As a former HS librarian, Carol Ann was a triggering character. LOVED the book though and all the other characters, especially Indirah. Loved that it is a local author and places mentioned are places I know. This book not only pokes fun at Florida's uniqueness but it is a good mirror to what is happening in our country right now.

The Namaste Club is a WILD ride. Told through different narrators, the story follows five individuals who join their yoga teacher, Shakti, for a 'Transcendence Week' at the Namaste Club. The week promises healing and rejuvenation and also lots of secrets. I really enjoyed how the author included authentic feeling Florida characters from different walks of life.
*Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*

I read Pink Houses by Asha Ellis and absolutely loved it, so I was excited to dive into The Namaste Club. Overall, I liked it and found myself wanting to get back to the book to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed the structure—how each chapter focused on a different character—which helped keep the story fresh and gave some great insight into their individual perspectives.

Even though I know nothing about yoga, the setting and concept still drew me in. The storyline unfolded in a way I didn’t expect, which I appreciated. That said, by the end, I found myself feeling a little over it. I’m not exactly sure why—maybe it just lost some momentum for me.

All in all, I’m still a fan of Asha Ellis and would definitely read more of her work. This one didn’t hit quite as hard as Pink Houses for me, but it was still a worthwhile read.

Thank you for the early read.

I get that this was a satirical look at residents of Florida, Republicans, and people of the Jewish faith, but I found it to be too much and took me out of the story. Was a shame because I loved the author’s previous book.

The Namaste Club is an engrossing story about a group of women (and one man) who go on a yoga retreat. The story goes back and forth between the lead up/early days of the retreat and when the unexpected happens. I enjoyed the book. I feel like the characters were fleshed out, although I’m not sure I liked any of them except maybe the women who manage the retreat space. And they aren’t real integral to the story. I would recommend this book. You’ll be glad you read it.

I believe this is meant to be satire and if it isn’t it definitely reads that way. This was extremely over the top and a bit boring.

Thank you William Morrow for the gifted ARC!

The bitchiness that I loved from Elias' first novel is back with a VENGEANCE in The Namaste Club. Every. Single. Character. is somehow the worst, but I ate it right up. Any book that gives me reality TV vibes is always a yes.

It's worth noting this is definitely a witty, satirical read. If you're expecting something more along the lines of her first novel, I think you may want to manage expectations. I went in just expecting to have a good time and I did.

I will continue to read anything Elias writes! The Namaste Club pub date is July 1.

“The Namaste Club” is by Asha Elias. I guess this book is a mystery, though I’d say that satire with their lovely stereotypes was the main focus. This book follows six people - only five give their stories - as they spend a week at a yoga retreat. Two of the women are best friends Jessica and Indira. One woman is someone they know - Barbara - who for this retreat has decided on a week of silence. The newest woman, Carol Anne, joins the group to escape from her town. The leader, Shakti, is a yoga teacher who runs the retreat. I really have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, the stereotypes were a bit over the top, but that’s the point of satire. However, some parts of the book just weren’t for me. I understand the wildness of the book - but at times it felt like so many things were happening in strange ways that instead of being funny it felt like I was reading a B-movie screwball comedy from the 1930s. I think if one is okay with a bit of political stereotyping and over-the-top things about Florida, this might be a book you’d like to read. For me, it was okay - but not really my jam.

Another highly entertaining book from Asha Elias!! I laughed out loud many times. Being a Florida native, I understood many of the references and thoroughly enjoyed the sarcasm/satire way Asha portrays the characters and certain stereotypes. I enjoyed the mutiple POVs of several characters. Pure entertainment and a great summer (or anytime) read!

“We all contain multitudes.” – The Namaste Club

3.5 ⭐ This is the perfect quote to encompass this book because it was certainly full of multitudes! This was a wild ride.

With a cast of characters with strong – and heavily stereotyped – personalities, fair warning that this book may not be for everyone. The author packs every single “trendy” stereotype, cliche, and reference into the storyline, which I think is meant to be over-the-top in a humorous, satirical way, but I found distracting at times. I also fear that it makes the book a bit “one note”, as in, it’s incredibly relevant at this singular point in time when it's being published, but will likely not stand the test of time.

As someone who practices yoga, I could fully appreciate the exaggerated “wellness” vibes of The Namaste Club. I could also understand a lot of what was being referenced. However, for any potential readers who have never practiced yoga, I could see how the heavy emphasis on that aspect may lose them.

That being said, I think there is a niche of readers out there who will devour this! I loved the unique structure of the book, where the story was mostly told in “real-time” through the experience of each of the participants, interspersed with the “after” chapters of the yoga teacher's police interview. It really lent itself to the concept that the same situation can be viewed completely differently based on your individual perspective and background, through the lens of what's going on in your life and what you're bringing from the outside world to the situation at hand. It also served to emphasize the tension in a fun “behind-the-scenes” way that kept you guessing.

All-in-all, a fun whodunit with a lot of secrets, overblown drama, some personal growth, and a mystery dead guy!

The Namaste Club is out July 1st! Thank you to Netgalley, Asha Elias, and William Morrow for this gifted ARC!

Four women attend a weeklong yoga retreat at The Namaste Club on the Florida coast. Among the women are best friends sex-positive Indira and her divorcee bestie Jessica, opinionated trad-wife Carol-Anne, and heiress Barbara who has committed to a vow of silence during her retreat. Shakti, their instructor and Daniel her apprentice have a full week of intense cleansing and healing in store…

In actuality, this group is full of big personalities, secrets, drama, and betrayal. The dynamic between these characters had me chuckling! Some of the situations they get themselves in… The ending was powerful and gratifying, even if I didn’t like some of the characters… I recommend this book to popcorn thriller lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley, Asha Elias, and William Morrow for my gifted ARC of The Namaste Club. I had such fun reading this sly, sharply observed, and delightfully satirical novel. If you’ve ever been tempted by a wellness retreat—or rolled your eyes at the Instagram version of one—you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this wild and witty story.

The setup is irresistible: a group of wealthy, often self-absorbed, and highly dysfunctional Floridians descend on the Namaste Club, a yoga center promising personal transformation (or at least a week away from reality). It’s Transcendence Week, led by serene influencer Shakti and her less-than-zen apprentice Daniel. Among the attendees are Indira, newly divorced and unapologetically embracing her freedom; her best friend Jessica, tentative about stepping back into the dating world; Barbara, the silent, possibly unhinged heiress; and Carol Anne, a gun-loving traditionalist who is not exactly Namaste material.

We know from the beginning that someone won’t survive the week, but the joy is in the journey. Elias masterfully weaves multiple points of view and timelines, giving us glimpses of each character’s motivations and secrets while keeping the tension simmering beneath the surface. I loved how every character—whether likable or not—felt fully fleshed out and had their own contradictions. No one here is a perfect hero or a complete villain, though some come closer than others.

The humor is biting and smart. Elias isn’t afraid to skewer the absurdities of modern wellness culture, influencer hypocrisy, and the dark underbelly of privilege. I laughed out loud at the meditation sessions interrupted by Carol Anne’s “prepper” paranoia and the yoga moments that dissolved into passive-aggressive competition. There’s also an alligator named Bubba, who quite literally steals the show in the best Florida-man tradition.

At the same time, the novel explores deeper themes—identity, grief, aging, friendship, and the uncomfortable intersections of belief and politics. I appreciated that Elias didn’t shy away from showing the cracks beneath her characters’ glossy exteriors. While the satire is sharp, it’s not entirely cynical; moments of genuine vulnerability break through the surface.

The pacing worked well for me. The short chapters and shifting perspectives kept the story moving, and though I figured out part of the twist early on, I still enjoyed watching it all unfold. The final reveal felt both surprising and oddly satisfying, with just the right amount of chaos.

If I had one minor quibble, it would be that at times the yoga jargon and wellness lingo could feel a bit repetitive. But honestly, that’s part of the satire, and it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.

The Namaste Club reminded me of White Lotus meets Nine Perfect Strangers, but with a distinctly Floridian flair and a more overt sense of humor. It’s a perfect beach or poolside read—fun, fast, and packed with memorable moments. I also loved the little nods to real-world wellness trends and the sly commentary on our obsession with curated lives and public performances of self-care.

Asha Elias has a gift for balancing entertainment with social critique, and I’ll happily pick up anything she writes in the future. If you’re looking for a clever, irreverent escape with a murder mystery twist, pour yourself a margarita and dive into The Namaste Club. Just remember—not everyone who checks in will be checking out.

4.25 stars for me. Grab your popcorn.
This was such a fun ride. Set in Florida, the Namaste Club is one part murder mystery, one part Gossip Girl.

Most of the characters are middle aged and having a cast of women with opposing world views made for some mesmerizing drama. The characters are all vibrant and slightly crazy. I love how Elias allows to watch all their worlds unravel and I couldn’t stop reading like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

If you are looking to satisfy an itch after you’ve binged White Lotus, this book is for you.

This would be great for a women’s book club.

There is some brief on page intimacy & a handful of f bombs for those who avoid that.

Forst, I grew uo in the arwa that the Namaste Club takes plaxe--the Treasure Coast of Florida. So I was heavily invested in the setting descriptions. A fun read about a yoga retreat center. Cleverly plotted and character driven. A fun read.

Perfect book for the summer pool/beach season! Very clever and funny and pokes fun at a variety of stereotypes..definitely caused both eye rolling and laughing out loud. Very Florida. Did the MAGA yogi get eaten by an alligator? No, but we can’t have everything I suppose. Would I change anything? Yes- WHY DID BUBBA HAVE TO DIE 😭

Thanks again to Asha Elias and William Morrow publishing for the free advance readers copy!

When I read the description of this book, it sounded like a fun read. It was supposed to be funny, and I love gossipy reads. And don't stay away from this book just because it wasn't my glass of wine. There are plenty of other readers/reviewers who think this is a great book.

What I got, however, was a political diatribe (depending on your stance) with a side order of 'let's make fun of those we don't agree with'. Stay away if you are a Republican. It was interesting to see that this author writes a story (Yes, it is fictional, I understand that) that makes Republicans look like gun-crazed, anti-everything, uneducated, bigoted, idiots. I also understand that authors are encouraged to write about what they know.

I am not a very political person, as such, but this book annoyed even me. Additionally, the very first chapter provided a vivid description of what a needy woman does with her battery-operated 'appliance'. No, just ick!

The yoga part was a bit heavy, and for the life of me, filled with sexual innuendo. I could not see where this story was going. Was this supposed to be a mystery? ( never did find out) A long-winded, inner dialogue-filled, never-ending 'poor me' story?

I don't know, and I don't care to find out. I think 50% is enough to say this book was not for me.


*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley.

I really give this a 3.5, but I’ll round up. I adored Pink Glass Houses so I was pumped to see this on my NetGalley dashboard… and it just didn’t do it for me. It droned on for too long and the big twist at the end wasn’t played out enough for me…

What did work was the quirky sides of these characters and the serenity of the yoga club. Elias’ writing style is top notch and an auto-read for me, I just didn’t love this story. It took too long to get to the exciting things and changing the characters so often had me confused! So many characters, not a lot happening, just didn’t land with me! But I will still continue to support this author and her books!

I truly enjoyed the catty wit and characters in The Namaste Club by Asha Elias. Overall, the book is an easy read that draws you in and keeps you engaged, offering a modern day whodunnit, with unique characters who will make you chuckle!

I was really excited to read this book because I loved Pink Houses, but unfortunately this one didn't come together for me.

The story is set at a yoga retreat and from the start you know someone has died and who it it. The story is told from multiple viewpoints which works well. I've read some novels where the characters for the multiple POVs were too similar and keeping them straight was a chore, but hear they're each very distinct. And not that likable. I know many readers may not care about that but generally I want to be rooting for at least someone and while the characters range from quirky to flawed to all out 'Florida woman' -- I was not deeply invested in any of them.

I'm sure many readers will enjoy this book but for me the more I read the more disappointed I became. It just didn't measure up to the author's last book.

!! I didn’t know what I was getting in to! Some obscene language and some graphic sexual situations. Apparently, you don’t have to be crazy to live in Florida, but almost everyone else is.
Some funny and effective skewering of ‘new age-y‘ practices and beliefs, some equally realistic glimpses of a life that does not go quite as you planned, and some terrifying profiles of truly despicable characters - buffed, tanned, and coifed into superficially attractive people, and all the more dangerous for it. The narrative carried me along, and I didn’t figure out ‘whodunnit’ until close to the satisfying, if a little very convenient, end.