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jamiecakes0522's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to Harper Collins for the finished copy.
Summer and her husband arrive at his family’s annual get together when she recognizes her brother in law’s new girlfriend, Hannah. When Hannah insists that she’s not who Summer knows that she is, Summer becomes obsessed with finding out more about her. And when a family member turns up dead, Summer is convinced that all eyes should point to Hannah.
Of the three Kate White books that I’ve read, I liked this one the most. But after three attempts, I don’t think her writing style is for me.
I did like that it kept me reading. I was interested to find out whodunnit. But, it was a bit wordy and, like the other two books I’ve read from the author, it felt choppy and kind of had a Lifetime Movie feel about it.
I am sure that many readers love this type of thriller and I can see the appeal.
Solid 3 stars.
Summer and her husband arrive at his family’s annual get together when she recognizes her brother in law’s new girlfriend, Hannah. When Hannah insists that she’s not who Summer knows that she is, Summer becomes obsessed with finding out more about her. And when a family member turns up dead, Summer is convinced that all eyes should point to Hannah.
Of the three Kate White books that I’ve read, I liked this one the most. But after three attempts, I don’t think her writing style is for me.
I did like that it kept me reading. I was interested to find out whodunnit. But, it was a bit wordy and, like the other two books I’ve read from the author, it felt choppy and kind of had a Lifetime Movie feel about it.
I am sure that many readers love this type of thriller and I can see the appeal.
Solid 3 stars.
lovemyshelf's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
bookedandcaffeinated's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
thephdivabooks's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t think there is anything that excites me quite like a new Kate White book does! I own every book of hers in hardcover (except one that I am still trying to track down!) and they are books I read over and over because they are this perfect blend of intriguing mystery, intricate plotting, strong heroines, breezy banter, and fun settings. They manage to have fairly diabolical villains but somehow stay light. And even when I know who did it, I find myself enjoying re-reads and noting all of the clues I missed the first time. Simply the best escape reads for me!
Imagine you are just getting to a perfect week-long getaway to a sprawling estate in the country. The remote grounds not only boast stunning gardens (which the hostess and her staff expertly arrange into beautiful place settings daily), gourmet meals, a refreshing pool, private tennis courts, and scenic walking trails, but also a gathering with family. Sounds heavenly, right?
Summer can’t wait to get out of Manhattan and take a long overdue vacation. Working as an actress and doing voice work, Summer is stressing about a recent job that didn’t go well. Still, she’s ready to put the incident out of her mind and spend quality time with her husband, his son, and his family.
From the first day Summer and her husband Gabe arrive at his parent’s estate, what promised to be a relaxing week is quickly spoiled. Gabe’s two brothers are in attendance and one has a new girlfriend Hannah. Summer actually recognizes her—she’s sure they both acted in a showcase together a few years earlier. But Hannah insists she was never in that showcase. Why would she lie? Summer can tell something is off about Hannah—she doesn’t trust her, particularly after she verifies with a mutual friend that Hannah was the person in the showcase and learns some troubling information about Hannah and why she may want to keep it a secret.
The week moves along a bit awkwardly, as Hannah continues to do things that raise Summer’s suspicions. But when a member of Gabe’s family unexpectedly dies, Summer begins to question everything. Is it natural causes, or is something else going on? Tensions rise as the family deals with the loss, secrets come to light, and deeply buried rifts among the brothers suddenly seem to surface.
If you’ve read Kate White before, you’ll find this to be another contemporary take on the classic whodunit. I absolutely love her Bailey Weggins books, but I also enjoy her standalones. Summer doesn’t quite have Bailey’s brazenness, but she is just as intelligent and tenacious about uncovering the truth! I enjoyed hearing about her work as an actress—I always think Kate White chooses interesting professions for her leading ladies. I also absolutely loved the setting. Though not quite a locked room mystery, it certainly felt that the remote estate location added an element of unease as things started to go awry and only the family and significant others were present.
This is a perfect weekend read—intriguing mystery, lots of clues to follow along the way, a great reveal, and despite the subject, it manages to stay on the lighter side of thrillers. Another slam dunk by Kate White!
Thank you to Harper for my advanced copy. I loved it so much I bought the hardcover for my collection. Opinions are my own.
Imagine you are just getting to a perfect week-long getaway to a sprawling estate in the country. The remote grounds not only boast stunning gardens (which the hostess and her staff expertly arrange into beautiful place settings daily), gourmet meals, a refreshing pool, private tennis courts, and scenic walking trails, but also a gathering with family. Sounds heavenly, right?
Summer can’t wait to get out of Manhattan and take a long overdue vacation. Working as an actress and doing voice work, Summer is stressing about a recent job that didn’t go well. Still, she’s ready to put the incident out of her mind and spend quality time with her husband, his son, and his family.
From the first day Summer and her husband Gabe arrive at his parent’s estate, what promised to be a relaxing week is quickly spoiled. Gabe’s two brothers are in attendance and one has a new girlfriend Hannah. Summer actually recognizes her—she’s sure they both acted in a showcase together a few years earlier. But Hannah insists she was never in that showcase. Why would she lie? Summer can tell something is off about Hannah—she doesn’t trust her, particularly after she verifies with a mutual friend that Hannah was the person in the showcase and learns some troubling information about Hannah and why she may want to keep it a secret.
The week moves along a bit awkwardly, as Hannah continues to do things that raise Summer’s suspicions. But when a member of Gabe’s family unexpectedly dies, Summer begins to question everything. Is it natural causes, or is something else going on? Tensions rise as the family deals with the loss, secrets come to light, and deeply buried rifts among the brothers suddenly seem to surface.
If you’ve read Kate White before, you’ll find this to be another contemporary take on the classic whodunit. I absolutely love her Bailey Weggins books, but I also enjoy her standalones. Summer doesn’t quite have Bailey’s brazenness, but she is just as intelligent and tenacious about uncovering the truth! I enjoyed hearing about her work as an actress—I always think Kate White chooses interesting professions for her leading ladies. I also absolutely loved the setting. Though not quite a locked room mystery, it certainly felt that the remote estate location added an element of unease as things started to go awry and only the family and significant others were present.
This is a perfect weekend read—intriguing mystery, lots of clues to follow along the way, a great reveal, and despite the subject, it manages to stay on the lighter side of thrillers. Another slam dunk by Kate White!
Thank you to Harper for my advanced copy. I loved it so much I bought the hardcover for my collection. Opinions are my own.
fionagillian's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
blimowery's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I'll admit I was hate reading this book for a good portion of this book. Everyone was so formal with each other. I kept saying, "I don't care how WASP-y you are you, people don't really talk like this!" Even between husband and wife, it was just stiff, almost to the point of uncomfortable to "watch." That being said, the story got me eventually. I was following the clues, I was simpatico with the heroine, I thought, for sure, I knew who the murderer was then...**BOOM** twist... upon twist... upon the final big twist where I actually exclaimed out loud "no way!" I can't decide if I'm never picking up another Kate White book because they way she writes interactions was just so hard for me to get comfortable with or if I'll be racing to pick up another Kate White book because she writes a pretty dang good murder mystery.
isaacrm's review against another edition
3.0
Three stars because there's nothing new nor original in the plot for this story.
The problem with this book, as with many others, is that it focus on a single suspect for the entire story with vague attempts to introduce other possible suspects. At the end, there is only one plausible possibility that you'll probably guess somewhat early in the book blocking any possibility for a shocking ending. It's a predictable story that, to be honest, is not that interesting.
The characters are flat and similar. You won't like them nor dislike them. There's no emotional investment for the reader, so there isn't any attraction to the story.
This is a book that will leave you thinking that you don't care.
The problem with this book, as with many others, is that it focus on a single suspect for the entire story with vague attempts to introduce other possible suspects. At the end, there is only one plausible possibility that you'll probably guess somewhat early in the book blocking any possibility for a shocking ending. It's a predictable story that, to be honest, is not that interesting.
The characters are flat and similar. You won't like them nor dislike them. There's no emotional investment for the reader, so there isn't any attraction to the story.
This is a book that will leave you thinking that you don't care.
rmarcin's review against another edition
3.0
A family summer vacation turns deadly. Summer and her husband, Gabe, along with his son, Henry, head to PA to the sprawling estate of his parents for the annual family gathering/vacation. One of Gabe’s brothers brings his new flame and Summer takes an immediate dislike to her.
When someone ends up dead, Summer is suspicious. Then more things don’t go well, and Summer and others are in danger.
I listened to the book, and I didn’t like the voice of the narrator. Also, the characters aren’t likable.
I was looking forward to this read, but it was just okay.
When someone ends up dead, Summer is suspicious. Then more things don’t go well, and Summer and others are in danger.
I listened to the book, and I didn’t like the voice of the narrator. Also, the characters aren’t likable.
I was looking forward to this read, but it was just okay.