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Infern în paradis
Sunt cititoare înrăită de thrillere psihologice. Majoritatea au câteva elemente în comun: cel puțin o crimă, mai mulți suspecți și răsturnări de situație care te induc în eroare. Deseori e dificil să anticipezi cine este cu adevărat criminalul, dar plăcerea de a îți face scenarii și de a intra în mintea personajelor e greu de înlocuit.
Totuși, trebuie să recunosc că Infern în paradis este un thriller inedit. Și spun asta pentru că este singura carte în care am simțit întreaga acțiune, dar și emoția. Lucy Clarke are un talent deosebit de a te transpune în atmosfera creată, de a te face să simți pe pielea ta briza oceanului, mirosul nucilor de cocos, auzi undeva în fundal murmurul apelor cristaline. Merge atât de departe încât te face să simți până și frigul nopții, disperarea și lupta pentru supraviețuire a grupului de naufragiați.
Mai mult decât atât, cartea asta oferă o lecție extrem de valoroasă – niciodată nu știi când este ultima interacțiune cu oamenii de suflet. Cu sora. Cu părinții. Niciodată nu știi că este ultima dată. Și ultimele cuvinte, ultimele momente petrecute împreună sunt cele care rămân cu celălalt până la final.
Prin urmare, este o carte pe care o recomand tuturor celor care au frați sau surori. Celor care caută adrenalină, suspans și provocări în viața de zi cu zi. Celor care cred că o carte e mai plictisitoare decât un film. Celor care cred în magia legăturilor de suflet. Pentru că veți găsi toate acestea într-un singur volum. Și nu veți regreta! Este o călătorie intensă care merită făcută măcar o dată în viață.
Totuși, trebuie să recunosc că Infern în paradis este un thriller inedit. Și spun asta pentru că este singura carte în care am simțit întreaga acțiune, dar și emoția. Lucy Clarke are un talent deosebit de a te transpune în atmosfera creată, de a te face să simți pe pielea ta briza oceanului, mirosul nucilor de cocos, auzi undeva în fundal murmurul apelor cristaline. Merge atât de departe încât te face să simți până și frigul nopții, disperarea și lupta pentru supraviețuire a grupului de naufragiați.
Mai mult decât atât, cartea asta oferă o lecție extrem de valoroasă – niciodată nu știi când este ultima interacțiune cu oamenii de suflet. Cu sora. Cu părinții. Niciodată nu știi că este ultima dată. Și ultimele cuvinte, ultimele momente petrecute împreună sunt cele care rămân cu celălalt până la final.
Prin urmare, este o carte pe care o recomand tuturor celor care au frați sau surori. Celor care caută adrenalină, suspans și provocări în viața de zi cu zi. Celor care cred că o carte e mai plictisitoare decât un film. Celor care cred în magia legăturilor de suflet. Pentru că veți găsi toate acestea într-un singur volum. Și nu veți regreta! Este o călătorie intensă care merită făcută măcar o dată în viață.
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2021
1828 people are currently reading
29607 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Clarke
22 books3,139 followersSunday Times bestseller Lucy Clarke is the author of nine destination thrillers. They include Waterstones Thriller of the Month, The Castaways, Richard and Judy Book Club pick, One of the Girls, and international bestseller, The Hike - and her most recent novel, The Surf House. Lucy's novels have sold over a million copies in the UK alone and are published in more than 25 territories worldwide.
Lucy's thriller, No Escape has been released as a major international show for Paramount+. The Castaways has also been adapted into a five-part thriller for Paramount+ and stars BAFTA award-winner Sheridan Smith. Three further novels by Lucy are currently in development for TV/film.
When Lucy isn't away on research trips (the real reason she loves being an author!), she can be found writing from a beach hut on the south coast of England. She lives with her husband and their two children.
Say hello:
Instagram @lucyclarke_author
Facebook: lucyclarkeauthor
Lucy's thriller, No Escape has been released as a major international show for Paramount+. The Castaways has also been adapted into a five-part thriller for Paramount+ and stars BAFTA award-winner Sheridan Smith. Three further novels by Lucy are currently in development for TV/film.
When Lucy isn't away on research trips (the real reason she loves being an author!), she can be found writing from a beach hut on the south coast of England. She lives with her husband and their two children.
Say hello:
Instagram @lucyclarke_author
Facebook: lucyclarkeauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,511 reviews
February 26, 2021
Superb premise, 2 Sisters on their way to Fiji for a holiday, 1 misses the flight, the flight that turns into a disaster
The start of this book is epic, probably one of the best atmospheric beginnings to a book read for a long time, you can almost taste the anxiety on the plane as the passengers begin to realise all is not well, and the description of what happens is powerful, scary and upsetting, the Fiji island descriptions are wonderful and you can almost eat the coconuts and fruit bread and visualise the crystal blue waters and infinite cloudless skies
But for me this is where it stopped, the actual rest of the story was really just ‘biding time’ until the end and tbh not much happened, it had already happened in the first few chapters
The male characters were all unlikeable and described in a way you just didnt get enough info on them to build a picture of them, the 2 Sisters went between intense and even more intense, all in all a grim set of folk to spend reading time with
The ending, I found odd and will leave it at that
Such a gripping start and high drama that petered out to a maybe 50-100 pages too much of repetition and a peculiar ending
6/10
3 Stars
The start of this book is epic, probably one of the best atmospheric beginnings to a book read for a long time, you can almost taste the anxiety on the plane as the passengers begin to realise all is not well, and the description of what happens is powerful, scary and upsetting, the Fiji island descriptions are wonderful and you can almost eat the coconuts and fruit bread and visualise the crystal blue waters and infinite cloudless skies
But for me this is where it stopped, the actual rest of the story was really just ‘biding time’ until the end and tbh not much happened, it had already happened in the first few chapters
The male characters were all unlikeable and described in a way you just didnt get enough info on them to build a picture of them, the 2 Sisters went between intense and even more intense, all in all a grim set of folk to spend reading time with
The ending, I found odd and will leave it at that
Such a gripping start and high drama that petered out to a maybe 50-100 pages too much of repetition and a peculiar ending
6/10
3 Stars
August 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this exciting reissue. It is high on my favourite list, and is scheduled to be published on January 06/2026.
This gripping, thrill-packed book was difficult to put down. It begins with a small plane heading to a luxury island resort offshore from the major Fiji international airport and tourist destination.
Two English sisters, Lori and Erin, were to be aboard this small plane for two weeks of rest and relaxation with blue sky, sandy white beaches and sunny days. The sisters have very different lifestyles, but neither is content with their life at present. Their love for and dependence on one another is intense, but they have a bitter quarrel the night before travelling to their final destination. Erin storms off, determined to return home the following day. Lori is disappointed to board the plane alone.
Onboard the flight are the pilot, the flight attendant, an elderly couple, a young mother with a baby, two men, and Lori. Their fear is palpable when they realize the plane is going down. The pilot manages to crash land the aircraft on one of the many small, uninhabited islands in the Pacific that surround Fiji. Four of the passengers died in the crash. From this frightening beginning, the tension and fear accelerate, becoming pulse-pounding and almost unbearable.
The survivors must find a way to work together and stay alive until they are rescued. They must survive among the dense jungles, searing heat, shark-infested waters, biting insects, little food, and growing distrust, suspicion, and hatred. There are twists and turns, secrets, a character with anger issues, unexpected connections, a brief romance, no communication with the outside world, and a dawning realization that a rescue is unlikely. No one knows where the plane went down.
We learn about the first 31 days for the castaways through chapters told from Lori's experiences in the past. The time on the island is frightening. There is danger when those within the group of survivors turn on each other. Lori misses Erin. I won't say any more about what happens during these first 31 days, but it is far from pleasant.
Some chapters describe Erin in the present, two years after the plane was lost. She is consumed with guilt about abandoning her sister in Fiji and misses her desperately. When the pilot turns up in Fiji two years after the plane and passengers disappeared, Erin wants to interview him in hopes of discovering what happened and of Lori's fate. Erin works as a journalist, a job she dislikes, but convinces her boss to allow her to go on assignment and cover the story. The pilot has been working in Fiji under an assumed name and has a brain condition interfering with his memory.
When she finally meets the pilot, he is on his death bed and unable to give her the information she needs. He does murmur a few words that she regards as clues. She meets his son, who becomes angry when he later learns that Erin is a journalist, although her primary goal has always been to find what happened to Lori. Later he sees her going through the pilot's meagre possessions in the room where he lived before being hospitalized. She finds a map that seems to pinpoint the location of the crash site.
Erin hires a boat for a day to bring her to the island, thought to be where Lori and the other survivors vanished. She finds the plane's wreckage and what appears to be strong evidence that everyone died here not long after the crash. She is deeply saddened and preparing to go back to England. She has quit her job with the paper. There are more mind-blowing surprises in store.
This book has more thrills, twists, turns and surprises than most adventure/mystery stories with a survival theme. It was well written and organized, and the storytelling was great. I thought parts had an overly sentimental tone. Characters were flawed but intriguing and believable, and the vivid descriptions transported me to that small island, a place I never want to visit, especially with that particular group of tourists.
This gripping, thrill-packed book was difficult to put down. It begins with a small plane heading to a luxury island resort offshore from the major Fiji international airport and tourist destination.
Two English sisters, Lori and Erin, were to be aboard this small plane for two weeks of rest and relaxation with blue sky, sandy white beaches and sunny days. The sisters have very different lifestyles, but neither is content with their life at present. Their love for and dependence on one another is intense, but they have a bitter quarrel the night before travelling to their final destination. Erin storms off, determined to return home the following day. Lori is disappointed to board the plane alone.
Onboard the flight are the pilot, the flight attendant, an elderly couple, a young mother with a baby, two men, and Lori. Their fear is palpable when they realize the plane is going down. The pilot manages to crash land the aircraft on one of the many small, uninhabited islands in the Pacific that surround Fiji. Four of the passengers died in the crash. From this frightening beginning, the tension and fear accelerate, becoming pulse-pounding and almost unbearable.
The survivors must find a way to work together and stay alive until they are rescued. They must survive among the dense jungles, searing heat, shark-infested waters, biting insects, little food, and growing distrust, suspicion, and hatred. There are twists and turns, secrets, a character with anger issues, unexpected connections, a brief romance, no communication with the outside world, and a dawning realization that a rescue is unlikely. No one knows where the plane went down.
We learn about the first 31 days for the castaways through chapters told from Lori's experiences in the past. The time on the island is frightening. There is danger when those within the group of survivors turn on each other. Lori misses Erin. I won't say any more about what happens during these first 31 days, but it is far from pleasant.
Some chapters describe Erin in the present, two years after the plane was lost. She is consumed with guilt about abandoning her sister in Fiji and misses her desperately. When the pilot turns up in Fiji two years after the plane and passengers disappeared, Erin wants to interview him in hopes of discovering what happened and of Lori's fate. Erin works as a journalist, a job she dislikes, but convinces her boss to allow her to go on assignment and cover the story. The pilot has been working in Fiji under an assumed name and has a brain condition interfering with his memory.
When she finally meets the pilot, he is on his death bed and unable to give her the information she needs. He does murmur a few words that she regards as clues. She meets his son, who becomes angry when he later learns that Erin is a journalist, although her primary goal has always been to find what happened to Lori. Later he sees her going through the pilot's meagre possessions in the room where he lived before being hospitalized. She finds a map that seems to pinpoint the location of the crash site.
Erin hires a boat for a day to bring her to the island, thought to be where Lori and the other survivors vanished. She finds the plane's wreckage and what appears to be strong evidence that everyone died here not long after the crash. She is deeply saddened and preparing to go back to England. She has quit her job with the paper. There are more mind-blowing surprises in store.
This book has more thrills, twists, turns and surprises than most adventure/mystery stories with a survival theme. It was well written and organized, and the storytelling was great. I thought parts had an overly sentimental tone. Characters were flawed but intriguing and believable, and the vivid descriptions transported me to that small island, a place I never want to visit, especially with that particular group of tourists.
March 3, 2021
Wow, what a fantastic read. I was hooked from the very first page. I stayed up far too late at night as I couldn't put it down.
Lori books a holiday for herself and her sister, Erin to Fiji for a break, but the night before they are due to fly, they end up falling out and Lori ends up on the plane alone, wondering what's happened to Erin.
The plane disappears without trace leaving poor Erin wondering what's happened to her sister and the plane. Now as a reporter she tries to find out the truth.
The book alternates between Lori and Erin, the past and the present, from each sister's point of view and wow, it took on a life of its own. I had no idea where the story was going, and could never have guessed it, but loved every minute of this castaway adventure.
I'm not going to give anything further away as it really would ruin the book and all I can say is read it for yourself.
I'll definitely be looking up to see what else Lucy Clarke has written, and if they are anything near as good as this book, I'm in for a treat. A thoroughly great and entertaining read with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for my copy and the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
Lori books a holiday for herself and her sister, Erin to Fiji for a break, but the night before they are due to fly, they end up falling out and Lori ends up on the plane alone, wondering what's happened to Erin.
The plane disappears without trace leaving poor Erin wondering what's happened to her sister and the plane. Now as a reporter she tries to find out the truth.
The book alternates between Lori and Erin, the past and the present, from each sister's point of view and wow, it took on a life of its own. I had no idea where the story was going, and could never have guessed it, but loved every minute of this castaway adventure.
I'm not going to give anything further away as it really would ruin the book and all I can say is read it for yourself.
I'll definitely be looking up to see what else Lucy Clarke has written, and if they are anything near as good as this book, I'm in for a treat. A thoroughly great and entertaining read with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for my copy and the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
January 6, 2024
Really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Lucy Clarke seems to write my kind of thriller.
January 17, 2026
There’s only one thing I love more than a Lucy Clarke novel: a Lucy Clarke novel with a Lord of the Flies-like vibe mixed with just a bit of the unrelenting dread from the TV show Lost. Yup, you read that right. Quite the heady combo if I do say so myself. Taking her penchant for destination thrillers and adding two deeply developed narrators who pulled me into the story with ease, I was a goner from the very first page. You see, this tale of a vacation gone wrong oozed with an ominous atmosphere and growing sense of uneasy foreboding. Furthered by the picturesque yet claustrophobic settings, I couldn’t put the book down for even a second. With evocative descriptions bringing both the island of Fiji and the plane crash site to life, this book was quite simply made for the screen. So imagine my glee when I learned that it’s already been adapted into a Paramount+ limited series on TV!
All said and done, despite an ending that didn’t quite mesh with what I was expecting, I still ate up this book from start to finish. With short, cliffhanger chapters, a pace that was perfectly slow to boil, and a web of secrets that shocked me but good, Ms. Clarke was at the top of her game when she wrote this unrelenting tale of psychological suspense. I mean, even the themes were hard-hitting. Exploring sisterhood, loss, and second chances, it was both thought-provoking and poignant without throwing away the sinister vibe. You see, through some complex group dynamics and a sister hellbent on discovering the truth, the intrigue alone kept me on the edge of my seat. So if you love plots that feel like a tinder box ready to explode, you needn’t look any further. You’ve found it right here. Twisty, thrilling, and addictive, it was the best kind of one-sitting read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Two years ago, a small plane disappeared over Fiji. For Erin, it’s been two years of obsessing over every detail, refusing to move forward even as life does. Her sister Lori was on that plane, and Erin was meant to be, too, but after a bitter argument, she failed to show. Everyone thinks Lori is dead, but Erin can’t let go.
Just when Erin is on the verge of losing hope, the pilot of the missing plane turns up still in Fiji, seemingly with no memory of the crash. In a final bid to find her sister, Erin travels there herself—but what she discovers is beyond anything she could have predicted.
Thank you Lucy Clarke and Atlantic Crime for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: plane crash, blood, death, infertility, suicidal ideation, violence, sexual assault, mention of: alcoholism
All said and done, despite an ending that didn’t quite mesh with what I was expecting, I still ate up this book from start to finish. With short, cliffhanger chapters, a pace that was perfectly slow to boil, and a web of secrets that shocked me but good, Ms. Clarke was at the top of her game when she wrote this unrelenting tale of psychological suspense. I mean, even the themes were hard-hitting. Exploring sisterhood, loss, and second chances, it was both thought-provoking and poignant without throwing away the sinister vibe. You see, through some complex group dynamics and a sister hellbent on discovering the truth, the intrigue alone kept me on the edge of my seat. So if you love plots that feel like a tinder box ready to explode, you needn’t look any further. You’ve found it right here. Twisty, thrilling, and addictive, it was the best kind of one-sitting read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Two years ago, a small plane disappeared over Fiji. For Erin, it’s been two years of obsessing over every detail, refusing to move forward even as life does. Her sister Lori was on that plane, and Erin was meant to be, too, but after a bitter argument, she failed to show. Everyone thinks Lori is dead, but Erin can’t let go.
Just when Erin is on the verge of losing hope, the pilot of the missing plane turns up still in Fiji, seemingly with no memory of the crash. In a final bid to find her sister, Erin travels there herself—but what she discovers is beyond anything she could have predicted.
Thank you Lucy Clarke and Atlantic Crime for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: plane crash, blood, death, infertility, suicidal ideation, violence, sexual assault, mention of: alcoholism
February 27, 2021
Sisters, Lori and Erin, have an unforgettable holiday planned, in Fiji. The night before their plane was due to transport them from the mainland to one of the remote islands they have a terrible fight and only one sister boards the plane. This sister, as well as the pilot, the seven other passengers, and the vessel carrying them, are never seen again.
This story was told through two distinct timelines and perspectives. This ensured the reader was privy to Lori's plane crash as well as Erin's bid to find out what truly happened to her, two years later. I was just as invested in each, as both sisters were intriguing characters with their own demons to deal with and a distinct inner-light to aid in fighting them.
Just as each of the mysteries, which peppered this book, seemed on the brink of a full discovery another was opened in its place, leading both the reader and each sister ever deeper into a chaotic web of intrigue, lies, and shadiness. No one could be fully trusted and my suspicions were placed upon every individual who entered the narrative.
This read like a literary Lost, with the reader also privy to the world outside of the island containing the survivors, and I was hooked throughout. The final 10% provided a twist I did not see occurring and which altered my perspective on much of what came before. I can't say I fully appreciated this final direction the novel took, but it definitely made for an interesting conclusion that also left me with much to ponder over.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Lucy Clarke, and the publisher, Harper Collins, for this opportunity.
This story was told through two distinct timelines and perspectives. This ensured the reader was privy to Lori's plane crash as well as Erin's bid to find out what truly happened to her, two years later. I was just as invested in each, as both sisters were intriguing characters with their own demons to deal with and a distinct inner-light to aid in fighting them.
Just as each of the mysteries, which peppered this book, seemed on the brink of a full discovery another was opened in its place, leading both the reader and each sister ever deeper into a chaotic web of intrigue, lies, and shadiness. No one could be fully trusted and my suspicions were placed upon every individual who entered the narrative.
This read like a literary Lost, with the reader also privy to the world outside of the island containing the survivors, and I was hooked throughout. The final 10% provided a twist I did not see occurring and which altered my perspective on much of what came before. I can't say I fully appreciated this final direction the novel took, but it definitely made for an interesting conclusion that also left me with much to ponder over.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Lucy Clarke, and the publisher, Harper Collins, for this opportunity.
June 14, 2021
I found this quite boring, a good idea with nowhere to go. I struggled to care about any of the characters or what happened to them. I lost interest very quickly and skimmed through to see how it ended, which was pretty much what I had anticipated.
September 20, 2021
This book begins with a bang...
and a crash.
Two sisters from London (Lori and Erin) are scheduled to fly to the remote island of Limaji in the Fijian archipelago, departing from Fiji.
The night before the plane's departure, the sisters argue and Erin is a "no show" and misses the plane.
It's soon reported that Lori's plane has failed to reach its destination. Similar to the doomed Maylasia Airlines flight, ensuing searches reveal nothing, and all passengers are presumed dead.
The first portion of the book is gripping and unputdownable.
Did the plane really crash? Is Lori dead or alive?
When the plane's pilot miraculously turns up alive in a Fijian hospital two years after the plane's disappearance, Erin's "need to know" intensifies and she's more determined than ever to get answers.
The story unfolds from two POVs: Erin in the present, Lori in the past.
This book is a compelling story of the bond between two sisters, survival, and the quest for the truth. It's well-written, character-driven, and atmospheric.
Unfortunately, after a very intriguing start, the book falters. The middle of the book was repetitive and the book's final twist, too, was borderline-disappointing.
Overall, however, the book was a winner. I have listened to three hijacking books in 2021, and this was my first plane crash book of the year.
I listened to the audiobook and both of the book's narrators did a superb job.
This was my first book by author Lucy Clarke and I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
and a crash.
Two sisters from London (Lori and Erin) are scheduled to fly to the remote island of Limaji in the Fijian archipelago, departing from Fiji.
The night before the plane's departure, the sisters argue and Erin is a "no show" and misses the plane.
It's soon reported that Lori's plane has failed to reach its destination. Similar to the doomed Maylasia Airlines flight, ensuing searches reveal nothing, and all passengers are presumed dead.
The first portion of the book is gripping and unputdownable.
Did the plane really crash? Is Lori dead or alive?
When the plane's pilot miraculously turns up alive in a Fijian hospital two years after the plane's disappearance, Erin's "need to know" intensifies and she's more determined than ever to get answers.
The story unfolds from two POVs: Erin in the present, Lori in the past.
This book is a compelling story of the bond between two sisters, survival, and the quest for the truth. It's well-written, character-driven, and atmospheric.
Unfortunately, after a very intriguing start, the book falters. The middle of the book was repetitive and the book's final twist, too, was borderline-disappointing.
Overall, however, the book was a winner. I have listened to three hijacking books in 2021, and this was my first plane crash book of the year.
I listened to the audiobook and both of the book's narrators did a superb job.
This was my first book by author Lucy Clarke and I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
July 16, 2021
A curiously engaging mystery that gave me some 'Lost' vibes as one sibling is desperate to find answers to disappearing flight FJ209 and her sister who had been on board.
The narrative is split between Lori (then) and Erin (now).
The fact that reporter Erin was also due to be on the same flight as her sister until the pair had a big falling out goes some way of explaining exactly why Erin just won't let it go.
Her determination grows stronger when the captain of the flight has miraculously appeared 2 years after the crash.
Much of the first half of the novel mainly centers on Erin's viewpoints though we do get flashbacks to the turbulent flight with Lori.
The aircrafts fate takes a more prominent role during the second half, with both Lori's time on the island giving it a much stronger finish.
The narrative is split between Lori (then) and Erin (now).
The fact that reporter Erin was also due to be on the same flight as her sister until the pair had a big falling out goes some way of explaining exactly why Erin just won't let it go.
Her determination grows stronger when the captain of the flight has miraculously appeared 2 years after the crash.
Much of the first half of the novel mainly centers on Erin's viewpoints though we do get flashbacks to the turbulent flight with Lori.
The aircrafts fate takes a more prominent role during the second half, with both Lori's time on the island giving it a much stronger finish.
October 20, 2022
4 ⭐ = Good.
POSITIVES
A real page turner(helped by short chapters).
Easy to follow.
Plenty of suspense.
Not particularly predictable(although I did guess part of the ending).
Would make a good film.
Unusual.
Ends well.
NEGATIVE
Repetitive in style.
POSITIVES
A real page turner(helped by short chapters).
Easy to follow.
Plenty of suspense.
Not particularly predictable(although I did guess part of the ending).
Would make a good film.
Unusual.
Ends well.
NEGATIVE
Repetitive in style.
October 9, 2024
2 years and 6 days go, flight FJ209 to Limaji, Fiji, was due to land. Bringing 9 passengers to the tiny island on the southeastern edge of the archipelago. However, the plane never arrived. It disappeared completely, without a trace…
Lucy Clarke has created an incredibly intriguing and suspenseful storyline following the lives of two sisters - Lori and Erin. She takes us backwards and forwards in time - Then and Now - drip feeding us information regarding the incident and its effect on those in the present day.
In the present day, we are faced with Erin, who can’t let it go of the mystery behind this incident. The walls of the spare room are covered with newspaper cuttings, maps, photos galore…all connected to the disappearing plane and those onboard. She refuses to take it all down because doing so means giving up and giving up means letting her sister go.
From the very beginning we get a sense of the strong bond between the two sisters. The bond is shown even more as we follow Erin’s POV in the present. Throughout the novel, Erin and Lori (from the past) struggle deeply being separated from each other.
The chapters are short and concise and with every chapter we gain a new snippet of information…as usual things are not always how they initially seem. Secrets are unleashed. Lies discovered. Bonds broken.
This book was so compelling and intriguing I could not put it down. It could easily be read in one sitting; it’s that addictive! The castaways is the first of Lucy’s books I have read but after this great success I will definitely be on the look out for her other novels. I loved the short chapters and she did a wonderful job of creating a very real plot.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Lucy Clarke has created an incredibly intriguing and suspenseful storyline following the lives of two sisters - Lori and Erin. She takes us backwards and forwards in time - Then and Now - drip feeding us information regarding the incident and its effect on those in the present day.
In the present day, we are faced with Erin, who can’t let it go of the mystery behind this incident. The walls of the spare room are covered with newspaper cuttings, maps, photos galore…all connected to the disappearing plane and those onboard. She refuses to take it all down because doing so means giving up and giving up means letting her sister go.
From the very beginning we get a sense of the strong bond between the two sisters. The bond is shown even more as we follow Erin’s POV in the present. Throughout the novel, Erin and Lori (from the past) struggle deeply being separated from each other.
The chapters are short and concise and with every chapter we gain a new snippet of information…as usual things are not always how they initially seem. Secrets are unleashed. Lies discovered. Bonds broken.
This book was so compelling and intriguing I could not put it down. It could easily be read in one sitting; it’s that addictive! The castaways is the first of Lucy’s books I have read but after this great success I will definitely be on the look out for her other novels. I loved the short chapters and she did a wonderful job of creating a very real plot.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 15, 2024
3.5⭐️
Grynai pamenu tą malonumą, saldų saldų, kai dar vaikai su sese buvom ir gaudavom leidimą vakarais, vėlai, per LRT, kartu su tėvais žiūrėt LOST. Tikriausiai, tai buvo pirmas serialas taip nunešęs stogą. Kiekviena serija - lyg atskiras filmas, kur neįmanoma nuspėt kuo viskas baigsis - ar vidury džiunglių išlįs baltoji meška, ar kokios dvasios iš už palmių sušmėžuos. Žinojau, kad gavus šią knygą nieko nelauksiu ir čiuspiu skaityt: labai jau asocijavos su minėtu serialu. Ir taip, panašumų yra, bet knyga gera buvo kitais kampais.
Esmė ta pati - vidury mažos salos nukrenta mažas lėktuvas. Išgyvena vos keli keliautojai. Baimė, nežinia, žaizdos, vienas kito įtarinėjimai ir bandymas išgyventi kliaunantis viltim, kad jau tuoj tuoj juos išgelbės. Praeina daug laiko, bet niekas jų neranda. Pasaulis pamažu pamiršta nutikusią tragediją, bet tik ne lėktuvu skridusios Lorės sesuo Erina. Ji nepaliauja ieškoti ir tikėti, kol galų gale vieną dieną randa už ko užsikabinti.
Nenoriu daug kalbėt apie siužetą, nes netikėtumų čia tikrai yra. Patiko intriga ir visai nenervino dviejų laikų pasakojimas. Trumpi skyreliai, dažnas užbaigiamas mįsle ir pažeria dar daugiau neaiškumų. Tiesa, mistikos, kaip LOST, čia nėra - labiau realistiškas reikalas, bet ir baugios džiunglių atmosferos užtenka, kad būtų baugu. Tikrai smagiai susiskaitė, gal tik kiek melodramatiška vietomis buvo, be ko buvo galima apsieiti. Viską susumavus - rekomenduoju ieškantiems mįslingo trilerio be žiaurumų, kuris skaitysis greit, lengvai ir tikrai prikaustys prie puslapių, kol neišsiaiškinsit kas ir kodėl čia nutiko.
Grynai pamenu tą malonumą, saldų saldų, kai dar vaikai su sese buvom ir gaudavom leidimą vakarais, vėlai, per LRT, kartu su tėvais žiūrėt LOST. Tikriausiai, tai buvo pirmas serialas taip nunešęs stogą. Kiekviena serija - lyg atskiras filmas, kur neįmanoma nuspėt kuo viskas baigsis - ar vidury džiunglių išlįs baltoji meška, ar kokios dvasios iš už palmių sušmėžuos. Žinojau, kad gavus šią knygą nieko nelauksiu ir čiuspiu skaityt: labai jau asocijavos su minėtu serialu. Ir taip, panašumų yra, bet knyga gera buvo kitais kampais.
Esmė ta pati - vidury mažos salos nukrenta mažas lėktuvas. Išgyvena vos keli keliautojai. Baimė, nežinia, žaizdos, vienas kito įtarinėjimai ir bandymas išgyventi kliaunantis viltim, kad jau tuoj tuoj juos išgelbės. Praeina daug laiko, bet niekas jų neranda. Pasaulis pamažu pamiršta nutikusią tragediją, bet tik ne lėktuvu skridusios Lorės sesuo Erina. Ji nepaliauja ieškoti ir tikėti, kol galų gale vieną dieną randa už ko užsikabinti.
Nenoriu daug kalbėt apie siužetą, nes netikėtumų čia tikrai yra. Patiko intriga ir visai nenervino dviejų laikų pasakojimas. Trumpi skyreliai, dažnas užbaigiamas mįsle ir pažeria dar daugiau neaiškumų. Tiesa, mistikos, kaip LOST, čia nėra - labiau realistiškas reikalas, bet ir baugios džiunglių atmosferos užtenka, kad būtų baugu. Tikrai smagiai susiskaitė, gal tik kiek melodramatiška vietomis buvo, be ko buvo galima apsieiti. Viską susumavus - rekomenduoju ieškantiems mįslingo trilerio be žiaurumų, kuris skaitysis greit, lengvai ir tikrai prikaustys prie puslapių, kol neišsiaiškinsit kas ir kodėl čia nutiko.
October 9, 2021
This book came with lots of recommendations and initially showed a lot of promise but didn’t quite grip me enough.
Sisters Lori and Erin are about to fly on holiday to Fiji, but following an argument Erin drops out. The small plane is reported missing leaving Erin desperate to find her sister Lori.
Sounds quite a simple synopsis but typically there is far more going on than first seems. There are twists and turns along the way and although I did enjoy it and will certainly be reading more of this authors books it was not a classic.
A good read.
Sisters Lori and Erin are about to fly on holiday to Fiji, but following an argument Erin drops out. The small plane is reported missing leaving Erin desperate to find her sister Lori.
Sounds quite a simple synopsis but typically there is far more going on than first seems. There are twists and turns along the way and although I did enjoy it and will certainly be reading more of this authors books it was not a classic.
A good read.
June 4, 2021
Sounded interesting but sadly wasn’t.
It’s a tedious tale of two sisters whingeing about missing each other/feeling guilty/feeling aggrieved and other self-centred thoughts.
The island life is slightly more interesting yet that too is repetitive and lacks any detail or realism.
Twice as long as it needed to be, given the thin plot. Snap it up from any airport WHSmiths.
* Thank you Libby * (glad I didn’t part with any £)
It’s a tedious tale of two sisters whingeing about missing each other/feeling guilty/feeling aggrieved and other self-centred thoughts.
The island life is slightly more interesting yet that too is repetitive and lacks any detail or realism.
Twice as long as it needed to be, given the thin plot. Snap it up from any airport WHSmiths.
* Thank you Libby * (glad I didn’t part with any £)
May 18, 2025
UK Sister Lori and Erin both at very different stages in their lives agree to take a 2 week holiday to Fiji to just get away and enjoy each others company. They are in Nadi for their last night before jumping onboard a puddle jumper the next day to enjoy a few days on a remote island, soaking up the sunshine and all the resort luxuries on offer.
That night they argue, both stubborn and fiercely independent Erin storms off and doesn't show at the airport the next day. Lori, disappointed still boards the small plane and thinks we will work it out.
The book jumps to 2 years into the future, Erin is back in the UK. Trying to pickup the pieces of her life and still searching for her sister. Lori's plane never arrived at its destination, the plane is missing and has never been seen again.
The book switches between Lori back then... what happened. Then into the future Erin, everything changes when the Pilot is found alive 2 years later living his life in Fiji. Why didn't he come forward? where are the passengers from that flight?
I really enjoyed this book, the mystery of what happened to Lori, the plane and the other people on board. At the heart of the book is the love and bond the sisters have for one another.
I listened to it on Audio, the "Aussie" Accents were are bit weird though they distracted me a bit.
Its a Solid 4 stars for me.
That night they argue, both stubborn and fiercely independent Erin storms off and doesn't show at the airport the next day. Lori, disappointed still boards the small plane and thinks we will work it out.
The book jumps to 2 years into the future, Erin is back in the UK. Trying to pickup the pieces of her life and still searching for her sister. Lori's plane never arrived at its destination, the plane is missing and has never been seen again.
The book switches between Lori back then... what happened. Then into the future Erin, everything changes when the Pilot is found alive 2 years later living his life in Fiji. Why didn't he come forward? where are the passengers from that flight?
I really enjoyed this book, the mystery of what happened to Lori, the plane and the other people on board. At the heart of the book is the love and bond the sisters have for one another.
I listened to it on Audio, the "Aussie" Accents were are bit weird though they distracted me a bit.
Its a Solid 4 stars for me.
February 25, 2021
Another brilliantly immersive novel from Lucy Clarke, a tense and emotional psychological thriller featuring a missing plane, a deserted island and an emotive compelling sibling relationship at the heart of it.
Told in both past and present we have one sister, Erin, endlessly searching for answers after a flight carrying her sibling disappears from radar. A long time after all are declared lost the pilot suddenly appears, very much alive...
This is so intriguing and beautifully written that you devour it pretty much in one sitting. The reader here understands more than the characters do but it is wonderfully unpredictable and I really wasn't sure where it was going. A cleverly thought provoking ending puts the icing on the cake and the relationship between the two sisters is complex and fascinating.
Overall a terrific read. Recommended.
Told in both past and present we have one sister, Erin, endlessly searching for answers after a flight carrying her sibling disappears from radar. A long time after all are declared lost the pilot suddenly appears, very much alive...
This is so intriguing and beautifully written that you devour it pretty much in one sitting. The reader here understands more than the characters do but it is wonderfully unpredictable and I really wasn't sure where it was going. A cleverly thought provoking ending puts the icing on the cake and the relationship between the two sisters is complex and fascinating.
Overall a terrific read. Recommended.
January 27, 2021
Lori and sister Erin lost their mother at an early age,. They have always been close to one another living together after Lori found out her husband had been cheating on her.
Lori books a luxury trip to Fiji for the pair of them, but the night before they are due to fly, they get into a terrible argument and Lori ends up boarding the plane alone.
The plane goes missing and two years later Erin a journalist is still trying to find out what happened on that fateful day. She finds out that Mike the pilot has been found alive in Fiji living under an alias!!
The story alternates between the past and the present as we discover why the two sisters were not on the flight together and what happened to the plane and its passengers.
A book that just screamed out to me to be read!! As the story unfolds I found myself holding my breath desperately guessing how this wonderful story would end!!
I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Lori books a luxury trip to Fiji for the pair of them, but the night before they are due to fly, they get into a terrible argument and Lori ends up boarding the plane alone.
The plane goes missing and two years later Erin a journalist is still trying to find out what happened on that fateful day. She finds out that Mike the pilot has been found alive in Fiji living under an alias!!
The story alternates between the past and the present as we discover why the two sisters were not on the flight together and what happened to the plane and its passengers.
A book that just screamed out to me to be read!! As the story unfolds I found myself holding my breath desperately guessing how this wonderful story would end!!
I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
March 9, 2021
It should be like any other holiday. Beautiful beaches. Golden sunsets. Nothing for miles. You'll never want to leave. Until yoou do.
Erin and Lori both go on holiday together but only one ends up on a short flight over to an island of Fiji. Lori had decided to treat herself and her sister Erin to a holiday on a Fiji island. But before theor final flight, the two sister's argue and Erin misses her flight.But the plane goes missing. This story is narrated by Erin and Lori's perspectives. Erin is still searching for her sister two years after the planes disapperance. Lori's perspective starts after the plane vanished and we're told what happened to the seven people who boarded that flight. The pace is steady in this well written book that's gripping and intriguing. The characters are well rounded and believable. I had a lump in my throat whilst reading the last chapter.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollins, #HarperFiction and the author #LucyClarke for my ARC #TheCastaways in exchange for an honest review.
Erin and Lori both go on holiday together but only one ends up on a short flight over to an island of Fiji. Lori had decided to treat herself and her sister Erin to a holiday on a Fiji island. But before theor final flight, the two sister's argue and Erin misses her flight.But the plane goes missing. This story is narrated by Erin and Lori's perspectives. Erin is still searching for her sister two years after the planes disapperance. Lori's perspective starts after the plane vanished and we're told what happened to the seven people who boarded that flight. The pace is steady in this well written book that's gripping and intriguing. The characters are well rounded and believable. I had a lump in my throat whilst reading the last chapter.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollins, #HarperFiction and the author #LucyClarke for my ARC #TheCastaways in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
Spannend, wie immer! Die Autorin fesselt mich einfach immer. In der Regel erinnere ich mich nie besonders lange an den Inhalt, bin aber immer begeistert und erinnere mich gerne an die Lesezeit.
Auch dieses Mal geht es wieder um 2 Schwestern, die Geschichte springt in kurzen Kapiteln zwischen Gegenwart und Vergangenheit hin und her und erst am Ende hat man das ganze Bild. Für mich die perfekte Unterhaltung.
Auch dieses Mal geht es wieder um 2 Schwestern, die Geschichte springt in kurzen Kapiteln zwischen Gegenwart und Vergangenheit hin und her und erst am Ende hat man das ganze Bild. Für mich die perfekte Unterhaltung.
September 12, 2021
The premise of The Castaways has all the makings for a gripping escapist thriller but sadly the execution lets it down and after a strong start it quickly becomes more of a snooze with pages of repetition and very little happening. The story is centred around the relationship between sisters Lori and Erin Holme, who since the death of their mother in childhood have come to rely on each other, particularly in times of trouble. When Lori’s husband admitted to having an affair and announced his intention to leave her she moved into Erin’s spare bedroom and soon after booked them both a holiday to Fiji. That was two years ago and after a furious argument whilst in Fiji, Erin failed to show for the small inter-island flight that Lori ended up boarding alone. When the plane failed to reach its destination and the ensuing searches revealed nothing, with all passengers presumed dead, guilt-ridden Erin returned home but has been unable to move on with her life and remains consumed by the mystery of what actually happened to Lori’s plane. When the pilot turns up alive in a Fijian hospital it provides journalist Erin with an opportunity to finally get some answers once and for all and perhaps start living again.
The story follows a dual narrative split between Erin in the present and Lori in past, hence the reader knows that Lori did actually survive the plane crash from early on, which is obviously more than Erin does. As Erin flies out to Fiji convinced that the seriously ailing pilot is withholding details her investigative strategy relies solely on getting him to talk and this quickly proves far from revelatory, basically treading water whilst Lori’s story of the actual aftermath plays catch up. This leaves plenty of time for Erin to bleat on about how guilty she feels about missing that flight and the things she said in their final argument. The whole desert island scenario isn’t the most credible by any means but I suspect it would have worked better if it had been a little bit more dynamic. As it is Lori, who has been through numerous cycles of IVF and desperately wants a baby, finds herself caring for a four-month-old baby after his mother dies on the flight, meaning the reader gets plenty of colour on childcare intermingled with pages of Lori whining about how much she misses her sister and little action. The passengers that survive the crash all have clear roles in the story (potential boyfriend, loose cannon and shifty pilot) and therefore it is very easy to predict where its all heading and lacks tension.
I struggled initially to distinguish between Lori and Erin and whilst their relationship might be complex, neither of them are memorably well-characterised or easy to connect with, meaning that I was never truly invested in the outcome. Whilst there is a late flurry of tension and a resolution that I found surprisingly credible to conclude the story I would struggle to classify the resulting book as a thriller given the baggy and lacklustre middle.
The story follows a dual narrative split between Erin in the present and Lori in past, hence the reader knows that Lori did actually survive the plane crash from early on, which is obviously more than Erin does. As Erin flies out to Fiji convinced that the seriously ailing pilot is withholding details her investigative strategy relies solely on getting him to talk and this quickly proves far from revelatory, basically treading water whilst Lori’s story of the actual aftermath plays catch up. This leaves plenty of time for Erin to bleat on about how guilty she feels about missing that flight and the things she said in their final argument. The whole desert island scenario isn’t the most credible by any means but I suspect it would have worked better if it had been a little bit more dynamic. As it is Lori, who has been through numerous cycles of IVF and desperately wants a baby, finds herself caring for a four-month-old baby after his mother dies on the flight, meaning the reader gets plenty of colour on childcare intermingled with pages of Lori whining about how much she misses her sister and little action. The passengers that survive the crash all have clear roles in the story (potential boyfriend, loose cannon and shifty pilot) and therefore it is very easy to predict where its all heading and lacks tension.
I struggled initially to distinguish between Lori and Erin and whilst their relationship might be complex, neither of them are memorably well-characterised or easy to connect with, meaning that I was never truly invested in the outcome. Whilst there is a late flurry of tension and a resolution that I found surprisingly credible to conclude the story I would struggle to classify the resulting book as a thriller given the baggy and lacklustre middle.
March 15, 2021
This mystery thriller was narrated by Jess Nesling; Helen Phillips. They did a good job. Clear and concise very easy to follow.
The story starts off with a bang and follows 2 timelines. Very mysterious and had me on the edge of my seat. The story had lots of broken people and I didn’t see the end coming. Very entertaining if you like mystery/thrillers then I definitely recommend this one.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK audio via Netgalley for this audiobook. I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
The story starts off with a bang and follows 2 timelines. Very mysterious and had me on the edge of my seat. The story had lots of broken people and I didn’t see the end coming. Very entertaining if you like mystery/thrillers then I definitely recommend this one.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK audio via Netgalley for this audiobook. I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
May 27, 2021
I so wanted to see what happened, but didn't want to finish it!
This had me on the edge of my seat all through.
Everytime I thought I had the plot worked out another plot twist sent me through a loop and kept me guessing till the last chapter.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
This had me on the edge of my seat all through.
Everytime I thought I had the plot worked out another plot twist sent me through a loop and kept me guessing till the last chapter.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 8, 2021
Omg that was one breath taking book, that had hold of me from the second I started it until I finished it barely letting me pause for breathe. It is addictive and kept me guessing throughout.
I kept trying to predict or second guess the outcome but I just couldn't wouldn't have come up with how it turned out, in a million years.
Two years ago Lori's flight never arrived at its destination. Her sister Erin was meant to be on the flight, but didn't take it. Two years later Erin is still trying to discover the truth, and without any idea where the plane came down, no bodies she can't get any closure. She is dogged in her pursuit of trying to find out just what happened.
I can't work out though how to say anything else without potentially giving away spoilers. It keeps you guessing continually and wanting to know various secrets including just why weren't' both sisters on the plane they were booked on, and that's just for starters.
The book is split into past and present sections, and there are harrowing descriptions of what happened with the plane, the aftermath. Everything described so vividly that I felt as though I was there, and may end up dreaming about it tonight as a result.
It's a story of survival, or not knowing what you are capable of until you are in that situation, of a wonderfully exotic backdrop, and a quest for the truth. And throughout the one thing you will feel is just how strong the bond between the sisters is, and just how much love they have for each other.
This is an author who every time amazes me even more, this is her best book easily (and the rest are all fabulous too). It was very hard to tear myself away from the story for things like sleeping and working, and even then my mind was on the story.
Just amazing, if you love a twisty story with a backdrop that is far removed from everyday life, then this is definitely worth reading.
Thank you to Harper and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.,
I kept trying to predict or second guess the outcome but I just couldn't wouldn't have come up with how it turned out, in a million years.
Two years ago Lori's flight never arrived at its destination. Her sister Erin was meant to be on the flight, but didn't take it. Two years later Erin is still trying to discover the truth, and without any idea where the plane came down, no bodies she can't get any closure. She is dogged in her pursuit of trying to find out just what happened.
I can't work out though how to say anything else without potentially giving away spoilers. It keeps you guessing continually and wanting to know various secrets including just why weren't' both sisters on the plane they were booked on, and that's just for starters.
The book is split into past and present sections, and there are harrowing descriptions of what happened with the plane, the aftermath. Everything described so vividly that I felt as though I was there, and may end up dreaming about it tonight as a result.
It's a story of survival, or not knowing what you are capable of until you are in that situation, of a wonderfully exotic backdrop, and a quest for the truth. And throughout the one thing you will feel is just how strong the bond between the sisters is, and just how much love they have for each other.
This is an author who every time amazes me even more, this is her best book easily (and the rest are all fabulous too). It was very hard to tear myself away from the story for things like sleeping and working, and even then my mind was on the story.
Just amazing, if you love a twisty story with a backdrop that is far removed from everyday life, then this is definitely worth reading.
Thank you to Harper and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.,
September 5, 2025
I can’t share too much without giving away this plot!
Let's just say that I was on the edge of my seat, wondering about what happened to Flight FJ209 from Nadi, Fiji, to Limaji, a tiny island on the southeastern edge of the archipelago. It never arrived. Both Holme sisters were to be on that flight….only one boarded.
It’s been a while since a psychological thriller captured my attention quite like this one. I highly recommend it.
⚠️Occasional swearing
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Let's just say that I was on the edge of my seat, wondering about what happened to Flight FJ209 from Nadi, Fiji, to Limaji, a tiny island on the southeastern edge of the archipelago. It never arrived. Both Holme sisters were to be on that flight….only one boarded.
It’s been a while since a psychological thriller captured my attention quite like this one. I highly recommend it.
⚠️Occasional swearing
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 16, 2022
This book is the perfect summer thriller for a beach day or laying by the pool. It's super fast-paced and has you guessing right up until the end. I couldn't stop reading as I had no idea what was happening but wanted to find out.
The ending left me feeling a little dissatisfied and there was just something missing for me with this one.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable summer thriller but not a new favourite.
The ending left me feeling a little dissatisfied and there was just something missing for me with this one.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable summer thriller but not a new favourite.
October 12, 2021
After 3,5 hours into the audiobook I still didn’t feel it; Suspense, the need to read on, being drawn in by the story and characters. I just kept waiting and waiting for that feeling of wanting to know more, but there wasn’t much mystery or enough of a thrill to keep me invested.
December 10, 2025
4 stars. Much thanks to Grove Atlantic! I absolutely loved Lucy Clarke’s “One of the Girls” .. and her latest, a re-release of “THE CASTAWAYS” is a dark (slow at the start then faster-paced), gritty mystery that is intense and holy moly does it ever keep you guessing. I really liked it .. and what sealed it for me was how much I enjoyed that chilling sense of ‘the-not-knowing’ as a dual-timeline of clues emerge .. as told by sisters, Erin now + Lori in the past-tense.
The book is set in my favorite locale .. a remote tropical isle that has a heavy atmospheric presence, especially during the disastrous flight .. in which a plane crashes en route to an island in the Fijian archipelago — with only one sister, Lori aboard, after an argument causes the other sister Erin, a journalist, to cancel her trip. Two years later .. the missing pilot turns up alive in a Fijian hospital prompting Erin to step up her investigative skills. So what happened to the plane and its passengers?? That million dollar question had me chomping at the bit in anticipation to find out! Pub. 1/6/26
The book is set in my favorite locale .. a remote tropical isle that has a heavy atmospheric presence, especially during the disastrous flight .. in which a plane crashes en route to an island in the Fijian archipelago — with only one sister, Lori aboard, after an argument causes the other sister Erin, a journalist, to cancel her trip. Two years later .. the missing pilot turns up alive in a Fijian hospital prompting Erin to step up her investigative skills. So what happened to the plane and its passengers?? That million dollar question had me chomping at the bit in anticipation to find out! Pub. 1/6/26
February 25, 2021
Discover the locations in the novel
Several people go on holiday to a Fijian island resort. The sister of one of the passengers misses the flight....but then the plane just disappears. No sight or trace of the passengers or plane are found. the sister decides to take matters into her own hands...
Boy this was good. HOWEVER if you are a nervous flyer, the first few chapters where you get to experience the turbulence and panic on board the plane....... Blimey even I felt sick and I love flying. I hope the author wasn't writing from experience.
The island setting, the mystery and the dual time line as we learn about the passengers fates was a lot of fun. Reminded me in places of that wild feeling I had when reading The Beach. With recent plane disappearances in the news, this had a feeling of being strangely relevant and timely.
Cracking mystery. Out in March with a longer review.
LONGER REVIEW HERE:
If you are dreaming of an island retreat, an escape to paradise….what better place than to spend it on an island in the Fiji archipelago?
There’s a plane in the novel on its way to one such island but then it disappears. No trace of it at all. The sister of one of the passengers who was due to take the plane herself, is desperate to find out what happened.
Talk about setting! This book more than transports you to the island retreat but I have to say the journey getting there was a bit hairy. The chapter where the plane goes down made my stomach churn so if you’re a nervous flyer you might want to speed read this part.
The story races along and takes you for quite the ride if you excuse the pun. I was totally invested as we follow each sister as one gets on the plane and one doesn’t. The story both before and after that fateful day merges together slowly to reveal quite the mix of events! There are secrets and more secrets which flood out as you discover what happened. What did happen to the sisters, the passengers, that plane and the pilot?
It was great to be on that Fiji island and I was reminded of the novel The Beach in many ways. The sense of remoteness, loss, fear and survival really is well done. The way in which paradise suddenly goes very dark indeed and in ways you might not expect…. was fun to read.
I don’t want to say anymore as it’s great to go into this book blind. Expect twists and turns and scene setting that you will become totally immersed in!
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