Character is plot; character is fate. The Fury takes these adages to heart and creates a story that is both predictable, yet twisty all at once. Taking its structure as a loosely formed play, The Fury comes in a set of five acts that do well in plotting out a murder mystery. The narrator is highly unreliable, yet in a welcome twist, is aware of this. This added a delightful element to this thriller that was welcome to making this story engaging. For as well as Michaelides does in crafting his stories, this Agatha Christie-esque plot was a bit too predictable. The characters he created did well in creating a plot, but the character is fate ethos that he begins the story with doesn't quite pick up as much steam. We see each character through the view of this unreliable narrator, which does add an element of mystery on top of this story, but ultimately allows the story to rely on fairly stereotypical characterizations.

The story centers on a murder among a group of friends on a Greek island. We quickly are told that rather than a "whodunit", this is a tale of "whydunit." Michaelides does well crafting a nice twist on the locked room sort of tale, but this falls a bit short when it comes to seeing how each character's personality dooms them. Though not as dynamic as "The Silent Patient", "The Fury" is a fast-paced and enjoyable read, earning 3.5/5 stars from me. Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon for an ARC.

Michaelides has made a name for himself writing very twisted, unpredictable and addictive mysteries. It is hard to believe that this is only his third book. Our narrator is Elliot Chase, who breaks the fourth wall and tells us readers what happened when he traveled to his friend’s private island. From the beginning, he makes clear that there was a crime, but that this is not a whodunit but a whydunit. Following the usual path of classic murder mysteries, there is an isolated island with a small cast of visitors/suspects and it is soon clear that there is no one else. But then the twists keep coming one after the other. At some point it seems like the author is close to jumping the shark and some turns were preposterous in retrospect. However, I was so involved in the plot that I didn’t even notice. Most of the characters are unlikable. The narrator is also unreliable. As he says from the beginning, he doesn’t lie, but he hides some facts until the plot exposes them. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the previous novels because, in retrospect, it seems to be trying too hard to surprise the reader. It is still an entertaining, addictive book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/# Celadon Books.

I’m here today to share with you this upcoming, fascinating thriller by Alex Michaelides, The Fury. Yes, he did it again! I’m not a huge fan of thrillers but I’m all in when I know that Michaelides is releasing a new book. The Fury has all the elements that readers know him for (a murder mystery, an unreliable narrator, great cast of characters, plot twists galore!) but in my opinion this is his best work. The premise is simple: a man is in love with a woman. She is a famous Hollywood actress and he is a play writer. They are good friends but that doesn’t seem to be enough for him. He wants to possess her in every way and he is a man with a plan. The only thing is that things are not always under control and the best laid plan can go astray with terrible consequences. He had the plot, the setting (a beautiful island on the Aegean Sea) and the characters, all ready to work in his favor. But things take their own course and drama ensues.

Again, perfectly executed and beautifully written, The Fury is the perfect palate cleanser, light and airy, to enjoy without guilt, either by the fireplace with a cup of coffee, or by the pool with a sweet cocktail.

Thx to NetGalley for this arc. Landed on 4 stars but it might have been high 3s. The story certainly had twists and turns and was quite meta. At the end it was starting to be confusing whose version of the plan we were getting. You see the same “scene” from multiple viewpoints, not only characters but with new information through which to process it. I use the word scene as at many points there’s a bit of a midsummer nights dream play within a play element happening. I was not wildly attached to any characters but I believe that was intentional. It makes all narration and information circumspect. I would recommend to my reading friends.

In The Fury, Michaelides skillfully delves into the psychological realm, crafting a locked-room mystery set against the backdrop of a captivating Greek island. With everyone portrayed as a potential suspect, narrator Elliot keeps us guessing through five intricately detailed parts of each character, with each offering alternative perspectives and nuanced observations. The plot intertwines seamlessly with the island's rich history, almost as if turning it into a character of its own. Elliot, our unreliable guide through this maze, adopts a narration style that almost includes the reader in the a conversation rather than a narration. I caught myself answering back several times which was a lovely humorous surprise. With all of the twists and the charming narration this is a definite recommendation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for this eARC.

This book was very different and very interesting. It was written like a play with one of the main characters, Elliott being the narrator. He starts off by telling us about a murder on a secluded Greek island. Then he proceeds to tell us about Lara Farrar, the love of his life from the age of 12. You see, she was a film star and he would go and watch her films over and over again to escape from his horrible life. There is so much that goes on in this book that it is really hard to review. I can tell you that it is one of the best by this author in my opinion. He takes you on a journey with characters that you can love or hate. Most of the characters are shallow and self righteous but that is what make the story so interesting. The writing style was great and it was just a great book to read. So far the first book of 2024 is a winner. I highly recommend you pick this book up on publishing day January 16th. It will not disappoint.
Thanks to #netgalley, #celadonbooks and @alex.michaelides for an ARC of this great read.

I stayed up until 2:45am to finish this book and I honestly can’t remember the last time that’s happened. Another thrilling novel in Alex Michaelides-verse. Loved the nonlinear timeline and unreliable narrator. Wasn’t expecting the twists(!!), and I liked the character tie ins to The Maidens and The Silent Patient.

Thanks to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Be warned!!! There’s a major Silent Patient spoiler in the epilogue - so definitely read that one first if you haven’t read it yet (and if you haven’t… what are you waiting for!?!) Wondering if it will be edited in the final published version.

This is a tale of murder. Or maybe that’s not quite true. At its heart, it’s a love story, isn’t it? Lana Farrar is a reclusive ex–movie star and one of the most famous women in the world. Every year, she invites her closest friends to escape the English weather and spend Easter on her idyllic private Greek island. I tell you this because you may think you know this story. You probably read about it at the time ― it caused a real stir in the tabloids, if you remember. It had all the necessary ingredients for a press a celebrity; a private island cut off by the wind…and a murder. We found ourselves trapped there overnight. Our old friendships concealed hatred and a desire for revenge. What followed was a game of cat and mouse ― a battle of wits, full of twists and turns, building to an unforgettable climax. The night ended in violence and death, as one of us was found murdered. But who am I? My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard.
This is an atmospheric and suspenseful page-turner with an interesting cast of characters which kept me reading until the very end of the book. I enjoyed reading The Fury but felt that The Silent Patient is still my favorite read by Alex Michaelides. If you like reading a book with and unreliable narrator then you will love this book. It weaves elements of a dark and intricate love story and a gripping murder tale. I look forward to my next Michaelides book.

This is my favorite kind of story… unreliable narrator, murder mystery, compelling characters, and twisted love. Very binge readable!

This is narrated by Elliot a somewhat posh lucky addition to a celebrity, wealthy group. He is narrating the story of what happened and how a famous celebrity ends up dead on a private island over the Easter holiday. I was totally hooked by the pacing of how this story was told. The misdirection was done so cleanly and believably.

I love the Easter eggs this author puts in his books too, such a fun connection point for his writing. The twists and turns this took down to the last pages were so crazy I had no clue how it was going to end.

Thank you @netgalley and @celadonbooks for a chance to read an advanced copy.

I'll cut to the chase and answer the question everyone wants to know whenever he writes a book - "Is it as good as The Silent Patient?" Short answer, no. Did I still enjoy it? Absolutely, yes.

The Fury is a twisty Nick Carraway/The Great Gatsby x The Talented Mr. Ripley type of plot with an interloper who's injected himself into the wealthy orbit of movie star Lana Farrar.
My only issue with it is the pacing. The first half is a pretty traditional murder mystery, but a slow burn. The second half is a jaw-dropping, unhinged roller coaster. Stick with it! I did not see the twists coming at all.

Bottom line: It's not The Silent Patient, but you'll still enjoy going along for the ride. Out on January 16th!

This was a captivating story that moved very quickly. The theatrical structure, coupled with short chapters, a broken fourth wall, and the questionable reliability of the narrator kept me hooked until the end. The narrator of this tale is a complicated person, to say the least. But my heart goes out to The Kid.

The Fury is a locked-room mystery about 7 people on an island in Greece. It's full of secrets, backstabbing, and a flare for the dramatic, It's also a love letter to play writing and Greek tragedies (I definitely Googled some of the references throughout). I've long been a fan of Agatha Christie and more recently, Knives Out. So, when I heard that one of my favorite authors was writing this type of story, I was very excited. And The Fury didn't disappoint.

I really enjoyed this one!

Elliot, the unreliable and unhinged narrator, leads you down many paths before the story finally resolves itself. I enjoyed his way of telling the story because it felt similar to how I tell stories- starting in one direction, then wandering a bit in other directions before ending up where I meant to all along.

I bet this book was fun to write for Alex Michaelides and it was definitely fun for me to read!

I had recently read another murder mystery book set in Greece and was worried that it would influence how I felt about this one. Not to worry! This one is unique, and the distinct way the story is told makes it fresh and entertaining.

If you like a tale that will keep you guessing until the very end and have you questioning all of the characters, this is the one for you!

Thank you to #netgalley for this ARC of #thefury

This book easily holds your attention while you try to figure out what happened at the island. There are twists and turns in the plot that were slightly predictable, however I truly did not expect the climax or the ending to unfold the way they did.

I also really enjoyed the narrator's interaction with the reader, keeping you guessing as to whether they are reliable by giving a disclaimer that they will do their best to recount the events accurately but that it is entirely from their perspective.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to be on the edge of their seat the entire duration of the novel.

4.5 stars I like his unexpected and twisted stories. Enjoyed this one much more than the last book. Thank you #NetGalley for this advanced copy.

I loved the Silent Patient and was so excited to have a chance to read the Fury. From the first pages I was drawn in by the narrator the short chapters the twists and turns.There was no way I could of predicted the final pages the ending so well written enjoyed from beginning to-the last pages.#netgalley #celadonbooks

I was nervous going in as I loved The Silent Patient but never read The Maidens yet. I enjoyed the format of this one. I loved the short chapters and enjoyed the pov. It kept me wanting to know what would happen. I wouldn’t say this was super twisty, but did enjoy it. I can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next.

Thanks to Netgalley and Celadon books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Publish date January 16, 2024

First and foremost I would like to thank Netgalley and the publishing company for allowing me to read the ARC version of this novel! Thank y’all so much!

If you’re a lover of theatric dramatic thrillers, this is the novel for you.

Caught between love, lust, and lies; we wind up on a Greek Isle with seven people who all have something to hide.

Elliot who is our narrator, easily captivates the reader with his perception of his friends and how they all pretty much have something to hide. He is blinded by love in his friend Lana and when she doesn’t love him back, all hell breaks loose.

The Fury leaves somebody dead; but who?

••••

Such a twister of a thriller. This is the first book from Alex Michaelides that I have read that felt as if a movie was playing my head.

I loved whoe the book was written as if it was a play which made me as a reader, want to devour the whole book in one sitting.

This book completely shocked me in the best way. There is no way to predict all of the twists and turns. I was captivated throughout but especially during the last third of the book. Read the Silent Patient first or skip the epilogue.

I could have not asked for another thing from a thriller! From the opening lines of this book, I already knew he’d done it again! Perhaps even better than his previous works, The Fury will leave you on the edge of your seat. Twist after twist after jaw dropping twist, I could not have asked for a better book to ring the new year in with. If you think you know what’s going on, keep reading. This deeply intellectual psychological thriller is one that’s somehow still incredibly palatable for anyone! As I was reading, it was incredibly obvious that Alex worships Agatha’s work. (Rightly so, she is the queen) the characters were wonderful in this. I pictured them in my mind as I was reading. In my fancast: Faruza Baulk playing Kate. Lana Del Rey as Lana. (Because if you’re a fan it seems like too much of a coincidence in description of character not to be at least a loose inspiration? I could be way off base here but it seemed like an amalgamation of Lana Del Rey Meets Marilyn Monroe as an expat set in Modern Day Greece!) I pictured Leo as played by Jacob Tremblay. Elliot I pictured as being Jeremy Allen White and Jason as Finn Wittrock. When I read I always do fancasts, especially Alex’s work since he originally wrote movie manuscripts.

Speaking of, if you’re a big fan like me, you’ll recognize not one but TWO familiar characters of his, and when I say I SQUEALED and embarrassed the heck out of myself I am not over exaggerating. This book was everything you want. Intense, anxiety inducing, thrilling, clever, intelligent, plotted to perfection absolute genius! If you’re triggered easily by abusive situations, you may want to proceed with caution. Bu!lying is depicted in decent enough detail here and this book has vague descriptions of child neg!lect and verbal @buse. All of these depictions are brief and very necessary for you to have a clear picture of the character and their motivations. I remain in absolute awe and am so thankful to have received an ARC digital copy from celadon books. I will absolutely never review a book anything other than my genuine thoughts after reading it. My honest to goodness conclusion to the lengthy review this book deserves- PICK THIS BOOK UP! YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH ALEX MICHAELIDES! I’ll be picking up a copy myself ASAP and eagerly await more work from this absolute thriller master! I may be sitting in a disassociative fugue the next couple days just thinking about how brilliant this book is!

I've seen mixed reviews about this one, but I really enjoyed it and had fun with it (maybe my expectations were lower because of the bad reviews?). I thought the unreliable narrator and breaking of the 4th wall made it an interesting read. The story/twists were figure-outable and not anything crazy, but I think the way the narrator told the story kept me intrigued. The short chapters made it easy to binge.

I'm excited to hear what the author has to say about this book and his others in a few weeks at a talk I'm going to!

Thanks to NetGalley, BookishFirst, and the publisher for the ARC! Review live now on GoodReads and StoryGraph.