What a great read. Constantly wondering what was going to happen next.

3 friends, Kelsey, Lauren and May decide to get together and end up going to the Hamptons for a relaxing time. All three have all had big traumas in the past that put them in the public spotlight and they have bonded over that. While the ladies are in the hamptons, a man disappears and they somehow get wrapped up into the mess since they crossed paths with him briefly one night when they went out. What happened to this man? What secrets are the girls hiding from each other?

Pros
Great edge of your sit gripping who dunnit story
Just when you think you are right, you aren’t!

Cons
Could have intertwined more actually happening between May and Nate outside of just that they dated in the past
Actions of the characters could be frustrating sometimes

I have read other Burke books that I really enjoyed. Honestly I was disappointed in this one.

This is the story of three friends who met at summer camp many years ago. Each has their own story and secrets. An immature prank goes wrong that sets up the story.

I was confused at times trying to keep the girls separate in my mind.

For me it was a slow start and didn't really pick up until much later. There were some surprises, but overall mostly predictable.

Thanks to netgalley and Knopf for the arc.

Recommended for: mystery lovers

Summary: May takes a much needed vacation to the Hamptons with her friends Lauren and Kelsey. While trying to get a parking spot, on their first night there, a couple pulls in ahead of them and steals it. In retaliation, they write a nasty note to leave on the car stating that the man is a cheater. As a group, they decide not to leave it, and laugh it off. However, after a few drinks, Kelsey changes her mind and leaves the note. The following day, the group wakes up to find posters stating that the driver of the other car is now missing. Do the cops know of the note and who wrote it? Does one of the girls’ past intersect with the missing man? Can their friendships survive so much drama?

Review: This book was a slow journey to me liking it, but I was hooked by the end! The author kept hinting at character pasts that were not yet explained to the readers, which made me feel like I was missing an important piece of the puzzle. Plus, there was an abundant amount of back stories and characters to keep track of! I did enjoy the fact that the author utilized real life consequences of the Covid Pandemic

A fun, fast-paced thriller that kept me turning the pages. The story centers around a get-away girls' trip that takes an unexpected turn following a seemingly harmless prank. Three female friends who experienced very public embarrassments in their respective pasts (and have been "cancelled" essentially) head to the Hamptons for a reunion, though one of them (May) is reluctant to go on this trip for various reasons. May, Kelsey, and Lauren's relationship started many years prior at a summer camp and those early years factor into the present day mystery that emerges on what should have been a relaxing weekend away. On one of their dinner outings, they leave a note on the windshield of a car that cuts them off when they are searching for parking near the restaurant. The events that follow spiral out of control very quickly and take the three on an expected journey involving murder, an arrest, and a trial. Was the note that triggered these events simply a terrible coincidence or was it more sinister than it originally seemed?

I liked the past and present elements of the story, especially as they showed how the relationships evolved as the women moved from their teen years into college and beyond. I felt like the tension that can exist in long-term female relationships that start out in youth but evolve going into adulthood (particularly in the late 20s/early 30s) was well represented in this trio's dynamic. The struggle of deciding whether to continue the relationship out of inertia or to cut ties when the friendship may have run its course rang true. At times, I found the characters' behavior and decisions incredibly frustrating. But. I felt that they were necessary to propel the story forward. I felt like the author did an excellent job in tying up various plot elements and I found the story's pacing superb. Many thanks to the publisher for providing a NetGalley copy of this thriller!

This book was really good. The characters were fleshed out pretty good with the exception of May. You only get a half-assed explanation of why she is the way she is. None of the ladies were perfect and they definitely all had their flaws. The men on the other hand were dbags with the exception of Carter. The ending was left up in the air but the case was definitely closed. Really good from Burke.

Thank for my copy from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

What was supposed to be a fun trip to the Hamptons for old friends takes turn when they pull a prank on someone, but what really happened?
I enjoyed this book and was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what really happened, you will be too!

Loved the premise but not the execution. The touted "harmless prank" at the center of the story was actually pretty mean-spirited. That aside, the story dragged a bit waffling back and forth in time and the three main characters were pretty unlikeable, so much so I found I wasn't rooting for any of them.

Despite that I soldered on because I was pretty sure I solved the case very early on and wanted to confirm my detective skills. Much of the storyline was pretty predictable but fans of the author and these sorts of formulaic mystery/suspense books will likely enjoy it far more than I did. Rate it 2.5 stars but rounded up because half stars aren't an option.

Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and Alfred A. Knopf/Penguin Random House LLC (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

I was not a fan of this thriller, there were so many social issues brought up that I really didn’t want to read about. When I am reading a thriller I tend to enjoy a fun story I can escape into , this story was not fun,the characters were not likable and the story felt a little predictable. The writing was good and this book may have just not been for me but with that said I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

Alafair Burke is always one of my top authors! This is one of those novels that would play out so much differently if the characters would just COMMUNICATE. Unfortunately, everyone has their reasons and secrets.

THE NOTE by Alafair Burke is a tightly paced, gripping novel that traces back the threads of a faraway trio of friends coming back together for a vacation in the Hamptons. When a seemingly innocent prank links them to a man’s disappearance, their friendship is tested to its limits. How well do they really know each other?

I enjoyed the building tension and revelations woven into the narrative here through multiple points of view and tightly integrated flashbacks. A sharply written, satisfying read! Thanks to Knopf Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

While I was really excited to read this book, I just could get into it. The pushed through hoping it would get better and while it did towards the end, the entire book just didn't connect with me. There were too many different aspects that made me connect. I do think everyone should read it and develop their own opinions

2.5 rounded up

3 long distance friends get together for a short vacation only to find out they are all hiding secrets. Some more dangerous than others. Do they band together or turn on each other?

This psychological thriller was an easy read that kept my attention from the very beginning.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Note by Alafair Burke is a gripping exploration of friendship, secrets, and the ripple effects of past decisions. The story centers on May Hanover, a once “perfect” girl raised under the watchful eye of her first-generation Chinese single mother. May’s disciplined upbringing earned her the nickname “Little Sheriff,” a reflection of her strict adherence to rules and high expectations. But beneath her good-girl façade lie the burdens of secrets and regrets tied to her closest friends, Lauren and Kelsey. The trio’s friendship, forged during childhood and tested by a tragic accident and personal scandals, is reignited during a weekend reunion in the Hamptons. What begins as a lighthearted getaway turns dark when a drunken prank involving two strangers takes a chilling turn. Burke masterfully uses this event to unravel the layers of the women’s shared history, exposing guilt, betrayal, and the consequences of long-hidden truths.

Burke’s writing is sharp, evocative, and emotionally charged. The pacing is meticulously crafted, with gradual revelations that keep the tension taut throughout the narrative. Burke employs flashbacks and multiple perspectives seamlessly, allowing readers to piece together the intricacies of May’s past and the deep-seated complexities of her relationships.

The Note delves deeply into themes of friendship, guilt, and the enduring impact of past actions. It questions the limits of loyalty and forgiveness, asking readers to consider how far one should go to protect those they care about. The novel also explores cultural expectations and the pressure to maintain appearances, particularly through May’s relationship with her mother and her struggle to reconcile her upbringing with her adult choices.

Alafair Burke’s The Note is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that combines emotional depth with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Through her masterful storytelling, Burke crafts a narrative that is as much about the bonds of friendship as it is about the consequences of our choices. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and resonant themes, The Note will leave readers reflecting on the complexities of loyalty, forgiveness, and the enduring scars of the past.

Thank you to Knopf Publishing for providing this copy via NetGalley for my honest and voluntary review. #NetGalley #TheNote

A prank during a girls' weekend upturns their lives....

...again.

May, Kelsey and Lauren became friends at a music summer camp years ago despite their many differences: May, raised by her Chinese mother to excel and above all be "good" but abandoned by the father she never knew; Kelsey, the beautiful and popular daughter of a wealthy Boston businessman rumored to have ties to unsavory types; and Lauren, a prodigy talent who given the color of her skin has felt that she had to work harder to succeed. For many years, May and Kelsey were the tightest of BFF's (May even dated Kelsey's stepbrother for a while),but grew apart, leaving it to Lauren to become the glue that would hold their friendships together. They have recently reconnected and rejuvenated their relationship, in large part due to something they have each experienced....each has been savaged on social media, May becoming known as the Asian DA Karen for a video clip of her accusing a black man in the subway of racist and threatening behavior, Lauren of achieving professional success due to her affair with an older married (and white) man, and Kelsey suspected of involvement in the murder of her soon-to-have-been-ex-husband. They meet up in the Hamptons for some in-person fun and relaxation, but a night out on the town takes a turn when an attractive couple steals a parking space from them and the three women jokingly write a note to stick under the offenders' windshield wipers to torque them up. Kelsey, pretty drunk, unbeknownst to the other two actually puts the note. in place instead of keeping it as a memento of their night. When the male half of the couple turns up on missing posters days later, they can't agree on whether to report their brief sighting of him on the night in qyestion or just stay mum and keep themselves off radar....none of the three has any desire to become the focus of online gossip again. When things get ugly fast, will their friendship survive the police investigation and the unforgiving glare of public attention?
With plenty of twists to the plot and a story that unfolds layer by layer to reveal past indiscretions and current fault lines, this is a page turner that grabbed my attention from the get-go and didn't let up. Each of the three female friends has a layered background, though I found it hard to form an attachment to any of them; the men were a bit more two-dimensional, but the story was a zinger and kept me hooked. A few of the plot devices seemed a bit over the top, and the elements of racism which both May and Lauren experienced were more told than shown. Still, a great vacation read overall, and one that I certainly enjoyed. Fans of Mary Higgins Clark, Clémence Michallon and Harlan Coben as well as readers who have enjoyed author Alafair Burke's previous novels should pick up a copy and give it a try. My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for allowing me early access to a copy of this hard-to-put-down thirller.

Rounded from 3.5 stars.

What happens when three women who are all "cancelled" reunite for a weekend in the Hamptons? Chaos. Pure chaos.
This one was a fun read! It took me a little to get hooked into it and understand the relationship dynamics between the characters. Overall it was a quick and easy read that kept me guessing. I did pick up some hints on the twist but was still surprised to see how it all came together in the end.

I think everyone would enjoy this and it makes a great vacation thriller read!

Thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book felt slow. I’m not sure the author’s writing style is for me. It came across as very long-winded and the point seemed to drag on and on. At one point, I counted a 72 word sentence. While this bothered me, I do believe it was to mimic the characters line of thought. The sentences felt longer when the characters minds were moving quickly. Following along a group of woman whose friendship seems to work within a hierarchy was very interesting. Wanting to be liked or please the others led to the characters making choices that disappointed you. May’s relationship with her fiance was talked about often but in my opinion it didn’t add much to the story and I could’ve done without it. There are other ways to show that she was acting out of character than a side character who didn’t add much. I did appreciate the mystery and having no idea where the story was going to go. It took me until around 60% to get really invested and it had my heart racing. Sadly, the ending was exactly as I predicted from around 50% of the way through. Despite that, it was still an interesting read but the ending felt rushed. I would’ve liked more focus on the criminal trial.

My first novel from Alafair Burke did not disappoint. I initially picked this up as I've always loved Mary Higgins Clark and I've seen Alafair Burke cowriting books with her. I also love thrillers and this seemed perfect.

Three close friends haven't seen each other in person since before the pandemic. All three super close after attending and working at a summer camp for musical prodigies. May, a lawyer- recovering from a nasty social media event where she was continually called out. Kelsey, the all American girl next door with a a rich family- her soon to be ex husband turned up dead after a supposed robbery and Lauren, a slightly older role model to the girls who was having an illicit affair with the camp's owner and benefactor. All three have secrets to hide. When a seemingly innocent prank ends up with the three girls being questioned by the police. A man goes missing and things start to get weird.

I loved the relationships in this book. The dynamic between the three women was great. I can't say as much for the men in the book. I feel like they could have been better and less stereotypical. The storyline was fast moving and suspenseful. The setting is one of my favorites- NYC. I don't know much about the author's background but from the book it seems obvious that she has a background in law. The verbiage around the legal details in this book definitely screams insider POV. Being in a field that is often written about- I appreciate the behind the scenes language and view of how the legal system works on a day to day basis.

Other than some character issues with the men in this book I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. I would read more from this author.

This book was really good. I felt that the ending was rushed, but otherwise turned out as predicted, no surprise ending. I liked the companionship of the 3 girls and their individual stories. I would recommend this book.

I’ve been on a thriller kick so when I had the opportunity to read Alafair Burke’s “The Note,” I jumped at the chance. After spending time with these ladies, dealing with a murder mystery in the Hamptons (gasp!) I’m glad I did.

Not everything worked: Something I personally struggle with when reading books like this is keeping characters’ names straight. Unfortunately, there were times I had to reread passages to make sure I had it correct.

Otherwise, this page turner will get its hooks into you and won’t let go in this (mostly) unpredictable thriller. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Knopf, for this ARC.

Three friends get into real trouble when a prank goes horribly wrong. May, Kelsey and Lauren have been friends for a long time, but they hardly ever actually see each other. Planning a getaway to a posh resort town is their chance to rediscover their friendships again and to just relax. That was the plan until one of them leaves a note on a windshield and the driver ends up dead. There are so many twists in this fast-paced page turner that it was head-spinning. I suspected one person after another and was wrong every time because the red herrings are so well executed. The characters are realistic and dynamic. My favorite was May Hanover, the lawyer who stops at nothing to investigate the truth, even if one of her best friends is implicated. The interactions and banter between the characters was very entertaining and the tie-in to the death of Kelsey’s husband was brilliantly woven into the mystery. This book had me turning pages far into the night and unable to put it down. With a relevant storyline and lots of drama, this novel is one that goes to the top of my list for must read books this year.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”