Ahh. I’ll start by saying that I have only read one other book by the author, The Wife Upstairs, and I absolutely disliked. Lol I mean, IT’S ALL GIVEN AWAY BY THE TITLE?! - anyway,
This was so different. It had me from the beginning, and I was so scared that something stupid would ruin the book at any turn, but I’m happy to say that nothing did. It was a low burn mystery, which I don’t mind, it was extremely interesting and intricate, with 2 timelines, books and music lyrics as a means to navigate this story.
The story, about a villa where some things “have gone down” more than once, about relationships and friendships and the price you pay to protect those you are bound to the most.
This was a surprising 5/5 for me!
*thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the ARC*

I really enjoyed this title. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. The dual POV and dual timelines I thought were incredibly effective, and drew you into two stories that were both twisty, creepy, and perfectly anchored by book writing! It just WORKED. I also thought the 'twist' ending was well thought out, well delivered, not cliche, and not "out of this world" twist that is so outlandish it doesn't work. Just the right amount of twist to make the ending of the book very compelling.
What didn't: I didn't love the snippets of poetry/lyrics/rolling stone interviews sprinkled throughout. I'm not entirely sure how they are intended to add to the storyline, and they were additional POV's that just didn't serve the purpose of the book. I did not love the reveal of Em's illness...that was a bit strange, and not really explored in a way that kept it impactful. Finally, while the twist is really great, I don't think it was well delivered, and I had to flip pages a few times to really figure it out.
BUT I couldn't put this book down. I flew through it, it kept me guessing, and both story lines were intriguing, which is really the measure of a good dual POV in my opinion.

I loved this. I loved the alternating POVs, the very realistic excerpts from Rolling Stone, People, etc.,, and I especially loved that one of the main characters was a cozy mystery writer! An easy, quick read that kept me engaged throughout. Highly recommended.

OMG. I am so excited I was able to read this book! It really did throw me for a loop towards the end. I love Rachel Hawkins' writing style and cannot wait to read her next story! This one will definitely give you all of the thrills and suspense!

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Mystery/Suspense
Publication Date: January 3, 2023

Emily and Chess were best friends as children but grew apart as they became adults. Following Emily’s illness and divorce, Chess suggests a getaway to a villa in Italy. The same villa which was rented by a famous rockstar and his friends in the summer of 1974. During that fateful summer Lara creates a hit-album, Lara writes one of the most famous gothic novels of their time, and Pierre ends up being murdered. The story alternates between the two timelines and the horror novel that connects them both.

I was attracted to this novel because Hawkins’ previous book Reckless Girls was a really fun melodrama with a splash of murder and a side of ridiculousness. I ate up that book as someone who ordinarily does not enjoy a mystery/thriller novel. The Villa has its share of melodrama but for more than 50% of the book it reads more like women’s fiction delving into inner monologues about their failed friendships and relationships.

As I said, I’m not exactly a connoisseur of thrillers but I recently learned of the term “slow-burn thriller” and well this kind of fits that description, I didn't think the payoff as to what happened was enough to justify the “slow burn.” There were absolutely no surprises or head-turning moments in this book however I feel that was Hawkins intention but plainly stating the “obvious” at the beginning. The murder is revealed along with person found guilty of the murder quite early on in the novel but the unravelling of the mystery as to why and how is something that is revealed later on.

The real mystery for me was finding out the futures for both Emily and Mari and that’s what kept me reading. Are Emily and Chess going to fall out again? Is Mari finally going to leave Pierre? I was more invested in the perceivable wrongs committed against these women then the actual mystery surrounding the novel and the murder.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to read this book from the moment that I saw that the villa of the title was in Italy, just outside the town of Orvieto. It is a magnificent setting for a novel about a house, and the people who stay there at two different points in time: a group of 1970s musicians (and a writer) and two modern-day best friends, both of whom are also writers. The house and its tragic history looms large over all of the characters, and the books that these women write about it, directly or indirectly, form the basis of this fascinating story. I loved that there was a fairly small cast of characters; each one distinct and playing a specific role,. I also loved the setting, both Orvieto itself and the villa that each group comes to love over their respective summer stays. There are many uncomfortable moments in this book. Most of the characters veer between likeable and unlikeable, which is very human, but readers may not feel especially drawn to a particular one. It is a wonderful character study, however, filled with thoughtful reflections on human behavior and the consequences, and a truly engaging novel. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book!

This book was weird. I thought it was going in one direction and then it completely went the opposite way. I often found myself forgetting which timeline I was reading at the time and having to double check. The ending was so dissatisfying that I think it made me like the book way less. I loved the last book I read by this author but this one missed the mark for me.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Villa
by Rachael Hawkins

The Murder House Remembers

New York Times bestselling Author Rachel Hawkins is at her best in the soon-to-be-published dual-timeline Neo-Gothic, and oh so elegant, twisted murder mystery within a murder mystery, “The Villa,” a page-turning meta-fiction about writers and musicians creating their arts in a 16th-century Italian country estate cursed with a dark legacy of death—and ghosts—because houses remember.

Occurring 50 years apart at the same Italian locale, Villa Aestas, the deaths of two different men replicate each other—not in the way they died, but by the resulting outcomes experienced by the women who loved them. These women, freed from the men’s possessiveness, gain self-esteem and the confidence to launch successful careers as writers and musicians. However, their liberty comes with a steep price, that of perpetual atonement and the guilt of sacrificing their souls.

Throughout the novel, Hawkins demonstrates her talent for creating complex, three-dimensional characters, as well as a fast-paced story-driven narrative. Particularly fun is the colloquial dialogue for the British characters; it’s spot-on.

Hawkins is also extraordinarily clever with the structure of “The Villa” by starting it with a ‘book review’ of a pseudo-novel, ‘Lilith Rising,’ written by ‘Mari Godwick’ and attributed to a legitimate sounding source. The ‘Lilith’ story will also tease and captivate readers' imaginations long after the last page of “The Villa”—a terrific read and masterful execution of meta-fiction! Brava!

========================///=======================
Title: “The Villa”
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers | General Fiction (Adult)
Publication Date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Book Maven’s Journal—Reviews for Word Connoisseurs

Reviews are posted promptly on NetGalley, GoodReads, and Twitter; then, upon publication, also to appropriate sales channel sites.

#TheVilla #RachelHawkins #StMartinsPress #NetGalley TheBookMaven @maven_book

My sincere thanks and appreciation goes to NetGalley, Author Rachel Hawkins, and Publisher St. Martin's Press for this Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) for review.

Emily is healing from a mysterious bout of illness, mourning the end of her marriage, and repeatedly pushing back the deadline of her next novel, when her childhood best friend Chess offers her an out. Chess, a famous self help guru, invites Emily to join her for the summer at a rented villa in Italy. In the 1970's, another group of friends stayed in the villa for a summer, and that summer ended in murder. Emily becomes obsessed with learning more about the villa's past.

I read this book at just the right time -- though it doesn't come out until the winter, its setting suited hot summer days perfectly. Chapters alternated between Mari, a writer staying at the villa in the 1970's, and Emily's perspective in the present. The parallels between the two were strong, perhaps a little too strong at times, because I was able to predict most of the twists. But the alternating perspectives interspersed with excerpts of the character's writing made for a very quick, propulsive read. Plus, the final twist was a shock and really made me question my interpretation of the novel's themes and who the "good" and "bad" characters were. Totally redeemed any earlier predictability for me!

This was my first Rachel Hawkins mystery, and I'll definitely be going back for more. (I can't believe this is the same author who wrote Her Royal Highness, an LGBTQ YA romance!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book grabbed me from the very beginning, and I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed all the different storylines and the way they all tied together. I'm pretty sure I will be thinking about this one for a while.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC. I loved it!

A dark twisted version of Daisy Jones and the Six meets an Italian Villa in this new book by Rachel Hawkins!

This was fun. The writing in this was definitely a stand out in terms of how lyrical and beautiful the prose was (half of the time, we’ll get into that later). There were two storylines that diverged so much that it felt like two separate books. Em was flat, boring, typical “thriller” MC with no depth, but Mari was a brilliant character IMO. Both characters are dealing with a ton, but Mari felt so sad, so lost, and so realistic for that time period where women were often trapped in toxic, abusive, cheating relationships.

My main issue with this is two fold: it’s slow and it has a lot of filler for a thriller. Actually, I wouldn’t call this a thriller in my opinion. It was 50% toxic-friendship-drama and 50% character study into a depressed young girl. It did feel disjointed a bit, and I didn’t quite like the ending (it’s one of those flip flop ending where I feel like the author is trying to keep it twisty and interesting but I end up feeling a bit confused).

This was so close to nailing it. So close. I think this could have JUST been Mari’s story, and it could have developed those characters, relationships, and reveal more. This definitely has an audience, and even thought it comes out in January, there is something about this that screams late Spring vibes.

"Houses remember" that line hooked me from the start and kept me going throughout the book. I liked the story within a story. While it was a good read and kept me interested the changing viewpoints sometimes gave me a disconnect to the story. I do think it is a good book its just more middle of the road for me. This book was given to me by netgalley for an honest review.

“Houses Remember.” That statement can’t be true or can it. Rachel Hawkins upcoming gothic suspense novel, The Villa, puts that phrase to the test.
Childhood BFFs, Emily and Chess, now in their thirties, are writers deciding to spend the summer at a villa in Italy. A chance to reconnect, reignite their writing and reminisce while basking in the Tuscan sun have the makings of a “perfect” summer that no one would want to miss.
People change their names for a variety of reasons, marriage, gender or for the fun of it but legacy generally dictates that homes or villas keep their original name.
Villa Aestas where Emily and Chess will spend the summer wasn’t always known by that name. In 1974, the Villa changed its name for one simple but deadly reason, Murder.
Not just any murder, but an infamous one.
A young talented musician, Pierce Sheldon, along with his girlfriend, Mari, and her stepsister, Lara, were invited by legendary rock star, Noel Gordon, to spend time at the Villa.
That tragic train wreck of a summer ends with Pierce Sheldon’s murder, Mari writing one of the greatest horror of all time and Lara composing the “ Aestas” album, second only to the likes of Tapestry by Carole King.
Emily looking for inspiration to get over her current writers block delves into the mystery surrounding Pierce’s murder. Houses remember and the Villa offers clues throughout the house as to what really happened that summer.
The Villa also reveals that there are tensions between Emily and Chess.
Was Chess’ invite genuine or is there another reason she wanted to spend the summer after all these years.
Tensions rise, tempers flare, friendships are tested and the parallels between modern day Emily and Chess eerily resemble that of Mari and Lara.
Will there be another name at the Villa.
Hawkins drew inspiration for The Villa from the real-life events including the weekend that Lord Byron, Percy and Mary Shelly spent together as well as the Manson Family murders and Fleetwood Mac.
Don’t let the bright, colorful cover fool you. The Villa is a wickedly good suspense novel with a dark twist.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #TheVilla

In a Daisy Jones & the Six meets Verity style book, Chess (a big time celebrity memoir author) and Em (a big time cozy mystery author) spend a summer in an Italian villa rekindling their friendship and working on their respective novels. The girls get wound up into the villa’s tragic past when a rock star was murdered at the villa 50 some years before.

This book was great, I somehow chose to read it while I was in Italy lying on the beach reading and the backdrop and overall vibe could not have been more perfect.

I loved Em and hated Chess and loved that the book didn’t end in a way that was satisfactory to me, I wanted to get in there and yell at everyone involved (I don’t know why I always say this, I have never and would never yell at someone in real life).

The book provided interesting commentary of friendships and relationships, and I loved that it was told through real time, diary entries, news articles and songs. It was unique and I’ll be remembering it a lot longer than most mystery/thrillers I read.

Could be great for the screen too? 👀

I was so excited to read this as I really enjoyed Reckless Girls by this author. And now I'm thrilled to say this was even better! The writing and the atmosphere really shined for me here, they were just delicious. The book was the perfect length as well, I devoured it so quickly. I'd love to own this book one day, the cover is perfect. Recommended to everyone who likes atmospheric, chilling stories.

Hawkins has been a hit or miss author for me but this was definitely a hit. I loved the dual timelines/ dual perspectives and the whole “mystery” that was the plot. Overall I really enjoyed it and highly recommend

I am usually a fan of Rachel Hawkins books but this one was a difficult read for me. It meandered and looped around in a way that detracted from what could have been a compelling story told differently. Ironically, several authors in the novel struggled with writing their books while I struggled with reading this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

I love so much of what Hawkins writes, and this one took a while to get ready to go for me but once it was set up and the game got going, it really went and kept on rolling. I love her writing style and was glad I got to experience this one.

I really enjoyed this thriller/suspense and finished within just a few days. That's always a good sign ;)

Summary:
Dual timelines. One in the 70s, one in present day. In the same Italian villa. There are writers, musicians, and other creatives involved. All of which are messy characters. Which is a good thing honestly. In the 70s there was a murder in the villa. The convicted killer was tried and imprisoned. Or were they? Houses remember. They remember what happens in them. The ghosts that pass through. The lies told. The love shared. The blood.

What I liked:
The setting: AN ITALIAN VILLA! Main characters are writers. The horror book involved. The unsettling things that happened (both present and past).

What I disliked:
Not really a dislike, but I did want the villa to be more creepy. Maybe that was just my imagination not pulling it's weight.

I give this 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. This is my first read by Rachel Hawkins, so excuse me while I quickly add a few more to my TBR.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I blog over at Smalltown Bookworm

I really liked Reckless Girls, but I feel like this kind of missed the mark for me. I enjoyed the mystery aspect, but I was longing for more thriller. Which that's on me - not the author, The tag line of "Houses Remember" is something that I found intriguing for sure, and I definitely wanted more. I enjoyed the setting. The dual storyline is one of my favorite, and always makes me want to go reread. I will recommend. I found the ending rounding out the story really well.