A review by monitaroymohan
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

I didn’t hate this book. It was fun to read. But it’s really odd. 

It’s less inspired by Fleetwood Mac and Mary Shelley’s stories than it is repurposing them. The story should reflect or hint at parts of legendary tales, it shouldn’t feel like a poor knock off. I mean, even some of the names are copies—Mari instead of Mary, Pierce Sheldon instead of Percy Shelley, Jonny and not John William. Mari even has a stepsister, just like Mary, and both have a relationship with a toxic older rock star type. I mean, be a tad original, especially with such an iconic story. I don’t know the details of Fleetwood Mac’s story—more of an overview, but I’m certain there are just as many similarities in this book. 

Another thing that irked me was the queerbaiting. Don’t dangle it like a carrot and then not address it or weave it in. Gay people exist. Gay relationships exist. Don’t try to be edgy and interesting by hinting at something going on when you don’t want to actually include it in the work. 

Most of the book was intriguing enough to keep reading, but the third act really jumped the shark. It went to such ludicrous places—no one would believe the things Chess supposedly did. I mean, yeah, sure Jan. Also, the final twist was unnecessary. Thrown in there as an add-on. Didn’t work for me.

This is definitely worth a read. And if the author has other books in this vein, I’m all for it. But needs to be more original with the characters’ stories.