Definitely an interesting read. Anyone looking for an edge-of-your-seat mystery may end up being a little disappointed as this novel tends to be very slow paced, and takes more of an atmospheric approach to the genre. Although not what I was expecting I think it will linger with me for a long time.

I sped through the beginning of this title and then almost DNF once I got 3/4 through. You knew what was coming and the suspense seemed forced. I didn’t like any of the characters and really nothing was redeeming about anyone or anything. A bit of a disappointment.

Wow. This book was amazing and I could not put it down. I'm still thinking about it, days later. It's one of those books that you immediately need to talk to someone about it and that, to me, is the sign of an incredible writer. Paula Hawkins ceases to amaze me with her brilliant character development and plot lines. Highly recommend.

Of all the Paula Hawkins novels I've read, this felt the most human. Every character was a deep dive and had real motivations - so much grey area in the Blue Hour! This felt less of a murder mystery and more of a study in human nature... dealing with passion, depression, love, lust, jealousy, paranoia, loneliness. The novel is a real tour deforce of internal struggles, even leading to an ending that is left ambiguous. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I really feel its beautiful step in the author's writing.

The Blue Hour - Paula Hawkins
Pub Date: October 29, 2024
Rating: 2/5

Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The Blue Hour surrounds a well known artist, who passed away from cancer and lived on an isolated island where she created most of her work. A recent discovery brings into question what happened on that island and how many bodies are buried there.

To be honest, this was a total miss for me. It was incredibly slow paced and I read an entire book before finishing this one. It was almost an DNF. The author takes the reader at a snail's pace and most of the pages are just descriptive language with nothing actually happening until you get 75% through the book. Even then, the ending is predictable, and just....disappointing. This story had potential, but sadly let me down.

a fast paced page turner until the end. I couldn't put this one down until I got to the end. Once you pick this up, you won't be able to put it down. If you love Girl On The Train, you will love this as well! I highly recommend for all mystery/thriller lovers out there.

An interesting mix of mystery, psychological thriller, and women's fiction. A bit less psychological thriller than Hawkins' previous titles, but it does come around to that in the end. Some great character development and intrigue throughout this novel.

Interesting plot with the world of art and artists in the background. Paula Hawkins fans will enjoy.

Hawkins weaves gorgeous descriptions of an isolated island retreat into her psychological thriller art mystery. Other reviewers didn't like the multi genre interludes, but I did. There is a lot to track here, but the twist at the end is worth it.

A compelling story of a gifted artist living on an isolated Scottish island and the mystery surrounding her missing husband.

Richly atmospheric with lush descriptions of the island, the characters are well drawn and intriguing. The story keeps you guessing to the end.

I am disappointed in this book - I was really looking forward to it but couldn't get into it, not for a lack of trying. Perhaps it was the format of back and forth in time mixed with old correspondence, diary pages and present day. It just was not interesting, only frustrating. Apologies to the publisher as it was definitely a DNF for me. Appreciate the ARC though.

On a remote Scottish island - only accessible 12 hours out of 24 - a woman, Gale, takes care of all of the art that a now dead artist, whom she also cared for, created. She also protects the artist's home, in which she now resides.

A theft occurs that unites three people on the island. This psychological thriller takes the reader on a winding path, as the reader seeks the resolution to the mystery.

I was looking for a fast paced mystery/thriller that would be impossible to put down so maybe this just wasn't a good fit.

If you like twisty psychological mysteries with multiple pov, this is for you!

I didn't care for any of the characters and I love rich character driven books, so that's always tough for me when I can't find anyone to root for.

When a famous art piece is thought to have a human bone in part of it, scandal ensues. Where did the bone come from? Is it human? Who could it be?

Years ago, the artist's husband disappeared and was never seen again, is it him? Could someone be mistaken and it is an animal bone? Follow along in this twisty tale.

Eris island is only reachable by car twice a day with the tide. Grace, Vanessa's remaining friend, lives on the island alone. Grace is a loner but is also deeply lonely.

Becker has always been obsessed with Vanessa as an artist and a person. He reads everything he can get his hands on and knows everything about her work. When the bone mystery arises, he is first to head to Eris to speak with Grace and see what she may know.

I am super picky about psychological thrillers, so it's possible you will absolutely love it!



Thank you to netgalley for an ARC to enjoy.

Sadly not a favorite, but the twist was good! The book felt a bit long, doctors are supposed to be good,they take the Hippocratic oath, but not all doctors follow that creed

So I really loved The Girl On The Train and maybe I’ve been hoping that her new books will live up to that, but I gotta say, good or not, this was utterly confusing. I wanted to trek through because I’ve heard so many good things about it, but I’m nearly halfway through and I still have no idea what’s going on. I will pick it up again later to try to make heads or tails out of the characters and plot, but for now I’m sadly putting it down.

I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

P.S. I just realized I had the same problem with her last two books. I tried reading Into The Water and A Slow Fire Burning but never finished either books.

It's been awhile since Hawkins' last book, but it's been worth the wait!! Once again she starts you on a roller coaster ride and leaves you hanging at the top until the very end. I gave this book 4 stars only because it dragged on a little too long, but otherwise great book. Thanks for the advanced copy!!

Two decades ago, Julian Chapman vanished into thin air, leaving behind a mystery that remained unsolved. His spouse, Vanessa, an artist of remarkable talent and mystery, displayed little sorrow at his disappearance, given Julian's reputation as a chronic philanderer. However, Vanessa's demise changes the game, bequeathing her substantial estate—valued at a staggering seven million dollars—to the Fairburn Foundation. Enter James Becker, an art curator entrusted with managing Vanessa's legacy, much to the chagrin of Grace Haswell, Vanessa's companion for two decades.

When unforeseen circumstances thrust James and Grace together, the long-buried questions surrounding Julian's disappearance resurface. With intertwining timelines, epistolary elements, and the backdrop of a secluded Scottish isle accessible only at low tide, this narrative unfolds as a gripping locked-room mystery.

The pace is relentless, the tension palpable, and the twists keep readers guessing until the final page. My nerves are shot through, a testament to the narrative's gripping intensity.

A heartfelt thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to delve into this digital copy!

When friendship becomes toxic is the theme of this book. A friend becomes jealous and angry their benenevolent intentions can quickly become malevolent.

DNF @ 24%--too slowly paced, couldn't connect with any of the unlikable characters, wasn't hooked on the mystery, just didn't come together for me

What a classic Paula Hawkins ride! I loved the dead artist’s letter and journal entries and the obsessive friend/estate manager angle. Plus all on an island. I did see one twist coming but was shocked at how it unfolded. Very dark and twisty and satisfying.