Whenever secluded hotels with absolutely no internet connection, or means to connect to the outside world are in a picture, my doubts are spiked. Not only do I find that horrific things happen in those kind of hotels, the false sense of security they provide, just seem too good to be true.
I've always been a huge fan of murder mysteries, because I like to think, that I can decipher who the killer is, before getting to the end of the novel, but I was awestruck, when I didn't even get close to knowing who it was in this novel.
About The Book
When ten guests, decide to get a relaxing weekend-away, at Mitchell's inn, in the Catskills, nestled deep in the wood, I automatically felt a rush of adrenaline.
With spacious old rooms, that have huge wood burning fireplaces, a well-stacked wine cellar, and a promise of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, I immediately knew something was about to go wrong. It seemed like the perfect place for a horrific murder, and when we discover, through Henry, a middle-aged fat man, with an overly controlling wife, that there is no internet connection, I knew I was going to read this novel to the end.
These ten guests, all arrive at the inn, despite the terrific snow that threatens most of them during their journey.
However, when the weather takes a turn for the worse, and a blizzard cuts off the electricity–and all available contact with the outside world–the guests settle in for the long haul, and begin to think they might each enjoy their little getaway after all.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the characters and the guests at the inn;
Gwen Delaney, is taking Riley Shuter, her journalist friend who suffers from PTSD (having served in Afghanistan and war torn countries) for a weekend getaway to help Riley relax after being in a war-zone as a reporter.
David Paley, a handsome criminal attorney, who is determined not to think of work for the weekend and just looks forward to relaxing.
Lauren Day and Ian Beeton are a couple so full of life. They want a naughty weekend away, and whilst getting to the inn, they come across Gwen and Riley whose car had gone off the road, and offered to drive them to the inn.
Beverly and Henry Sullivan are facing a rough patch in their marriage, and Beverly is hoping to fix the distance between them while they are away for the weekend.
Dana Hart and Matthew Hutchinson are the beautiful wealthy couple, engaged and so in love. They want a weekend away from the boisterous and exhausting wedding planning activities, before the big day arrives.
Candice White, my favorite character, is there for the weekend working on her book, which she thinks would be a bestseller, and trying not to worry about her mother and siblings.
James and Bradley are a typical father and son duo who run the inn.
Everything is warm and each of them cozy up to each other over drinks. Most of the guests look vaguely familiar to themselves, but with no internet and no means to be sure, they let it go, until the first murder happens. The first person to get murdered is Dana, the shiny, almost glamorous fiancée to Matthew, a wealthy man from old money.
Everyone is dumbstruck, and immediately suspect Matthew, as the murderer. They quickly ostracize him from the others, but my instincts kept telling me that things were about to get heated.
Matthew is in pure luck, when a second person gets murdered, and they don't really know who did it.
Tension is high, and emotions begin to run wild.
When the third murder happens, David Paley who seems to be the only one still in control of his emotions, must find a way to keep the remaining bunch together, and also discover who the killer is amongst them.
I almost thought I had an idea to who the murderer was. Contrary to the characters, I didn't suspect David, who has been previously arrested for murder, it would have been too obvious.
I suspected Gwen, the meekest and most cowardly amongst them, but I was in for a shocker, as the author made sure the killer was someone we wouldn't easily suspect.
My favorite character in this murder thriller had to be Candice. Although her time as a character was short lived, as she was also murdered, I was drawn to the fact that she was a writer, and the fact that she seemed to be duly observant of everything and everyone around her. Her character slightly reminded me of myself whenever I'm in a strange environment with strangers.
I was beyond angry when she was murdered and it hastened my resolve to just know who the murderer was, and what their motive might be.
My Opinion
The amazing and interesting dialogue in this book greatly stood out for me. Even if there was a murderer, and dead bodies in their midst, the guests still found a way to open up to each other, and heal their past traumas by talking about them.
I was disappointed when Riley died, and felt she deserved better for someone who had a traumatic past and a troubled present. I felt the author would have given her a slightly happy ending. I was particularly angry at the way she died because she died 'running away from her demons'. Even if I didn't want her dead, I would have preferred if she was murdered as well instead of dying in such a horrific manner.
Apart from that, the plot was simply amazing. The buildup was fast paced and the suspense was just enough to keep every reader's heart racing.
I also loved the character development. Each of the characters developed in their own way, and understood what they wanted for themselves at the end of the novel; which is a rare occurrence to find in a murder mystery novel.
Recommendation
If you're a murder mysteries fan, who loves challenges, then I recommend you read this amazing piece by Shari Lapena. You wouldn't even guess who the killer is till the very end as the author carefully crafted the novel. This novel can make you understand, that things are not always as they seem.
Love
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