Two best friends (both successful authors) decide to spend their summer at an Italian villa to work on their writing. A murder occurred at the villa decades ago, which then becomes the inspiration for a new book which they both end up fighting over.

This book was fine. I liked it better than the author's previous The Wife Upstairs, but did find the twist at the end to be a blink and you'll miss it.

In 1974, a group of five people—musicians, writers, and one resentful outsider—gather at Villa Rosato in Orvieto. The atmosphere is charged with excess: drinking, drugs, and reckless relationships. While some find creative inspiration in the chaos, it takes a toll on others. One different choice, one shift in events, and perhaps everyone could have made it out unscathed.

Fast forward to the present day, where best friends Emily and Chess arrive at the now-renamed Villa Aestas for a six-week retreat. Decades earlier, a musician was murdered at the villa, adding an eerie weight to its history. Emily, struggling with a mysterious illness and a draining divorce, has lost her creative spark. As the author of a popular cozy mystery series, she’s unable to write while her ex-husband fights for a share of her earnings. Meanwhile, Chess, a wealthy and renowned self-help author, hopes the getaway will help Emily get back on track. However, Chess’s odd behavior raises questions. The villa’s dark past unexpectedly reignites Emily’s passion for writing—not for her existing series, but for something new, something inspired by the villa itself, and aided by echoes of the past.

The novel alternates between two timelines: Mari’s experiences in 1974 and Emily’s in the present. Initially, the 1974 storyline felt unappealing due to its wild rock-and-roll excess, but its restrained portrayal of that era’s recklessness was appreciated. The only reason it remained engaging was Emily’s interest in it. On the other hand, the present-day timeline proved more compelling, especially with Chess’s strange behavior and Emily’s ruthless soon-to-be ex-husband, whose legal maneuvering made him easy to despise.

Writing is central to the novel—whether in the form of books, songs, secrets, or revelations. While the individual elements of the story weren’t all captivating on their own, they came together in a way that made the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Great setting, epic thriller, love this author’s work! It was binge worthy and I could not read fast enough to find out what would happen next! Also loved the dual POV!

This book ticked all the boxes for me: well-developed characters, interesting setting (who doesn't love a book set in Italy AND in the 70s), the writing was good, and overall it was a well thought out book. One aspect of the reveal of the mystery was slightly disappointing, but overall I found the resolution satisfying.

The story follows two sets of characters in two different time periods both staying at the same villa.. Two friends (Emily and Chess) going on a girls trip to rekindle their friendship in the present, and a group of friends who experienced great tragedy in the past, leading to murder, success, and fame. But everything is not as it original seemed to be and as Emily becomes more and more intrigued by the history of the villa she finds out more and more about what may have actually happened and also uncovers some secrets about her friendship with Chess.

Intrigue, betrayal, and taking advantage of another person's tragedy are all underlying themes in this book and the author wove them all together perfectly. For me, this book really brings to mind relaxing on a pool lounger with a big hat, a tall glass of spiked lemonade, actually being in an Italian villa with that kind of almost sepia-filter on everything, and that impending doom feeling in the background added in.

Thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced reader copy.

Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mystery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vacations gone wrong with a hint of gothic suspense? SIGN ME UP!

The Villa is actually 2 stories for the price of one, and I loved all of them. When self-help influencer Chess (Jess) asks her childhood friend Emily to tag along for a 6 week vacation in Umbria, Emily jumps at the chance. Currently drowning in the drama of her divorce, writer's block and the slow failure of her 9th cozy mystery book, Emily feels that she is at wits end. Chess seems to also have some issues that she is dealing with, but Emily hardly notices as she learns more about the mysteries behind their home for the Summer.

In 1974, we learn, there was a murder that entangled several famous rock stars and authors. Emily begins to write again as she learns about the story. As she gets closer to determining what happened that fateful night, she learns more about her friend then maybe she wanted to know.

The Villa is inspired by Fleetwood Mac, the Manson murders, and Percy and Mary Shelley! The gothic vibes will haunt you just as the sunny days warm you. If you love a mystery within a mystery, vacationing with gothic vibes or are just ready for the fiction novel of 2023, The Villa is for you! #TheVilla #RachelHawkins #StMartinsPress

This book masterfully blends past and present, weaving a gothic-tinged mystery full of secrets, betrayal, and literary intrigue. The dual timelines—one following Emily and Chess’s strained friendship, the other unraveling a 1970s rock-and-roll murder—are equally compelling, keeping the tension simmering. Hawkins’ rich, atmospheric writing brings the Italian setting to life, though some twists feel predictable. Still, it’s an addictive, suspenseful read perfect for fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this book!

I really enjoyed this book the thriller theme was definitely there and i would love to read the next one

I honestly don’t have much to say about this one. The only part I enjoyed was the different mixed media. There was interviews, news articles and a random podcast.
The plot was mediocre and I really didn’t enjoy this at all.
Very disappointing.

Rachel Hawkins' The Villa tells the intertwined story of two sisters and two friends, expertly tying together their stories into a twisty tale of suspense. At the center of it all is a beautiful, mysterious villa set in Italy.

In the 1970s, Mari, her sister, and her boyfriend are invited to stay at the villa by a rock star acquaintance, where they are fulled by sex, drugs, and a little rock and roll. Mari is an aspiring writer, and becomes inspired by the villa, writing a deranged tale about another villa.

Emily and Chess are part of the modern day, navigating a strained friendship and what turns out to be numerous secrets. Chess invites Emily to stay at the villa for the summer. There Emily discovers Mari's story, and the choices she makes after that can't be reversed.

I enjoyed this book--I liked the back and forth between the two time periods, and enjoyed seeing how things intertwined. There were several unexpected twists in the book, which I always enjoy. I would recommend this if you enjoy mysteries that are a bit unexpected.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

'The Villa' by Rachel Hawkins is a chilling dual timeline mystery. The twists are surprising and it is a quick enjoyable read.

This wasn't my cup of tea. I found it to be dragging and it really couldn't keep me hooked for such a slow burn. The momentum just wasn't there.

I loved everything about this book. When I first picked it up I was not sure if I would like it but I loved it! The dual timelines, the characters that you don’t know for can trust, the underlying reasons behind everything- all of it makes a great book. It is set in Italy and while Italy is not and part of the book I enjoyed reading the local landscape. A truly thrilling book until the very last page!

I generally enjoyed this book. There were some twists and turns that I did not see coming. I really liked the dual timeline POV of this story, going back and forth between today and 1974 as Emily tries to unravel all that happened then.

Rachel Hawkins’ The Villa is a captivating blend of suspense, intrigue, and gothic charm that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. Set against the backdrop of an Italian villa with a dark and mysterious history, the novel masterfully intertwines two timelines: a present-day story of strained friendships and hidden truths, and a 1970s rock-and-roll saga that culminates in tragedy.

The dual narrative is expertly handled, with each thread adding layers of tension and mystery. The modern-day storyline follows Emily and Chess, two old friends whose stay at the villa unearths buried secrets, both personal and historical. Meanwhile, the 1970s plot reveals the villa’s sinister past, complete with a murder that left its mark on the property.

Hawkins’ atmospheric prose brings the villa to life, making it as much a character as the people who inhabit it. The Villa is a gripping, atmospheric read that delivers suspense and emotional depth in equal measure. Perfect for fans of layered thrillers with a touch of the macabre.

The concept of two sets of friends experiencing parallel events in the same eerie location is a great approach to a book. The alternating chapters between 1974 and the present day keep the pace brisk and the suspense high. Hawkins vividly describes the villa and its surroundings, creating a sense of unease and foreboding. The novel delves into the creative process and the challenges faced by artists, both in the past and present.

The Villa is an enjoyable and suspenseful read. While it has a few minor shortcomings, the intriguing premise, atmospheric setting, and exploration of creativity make it a worthwhile read.

I couldn’t get into this book. I read The Wife Upstairs and figured I’d enjoy this book, but I didn’t. I’m a mood reader, so perhaps I just didn’t read it at the best time. I’d still read other books by this author. I think she’s a good author, but this book wasn’t for me.

I enjoyed the journey on this book, but boy...did I hate the ending! I don't want to give any spoilers away, but if you're someone who likes to see the full karmic circle in a book, you will not see that here.

The Emily character is relatable, and the story is told through her perspective. You're along for the ride with her emotions and can easily empathize with her bad luck that lead her to current circumstances.

The book also gives an alternate timeline in Mari's view, so as the reader, you are hearing two different stories. Mari is supposed to be akin to real-life Mary Shelley, which was a really cool idea for this book.

Several other reviews I've read mentioned the similarities between Fleetwood Mac's story, so if you're also into that, check it out! I was on the edge of my seat with both mysteries in the book, and while not happy with the entire ending, I still appreciated the story overall.

I love when a book has a satisfying ending, if you love sex, drugs and rock and roll you’d probably love this one. This was a story within a story which at times was a little hard for me to follow. Overall this was a three star read for me. Not my favorite by this author.

I unfortunately wasn’t super impressed with this one and felt a bit bored. I expected more than what was delivered and it just missed the mark for me

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that skillfully intertwines the past and present. Hawkins masterfully builds tension, blending a modern narrative with a historical mystery that keeps readers on edge. The character development is strong, making the motivations and conflicts feel authentic. With its atmospheric setting and unexpected twists, The Villa is a captivating read for fans of suspense and intrigue.