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The Weekend Escape: The addictive and chilling new crime thriller
It was meant to be a fun reunion, a chance for six friends to reconnect and relive the adventures that brought them together in the first place. But from the moment they arrive on their island home for the weekend, Lyndsey, Sonia, Bobbie, Amanda, Juliet, and Val realise that their paradise is filled with peril, and there are consequences when you try to outrun the ghosts of your past. As everything starts to fall apart, and the friends begin to turn against one another, deep, dark secrets are revealed, and an unimaginable horror is unleashed. They came seeking adventure, but now they’ll be lucky to leave with their lives… ‘It starts off with a bang and doesn’t stop till the bitter end …I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a few hours’ Sarah ‘Like the Agatha Christie And Then There Were None …a quick read with intriguing characters’ Brenda ‘ Wow. I loved this novel …it’s a different novel amongst the others out there’ Manju ‘I loved this story… I consumed it in about two hours ’ Lyn
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2021
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1917 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
September 9, 2021
I wish to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK One More Chapter for this riveting 'locked room' style mystery. The setting was atmospheric and vividly described. Six young women arrive at a small, rocky island with treacherous cliffs for a weekend of adventure, which turns into a frightening misadventure. A raging storm followed by cold weather and wild churning seas cut them off from a timely return to the mainland. Their accommodation is disappointing, lacking in heat, electricity, and no means of communicating with the outside world. The island's only inhabitant is a part-time bird warden.
The six women, once friends, have drifted apart. They have reunited after ten years when they were last all together. Some are excited at the prospect of a weekend of fun and strenuous activity, but others were reluctant to participate. The plans include rock climbing, rappelling, and similar activities they enjoyed in their youth. It begins with an accident, or maybe it was purposefully caused. An intense storm starts up that strands them on the island with no way to get help. This is a fast-paced plot with signs of impending danger and events occurring at a breakneck speed.
First, they fear that an unknown person has arrived on the island and is targeting them. Next, they suspect and blame the female bird warden. Finally, they realize that someone within their group may threaten their lives. Each woman has lied or has secrets they don't want to be revealed, guilt from past events, and long-held resentments. Stress and blame shatter the group dynamics.
It did take me a while to distinguish the six women in the group and sort them by name and personality. I wished the ending had a more clearly defined resolution.
This is a non-stop thriller with plenty of action and without unnecessary fillers. The women have no time for relaxation as their prime concern is survival. Peril and menace develop at a rapid rate with plenty of distrust and action during increasingly worsening weather.
Recommended!
The six women, once friends, have drifted apart. They have reunited after ten years when they were last all together. Some are excited at the prospect of a weekend of fun and strenuous activity, but others were reluctant to participate. The plans include rock climbing, rappelling, and similar activities they enjoyed in their youth. It begins with an accident, or maybe it was purposefully caused. An intense storm starts up that strands them on the island with no way to get help. This is a fast-paced plot with signs of impending danger and events occurring at a breakneck speed.
First, they fear that an unknown person has arrived on the island and is targeting them. Next, they suspect and blame the female bird warden. Finally, they realize that someone within their group may threaten their lives. Each woman has lied or has secrets they don't want to be revealed, guilt from past events, and long-held resentments. Stress and blame shatter the group dynamics.
It did take me a while to distinguish the six women in the group and sort them by name and personality. I wished the ending had a more clearly defined resolution.
This is a non-stop thriller with plenty of action and without unnecessary fillers. The women have no time for relaxation as their prime concern is survival. Peril and menace develop at a rapid rate with plenty of distrust and action during increasingly worsening weather.
Recommended!
December 24, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
After reading the synopsis for The Weekend Escape, I knew I needed to read it. This set-up is my absolute go-to for atmospheric, thrilling reads.
A deserted island, a vicious storm, a murderer amongst friends…
The weekend was intended as a fun reunion for six friends, Val, Bobbie, Juliet, Amanda, Lyndsey and Sonia, but almost as soon as the women arrive on the deserted island, their destination for the weekend, things take a turn for the worst.
The women form a bit of an informal climbing group, they've been climbing things together since they were school girls. Their mountain this weekend, an old lighthouse.
A climbing incident leaves one of the women injured. Inclement weather and other extenuating circumstances make communication with the mainland impossible.
Power outages, misplaced poison, secrets, lies and a mysterious Bird Warden, add to the tension and spiraling happenings. What started as a weekend for fun and adventure has turned into a weekend of survival and a fight for their lives.
Who will make it through the weekend escape?
I had fun with this. The setting and atmosphere delivered as promised. I also enjoyed learning about the characters and all their drama, as well as their shared history.
While I'm not sure how memorable this story is overall, it made for a fun weekend read.
I will say this is very, very, very similar to She Started It, which I read not long ago. For the record, this one was published in 2021. I wish I'd have read it first. I actually enjoyed this one more than SSI.
I liked this setting more and I also didn't find this to be predictable, as I did SSI. I couldn't help but make comparisons throughout while reading, which I did find to be distracting. I wish I had read this one and this one only.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a deserted island story, or stories involving friends weekends gone wrong. This had some intense moments and it was fun watching it all unfold.
Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm sorry it took me so long to get to it!
After reading the synopsis for The Weekend Escape, I knew I needed to read it. This set-up is my absolute go-to for atmospheric, thrilling reads.
A deserted island, a vicious storm, a murderer amongst friends…
The weekend was intended as a fun reunion for six friends, Val, Bobbie, Juliet, Amanda, Lyndsey and Sonia, but almost as soon as the women arrive on the deserted island, their destination for the weekend, things take a turn for the worst.
The women form a bit of an informal climbing group, they've been climbing things together since they were school girls. Their mountain this weekend, an old lighthouse.
A climbing incident leaves one of the women injured. Inclement weather and other extenuating circumstances make communication with the mainland impossible.
Power outages, misplaced poison, secrets, lies and a mysterious Bird Warden, add to the tension and spiraling happenings. What started as a weekend for fun and adventure has turned into a weekend of survival and a fight for their lives.
Who will make it through the weekend escape?
I had fun with this. The setting and atmosphere delivered as promised. I also enjoyed learning about the characters and all their drama, as well as their shared history.
While I'm not sure how memorable this story is overall, it made for a fun weekend read.
I will say this is very, very, very similar to She Started It, which I read not long ago. For the record, this one was published in 2021. I wish I'd have read it first. I actually enjoyed this one more than SSI.
I liked this setting more and I also didn't find this to be predictable, as I did SSI. I couldn't help but make comparisons throughout while reading, which I did find to be distracting. I wish I had read this one and this one only.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a deserted island story, or stories involving friends weekends gone wrong. This had some intense moments and it was fun watching it all unfold.
Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm sorry it took me so long to get to it!
September 18, 2021
A weekend getaway on a secluded island. What could go wrong?
A group of six friends who haven’t been close since school decide to go on a weekend trip to a remote island. They have the whole weekend planned with climbing, coasteering, and other outdoorsy activities. But since this is a thriller, their plans go up in flames almost as soon as they arrive. As things start going wrong, these once close-knit friends begin turning on each other, suspicious that someone among them is sabotaging their weekend escape.
The last quarter of the book is when I began to feel the tension spike. The group’s unlikely theories about who the saboteur was and their half-baked plans had me rolling my eyes more than a few times. Desperate times call for desperate measures, I suppose. None of the characters were that likeable either, which I don’t usually mind. But if they are unlikeable, then they must be interesting, which these characters were not. The constant snapping at each other and frequently throwing around accusations ended up being tiresome to me.
I will say that this is very atmospheric. I could feel the cold and sense of isolation through the pages. It was also great to read a thriller with some LGBTQIA representation. And, while I correctly predicted who was behind it all, I was still compelled to find out how everything would turn out.
Thank you to One More Chapter for inviting me to read this arc via Netgalley.
A group of six friends who haven’t been close since school decide to go on a weekend trip to a remote island. They have the whole weekend planned with climbing, coasteering, and other outdoorsy activities. But since this is a thriller, their plans go up in flames almost as soon as they arrive. As things start going wrong, these once close-knit friends begin turning on each other, suspicious that someone among them is sabotaging their weekend escape.
The last quarter of the book is when I began to feel the tension spike. The group’s unlikely theories about who the saboteur was and their half-baked plans had me rolling my eyes more than a few times. Desperate times call for desperate measures, I suppose. None of the characters were that likeable either, which I don’t usually mind. But if they are unlikeable, then they must be interesting, which these characters were not. The constant snapping at each other and frequently throwing around accusations ended up being tiresome to me.
I will say that this is very atmospheric. I could feel the cold and sense of isolation through the pages. It was also great to read a thriller with some LGBTQIA representation. And, while I correctly predicted who was behind it all, I was still compelled to find out how everything would turn out.
Thank you to One More Chapter for inviting me to read this arc via Netgalley.
October 10, 2021
I always gravitate toward books that have a secluded island, friends going away for the weekend, and things that go horribly wrong. Six friends, Lyndsey, Sonia, Bobbie, Amanda, Juliet, and Val go away for a fun reunion. It is supposed to be a time of fun, catching up and reconnecting. But what it became was a place of havoc. As the description says "...there are consequences when you try to outrun the ghosts of your past."
The six friends once enjoyed outdoor activities, so why not indulge their favorite pursuits here? maybe because they have changed, they are older, less athletic, and perhaps not as excited to push themselves. Plus, the island is remote, reachable only by boat so naturally communication on and off the island is not the best. As the friends begin to turn on each other, secrets begin to be revealed. This is where you know the proverbial you-know-what is going to hit the fan!
First off, an island with a lighthouse! Sign me up! Well, hold off on that it, because as the chills sets in and the weather changes, so does the group of friends. Reunions should be fun! This is not the case here!
This book has atmosphere galore but didn't offer anything that left a real mark for me. I love atmosphere this was my favorite part of the book. The author really pulled that off brilliantly. The characters are unlikeable, yet I was interested in learning who was behind everything. Things go downhill for them fast which made for a fast paced read.
Overall, an enjoyable read when you are looking to escape.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
The six friends once enjoyed outdoor activities, so why not indulge their favorite pursuits here? maybe because they have changed, they are older, less athletic, and perhaps not as excited to push themselves. Plus, the island is remote, reachable only by boat so naturally communication on and off the island is not the best. As the friends begin to turn on each other, secrets begin to be revealed. This is where you know the proverbial you-know-what is going to hit the fan!
First off, an island with a lighthouse! Sign me up! Well, hold off on that it, because as the chills sets in and the weather changes, so does the group of friends. Reunions should be fun! This is not the case here!
This book has atmosphere galore but didn't offer anything that left a real mark for me. I love atmosphere this was my favorite part of the book. The author really pulled that off brilliantly. The characters are unlikeable, yet I was interested in learning who was behind everything. Things go downhill for them fast which made for a fast paced read.
Overall, an enjoyable read when you are looking to escape.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 12, 2021
3.5
Shell Island is the location for Lindsay and five friends to enjoy (or is that endure?) a weekend of outdoor pursuits as they used to do years ago. Abseiling from the old lighthouse and climbing are on Juliet’s tight schedule. What could possibly go wrong? Ladies and gents we have us a locked island mystery! The story is told principally from Lindsay’s perspective, the question is how reliable a narrator is she?
The setting is really good, the small island is a short boat ride offshore, there’s a deserted lighthouse and a somewhat decrepit bunkhouse/bothy they’re booked into. Needless to say, we have the weather closing in despite it being late August, which adds to the atmosphere, as does the lack of means of communication when things go wrong. There’s a warden on the island whose strangeness adds to the building mystery and there’s a growing lack of trust between the group as things start to go wrong. The group dynamics is done well and this fluctuates as the tension grows. We all have the elements you expect in a mystery like this with accusations and fall outs as the danger escalates. There are twists and turns in the storytelling and suspense is elevated with a sense of claustrophobia and paranoia growing amongst them. The characterisation of all the women on the island is done well. The conclusion is quite good and the overall ending has a sort of enigmatic nature to it, leaving you with questions which I like.
However, the pace is a bit too slow for my liking but it does build towards the end. There’s a repetitive element to it as well especially about Lindsay’s precarious financial situation and the fact that some of the team have become strangers over the last few years. This kind of book follows a predictable formula of a tragedy, secrets and lies and so on so there’s a similarity to books of this genre. I do figure out the perpetrator pretty early on because it just had to be.
Overall, it’s an entertaining easy read in a good setting.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review
Shell Island is the location for Lindsay and five friends to enjoy (or is that endure?) a weekend of outdoor pursuits as they used to do years ago. Abseiling from the old lighthouse and climbing are on Juliet’s tight schedule. What could possibly go wrong? Ladies and gents we have us a locked island mystery! The story is told principally from Lindsay’s perspective, the question is how reliable a narrator is she?
The setting is really good, the small island is a short boat ride offshore, there’s a deserted lighthouse and a somewhat decrepit bunkhouse/bothy they’re booked into. Needless to say, we have the weather closing in despite it being late August, which adds to the atmosphere, as does the lack of means of communication when things go wrong. There’s a warden on the island whose strangeness adds to the building mystery and there’s a growing lack of trust between the group as things start to go wrong. The group dynamics is done well and this fluctuates as the tension grows. We all have the elements you expect in a mystery like this with accusations and fall outs as the danger escalates. There are twists and turns in the storytelling and suspense is elevated with a sense of claustrophobia and paranoia growing amongst them. The characterisation of all the women on the island is done well. The conclusion is quite good and the overall ending has a sort of enigmatic nature to it, leaving you with questions which I like.
However, the pace is a bit too slow for my liking but it does build towards the end. There’s a repetitive element to it as well especially about Lindsay’s precarious financial situation and the fact that some of the team have become strangers over the last few years. This kind of book follows a predictable formula of a tragedy, secrets and lies and so on so there’s a similarity to books of this genre. I do figure out the perpetrator pretty early on because it just had to be.
Overall, it’s an entertaining easy read in a good setting.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review
December 22, 2021
This thriller has all the right ingredients for an exciting read. An isolated island, a killer among friends, hidden secrets and revenge set the stage for gripping suspense. Unfortunately for me it was just okay without many unexpected twists or thrills. Many of the characters were difficult to like and the pacing seemed slightly slow. The suspense picked up towards the end, but the conclusion seemed rushed and unfinished. 2 1/2 stars rounded up because of the atmospheric feel and tension buildup right before the end. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK One More Chapter for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 24, 2021
6 friends, more or less disconnected after 10 years, meet up for a reunion on a deserted island, shocking weather, cut off, secrets from the past and grudges fester and soon one is injured and one is dead, the rest are shocked but who is behind it and why are they doing it?
6 main characters is quite a lot to meet and get to know and remember in a short space of time and to do so they have to stand out and be instantly recognisable to the reader, unfortunately for me this wasn’t the case and so struggled to recall who was who and the dynamics between them ( past and now )
It was ok, not much else to say it on it really, I could write lots but the end result would be the same that it was just ok…..and the ending was so abrupt I had to check there wasn’t an error and some of it was missing, it wasn’t so am at a loss why it ended where it did tbh
5/10
2.5 Stars
6 main characters is quite a lot to meet and get to know and remember in a short space of time and to do so they have to stand out and be instantly recognisable to the reader, unfortunately for me this wasn’t the case and so struggled to recall who was who and the dynamics between them ( past and now )
It was ok, not much else to say it on it really, I could write lots but the end result would be the same that it was just ok…..and the ending was so abrupt I had to check there wasn’t an error and some of it was missing, it wasn’t so am at a loss why it ended where it did tbh
5/10
2.5 Stars
October 21, 2021
This was my Audible pick for October, and all I can say is don't waste your credits on this one. It took me two weeks to get through it, and I only finished it because I had a long road trip this past weekend. I think I've had my fill of deserted island reads for awhile, but even if I hadn't, this one is a snoozefest.
The publisher's blurb states, "A deserted island, a vicious storm, a murderer amongst friends …
It was meant to be a fun reunion, a chance for six friends to reconnect and relive the adventures that brought them together in the first place. But as everything starts to fall apart, the friends begin to turn against one another, and deep, dark secrets are revealed, and an unimaginable horror is unleashed."
I'll keep this short and sweet.
Issue #1: There are not really any dark secrets, nor are there any unimaginable horrors whatsoever. It is all pretty straightforward and not all that dark. There is very little mystery to the "whodunnit." It didn't take a lot of brain power (thank goodness. I don't have much to spare!) to figure out who was behind the unfortunate circumstances taking place on the island.
Issue #2: The six female protagonists were impossible to keep straight. Maybe it was due to the narration, but there was very little to distinguish the characters. It took me until the end of the book to even remember who a couple of them were at all.
Issue #3: There were too many odd coincidences that may have worked if they had ended up having some nefarious explanation in the end, but there wasn't, and ultimately, these six women had to have been the most unlucky six on planet earth to have had all of that happen to them in one weekend. It just wasn't believable.
Issue #4: The ending was one of the worst I've read in a very long time. I honestly thought I had missed something so I went back several minutes and listened to it all again; unfortunately, I hadn't missed anything. It was such an abrupt ending that really doesn't explain much of anything and still leaves you with a bunch of unanswered questions. Weird and just a complete miss in my opinion.
To be frank, four years on a deserted island talking to Wilson is pretty much on par with the excitement in this book. 2 stars.
The publisher's blurb states, "A deserted island, a vicious storm, a murderer amongst friends …
It was meant to be a fun reunion, a chance for six friends to reconnect and relive the adventures that brought them together in the first place. But as everything starts to fall apart, the friends begin to turn against one another, and deep, dark secrets are revealed, and an unimaginable horror is unleashed."
I'll keep this short and sweet.
Issue #1: There are not really any dark secrets, nor are there any unimaginable horrors whatsoever. It is all pretty straightforward and not all that dark. There is very little mystery to the "whodunnit." It didn't take a lot of brain power (thank goodness. I don't have much to spare!) to figure out who was behind the unfortunate circumstances taking place on the island.
Issue #2: The six female protagonists were impossible to keep straight. Maybe it was due to the narration, but there was very little to distinguish the characters. It took me until the end of the book to even remember who a couple of them were at all.
Issue #3: There were too many odd coincidences that may have worked if they had ended up having some nefarious explanation in the end, but there wasn't, and ultimately, these six women had to have been the most unlucky six on planet earth to have had all of that happen to them in one weekend. It just wasn't believable.
Issue #4: The ending was one of the worst I've read in a very long time. I honestly thought I had missed something so I went back several minutes and listened to it all again; unfortunately, I hadn't missed anything. It was such an abrupt ending that really doesn't explain much of anything and still leaves you with a bunch of unanswered questions. Weird and just a complete miss in my opinion.
To be frank, four years on a deserted island talking to Wilson is pretty much on par with the excitement in this book. 2 stars.
October 7, 2021
A thriller about 6 friends who reunite after 10 years for a weekend of climbing and rappelling on a deserted island. What could go wrong? Well, add in a brewing storm, an immediate injury, and a murder and it sounds like you have the makings for a weekend of doubt and fear. How well do these friends really know each other? Especially after all these years?
Lyndsey, Bobbie, Val, Sonia, Amanda and Juliet met and became friends in high school. They bonded through their shared love of outdoor activities. They frequently took camping trips and were joined by Amanda's older sister Cherry, who taught the girls the ins and outs of climbing. Devastatingly, Cherry passed away one night when thy were out drinking together. After that incident, the girls seemed to drift apart. Juliet (maximum Type A personality) tried unsuccessfully to plan several reunions prior to this one - but due to everyone's differing schedules, it never worked out. She was keen on them all visiting the deserted island that her family had camped at when she was younger. The only way on the island is by boat, and even that has to be planned just right. Several of the girls are only on this trip now because they feel guilty about not staying close with the group. To say that they are less than thrilled to be attempting the same activities they did when they were much younger and more agile would be accurate. Once they get to the island and see their rustic lodging, they are even more dismayed to be on this trip.
Each of the women has her own challenges to deal with; one is in the middle of a breakup, one suspects she is pregnant with a man she was having an affair with, one is in a dire financial situation, one struggles with mounting health issues and one is still dealing with the devastating loss of her sister. They are each hoping to have a weekend away from thinking about their troubles. Some of these hardships are known, and others have been hidden among the friends. What the friends expect to be a weekend of girl time away from their normal lives, quickly turns into a nightmare that they are unable to escape from.
I pretty quickly was able to assess who was to blame, but wasn't 100% sure I was right. The author kept the story intriguing with her ability to paint the scenes vividly. I could feel the pelting rain, the extreme cold, and the fear of the darkness. I enjoyed the story and the shifting blame. It was difficult at first to keep the women straight in my mind, but soon enough their personalities were recognizable and it was much easier to picture each one. It was a quick read as the circumstances kept me captivated and turning pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the advance copy to read and review.
Lyndsey, Bobbie, Val, Sonia, Amanda and Juliet met and became friends in high school. They bonded through their shared love of outdoor activities. They frequently took camping trips and were joined by Amanda's older sister Cherry, who taught the girls the ins and outs of climbing. Devastatingly, Cherry passed away one night when thy were out drinking together. After that incident, the girls seemed to drift apart. Juliet (maximum Type A personality) tried unsuccessfully to plan several reunions prior to this one - but due to everyone's differing schedules, it never worked out. She was keen on them all visiting the deserted island that her family had camped at when she was younger. The only way on the island is by boat, and even that has to be planned just right. Several of the girls are only on this trip now because they feel guilty about not staying close with the group. To say that they are less than thrilled to be attempting the same activities they did when they were much younger and more agile would be accurate. Once they get to the island and see their rustic lodging, they are even more dismayed to be on this trip.
Each of the women has her own challenges to deal with; one is in the middle of a breakup, one suspects she is pregnant with a man she was having an affair with, one is in a dire financial situation, one struggles with mounting health issues and one is still dealing with the devastating loss of her sister. They are each hoping to have a weekend away from thinking about their troubles. Some of these hardships are known, and others have been hidden among the friends. What the friends expect to be a weekend of girl time away from their normal lives, quickly turns into a nightmare that they are unable to escape from.
I pretty quickly was able to assess who was to blame, but wasn't 100% sure I was right. The author kept the story intriguing with her ability to paint the scenes vividly. I could feel the pelting rain, the extreme cold, and the fear of the darkness. I enjoyed the story and the shifting blame. It was difficult at first to keep the women straight in my mind, but soon enough their personalities were recognizable and it was much easier to picture each one. It was a quick read as the circumstances kept me captivated and turning pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the advance copy to read and review.
September 25, 2021
It was meant to be a fun reunion, a chance for six friends to reconnect and relive the adventure that brought them together in the first place. But from the moment hey arrive on their island home for the weekend, Lyndsey, Sonia, Bobbie, Amanda, Juliet and Val realise that their paradise is filled with peril, and there are consequences when you try to outrun the ghosts of your past. As everything starts to fall apart, and the friends begin to turn against one another, deep, dark secrets are revealed, and an unimaginable horror is unleashed.
We follow the six remaining friends of the "adventure group" a group they had formed in high school. They reunite to go on a camping trip that will hopefully rekindle their friendship. A storm is brewing and strange things start to happen.
I was pulled into this story quite quickly. It showed lots of potential. They were a mixed bunch of
characters whose backstories were intriguing. Sadly, for me, the story was a bit predictable. The book is descriptively written and the pace is steady.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #RakieBennett for my ARC of #TheWeekendEscape in exchange for an honest review.
We follow the six remaining friends of the "adventure group" a group they had formed in high school. They reunite to go on a camping trip that will hopefully rekindle their friendship. A storm is brewing and strange things start to happen.
I was pulled into this story quite quickly. It showed lots of potential. They were a mixed bunch of
characters whose backstories were intriguing. Sadly, for me, the story was a bit predictable. The book is descriptively written and the pace is steady.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #RakieBennett for my ARC of #TheWeekendEscape in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2021
Seven woman are trapped on a deserted island in the middle of a storm, and one by one they are targeted. One is severely injured, one dies. What will happen to the rest of them? You will turn pages quickly and fervently in a quest to know more details and to solve the puzzle.
The premise of the locked room whodunnit is old, but the flow of the book is really nice and the writing is fluent. The descriptions of the island and the storm are very atmospheric and the characters are nicely drawn. They all have just enough differences to easily identify them. And I was really trying to read fast to know the conclusion. Who did it and most importantly, why? I was thrown off from the beginning, making a assumption I shouldn't have made. At the end, everything wrapped up nicely, but then those last few sentences threw everything overboard and made me rethink the solution.
Maybe the perpetrator isn't who you think it is and will get away with it, pretending to be a victim. Give it a go, and see for yourself if you got it right.
A sincere thanks to NetGalley, One More Chapter, HarperCollins Publishers and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the locked room whodunnit is old, but the flow of the book is really nice and the writing is fluent. The descriptions of the island and the storm are very atmospheric and the characters are nicely drawn. They all have just enough differences to easily identify them. And I was really trying to read fast to know the conclusion. Who did it and most importantly, why? I was thrown off from the beginning, making a assumption I shouldn't have made. At the end, everything wrapped up nicely, but then those last few sentences threw everything overboard and made me rethink the solution.
Maybe the perpetrator isn't who you think it is and will get away with it, pretending to be a victim. Give it a go, and see for yourself if you got it right.
A sincere thanks to NetGalley, One More Chapter, HarperCollins Publishers and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2021
Rating 3
This book was okay. I really wanted to use this book to escape for the weekend but I just struggled to get into it. While the synopsis sounded promising this book just felt dull to me. This type of story has been done so many times before and I was hoping for the author to put their own twist or uniqueness into it. Sadly, that didn’t happen. None of the characters were particularly likable and this added to the struggle. I found myself not caring who died or how they died. To be fair, I don’t think it helped that I read a great stranded whodunnit earlier this month. I found myself comparing the two books and that is never a good thing! Even though I didn’t enjoy it, I do recommend people give it a try for themselves.
*Received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. In no way does this affect my opinion.*
This book was okay. I really wanted to use this book to escape for the weekend but I just struggled to get into it. While the synopsis sounded promising this book just felt dull to me. This type of story has been done so many times before and I was hoping for the author to put their own twist or uniqueness into it. Sadly, that didn’t happen. None of the characters were particularly likable and this added to the struggle. I found myself not caring who died or how they died. To be fair, I don’t think it helped that I read a great stranded whodunnit earlier this month. I found myself comparing the two books and that is never a good thing! Even though I didn’t enjoy it, I do recommend people give it a try for themselves.
*Received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. In no way does this affect my opinion.*
September 8, 2021
A group of former friends descend on an almost deserted island for a weekend of adventure and activities. Most had barely spoken since high school but all are, for different reasons, eager to escape their current lives and relive some of the fun times they used to share. Their very first event involves abseiling down the side of the lighthouse, one of the few man-made structures on the island, and very nearly ends in disaster for one of the group. Is someone sabotaging them? And, if so, just which of their many secrets does their persecutor want vengeance for?
This was a solid thriller, featuring an isolated island setting and an untrustworthy friendship group who all had something to hide. Basically, my favourite set-up for a mystery! I loved how Bennett kept a stream of mysteries consistently being revealed, which ensured I had many theories present at any one time, and that my focus was often misdirected from what was really occurring.
This was fun, fast-paced, and full of twists and turns that heightened my intrigue as I flew through the pages. I'd definitely read from this author again.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Rake Bennett, and the publisher, One More Chapter, for this opportunity.
This was a solid thriller, featuring an isolated island setting and an untrustworthy friendship group who all had something to hide. Basically, my favourite set-up for a mystery! I loved how Bennett kept a stream of mysteries consistently being revealed, which ensured I had many theories present at any one time, and that my focus was often misdirected from what was really occurring.
This was fun, fast-paced, and full of twists and turns that heightened my intrigue as I flew through the pages. I'd definitely read from this author again.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Rake Bennett, and the publisher, One More Chapter, for this opportunity.
November 12, 2021
Six friends go on a weekend getaway on a secluded island however they are in for a surprise when they arrive and mysterious things begin happening to them.
I really enjoyed this book! I was a bit skeptical because the reviews seemed to think that it was a pretty basic whodunnit novel but I don't usually read this particular trope so it was pretty exciting for me. The characters were all a little bit plain but I liked having all of the secrets come out and trying to figure out who was behind the events that were occurring. There isn't really much that I think I could critique on this one as it kept my interest the entire time and I didn't figure out the twist until it was happening which is a plus for me when I'm reading mysteries.
4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this copy to review.
I really enjoyed this book! I was a bit skeptical because the reviews seemed to think that it was a pretty basic whodunnit novel but I don't usually read this particular trope so it was pretty exciting for me. The characters were all a little bit plain but I liked having all of the secrets come out and trying to figure out who was behind the events that were occurring. There isn't really much that I think I could critique on this one as it kept my interest the entire time and I didn't figure out the twist until it was happening which is a plus for me when I'm reading mysteries.
4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this copy to review.
December 7, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
These types of books are honestly like crack for me. I love them, and this one was very good. It was a quick and easy read. Very atmospheric in setting. Okay characters. The plot was interesting and kept me reading. That said, I figured out who was behind everything and why very early on. The biggest issue I had was that ending. Was the author trying to be clever? Mysterious? It was just an absolute clusterpuck of an ending. 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
These types of books are honestly like crack for me. I love them, and this one was very good. It was a quick and easy read. Very atmospheric in setting. Okay characters. The plot was interesting and kept me reading. That said, I figured out who was behind everything and why very early on. The biggest issue I had was that ending. Was the author trying to be clever? Mysterious? It was just an absolute clusterpuck of an ending. 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
August 31, 2021
I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have always enjoyed a good thriller, especially one where everyone is somewhere remote like an island or has become remote due to inclement weather, etc, so I was very excited to read this whodunnit. It starts off with a bang and doesn’t stop till the bitter end. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a few hours.
November 2, 2021
This was a fast and action-packed read, centered in Lyndsey and her friends, who travel to a deserted island to do some climbing and catch up with each other. It soon becomes apparent that this group has some complex dynamics and that many of them are harboring secrets. To top it all off, the bunkhouse where they are staying was not as promised, and the landlord who lives on the island is not friendly or helpful.
The action starts right away, with someone getting hurt, and doesn't let up the entire time. The author is not afraid to kill off primary characters (of course you need to read for yourself to find out who!), which is always fun because the reader never truly knows what is going to happen. The dynamics between the characters held my interest, though some of their issues seemed a bit catty.
I saw the end coming from early on, which was a little bit of a bummer, but it's always somewhat satisfying to see things play out the way you expected. Beyond the big twist, there were a few more surprises throughout, as well. I thought that the ending was well done and tied up loose ends nicely.
Overall, fun read- I am a sucker for books that take place in abandoned areas and this one had a unique spin. I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars and recommend it to those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The action starts right away, with someone getting hurt, and doesn't let up the entire time. The author is not afraid to kill off primary characters (of course you need to read for yourself to find out who!), which is always fun because the reader never truly knows what is going to happen. The dynamics between the characters held my interest, though some of their issues seemed a bit catty.
I saw the end coming from early on, which was a little bit of a bummer, but it's always somewhat satisfying to see things play out the way you expected. Beyond the big twist, there were a few more surprises throughout, as well. I thought that the ending was well done and tied up loose ends nicely.
Overall, fun read- I am a sucker for books that take place in abandoned areas and this one had a unique spin. I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars and recommend it to those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2021
Six friends reunite on the deserted Shell Island for a fun weekend. But it is anything but fun for Lyndsey, Sonia, Bobbie, Amanda, Juliet and Val. First someone gets injured, then another friend goes missing. To top it off, a bad storm is brewing and their bunkhouse is in horrible condition. They can't even radio for help. One by one, things are discovered about each one of the friends and it seems that everyone has a secret to tell.
This was a fantastic book by Rakie Bennett. The premise for this story caught my attention and I devoured it rather quickly. If you like an eerie setting, a fast paced story, and a brilliant ending…then check this one out! I look forward to reading the next book from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This was a fantastic book by Rakie Bennett. The premise for this story caught my attention and I devoured it rather quickly. If you like an eerie setting, a fast paced story, and a brilliant ending…then check this one out! I look forward to reading the next book from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
September 15, 2021
A deserted island, a vicious storm, a murderer amongst friends.
That sounds like a book right up my alley! I love locked-room style mysteries, and this one did not disappoint.
Six friends reunite for a fun weekend of abseiling and rock climbing on Shell Island. Unfortunately for them, things start to go wrong from the beginning when one friend gets hurt in a fall. Things go from bad to worse when they realize the radio is broken and a storm is threatening to cut them off from the mainland. Is someone intentionally sabotaging their trip? The higher the stakes, the more the friends start to turn on each other and reveal their real reasons for escaping to this island.
A lot of secrets-and blood-will be spilled before this weekend is over.
This book was so much fun to read! There are six characters, which can get confusing, but they all had distinctive personalities and agendas that made them easy to distinguish. And they all had motive, which made it interesting in trying to determine which one was the murderer. There was also some really funny one-liners throughout the book that added some comic relieve. For example: "I'm pretty sure this is a hospital. I mean, if it's not, I've got queries...about the catheter, in particular." Maybe it's just my weird sense of humor, but this book had me cracking up a few times. Additionally, I enjoyed the ending. It was a bit ambiguous, which left me thinking about this book long after I had finished it.
If your a fan of locked-room mysteries, definitely give this one a read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That sounds like a book right up my alley! I love locked-room style mysteries, and this one did not disappoint.
Six friends reunite for a fun weekend of abseiling and rock climbing on Shell Island. Unfortunately for them, things start to go wrong from the beginning when one friend gets hurt in a fall. Things go from bad to worse when they realize the radio is broken and a storm is threatening to cut them off from the mainland. Is someone intentionally sabotaging their trip? The higher the stakes, the more the friends start to turn on each other and reveal their real reasons for escaping to this island.
A lot of secrets-and blood-will be spilled before this weekend is over.
This book was so much fun to read! There are six characters, which can get confusing, but they all had distinctive personalities and agendas that made them easy to distinguish. And they all had motive, which made it interesting in trying to determine which one was the murderer. There was also some really funny one-liners throughout the book that added some comic relieve. For example: "I'm pretty sure this is a hospital. I mean, if it's not, I've got queries...about the catheter, in particular." Maybe it's just my weird sense of humor, but this book had me cracking up a few times. Additionally, I enjoyed the ending. It was a bit ambiguous, which left me thinking about this book long after I had finished it.
If your a fan of locked-room mysteries, definitely give this one a read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
2,5 ⭐️
A deserted island, a weekend getaway, a group of friends with a killer in their midst… With these ingredients The weekend escape had all the elements for it to be my favorite kind of read. Sadly, it wasn’t.
I know there’s an overload of locked room mysteries in isolated settings, but I usually enjoy them all. This one went awry almost from the get go.
Right from the start we’re presented all at once with 6 pretty similar main characters. This made trying to tell them apart quite hard. They didn’t have any distinguishing qualities and we were not given any of their backstories so I could not completely differentiate them until almost halfway through. They were also really unlikeable and, although I don’t usually have a problem with that but, if you’re unlikeable at least be interesting and these characters weren’t.
The mystery itself moved at such a slow pace. It felt like most of the time they were just bickering to each other (thank god they were supposed to be best friends!) and plotting ridiculous schemes that went nowhere. It was pretty clear from the start who was the villain (in my opinion, that first chapter gave it all away) and even though at first you don’t know the motives, as the story progresses you can basically work it all out. The last third picked up a little bit and turned the tension up a few notches but the actual ending was quite abrupt.
On the good side the creepy atmosphere was really well done and you would not caught me dead in that island.
Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
2,5 ⭐️
A deserted island, a weekend getaway, a group of friends with a killer in their midst… With these ingredients The weekend escape had all the elements for it to be my favorite kind of read. Sadly, it wasn’t.
I know there’s an overload of locked room mysteries in isolated settings, but I usually enjoy them all. This one went awry almost from the get go.
Right from the start we’re presented all at once with 6 pretty similar main characters. This made trying to tell them apart quite hard. They didn’t have any distinguishing qualities and we were not given any of their backstories so I could not completely differentiate them until almost halfway through. They were also really unlikeable and, although I don’t usually have a problem with that but, if you’re unlikeable at least be interesting and these characters weren’t.
The mystery itself moved at such a slow pace. It felt like most of the time they were just bickering to each other (thank god they were supposed to be best friends!) and plotting ridiculous schemes that went nowhere. It was pretty clear from the start who was the villain (in my opinion, that first chapter gave it all away) and even though at first you don’t know the motives, as the story progresses you can basically work it all out. The last third picked up a little bit and turned the tension up a few notches but the actual ending was quite abrupt.
On the good side the creepy atmosphere was really well done and you would not caught me dead in that island.
Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2021
A group of girl friends have a weekend away on a deserted island, for some rock climbing and a chance to reconnect with each other.
Things begin to go wrong immediately and they start to turn against each other looking for the culprit.
A story about secret, lies and past resentments.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review
Things begin to go wrong immediately and they start to turn against each other looking for the culprit.
A story about secret, lies and past resentments.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review
March 25, 2024
This book started off so well but by the halfway point I was finding the pace slowing, the plot growing tedious and the mysterious culprit blindingly obvious. I was frustrated to finish the story sooner, wanting to know if my theories were correct at the very end.
A group of friends are reuniting on a remote island. It’s a recipe for something to go wrong, especially as within hours of their arrival, Amanda falls from a height and breaks something. She is not well, needs medical treatment and, lo and behold, the only radio on the island is… broken. The resident caretaker is accused of everything that seems to be sabotaging the get-away and when the body count starts to rise, the friends no longer see anything fun in their weekend holiday. Things are starting to get serious.
Yet, some of the plot development was far-fetched. There is an insistence that someone will be able to swim across the small channel and get back to the mainland, finding help and ensuring everyone gets off of the island. However, the fact that the weather is diabolical does not seem to stop this thinking. There is little consideration about the dangers of swimming in icy cold waters during a storm where the waves are treacherous and the going is unpredictable. I wished this plan was abandoned sooner than later; that the writer hadn’t explored this idea as much. I thought it made the characters seem dense and uneducated, even when they are supposedly all more outdoorsy and interested in the adventure that this little holiday presents.
The story is very similar to another remote island escape that I have read recently and this may be why I grew bored of the plot. However, I liked how the writer ends on an ambiguous note and, unless I read into this far too deeply, I found I had way more questions than answers at the closing. Admittedly, I might have been looking for something that was not there, a thrill that I hadn’t got from the rest of the story, but I hope Bennett intended readers to question the integrity of the remaining characters.
Starting off well, this book had the promise of a thrilling, twisting and turning narrative. The use of pathetic fallacy adds to the atmosphere and intensity of the novel, especially as the characters are living in such a run-down cottage. It feels cramped and claustrophobic and I enjoyed how suspicious I became of the group. Yet, the fact that I saw the plot development so early on meant the final reveal was quite anti-climatic and lacking the surprises I was anticipating.
With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A group of friends are reuniting on a remote island. It’s a recipe for something to go wrong, especially as within hours of their arrival, Amanda falls from a height and breaks something. She is not well, needs medical treatment and, lo and behold, the only radio on the island is… broken. The resident caretaker is accused of everything that seems to be sabotaging the get-away and when the body count starts to rise, the friends no longer see anything fun in their weekend holiday. Things are starting to get serious.
Yet, some of the plot development was far-fetched. There is an insistence that someone will be able to swim across the small channel and get back to the mainland, finding help and ensuring everyone gets off of the island. However, the fact that the weather is diabolical does not seem to stop this thinking. There is little consideration about the dangers of swimming in icy cold waters during a storm where the waves are treacherous and the going is unpredictable. I wished this plan was abandoned sooner than later; that the writer hadn’t explored this idea as much. I thought it made the characters seem dense and uneducated, even when they are supposedly all more outdoorsy and interested in the adventure that this little holiday presents.
The story is very similar to another remote island escape that I have read recently and this may be why I grew bored of the plot. However, I liked how the writer ends on an ambiguous note and, unless I read into this far too deeply, I found I had way more questions than answers at the closing. Admittedly, I might have been looking for something that was not there, a thrill that I hadn’t got from the rest of the story, but I hope Bennett intended readers to question the integrity of the remaining characters.
Starting off well, this book had the promise of a thrilling, twisting and turning narrative. The use of pathetic fallacy adds to the atmosphere and intensity of the novel, especially as the characters are living in such a run-down cottage. It feels cramped and claustrophobic and I enjoyed how suspicious I became of the group. Yet, the fact that I saw the plot development so early on meant the final reveal was quite anti-climatic and lacking the surprises I was anticipating.
With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2022
The Weekend Escape by Rakie Bennett is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins/One More Chapter (and in particular Sara Roberts for sending me a widget), and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Six friends decide on a deserted island for a reunion. Lyndsey, Juliet, Bobbie, Val, Amanda and Sonia.
Juliet has always wanted to return to Shell Island. She set the whole thing up, and has an itinerary that has the group busy every hour of the day for the entire long weekend. They are going to do things they haven't done since school, and most will include climbing.
But from the moment they arrive, they find that this island is no paradise, and when one has an "accident" shortly after arriving, Juliet's plans get cast aside. It seems like they are being targeted. But is it someone outside their group, or is it one of their own that means them harm?
As things fall apart, the friends start picking on each other, and nothing is safe. Their secrets and past come out.
My Opinions:
This was a LOT better than I had anticipated. I've read a number of "stuck on an island" books in the last couple of years, but this one was really good.
The story is told from their first event on the island, and then through the hours/days leading up to the end. It's progression revealed more and more about the characters. It is told from the perspective of Lyndsey from start to finish, which was rather interesting since she had no clue as to social norms.
The characters were intriguing, if not too likable. There was typical cattiness among the women, which I did not really enjoy. The book looks at how closely we really know our friends, and do we really trust them. It also looked at being able to trust your own thoughts.
I admit to figuring out who the perpetrator was, but it was still very good.
The writing was great, the plot fairly unique, and the action non-stop. I absolutely loved the ending!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
September 20, 2021
Of course with a title like this, and a blurb that tells you six women are going to spend time on an island, you know what you will get. The idea is not new; the fun is then in reading the story and see whether the author does it better than the original.
The Weekend Escape, with six women who used to be friends, isn't better than the original, I'm sorry to say. I must start with saying that I'm impressed by the nice flowing writing style, and the way the author describes the desolate landscape and the horrible weather. But for the women? After a couple of chapters I completely lost track of who did what and why and when, because they all seemed so alike. From the beginning it is clear there should have been a seventh woman, and she's not with them because something terrible happened. What happened here is part of the solution to the mystery.
My mind kept wandering with questions while reading the book, because I really wanted to get to know the six women but I just got lost. Eventually I finished the book but I'm sorry I cannot give it more than two stars.
Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy.
The Weekend Escape, with six women who used to be friends, isn't better than the original, I'm sorry to say. I must start with saying that I'm impressed by the nice flowing writing style, and the way the author describes the desolate landscape and the horrible weather. But for the women? After a couple of chapters I completely lost track of who did what and why and when, because they all seemed so alike. From the beginning it is clear there should have been a seventh woman, and she's not with them because something terrible happened. What happened here is part of the solution to the mystery.
My mind kept wandering with questions while reading the book, because I really wanted to get to know the six women but I just got lost. Eventually I finished the book but I'm sorry I cannot give it more than two stars.
Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy.
March 27, 2022
When I first read the synopsis of this book I was intrigued because it gave me a bit of an Agatha Christie vibe, which is why I added it on my reading list. However to my dismay the pacing of the story is slow that by the time things start to happen I just don't care anymore. Perhaps my expectations and the pacing of the story are the factors that made me lose interest in finishing it.
October 11, 2021
3 1/2 Stars Definitely atmospheric, palpable tension filled weekend reunion. What could go wrong? More thoughts to come.
September 16, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with an early copy.
“They’re dead. Please don’t tell me it’s going to be all right.”
This is a thriller with a classic setting. Six friends decide to reconnect and spent a weekend at an isolated island. However, as soon as they arrive they start realizing someone or something is set out to harm them.
I love that the story takes right off. The characters are already on the island and weird things immediately start happening. Then we gradually learn more about every character as well as how and why they ended up on the island as the story progresses. The atmosphere is pretty intense and the novel has that element of mystery and creepiness. There is something much darker that connects these friends and you are trying to put together how that relates to what is happening now. Overall, I think it’s a good thriller, especially if you’re looking for something to read on a chilly day but you also want something that won’t stress you out too much.
The reason for my rating thought is that I found it to be a little too predictable. There is somewhat of a “twist” toward the end but it really didn’t feel like one, I mean after a while you can already guess half of it. The characters start suspecting one another and like each one has something that could make them guilty. They also start suspecting it’s someone else on the island. But just the addition of a certain ~element~ rules out all but one option. So whenever it tries to lead you to other conclusions it’s just not convincing enough and some things felt more pointless than entertaining.
Also, at certain times and especially at the first 30% it felt somewhat slow despite jumping right into the story. It takes some time to introduce us to each character and their life situation which took me a bit to get through. But once it’s passed that it really picked up and was a lot more fun.
Review also posted on my blog.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with an early copy.
“They’re dead. Please don’t tell me it’s going to be all right.”
This is a thriller with a classic setting. Six friends decide to reconnect and spent a weekend at an isolated island. However, as soon as they arrive they start realizing someone or something is set out to harm them.
I love that the story takes right off. The characters are already on the island and weird things immediately start happening. Then we gradually learn more about every character as well as how and why they ended up on the island as the story progresses. The atmosphere is pretty intense and the novel has that element of mystery and creepiness. There is something much darker that connects these friends and you are trying to put together how that relates to what is happening now. Overall, I think it’s a good thriller, especially if you’re looking for something to read on a chilly day but you also want something that won’t stress you out too much.
The reason for my rating thought is that I found it to be a little too predictable. There is somewhat of a “twist” toward the end but it really didn’t feel like one, I mean after a while you can already guess half of it. The characters start suspecting one another and like each one has something that could make them guilty. They also start suspecting it’s someone else on the island. But just the addition of a certain ~element~ rules out all but one option. So whenever it tries to lead you to other conclusions it’s just not convincing enough and some things felt more pointless than entertaining.
Also, at certain times and especially at the first 30% it felt somewhat slow despite jumping right into the story. It takes some time to introduce us to each character and their life situation which took me a bit to get through. But once it’s passed that it really picked up and was a lot more fun.
Review also posted on my blog.
October 6, 2021
This was a thriller of a book. It was set in Scotland on a island, very remote with a lighthouse. The group of friends decide to have a weekend away during the winter when one of their group is murdered. This was intriguing and very atmospheric. I could picture the island and the run down cottage and the rain lashing against the windows. Brilliant. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 4, 2021
After reading an amazingly well done stranded on an island novel a few weeks ago, this one just fell short.
Lyndsay and her mates from school finally schedule a weekend together - of climbing, catching up and reconnecting. Except someone messes with their gear. Amanda is the first to become injured - a suspicious cut on the safety rope. It's only them and the island caretaker - right? Screaming storm, howling wind, rustic bunkhouse, alcohol and paranoia come together.
The plot is so slow. The characters are annoying and unlikeable. Mental health issues, lack of confidence, little empathy among the characters. Just did not hold my attention.
Lyndsay and her mates from school finally schedule a weekend together - of climbing, catching up and reconnecting. Except someone messes with their gear. Amanda is the first to become injured - a suspicious cut on the safety rope. It's only them and the island caretaker - right? Screaming storm, howling wind, rustic bunkhouse, alcohol and paranoia come together.
The plot is so slow. The characters are annoying and unlikeable. Mental health issues, lack of confidence, little empathy among the characters. Just did not hold my attention.
October 3, 2021
A group of friends reunite for the weekend on a secluded island with no one else on it except for the warden. Throw in bad weather, no reception and a broken radio, which of course means no communication with the mainland, and the perfect setting for a thrilling weekend is ready and waiting… I enjoy books with this kind of familiar storyline because it always means I’ll be in for a treat, and this book did not disappoint 😊
The beginning was a little bit slow but the setting was eerie and ominous, which was perfect for a mysterious weekend full of fear and panic, and the story really picked up pace. I liked that the book was suspenseful, and each character of course had secrets while the tension and paranoia increased among them as the weekend unfolded, before the twisty and chilling ending.
Overall, this was an enjoyable rainy day thriller, perfect for curling up with on a weekend. I highly recommended this fun and suspenseful read!!📚
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this title in return for my honest and voluntary review
The beginning was a little bit slow but the setting was eerie and ominous, which was perfect for a mysterious weekend full of fear and panic, and the story really picked up pace. I liked that the book was suspenseful, and each character of course had secrets while the tension and paranoia increased among them as the weekend unfolded, before the twisty and chilling ending.
Overall, this was an enjoyable rainy day thriller, perfect for curling up with on a weekend. I highly recommended this fun and suspenseful read!!📚
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this title in return for my honest and voluntary review
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