You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
blueeyedshook's review against another edition
4.0
Well that was delicious. Definitely my favorite of Rachel Hawkins thus far. The characters were perfectly flawed without absolutely despising them. And that can be difficult to do. Dare I say, it had low key Verity vibes. Nothing near as wild or crazy, and it wasn’t a “romance” at all—if you can call Verity that. But as far as the plot and the book of Mari’s and Emily reading it. And the TWIST at the end. I could have done without the Mari/Pierce/Noel part (if you know, you know). But I thought the Emily and Chess relationship was so relatable to long term friendship dynamics so often turning sour (minus the huge fame). Great audio narration. All in all fantastic book with language and sex warnings).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Infertility and Sexual content
Minor: Child death
Threesome scene but no graphic detail, lots of language including the c wordsyellico's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Out now! [Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!]
Rating: 4/5 stars
Emily and Chess have been best friends since childhood, but their relationship has become a bit strained. When Chess suggests a summer in an Italian villa—a villa that was the site of an infamous murder in the 1970s, moreover—secrets begin to unravel across two timelines.
I am absolutely obsessed with the story of the creation of Frankenstein—for anyone who doesn’t know, Lord Byron, Percy and Mary Shelley, Mary’s stepsister Claire, and John Polidori all stayed together in Switzerland for a summer, where Mary would ultimately write Frankenstein as the result of the party determining to each write a ghost story—so when I heard that Rachel Hawkins was writing a novel featuring a 1970s retelling of that very real summer (albeit with some added murder), it instantly became one of my most-anticipated reads of 2023.
Fortunately, I really enjoyed most of the book. I’ve seen some mixed reviews, and I understand any criticism that calls this book slow-moving, but I found it to be genuinely brilliant in terms of form, writing style, and the use of perspective and tone. The plot was interesting and I enjoyed the dual timeline, and the use of multiple forms of media (news clippings, etc) combined with the 1970s musician sections gave me vibes reminiscent of Daisy Jones & The Six.
All of that said, I ultimately took a star off the end because I just wasn’t sold on the ending. I thought I’d figured out where it was headed, but then things took a turn I didn’t expect, and the book ended in what was, to me, a pretty unsatisfying place. Still, if you’re a fan of historical/literary inspired novels and up for a somewhat slower burn, I would absolutely recommend The Villa.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: retellings-but-make-them-history; meditations on friendship; slow-burn Gothic suspense
CW: Child death; drug/alcohol abuse; murder/blood; suicide (off-page).
Rating: 4/5 stars
Emily and Chess have been best friends since childhood, but their relationship has become a bit strained. When Chess suggests a summer in an Italian villa—a villa that was the site of an infamous murder in the 1970s, moreover—secrets begin to unravel across two timelines.
I am absolutely obsessed with the story of the creation of Frankenstein—for anyone who doesn’t know, Lord Byron, Percy and Mary Shelley, Mary’s stepsister Claire, and John Polidori all stayed together in Switzerland for a summer, where Mary would ultimately write Frankenstein as the result of the party determining to each write a ghost story—so when I heard that Rachel Hawkins was writing a novel featuring a 1970s retelling of that very real summer (albeit with some added murder), it instantly became one of my most-anticipated reads of 2023.
Fortunately, I really enjoyed most of the book. I’ve seen some mixed reviews, and I understand any criticism that calls this book slow-moving, but I found it to be genuinely brilliant in terms of form, writing style, and the use of perspective and tone. The plot was interesting and I enjoyed the dual timeline, and the use of multiple forms of media (news clippings, etc) combined with the 1970s musician sections gave me vibes reminiscent of Daisy Jones & The Six.
All of that said, I ultimately took a star off the end because I just wasn’t sold on the ending. I thought I’d figured out where it was headed, but then things took a turn I didn’t expect, and the book ended in what was, to me, a pretty unsatisfying place. Still, if you’re a fan of historical/literary inspired novels and up for a somewhat slower burn, I would absolutely recommend The Villa.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: retellings-but-make-them-history; meditations on friendship; slow-burn Gothic suspense
CW: Child death; drug/alcohol abuse; murder/blood; suicide (off-page).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Drug use, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Blood, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
bookishlysimsy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Disclaimer: I was provided a digital galley via Edelweiss+ for the purpose of review. This does not affect my opinion.
The Villa is an interesting, engaging thriller. With a dual-POV and timeline, there is intrigue and wonder between each line.
Rating: Starred
Check out my full review on my blog Belle's Archive now!
The Villa is an interesting, engaging thriller. With a dual-POV and timeline, there is intrigue and wonder between each line.
Rating: Starred
Check out my full review on my blog Belle's Archive now!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit
snoozayreads25's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thought the book started off pretty slow, but about halfway through it picked up and I had a hard time putting it down! A few good twists, overall I enjoyed it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Blood, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Miscarriage and Sexual content
mindyleereads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.**
If you love a book set in gorgeous Italy, the 70's and its sex/drugs/rock-and-roll vibes, and one heck of a thrilling story - this is 100% for you. PLUS there was a bit of mixed-media and I am a sucker for a book with some articles or other things like that thrown in for additional context.
Rachel Hawkins did an amazing job creating a lush background and interesting characters. While the book starts off a bit slow, you are thrown into two story-lines both with friendships unravelling and mysteries afoot. I don't want to say much more as I don't want to give anything away. When I get excited, I tend to spoil things - just read this. You won't regret it!
Houses remember.
If you love a book set in gorgeous Italy, the 70's and its sex/drugs/rock-and-roll vibes, and one heck of a thrilling story - this is 100% for you. PLUS there was a bit of mixed-media and I am a sucker for a book with some articles or other things like that thrown in for additional context.
Rachel Hawkins did an amazing job creating a lush background and interesting characters. While the book starts off a bit slow, you are thrown into two story-lines both with friendships unravelling and mysteries afoot. I don't want to say much more as I don't want to give anything away. When I get excited, I tend to spoil things - just read this. You won't regret it!
Houses remember.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Child death, Miscarriage, Suicide, and Abortion
mflynn8908's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio of this story in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book by this author that I have read. While not overly impressed by the story and it was just an okay story it was an easy one to listen to and read in a day.
This story follows two timelines one in present day and one in set in the 70s. Both timelines follow women who are being manipulated by men and other people in their lives. The story contained so much gaslighting and the main characters were so weak I was eye rolling for most of the story. The plot was definitely predictable and I guessed the twist/ending about 30% in.
However, I did find how the two stories intertwined to be entertaining. Overall I think I would recommend this story if you are looking for an easy book to read.
This is the second book by this author that I have read. While not overly impressed by the story and it was just an okay story it was an easy one to listen to and read in a day.
This story follows two timelines one in present day and one in set in the 70s. Both timelines follow women who are being manipulated by men and other people in their lives. The story contained so much gaslighting and the main characters were so weak I was eye rolling for most of the story. The plot was definitely predictable and I guessed the twist/ending about 30% in.
However, I did find how the two stories intertwined to be entertaining. Overall I think I would recommend this story if you are looking for an easy book to read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Infidelity, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
basicbookstagrammer's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Medical content, Murder, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
amobrien's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Rachel Hawkins knows how to write a good mystery! I loved the way The Villa switched between narratives and how Emily's story complements Mari's. Aside from the mystery, this book does a great job of delving into the complex relationships and creating interesting and complete characters. The mystery itself was captivating and well-written. Overall, The Villa was a great read!
Rachel Hawkins knows how to write a good mystery! I loved the way The Villa switched between narratives and how Emily's story complements Mari's. Aside from the mystery, this book does a great job of delving into the complex relationships and creating interesting and complete characters. The mystery itself was captivating and well-written. Overall, The Villa was a great read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Infidelity
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Minor: Miscarriage and Suicide
caribbeangirlreading's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ARC Review
PUB Date: January 3, 2023
First off, this book is NOT a thriller because a thriller is a book about the fear of a future crime. The Villa is gothic suspense novel with a bit of a mystery thrown in. I rated The Villa three stars because it did what I wanted it to do, entertain me. I gave it another half star because I love atmospheric Gothic suspense novels. However, this was just a fun summer read. If you want top notch Gothic suspense, go read Daphne du Maurier.
LOVED:
• The book (Lilith Rising) and the folk music album (Aestas) created by the two female characters from the 70s felt so real. I wish I could read and listen to them.
• The Verity vibes. (Although this is nowhere near the mind fuck that book was.)
• I was transported to a villa in Italy for the summer. What’s not to love about that?
COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
• The structure of the book can be confusing. In the same chapter we can be reading about the events in 1974, the current story, and a quote from a podcast or magazine article referring to the 1974 events. I really hope this gets fixed before the physical copy is published.
• I enjoyed the modern timeline, but it was wrapped up a little too quickly and conveniently.
PUB Date: January 3, 2023
First off, this book is NOT a thriller because a thriller is a book about the fear of a future crime. The Villa is gothic suspense novel with a bit of a mystery thrown in. I rated The Villa three stars because it did what I wanted it to do, entertain me. I gave it another half star because I love atmospheric Gothic suspense novels. However, this was just a fun summer read. If you want top notch Gothic suspense, go read Daphne du Maurier.
LOVED:
• The book (Lilith Rising) and the folk music album (Aestas) created by the two female characters from the 70s felt so real. I wish I could read and listen to them.
• The Verity vibes. (Although this is nowhere near the mind fuck that book was.)
• I was transported to a villa in Italy for the summer. What’s not to love about that?
COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
• The structure of the book can be confusing. In the same chapter we can be reading about the events in 1974, the current story, and a quote from a podcast or magazine article referring to the 1974 events. I really hope this gets fixed before the physical copy is published.
• I enjoyed the modern timeline, but it was wrapped up a little too quickly and conveniently.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Drug use, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer, Miscarriage, Suicide, and Death of parent