The Greek Island

by A.J. McDine

Three couples. Two secrets. One murder…

I can’t believe how lucky I am. I’m sitting by the glittering pool at a stunning Greek villa with my handsome boyfriend by my side. He’s treating me to a week on a sun-drenched island. The only problem is that we’re not the only couple staying here…

Dominic has invited his university friends. When I’m introduced to Victoria, Simone and their husbands, I see Simone’s lip curl and my stomach drops. I know that I’m not going to fit in with these beautiful people and their charmed lives.

But despite their expensive clothes and smooth words, the cracks in their perfect lives begin to show because more than one person staying in the white-washed villa is hiding secrets. As the lies begin to unravel, I discover that Simone and Dominic used to be a couple. And as the temperature soars the tension between our group heats up.

And then one morning, a body is found…

From bestselling author A J McDine, The Greek Island is an addictive psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the final jaw-dropping twist! Perfect for fans of Claire Douglas, Freida McFadden and Ruth Ware.

What readers are saying about A J

‘Wow, where do I even begin?!… gripped me from the very first page to the last!… highly addictive… literally impossible to put down!… I absolutely loved this!’ @ARCreviews_by_m, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliant… I had to finish this marvellous thriller in one sitting!… incredibly suspenseful… spine-tingling!… absolutely gripping… totally addictive… will keep you racing through the pages all night long.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my god! What a book!… after reading that first chapter I was hooked and that was my plans ruined… reading this whole book was my main priority… the amount of twists is insane!… Absolutely fantastic.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart-pounding… jaw-dropping… compels you to keep turning the pages late into the night… gripping… will leave you breathless… Prepare to be gripped from the first page to the last.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Completely unputdownable… Reeled me in right from the very start. The twists left me speechless… I did gasp out loud at the ending… Brilliant! Kept me glued to my Kindle!... A massive 5 stars!’ arcreviews_by_m, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Wow. Just wow. I couldn’t put it down – I was hooked from the very first page… And THE TWIST.

Genres: Psychological Thriller

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 29, 2026

About the author

A J McDine is the author of twisty, character-driven psychological thrillers that explore secrets, lies and the dark side of relationships.

Before turning to fiction, she worked as a journalist and police press officer in Kent, where she lives with her husband, fellow thriller writer A J Wills, their two sons and three rescue cats.

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book, attempting a 5K, or gazing out of the window thinking up new ways to get her characters into (and out of) trouble.

Her books are all standalone reads. They are (in no particular order):

The Baby
The Husband Before You
The Photo
Everyone Has Secrets
The Invite
Should Have Known Better
No One I Knew
The Promise You Made
When She Finds You

Reviews

[Caz (Underlined) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Greek Island by A. J. McDine is a psychological thriller set on an atmospheric Greek island where what initially feels like an escape gradually turns into something far more unsettling. The story centres around secrets, strained relationships, and the uneasy sense that nothing is quite as it seems. As events unfold, trust begins to fracture between the characters, and the isolation of the setting intensifies the growing tension.



This is a slow-burn domestic suspense novel that takes its time in the early chapters, building atmosphere and laying down subtle groundwork before steadily increasing the pace. The sense of unease develops quietly at first, but as the narrative progresses it tightens considerably, pulling everything into a much more claustrophobic and suspenseful direction.



What really makes the book stand out is the way the tension is allowed to build gradually rather than being rushed. The island setting enhances the feeling of isolation, making the characters feel cut off as secrets start to surface. The shift from calm to tension-filled storytelling is handled effectively, and it creates a strong contrast that keeps you engaged as the stakes rise.



A. J. McDine’s writing is controlled and atmospheric, with a focus on psychological detail rather than constant action. The early pacing may feel restrained, but it serves a purpose as the later developments land more impactfully because of it. There are also small hints and layers throughout that slowly come together, giving the story a sense of creeping unease.



The characters are shaped by hidden motives and shifting loyalties, and much of the tension comes from not being sure who can be trusted. Their interactions drive the suspense as much as the plot itself, with relationships that feel increasingly fragile as the story develops.



Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and author A. J. McDine for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.



Publishing date: May 29th 2026

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was such a gripping story! The Greek Island was my first introduction to A.J. McDine, and it certainly won’t be my last read! Fast-paced and full of twists, with a toxic cast of characters — some of whom were truly diabolical. I really felt for Amber and Willow throughout. I loved the Greek setting and had a hard time putting this page-turner down!

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

[Stephanie Barnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who really enjoyed A.J. McDine’s previous work, I went into The Greek Island with pretty high expectations. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.

This one definitely felt different from her usual style. It leans more into slow-burn domestic suspense rather than the big, shocking thriller twists I was expecting. There’s tension throughout, but it takes a while to fully grab hold. For me, it wasn’t until later in the book, once the death occurs and the accusations start flying, that things really picked up. The story follows Amber, who is clearly the outsider in a wealthy, tightly connected friend group when she joins her boyfriend Dom on a luxury trip to a Greek island. From the beginning, it’s obvious she doesn’t belong, and that underlying discomfort adds a nice layer of unease. As secrets start to surface, especially surrounding Dom’s past relationships, the dynamic becomes messy in a way that keeps things interesting.

The setting was a standout. The Greek island backdrop was vivid and well-described, and it added a strong atmosphere to the story. I just wish that sense of isolation had been pushed further, it felt like it could have been used to build more suspense and a darker tone. The multiple POVs helped add perspective, but I didn’t find the mystery itself particularly surprising. I had a pretty good idea of where things were headed early on, and the final reveal didn’t land with the impact I was hoping for. Some character choices also felt inconsistent or underdeveloped, especially Dom, who never fully felt defined one way or the other. There were also moments where the pacing worked against the story. Certain plot points and emotional reveals felt rushed, while other parts dragged longer than they needed to. By around the halfway mark, I found my attention slipping.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad read, it just didn’t fully deliver on what I was expecting from this author. If you enjoy slower-paced, drama-filled psychological suspense with messy relationships and a strong setting, this might work for you. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me this time.

Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑰 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌, 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒗𝒆. 𝑫𝒐 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕? 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆.

Amber thinks she is stepping into a dream vacation when her boyfriend Dominic invites her to spend a week at a stunning villa on a secluded Greek island. The sparkling pool and the promise of luxury should feel idyllic, but things begin to sour the moment she meets Dominic’s university friends and their spouses. Amber immediately senses she does not belong among these polished, privileged people, and the atmosphere only grows more strained when she discovers Dominic once dated Simone. As secrets begin surfacing and tensions rise under the relentless heat, the trip spirals from uncomfortable to deadly when a body is discovered.

What really worked for me here was the atmosphere. This should have been the kind of setting that feels escapist and glamorous, but instead there is tension woven through every page. The island is beautiful, yet it never feels relaxing because the relationships are so strained and the group dynamic becomes increasingly toxic. I loved the contrast between the gorgeous surroundings and the growing sense that everything underneath the surface is beginning to crack. The closer the characters are forced together, the more claustrophobic the villa starts to feel, and that creeping unease kept me fully invested.

Amber also makes an easy protagonist to root for because her discomfort feels believable from the very beginning. Watching her navigate the secrets, shifting loyalties, and simmering hostility among the group added an emotional layer that made the suspense even stronger. Additionally, her backstory keeps the plot moving along with yet another layer of secrets and shame woven in. This was an engaging thriller with an immersive setting and enough tension to keep me constantly questioning everyone’s motives. Many thanks to the author and Bookouture for the early copy that will publish May 29, 2026.

[Janna (Bibliophile Mom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Greek Island landed in my auto‑requested queue on NetGalley, and honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m a sucker for murder mysteries set in secluded locations or private islands as that atmospheric isolation gives me all the goosebumps, and after two disappointing reads, I was desperate for something to pull me out of my slump. Thankfully, this one did exactly that.
Despite the slightly cliché synopsis, the story felt surprisingly refreshing. The characters were exactly the mix I expected: a blend of underdogs and privileged personalities thrown together in a setting where of course something is bound to go wrong… like someone turning up dead. The writing style isn’t exceptional, but the direction of the story hit the right notes for me: dark, mysterious, and satisfyingly moody.

I wasn’t shocked by the reveal of the villain (I had my suspicions early on), but I still enjoyed the journey, especially with the alternating POVs that kept the pacing tight and the tension simmering.

What I Enjoyed:
* Secluded island setting
* Alternating POVs
* Dark, atmospheric tone

What Didn’t Work as Well:
* Predictable villain
* Writing style a bit plain
* The sacrificial lamb was heartbreaking

Breakdown:
• Setting: 5⭐️
• Characters: 3⭐️
• Writing: 3⭐️
• Message: 3⭐️
• Overall: 3⭐️

Overall, The Greek Island is a solid, atmospheric mystery that delivered exactly what I needed: a moody escape, a bit of drama, and a story that reminded me why I love secluded‑setting thrillers. Perfect for readers who enjoy isolated locations, messy characters, and a touch of classic whodunit energy.

Huge thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for my advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

~ JaNnA ~

[Gabrielle Grosbety · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Greek Island is set amongst a backdrop of secrets, lies, and a group of people that are each in it for themselves. They treat people as nothing but an ends to a means and act as if relationships are built on purely transaction, how people will benefit you rather than who they are and their personhood. It details expendability and expediency and rising to the top of the hierarchy in order to get places and rip people to shreds in the process at whatever cost.

One of the main characters and narrators, Amber, accompanies Dominic, her boyfriend, on this storied holiday to Greece for a birthday celebration only to discover that she feels left out and a misfit in regards to everyone else there that flaunt their excessive privilege like it’s never going out of style. She has to come to terms with feeling like an unappealing outlier who comes from humble beginnings, as well as work actively on holding her own as fiercely and unequivocally as she can. Her love story with Dominic also goes through sometimes rocky undulations and ebbs and flows as she feels like a fraud and shadow hiding behind something greater in this new, albeit temporary, life of complication.

This is very well-written and showcases human nature, but my feelings stumbled a bit towards being able to connect wholly to the characters, who cheat, steal, and peddle falsehoods in this equally as falsely promised paradise. There’s an element of striking dislikeability for them in the entire saga that can be, at times, hard to root for, but other than that this is a special, deeply thrilling book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dominic invites his girlfriend Amber on a vacation to a luxurious villa on an isolated Greek island. Amber is slightly uneasy as Dominic informs her that his university friends and their spouses will also be in attendance. Amber doesn't fit in with Dom's friends. They come from money and have had a privileged life. Amber has not. Secrets start to surface adding to an overall feeling of unease. As more secrets come to light, the tension amongst the group is pushed to the breaking point. Ultimately, one of the group is found dead...and someone is responsible for the death.

I loved the setting. I felt the isolation was described well adding to the atmosphere of the story. While at the same time the island gave the reader a sense of escapism and glamour.

The book is written with multiple POVs and each character has toxic traits. However I did feel that some characters were much more developed than others. For example, Dom...while being one of the main characters, I didn't feel like I knew much about him.

I also felt the pacing was inconsistent for me. The pacing at the beginning and the end was perfect. The middle section, however, I felt like some of the plot points were given more time than necessary when they had very little to do with the main plot points. I suspect this was done to throw off the reader from the twist but for me, it was a bit too much and I had to force myself to get through the middle a bit.

This book would be perfect for those who enjoy a slower-paced psychological mystery full of drama and toxic relationships that takes place in a great setting. For me I just wanted a bit more of a faster pace and a bit more consistent character development.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber feels lucky being treated to a weeks stay at a luxury Greek villa by boyfriend Dom. The only thing that spoils it are the other couples that are there, as Amber knows she won’t fit in with their priveledged lives and expensive clothes. But soon cracks appear as secrets unravel, which only worsens when a body if found.

It’s no secret that I love this author and always have to read her latest books, I’m yet to read a bad one by her. This was another fun, tense thriller and as I enjoy destination thrillers, this added an extra compelling element. The Greek setting was described well, making it easy to picture and I also liked the bold cover. I enjoyed the exploration of self doubt and the divide between rich and poor, as well as discovering all the secrets along the way.

What the author excelled at was creating some really fascinating, but highly unlikeable, characters. I could really feel my blood boiling at some points in the story, however this kept it interesting and more unpredictable. There was also a moment in the story that really made me smile. This did seem a bit slower paced than her other books, however it still flowed well and built enough suspense to keep me reading. This was another great thriller by this author and would make a perfect holiday read. I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Bo.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber joins her boyfriend Dominic on a week-long trip to a sun-drenched Greek island with his university friends. From the moment she arrives, she feels out of her depth among their polished circle and tries hard to fit in. But as tensions rise and cracks begin to show, the idyllic holiday quickly unravels into something far darker, like a modern Greek tragedy unfolding under the Mediterranean sun.

As a destination thriller fan, this one absolutely delivered. With its immersive setting and vivid descriptions, it didn’t take long for me to fully lock in. Hooked from the prologue, I flew through the pages so quickly I’m surprised my Kindle didn’t give up on me.

Told from multiple perspectives, we gain insight into how far the secrets run within the group and how far some characters are willing to go to protect their image. The pacing is fast and addictive, and the simmering tensions and claustrophobic atmosphere build a strong sense of foreboding that disaster is about to strike.

I appreciated McDine’s exploration of class and power through a cast of messy yet intriguing characters, with Amber in particular feeling especially relatable in her isolation and sense of being completely out of place. The twists were well done, with an ending that wrapped up nicely.

A must-read for destination psychological thriller fans, so definitely add this one to your beach or travel reading list.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Greek Island is the kind of sun‑soaked thriller that lures you in with shimmering pools and white‑washed walls before quietly tightening the tension around every character. What begins as a dream getaway—a beautiful villa, a handsome boyfriend, a week of heat and ease—quickly shifts into something far more unsettling once Dominic’s old university friends arrive. From the moment Simone’s smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes, you can feel the atmosphere change.

The author captures that deliciously claustrophobic dynamic of being the outsider among people who know each other a little too well. Beneath the designer clothes and effortless charm, the cracks start to show, and the island’s heat only seems to sharpen every glance, every half‑truth, every old wound resurfacing. The revelation about Simone and Dominic adds a perfect spark of unease, and from there the tension builds beautifully.

By the time a body is discovered, the villa feels less like a holiday escape and more like a pressure cooker—everyone simmering with secrets, everyone capable of far more than they let on. It’s addictive, atmospheric, and wonderfully messy in all the right ways.

A sun‑drenched, twist‑laden thriller that keeps its shadows close, The Greek Island is perfect for readers who love their escapism with an edge.

with thanks to AJ McDine, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Sarah Higginbottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really engaging psychological thriller that kept me hooked throughout. The setting on the Greek island added a strong sense of atmosphere, but what stood out most to me was the feeling of isolation running through the story.

I found Amber’s character particularly intriguing. Her sense of being out of place and disconnected from those around her was very well portrayed, and it made me feel genuinely sorry for her at times. That emotional element added depth to the tension and made the story more immersive.

The dynamic with Dominic’s friends was also interesting — they were quite unlikeable, but clearly written that way intentionally. Their presence added to the discomfort and unease, which worked really well for the tone of the book.

I also really enjoyed the twists. They kept me guessing and added to the overall tension without feeling forced. It’s always satisfying when a thriller can still surprise you, and this one definitely delivered on that front.

Overall, a gripping and atmospheric read with strong character work and some well-executed twists. A solid 4-star psychological thriller for me.



📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, A J McDine and Bookouture📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

[Cate Rayner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun murder mystery where everyone is hiding something. Some of the characters are quite insufferable, which I have decided are my favorite types of characters in a murder mystery. It's like, yeah, some of them seem like bad people, but are they bad enough to KILL someone? Especially a nice selection of too-rich people with inflated senses of self-importance.

This reminded me so much of White Lotus (where Tanya dies noooooo), season 2 specifically, because it has a very similar set-up. A woman goes to a beautiful island to vacation with her boyfriend and friends, who have secrets—and one of them, that secret, among others, is that they are murderers.

What I liked about this book is that there were these small details and moments that symbolized deeper psychological profiles of characters in small ways.

My main critique of it is that, as I read it, I kept coming back to...this really is like White Lotus season 2 in a book. A little darker, as I think White Lotus has a satire element, and this reads darker despite the idyllic environment. But I loved the show, so I loved the book, too.

This book did get me excited to read "The Baby" which has such an interesting cover that I'm going for it. And based on this, I'll keep an eye on what this author is up to.

[Joan Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amber is excited, though with some trepidation, about visiting an exclusive Greek island villa with her boyfriend, Dominic. Her trepidation comes from the fact that her background is one of poverty, shoddy housing, and an alcoholic and promiscuous mother, and not the wealthy, privileged background of Dom and his friends. From the beginning, Amber can see the tensions in the group, and how fragile their supposed friendships are. When the owner of the villa turns up dead, and the police declare it to be murder, Amber tries to learn the truth so that she will not be charged with a crime she did not commit. But is Dom for her, or against her?

I've read other titles by this author and enjoyed them. The Greek Island is good, too, if you can slog through the first half of the book. It was actually closer to 2/3 of the way through before the murder was committed, and I grew a little weary of these privileged people's interactions. Once the crime happened, the pace picked up considerably, though several "too convenient" things took place leading to the denouement.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Novel and Latte · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big fan of A J McDine's previous books, I was thrilled to read The Greek Island!
Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

This did seem to stray from McDine's usual fare. While I sensed tension and suspense, it was a very slow burn with me struggling to stay engaged until around 73%. This felt more like a domestic suspense with a dash of thrill, which is fine! I think being accustomed to McDine's big twists and shocks left me wanting this time.

While multiple POVs are present, Amber is the main protagonist, and the outlier on a bougie vacation full of friends who have known each other for years and live a lifestyle very different from hers. Amber's boyfriend Dominic invites her on a vacation on an island in Greece with some of his college friends, and from the start it is obvious that Amber does not fit in.

Once somebody dies though, the book picks up and the finger-pointing starts. The question is... would one of them would do such a thing?

[Fiction Fellowship · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dominic and his girlfriend, Amber, are invited on a Greek vacation with his old uni friends. One of the couples own a villa on a Greek island, so the whole crew will be together there. Amber is worried she won’t fit in because Dominic’s friends are rich and high class and she is not. They all look down on her and it’s awkward for Amber. Come to find out, Dominic and one of the women used to be in a relationship and that makes Amber very uncomfortable. Each couple has secrets and their lives are anything but normal. Then one morning, one of their own is found dead by the pool at the next villa over. Who murdered him?

I kept waiting for the psychological thrill to come while I was reading the book but it was more of a mystery in my opinion. I wasn’t shocked when the truth came and honestly, I was disappointed that there wasn’t more of a twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the gifted copy in return for an honest review.

[A Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Greek Island is an addictive story full of tension, suspense and drama. This story got under my skin from the start and kept me hooked all the way through.

Amber's older and wealthy boyfriend surprises her with a vacation to a beautiful Greek Island. That excitement doesn't last long, however, when she learns it's not a trip for two. Dom's wealthy friends will also be present. From the start, Amber tries to fit in with the group, but soon realizes everyone, including herself is hiding secrets. When a body is found nearby, they all start throwing each other under the bus. Who has the biggest secret worth killing over.

The characters are flawed and complex, making it hard to guess the killer. The writing is smooth and the chapters alternate perspectives. The scenes are beautifully depicted. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it if you're looking for a great summer read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced thriller with several POV's, and in my opinion quite predictable.
I didn't hate the book, I just think that it doesn't quite reach the standard of this author's previous books I have read.
I really felt sorry for Amber, she didn't deserve the treatment she got from her boyfriend's friends. Money doesn't make a person better than anyone else.
Dom should have stood up for her more, and been honest with her. His loyalties clearly lay elsewhere. I feel she would be better off without him.

Amber didn't 'fit in' with the lavish lifestyle the rest of them enjoyed, but I found that she is stronger than she thought she was. She had values instilled in her by her Gran.

The best twist was the one at the end. Willow did her homework, and I think her information made Amber stronger.

3/5 stars from me.

[Julie Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for fans of Lucy Foley's mysteries who like slow burn thrillers with complex characters, plots based on past secrets and present tension and destination settings perfect for the unraveling tragedy.

The building tension between the rich and polished friends from uni was simply superb. It's hard to say more not giving away any crucial details of the big reveal at the end but the layers of deception from what meets the eye were really well delivered and entertaining to read.

This would make a spectacular movie with an A-list Hollywood cast.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

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[Justine Jenke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I could not put it down!
The main character Amber is asked to go on holidays with her boyfriend (and his friends) to a remote Greek island.
The story is told from three different viewpoints. I felt a lot of sympathy for Amber. She was put in a very awkward situation with her boyfriend’s friends who are very unlikeable. Everyone has secrets they want kept hidden.
Things hot up when a dead body is discovered, with several people wanting this person dead. It is a classic closed room mystery. The book is fast paced with lots of twists that will keep you guessing until the end.
I was quite shocked at what happened when the murderer was revealed, but satisfied with the conclusion.
Highly recommend this book – it is the first one I have read by this author, and I am now keen to read more! 5 stars from me.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dedication of this addictive thriller “To anyone who has ever felt they don’t belong. This one’s for you,” immediately spoke to me. If you have ever felt like an outsider, you will totally relate to this gripping, twisted story. The rich and privileged behaving badly as a body is discovered on a lush, remote Greek island is the perfect read for all thriller addicts. AJ McDine masterfully creates an unputdownable story. “And then there’s me, the stranger in their midst. The outsider. My nosed pressed to the glass, gazing in on their world of wealth and privilege. The one person no one really knows.” Supercilious stares, long buried secrets and deception prove to be deadly as truths come to light. I have enjoyed all of AJ McDine’s thrillers, but this is without a doubt, my favorite. I enjoyed every wicked twist and turn. Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for my ARC.

[Book Night Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess my expectations went a bit high!

I was so curious to read of the experience that Amber had in the island and of finding the truth behind Dominic's friendships that I went with a lot of expectations. But the story couldn't deliver what I hoped for.

The beginning of the story was definitely the best. The journey to the island and meeting each character was interesting to read. Also, the glimpses of the secrets held by each of them were shown and I was curious to know what they were.

Al though there were pretty good suspenseful plot lines; these were easy to guess and that reduced the impact of the twists.

I also hoped for a major reveal of who the murderer was at the end but it was revealed early on.

That said, this was a good read to spend time with. I enjoyed reading, especially from Amber's perspective, who always felt like she never belonged.

[Lydia Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Greek Island. This isn’t a genre I usually pick up, but I’m headed to Greece in a month and was searching for books based on that destination.

Because this isn’t a genre I’ve read a lot of, I would say it read more mystery than thriller, and there didn’t seem to be the culmination of one big twist.

I didn’t really emotionally connect with any of the characters and the relationship between Amber and her boyfriend didn’t seem fully developed. Her story arc seemed a bit predictable and unfair. I wanted more for her.

Willow is the one character who seemingly was a 17-year-old and an adult at the same time. She had a lot of potential and helped carry the story in some ways.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something instantly gripping about a story told through multiple perspectives, and The Greek Island absolutely delivers on that front. The shifting POVs kept the narrative feeling fresh and layered, like slowly turning a kaleidoscope where each twist reveals a slightly different truth. It’s my favorite style of storytelling, and this book leans into it well, giving each character just enough voice to keep you questioning what’s really going on beneath the surface.

What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. The setting feels sun-soaked and idyllic at first glance, but there’s an undercurrent of tension that simmers throughout. It’s less about shocking twists and more about the steady unraveling of secrets, which I actually appreciated. While I did find parts of the story somewhat predictable, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. In fact, it felt like being in on the secret early, watching everything inch closer to the inevitable.

Even when I had my suspicions about where things were heading, I was still eager to keep reading. That’s always a good sign. The pacing kept me hooked, and I found myself wanting “just one more chapter” more than once.

Overall, this is more of a slow-burn mystery than a twist-heavy thriller, but if you enjoy character-driven stories with multiple viewpoints and a creeping sense of unease, it’s definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Morag Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of psychological fiction this is a solid read. The essential elements are all there: twisty plot, intriguing characters, great delivery….

Amber is a 20 something who has survived a tough childhood of living in poverty. She had fallen for older man, Dom, and is excited to accompany him on a sunny getaway to celebrated the birthday of his female bestie. Amber feels like a fish out of water when she meets Doms super entitled friends, and is disturbed to discover the female bestie is actually a former girlfriend.

Events take a sinister turn with the demise of one of the group - cue for the sh!t to really hit the fan!!

Great story, highly recommended.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy of this fast paced murder mystery.

The main character Amber was hard not to like. A girl from the wrong side of the tracks who gets thrust into unfortunate circumstances. Both at work and on vacation with her boyfriend’s wealthy clan of friends. But is she telling the truth? If she is…. Someone else is lying.

I devoured this in 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down! This is a mystery suspense and modern whodunnit. Think the “knives out” series on Netflix and the board game Clue. The action was well-paced and dramatic reveals kept my interest riveted. It was a fun read.

I took one star off for the ending. I would’ve like it to have been developed just slightly more for a grand finale.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this book.

The Greek Island by A. J. McDine is a fast-paced island thriller. The story is told mostly from Amber’s perspective in the present day, with only a couple small flashbacks.
The chapters are short, and the suspense was there throughout, making the book easy to fly through. I did not like or feel invested in any of the characters because most were whiny, but that did not diminish my ability to enjoy the story. There is a great twist I did not see coming, followed by a surprise ending. This is a great choice for anyone who loves an island theme with a lot of tension. #NetGalley #TheGreekIsland

[Sarah Bloomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to netgalley,the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

I flew through this book, could not put it down! The setting for this story is idyllic, you can almost imagine yourself there and the plot is fast paced and is guaranteed to keep you on your toes as the tension builds ever tighter by the chapter. I particularly loved the nod to a previous book by the author as it's my favourite by her and I still think about it to this day.

Safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look to the next, this one would make a perfect holiday read.

[KELLY · Rating 4 out of 5]

A private villa, owned by friends, tucked away in a secluded, off-the-beaten-path location… where one storm can trap you in completely.
What starts as a dream vacation quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Nothing goes as planned, and suddenly you’re surrounded by secrets, thieves, and one dead body.

Isolated. Unpredictable. Deadly. Sinister. Fast paced page turner.

Thank you to Bookouture, Author A J McDine, and Netgalley for the ARC.

Pub Date: 29 May 2026. Perfect for summer reading!

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to do immersive reading so I read this book while on my holiday to Santorini to get the most immersive reading experience possible. It was quite nice ! It’s not too long and fast paced. The characters have an interesting background which makes the story intriguing. I liked the multiple POVs. While this is not the most unpredictable thriller ever, the ending still surprised me. Overall, this is a good thriller, perfect to read on a holiday, especially on a Greek island.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
She does it again with another belter of a book. I flew through this as I have with all her other books and I particularly loved that there is reference to one of Amanda's earlier books in this book.

I didn't guess the killer as per usual with these books but i enjoyed having a go. I loved Amber's character, she was so strong with everything she has had to endure.

I cant wait for the next book from Amanda.
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