Reviews

Bad Tourists: A Novel by Caro Carver

whatsamyreading's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

I was super excited to read Bad Tourists, especially after discovering that it was written under a new pen name for C.J. Cooke! While I haven’t read any of her previous works, A Haunting on the Arctic is on my toppling TBR. A luxury resort in the Maldives was the perfect setting for this book. As someone who would love a tropical vacation right about now, this story let me live out a bit of my fantasy 😅. The synopsis was really just the tip of the iceberg, and I enjoyed the unexpected direction the plot went in. This was a very slow-burn for me. There were little threads that kept me fairly invested in the storyline but I wasn’t necessarily itching to pick it back for the bulk of my read. Nonetheless, this would make a good addition your beach bag this summer. 

Read if you like: 

✨Tropical settings

✨Escapist reads 

✨Female friendships

✨Characters you love to hate 

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this ARC! 

kindlebabe's review

4.0

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brulereads's review

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

abooktocallhome's review

5.0

This book is the definition of a perfect summer thriller! Three friends on vacation in paradise but nothing is as it seems. So many twists that I didn’t see coming, and I can honestly say I was surprised by the ending. I will definitely read more from Caro Carver.

Thank you NetGalley and Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publishing July 9, 2024

whatandreawrote's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

beautifuldetour's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

5.0

this book comes out in July and was sent to me by Avid Reader Press and it should be on everyone’s summer reading list! This book was such a fun thriller to read and I was left guessing the whole way through the book. I don’t want to give too much away but picture the ultimate divorce celebration vacation gone terribly wrong. There are multiple POVs and if you enjoy watching White Lotus you will be obsessed with this thriller. 

criticalbooks's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.5

bookswithamanda_'s review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

willowshield8's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Bad Tourists" is an electrifying thriller that masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue into the fabric of friendship and betrayal. The novel takes us on a journey with Darcy, Camilla, and Kate, three friends who seek solace and celebration in the Maldives, only to find themselves entangled in a web of mystery and danger. The setting of Sapphire Island Resort is depicted with such vivid detail that you can almost feel the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes, providing a stark contrast to the chilling events that unfold.

The character development is exceptional, with each woman's personality, struggles, and growth portrayed in a manner that is both relatable and compelling. Darcy's journey of rediscovery, Camilla's influencer lifestyle, and Kate's literary aspirations add depth to their characters and set the stage for the unexpected twists.

The plot of "Bad Tourists" is ingeniously crafted, with subtle clues and 'little crumbs' dropped along the way, leading to an explosive and satisfying conclusion. The tension builds steadily, making it a page-turner that's hard to put down. This book is not just about the thrills; it's a profound exploration of female friendship, the facades people maintain, and the lengths to which they will go to protect their secrets.

imbeni84's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I was intrigued by this book because (a) I love a good thriller/mystery and (b) the Maldives is on the bucket list. 

The book starts off strong but intense. A young archaeology grad student survives a mass murder that happens at her boarding house as she sleeps. Fast forward 20 years, and we meet three friends - Camille, Darcy, and Kate - heading to the Maldives to celebrate Darcy's divorce. Once there, they meet Jade, a young new bride whose husband is decades older than her and has a temper. The women (especially Kate) take Jade under their wing and a new friendship quickly forms. 

The multiple POVs and timeline jumps took a minute to get used to, but once I did, I enjoyed the different perspectives (I'm usually a sucker for a good multiple POV), although I found it interesting - and a bit confusing - that Jade's POV was in first-person while the other three where in third-person. I found it refreshing that 3 of the 4 main characters were in their 40s; a lot of books seem to lean towards younger MCs. 

There were just enough twists and misdirects to keep me guessing - particularly the twist at the end. 

Multiple deaths. Questionable suspects. A possible hacker into an AI system (side plot line, but still relevant). Plus a beautiful setting. Overall a solid locked-room mystery/thriller. 

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder and Domestic abuse