A review by bethbarron
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

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

3.5

This was a fun thrilling read in the vein of Daisy Jones meets crime drama.
I liked the development of the secondary plot around the 1974 murder at the villa and the subsequent art surrounding it, but found the story of Emily and Chess's friendship a little boring and... Unhealthy and odd, especially their decision at the end. I would have preferred they didn't mirror the 1974 characters, I think -- a "learn from the past" situation.
Either way, a fun listen. Julie Whelan is becoming one of my favorite narrators!

Thanks NetGalley and St Martin's/Mcmillan for the free audiobook!