Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: May 21st, 2024
Pages: 336
Publisher: Atria Books
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“Reclusive, mysterious author Ginevra Ex is famous for her unusual approach to crafting her big bestselling she hires real people and conducts intensive interviews, then fictionalizes them. Her latest main character, Rory, is thrilled when Ginevra presents her with an extravagant bonus—a lavish trip along Italy’s Mediterranean coast on the famed, newly renovated Orient Express. But when Rory boards the train, she’s stunned to discover that her brother, her best friend, and even her ex-fiancé are passengers, as well. All invited by Ginevra, all hiding secrets.
With each stop, from Cinque Terre to Rome to Positano, it becomes increasingly clear that Ginevra has masterminded the ultimate real life twisty plot with Rory as her main character. And as Ginevra’s deceptions mount, and the lies and machinations of Rory’s travel companions pile up, Rory begins to fear that her trip will culminate like one of Ginevra’s with a murder or two. In the opulent compartments of the iconic train, Rory must untangle the shocking reasons why Ginevra wanted them all aboard—and to what deadly end.”
My Review:
This is a very slow-build, character-driven story. If that’s your thing, you’ll love this one.
I much preferred her previous book, The Chateau, to this one, just because I like a more fast-paced, plot-driven story. That being said, this was still a good read and I enjoyed it.
The atmosphere and setting really shine.
There were enough well-placed reveals that kept me invested. Some of the twists were shocking and unexpected.
I was waiting for one final big twist to drop that never did. The ending felt a little too abrupt for how much time was spent getting there. Something about it just wasn’t as satisfying as I wanted it to be.
It wasn’t quite a perfect five-star but definitely a solid four.
I liked Rory and the “main-character” theme exploration.
I was engaged in the mysteriousness of everything that was happening.
I also really enjoyed Ginevra’s POV chapters and learning about what it was like in Soviet Russia. There’s generational trauma, family drama, and relationship drama.
The story has a heavy emotional undertone and can be quite thought-provoking at times.
Definitely recommend if you like a mystery/thriller with depth!
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
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