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The Villa
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller (2023)From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins comes a deliciously wicked gothic suspense, set at an Italian villa with a dark history, for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.
As kids, Emily and Chess were inseparable. But by their 30s, their bond has been strained by the demands of their adult lives. So when Chess suggests a girls trip to Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to reconnect with her best friend.
Villa Aestas in Orvieto is a high-end holiday home now, but in 1974, it was known as Villa Rosato, and rented for the summer by a notorious rock star, Noel Gordon. In an attempt to reignite his creative spark, Noel invites up-and-coming musician, Pierce Sheldon to join him, as well as Pierce’s girlfriend, Mari, and her stepsister, Lara. But he also sets in motion a chain of events that leads to Mari writing one of the greatest horror novels of all time, Lara composing a platinum album––and ends in Pierce’s brutal murder.
As Emily digs into the villa’s complicated history, she begins to think there might be more to the story of that fateful summer in 1974. That perhaps Pierce’s murder wasn’t just a tale of sex, drugs, and rock & roll gone wrong, but that something more sinister might have occurred––and that there might be clues hidden in the now-iconic works that Mari and Lara left behind.
Yet the closer that Emily gets to the truth, the more tension she feels developing between her and Chess. As secrets from the past come to light, equally dangerous betrayals from the present also emerge––and it begins to look like the villa will claim another victim before the summer ends.
As kids, Emily and Chess were inseparable. But by their 30s, their bond has been strained by the demands of their adult lives. So when Chess suggests a girls trip to Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to reconnect with her best friend.
Villa Aestas in Orvieto is a high-end holiday home now, but in 1974, it was known as Villa Rosato, and rented for the summer by a notorious rock star, Noel Gordon. In an attempt to reignite his creative spark, Noel invites up-and-coming musician, Pierce Sheldon to join him, as well as Pierce’s girlfriend, Mari, and her stepsister, Lara. But he also sets in motion a chain of events that leads to Mari writing one of the greatest horror novels of all time, Lara composing a platinum album––and ends in Pierce’s brutal murder.
As Emily digs into the villa’s complicated history, she begins to think there might be more to the story of that fateful summer in 1974. That perhaps Pierce’s murder wasn’t just a tale of sex, drugs, and rock & roll gone wrong, but that something more sinister might have occurred––and that there might be clues hidden in the now-iconic works that Mari and Lara left behind.
Yet the closer that Emily gets to the truth, the more tension she feels developing between her and Chess. As secrets from the past come to light, equally dangerous betrayals from the present also emerge––and it begins to look like the villa will claim another victim before the summer ends.
279 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 11,955 reviews
April 6, 2024
I got so scared while reading this book thinking that it was going to take a very sinister turn, but when I picked it back up at a braver time, alas, it was not the scary book I thought it would become!
I think this book shocked me in how many deeper themes and messages it had, considering I read most thrillers to just have fun and be a quick paced read. The past and present timelines having parallels between characters was really cool to examine, but I had a hard time connecting to the 1974 timeline for the first half of the book.
I loved the frenemy plot between Emily and Chess, and the explosion at the end between the two of them was exactly what I wanted it to be with Chess manipulating Emily so well that even you as the reader have to remember what’s true and not true!
Overall I think the past plot line could’ve been way more condensed and in the background of the story, and I would have enjoyed it much more that way!
I think this book shocked me in how many deeper themes and messages it had, considering I read most thrillers to just have fun and be a quick paced read. The past and present timelines having parallels between characters was really cool to examine, but I had a hard time connecting to the 1974 timeline for the first half of the book.
I loved the frenemy plot between Emily and Chess, and the explosion at the end between the two of them was exactly what I wanted it to be with Chess manipulating Emily so well that even you as the reader have to remember what’s true and not true!
Overall I think the past plot line could’ve been way more condensed and in the background of the story, and I would have enjoyed it much more that way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
1974 - Five people, two, no, three are musicians, one or two are writers, and the last is a resentful fifth wheel. All spending time at Villa Rosato in Orvieto. Too much drink, drugs, and doing it with anyone makes for a bad mix. It might be good for the creativity of a few but it's bad for the health of others. If only a different choice, here or there, had been made, everyone might have been able to go home.
Present day - Best friends and a greedy, almost ex-husband in the background. Spending six weeks at Villa Aestas (once known as Villa Rosato) in Orvieto. The same villa where a musician was murdered almost fifty years ago. Emily and Chess are here to revive their writing juices. Emily's recent undiagnosed illness and messy divorce have dried up all her creative thoughts. She's the author of a successful cozy series but with her ex wanting half her proceeds now and forever, it's no wonder she can't bring herself to put word to paper. Chess is her famous and wealthy self help author friend and wants to get Emily out of her funk. The vacation is just what they need although Chess is acting strange. At least Emily is able to use the villa and it's sordid past to revive her interest in writing. She may not be writing the next book in the series that she should be working on but she is starting something new. A book on this very villa and she has the help of those from the past.
This story alternates between timelines, Mari in the past and Emily in the present day. At first I didn't like being in the 1974 timeline because I've never been fond of wild rock and rock lifestyles and loose ways but those loose ways are not presented graphically which I appreciated. I wouldn't have been interested in this timeline except that Emily was interested in it. Then there is the present day timeline, which is more interesting to me, with Chess acting strangely and me hoping the ruthless almost ex-husband of Emily would get some kind of comeuppance for being such a lawyer happy brute.
Writing is involved in all of the story. The writing of books and songs, truths and confessions, hidden and seen. For me, this was a case of the parts not being all that interesting but coming together to make them something better.
Publication: January 3, 2023
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
1974 - Five people, two, no, three are musicians, one or two are writers, and the last is a resentful fifth wheel. All spending time at Villa Rosato in Orvieto. Too much drink, drugs, and doing it with anyone makes for a bad mix. It might be good for the creativity of a few but it's bad for the health of others. If only a different choice, here or there, had been made, everyone might have been able to go home.
Present day - Best friends and a greedy, almost ex-husband in the background. Spending six weeks at Villa Aestas (once known as Villa Rosato) in Orvieto. The same villa where a musician was murdered almost fifty years ago. Emily and Chess are here to revive their writing juices. Emily's recent undiagnosed illness and messy divorce have dried up all her creative thoughts. She's the author of a successful cozy series but with her ex wanting half her proceeds now and forever, it's no wonder she can't bring herself to put word to paper. Chess is her famous and wealthy self help author friend and wants to get Emily out of her funk. The vacation is just what they need although Chess is acting strange. At least Emily is able to use the villa and it's sordid past to revive her interest in writing. She may not be writing the next book in the series that she should be working on but she is starting something new. A book on this very villa and she has the help of those from the past.
This story alternates between timelines, Mari in the past and Emily in the present day. At first I didn't like being in the 1974 timeline because I've never been fond of wild rock and rock lifestyles and loose ways but those loose ways are not presented graphically which I appreciated. I wouldn't have been interested in this timeline except that Emily was interested in it. Then there is the present day timeline, which is more interesting to me, with Chess acting strangely and me hoping the ruthless almost ex-husband of Emily would get some kind of comeuppance for being such a lawyer happy brute.
Writing is involved in all of the story. The writing of books and songs, truths and confessions, hidden and seen. For me, this was a case of the parts not being all that interesting but coming together to make them something better.
Publication: January 3, 2023
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
January 3, 2023
Update 1/3/23: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
I rarely talk about spoilers in my reviews, but I have a theory about the ending of this novel that I have to talk about with other people. So if you’ve read this book, please read the spoiler section at the end of the review and let me know what you think about my theory in the comments. Thanks! 😁
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an ARC of The Villa in exchange for an honest review.
Non-spoiler review:
The Villa is a story told in two timelines. In 1974, 19-year-old Mari is invited to spend the summer at an Italian villa with her lover Pierce, her stepsister Lara, a famous musician named Noel, and his drug connection Johnnie. On July 29, 1974, what would later be known around the world as the “Villa Rosato Horror” takes place, leaving one of them dead. But from that sadness grew two stunning pieces of art: Lara’s 20-million-copy selling debut album Aestas (think Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors), and Mari’s feminist horror novel masterpiece, Lilith Rising. Meanwhile, in the present, Emily is a 30-something novelist struggling with her latest entry in her cozy mystery series and going through an ugly divorce. Her childhood best friend Chess is a more successful self-help author, who persuades Emily to join her for a summer getaway where they can both focus on their writing. When Chess arranges for them to stay at the very same Villa that Mari and Lara had stayed at all those years ago, Emily begins to read about—and then write about—Mari and the Villa Rosato Horror, which she suspects was more complicated than people think….
The Villa is largely told from Mari’s perspective in the past, and Emily’s perspective in the present. There are occasional other sections of text (quotations from other books, transcripts from podcasts about the 1970s characters) which I found less compelling. Both Mari and Emily are effective narrators in very different circumstances. Mari knows she’s in a bit over her head, staying with her step-sister and three grown men in a secluded Villa in a time famous for sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. Emily, on the other hand, knows she’s adrift. Both of them (and Lara too) find inspiration at the Villa to escape their backstories and the shadow of the men in their lives—dangerous men, not everyone survives the “Villa Rosato Horror,” after all—and create their art.
The Villa is a layered, suspenseful story, in both timelines. In the past, the mystery is straightforward: the who and the why of the murdered and murderer. In the present, the mysteries are more subtle: the tension in Emily’s relationships with Chess and with her soon-to-be ex-husband Matt. Both stories work individually, and each adds a bit of depth to the other. An absorbing, successful novel. Recommended.
Spoiler section:
I rarely talk about spoilers in my reviews, but I have a theory about the ending of this novel that I have to talk about with other people. So if you’ve read this book, please read the spoiler section at the end of the review and let me know what you think about my theory in the comments. Thanks! 😁
It feels right, then, to break this story up into fragments. Read the first, and it’s sad, but there are moments of light, of joy, even if the reader senses the clouds rolling in.
Read the second, and now, the story twists. Heroine is villain, villain is victim, and that colors everything that comes before in a new light.
And yet that first bit still stands on its own, another kind of story, another universe of might-have-beens.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an ARC of The Villa in exchange for an honest review.
Non-spoiler review:
The Villa is a story told in two timelines. In 1974, 19-year-old Mari is invited to spend the summer at an Italian villa with her lover Pierce, her stepsister Lara, a famous musician named Noel, and his drug connection Johnnie. On July 29, 1974, what would later be known around the world as the “Villa Rosato Horror” takes place, leaving one of them dead. But from that sadness grew two stunning pieces of art: Lara’s 20-million-copy selling debut album Aestas (think Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors), and Mari’s feminist horror novel masterpiece, Lilith Rising. Meanwhile, in the present, Emily is a 30-something novelist struggling with her latest entry in her cozy mystery series and going through an ugly divorce. Her childhood best friend Chess is a more successful self-help author, who persuades Emily to join her for a summer getaway where they can both focus on their writing. When Chess arranges for them to stay at the very same Villa that Mari and Lara had stayed at all those years ago, Emily begins to read about—and then write about—Mari and the Villa Rosato Horror, which she suspects was more complicated than people think….
The Villa is largely told from Mari’s perspective in the past, and Emily’s perspective in the present. There are occasional other sections of text (quotations from other books, transcripts from podcasts about the 1970s characters) which I found less compelling. Both Mari and Emily are effective narrators in very different circumstances. Mari knows she’s in a bit over her head, staying with her step-sister and three grown men in a secluded Villa in a time famous for sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. Emily, on the other hand, knows she’s adrift. Both of them (and Lara too) find inspiration at the Villa to escape their backstories and the shadow of the men in their lives—dangerous men, not everyone survives the “Villa Rosato Horror,” after all—and create their art.
The Villa is a layered, suspenseful story, in both timelines. In the past, the mystery is straightforward: the who and the why of the murdered and murderer. In the present, the mysteries are more subtle: the tension in Emily’s relationships with Chess and with her soon-to-be ex-husband Matt. Both stories work individually, and each adds a bit of depth to the other. An absorbing, successful novel. Recommended.
Spoiler section:
July 29, 2022
“Houses remember.”
3.25 stars
The Villa is a slow-burn thriller/drama about a crime from the past that intertwines with the present.
Former BFFs Emily and Chess, both writers, spend the summer in an Italian villa to spark their creativity. The villa happens to be the same one in which a famous murder in the 1970s occurred, involving a rock star that captivated the world. While the two former friends work on their new books, a deep-seated rivalry emerges. At the same time, their investigation into the infamous murder leads to some startling consequences.
Told through the eyes of Mari and Emily, the narrative alternates between the past in the 1970s and the present. Emily’s storyline both bored and annoyed me. In the beginning, I found Mari’s storyline more compelling, but my interest in Emily shifted towards the end.
The characters aren’t particularly likable, but I was sympathetic towards Mari.
According to the publisher, parts of The Villa are inspired by the events of when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. This is apparent in the structure of The Villa, which embodies a story within a story. I liked the setting in Orvieto, but I expected the villa to play a larger role in the story. The villa didn’t convey the darkness and creepiness I was anticipating. Really, it is more of a place where things happen vs. a space that contributes to the events.
I struggled to connect in the beginning of the book, as I found the first 40% dull. It’s low on tension and suspsense, and reads more like a women’s fiction/domestic drama than a thriller. I had to push myself to continue reading, but eventually, the book became unputdownable, and I was glad I kept at it! There are also some intriguing but not very surprising twists. I wish the final chapter had been removed--it would have resulted in a darker and edgier ending.
Overall, this was a middle-of-the-road read for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3.25 stars
The Villa is a slow-burn thriller/drama about a crime from the past that intertwines with the present.
Former BFFs Emily and Chess, both writers, spend the summer in an Italian villa to spark their creativity. The villa happens to be the same one in which a famous murder in the 1970s occurred, involving a rock star that captivated the world. While the two former friends work on their new books, a deep-seated rivalry emerges. At the same time, their investigation into the infamous murder leads to some startling consequences.
Told through the eyes of Mari and Emily, the narrative alternates between the past in the 1970s and the present. Emily’s storyline both bored and annoyed me. In the beginning, I found Mari’s storyline more compelling, but my interest in Emily shifted towards the end.
The characters aren’t particularly likable, but I was sympathetic towards Mari.
According to the publisher, parts of The Villa are inspired by the events of when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. This is apparent in the structure of The Villa, which embodies a story within a story. I liked the setting in Orvieto, but I expected the villa to play a larger role in the story. The villa didn’t convey the darkness and creepiness I was anticipating. Really, it is more of a place where things happen vs. a space that contributes to the events.
I struggled to connect in the beginning of the book, as I found the first 40% dull. It’s low on tension and suspsense, and reads more like a women’s fiction/domestic drama than a thriller. I had to push myself to continue reading, but eventually, the book became unputdownable, and I was glad I kept at it! There are also some intriguing but not very surprising twists. I wish the final chapter had been removed--it would have resulted in a darker and edgier ending.
Overall, this was a middle-of-the-road read for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2023
A breezy, page-turning haunted house thriller
The Villa has two contrasting timelines: a present-day timeline with Jessica “Chess” and Emily “Em” and a 1970’s timeline with rockstars, Pierce and Noel who bring along stepsisters Mari and Lara.
The Villa is a bit different than Reckless Girls or The Wife Upstairs. It has more of a haunted house vibe, and it took a bit longer for me to get hooked into the story. I read the first 1/3 in one day and the other 2/3 the following day. The other books I read in about a single sitting.
Hawkins knows how to write. Her prose is so smooth that it feels almost breezy. Her books are easy to read. There are no page-long paragraphs or tedious descriptions to wade through, yet she still manages to sprinkle in some nice vocab words.
In terms of her characters, I enjoyed that her characters were not one dimensional so I was always guessing as to how they would react, particularly Chess and Mari. The relationships between the characters are also pretty interesting and unique.
There was one “reveal” that I saw very early in the book, and I just wanted the author to reveal it already.
This is also a really minor thing, but it bothered me. In The Villa, when Em lands in Italy, Chess picks her up at the airport in a red Fiat. Later, Em talks about how she would have to drive the Fiat if she wanted to go anywhere. Here’s the thing: All Fiats in Italy are stick shifts. However, the author doesn’t mention this. I would have been pretty impressed if an American knew how to drive a stick shift over the incredibly steep hills in Italy. That would have been worth mentioning in the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Villa, and it was difficult to put down after the first 33% (so don’t give up if you are in the first part of the book)!
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.
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The Villa has two contrasting timelines: a present-day timeline with Jessica “Chess” and Emily “Em” and a 1970’s timeline with rockstars, Pierce and Noel who bring along stepsisters Mari and Lara.
The Villa is a bit different than Reckless Girls or The Wife Upstairs. It has more of a haunted house vibe, and it took a bit longer for me to get hooked into the story. I read the first 1/3 in one day and the other 2/3 the following day. The other books I read in about a single sitting.
Hawkins knows how to write. Her prose is so smooth that it feels almost breezy. Her books are easy to read. There are no page-long paragraphs or tedious descriptions to wade through, yet she still manages to sprinkle in some nice vocab words.
In terms of her characters, I enjoyed that her characters were not one dimensional so I was always guessing as to how they would react, particularly Chess and Mari. The relationships between the characters are also pretty interesting and unique.
There was one “reveal” that I saw very early in the book, and I just wanted the author to reveal it already.
This is also a really minor thing, but it bothered me. In The Villa, when Em lands in Italy, Chess picks her up at the airport in a red Fiat. Later, Em talks about how she would have to drive the Fiat if she wanted to go anywhere. Here’s the thing: All Fiats in Italy are stick shifts. However, the author doesn’t mention this. I would have been pretty impressed if an American knew how to drive a stick shift over the incredibly steep hills in Italy. That would have been worth mentioning in the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Villa, and it was difficult to put down after the first 33% (so don’t give up if you are in the first part of the book)!
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.
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March 24, 2024
**4.5-stars**
A fantastic, paranoia-filled romp in Italy following two sets of women over two timelines. I really enjoyed watching the dual-dramas of The Villa unfold.
Villa Rosato, 1974: Step-sisters, Mari and Lara, are on an artist's holiday along with Mari's boyfriend, Pierce. The trio are staying at the lavish holiday home at the invitation of rock star, Noel Gordon.
Mari is a writer and both Lara and Pierce are musicians. There's a lot of creating going on at the home, but also a lot of other things. It's sex, drugs and rock-n-roll, baby!
It's during her stay at the villa that Mari pens one of the greatest horror novels of all time, her magnum opus, Lilith Rising, with the opening words, 'houses remember'.
This creative retreat ends with Pierce's brutal murder. Will the house remember?
In the present, Villa Rosato is now known as Villa Aestas, a luxurious holiday retreat, in spite of the fact that it's a murder house. For best friends, writers, Emily and Chess, it's the perfect spot for them to go and reconnect.
Emily, the author of a Cozy Mystery series is in a bit of a rut after the recent separation from her husband. It hasn't been easy and with him going after her money, she's financially strapped and emotionally at wits end.
Chess is a very successful self-help author, who rents the villa in the hopes that her best friend, Emily, will join her there for the summer.
Emily is concerned, you know about the murder house part, but it does sound like a nice escape. Chess always seems to be able to make her feel better, so maybe it will good.
Once at the villa, Emily is taken with the house and its history; more specifically the events of 1974. She begins researching and believes that the truth may be more sinister than what is currently believed.
She also feels like the truth may lie within Mari's writings. It becomes a bit of a project for Emily. She's fascinated by the topic and begins writing about it.
The murderous events at the villa have already been of interest to True Crime aficionados and podcasters for years, but how many of them have actually had the opportunity to go live in the house.
Emily could have insight nobody else has ever been privy too before. It's exciting to her and definitely reinvigorates her creative juices.
When Chess begins sniffing around the same story, Emily gets a little miffed. This is her thing. Doesn't Chess have enough already? Why can't she leave this alone?
The seclusion of the home and foreboding nature of the house itself seems to be having an effect on the women. They're snapping at each other, running hot and cold, are they just going stir-crazy, or is there something more eroding their relationship?
More importantly, will they both be able to make it out of the murder house alive?
I was greatly anticipating The Villa and had so much fun listening to the audiobook. The narration was fantastic and absolutely channeled the slow-intensity of the story.
I loved the initial set-up. Getting to know the cast of characters, both past and present, kept me fully engaged and present. I was very quickly invested.
One of my favorite aspects was watching Emily's character looking into the events of 1974; how those events intrigued her and gave her new focus.
Emily was at a place where she really needed somewhere to focus her energy outside of her failing relationship and bad financial circumstances. The villa helped with that.
The relationship between Emily and Chess was complicated, as many friendships are, but I found it to be 100% believable. Friendships can get messy and this one definitely had its moments.
The 1974-timeline was giving me heavy Daisy Jones & the Six energy and I wasn't mad about it. It was interesting, with great characters and well-structured reveals.
Personally, I could have gone a bit darker in that time period, but I understand the choices made by the author. It didn't need to get super dark to be effective and it kept it more evenly-balanced between the two time periods.
I also sort of wish there were more detailed excerpts from Lilith Rising included. I'm so intrigued by Mari's book. I wish it actually existed in real life so I could read it.
That should giving you an inkling of how interesting it was, the whole concept of the ultimate Feminist Horror novel. This feeling also reminded me of Daisy Jones because I would have sold my soul for a copy of their nonexistent album.
I loved how this wrapped up. The influence of the one on the other; the permission granted in a way for the present to happen the way it did because of the past. It's really difficult to talk about this without spoilers, so I will just say, I found this to be incredibly clever.
The final twist left me with that evil grin I love so much. It was just so well done.
Rachel Hawkins is crushing this gothic-infused mystery genre. I'm loving it. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. The Villa was a ton of fun and a great way to start off a new reading year!!
A fantastic, paranoia-filled romp in Italy following two sets of women over two timelines. I really enjoyed watching the dual-dramas of The Villa unfold.
Villa Rosato, 1974: Step-sisters, Mari and Lara, are on an artist's holiday along with Mari's boyfriend, Pierce. The trio are staying at the lavish holiday home at the invitation of rock star, Noel Gordon.
Mari is a writer and both Lara and Pierce are musicians. There's a lot of creating going on at the home, but also a lot of other things. It's sex, drugs and rock-n-roll, baby!
It's during her stay at the villa that Mari pens one of the greatest horror novels of all time, her magnum opus, Lilith Rising, with the opening words, 'houses remember'.
This creative retreat ends with Pierce's brutal murder. Will the house remember?
In the present, Villa Rosato is now known as Villa Aestas, a luxurious holiday retreat, in spite of the fact that it's a murder house. For best friends, writers, Emily and Chess, it's the perfect spot for them to go and reconnect.
Emily, the author of a Cozy Mystery series is in a bit of a rut after the recent separation from her husband. It hasn't been easy and with him going after her money, she's financially strapped and emotionally at wits end.
Chess is a very successful self-help author, who rents the villa in the hopes that her best friend, Emily, will join her there for the summer.
Emily is concerned, you know about the murder house part, but it does sound like a nice escape. Chess always seems to be able to make her feel better, so maybe it will good.
Once at the villa, Emily is taken with the house and its history; more specifically the events of 1974. She begins researching and believes that the truth may be more sinister than what is currently believed.
She also feels like the truth may lie within Mari's writings. It becomes a bit of a project for Emily. She's fascinated by the topic and begins writing about it.
The murderous events at the villa have already been of interest to True Crime aficionados and podcasters for years, but how many of them have actually had the opportunity to go live in the house.
Emily could have insight nobody else has ever been privy too before. It's exciting to her and definitely reinvigorates her creative juices.
When Chess begins sniffing around the same story, Emily gets a little miffed. This is her thing. Doesn't Chess have enough already? Why can't she leave this alone?
The seclusion of the home and foreboding nature of the house itself seems to be having an effect on the women. They're snapping at each other, running hot and cold, are they just going stir-crazy, or is there something more eroding their relationship?
More importantly, will they both be able to make it out of the murder house alive?
I was greatly anticipating The Villa and had so much fun listening to the audiobook. The narration was fantastic and absolutely channeled the slow-intensity of the story.
I loved the initial set-up. Getting to know the cast of characters, both past and present, kept me fully engaged and present. I was very quickly invested.
One of my favorite aspects was watching Emily's character looking into the events of 1974; how those events intrigued her and gave her new focus.
Emily was at a place where she really needed somewhere to focus her energy outside of her failing relationship and bad financial circumstances. The villa helped with that.
The relationship between Emily and Chess was complicated, as many friendships are, but I found it to be 100% believable. Friendships can get messy and this one definitely had its moments.
The 1974-timeline was giving me heavy Daisy Jones & the Six energy and I wasn't mad about it. It was interesting, with great characters and well-structured reveals.
Personally, I could have gone a bit darker in that time period, but I understand the choices made by the author. It didn't need to get super dark to be effective and it kept it more evenly-balanced between the two time periods.
I also sort of wish there were more detailed excerpts from Lilith Rising included. I'm so intrigued by Mari's book. I wish it actually existed in real life so I could read it.
That should giving you an inkling of how interesting it was, the whole concept of the ultimate Feminist Horror novel. This feeling also reminded me of Daisy Jones because I would have sold my soul for a copy of their nonexistent album.
I loved how this wrapped up. The influence of the one on the other; the permission granted in a way for the present to happen the way it did because of the past. It's really difficult to talk about this without spoilers, so I will just say, I found this to be incredibly clever.
The final twist left me with that evil grin I love so much. It was just so well done.
Rachel Hawkins is crushing this gothic-infused mystery genre. I'm loving it. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. The Villa was a ton of fun and a great way to start off a new reading year!!
November 23, 2023
Villa is three dimensional, smart, claustrophobic, women empowerment story with creepy and intriguing plot!
Two stepsisters in 19 marked this place! Mari created her the most scariest gothic novel: Lilith Rising and Lara; the most popular album ( moms’ favorite) at the same eccentric place they’ve been inspired. The place is actually gorgeous, homey villa located in Orvieto: a small town in Italy. It is called Aestas just like Lara’s name of the album. But this place is not known by inspirational sources for newbie artists. It is known as a MURDER HOUSE . Mari and Lara accompanied by Mari’s musician boyfriend Pierce to be guests of famous rock star Noel Gordon and his bestie, dealer Johnnie boy! During their stay, things got escalated and somebody died, one of them was sent to prison!
Those events took place in 1974. But the events and people’s energies already tainted the place. The VILLA is only place really knows what happened behind the closed doors: toxic relationships, lies, raising charm of insanity, pain of creativity, numbness of drugs! HOUSE REMEMBERS !
Now two best friends since their childhood came here to spend six weeks at the villa to get inspired for their next novels and taking break from everything they’re dealing with!
Emily and Chess were inseparable friends till Emily gets married with Matt, becoming popular with her YA cozy mysteries and Chess moved to the big city, being social butterfly and finally making her big turn by becoming self help guru with her bestselling nonfictions!
Things didn’t go well for Emily as expected. She is dealing with overwhelming divorce case: her husband demands royalties from her novels because he thinks she couldn’t write them without his support! She struggled with an unknown disease for a long time that made her dizzy and dysfunctional!
When Chess invites her to spend a holiday in Italy, she sees this opportunity to get rid of her recent writer’s block!
As soon as they arrive, she gets affected by the eerie energy of murder house which pushes her learn more about house’s history but her investigation will reveal more ugly secrets about her own life!
Overall: I loved the idea of murder house and Emily’s searching for the truth but I think the revelations are not satisfying enough! I didn’t like how both two stories unfolded. I was expecting something more sinister instead of spiritual. In my opinion this is women’s fiction with feminism vibes but the characters were not the great examples to represent girl power! I think there are so many trust issues they have to work on!
Mystery about the house wasn’t a twisty enough. The setting and plot line were great but the execution and ending could be so much better. So I decided to give three solid stars! It was still gripping, fast pacing read but I was expecting something more surprising, gothic, effective!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Two stepsisters in 19 marked this place! Mari created her the most scariest gothic novel: Lilith Rising and Lara; the most popular album ( moms’ favorite) at the same eccentric place they’ve been inspired. The place is actually gorgeous, homey villa located in Orvieto: a small town in Italy. It is called Aestas just like Lara’s name of the album. But this place is not known by inspirational sources for newbie artists. It is known as a MURDER HOUSE . Mari and Lara accompanied by Mari’s musician boyfriend Pierce to be guests of famous rock star Noel Gordon and his bestie, dealer Johnnie boy! During their stay, things got escalated and somebody died, one of them was sent to prison!
Those events took place in 1974. But the events and people’s energies already tainted the place. The VILLA is only place really knows what happened behind the closed doors: toxic relationships, lies, raising charm of insanity, pain of creativity, numbness of drugs! HOUSE REMEMBERS !
Now two best friends since their childhood came here to spend six weeks at the villa to get inspired for their next novels and taking break from everything they’re dealing with!
Emily and Chess were inseparable friends till Emily gets married with Matt, becoming popular with her YA cozy mysteries and Chess moved to the big city, being social butterfly and finally making her big turn by becoming self help guru with her bestselling nonfictions!
Things didn’t go well for Emily as expected. She is dealing with overwhelming divorce case: her husband demands royalties from her novels because he thinks she couldn’t write them without his support! She struggled with an unknown disease for a long time that made her dizzy and dysfunctional!
When Chess invites her to spend a holiday in Italy, she sees this opportunity to get rid of her recent writer’s block!
As soon as they arrive, she gets affected by the eerie energy of murder house which pushes her learn more about house’s history but her investigation will reveal more ugly secrets about her own life!
Overall: I loved the idea of murder house and Emily’s searching for the truth but I think the revelations are not satisfying enough! I didn’t like how both two stories unfolded. I was expecting something more sinister instead of spiritual. In my opinion this is women’s fiction with feminism vibes but the characters were not the great examples to represent girl power! I think there are so many trust issues they have to work on!
Mystery about the house wasn’t a twisty enough. The setting and plot line were great but the execution and ending could be so much better. So I decided to give three solid stars! It was still gripping, fast pacing read but I was expecting something more surprising, gothic, effective!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
January 3, 2023
“Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, the Manson murders, and the infamous summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron at a Lake Geneva castle––the birthplace of Frankenstein––The Villa welcomes you into its deadly legacy.…” (Publisher’s blurb)
Two timelines:
Emily is a cozy mystery writer, having penned nine “Petal Bloom” mysteries but she has been in a slump, since her husband Matt, filed for divorce and asked for half of the royalties from the series.
Her best friend, Chess, is also a successful writer, and an internet sensation, with a wildly successful self-help book titled “Things My Mama Never Taught Me”.
So when Chess invites Emily to join her for an all expenses paid Summer in Umbria, Italy, at the Villa Aestas, offering not only a chance to rejuvenate by the pool with Ice Cold Limoncello and Chilled Orvieto white wine- but also a place, to again become inspired to write-she sets aside her concerns that it is a MURDER HOUSE, and books the first flight out.
“Does one murder a murder house make?”
After all, it was just a night of sex, drugs and rock and roll gone wrong, for an aspiring rock star-after a heated argument got out of hand.
But, more importantly, it was also a house which inspired both “Lilith Rising” a famous feminist horror novel, written by Mari Godwick, a British girl barely older than the legal drinking age and the album, “Aestas” an album often called a sadder “Tapestry”-from Lara Larchmont, a singer songwriter who just happened to be Mari’s step sister.
Both girls were muses in the house, known as Villa Rosato, back in 1974, and present during the MURDER. 1974 and their story is the SECOND timeline.
“HOUSES REMEMBER” -the opening words of “Lilith Rising”.
Is it a romantic sentiment or a sinister one?
“Do houses hold on to the bad, as well as the good, just as people do?”
Both writers, Mari and Emily will ponder that, but Emily hopes the house’s memories will all be good.
When Emily finds a dusty, old copy of “Lilith Rising” among the bookshelves, she will be compelled to seek out what actually happened that fateful night.
Is “Lilith Rising” hiding the secrets only two sisters know?
Or is the truth hidden in the lyrics of Lara’s songs?
“Stories change depending on who’s telling them…..”
How will digging in the PAST affect what happens in the PRESENT?
I loved the premise of this one, and stylistically it is much more like “The Wife Upstairs” than it is to “Reckless Girls” (a positive for me!).
I enjoy stories about writers, as much as I enjoy stories about books, so I much preferred the chapters set in the current timeline to those of 1974. Reading about Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll is not as interesting to me, but of course it was crucial to the plot in this case.
Did I like the ending?!
I DID!!
And, I am not sure what that says about me!
Another buddy read with DeAnn so be sure to check out her amazing review!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Two timelines:
Emily is a cozy mystery writer, having penned nine “Petal Bloom” mysteries but she has been in a slump, since her husband Matt, filed for divorce and asked for half of the royalties from the series.
Her best friend, Chess, is also a successful writer, and an internet sensation, with a wildly successful self-help book titled “Things My Mama Never Taught Me”.
So when Chess invites Emily to join her for an all expenses paid Summer in Umbria, Italy, at the Villa Aestas, offering not only a chance to rejuvenate by the pool with Ice Cold Limoncello and Chilled Orvieto white wine- but also a place, to again become inspired to write-she sets aside her concerns that it is a MURDER HOUSE, and books the first flight out.
“Does one murder a murder house make?”
After all, it was just a night of sex, drugs and rock and roll gone wrong, for an aspiring rock star-after a heated argument got out of hand.
But, more importantly, it was also a house which inspired both “Lilith Rising” a famous feminist horror novel, written by Mari Godwick, a British girl barely older than the legal drinking age and the album, “Aestas” an album often called a sadder “Tapestry”-from Lara Larchmont, a singer songwriter who just happened to be Mari’s step sister.
Both girls were muses in the house, known as Villa Rosato, back in 1974, and present during the MURDER. 1974 and their story is the SECOND timeline.
“HOUSES REMEMBER” -the opening words of “Lilith Rising”.
Is it a romantic sentiment or a sinister one?
“Do houses hold on to the bad, as well as the good, just as people do?”
Both writers, Mari and Emily will ponder that, but Emily hopes the house’s memories will all be good.
When Emily finds a dusty, old copy of “Lilith Rising” among the bookshelves, she will be compelled to seek out what actually happened that fateful night.
Is “Lilith Rising” hiding the secrets only two sisters know?
Or is the truth hidden in the lyrics of Lara’s songs?
“Stories change depending on who’s telling them…..”
How will digging in the PAST affect what happens in the PRESENT?
I loved the premise of this one, and stylistically it is much more like “The Wife Upstairs” than it is to “Reckless Girls” (a positive for me!).
I enjoy stories about writers, as much as I enjoy stories about books, so I much preferred the chapters set in the current timeline to those of 1974. Reading about Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll is not as interesting to me, but of course it was crucial to the plot in this case.
Did I like the ending?!
I DID!!
And, I am not sure what that says about me!
Another buddy read with DeAnn so be sure to check out her amazing review!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
November 17, 2022
⚠️Outlier alert!
Sex, drugs and rock n’ roll!
Well, that sounds like an interesting little party! Unfortunately, (for me) this book was far from that!
Told in two timelines:
1974 - Young, star-crossed musical artists looking for inspiration and a getaway, rented an Italian villa.
Try as I might, I couldn’t connect to the past timeline and dreaded this part of the book!
Present day - Friends Emily and Chess have also rented an Italian villa to vacation and hopefully get some writing in as well. And maybe, fingers-crossed, get their strained friendship back on track!
This read had a similar vibe to Daisy Jones and The Six, but the execution just fell to pieces.
I tried the audio as well, since Julia Whelan was one of the narrators. And truly she was the only reason I made it to the end. Listening to her voice gave me the resolve to keep going.
I’ve loved previous works by this author in the past and know this is just a one-off. So will definitely be trying again with her next.
A buddy read with Susanne that left us both a bit speechless.🤦🏻♀️
Other readers have loved this one so I hope it works out better for you!
2.5⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins press and libro.fm for my 🎧ARC
Sex, drugs and rock n’ roll!
Well, that sounds like an interesting little party! Unfortunately, (for me) this book was far from that!
Told in two timelines:
1974 - Young, star-crossed musical artists looking for inspiration and a getaway, rented an Italian villa.
Try as I might, I couldn’t connect to the past timeline and dreaded this part of the book!
Present day - Friends Emily and Chess have also rented an Italian villa to vacation and hopefully get some writing in as well. And maybe, fingers-crossed, get their strained friendship back on track!
This read had a similar vibe to Daisy Jones and The Six, but the execution just fell to pieces.
I tried the audio as well, since Julia Whelan was one of the narrators. And truly she was the only reason I made it to the end. Listening to her voice gave me the resolve to keep going.
I’ve loved previous works by this author in the past and know this is just a one-off. So will definitely be trying again with her next.
A buddy read with Susanne that left us both a bit speechless.🤦🏻♀️
Other readers have loved this one so I hope it works out better for you!
2.5⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins press and libro.fm for my 🎧ARC
March 17, 2023
Set in dual perspective and dual timeline (one in the 70’s and one present day), both surrounding their own trials and tribulations.
This is essentially a story within a story, similar character plots, but in different happenstances. We read along as the story unfurls slowly, each page giving more detail, more insight. Some storyline is predictable, but that seems intentional. Some of the storyline twists, but not in a jarring way that leaves you shocked to your core…it’s more the kind that makes you sit back and go, “who woulda thunk? That’s actually fitting and kinda brilliant”. I enjoyed it and didn’t find this slow at all.
I gave this four stars because it was decently good, but it didn’t leave me breathless. It was a journey with scenery kind of a read, one that I really enjoyed.
If you want a smooth read while highlighting the struggles of different relationships, sprinkled with intrigue, this’ll do it. It’s not what I’d call a slow burn, but it’s not a fast paced suspense novel either, it neatly lies just in between.
This book was provided courtesy of St. Martins Press as a GR Giveaway…and I’m so glad I read it!!
This is essentially a story within a story, similar character plots, but in different happenstances. We read along as the story unfurls slowly, each page giving more detail, more insight. Some storyline is predictable, but that seems intentional. Some of the storyline twists, but not in a jarring way that leaves you shocked to your core…it’s more the kind that makes you sit back and go, “who woulda thunk? That’s actually fitting and kinda brilliant”. I enjoyed it and didn’t find this slow at all.
I gave this four stars because it was decently good, but it didn’t leave me breathless. It was a journey with scenery kind of a read, one that I really enjoyed.
If you want a smooth read while highlighting the struggles of different relationships, sprinkled with intrigue, this’ll do it. It’s not what I’d call a slow burn, but it’s not a fast paced suspense novel either, it neatly lies just in between.
This book was provided courtesy of St. Martins Press as a GR Giveaway…and I’m so glad I read it!!
January 5, 2023
**Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Rachel Hawkins for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 1.3!**
Emily remembers the good old days with her BFF Chess. The two used to be inseparable as a pair could be, and although they are now both writers, their lives have gone off in different directions. Chess has found success as a modern self-help guru (a la "Girl, Wash Your Face", "Untamed," etc.) and Emily is the author of a popular cozy mystery series. However, Emily is also dealing with an impending divorce and her writing has come to a grinding halt.
When Chess suggests a glamorous girls trip to Villa Aestas (formerly known as Villa Rosato) in GLORIOUS Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to rekindle her friendship, jump start her next book, and soak in the sun. After the two arrive, Emily dives into the history of the villa...and doesn't exactly feel thrilled with what she discovers...Villa Rosato is actually a murder house. In the 70s, rockers Noel Gordon and Pierce Sheldon arrived at the villa with Pierce's girlfriend Mari and stepsister Lara in tow looking for some inspiration of their own. While the two ladies end up writing a horror book and a hugely popular album, respectively, Pierce's career---and life---ends abruptly.
As Emily delves deeper into the mysteries of the past, searching the villa for clues, she begins to realize that the survivors of that tragic summer may have left more in the Murder House than meets the eye...and perhaps Chess had her OWN reasons for bringing Emily to the Villa. Are these two friends in it to the bitter end...or is the villa ready to claim yet ANOTHER victim?
Ever since Hawkins' The Wife Upstairs, I've been waiting for one of her books to recapture that sort of magic.
Well...Reckless Girls and The Villa both are set in beautiful locations....but bring little else to the table.
At first, I was hopeful I'd be sucked into the story once it got going for a bit. I didn't mind the byplay between Emily and Chess, and it's always fun to read an author's reflections on writing through their writer characters. The lead-in to the Villa was exciting, and the first section of the book moved along well enough.
And then we went back in time to hear from Mari...and things came GRINDING to a halt.
The timeline from the past was not only confusing but was littered with SO MUCH extraneous detail. Many of the conversations between the characters seemed unimportant and it was so hard to resist the urge to skim these sections. These characters were unlikable, flat, and felt almost like stock characters...basically, the stereotype of British rockers/artists from the time period, but without any of the charm.
Even though there are only 4 or 5 characters that are really important in the 70's timeline, I kept getting confused by their connections to one another, and I honestly don't feel like any of the 'scandal' Hawkins kept trying to add to these sections made the plot more interesting. On top of this, there are several fake 'book excerpts', articles, a transcript of a rather obnoxious podcast, etc. that are interspersed throughout just to focus EVEN MORE on the events of the 70s. I also found it hard to believe that Lara's album Aestas would have been a hit with the excerpts of the 'lyrics' provided: Fleetwood Mac? It was not.
After all of this time and involvement with the Villa's past, I was HOPING at least Emily and Chess' story line would have an enticing end...but all I found were a couple of plot holes (or plot points that were skimmed over, conveniently) and a rather predictable ending. Once again, Hawkins was trying so hard to push a 'female empowerment' story line...but as with Reckless Girls, it just didn't work for me.
Although once again her choice of setting was ideal and I am JUST as eager to bask in the glow of the Italian sun as I am to get to Hawaii as soon as humanly possible, I think Fleetwood Mac might have said it best. That is, when it comes to me and the likelihood I'll be grabbing Hawkins' next book?
"Been down one time
Been down two times
I'm never going back again"
3 stars
Emily remembers the good old days with her BFF Chess. The two used to be inseparable as a pair could be, and although they are now both writers, their lives have gone off in different directions. Chess has found success as a modern self-help guru (a la "Girl, Wash Your Face", "Untamed," etc.) and Emily is the author of a popular cozy mystery series. However, Emily is also dealing with an impending divorce and her writing has come to a grinding halt.
When Chess suggests a glamorous girls trip to Villa Aestas (formerly known as Villa Rosato) in GLORIOUS Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to rekindle her friendship, jump start her next book, and soak in the sun. After the two arrive, Emily dives into the history of the villa...and doesn't exactly feel thrilled with what she discovers...Villa Rosato is actually a murder house. In the 70s, rockers Noel Gordon and Pierce Sheldon arrived at the villa with Pierce's girlfriend Mari and stepsister Lara in tow looking for some inspiration of their own. While the two ladies end up writing a horror book and a hugely popular album, respectively, Pierce's career---and life---ends abruptly.
As Emily delves deeper into the mysteries of the past, searching the villa for clues, she begins to realize that the survivors of that tragic summer may have left more in the Murder House than meets the eye...and perhaps Chess had her OWN reasons for bringing Emily to the Villa. Are these two friends in it to the bitter end...or is the villa ready to claim yet ANOTHER victim?
Ever since Hawkins' The Wife Upstairs, I've been waiting for one of her books to recapture that sort of magic.
Well...Reckless Girls and The Villa both are set in beautiful locations....but bring little else to the table.
At first, I was hopeful I'd be sucked into the story once it got going for a bit. I didn't mind the byplay between Emily and Chess, and it's always fun to read an author's reflections on writing through their writer characters. The lead-in to the Villa was exciting, and the first section of the book moved along well enough.
And then we went back in time to hear from Mari...and things came GRINDING to a halt.
The timeline from the past was not only confusing but was littered with SO MUCH extraneous detail. Many of the conversations between the characters seemed unimportant and it was so hard to resist the urge to skim these sections. These characters were unlikable, flat, and felt almost like stock characters...basically, the stereotype of British rockers/artists from the time period, but without any of the charm.
Even though there are only 4 or 5 characters that are really important in the 70's timeline, I kept getting confused by their connections to one another, and I honestly don't feel like any of the 'scandal' Hawkins kept trying to add to these sections made the plot more interesting. On top of this, there are several fake 'book excerpts', articles, a transcript of a rather obnoxious podcast, etc. that are interspersed throughout just to focus EVEN MORE on the events of the 70s. I also found it hard to believe that Lara's album Aestas would have been a hit with the excerpts of the 'lyrics' provided: Fleetwood Mac? It was not.
After all of this time and involvement with the Villa's past, I was HOPING at least Emily and Chess' story line would have an enticing end...but all I found were a couple of plot holes (or plot points that were skimmed over, conveniently) and a rather predictable ending. Once again, Hawkins was trying so hard to push a 'female empowerment' story line...but as with Reckless Girls, it just didn't work for me.
Although once again her choice of setting was ideal and I am JUST as eager to bask in the glow of the Italian sun as I am to get to Hawaii as soon as humanly possible, I think Fleetwood Mac might have said it best. That is, when it comes to me and the likelihood I'll be grabbing Hawkins' next book?
"Been down one time
Been down two times
I'm never going back again"
3 stars
January 1, 2023
Fleetwood Mac rock 'n' roll drama + 1970s feminist horror novel + gothic Italian villa + frenemy friendships = The Villa, the best suspense novel Rachel Hawkins has written yet.
I’ve read and enjoyed both of Hawkins’s previous novels, The Wife Upstairs and Reckless Girls, but The Villa is in a class of its own. Featuring dual timelines, the novel follows two writers, Mari in 1974 and Emily in the present day, as they summer at the same gorgeous villa in Italy, decades apart. The women’s days are spent writing, and while Mari’s time in Italy ends with the murder of her musician boyfriend, Emily unexpectedly finds herself uncovering the mystery of what really happened the night Mari’s boyfriend died.
I was taken with The Villa immediately. By far, it has the tightest plotting I've seen from Hawkins to date. Both Mari and Emily’s storylines are intriguing and written skillfully, allowing Hawkins to draw interesting parallels between the lives of the two lead characters. She also does a great job of ratcheting up the intrigue by inserting news articles, song lyrics, and excerpts from Mari’s horror novel into the narrative.
It's not often that I rate a suspense or thriller novel five stars, but after devouring The Villa in three days, I can think of no reason to rate it any lower. It’s a riveting read. Complex and multilayered.
It's surprising, too. Watch out for that ending.
My sincerest appreciation to Rachel Hawkins, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
I’ve read and enjoyed both of Hawkins’s previous novels, The Wife Upstairs and Reckless Girls, but The Villa is in a class of its own. Featuring dual timelines, the novel follows two writers, Mari in 1974 and Emily in the present day, as they summer at the same gorgeous villa in Italy, decades apart. The women’s days are spent writing, and while Mari’s time in Italy ends with the murder of her musician boyfriend, Emily unexpectedly finds herself uncovering the mystery of what really happened the night Mari’s boyfriend died.
I was taken with The Villa immediately. By far, it has the tightest plotting I've seen from Hawkins to date. Both Mari and Emily’s storylines are intriguing and written skillfully, allowing Hawkins to draw interesting parallels between the lives of the two lead characters. She also does a great job of ratcheting up the intrigue by inserting news articles, song lyrics, and excerpts from Mari’s horror novel into the narrative.
It's not often that I rate a suspense or thriller novel five stars, but after devouring The Villa in three days, I can think of no reason to rate it any lower. It’s a riveting read. Complex and multilayered.
It's surprising, too. Watch out for that ending.
My sincerest appreciation to Rachel Hawkins, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
December 15, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up for a solid twist at the end.
The Villa has two (actually three) storylines. The main two are in the present day, from the point of view of Emily. She's the author of a popular cozy mystery series, but after suffering some health issues and now going through a divorce and separation, her writing has stalled. When her lifelong friend since childhood, Chess, proposes they travel to a villa in Italy for the summer, Emily jumps at the chance. They stay at Villa Aestus, where a murder occurred in 1974, which is the timeline for the second point of view of Mari.
Mari and her stepsister Lara join some musicians for a summer filled with sex, drugs, and music. During that time, Mari begins to write a horror novel (the third point of view, the pages from the novel) and Lara begins work on music, which both of them later turn into huge successes. Yet during this summer, someone ends up murdered.
When Emily finds out about the murder, she is inspired to do research and some writing of her own. But things aren't necessarily as they seem...
Once I got into the flow of the story, it turned out to be a decent thriller. It was fairly predictable throughout and I thought it was a solid three-star read. Good, but not earth shattering. Yet once all of the storylines coalesce at the end, there's a big reveal that I absolutely did not see coming, and that elevated the book for me.
I listened to the audiobook, and Julia Whelan does a fantastic job with voicing Emily, and the other two narrators for Mari and the novel are wonderful as well. I was able to keep the narrators straight because their accents are different and their voices are unique.
Overall this was a decent read although fairly predictable for the most part. Worth reading, but not remarkable.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The Villa has two (actually three) storylines. The main two are in the present day, from the point of view of Emily. She's the author of a popular cozy mystery series, but after suffering some health issues and now going through a divorce and separation, her writing has stalled. When her lifelong friend since childhood, Chess, proposes they travel to a villa in Italy for the summer, Emily jumps at the chance. They stay at Villa Aestus, where a murder occurred in 1974, which is the timeline for the second point of view of Mari.
Mari and her stepsister Lara join some musicians for a summer filled with sex, drugs, and music. During that time, Mari begins to write a horror novel (the third point of view, the pages from the novel) and Lara begins work on music, which both of them later turn into huge successes. Yet during this summer, someone ends up murdered.
When Emily finds out about the murder, she is inspired to do research and some writing of her own. But things aren't necessarily as they seem...
Once I got into the flow of the story, it turned out to be a decent thriller. It was fairly predictable throughout and I thought it was a solid three-star read. Good, but not earth shattering. Yet once all of the storylines coalesce at the end, there's a big reveal that I absolutely did not see coming, and that elevated the book for me.
I listened to the audiobook, and Julia Whelan does a fantastic job with voicing Emily, and the other two narrators for Mari and the novel are wonderful as well. I was able to keep the narrators straight because their accents are different and their voices are unique.
Overall this was a decent read although fairly predictable for the most part. Worth reading, but not remarkable.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 25, 2023
This was not your typical, twisty thriller. It was more a slow-burning story going back and forth in time. The setting is a villa near Orvieto. I’ve been in Orvieto myself, so it was easy to see what the characters saw. I liked how I felt while reading the story. Emily was a curious author who wanted to move on after a breakup, and she starts to explore what happened in the villa in 1974. We also go back in time to 1974, and I really wanted to know what would happen. Overall a nice read.
January 4, 2023
The Villa is an absorbing and suspenseful gothic novel set in Italy.
Emily, the author of a long-running book series, feels like her life is in a rut. Not only has her husband left her, but she’s also suffering from writer’s block. When her lifelong best friend and self-help guru, Chess, invites her to Italy for the summer, Emily joins her, thinking it will be the reset she needs to write her next book.
The villa in Orvieto happens to be where a brutal murder occurred in 1974. Back then, a famous rockstar invited an aspiring musician and his muses to stay at the villa while they produced a new album. After the murder, some of their careers took off, with one of the guests penning a novel that became a classic feminist horror novel. Another, composed a platinum-selling album.
Emily becomes super invested in this tragedy and begins to think there’s more to the story than previously supposed. Meanwhile, tensions between Emily and Chess thicken.
This suspenseful drama has dual timelines and dual perspectives. I would not classify this as a thriller. There are several good twists and the pacing is consistent, if a tad on the slower side, which might not be for every reader but worked for this reader here.
It touches on grown men going after minors and the competitive streak that can sometimes surface between friends.
I enjoyed the author’s last book Reckless Girls, but I liked this one even more. The plot is a bit more complex, and the writing is engaging. I don’t usually enjoy rockstar themes, but as this took a different approach, it worked for me. And Emily’s POV became more interesting with every chapter. The tidbits on being a published author and the writing process were insightful.
I think it’s safe to say Rachel Hawkins is now one of my go-to authors. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
Emily, the author of a long-running book series, feels like her life is in a rut. Not only has her husband left her, but she’s also suffering from writer’s block. When her lifelong best friend and self-help guru, Chess, invites her to Italy for the summer, Emily joins her, thinking it will be the reset she needs to write her next book.
The villa in Orvieto happens to be where a brutal murder occurred in 1974. Back then, a famous rockstar invited an aspiring musician and his muses to stay at the villa while they produced a new album. After the murder, some of their careers took off, with one of the guests penning a novel that became a classic feminist horror novel. Another, composed a platinum-selling album.
Emily becomes super invested in this tragedy and begins to think there’s more to the story than previously supposed. Meanwhile, tensions between Emily and Chess thicken.
This suspenseful drama has dual timelines and dual perspectives. I would not classify this as a thriller. There are several good twists and the pacing is consistent, if a tad on the slower side, which might not be for every reader but worked for this reader here.
It touches on grown men going after minors and the competitive streak that can sometimes surface between friends.
I enjoyed the author’s last book Reckless Girls, but I liked this one even more. The plot is a bit more complex, and the writing is engaging. I don’t usually enjoy rockstar themes, but as this took a different approach, it worked for me. And Emily’s POV became more interesting with every chapter. The tidbits on being a published author and the writing process were insightful.
I think it’s safe to say Rachel Hawkins is now one of my go-to authors. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
November 7, 2022
If you love sex, drugs and rock stars this may be for you!!
This was a DNF for me at 60%!! For me the story within a story in this book didn't work for me. I liked the present storyline better but didn't like the characters enough in either story to continue.
This was a buddy read with Jan and Marialyce and none of us liked it, I made it a bit farther but in the end I just didn't care about what happened to these characters!
This was a DNF for me at 60%!! For me the story within a story in this book didn't work for me. I liked the present storyline better but didn't like the characters enough in either story to continue.
This was a buddy read with Jan and Marialyce and none of us liked it, I made it a bit farther but in the end I just didn't care about what happened to these characters!
November 16, 2022
Emily and Chess were inseparable growing up, but their friendship has drifted and is strained. Emily jumps at the chance to have a girl's trip to Italy when Chess suggests one. Their location, Villa Aestas in Orvieto (once known as Villa Rosato) has a dark past. In 1974, rock star Noel Gordon, invited an up-and-coming rocker, Pierce Sheldon to join him at the Villa along with his girlfriend, Mari and her stepsister, Lara. The trip ended in murder.
Emily, a cozy mystery writer, who has been ill and dealing with her soon to be ex-husband's greedy demands, needs the time away. Chess is a famous author of self-help books. They both will use their time at the Villa to reconnect, write and get their creative juices flowing. Emily is inspired to learn more about the Villa, it's murderous past and history. While at the Villa, Emily, and Chess, are having issues/tension/strain in their relationship. Secrets are about to come out not only about the Villa but about the women's lives.
This book is told in two timelines. Mari went on to be the author of the feminist horror novel masterpiece, Lilith Rising. Mari was at the Villa that fateful summer when a murder took place. Emily is telling the present day. Both women have a connection in that they both spent time at the Villa, both are inspired by their time there, and both are dealing with issues with men in their lives.
I had both the book and the audiobook and enjoyed both but listened to the audiobook slightly more. I enjoyed both the past and the present storylines but at times enjoyed the past one more. I thought it was a nice touch having both Mari and Emily sharing details. I did enjoy the tension between Chess and Emily, former best friends who have a strained relationship as adults.
I also enjoyed the narrators of the audiobook. I felt they did a very good job at telling the story.
I thought this book was very nicely done and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more of Rachel Hawkins books in the future!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Emily, a cozy mystery writer, who has been ill and dealing with her soon to be ex-husband's greedy demands, needs the time away. Chess is a famous author of self-help books. They both will use their time at the Villa to reconnect, write and get their creative juices flowing. Emily is inspired to learn more about the Villa, it's murderous past and history. While at the Villa, Emily, and Chess, are having issues/tension/strain in their relationship. Secrets are about to come out not only about the Villa but about the women's lives.
This book is told in two timelines. Mari went on to be the author of the feminist horror novel masterpiece, Lilith Rising. Mari was at the Villa that fateful summer when a murder took place. Emily is telling the present day. Both women have a connection in that they both spent time at the Villa, both are inspired by their time there, and both are dealing with issues with men in their lives.
I had both the book and the audiobook and enjoyed both but listened to the audiobook slightly more. I enjoyed both the past and the present storylines but at times enjoyed the past one more. I thought it was a nice touch having both Mari and Emily sharing details. I did enjoy the tension between Chess and Emily, former best friends who have a strained relationship as adults.
I also enjoyed the narrators of the audiobook. I felt they did a very good job at telling the story.
I thought this book was very nicely done and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more of Rachel Hawkins books in the future!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 13, 2023
There's not as much mystery as there should be. Most of the pieces are easy to figure out and then the weird pointless misdirection at the end was a waste of space for me.
The characters are vapid in the present timeline... I lost it when Em is just cool with the stuff that Chess has done. I had SO many questions. Where was the emotion? Where was the realistic reaction? How do you just continue as if nothing happened and with that weird "resolution?" I maybe could have understood if there was some sort of a future revenge plot, but nothing. Then we finally get an excellent subplot and it is told as background noise with practically zero details... Isn't this supposed to be a thriller?
Then we go to the past, which was a bit more interesting but told in such a disjointed way that it was hard to get to really know any of the characters very well. There wasn't much mystery in the central death, and then just a weird mystery unveiling at the end that came out of nowhere and didn't seem to serve any purpose in the book.
I keep waffling between a d 2 and 3 star. It's a solid 2.5 for me. The more I write, the more frustrated I am with this book. Not rounding up to a 3. Sticking with the Just ok at 2 stars.
The characters are vapid in the present timeline... I lost it when Em is just cool with the stuff that Chess has done. I had SO many questions. Where was the emotion? Where was the realistic reaction? How do you just continue as if nothing happened and with that weird "resolution?" I maybe could have understood if there was some sort of a future revenge plot, but nothing. Then we finally get an excellent subplot and it is told as background noise with practically zero details... Isn't this supposed to be a thriller?
Then we go to the past, which was a bit more interesting but told in such a disjointed way that it was hard to get to really know any of the characters very well. There wasn't much mystery in the central death, and then just a weird mystery unveiling at the end that came out of nowhere and didn't seem to serve any purpose in the book.
I keep waffling between a d 2 and 3 star. It's a solid 2.5 for me. The more I write, the more frustrated I am with this book. Not rounding up to a 3. Sticking with the Just ok at 2 stars.
November 29, 2022
3.5 STARS
"Sometimes we don't really know we've won until we see the reflection of that win in the loser's eyes." (From Chapter Two, Things My Mama Never Taught Me)
Rachel Hawkins is my go to author when I need a fast paced, popcorn thriller. You know, the ones that read like the print version of a Lifetime movie? Anytime I feel a slump coming on, I just know that one of her books will catapult me right out of it. While they are typically wild, outlandish, and over the top, those are traits I'm searching for when I need something to grab my attention without letting go.
The Villa is the author's third foray into the adult thriller genre, and remains much the same in terms of plotting and pacing as her previous two releases. I really enjoyed the back and forth between past and present, and how the twists rolled out along the way. There are quite a few sexually explicit scenes, especially in the "past" portions of the novel, so heads up to those who would rather keep their thrillers free of any romantic entanglements. There were a few twists that really got me; I was sure one person was going to be behind one of the present day plots and I was wrong!
If you're looking for a mindless thriller that you don't have to pay close attention to, but still feel the full effects of it's entertainment along the way, this is it. I alternated between the audiobook and the e-book, and I found both equally enjoyable! I can't wait until the author releases her next book.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
"Sometimes we don't really know we've won until we see the reflection of that win in the loser's eyes." (From Chapter Two, Things My Mama Never Taught Me)
Rachel Hawkins is my go to author when I need a fast paced, popcorn thriller. You know, the ones that read like the print version of a Lifetime movie? Anytime I feel a slump coming on, I just know that one of her books will catapult me right out of it. While they are typically wild, outlandish, and over the top, those are traits I'm searching for when I need something to grab my attention without letting go.
The Villa is the author's third foray into the adult thriller genre, and remains much the same in terms of plotting and pacing as her previous two releases. I really enjoyed the back and forth between past and present, and how the twists rolled out along the way. There are quite a few sexually explicit scenes, especially in the "past" portions of the novel, so heads up to those who would rather keep their thrillers free of any romantic entanglements. There were a few twists that really got me; I was sure one person was going to be behind one of the present day plots and I was wrong!
If you're looking for a mindless thriller that you don't have to pay close attention to, but still feel the full effects of it's entertainment along the way, this is it. I alternated between the audiobook and the e-book, and I found both equally enjoyable! I can't wait until the author releases her next book.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
October 3, 2022
Emily is an author of a cozy mystery series however her creative juices seem to have all but dried up. Maybe it's the messy divorce to her jerk of a soon-to-be-ex-husband and his demand for a cut of the money for any and all future books that has her stalling. Why should he get a cut of the money on books she wrote AFTER they divorced?
Then she receives a call from her best friend since childhood, Chess. Chess is a motivation guru who's self help books have sold millions worldwide and she makes an offer that Emily can't refuse. Spend the summer with her in Villa Aestas in Orieto, Italy. Here they can hunker down together drinking fine wine, eating delectable dishes, soaking up the Italian sunshine and hopefully writing up a storm. That's the plan anyways.
Once they arrive it appears Emily still isn't ready to put her fingers to the keyboard for book 10 in her Petal Bloom series. Emily is much more interested in the history of Villa Aestas and the murder of an up-and-coming musician that happened there in the '70's when the villa went by Villa Rosato or better yet, The Murder House.
We have the current storyline following Emily and Chess and we alternate that with Mari, girlfriend to the murdered Pierce, and what happened at the villa in the '70's when five twenty-somethings, creatives and artists, high on drugs, alcohol, and sex spend far too much time together under the guise of friendship.
This was a bit of a slow burner for me but still highly enjoyable. I found both the present and past storylines intriguing in their own way. I liked both Emily and Mari - two young woman that while they appear to be weak in some respects are actually much stronger than anyone could have predicted. The ending is where this one really shined for me though, I loved it. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
Then she receives a call from her best friend since childhood, Chess. Chess is a motivation guru who's self help books have sold millions worldwide and she makes an offer that Emily can't refuse. Spend the summer with her in Villa Aestas in Orieto, Italy. Here they can hunker down together drinking fine wine, eating delectable dishes, soaking up the Italian sunshine and hopefully writing up a storm. That's the plan anyways.
Once they arrive it appears Emily still isn't ready to put her fingers to the keyboard for book 10 in her Petal Bloom series. Emily is much more interested in the history of Villa Aestas and the murder of an up-and-coming musician that happened there in the '70's when the villa went by Villa Rosato or better yet, The Murder House.
We have the current storyline following Emily and Chess and we alternate that with Mari, girlfriend to the murdered Pierce, and what happened at the villa in the '70's when five twenty-somethings, creatives and artists, high on drugs, alcohol, and sex spend far too much time together under the guise of friendship.
This was a bit of a slow burner for me but still highly enjoyable. I found both the present and past storylines intriguing in their own way. I liked both Emily and Mari - two young woman that while they appear to be weak in some respects are actually much stronger than anyone could have predicted. The ending is where this one really shined for me though, I loved it. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
July 27, 2023
What a fantastic gothic-suspense novel!
I absolutely love reading books about books and writers. In this novel, it is fascinating to move between two time slots with strong female characters who reclaim the narratives for themselves in a way that makes sense to them. Even, if it means to walk over dead bodies!!!
1974: A rock star, a writer and a murdered musician are entangled in the mysterious saga of Villa Rosato nestled in the hills around Orvieto in Umbria. It is that summer that defines the fates of Mari Godwick and Lara Larchmont who are stepsisters and muses of the musicians in their teenage years. After that summer, Mari becomes the famous feminist author of "Lilith Rising", a horror novel, and Lara becomes a musician and composer of the album "Aestas". Aestas means summer in Latin. Both refer to the murder in the villa in their work. However, everyone involved in that Italian summer is now dead.
Present time: Em and Chess are inseparable friends who spend their summer in Villa Aestas, nowadays an alleged oasis of calm and serenity. Chess writes self-help books and has become an internet sensation firing on all cylinders. She is single and happily rich. Em writes cozy mysteries, while her career is stalling out, her health is terrible, and is in the midst of a divorce after seven years of marriage. She thinks situating herself in a brand-new space may ignite her inspiration for her new book. Instead, Em becomes obsessed with Mari’s book and the murder in the villa. When Chess suggests to co-write a book with Em, chaos will unleash that ends up in even more secrets and wicked partnerships at the villa.
„Stories change depending on who´s telling them"!
Unputdownable. Clean and fluent writing style. Highly recommended.
Happy reading! 📚
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Find me on instagram
I absolutely love reading books about books and writers. In this novel, it is fascinating to move between two time slots with strong female characters who reclaim the narratives for themselves in a way that makes sense to them. Even, if it means to walk over dead bodies!!!
1974: A rock star, a writer and a murdered musician are entangled in the mysterious saga of Villa Rosato nestled in the hills around Orvieto in Umbria. It is that summer that defines the fates of Mari Godwick and Lara Larchmont who are stepsisters and muses of the musicians in their teenage years. After that summer, Mari becomes the famous feminist author of "Lilith Rising", a horror novel, and Lara becomes a musician and composer of the album "Aestas". Aestas means summer in Latin. Both refer to the murder in the villa in their work. However, everyone involved in that Italian summer is now dead.
Present time: Em and Chess are inseparable friends who spend their summer in Villa Aestas, nowadays an alleged oasis of calm and serenity. Chess writes self-help books and has become an internet sensation firing on all cylinders. She is single and happily rich. Em writes cozy mysteries, while her career is stalling out, her health is terrible, and is in the midst of a divorce after seven years of marriage. She thinks situating herself in a brand-new space may ignite her inspiration for her new book. Instead, Em becomes obsessed with Mari’s book and the murder in the villa. When Chess suggests to co-write a book with Em, chaos will unleash that ends up in even more secrets and wicked partnerships at the villa.
„Stories change depending on who´s telling them"!
Unputdownable. Clean and fluent writing style. Highly recommended.
Happy reading! 📚
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Find me on instagram
January 16, 2023
So did the publisher get into a stash of expired quaaludes because that is the only way to explain how this is considered a thriller.
I will start with the Pros:
1) I liked the cover
Now to the Cons:
2) I truly cannot stress how much I hated the character Chess. I am NOT SURE if the author was purposely trying to make the character satire of the MLM boss babes that we have been subjected to the last decade. Literally everything about Chess was a knock off Rachel Hollis, that uses fluffy language, BS Mantras to solve every issue in life, writing self help books that have titles like "Swipe Right on Life!!!" and "Things My Mama Taught Me". CLASSIC MLM hun. But HOLD ON, she’s also an absolute btch when the masks comes off. I am shocked. I thought...this has to be a joke...this is a joke yes...but it was SO CRINGEY to the point of “….I fear that Rachel Hawkins is very serious about this”.
The main character Emily is your typical struggling writer with all the cards stacked against her and lets herself get bossed around by this succubus of a best friend. BUT SOMEHOW, she has got it in her to write this most amazing novel that gets turned into a TV Show. More on that later and why this book made me see red.
The characters in the 1970’s timeline (Mari, Lara, Pierce, Noel and Johnnie) were just a bad knock-off of Daisy Jones and the Six. Again, hated most of them and their “free looooove policy”. There was also a cringey threesome that left me wondering….the point was to….well it was the 70’s….no point I guess because it was captured perfectly here? This leads me to my next point.
2) WHAT IS THE POINT OF THIS BEING MARKETED AS A THRILLER? The way it was written, there was no mysterious dramatic build up. This was just A) two friends (BAAAST friends) that dislike one another and B) some hippies from London trying to create their own commune in Italy but are somehow ALL talented geniuses that write the best music and novels of all time.
3) Now we get to why I was ready to throw my kindle out of the window into the dead of night. From the first time Emily mentions that her husband was cheating on her, I knew…Ok so its Chess. This was further proven with these mysterious phone calls and overheard conversations. Confrontation finally ensues and yep its confirmed. HOWEVER, because Chess is such a BOSS BIIIITCH, she JUST HAD to keep the affair with Emily’s husband going so Emily could see what a POS he truly is….Really? You’re telling me that she is not only lying to her supposed best friend for years, but in a true girl power show of unity, Emily is basically “WOW he IS scum, how could I have NOT seen it without you Chess!! I have an idea, lets murder him like that girl that did it to her wannabe rockstar husband/groomer, and then we can totally write this book that was ALL my idea and split the money, because my husband will try to take it all in the divorce!”………..Just what…..are you freaking kidding me?
ALSO, there is a point in the book where you assume that the ex husband is poisoning Emily because she has this mysterious illness that no one can figure out. But OH wait, because her husband is such a douche it made her physically sick, but here comes Chess to show her, “its all in the mind hun, he wasn’t poisoning you, like for real loool.”Just what in the hell RH?
So after these two boss babes write their book, it skyrockets Emily to the fame she so desired but oops lmao she killed her husband and now shes stuck with Chess who knows her secret and will surely use it to blackmail her into co-writing ANOTHER book. All because Emily was inspired by the secret diary pages of Mari.
Oh AND it turns out, the last bit of secret diary that was discovered that revealed the murder from the 70’s…hehe it really WAS Johnnie in a coked out state of mind and NOT Mari as you are led to believe….in one paragraph prior (again there is NO thriller element). This was all just trying to be super meta and if Verity took a dump and said here is a plot, use it. Allegedly Mari wrote this alternate universe…because it was her fault for Pierce's death, because she wanted to stay at the Villa and therefore caused her boyfriend to be murdered and therefore this is absolution and she will take the blame if its placed on her…if anyone finds the last pages of her secret diary…that is never revealed how Emily found…but it won't matter because Mari has terminal illness and won't be around to suffer the consequences...Ok then.
I will start with the Pros:
1) I liked the cover
Now to the Cons:
2) I truly cannot stress how much I hated the character Chess. I am NOT SURE if the author was purposely trying to make the character satire of the MLM boss babes that we have been subjected to the last decade. Literally everything about Chess was a knock off Rachel Hollis, that uses fluffy language, BS Mantras to solve every issue in life, writing self help books that have titles like "Swipe Right on Life!!!" and "Things My Mama Taught Me". CLASSIC MLM hun. But HOLD ON, she’s also an absolute btch when the masks comes off. I am shocked. I thought...this has to be a joke...this is a joke yes...but it was SO CRINGEY to the point of “….I fear that Rachel Hawkins is very serious about this”.
The main character Emily is your typical struggling writer with all the cards stacked against her and lets herself get bossed around by this succubus of a best friend. BUT SOMEHOW, she has got it in her to write this most amazing novel that gets turned into a TV Show. More on that later and why this book made me see red.
The characters in the 1970’s timeline (Mari, Lara, Pierce, Noel and Johnnie) were just a bad knock-off of Daisy Jones and the Six. Again, hated most of them and their “free looooove policy”. There was also a cringey threesome that left me wondering….the point was to….well it was the 70’s….no point I guess because it was captured perfectly here? This leads me to my next point.
2) WHAT IS THE POINT OF THIS BEING MARKETED AS A THRILLER? The way it was written, there was no mysterious dramatic build up. This was just A) two friends (BAAAST friends) that dislike one another and B) some hippies from London trying to create their own commune in Italy but are somehow ALL talented geniuses that write the best music and novels of all time.
3) Now we get to why I was ready to throw my kindle out of the window into the dead of night. From the first time Emily mentions that her husband was cheating on her, I knew…Ok so its Chess. This was further proven with these mysterious phone calls and overheard conversations. Confrontation finally ensues and yep its confirmed. HOWEVER, because Chess is such a BOSS BIIIITCH, she JUST HAD to keep the affair with Emily’s husband going so Emily could see what a POS he truly is….Really? You’re telling me that she is not only lying to her supposed best friend for years, but in a true girl power show of unity, Emily is basically “WOW he IS scum, how could I have NOT seen it without you Chess!! I have an idea, lets murder him like that girl that did it to her wannabe rockstar husband/groomer, and then we can totally write this book that was ALL my idea and split the money, because my husband will try to take it all in the divorce!”………..Just what…..are you freaking kidding me?
ALSO, there is a point in the book where you assume that the ex husband is poisoning Emily because she has this mysterious illness that no one can figure out. But OH wait, because her husband is such a douche it made her physically sick, but here comes Chess to show her, “its all in the mind hun, he wasn’t poisoning you, like for real loool.”Just what in the hell RH?
So after these two boss babes write their book, it skyrockets Emily to the fame she so desired but oops lmao she killed her husband and now shes stuck with Chess who knows her secret and will surely use it to blackmail her into co-writing ANOTHER book. All because Emily was inspired by the secret diary pages of Mari.
Oh AND it turns out, the last bit of secret diary that was discovered that revealed the murder from the 70’s…hehe it really WAS Johnnie in a coked out state of mind and NOT Mari as you are led to believe….in one paragraph prior (again there is NO thriller element). This was all just trying to be super meta and if Verity took a dump and said here is a plot, use it. Allegedly Mari wrote this alternate universe…because it was her fault for Pierce's death, because she wanted to stay at the Villa and therefore caused her boyfriend to be murdered and therefore this is absolution and she will take the blame if its placed on her…if anyone finds the last pages of her secret diary…that is never revealed how Emily found…but it won't matter because Mari has terminal illness and won't be around to suffer the consequences...Ok then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'dnf'
November 3, 2022Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, the Manson murders, and the infamous summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron at a Lake Geneva castle––the birthplace of Frankenstein––The Villa welcomes you into its deadly legacy.
I love Fleetwood Mac, true crime, and just spent time on Lake Geneva and saw where Lord Byron penned his famous poem, so this should have been a winner right?
Sadly it was not. I made it to 30% before throwing in the towel. I did not care for the past story line with sex, drugs, and rock n roll and couldn't make myself continue.
This was a buddy read with Marialyce, Dorie and myself. All of us were disappointed.
* I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley
I love Fleetwood Mac, true crime, and just spent time on Lake Geneva and saw where Lord Byron penned his famous poem, so this should have been a winner right?
Sadly it was not. I made it to 30% before throwing in the towel. I did not care for the past story line with sex, drugs, and rock n roll and couldn't make myself continue.
This was a buddy read with Marialyce, Dorie and myself. All of us were disappointed.
* I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley
July 26, 2022
“Houses remember.” The events of the past still echo in this beautiful Italian Villa. Childhood friends Emily and Chess reconnect and go on a girls trip to Villa Aestas in Orvieto.
Emily has terrible writers block when she discovers hidden pages from a book called Lillith Rising. She believes the story actually took place in the house and starts digging into the Villa’s past. Emily and Chess begin to bump heads and as secrets are revealed the present seems to parallel the past.
This book was inspired by the real life event of the weekend in the summer when Lord Byron, Percy and Mary Shelly spent time together. In addition it is also inspired by Fleetwood Mac and the Manson family murders.
I really enjoyed this thriller. I liked the glimpses of the past and how they seemed to mirror events in the present. I thought the inspirations for the book was really interesting.
I did not like how long the chapters were and the characters in the present were annoying at times.
The Villa is available January 3,2023
Thank you to Netgalley and and St. Martin’s press for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Emily has terrible writers block when she discovers hidden pages from a book called Lillith Rising. She believes the story actually took place in the house and starts digging into the Villa’s past. Emily and Chess begin to bump heads and as secrets are revealed the present seems to parallel the past.
This book was inspired by the real life event of the weekend in the summer when Lord Byron, Percy and Mary Shelly spent time together. In addition it is also inspired by Fleetwood Mac and the Manson family murders.
I really enjoyed this thriller. I liked the glimpses of the past and how they seemed to mirror events in the present. I thought the inspirations for the book was really interesting.
I did not like how long the chapters were and the characters in the present were annoying at times.
The Villa is available January 3,2023
Thank you to Netgalley and and St. Martin’s press for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 7, 2023
A villa in Italy with a haunted history? Friends, lovers, writers, musicians, betrayal, murder… yes, please, I’m all in!
Modeled after the summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron at his castle and where Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was born, The Villa simmers with tension and a bit of gothic influence that enhances the suspense of this dual-timeline novel.
The 1970s storyline has a definite Daisy Jones sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll vibe. The present-day story explores friendship and professional rivalry, while poking fun at millennial self-help gurus/influencers.
Ultimately, past and present collide in this tale of love, loss, deception, jealousy, mayhem, and murder. A real page-turner.
Modeled after the summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron at his castle and where Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was born, The Villa simmers with tension and a bit of gothic influence that enhances the suspense of this dual-timeline novel.
The 1970s storyline has a definite Daisy Jones sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll vibe. The present-day story explores friendship and professional rivalry, while poking fun at millennial self-help gurus/influencers.
Ultimately, past and present collide in this tale of love, loss, deception, jealousy, mayhem, and murder. A real page-turner.
July 16, 2022
I started off LOVING this book, thinking it was going to be my favorite thriller of the year, but then something happened that took a turn that leaned towards something else… I am now flipping back and forth between 3.5 and 4 stars.
The Villa has the past story of Mari (1974), which I loved! In this story we learn of the first visit to the villa in Italy with her boyfriend Pierce, and her sister Lara. Lara was not one of my favorite characters in this story. In fact, I think we were supposed to feel sorry for her, but I didn’t. I didn’t have any feelings for Mari’s boyfriend Pierce either. Noel was a rock star who invited everyone to stay at the villa back in 1974, and I think he was the only one who had any sense in his head (even if he was a bit arrogant).
We now come to present day, and two “best friends” Emily and Chess go to the villa for a six week vacation. I despised the character of Chess so much, I think that’s when the feelings for this book started to go down. This is also when the book took a turn to being about how girls should stick together no matter how bad they screw each other over. Sorry- but I don’t play like that! If you are an evil, conniving, manipulator, then stay away from me!
We then go to the ending of the book that seemed to leave some open ends and gave you something to think about. I may not have loved this book as much as The Wife Upstairs by Hawkins, but I still highly recommend reading it as the writing is so strong and Mari’s story is impeccable!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book. Publication date January 3, 2023.
The Villa has the past story of Mari (1974), which I loved! In this story we learn of the first visit to the villa in Italy with her boyfriend Pierce, and her sister Lara. Lara was not one of my favorite characters in this story. In fact, I think we were supposed to feel sorry for her, but I didn’t. I didn’t have any feelings for Mari’s boyfriend Pierce either. Noel was a rock star who invited everyone to stay at the villa back in 1974, and I think he was the only one who had any sense in his head (even if he was a bit arrogant).
We now come to present day, and two “best friends” Emily and Chess go to the villa for a six week vacation. I despised the character of Chess so much, I think that’s when the feelings for this book started to go down. This is also when the book took a turn to being about how girls should stick together no matter how bad they screw each other over. Sorry- but I don’t play like that! If you are an evil, conniving, manipulator, then stay away from me!
We then go to the ending of the book that seemed to leave some open ends and gave you something to think about. I may not have loved this book as much as The Wife Upstairs by Hawkins, but I still highly recommend reading it as the writing is so strong and Mari’s story is impeccable!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book. Publication date January 3, 2023.
September 2, 2022
My thanks to St. Martin's Press, Rachel Hawkins and Netgalley.
After reading and loving Ms. Hawkins last 2 books, I was eagerly anticipating this one. Her book Reckless Girls, was my favorite book of 2021!
This one though? It sadly missed the mark for me.
I still had a good time reading it.
So, I'm giving this just 3 stars, but be sure that I'm still on-board the Hawkins train! Even my favorite authors have a misfire occasionally.
After reading and loving Ms. Hawkins last 2 books, I was eagerly anticipating this one. Her book Reckless Girls, was my favorite book of 2021!
This one though? It sadly missed the mark for me.
I still had a good time reading it.
So, I'm giving this just 3 stars, but be sure that I'm still on-board the Hawkins train! Even my favorite authors have a misfire occasionally.
February 15, 2023
Another good novel by Rachel Hawkins.
The Villa is narrated by two characters: Mari in 1974 and Emily in the present.
Emily and Chess have been friends since they were kids. Through the years, they have stayed in touch but they haven't been able to spend quality time together in a long time.
Emily is a writer of cozy mysteries. Her series' love interest is based on her ex-husband and because of it, she is having a hard time starting her next book without killing the character. On the other hand, Chess has become a very famous and successful self-help writer. When Chess invites Emily to spend a few weeks in Orvieto, Italy, Emily decides to go. Not long after arriving in Italy, Emily becomes quite intrigued by Villa Aestas' history. She learns the house has been the site of a murder in 1974. Emily starts thinking that a book and an album might have clues about what really happened that fateful day.
In the 1970s, Villa Aestas was known as Villa Rosato. Here a famous singer Noel Gordon stayed with Pierce Sheldon, his girlfriend Mari, and her stepsister, Lara. After Pierce is murdered, Mary writes the greatest horror novel of all time and Lara will compose a platinum album that everybody has heard and most own.
The question is:
Is the person who killed Pierce really the man accused of the crime or perhaps there is more to the story?
I enjoyed the two timelines and the two main characters. I liked how the story progressed. We are able to learn how things occurred in 1974 although when you think you know everything, you really don't.
I've been a fan of Rachel Hawkins since her Hex Hall series and now I'm a fan of her thrillers.
Lastly, if someone from Netflix is reading this review, I think the Villa could be a great movie!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The Villa is narrated by two characters: Mari in 1974 and Emily in the present.
Emily and Chess have been friends since they were kids. Through the years, they have stayed in touch but they haven't been able to spend quality time together in a long time.
Emily is a writer of cozy mysteries. Her series' love interest is based on her ex-husband and because of it, she is having a hard time starting her next book without killing the character. On the other hand, Chess has become a very famous and successful self-help writer. When Chess invites Emily to spend a few weeks in Orvieto, Italy, Emily decides to go. Not long after arriving in Italy, Emily becomes quite intrigued by Villa Aestas' history. She learns the house has been the site of a murder in 1974. Emily starts thinking that a book and an album might have clues about what really happened that fateful day.
In the 1970s, Villa Aestas was known as Villa Rosato. Here a famous singer Noel Gordon stayed with Pierce Sheldon, his girlfriend Mari, and her stepsister, Lara. After Pierce is murdered, Mary writes the greatest horror novel of all time and Lara will compose a platinum album that everybody has heard and most own.
The question is:
Is the person who killed Pierce really the man accused of the crime or perhaps there is more to the story?
I enjoyed the two timelines and the two main characters. I liked how the story progressed. We are able to learn how things occurred in 1974 although when you think you know everything, you really don't.
I've been a fan of Rachel Hawkins since her Hex Hall series and now I'm a fan of her thrillers.
Lastly, if someone from Netflix is reading this review, I think the Villa could be a great movie!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
March 5, 2023
The Villa is a lightweight mystery story. I found it enjoyable but I’ll probably forget it within a few days. In fact, if not for the final 20% of the book, I’d hesitate to even call it a mystery.
It’s a dual storyline. Emily is having a bad year. She’s struggling to write the next book in her cozy mystery series, her husband is divorcing her and suing for half of her past and future earnings. So when her friend Chess, who has a wildly successful self help career, suggests they go to Italy for the summer, Emily jumps. The villa they rent is a “murder house”. It was the site of a murder in 1974 when a rock star invited two step-sisters and an up and coming rock singer to visit.
As with so many dual storylines, this one isn’t a total success. The start of Emily’s story is slow and dull. It’s not until the book is over halfway done that it starts to get interesting. I never really ever connected with the earlier story. If you want sex, drugs and rock and roll done right, read Daisy Jones and the Six. To be honest, I would have rated this lower but for the several twists at the end. I’m still not sure if I liked the epilogue or not.
The book focuses on jealousy and rivalry. I liked that Hawkins was trying to make a point of female artistic talent, empowerment and strength.
I listened to this and Julia Whelan and the others did a good job.
It’s a dual storyline. Emily is having a bad year. She’s struggling to write the next book in her cozy mystery series, her husband is divorcing her and suing for half of her past and future earnings. So when her friend Chess, who has a wildly successful self help career, suggests they go to Italy for the summer, Emily jumps. The villa they rent is a “murder house”. It was the site of a murder in 1974 when a rock star invited two step-sisters and an up and coming rock singer to visit.
As with so many dual storylines, this one isn’t a total success. The start of Emily’s story is slow and dull. It’s not until the book is over halfway done that it starts to get interesting. I never really ever connected with the earlier story. If you want sex, drugs and rock and roll done right, read Daisy Jones and the Six. To be honest, I would have rated this lower but for the several twists at the end. I’m still not sure if I liked the epilogue or not.
The book focuses on jealousy and rivalry. I liked that Hawkins was trying to make a point of female artistic talent, empowerment and strength.
I listened to this and Julia Whelan and the others did a good job.
February 14, 2023
the setup…
Emily Sheridan is the author of the Petal Bloom cozy mystery series and she’s struggling with the next book. She’s only recently recovered from a baffling illness and her husband Matt left her in the midst of all that. Out of the blue, she receives a call from her estranged childhood friend Jessica Chandler, who now is well known as the successful self help author Chess Chandler. When they were teens, they’d attempted to write a book together but it failed. Chess not only wants to resume their relationship but make another try at co-writing. And, she’s agreeing to fund a vacation in Italy, renting the Villa Aesta. While it’s against Emily’s better judgment, she’s enticed by the possibility of breaking her writer’s block. But when she learns about the villa’s dark past, Emily becomes consumed by that history and that’s the book she begins to secretly write.
the heart of the story…
The story presents a dual timeline featuring the points of view of Emily and Mari Godwick, a writer famous for one highly successful horror novel who was one of the people occupying the villa the summer of 1974. It was rented by rock star Noel Gordon and where musician Pierce Sheldon was murdered. At the time, Mari and the married Pierce were living together with her stepsister Lara Larchmont, a budding songwriter and singer, all Noel’s guests. Emily finds clues Mari left behind and becomes obsessed with their story, questioning whether the real truth of what happened is yet to be revealed. There were so many parallels between Emily & Mari and Chess & Lara, at least in my mind, making this one of the more complex mysteries I’ve read in some time. While I was highly interested in the past, it was the relationship between Emily and Chess that consumed me. I was terribly suspicious of Chess from the start and those parallels were guiding me strongly, seeking to confirm or alleviate my concerns.
the narration…
I’m convinced the über talented narrators contributed to my emotional connections to this story from start to finish. All inhabited their characters skillfully and were expert storytellers. Definitely opt for the audio version if you have a choice as they served the writing extremely well.
the bottom line…
I inhaled this story, mentally and emotionally. When I wasn’t listening to the book, I was thinking about all the potential angles. It was clear there would be a twist at some point but it wasn’t what I thought it would be…at all! I’m left speculating about the implications, changing my assortment of the facts and actions, wondering about some of the stuff not completely made clear. This would be an ideal book club pick because you’re gonna want to talk about it. I certainly do! And, if there’s a chance for a sequel…
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Emily Sheridan is the author of the Petal Bloom cozy mystery series and she’s struggling with the next book. She’s only recently recovered from a baffling illness and her husband Matt left her in the midst of all that. Out of the blue, she receives a call from her estranged childhood friend Jessica Chandler, who now is well known as the successful self help author Chess Chandler. When they were teens, they’d attempted to write a book together but it failed. Chess not only wants to resume their relationship but make another try at co-writing. And, she’s agreeing to fund a vacation in Italy, renting the Villa Aesta. While it’s against Emily’s better judgment, she’s enticed by the possibility of breaking her writer’s block. But when she learns about the villa’s dark past, Emily becomes consumed by that history and that’s the book she begins to secretly write.
the heart of the story…
The story presents a dual timeline featuring the points of view of Emily and Mari Godwick, a writer famous for one highly successful horror novel who was one of the people occupying the villa the summer of 1974. It was rented by rock star Noel Gordon and where musician Pierce Sheldon was murdered. At the time, Mari and the married Pierce were living together with her stepsister Lara Larchmont, a budding songwriter and singer, all Noel’s guests. Emily finds clues Mari left behind and becomes obsessed with their story, questioning whether the real truth of what happened is yet to be revealed. There were so many parallels between Emily & Mari and Chess & Lara, at least in my mind, making this one of the more complex mysteries I’ve read in some time. While I was highly interested in the past, it was the relationship between Emily and Chess that consumed me. I was terribly suspicious of Chess from the start and those parallels were guiding me strongly, seeking to confirm or alleviate my concerns.
the narration…
I’m convinced the über talented narrators contributed to my emotional connections to this story from start to finish. All inhabited their characters skillfully and were expert storytellers. Definitely opt for the audio version if you have a choice as they served the writing extremely well.
the bottom line…
I inhaled this story, mentally and emotionally. When I wasn’t listening to the book, I was thinking about all the potential angles. It was clear there would be a twist at some point but it wasn’t what I thought it would be…at all! I’m left speculating about the implications, changing my assortment of the facts and actions, wondering about some of the stuff not completely made clear. This would be an ideal book club pick because you’re gonna want to talk about it. I certainly do! And, if there’s a chance for a sequel…
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
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