The Villa

Rachel Hawkins’ “The Villa” has gotten a LOT of buzz on #bookstagram and #Goodreads. I am skeptical when the buzz is THAT good, but the description is intriguing and the reviews (I’m looking at you @thrillerswineandchill) have been exciting. Therefore, I was very glad to get an ARC to read.

I read. And read. I could NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. It’s worthy of the buzz.

“The Villa” is told as a dual timeline story with BFFs Emily and Chess in the present day and a cast of rock and roll stars, wannabees, and others trying to find their way in the 1970s. Both timelines take place at an atmospheric villa in Italy. Emily, a cozy mysteries writer, is trying to cope with a messy divorce while Chess is looking for space to finish her latest best-selling self-help book. While at the villa, Emily and Chess learn more about the murder that took place there on a stormy night in 1974. As they get closer to finding out what really happened that night, long-simmering tensions build to a boiling point between the two friends. 

This is not JUST a dual timeline story. It is a story within a story that keeps the reader engaged and lulled into a sense of security until…WHAM!...something unexpected happens. I can’t say much more because I am in mortal fear of giving something away! 

This book would be fantastic for fans of thrillers and mysteries. Do not delay. Get a copy as soon as it hits shelves.

Thanks #NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own. “The Villa” will be on shelves in early January.