3.5 stars. This book was just ok for me... The first half was very slow, and I didn't think there was enough plot action to keep my attention. I kept going because I love Rachel Hawkins and Julia Wahlen (audiobook narrator), but I left the book feeling underwhelmed. I had predicted where the story was going, which didn't leave much room to be surprised or shocked. I am definitely disappointed that Rachel Hawkins hasn't delivered something as stellar as The Wife Upstairs since its publication, though I am open to continuing to give her a try...

Struggling writer and recently divorced, Emily, is invited by her childhood best friend, Chess, to go away for six weeks to an Italian villa. Although Emily and Chess aren’t as close as they once were, Emily needs the break to get away from her divorce struggles and to try to reignite her writing. However this villa has a dark past. Emily immerses herself in learning more about the music royalty who once stayed there and left after a tragic incident. Could the villa’s sordid past be what Emily needs to spark her writing or will the tragic past become the present? I enjoyed how quickly the book had me immersed in the story. I loved the women being authors and the connection that brought them. However, I didn’t walk away liking any character by the end and especially the male characters were just too flawed and cringy. Overall a good mystery/suspense just not my favorite. The audiobook narrator did a great job of fluctuating her voice for the many character storylines and would definitely recommend the audio. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.