Review | The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
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The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
2023 Publication Date: January 3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Table of Contents
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW
An Exciting and Thrilling Read
Are you in search of the best thrillers and gothic suspense crime novels to read? If so, The Villa by Rachel Hawkins is a perfect choice. With its mysterious setting and captivating characters, this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Let's explore further what makes this novel such a captivating read...
Atmospheric Setting
The Villa takes place in Orvieto, Italy – a small town that has been host to some "interesting" events in its past. In 1974, the villa was infamous as the setting of a murder involving sex, drugs, and celebrity-status rock and roll.
This mysterious past provides an exciting backdrop to the present-day story of Emily and Chess’ trip away together. They are both writers and become intrigued with the story.
To make matters even more gripping, Rachel Hawkins states this crime fiction novel was inspired by Fleetwood Mac and Percy Shelley’s summer spent with Lord Byron – making it clear why readers would be so entranced by this book!
Engaging Characters
The two main characters are Emily and Chess who have been best friends since childhood but have gradually grown apart as adults. This means that their reunion is all the more special... and full of layers, personal history, and trust issues.
Emily and Chess are well-developed characters who will draw readers in from page one. We learn about their pasts through flashbacks that reveal startling truths about their relationship — and every revelation brings us closer to understanding why they act the way they do now.
Readers will be able to empathize with them as they attempt to recapture the bond they once had as children while navigating the emotional landmines adulthood has nurtured.
Hawkins further fleshes out her story by introducing secondary characters who help them unravel Orvieto’s mysteries, providing insight into local culture, and hinting at something sinister lurking beneath the surface of the cursed villa.
Furthermore, the multi-dimensional characters from the villa's history keep readers on their toes throughout. Often I felt as if I was being hypnotized into the experience of the story!
Fascinating Plot
As kids, Emily and Chess were inseparable friends. Now in their thirties, they have drifted apart due to the demands of their adult lives. So when Chess suggests a girl's trip to Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to reconnect with her best friend — and what better way to do it than by staying at one of Italy’s most luxurious holiday homes!
The plot of The Villa follows Emily and Chess on their journey as they explore Orvieto together. However, there is much more behind what initially meets the eye.
The villa holds many secrets from its past which both Emily and Chess soon become embroiled in — each dark secret they uncover leads to another until it culminates into an exciting climax that readers won't be able to tear themselves away from!
The Writing Style
Told through alternating perspectives between the present day and 1974, The Villa masterfully builds suspense as it reveals each character’s secrets and motivations.
Rachel Hawkins repeatedly lands on The New York Times bestseller lists for good reason. Hawkins’ writing style is incredibly engaging.
She deftly weaves together the two timelines that both feel immediate and urgent. Her vivid descriptions of the Italian landscape are beautifully written and bring the story to life, while her dialogue is realistic yet poignant.
Hawkins also captures certain nuances related to female friendship that is often overlooked in stories with male protagonists — such as how these relationships ebb and flow over time.
In addition to being entertaining, The Villa is an ode to women’s strength when facing difficult obstacles together... or on their own. It is up to you whether you find this story to reveal it as inspirational... or cautionary.
What is the theme of The Villa?
The overarching theme of The Villa is that of secrets, deception, and consequences — as well as friendship and strength in the face of adversity. It examines the choices we make and the secrets we keep — with the inevitable effect they have on setting subsequent actions in motion.
Perfect for thriller fans looking for the best thrillers that will transport them away from reality into a world full of secrets and surprises — Look no further than The Villa!
The Villa is a thrilling gothic suspense novel full of unexpected twists and turns... Its’ compelling storyline is accompanied by vivid descriptions of Italy's countryside and complex characters that will immerse you quickly into both timelines — keeping you enthralled until its very last page. Add this page-turner to your must-read books list...✨😎✨
BOOK DETAILS
Pages: 288
Genre: Best Thriller Books | Best Thriller Novels
Sub-Genre: Crime Fiction | Crime Novels
Time Period: 1974 thru Present Day
Location: Orvieto (Italy)
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The It Girl by Ruth Ware ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MORE T.I.M.E. TOP BOOK PICKS from…
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
A deliciously wicked gothic suspense set at an Italian villa with a dark history...
The Villa follows Emily and Chess, two friends who have been estranged for some time. When Chess suggests a girl's trip to Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to reconnect with her best friend. They arrive at Villa Aestas in Orvieto, an estate with a dark past — it was once the site of a terrible crime... An infamous murder tale involving sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
As Emily and Chess explore their new surroundings, they find themselves drawn deeper into the villa’s deadly legacy.
For thriller fans of Gone Girl or books by Lucy Foley or Ruth Ware.
A perfect Gothic Suspense for book lovers looking for suspenseful thriller novels full of unpredictable twists and turns...
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
Suspenseful Thriller - Full of unexpected twists and turns, making it a must-read for those who love thrillers.
Women’s Strength - This story showcases the power of female friendship and strength when facing difficult obstacles together.
Secrets and Consequences - Examines the choices we make and how their consequences shape our future.
BOOK QUOTE
"Another universe of might-have-beens... That's how stories should work..." — The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
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