Great addition to the thriller genre! An interesting opening scene sets up a great page-turner.

Cassie Bowden is not just an alcoholic, she's obsessed with being an alcoholic. And with her own propensity to make bad decisions. And with generally being a screw-up. And, seriously, did I mention that Cassie drinks? Because we're told that over and over and over again. You know what, Cassie drinks. She drinks a lot. And she likes it. Did I mention that Cassie drinks?

Fortunately for the reader, becase following along while a 30-something year-old woman consistently refuses to do anything sensible is just not a lot of fun, there are larger issues of geopolitics at play in this book. It is those that lead to the dead man in the bed, and that actually drive the story forward as we wonder whether Cassie will live to take her next drink.

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. This was a solid book - nothing to write home about, but not terrible either. The one thing that kept my rating down to three stars was that I didn't ever connect with Cassie, the main character. I found her to be two dimensional - she is a heavy drinker, a woman who steals knick knacks, a promiscuous woman, but....there isn't much else to her. Years ago I read Midwives, by Chris Bohjalian, and I really liked it - I think it eclipses this one, unfortunately.

Cassandra Bowen is a flight attendant with a history of bad decisions--most of them tied to her predilection to heavy drinking. Mostly her drinking leads to sexual encounters with dubious men, topless dancing, and a few bouts of blackouts. But when Cassie's work takes her to Dubai, she spends the night with a gentleman she met on the plane, drinking heavily with him all evening; in the morning she wakes up next to him in bed and finds him dead, covered in blood. Alone and female in Dubai, Cassie sneaks out of the hotel room and returns home on the plane with her fellow flight attendants, setting off a trail of lies that will haunt her. And in the back of her mind, she fears the worst: could she have killed Alex while drunk? And what will happen when the authorities discover her deception?

This novel starts off with a bang, with Cassie waking up next to a dead man. Once Cassie gets back to the States, I found myself fascinated what could possibly happen for the other 80% of the book. (My mistake, a lot can happen.) The entire novel kept me wondering what on earth would come next. This is a crazy, unpredictable book that sucks you in and never lets you go. I was constantly wondering who the various characters were--who really was Alex, for instance? Is there more to Cassie than we are being told? I was honestly confused for a good portion of the book, which doesn't happen often when I read.

It was really fun and befuddling to piece things together in this one. The book was rather stressful, trying to decipher all the various characters and to deal with Cassie's high-risk behavior. As the end nears, I was actually shocked by a couple of twists, which I really appreciated. It's rare that a thriller truly shocks me anymore. I was truly impressed with this one. The ending was a little odd, but as I pondered it more, I think I'm good with it.

As for Cassie, she was a hard character to like, and there's certainly been no shortage of unreliable drunken female narrators in contemporary fiction as of late. Still, you can't help but get caught up in her story. It's compulsively readable. There are also lots of good flight attendant stories; Chris Bohjalian always well researches his books.

Cassie's chapters also alternate with a woman named Elena, which is an effective storytelling device, and only ratchets up the suspense. Her tale is just as befuddling as Cassie's--perhaps even more so--and just added to my desire to turn the pages and find out what on earth was going on and how these people were all connected. Bohjalian really weaved a fascinating story here, and I love how all of his books are so different. Whereas some can be emotional, this one was truly a thriller, and focused so much on the story and mystery. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it was great.

I also found some amusing little personal tidbits in the book: references to Charlottesville (the second in a row in the novels I read--it's my hometown) and Cassie's Kentucky references, including her attendance at the University of Kentucky. We are, in fact, a UK and UVA household--my five-year-old twins are very divided between the two. It's funny how little things stick with you when you read a novel.

Overall, this was a great read. Completely befuddling, but incredibly suspenseful and just sort of fun. Not at all what I expected from Bohjalian, but a fascinating, enjoyable thriller. I was completely lost in Cassie and Elena's bizarre world for a few days--the sign of a great book.

3.5 stars, rounded up.
This book starts with a cinematically breathless opener- after yet another night spent with a strange man, a night that has left flight attendant Cassie hazy on details due to too much to drink (a regular occurance for her), she wakes up to find the man next to her has died a violent death. She's in a foreign country, doesn't know the laws, doesn't know what happened. It's a really interesting story, but the plot lost me a little in the middle as it became a bit repetitive (Cassie makes bad choice that could land her in further legal drama, frets about it, repeat). There were a few turns at the end that I didn't see coming that were well done (though I wouldn't really call this a mystery, and it's not a book that should be judged on the twists of its plot). Chris Bohjalian's popularity is well deserved as he writes both story and character incredibly well. The Flight Attendant tells a timely, intriguing story that will leave readers guessing till the last pages.

The Flight Attendant was the first novel by Chris Bohjalian that I have read and it is safe to say that I will definitely be reading everything he has written.

This book was a slow read for me but in a positive way. I took my time day by day, similar to the way Cassie navigated through life after waking up next to a lifeless Alex. I loved that even though Cassie made some poor decisions, the story was written in a way that you still rooted for her.

This book had the perfect amount of mystery and thriller with a great twist of an ending. I will definitely be rereading it!

fullsizeoutput_2765MY REVIEW OF “THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT” BY CHRIS BOHJALIAN

I was captivated by “The Flight Attendant” By Chris Bohjalian. The genres for this novel are Mystery and Fiction. The author describes his characters as complex and complicated. There is suspense, twists and turns, and drama. After all, Chris Bohjalian is quite adept at describing vivid details and storytelling.

Have you ever wondered what the life of a flight attendant might be like? You might think there is adventure, and opportunity for travel. Could you in your wildest dreams imagine danger and murder? Cassandra Bowden has been a flight attendant for years, and has seen and done many things. Cassandra Bowden is also a binge drinker that is subject to blackouts, where she can’t recall often what happens.

From NetGalley, here is a significant blurb,” A powerful story about the ways an entire life can change in one night. A flight attendant wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man, and no idea what happened.” Is it possible that Cassandra has killed a man, a passenger that she met on her flight? Next thing Cassandra knows is the FBI is involved, the Press is involves, and she if forced to take a really hard look at her shortcomings, and come to grips with her problems.

I appreciate that Chris Bohjalian discusses addiction and alcoholism, and the devastating consequences. In would recommend this intense, intriguing mystery for readers that enjoy this genre. I received an Advanced Reading Copy from NetGalley for my honest review.

4 STARS

First, thank you to Netgalley, the Publisher: Double Day Books and the Author: Chris Bohjalian for the ARC of The Flight Attendant.

This book was a different kind of thriller for me. I'd categorize it as a slow burner thriller which honestly was not a bad thing, just a different change of pace. Funnily enough, I started and ended reading this book on a flight myself!

We start by meeting Cassie. She wakes up and realizes she's in another Man's room...again in another foreign country. She immediately feels shame and tells herself she's a mess and needs to stop doing this. Her memory is faint but she remembers bits and pieces about the plane ride there, where she meets someone named Alex and how she ended up getting to that hotel room that night. She hopes she can slip out and get back to her own hotel and get ready for her next flight however she's in for a big surprise when she's sees blood, lots and lots of blood on Alex and on herself. We continue to go through this journey with Cassie and the people around her. What happened that night? Who was there? Did Cassie do this? Who is Alex?

I think the best part of this book was about the last 10%. Honestly the ending got me good. I thought I had it figured out but I had no idea THAT is what would happen that's how this book earned the extra star from me, otherwise I would have give it a 3 star review. With a slow burner thriller I expect the book to not be full of twists and turns in most chapters, however I think throwing in some here and there would be good. I felt like the first 50% of this book was just Cassie freaking out. Yes, the mystery was definitely kept based on the ending but I feel like I may have needed a few more twists to keep me a tad bit more engaged.

The characters were hard to relate to just because I don't have the same lifestyle. The characters were good and certainly relatable to others, just not to me. I enjoyed learning through their perspectives though! I did however enjoy the humor of Ani. She was a great mix of professional and humor and I chuckled a few times throughout the chapters she was in.

Nevertheless, the author, Chris Bohjalian did his research throughly and I learned a lot about Dubai, Italy and even US laws.

I would say pick this up if you're looking for a slow burn mystery/suspense novel. Just keep in mind the twist comes at the very end but it definitely got me!

This book was terrific. It was thrilling and suspenseful would also tackling some tough issues. I felt so bad for Cassie the whole time even when she kept screwing up. I could barely put it down!

Decent thriller about a flight attendant waking up next to a dead man after a drunken night out overseas. She then lies to cover up her knowledge of it. Makes you wonder what you would do in a similar situation.

Chris Bohjalian does not disappoint.
An engrossing read with interesting characters who develop and
grow on you.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Cassandra Bowden is a highly functioning alcoholic. She is a veteran flight attendant, and works international routes. She drinks to the point of blacking out, which I now understand is different from passing out. One morning in Dubai, she awakens next to a dead man, with spotty memories of what happened the night before.

While I read the book and finished it just to see what would happen, I never really felt all that invested in the story. Cassie’s entire life centers around drinking to excess and one-night stands. Same thing, day after day, from one country to the next. She rationalizes her drinking and, even after waking up next to a corpse, all she thinks about is drinking and picking up men. I’m thinking that would have changed my perspective a bit, so I found it hard to relate to her. The book seemed to plod along, and at the end it picked up the pace and there were a few twists I didn’t see coming, but it felt rushed. I liked the writing style, but the characters and the storyline were disappointing.

Cassandra Bowden is no stranger to hungover mornings. She’s a binge drinker, her job with the airline making it easy to find adventure, and the occasional blackouts seem to be inevitable. She lives with them, and the accompanying self-loathing. When she awakes in a Dubai hotel room, she tries to piece the previous night back together, counting the minutes until she has to catch her crew shuttle to the airport. She quietly slides out of bed, careful not to aggravate her already pounding head, and looks at the man she spent the night with. She sees his dark hair. His utter stillness. And blood, a slick, still wet pool on the crisp white sheets. Afraid to call the police – she’s a single woman alone in a hotel room far from home – Cassie begins to lie. She lies as she joins the other flight attendants and pilots in the van. She lies on the way to Paris as she works the first class cabin. She lies to the FBI agents in New York who meet her at the gate. Soon it’s too late to come clean-or face the truth about what really happened back in Dubai. Could she have killed him? If not, who did?

Set amid the captivating world of those whose lives unfold at forty thousand feet, The Flight Attendant unveils a spellbinding story of memory, of the giddy pleasures of alcohol and the devastating consequences of addiction, and of murder far from home.

My Thoughts: Cassie was a character I could empathize with, despite her flawed character, since anyone who has ever had too much to drink could picture themselves doing some of what Cassie did after the horror of her blackout evening. She doesn’t believe that she could have killed Alex…there have been no incidents of prior blackouts in which she had done anything even slightly violent.

But would anyone believe her? The fear of being held captive in Dubai kept her moving forward to get to her flight and return to the U.S. The intensity of those moments, the near misses, struggling to find a way to hide her presence in the hotel…these were the series of events that she had to get through before she was safe, and which kept me rapidly turning pages.

Even back at home, with the FBI interrogations and eventually with an attorney she hires, she is just putting one foot in front of the other and hoping to somehow get through it all.

An alternate narrative brings the character of Elena, a Russian woman somehow connected to the events of that night. Her thoughts, her plans…all add an element of mystery and suspense. An undercurrent of political intrigue and executions. As we follow Elena’s movements, we realize that she is not who she says she is.

When one considers all the grim possibilities, we realize that just getting back home will not necessarily protect Cassie, and I couldn’t stop reading, eager to find out what would ultimately happen. Unexpected twists and turns made for a hopeful denouement. The Flight Attendant reminded me that, while bad choices can change our lives forever, one can also change one’s own destiny. 5 stars.My e-ARC came from the publisher via NetGalley.

Award-winning and New York Times Bestselling author, Chris Bohjalian, has released The Flight Attendant, a thriller. In this novel, Cassie Bowden, who is an alcoholic, wakes up from a alcoholic blackout after meeting up with a passenger and spending the night. The problem is that the passenger is dead - he has had his throat slashed - and Cassie is covered in blood. Rather than reporting the incident as she should have, she showers, wipes the room down, and goes back to the crew hotel. Unfortunately, she is caught on camera and now becomes a suspect in the passenger’s murder. Things get worse, since Cassie continues to drink, and she lies (she admits to being an excellent liar). Unfortunately, she is the subject of social media and her pictures are in the national newspapers. The assassin, a Russian woman named Elena, didn’t kill Cassie because she didn’t think it was necessary, and because she knew Cassie wouldn’t remember anything because of her intoxication. However, Elena’s handlers disagree with her judgment and send her back to murder Cassie.

One thing is certain, Bohjalian does his research. As a flight attendant myself, I was surprised to find that the information, lifestyle, and scenarios ring true; although most real-life flight attendants do not have such loose morals as Cassie Bowden, the little things, like what we do on layovers and how things are referred to on the airplane are right on. Bohjalian is an excellent storyteller, and develops his characters into believable individuals. He skillfully builds palpable suspense, and leaves readers having difficulty putting the book down.

His knowledge of the disease of alcoholism is also right on; sobriety isn’t what those unfamiliar with it believe, and Cassie is a classic alcoholic with the classic excuses and behaviors of someone who hasn’t yet hit rock bottom and isn’t ready to give up everything to become sober.
All told, The Flight Attendant is an excellent, edge-of-your seat novel written by an experienced author who gets his facts right. It is recommended for thriller aficionados who want to be entertained, as well as those who like to learn a little while reading. Of course the book is fiction, but the fictional characters interact with the FBI, Russian intelligence, the airlines, and others in true-to-life situations.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

It's solid, I didn't let much time sit between reading sessions. But I would say the same if I were reading James Patterson--what happened to the prose? Sorry, I just don't think this book is as lovely, word wise.

I have to admit that I approached this novel at the wrong time in my life. The world is gross and there's enough real world drama to keep me up at night without reading about it for entertainment. I probably should have picked up a fun, thoughtless read that would keep me entertained. Instead, The Flight Attendant was a slow build about an unlikable drunk who wakes up after a blackout one-night stand next to a dead body. She makes poor decision after poor decision until the climax of the story that just didn't work for me. Plus, that epilogue was lazy. It's part The Girl on the Train, part Russian political thriller, and all just not for me.

Setting this one aside for now. I adore Bohjalian's writing but cannot for the life of me slip into this. I think it's me, but will try again later.

The Flight Attendant tells the story of Cassandra (Cassie) Bowden; a flight attendant with a penchant for heavy drinking and bad decisions. The story opens with Cassie waking up in a hotel room in Dubai. As she slowly remembers the events of the previous evening, she realizes she's not in her hotel room but that of Alex Sokolov, one of the passengers on the plane. Cassie turns and finds Alex is dead. Did you she kill him? What follows next is slowly revealed by alternate narrators; Cassie and Elena, a Russian operative until the ending you won't see coming. Cassie would seem like the type of narrator you wouldn't want to like, but I found myself rooting for her, hoping she would make better decisions. What happens when you make what you think is a good decision and it ultimately ends badly? Fans of Chris Bohjalian will enjoy The Flight Attendant when it's released on March 13, 2018.
I received an advanced review copy from the publisher and NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

A story of alcoholic flight attendant who gets mixed up in a murder. This was a slower paced thriller than I'm used to reading, but I still really enjoyed it because it never seemed to go where I thought it was going. The ending surprised me, and I'm left with the urge to read some Tolstoy.

The Flight Attendant was great! I could not put it down. It kept me hooked right up until the surprise ending!