I really enjoyed this book. The author used the setting, the plot, and the characters to create a feeling of tense and slightly eerie suspense that permeated the book.
Summer is very exciting about accompanying her husband and young step-son to her in-laws' idyllic rural and extensive property for their annual family vacation. Amazing meals and cozy accommodations, all over-seen by the family matriarch, Claire, create an atmosphere of relaxation at its best. Claire is also looking forward to spending time with her extended family, until one of her brother-in-laws brings his new girlfriend, Hannah. Summer is immediately suspicious of Hannah after she catches her in a lie. Hannah's strange behavior--apparently only obvious to Summer--only increases and Summer cannot shake the feeling that Hannah is not at all what she seems. When someone ends up dead, Summer knows Hannah must be involved somehow, and tries to find a way to root out exactly what Hannah's agenda could be. As another body appears and even more secrets and lies are exposed, Summer has to find a way to save the family she has some to love.
The first thing that I loved about this book was the setting. The author does a great job of transporting the reader to an intentionally casual yet lavish country retreat where the affluent Keaton family spends their vacations together. The descriptions of the food, the colorful gardens, the cozy cottages, and the al fresco meals with wine freely flowing and fireflies dancing really made me want to vacation with the Keatons, too! The setting really became a character in the story. Then when Hannah joins the group, the author is able to subtly introduce tension. Is the tension truly there, or is it only visible to Summer? The reader is not sure, but it is definitely there.
I also really enjoyed Summer. She is a character that is relatable and worth rooting for. While it seems to the reader that Summer might go a bit overboard when it comes to her distrust of Hannah, and there are a few times when Summer doesn't always make the best decision, Summer doesn't ever get annoying or stupid. And I really appreciated that. It seems I have read so many books lately in which the main character is either extremely naive (too-dumb-to-live!) or just so unlikable that there is no rooting value. Summer was someone I liked and enjoyed reading about. It was refreshing.
The mystery was well-done, too. While the initial crime might be a little obscure (I don't want to give away any spoilers), I liked it nonetheless. The way that the tension in the family ratcheted up every time Summer overheard a private conversation or stumbled upon a secret encounter worked to change the atmosphere from a bucolic country retreat to an isolated, insular tract of land cut off from the rest of the world.
I would absolutely recommend this book. It would be great to take on a summer vacation for anyone who enjoys mystery, domestic suspense, and thrillers.

Kate White has done it again! If you're looking for a domestic suspense that brings the family drama, look no further than The Fiancée.

The Keaton family gathers for their annual vacation at their beautiful family estate. Cue relaxation, poolside drinks, tennis....with a side of surprise engagements and a main course of murder.

The story is told through Summer's POV. She's a struggling actress with a vivid imagination. She married into the Keaton family, but loves her in-laws. And she also happens to be convinced that her brother-in-law's new fiancée Hannah is super suspicious and sets out to prove this to the family. But when death strikes the Keatons, could Hannah be more than just a liar? Is she capable of murder?

This is a fun domestic suspense with a delightfully dysfunctional family at it's centre. The writing is well paced, with lots of red herrings and I loved the semi-closed door setting of the vacation home. Summer could be a bit much at times, but that was part of her character and I liked that others did not immediately believe her claims.

Throw this one in your beach bag for some fun vacation reading! I devoured it in one day.

Thank you to Harper Perennial and Netgalley for the gifted e-copy.

Pub day: June 29, 2021

“Because Keatons don’t do family drama.” The Fiancée by Kate White

3 stars. First time to read a book by this author. Won’t be my last.

I liked it. Started a bit slow, with the picture perfect Keaton family all together in a staycation. Summer was clearly the favorite of the matriarch. So she could be excused for not noticing how the other daughters-in-law were being treated. It started a bit slow but the paced picked after the 1st death.

True that the suspicious housewife mystery is sometimes too often done, but this was fine. I peeked at the end here. Hahaha. But I wanted to find out anyway how it came to that. So all good.

Thank you @harpercollins and @netgalley for the arc of this book.

This was my first Kate White book and I loved it! This book kept me guessing until the end and I enjoyed all of the twists and turns it took along the way.

A family spending a weeklong vacation together is always a recipe for disaster, but throw in some murder along the way, and it makes it even more tense. The book is told from Summer's perspective, and as Summer is trying to figure out what was going on, everyone becomes a suspect along the way. At some points, I was wondering if I could even trust Summer or if she was an unreliable narrator. The pacing of the book was perfect and it was hard to put down, especially when chapters ended on a cliffhanger and I needed to know what was coming next. I'll definitely be reading more books by Kate White now!

I have also been a fan of Kate White novels so imagine my surprise when I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the Fiancee!!!

I was left guessing the whole way through and had suspicions to suspect just about everyone. I love a good mystery that is not predictable and this book did not disappoint!

The fiancee is set with all the killer components of a five star read. Set on a countryside estate, a wealthy family sets out to enjoy relaxing vacation. However, this year, they will be faced with a terrible murder! You think you will have it all figured out but I promise you, you will not see this ending coming!

I would recommend The fiancee, to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller !

This is a great thriller/mystery! It’s one of the ones that makes you so tense because you just want everyone to believe the protagonist but they don’t. It’s blissfully frustrating! It’s a good beach read as the book takes place during the families summer vacation. There’s tons of twists & secrets galore. I really enjoyed the book & I’ll definitely recommend it & look for the authors other books.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 29, 2021
Summer and her husband, Gabe, look forward to traveling to Gabe’s family estate every year. This year, with Gabe’s son in tow, they are expecting a week full of family reconnections, recreation and relaxation. But when Gabe’s brother, Nick, shows up at the house with a woman named Hannah, a woman he has only known for two months, everyone is in shock. What’s worse is Summer recognizes Hannah, but when she brings it up, Hannah completely denies the two ever met. Summer begins to notice other odd things about Hannah but when she brings it up to Gabe, he brushes it off as jealousy or paranoia. When Gabe’s mother dies of a heart attack and a staff member of the family is found dead on the grounds, Summer begins to wonder if her attitude toward Hannah is really just “jealousy” and “paranoia” as Gabe claims. Could Hannah be responsible?
Kate White is the author of fifteen novels, many of which are prize winning, and she is no stranger to psychological fiction. Her newest foray into the genre, “The Fiancée”, due out in June, is a combination of family drama, murder, and what secrets are worth killing for.
When I started this novel, to be honest, my first thoughts were “oh no, not another one of THESE novels”, in that a young woman, married to a wealthy man from an even wealthier family, has nothing better to do than to investigate the secrets of a woman she met once. I have literally read at least THREE of these types of novel this year, but I expected better from Kate White. Luckily, she delivered. As the novel progressed and the family secrets deepened, I began to thoroughly enjoy the story.
Summer is a character who grows on you, and rest of the family all have their various likable traits (with the exception of Hannah, although White wrote it that way). Little Henry was adorable, and Summer’s role as stepmother is endearing.
The family is quite large, and therefore there are a lot of players to suspect once the bodies start to drop. Obviously, White makes it clear who she wants the readers to think it is, and makes it look likely, too. But fans of this genre will know that the real suspect is always someone you don’t expect. The ending was a complete twist, and I definitely did not predict the outcome.
“The Fiancee” is a great read for those looking for a fast-paced, high-tension family drama, with wealth and jealousy at its very core.

The annual family gathering at the Keaton’s beautiful country estate is always a pleasant week of fun and getting reacquainted.

This year’s annual family vacation has a few surprises that aren’t welcome including murder.

One of the surprises is that a new member has been added to the family and everyone takes an instant dislike to her. Hannah had also been the girlfriend of one of the other Keaton men.

The daughter-in-law, Summer, knew Hannah, but she can’t get Hannah to admit remembering her. Summer doesn’t know what plans Hannah has, but she doesn’t like what’s happening.

When her beloved mother-in-law is found dead and Summer has found clues pointing to Hannah, Summer makes it her mission to try to find out what happened to her mother-in-law without telling anyone what she is doing or what she suspects.

As the tension mounts and everyone isn’t as pleasant as usual, you won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough.

Kate White once again puts you right into the thick of things and makes you want to be there and to help solve the crime.

THE FIANCÉE is another heart-pounding read that will keep you guessing until the end.

What a vacation this turned out to be.

Do not miss reading this one. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley and a print courtesy of the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

In Kate White's newest book we have a lovely successful family vacation. The whole family gathers at Ashley and Claire's house for an annual family vacation.  This year there is an interloper there and one particular family member does not like or trust this person.  Then the unthinkable happens and a member of the family is tragically dead. What happened to this person?? Was it an accident??

I am a big Kate White fan and I enjoyed this new book immensely!!!!!!  The who dunit's and suspicions are so crazy and insane. You get hooked from page one to the last page. This book has Kate's signature style of amazing thriller ability to give you such a twisting tale you are enthralled. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I loved this book! *4.8 for me*
This is a dramatic family mystery crowned with whodunit vibes. It reminded me of the movie
"This is Where I Leave You" with a little bit of everything I love. Four grown sons returning home the same time every year for a family vacation with a collection of exes, wives and a might-have-been. A very powerful, wealthy family guided by highly respected parents Claire & Ash Keaton living on an expansive estate in Pennsylvania with formal gardens, a cozy but luxurious guest cottage, a tennis court, a swimming pool and walking trails...not to leave out the exceptional service people.

Summer, the female protagonist, and rising actress narrates the story with her super sleuth skills. She is married to one of the sons, Gabe, a most unlikable character. When one of the brothers brings home a new fiancée, Hannah, daggers begin to fly. Not only did she date one of the other brothers, a taboo from the start...but when Summer confronts her that they met before....as she is an inspiring actress also....Hannah lies that they have never met before. Hannah digs herself deeper as Summer begins to find new ways to dislike her ...much to her husband's disapproval.

"How in the world are we supposed to brace for this? It feels like someone's taken my life in their hands and is shaking it hard like a snow globe, making pieces come undone."!!!!!

When Claire dies of an apparent heart attack leaving the family in shambles, Summer thinks there is more to the obvious cause of death. As she begins to point fingers, coming unhinged to get her point across, I was right there cheering her on even when her frustration level became torturous, I felt I had her back to solve the case. It's a good thing I wasn't in charge of the Nancy Drew adventures because I was wrong. As another murder and an attempted murder occurs, the pendulum swings leaving me shocked with the truth.

This was well put together. The descriptions and details were incredible guiding you through as if you were touring the premises and vacationing with this sometimes dysfunctional Keaton ménage. I heard all of Kate White's books are this phenomenal, so I'm a new fan!!!!!
Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review!

Summer looks forward to the annual summer vacation with her husband’s family. Everyone gets along well, the estate is gorgeous and the youngest brother is bringing a girlfriend, Hannah. Why is Hannah, a fellow actor, lying about working together? Why won’t Summer’s husband believe her when she tells him there is something off about Hannah? When a family member dies Summer is convinced Hannah is involved. The setting is better developed than some of the characters, and there is a familiarity to the plot, but White keeps tensions high and throws in a few twists and false trails in this solid, comfortable thriller. Recommended.

Thanks to Harper and NetGalley for the e-ARC. All opinions expressed are my own

The Fiancee by Kate White is a psychological thriller with a close-knit vacationing family's secrets hidden until the unbelievable ending. Accusations and suspicions of murder and plots to destroy reputations make the novel enticing and exciting. Great read.

A family vacation ends in death and suspicion in this new thriller.

Summer travels to her in-laws estate with her husband, Gabe, and his -year-old son to visit with his parents and brothers. It's a time of poolside chats, tennis and relaxation, but everyone is stunned when brother Nick brings his new girlfriend. Summer recognizes Hannah, having met her at an acting event a few years ago, but Hannah assures her she is mistaken. While that is odd, Summer asks an old friend who was also there if they remember Hannah, and it turns out Hannah had a bit of scandal involved in that time, including theft. Is that why she wants to act like they never met? When Nick springs the news that he's proposed after barely knowing Hannah, Summer and her husband are surprised. And then a tragedy occurs and there is a death in the family. Suddenly the family vacation turns into a funeral. And Summer cannot let go of her suspicions of Hannah. Would she kill to hide her secrets?

An interesting premise with a wealthy family who seems to have everything going for them and then descends into murder, this will bring thriller readers a summer read.

Have you ever had something absolutely terrible happen on vacation? Such is the subject of Kate White's new novel, The Fiancée, in which an affluent family gathers for their annual retreat at their beautiful and luxurious countryside estate, but this year's vacation isn't going to go as splendidly as it has in past years.

Aspiring actress Summer cannot wait to visit her in-laws' lovely Pennsylvania home with her husband Gabe and stepson Henry for a week of food, fun, and relaxation spent with family. But things are quickly turned upside down when Gabe's brother Nick arrives with an unexpected guest in tow - Hannah, another aspiring thespian who Summer recognizes from the acting circuit in NYC.

Summer is convinced that Hannah is hiding something from the Keaton family, and she is determined to out her for the fraud that she knows she is. One thing that no one could have seen coming, however, is a member of the family ending up dead this week, but that's exactly what happens, and Summer is sure that Hannah had something to do with it. As Summer dives deeper into her investigation of Hannah, she finds more and more clues that point to her, but can she convince the rest of the family that Hannah is dangerous before it is too late?

Kate White's The Fiancée is a solidly entertaining suspense novel! Reading much like a Nancy Drew novel - think Nancy jets off to an exciting locale only to have her plans upturned by a mystery that needs solving - White lays down the clues and builds the suspense as we follow amateur sleuth Summer on her mission to oust a killer. While observant readers may see where White's novel is headed before Summer even does, it doesn't make this story any less exciting or appealing.

Furthermore, White does an excellent job of building the atmosphere and aura of this family vacation and estate. I felt like I was on this trip right alongside the rest of the Keatons, and enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of their luxurious home. I also appreciated how White kept the setting and plot of this story simple - all of the action takes place at the Keaton estate, and we are merely following a family on their vacation until tragedy strikes. This writing style helped me settle into the story and enjoy what White had to offer.

One thing I did not like about this book, however, is how White introduces readers to the entire family within the first few pages of the novel. I had a hard time learning about so many new characters at once, and it took me awhile to figure out and remember who was who. Nonetheless, this is not any different from real life, in which we are often thrust into situations where we meet many people all at once and have to flounder until we learn names, relationships, and personalities. It just made for a confusing reading experience at first.

This book had me riveted from beginning to unexpected end. The first person narration allowed me to get behind the main character, and care about her and what happened to her. Most of the other characters weren't fleshed out enough for me to feel one way or another about them, but the plot was strong enough to sustain my interest, and I would highly recommend the book.

Wow; what a twisty, suspense filled, tense roller coaster ride! A very well written book, full of twisty turns, which didn’t really get me, but were absolute tense and full of red herrings hoping to have to lean another way! I’m one that’s quite hard to get, as I read way too many thrillers, but did get a couple good shocks in this one! I would definitely highly recommend to my fellow thrill seekers, as this one did offer all the things I seek in the genre, and was absolutely filled to the brim with tension!

Will buzz around and use low Amazon reviewer number on release date!

I was excited to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book as I have read quite a few of Kate White’s novels and really enjoyed them. Once again, Ms. White delivers a first rate mystery. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The narrator for this story is Summer, a struggling actress who is married to Gabe and raising his son, Henry, together. The story begins with the three of them traveling to Gabe’s parents country estate in rural Pennsylvania for the annual weeklong family gathering. Summer gets along tremendously well with Gabe’s parents as well as two of his brothers and their wives. Gabe’s third brother, Nick, brings his new girlfriend Hannah to the gathering and things start to go downhill from there. Family secrets are exposed, a death and a murder occur, and everyone suspects Hannah.

I found this book to be an extremely enjoyable read and while it’s not my favorite book by Ms. White, I did find it to be a page turner. It is somewhat predictable at times and I found that Summer’s obsession with proving Hannah’s guilt seemed contrived at times but overall it’s an easy, enjoyable read with some surprising twists.

Maybe I've read too many domestic suspense novels lately but this one didn't impress me. The pace felt a little too stolid, and the second crime probably could have been prevented if Summer had just gone to the police with her suspicions instead of skulking around doubting herself and trying to figure things out on her own.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Secrets, suspicions and deceit. These ingredients form the recipe for the perfect suspense novel. Kate White is the chef that never disappoints.

Kate White once again delivers an engaging, fast-paced mystery, with an ending I didn't see coming! Twists and turns will keep you guessing as two people die during an annual family vacation...one appears to be by natural causes, but Summer has doubts and tries to convince others of her concerns.