halfway point I was tempted to stop reading, but I pushed through, hoping for a stronger payoff. While the threads do come together in the end, it ultimately wasn’t enough to leave me impressed. This is just my personal opinion, and others may very much enjoy the book, unfortunately this one was not for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own. 2.5 stars rounded to 3.
I found this novel surprisingly slow, and my attention drifted more often than I expected. The repeated references to Spencer’s his constant dismissal of Fred and Vivien became tiresome, especially since the connection between Spencer and Vivien is obvious from the outset; although it eventually ties the plot together, it wasn’t compelling enough to hold my interest. I also struggled with Clara’s lack of questioning—despite sensing something is wrong on their honeymoon, her reluctance to confront Spencer feels implausible. The characters overall lacked the depth needed to make me invest in their journey. By the halfway point I was tempted to stop reading, but I pushed through, hoping for a stronger payoff. While the threads do come together in the end, it ultimately wasn’t enough to leave me impressed. This is just my personal opinion, and others may very much enjoy the book, unfortunately this one was not for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own. 2.5 stars rounded to 3.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded up
What is wealthy Spencer Carmichael lying about to his wife Clara? Right from the start of their arrival on their honeymoon in Positano, this Italian paradise seems to contain warning signs. Why does Clara feel like she’s being watched? Is the man she has married who he says he is??
First of all, the Positano setting is very atmospheric. The author makes me feel as if I’m back there, enjoying all this gorgeous place has to offer, including the warmth, wine and food. The 1960s timeline adds a little extra to the ambience of the place, allowing the author opportunities to create the male/female imbalance of the time. The location is used very effectively in the plot with its stunning beauty contrasting very effectively with the increasingly ominous plot tones. There is building tension between the four main characters, some suspenseful moments, good twists and the ending is very good.
None of the characters are especially likeable which I don’t mind as it’s one of the main points of the novel, though perhaps it makes me slightly less involved?? Spencer is awful, he’s very controlling and like Clara, his constant use of his pet name for her makes me want to scream! The two other main characters initially seem friendly and benevolent but appearances can be so deceptive.
However, the novel is very slow especially in the first half although I can see the purpose of this in setting the scene for what later transpires.
Overall, this is an easy read psychological thriller and a perfect book to take on holiday.
I really like the cover which offers a tantalising glimpse of what lies within.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
What is wealthy Spencer Carmichael lying about to his wife Clara? Right from the start of their arrival on their honeymoon in Positano, this Italian paradise seems to contain warning signs. Why does Clara feel like she’s being watched? Is the man she has married who he says he is??
First of all, the Positano setting is very atmospheric. The author makes me feel as if I’m back there, enjoying all this gorgeous place has to offer, including the warmth, wine and food. The 1960s timeline adds a little extra to the ambience of the place, allowing the author opportunities to create the male/female imbalance of the time. The location is used very effectively in the plot with its stunning beauty contrasting very effectively with the increasingly ominous plot tones. There is building tension between the four main characters, some suspenseful moments, good twists and the ending is very good.
None of the characters are especially likeable which I don’t mind as it’s one of the main points of the novel, though perhaps it makes me slightly less involved?? Spencer is awful, he’s very controlling and like Clara, his constant use of his pet name for her makes me want to scream! The two other main characters initially seem friendly and benevolent but appearances can be so deceptive.
However, the novel is very slow especially in the first half although I can see the purpose of this in setting the scene for what later transpires.
Overall, this is an easy read psychological thriller and a perfect book to take on holiday.
I really like the cover which offers a tantalising glimpse of what lies within.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
June 15, 2026
I’m so annoyed as this book had such promise but I feel the ending was a bit of a damp squib.
I don’t require happy endings for all my characters, I don’t even need them to “win” all the time but all Clara did in this book was lose.
As per the blurb, we pick up on Clara’s honeymoon and immediately we can sense something is wrong. A few looks that aren’t quite appropriate, comments that make you (and Clara) paranoid, alongside the mystery of why Clara is having her honeymoon so long after her wedding.
Up until about 80% into the book I was invested and couldn’t believe how quickly I was getting into this book! It all started to unravel from their and I’m afraid I really didn’t appreciate the conclusion. Bearing in mind, Clara is only 23, she’s had a very stressful life for absolutely no reason and here comes the last 20% to make it even worse.
I did enjoy how the story unfolded, I felt it answered questions at the right pace and utilised flashbacks very well. The main characters were all really well written with distinct personalities which I really enjoyed, even if it meant loathing them as needed.
Again, without spoiling the ending, I felt like the character deserved a better ending however I will concede that she probably couldn’t have got one without losing herself. In some ways, I guess the ending shows Clara’s strength of character.
Thank you to Quercus Boons and Netgalley for the arc!
I don’t require happy endings for all my characters, I don’t even need them to “win” all the time but all Clara did in this book was lose.
As per the blurb, we pick up on Clara’s honeymoon and immediately we can sense something is wrong. A few looks that aren’t quite appropriate, comments that make you (and Clara) paranoid, alongside the mystery of why Clara is having her honeymoon so long after her wedding.
Up until about 80% into the book I was invested and couldn’t believe how quickly I was getting into this book! It all started to unravel from their and I’m afraid I really didn’t appreciate the conclusion. Bearing in mind, Clara is only 23, she’s had a very stressful life for absolutely no reason and here comes the last 20% to make it even worse.
I did enjoy how the story unfolded, I felt it answered questions at the right pace and utilised flashbacks very well. The main characters were all really well written with distinct personalities which I really enjoyed, even if it meant loathing them as needed.
Again, without spoiling the ending, I felt like the character deserved a better ending however I will concede that she probably couldn’t have got one without losing herself. In some ways, I guess the ending shows Clara’s strength of character.
Thank you to Quercus Boons and Netgalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What an incredible read! Packed with suspense, tension, and brilliantly crafted twists, it had me completely hooked from the very first page.
The novel opens with a couple, Spencer and Bambi, embarking on their honeymoon in Italy, albeit they have been married for over a year. However, almost immediately, things begin to seem suspicious. Why does Spencer appear angry with the hotel owner? What does the note left outside their suite mean, and who are the couple Fred and Vivianne—and why does Spencer seem annoyed with them?
Bambi appears to be in love with her husband, Spencer. Although she knows she was hospitalised after a serious accident, she cannot remember the nature of her illness. All she does know is that Spencer is acting overly protective and is giving her medication.
While she warms to the lively couple—the charismatic American, Fred, and his English wife, Vivianne—she becomes increasingly aware that Spencer feels very differently.
Set in the beautiful backdrops of the Amalfi coast, and the harsh claustrophobic 1960’s London, we are given the perfect summer read. One I highly recommend.
Thank you Rebecca Taylor McKay, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.
The novel opens with a couple, Spencer and Bambi, embarking on their honeymoon in Italy, albeit they have been married for over a year. However, almost immediately, things begin to seem suspicious. Why does Spencer appear angry with the hotel owner? What does the note left outside their suite mean, and who are the couple Fred and Vivianne—and why does Spencer seem annoyed with them?
Bambi appears to be in love with her husband, Spencer. Although she knows she was hospitalised after a serious accident, she cannot remember the nature of her illness. All she does know is that Spencer is acting overly protective and is giving her medication.
While she warms to the lively couple—the charismatic American, Fred, and his English wife, Vivianne—she becomes increasingly aware that Spencer feels very differently.
Set in the beautiful backdrops of the Amalfi coast, and the harsh claustrophobic 1960’s London, we are given the perfect summer read. One I highly recommend.
Thank you Rebecca Taylor McKay, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Honeymoon Suite is an addictive destination thriller that completely pulled me in from the start. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi coast, the novel gives a growing sense that something isn't quite right beneath the surface of Clara and Spencer's honeymoon.
This was a real page-turner for me. I kept changing my mind about who to trust as the story unfolded, which made the reading experience especially engaging. Just when I thought I had worked things out, another detail would make me question everything again. The twists were well placed and kept the tension building right through to the final chapters. I also really enjoyed Clara as a protagonist. I found myself liking and rooting for her more and more as the story progressed.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me was that the ending felt slightly rushed compared to the slower build of the rest of the novel. That said, it didn't take away from how gripping the journey there was.
Overall, this is a suspenseful and immersive thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end - perfect for readers who enjoy glamorous settings paired with psychological tension.
Thank you to Rebecca Taylor McKay, the publisher and NetGalley.
This was a real page-turner for me. I kept changing my mind about who to trust as the story unfolded, which made the reading experience especially engaging. Just when I thought I had worked things out, another detail would make me question everything again. The twists were well placed and kept the tension building right through to the final chapters. I also really enjoyed Clara as a protagonist. I found myself liking and rooting for her more and more as the story progressed.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me was that the ending felt slightly rushed compared to the slower build of the rest of the novel. That said, it didn't take away from how gripping the journey there was.
Overall, this is a suspenseful and immersive thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end - perfect for readers who enjoy glamorous settings paired with psychological tension.
Thank you to Rebecca Taylor McKay, the publisher and NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Honeymoon Suite is an atmospheric and transportive read that draws you in from the very first pages. Themes of confronting the past and navigating strained relationships emerge early, setting the tone for a story that feels quietly unsettling.
The central character, nicknamed “Bambi,” evokes a sense of fragility—both of the human psyche and of the relationships that shape us. There’s an undercurrent of unease throughout, reminiscent of The Yellow Wallpaper, as hidden tensions and buried truths gradually come to light. The novel carefully peels back layers of secrecy, revealing the darker aspects of its characters over time.
One of the most compelling elements is its exploration of control and power—who holds it, how it’s gained, and the cost of maintaining it. The cast is complex and convincingly flawed, though I found them difficult to fully connect with on an emotional level, which slightly limited my investment in their fates.
That said, the sun-drenched Italian setting is beautifully realised—alive with the hum of cicadas and the vivid presence of bougainvillea. It’s an evocative backdrop that enhances the novel’s slow-burn tension, making it an ideal holiday read for those who enjoy character-driven, relationship-focused suspense.
The central character, nicknamed “Bambi,” evokes a sense of fragility—both of the human psyche and of the relationships that shape us. There’s an undercurrent of unease throughout, reminiscent of The Yellow Wallpaper, as hidden tensions and buried truths gradually come to light. The novel carefully peels back layers of secrecy, revealing the darker aspects of its characters over time.
One of the most compelling elements is its exploration of control and power—who holds it, how it’s gained, and the cost of maintaining it. The cast is complex and convincingly flawed, though I found them difficult to fully connect with on an emotional level, which slightly limited my investment in their fates.
That said, the sun-drenched Italian setting is beautifully realised—alive with the hum of cicadas and the vivid presence of bougainvillea. It’s an evocative backdrop that enhances the novel’s slow-burn tension, making it an ideal holiday read for those who enjoy character-driven, relationship-focused suspense.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book ended up really surprising me!
The vibes of this book - impeccable. 1960s Almafi Coast honeymoon setting - sublime. However, this book did start off incredibly slow. Although I was enjoying it and enjoying the scenes, it felt like nothing happened for a while, but then when it did, we got a really good story.
We got our first real development around 60% & that is when the book really kicked off. We get quite a few twists and turns after that and honestly the ending really unsettled me. It felt very realistic and scary.
The characters - all completely unlikeable, but in the way that is intentional. I did get slightly annoyed with Bambis character, as she felt so vulnerable and immature. I feel like even when you know about her illness, it still didn’t warrant the way her character was portrayed. However, it is set in the 60s, so it was a very different time for women. Fred & Vivian I can talk about forever - deeply unsettling mysterious characters which you can tell as soon as they hit the page.
Overall, a really strong book - incredible that this is the authors DEBUT NOVEL. I think this would make a great holiday read in the sunshine ☀️
Thank you so much to Netgalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for a review.
The vibes of this book - impeccable. 1960s Almafi Coast honeymoon setting - sublime. However, this book did start off incredibly slow. Although I was enjoying it and enjoying the scenes, it felt like nothing happened for a while, but then when it did, we got a really good story.
We got our first real development around 60% & that is when the book really kicked off. We get quite a few twists and turns after that and honestly the ending really unsettled me. It felt very realistic and scary.
The characters - all completely unlikeable, but in the way that is intentional. I did get slightly annoyed with Bambis character, as she felt so vulnerable and immature. I feel like even when you know about her illness, it still didn’t warrant the way her character was portrayed. However, it is set in the 60s, so it was a very different time for women. Fred & Vivian I can talk about forever - deeply unsettling mysterious characters which you can tell as soon as they hit the page.
Overall, a really strong book - incredible that this is the authors DEBUT NOVEL. I think this would make a great holiday read in the sunshine ☀️
Thank you so much to Netgalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Honeymoon Suite Rebecca Taylor McKay
5 stars
An interesting and atmospheric story
I originally selected this book because it is set on The Amalfi Coast in Italy which I have visited and found very beautiful. The description of this area is beautifully brought to life and I almost felt I was there myself.
However for Clara Spencer as she arrives on her honeymoon with Spencer right from the start she feels that something isn't quite right. The hotel is beautiful, the service is excellent but as they start to explore the area Clara just feels a sense of foreboding. She feels that people are looking at her as if they have met her before. We discover that Clara has had a strange illness a year before just after the wedding and this trip is hopefully going to help her recovery and possibly also help her remember what happened.
It is difficult to explain much more of this story without giving away spoilers but believe me it is well worth reading as the author slowly explains everything that has happened. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I believe this is a debut novel, if so, I look forward to any future books from this author.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net galley
May 13, 2026
J’ai eu la chance de recevoir le roman vertige en avant-première grâce à GLEEPH et la maison d’édition Sonatine alors merci à eux pour cela !
L’histoire se déroule au début des années 60, c’est une première pour moi, je n’avais jamais lu de livre se déroulant dans ce genre de période et cela est assez déroutant au début, mais apporte un certain charme à la lecture.
On y découvre le couple de Spencer et Clara lors de leur lune de miel tardive à Positano. Dès le début de roman, on sent une certaine tension dans le couple, une fragilité dans le personnage de Clara qu’elle met elle-même en avant, et des non-dits rythmant l’histoire et la relation entre les personnages.
Il fait chaud, on se pose des questions, on essaie de comprendre ce qu’il se passe, mais personne n’est vraimentt clair dans ses intentions dans cette ambiance oppressante et élégante de Positano.
La paranoïa s’empare de vous de la même façon qu’elle s’empare de Clara, les twists sont bien amenés ce qui nous pousse à tourner page après page pour connaître le fin mot de cette histoire.
Ce livre est prenant, si comme moi, vous aimez les thrillers qui montent en tension et vous emportent avec eux, vous allez également apprécier cette lecture !
L’histoire se déroule au début des années 60, c’est une première pour moi, je n’avais jamais lu de livre se déroulant dans ce genre de période et cela est assez déroutant au début, mais apporte un certain charme à la lecture.
On y découvre le couple de Spencer et Clara lors de leur lune de miel tardive à Positano. Dès le début de roman, on sent une certaine tension dans le couple, une fragilité dans le personnage de Clara qu’elle met elle-même en avant, et des non-dits rythmant l’histoire et la relation entre les personnages.
Il fait chaud, on se pose des questions, on essaie de comprendre ce qu’il se passe, mais personne n’est vraimentt clair dans ses intentions dans cette ambiance oppressante et élégante de Positano.
La paranoïa s’empare de vous de la même façon qu’elle s’empare de Clara, les twists sont bien amenés ce qui nous pousse à tourner page après page pour connaître le fin mot de cette histoire.
Ce livre est prenant, si comme moi, vous aimez les thrillers qui montent en tension et vous emportent avec eux, vous allez également apprécier cette lecture !
July 19, 2026
Der Titel und das Cover von „Er lügt“ gibt das Genre des Buches eigentlich schon Preis. Auch wenn der Beginn eher einer Romanze entspricht und der Leser sich immer mal wieder fragt, was eigentlich nicht so ganz passt. Die Daten zu Beginn der Kapitel sollte man genau verfolgen (das hatte ich zunächst vernachlässigt) und so kommt man auch selbst bald zu dem Schluss, dass da was nicht stimmt.
In einem lockeren Schreibstil verfolgt der Leser eine Handlung, die zwischen mehreren Jahren hin- und herspringt. Selbst der Titel und der gleich beschriftete Zettel in der Handlung sorgen erst im zweiten Moment dafür, dass man sich darüber bewusst wird, einen Thriller in Händen zu halten. Es könnte genausogut ein Liebesroman sein. Die Ich-Erzählerin scheint aber auch eine dunklere Vergangenheit zu haben. Die Andeutungen kommen auch nur schleppend. Wie die Ich-Erzählerin beginnt man auch als Lesender zu zweifeln, sich zu fragen, wer hier lügt, denn nichts ist, wie es scheint.
Wenn man selber mittätet, denkt man die Lösung zu haben - bis zur nächsten, meist überraschenden Wendung. So geht es bis zu den letzten Seiten des Buches.
Das Buch ist eine tolle Sommerlektüre mit Urlaubsflair an der Amalfi-Küste, Liebe, Leidenschaft…. und Thriller. Mein perfektes Gemisch.
In einem lockeren Schreibstil verfolgt der Leser eine Handlung, die zwischen mehreren Jahren hin- und herspringt. Selbst der Titel und der gleich beschriftete Zettel in der Handlung sorgen erst im zweiten Moment dafür, dass man sich darüber bewusst wird, einen Thriller in Händen zu halten. Es könnte genausogut ein Liebesroman sein. Die Ich-Erzählerin scheint aber auch eine dunklere Vergangenheit zu haben. Die Andeutungen kommen auch nur schleppend. Wie die Ich-Erzählerin beginnt man auch als Lesender zu zweifeln, sich zu fragen, wer hier lügt, denn nichts ist, wie es scheint.
Wenn man selber mittätet, denkt man die Lösung zu haben - bis zur nächsten, meist überraschenden Wendung. So geht es bis zu den letzten Seiten des Buches.
Das Buch ist eine tolle Sommerlektüre mit Urlaubsflair an der Amalfi-Küste, Liebe, Leidenschaft…. und Thriller. Mein perfektes Gemisch.
May 22, 2026
3.5 stars 🌟
Thank you so much to Quercus Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Honeymoon Suite is a solid, twisty psychological thriller dripping with old world glamour and tension. Set against the stunning Amalfi Coast in the 1960s, the atmosphere was easily one of my favourite parts of the book with sun soaked days, luxurious hotels, and that creeping feeling that something is very wrong beneath the surface.
I really enjoyed the slow unraveling of Clara’s suspicions and the constant feeling of unease surrounding Spencer. The story delivers plenty of secrets, manipulation, and twists that kept me turning the pages, especially in the second half. Fans of White Lotus style luxury mixed with classic psychological suspense will definitely find a lot to enjoy here.
That said, the pacing did drag slightly in places, and while some twists genuinely surprised me, others felt a little overdone by the end. Still, the setting, tension, and overall addictive quality made this a very entertaining read.
A stylish and suspenseful thriller with strong atmosphere and enough twists to keep thriller fans satisfied.
Thank you so much to Quercus Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Honeymoon Suite is a solid, twisty psychological thriller dripping with old world glamour and tension. Set against the stunning Amalfi Coast in the 1960s, the atmosphere was easily one of my favourite parts of the book with sun soaked days, luxurious hotels, and that creeping feeling that something is very wrong beneath the surface.
I really enjoyed the slow unraveling of Clara’s suspicions and the constant feeling of unease surrounding Spencer. The story delivers plenty of secrets, manipulation, and twists that kept me turning the pages, especially in the second half. Fans of White Lotus style luxury mixed with classic psychological suspense will definitely find a lot to enjoy here.
That said, the pacing did drag slightly in places, and while some twists genuinely surprised me, others felt a little overdone by the end. Still, the setting, tension, and overall addictive quality made this a very entertaining read.
A stylish and suspenseful thriller with strong atmosphere and enough twists to keep thriller fans satisfied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2026
Tod und Lüge vor Traumkulisse
60er Jahre, Clara und Spencer verbringen ihre verspäteten Flitterwochen an der traumhaften Amalfiküste. Clara erholt sich von einer längeren Krankheit. Es könnte so schön sein, wenn Spencers Verhalten nicht so viel Anlass zum Misstrauen geben würde.
Die Autorin spielt mit unterschwelliger Spannung, die sich langsam aufbaut. Viele Fragen stellen sich. Wer schreibt den Zettel ”Er lügt”, welche Rolle spielt das Ehepaar Vivian und Fred, welche Bedeutung hat der Prolog?
Ein sehr ruhiger Thriller, der mit psychologischen Elementen und Filmkulisse punktet. An einigen Stellen hätte ich mir etwas mehr Schwung gewünscht, aber die unerwarteten Wendungen in der Story gleichen das durchaus wieder aus.
Die Charaktere wirken authentisch, wobei ich mit dem Verhalten von Spencer gegenüber Clara so meine Probleme hatte. Aber das waren die '60er Jahre, da war so manches Rollenbild anders als heute.
Die Auflösung ist logisch, führt die losen Fäden zusammen und das Ende, das müsst ihr selber lesen.
Insgesamt ein solider, psychologischer Spannungsroman, Thriller trifft es in meinen Augen nicht so ganz, der gut unterhält.
60er Jahre, Clara und Spencer verbringen ihre verspäteten Flitterwochen an der traumhaften Amalfiküste. Clara erholt sich von einer längeren Krankheit. Es könnte so schön sein, wenn Spencers Verhalten nicht so viel Anlass zum Misstrauen geben würde.
Die Autorin spielt mit unterschwelliger Spannung, die sich langsam aufbaut. Viele Fragen stellen sich. Wer schreibt den Zettel ”Er lügt”, welche Rolle spielt das Ehepaar Vivian und Fred, welche Bedeutung hat der Prolog?
Ein sehr ruhiger Thriller, der mit psychologischen Elementen und Filmkulisse punktet. An einigen Stellen hätte ich mir etwas mehr Schwung gewünscht, aber die unerwarteten Wendungen in der Story gleichen das durchaus wieder aus.
Die Charaktere wirken authentisch, wobei ich mit dem Verhalten von Spencer gegenüber Clara so meine Probleme hatte. Aber das waren die '60er Jahre, da war so manches Rollenbild anders als heute.
Die Auflösung ist logisch, führt die losen Fäden zusammen und das Ende, das müsst ihr selber lesen.
Insgesamt ein solider, psychologischer Spannungsroman, Thriller trifft es in meinen Augen nicht so ganz, der gut unterhält.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A must read.
Beautiful young bride Clara Carmichael and her wealthy new husband Spencer arrive on the Amalfi Coast. A glorious month of dazzling blue seas, lemon trees heavy with fruit, and their sparkling, marble-clad honeymoon suite stretches ahead of them. The perfect honeymoon. For the newlyweds, the days slip by in a haze of boat rides, sun-bathing on the private beach, and cocktails beneath a star-studded sky. It's paradise - until a note is slipped under their door, and everything unravels. The perfect lie? In black ink, the message is unmistakable: He's lying to you. Suddenly, Clara questions everything. Why does Spencer seem so familiar with their hotel? Why does she have the feeling she's being watched? As she winds through the twists and turns of Amalfi Coast's sun-bleached alleyways and jagged cliffs, Clara is forced to confront the truth: the man she married may not be who he says he is. And the closer she gets to the answers, the more danger she's in.
I loved it. It's packed of twists i didn't see coming.
Beautiful young bride Clara Carmichael and her wealthy new husband Spencer arrive on the Amalfi Coast. A glorious month of dazzling blue seas, lemon trees heavy with fruit, and their sparkling, marble-clad honeymoon suite stretches ahead of them. The perfect honeymoon. For the newlyweds, the days slip by in a haze of boat rides, sun-bathing on the private beach, and cocktails beneath a star-studded sky. It's paradise - until a note is slipped under their door, and everything unravels. The perfect lie? In black ink, the message is unmistakable: He's lying to you. Suddenly, Clara questions everything. Why does Spencer seem so familiar with their hotel? Why does she have the feeling she's being watched? As she winds through the twists and turns of Amalfi Coast's sun-bleached alleyways and jagged cliffs, Clara is forced to confront the truth: the man she married may not be who he says he is. And the closer she gets to the answers, the more danger she's in.
I loved it. It's packed of twists i didn't see coming.
April 29, 2026
Setting = stunning. Story = slow.
I am not sure how to feel about this book. The idea and concept really excited me so I was excited to give it a read. I will say that I loved the setting of the story and the descriptions of the setting were perfectly done. However, the story just didn't live up to the same level.
It takes a while for anything substantial to really happen. For the first half of the book there are simply hints that there is going to be a twist and this is built up in a way that made me excited to know what happened. When the twist finally did happen, it just didn't deliver for me. I stuck with things in the hope that the development of the twist and more information would make things more exciting but it didn't happen.
Overall, I liked the story and the writing style, I was simply disappointed that following all the build-up we got, the twist felt boring and predictable.
I am not sure how to feel about this book. The idea and concept really excited me so I was excited to give it a read. I will say that I loved the setting of the story and the descriptions of the setting were perfectly done. However, the story just didn't live up to the same level.
It takes a while for anything substantial to really happen. For the first half of the book there are simply hints that there is going to be a twist and this is built up in a way that made me excited to know what happened. When the twist finally did happen, it just didn't deliver for me. I stuck with things in the hope that the development of the twist and more information would make things more exciting but it didn't happen.
Overall, I liked the story and the writing style, I was simply disappointed that following all the build-up we got, the twist felt boring and predictable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Un premier thriller pour cette autrice, qui a déjà tout d’une grande.
Un point de départ, pourtant, assez classique mais une histoire articulée en trois parties, sur une période de deux ans, qui se répond et nous permet d’avancer dans l’intrigue.
Clara est en voyage de noces, après une maladie, dont on ne sait rien, avec son mari, beau, riche, extrêmement séduisant, qui n’est pas si lisse ou honnête que cela.
Vous y ajoutez un couple charismatique mais plutôt complexe, le décor de rêve de Positano, et une succession de non-dits….et vous allez essayer de comprendre ce qui peut bien dénoter dans ce tableau idyllique.
Chaque fois, la piste à laquelle vous pensez se retrouve être une impasse et la vérité tout aussi inattendue.
C’est très addictif, on se prend d’empathie pour cette jeune mariée, fragile et à la merci de gens qui ne font pas parti de son monde.
A défaut de partir en Italie, on voyage avec eux. Le thriller de l’été !
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