I simply adored The Wife Upstairs so I was looking forward to this latest novel. It started off strong but then just kind of fell flat for me. I didn’t really like the story within a story. I read both the e-copy of the book and listened to the audio. Three stars is my rating

Pros: The cover of this book and the title caught my attention—a book set at an Italian villa (with a bit of murder mixed in) sounded like lots of fun! I’ve also enjoyed some of the author’s other books.

I read this book both on kindle and audiobook, and I liked both formats. I preferred the audiobook because Julia Whelan is one of my very favorite audiobook narrators. When I see her name on a book, that in itself is a reason for me to read it. If she’s reading it, I assume it’s a new “it” book that a lot of people will be reading and talking about. (I liked the other narrators as well!)

Cons: This book was fine. It did not stand out as anything new or exciting. Like so many other books in this genre, it’s told in two timelines and the main character is a writer.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read this book.

I’ve shared a review on Goodreads and Storygraph.

This is a unique and enjoyable listen with dual time periods. The narrator does an excellent job of conveying drama and suspense and is easy to listen to. I loved the Italian villa setting and the murder mystery which was interwoven with a present day examination of a friendship gone awry. Hawkins deliberately reveals secrets throughout, adding intrigue and suspense.

I'm a big fan of Rachel Hawkins books. And once again she did not disappoint. This is a dual time line story going back and forth between the 1970's when a murder took place and current times. It's mainly told from the point of view of Mari in the 1970's and Emily in current times. It is a bit slow paced and I didn't feel like it picked up until about halfway through the book. But it did hold my interest. Also, given the title of the book, I thought the Villa itself would be the main focus of the book. I was expecting more of a creepy haunted house vibe. But the Villa itself didn't really have much role in the book. It was just the location where the lives of the characters intersect. Overall this is a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this novel in exchange for my review.

3.5 stars

CW: pregnancy loss, suicide, murder, infidelity, miscarriage

FORMAT: 🎧

THE GOOD: I've now read three of Hawkins's books and this is the one I enjoyed the most, but it's because of the friendship between Emily and Chess. I was most interested in their storyline and not Mari's from the 70s. Overall it was enjoyable and if you're into gothic fiction you're probably going to want to pick this up when it releases.

THE BAD: This was a slow-burn and I didn't like the endings for either timeline. There were two storylines and I found them hard to keep track of, especially the one from the 70s. Honestly this could be because I'm still not feeling well though and I also think it would have been easier to follow along if I had physically read this, so I can't fault the book for that.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook!

The Villa was a really fun audio experience - I loved the full cast and fast-paced, easy listening. I also really enjoy stories that center around authors, past murders, and vacation homes, so this had a lot of winning elements for me. In general, I’ve found that Rachel Hawkins thrillers are good for when I need something entertaining and easy to listen to, where I don’t have to think hard about what’s happening. They’re predictable and perfect for my brain on hard weeks. Definitely recommend saving this one for an overwhelming week when you just need to escape a bit!

Present Day: Once inseparable friends, Emily and Chess have slowly drifted apart. Trying to revive their friendship to what it previously was, Chess invites Emily to stay the summer at the Villa Aestas. Having recently recovered from a mysterious illness, and currently going through a difficult divorce, Emily finds the Villa full of provocation, especially considering its history. As Emily dives deeper into the infamous history, she begins to question why Chess has brought them here.

1974: Villa Aestas, originally called Villa Rosato, hosts notorious rock icon Noel Gordon. Noel has invited fellow musician Pierce Sheldon to collaborate on new material. Accompanying Pierce is his girlfriend Mari and her stepsister Lara. What happens that summer is only known by those who were there but sets off a chain of events that lives in infamy yet also allowed Mari to write one of the most highly regarded horror novels of all time, and Lara to compose one of the most haunting records ever released.

This book intrigued me so much that when I went to pick out my next read I knew that this had to be it. The intersections of past and present are woven together so well and are driven one, by wondering what will happen between Emily and Chess in the present, and two, by seeing the events leading up to the night everything went past the point of no return for Mari.

Told in alternating "voices" between Emily and Mari, I was probably more intrigued with the past events, but I liked how the present really enhanced and informed what happened in the past.

Ultimately, I loved the idea of getting to tell your own story. Mari (being the main character in the past sequences, but Lara also fits the bill) is still a teenager when she runs away with Pierce. Being cut off by her family, and without Pierce's musical career having taken off just yet, means they're living hand to mouth. At a young age, Mari is put through a lot of tough times, and then she's only viewed as an extension of Pierce. She's trying to carve out her own agency, but this gets overshadowed by Pierce. However, the summer of 1974, coupled with other more recent tragedies, proves to be the turning point. She finds a voice within her writing even

Similarly, Emily has lost her voice. Her ex-husband is trying to take everything she's built for herself in the divorce. She's lost the desire to keep writing the series she's known for, and she's lost the ideas. It doesn't help that she's confronted with an extremely successful Chess during this time, but she weighs the idea of getting away from her current life and spending a summer in Italy over the jealousy she's feeling.

These two different women under the influence of the men in their lives are reclaiming things for themselves. Of course, one does inform the other as Emily is kind of chasing Mari's story in a spark of inspiration. In the background, although no less significant, are the women they find themselves competing against. By this, I mean Lara and Chess.

I loved that we get three narrators on this, that the distinction is made between Mari and Emily, past and present, and the articles and news about both. I love these characters getting their own voices which I personally thought was a big part of the narrative as a whole. I thought that each narrator did a great job in making their characters and their respective sections immersive. It's one of the best multi-narrator audiobooks that I've listened to recently.

It's interesting as I write this how much the past and the present compare and contrast. How certain situations arise in a similar way and seeing the differences or similarities between how things transpire.

I don't want to give anything else away as it's a great story to experience first-hand with little to no influence behind it. While I think that some of the revelations aren't too surprising, the building up and piecing together information kept me interested throughout.

Such a fun read! I loved this! The narrators was of course fantastic. I love Julia Whelan. I enjoyed the back and forth of the timeline back to the 70s. I think i preferred the present days story tho, even tho it was less drama. Sooo much craziness tho in the backstory. I liked the mystery of it all and wondering what happened back then and solving that puzzle with the MC and being surprised by it too in the end.

I wasn’t totally shocked by all the twists tho. Some i suspected. Some evil characters here. Maybe just a couple. But it was a fun popcorn thriller that was a quick read and i couldn’t put it down!

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!

3.5 stars

An eerie mystery set at a vacation villa in Italy where an infamous murder happened decades before. There are some nice twists, I liked the framing device, & I loved the ending.

[What I liked:]

•Interspersed with the main narrative that takes place in the present day, we get excerpts from the diary of Mary (who was present when the 1973 murder happened), Mary’s novel, & news articles/podcasts about the murder. I actually really enjoyed this framing device, & the parallels between the past & present found in between all the layers add a lot to the suspense & mystery.

•There is a lot of depth to this story, & while it is mainly plot driven the character development is pretty good too. I especially enjoyed Mary, Lara, Johnny, Pierce, & Noel’s storyline.

•I really loved the ending, when Mary’s final twist is revealed!


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•Why does Emily trust Chess once she finds out what Chess did? That was the weakest part of the story to me. She didn’t have a good reason to, & there were huge risks involved.

CW: infidelity, substance abuse, suicide, murder, terminal illness, death of a child, miscarriage

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

The Villa is a dual time line thriller, present day and 1974. In the present day, Emily and her Best Frenemy Forever, Chess, are both writers and head to an Italian Villa to write.
In 1974, a rock musician and his entourage are at the same villa.
I only connected with the modern story line which I found moderately interesting until the last 25% or so, and then I was pretty bored by both story lines.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy.

I have always enjoyed Rachel Hawkins books - so was very excited to be approved for her. next book coming out in Jan 2023! I really enjoyed the villa and the two connecting stories. it’s set in Orvieto, italy and follows two POV’s - one in 1974 and one in present day. A terrible murder happened at the house in 1974, which inspired a book and album, and Emily and Chess become fascinated by what happened and try to find out the truth, while also dealing with their own problems. This may be. my favorite of all her books so far! and. enjoyed the audio version that I read along with the written book
Thank you to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook ARC

Does a house remember? When Chess invites Emily on a summer retreat to a villa in Italy, she jumps at the chance to reset her life. Maybe this will be good for her after so much turmoil and will help her write that next novel? However, this isn’t just any house, it is a villa that is notorious for what happened there in the 70s. But what DID happen in the 70s and what is really happening now?

This is my favorite Hawkins book to date. The Villa is a suspenseful tale woven across two timeframes and multiple art mediums. Many are comparing this book to Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware. I completely agree that this one is more mysterious than the author’s other books. Fans of true crime, pop culture, and podcasts will find lots of content that has a vague familiarity and it makes the story even more intriguing. The way Hawkins pulled the threads of the events together was wildly entertaining. Put this one on your list for beach or poolside reading.

I listened to The Villa on audio and it was very well done. Special nod to the podcast sections. That performance was right on the nose and perfectly fit the writing.

*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced audiobook copy*

Rachel Hawkins novels are always interesting and original. She writes her settings and characters with a uniqueness that instantly appeals to me. 
The Villa is no different, considering that it won't be released until 2023 and I've already finished reading an advance copy of it. The Villa is less of a thriller and more of a moody, atmospheric thriller which is different from her prior thrillers. Think of Ruth Ware's novel The Turn of the Key.

The story's narrative includes a story within a story as well as a number of various time periods of focus. Childhood best friends Emily and Chess have drifted apart, but when Chess intends to revive their friendship on a writing retreat to Italy, Emily resolves to do the same.

Chess convinces Emily to go to Villa Aestas with her. As authors, they will use this lovely apartment as a getaway to unwind, get some writing done, and strengthen their friendship. However, Villa Aestas has a highly troubled past that is just now starting to come to light.

The Manson Murders, Fleetwood Mac, and the setting of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein served as inspiration for this work. We learn about the villa across the two timelines (both the present and the 1970s), and the house has a distinct personality. More than Hawkins' earlier works, the novel is incredibly engrossing and atmospheric, and really changes up her tone with this one in a great way. However, it did drag on a bit and the ending wasn't as twisty as I was expecting. However, I feel that was intentional as this book is very different from Hawkins' previous work

The narration was excellent. Different narrators capture the atmospheric bits well and present-day narration was on point. Great pacing and tone add an extra dimension to the narrative.

3.5 stars

In this newest installment, Hawkins relies on a tried-and-true technique: a woman m.c. who is impacted by location, creepy dudes, and a pivotal moment in her life.

Emily, the m.c., is the one who fits the aforementioned bill. Though Emily is an intriguing character in her own right - a published author, a woman struggling in the middle of a less-than-pleasant divorce, and a person experiencing some challenging health issues - one of the most noteworthy aspects of Emily is her childhood friend, Chess. Chess, who started as Jessica, has had about as many refreshes as her first name, and she's become something of a touchstone in women-centric nonfiction. She has enough fame to be recognized and to - most importantly for this novel - be able to foot the bill for these two BFFs to vacay in an Italian villa. It's much clearer to readers than to the two characters that there's something afoot in their relationship and finding out exactly what that means is a lot of the fun here.

Though I was hooked quickly after just the first chapter, I struggled often to connect with the past storyline. By the end, I was relatively engaged in this, too, and it is fun to see how both timelines intertwine, but I wish that engagement and interest had happened much sooner.

I'm all for some suspend disbelief material in any piece of literature, but there are some details that seemed so wild to me that I just kept cracking up at them, and I'm not convinced that was the intended result. I wish there had been some different plot related choices, especially near the end, but this remained an entertaining and quick read despite the minor challenges. Oh, and the narration in the Karen and Georgia parody? It's spot on. Go for the audiobook because the narration is solid but ESPECIALLY if you're a murderino. This part will make you laugh.

Author: Rachel Hawkins
Narrators: Julia Whelan, Kimberly M. Wetherell,
Shiromi Arserio

I got this audiobook as an ARC (advanced reader copy) from Netgalley

This book is unlike any others I’ve ever read. It is simply brilliant! The main premise is that two women, best friends since childhood, decide to go to Italy to work on their respective writing. While there they learn about a gruesome murder that took place and the events that led up to it.

This book has lively, vibrant characters from both the past and present. The world building is simply phenomenal.

I recommend this book to lovers of mysteries, thrillers, and true crime.

I think it’s important to note that I listened to this book in less than a day’s time. I could barely put it down!!

Emily & Chess. Best friends since childhood. Sometimes a rocky relationship, but the love is there - they are more like sisters.

Emily writes cozy mystery books but she's definitely in a writing slump. This could be caused by the divorce she's going through with her cheating ex. Or her health issues. Or the fact that's demanding his share on books she writes even after the divorce. Regardless, Emily is struggling.

Chess is a best selling self help author. She sees Emily's struggles and calls her with an offer of a lifetime. Chess wants them to spend summer together at Villa Aestas in Orieto, Italy. She hopes the wine, the food and being in Italy will get both their creative juices flowing while they get in some best friend time.

Even in Italy, Emily struggles to write. She starts digging into the history of Villa Aestas and the murder there in the '70's when the villa was called Villa Rosato, AKA The Murder House.

Now we have dual timelines going on. We still have Emily and Chess. We also have Mari, girlfriend to the murdered musician, and what went on when five young creative people, very into sex, drugs and rock and roll, mix and mingle.

As bits are revealed in both storylines, I was sucked into the storyline even more. And there wer a couple twists in each that made the story even more interesting!

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for both and ARC and ALC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this book! It was just the right amount of thriller and mystery. The audiobook was also narrated by my favorite - Julia Whelan which probably added to how much I enjoyed it. Any book involving sex, drugs and rock and roll mixed with Italy is a winner for me.

This is my third book by this author. I loved the first one, didn't care for the second one, and loved this one. I'm glad I didn't give up on her. Definitely for fans of a story within a story. The readers did a great job on this audiobook. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is what friends are for.

Emily, a cozy mystery author, and Chess. a self-help author and influencer, are long-time best friends. Emily is going through it. She is in the middle of a nasty divorce and has writer's block. Luckily, Chess invites Emily to stay in a Villa in Italy for 6 weeks. This is just the kind of thing Emily needs to get back on track.

Emily finds out from her friend Google that this villa has quite the history. A group of creatives- rock stars, writers, etc. stayed there in the 70's and an infamous murder occurred. Emily becomes engrossed in the story and wants to write about it instead of her usual book. Chess seems a bit jealous by this so Emily is keeping her information under wraps.

One of the 70's occupants was Mary, who went on to write what is widely considered one of the best feminist horrors of all time. Emily starts to wonder if Mary left easter eggs about what happened in the book, and perhaps even the villa. Is there a confession?

This novel ultimately is about female relationships and how much pressure they can withstand. It didn't drag on, it had a satisfying ending, and the narration was wonderful. Julia Whelan primarily narrates as Emily but we also hear news clips, podcast, snippets, and the voice of Mary from the past. It's sort of like Daisy Jones and the Six, but much darker and with murder. Add to that an air of mystery at a beautiful villa and you've got yourself a great tale of Gothic suspense!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for the chance to read, listen, and review!