Scan barcode
justinkhchen's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
While pretty subpar as a thriller, The Villa is still quite effective as an involving human drama with a dash of mystery. Keeping one's expectation in check is going to be the best way to enjoy this title from Rachel Hawkins — treat it as a general adult fiction (rather than a thriller) will help you appreciate its strength rather than focusing on its flaw.
Getting the harsh criticism out of the way — The Villa's thriller aspect is basic and alarmingly transparent; at first I thought the obviousness was intentional, leading us to think one way in order to counteract with a clever, unexpected reveal. But no, the novel took its red herrings as oath, and followed through every single one of them — this is easily one of the most surprise-less 'thriller' I've read in recent years.
Yet, I confess I did have an enjoyable reading experience for the most parts, thanks to its breezy length (just shy of 300 pages), a digestible yet immersive writing style, and an enticing setting (An Italian villa with a murderous past, who can say no to that!). I'm also a sucker for a multi-timelines, mixed medias narrative, and characters in the creative industries (we have multiple singer-songwriters and authors in this one), so The Villa is basically catnip to my reading taste, so much so I can overlook its absence of thrills.
The Villa is at its core an observation on toxic relationships, and how it can push people beyond their limit, whether that's to write the most heart-wrenching piece of music, or conjuring the courage to end someone's life. While it's a shame these strong themes and character work is bookended by the shallowest thriller cliches, it is still a read worth picking up — at least as a library loan.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
While pretty subpar as a thriller, The Villa is still quite effective as an involving human drama with a dash of mystery. Keeping one's expectation in check is going to be the best way to enjoy this title from Rachel Hawkins — treat it as a general adult fiction (rather than a thriller) will help you appreciate its strength rather than focusing on its flaw.
Getting the harsh criticism out of the way — The Villa's thriller aspect is basic and alarmingly transparent; at first I thought the obviousness was intentional, leading us to think one way in order to counteract with a clever, unexpected reveal. But no, the novel took its red herrings as oath, and followed through every single one of them — this is easily one of the most surprise-less 'thriller' I've read in recent years.
Yet, I confess I did have an enjoyable reading experience for the most parts, thanks to its breezy length (just shy of 300 pages), a digestible yet immersive writing style, and an enticing setting (An Italian villa with a murderous past, who can say no to that!). I'm also a sucker for a multi-timelines, mixed medias narrative, and characters in the creative industries (we have multiple singer-songwriters and authors in this one), so The Villa is basically catnip to my reading taste, so much so I can overlook its absence of thrills.
The Villa is at its core an observation on toxic relationships, and how it can push people beyond their limit, whether that's to write the most heart-wrenching piece of music, or conjuring the courage to end someone's life. While it's a shame these strong themes and character work is bookended by the shallowest thriller cliches, it is still a read worth picking up — at least as a library loan.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
alicias_bookaddiction's review against another edition
5.0
I could not put this book down it was so good! This book revolves around a villa in Italy where a horrific murder took place. Two couples and a friend took sex, love and rock and roll to the next level. Present day Em and her old friend Chess revitalize their friendship by staying the summer at the villa. Em is down on her luck getting divorced and stressing about finishing her book. Then we are introduced to Mary and Laura. Step sisters who have found themselves at the villa in relationships with two addicted rock stars. Mary is recovering from the loss of her child and family. Laura has a newfound passion for music and Marys boyfriend Pierce. Tensions are high at the villa and one person is murdered. Back to the present Em discovers the Villas dark history and is determined to find out the truth.
I love the two main characters Em present day cozy mystery author and past Mary author and witness to a tragic murder. The book revolves around the muses becoming artists. All of the women become more successful and powerful than the men who held them back.
I love the two main characters Em present day cozy mystery author and past Mary author and witness to a tragic murder. The book revolves around the muses becoming artists. All of the women become more successful and powerful than the men who held them back.
paige5011's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.25
Wild ride
aileron's review
dark
mysterious
fast-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Infidelity, Drug abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Suicide, Blood, Grief, and Medical content
Minor: Abortion and Miscarriage
meesha_mo's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The last Mari section felt unnecessary. Emily was and is a fool. Enjoyed the concept.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Child death
Moderate: Miscarriage, Drug use, and Sexual content
mandavision's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
Perfect summer read.
jennhesler's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to the audiobook. Dual time lines. The timeline set in the past was my favorite - rockstars, a villa in Italy and a murder mystery! Fabulous. Loved all the twists at the end. (Really 4.5ish)
heathercottledillon's review against another edition
2.0
I was very into this book for the first 80 percent of it, but the ending fell completely flat for me. It's been a long time since I've been this disappointed with a conclusion. Hawkins was trying to make it twisty and surprising, but the characters' decisions at the end didn't make sense to me.