Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and Murder - If these topics interest you, you'll enjoy this book!

This book by Rachel Hawkins was a miss for me. The dueling timelines did not hold my interest and I did not like the main characters Emily and Chess. There were a few points during the story that I thought things might pick up, but it just wasn't so. While it wasn't for me, there are plenty of higher rated reviews and people seem to love it - you might too!

Thank you to the author, publishers, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Holy smokes! I've had this one for a while and am totally kicking myself for waiting to read it. It's good. Like real good. It's dark and suspenseful and gives off those Gothic romance vibes that I adore. I loved every word. The dual stories, taking place in 1974 and today, fed off each other. And the twist at the end? GENIUS! I loved this!

While this wasn’t the worst book that I’ve ever read, I think I’d have to say it’s my least loved Rachel Hawkins Novel. However, I will keep reading her!!

I really enjoyed The Villa and finished it in less than a day. It was gripping and had the right amount of twists and turns along the way. This is my first mystery thriller of Rachel Hawkins but it will definitely not be the last. Highly recommend!

I had a chance to listen to some of this via audio and the audiobook adds another level, so I recommend checking that out as well!

Very interesting book! My only complaint is that there was so much detail in the beginning that by the end it felt rushed and I hoped it would be more consistent with the flow in the start.

Rachel Hawkins has been hit or miss for me. Her books are well thought out but they don’t really pull me in. The mystery and thrill is almost too obvious in my opinion.

Sadly this wasn’t my favorite book by this author. The dual storylines didn’t mesh as well as I’d hoped, and I found myself bored with the characters. Fun premise, poor execution.

Rachel Hawkins gets better and better at the-for lack of a better term-sagas. I loved the almost gothic elements of this one, and it was an exciting ride, up to the very end.

Dual timeline. Patience needed to follow and have it all tie together. Past catches up with present. Twists were predictable. Characters were annoying. Blah blah. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for ARC read in exchange for my review.

The Villa was one of my most enthralling reads of the year! I felt like I had been reading for a few minutes and realized hours had gone by.

Rachel Hawkins is an insta-buy author for me now. I have loved all of her adult thrillers thus far. The real star of this book is the enchanting setting that leaps off the page. I really felt like I was in this old villa with the characters - both in the present and past timelines. I loved following the two sets of characters and felt that the story flowed together so well.

I love books with dual timelines. I thought a lot of the characters were unlikeable but I cared and wanted to know what happened in both timelines. It was a book that was easy to get into and quick to finish. I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC.

I did not finish this title in advance of the publication day, but do intend to finish reading later down the line. I'll update my review then. Thanks so much!

I love this author and was so excited for this one! However, the ending fell short for me. It felt rushed. It's almost like the author was over the story herself. I still love her and will read anything she writes though!

The twist at the end DID suprise me, but I'm not sure that is a good thing since it didn't really make sense to me. Unfortunately, the entirety of this book fell flat with me. I'm not sure why the book is considered a "Thriller," and I had a hard time making it through the entire book - which it a rarety for me.

I actually own two more of the author's books and fully intend on reading them, so I'm hoping this one was just a dud for me!

Thank you to Netgalley & Publishers for access to an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Villa. I think this one is my favorite by this author so far. I love the back and forth time period stories, the array of characters. The intertwining is done so well in this book… I’m sure this book will be one of the few that stays with me long after it’s read…thanks to Netgalley, St. Martins press and Rachel Hawkins for this ARC.

Rachel Hawkins' 'The Villa' begins with the lives of Emily and Chess, childhood friends whose bond is rekindled by an enticing trip to Italy. The narrative takes a thrilling turn as the duo uncovers the complex history of Villa Aestas, which was once Villa Rosato in the 1970s, housing rock star Noel Gordon and a group of aspiring artists. What begins as a quest for truth about a murder transforms into an exploration of dark secrets, tension, and betrayals.

Hawkins skillfully mirrors the past and present, introducing Mari's ascent as a horror novelist and Lara's musical success, all set against the backdrop of a murder that's far more than meets the eye. The blending of Fleetwood Mac, Manson murders, and Mary Shelleys' haunting summer at Lake Geneva adds layers of intrigue to the novel's riveting atmosphere.

The fictionalized true crime approach shines brilliantly, fueling the anticipation that propelled me reader through the pages. Hawkins kept me guessing until the very end, crafting a well-written narrative that alternates between past and present.

'The Villa' is a captivating tale that seamlessly melds mystery, friendship, and the haunting legacy of the past.

Not my favorite Rachel Hawkins book but still very fast paced and bingeable!

Very easy to read! Got through it super quickly.

Loved the dual timelines.

This was an interesting listen. I hadn't read a Rachel Hawkins book yet, despite having two at home sitting on my shelf. The Villa was a fun, summertime popcorn thriller that did not disappoint in the twists and turns department. The book follows two timelines taking place at an Italian villa. The "past" timeline follows a band who stayed at the villa in the 70s and 80s and the mysterious murder that took place there amongst the residents. The present follows "best friends" Em and Chess, who share something in common that no two best friends should share.

Really did enjoy this thrilling novel and look forward to picking up Hawkins' other books from my TBR shelf.

I really loved The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. It was totally a beach read, a good summer thriller. The moments of time scattered throughout this frenemies story were really intriguing. However, I did find the last 100 pages to feel very rushed.

OHHHHHH The drama! Have you ever had a friend that you feel you have grown out of? But you are not sure if its you feeling some kind of way or if you really need to let go? Well Emily feels this and she is not sure what to do soooo she goes on a vacation with her high school bestie. BUT that's when the fun begins!