Oh no. No no no no.

I was willing to overlook some less-than-great writing since this was a debut, even when details were actively contradicting each other (two people sat down at a table together, but then one of them took a step back away from the other?).

But then I was getting the ick from the fact that this took place in Thailand but you met literally only white people and one Asian man who wasn’t Thai. It was like creepy expat colonization.

Then I was getting the ick from the Cass’ secret shame being Xanax. She and anyone who found out she took it acted like Xanax was heroine.

THEN I was just so freaking bored because the plot was moving slow as molasses and I was under the weight of all of these characters’ “terrible secrets” with no end in sight. So I looked up spoilers on here and found out enough to skim until the end to see it with my own eyes. ALL OF A SUDDEN everyone was terrible?? Except Cass and Lucy’s surprise friend and Daniel, who wasn’t actually a rapist. Wtf is happening.

Then that epilogue?? You’re doing too much, girl, we didn’t need all that.

Even then I might have given this drivel 2 stars if the author hadn’t thrown in a random inconsequential character who “served” in the IDF. Oh yeah? That’s just his random backstory? That’s why he has PTSD and even needed a backstory? Ooooookkkkkkkk.

This was a middle of the ground read for me. Didn't love it, didn't dislike it. Just couldn't connect to story.

Candidly I don't have a lot to say about this one. It was fine, I listened to it quickly, and a couple weeks later I only sort of remember it. Not much stuck out to me, everything felt ultra over-dramatic, and honestly the ending just felt like a little bit of a cop-out. If you're a big thriller fan and read a bunch of them, dive in and enjoy! If you need your thrillers to have a little extra "something" to make them enjoyable for you, maybe give this one a skip.

An island of misfits.

This book was so intriguing from page one. I enjoyed the alternating POV, though at times it was difficult to distinguish between Cass and Brooke and I’d forget whose chapter I was reading. I think I pegged every character as the killer at some point so the ending was pretty surprising. A found family, a ton of secrets, and an epilogue that’ll blow your mind. This was a fun read with a chaotic over the top ending that will have you flying through those final pages.

A tropical paradise turns sinister in this locked-island thriller. With strangers harboring secrets and danger lurking behind every smile, the suspense builds steadily. A quick, eerie read that fans of The White Lotus and The Guest List will devour.

What a twisty ending! 🤯 I thought I knew exactly who the killer was the whole way through but wow was I wrong. This was the perfect summery thriller, set on a tropical island in Thailand. With a tight-knit group of friends, secrets everywhere, and the bodies piling up, this is one vacation destination, I'm ok sitting out on. It was a really fast read with short chapters and I can't wait for this author's next book!!!

Sara Ochs’ The Resort is a gripping psychological thriller that transports readers to the sun-soaked shores of Koh Sang, Thailand—where paradise is anything but idyllic. This debut novel stands out in the crowded thriller genre by blending atmospheric tension with deeply flawed characters, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries. Unlike many thrillers that rely solely on plot twists, The Resort thrives on its immersive setting and morally complex characters. The island itself feels like a character—beautiful yet dangerous, a place where secrets lurk beneath the surface. Ochs masterfully builds suspense, ensuring that every interaction feels loaded with hidden motives.

Cass Morris has built a new life as a dive instructor on Koh Sang, far from the past she’s desperate to forget. She’s surrounded by the Permanents, a tight-knit group of expats who have also found refuge on the island. But when a dive student turns up dead, Cass realizes that paradise has its own dark undercurrents. Meanwhile, Brooke, a travel influencer, arrives with her own agenda—one that threatens to unravel the island’s carefully guarded secrets. As tensions rise, both women must navigate a web of deception, danger, and survival.

The alternating perspectives of Cass and Brooke add layers of intrigue, keeping readers guessing about their true intentions. The pacing is sharp, with well-timed reveals that heighten the suspense without feeling forced. I would have liked to learn more about The Permanents—the group of expats central to the story. I feel like we didn't get into them enough for the complexity.

Final thoughts!
With its exotic setting, morally ambiguous characters, and escalating tension, it’s a perfect pick for fans of We Were Never Here or The Guest List. If you’re looking for a vacation read that delivers more than just escapism, this one is worth diving into.

The Resort is a thriller filled with mystery and intrigue. Cass is a dive instructor on an island in Thailand. Unexpectedly a dive student is found dead. And something in the story does not add up. This book is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing about what really happened. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC,

The Resort is a fast-paced thriller set against the lush and tropical beauty of Thailand. With complex characters and an intriguing plot, this compelling story is full twists and turns.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

The Resort by Sara Ochs is a thrilling and intense story that, at times, felt almost overwhelming in its complexity. Despite this, I was captivated by the suspense and found myself repeatedly surprised by the unexpected twists. The final twist, in particular, left me both shocked and disturbed, making for a powerful ending. The backstories of the two main characters, Cass and Brooke, were fascinating, and the author skillfully connected their journeys, building a compelling and intricate narrative. It’s a gripping story that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

The setting—a beautiful Thai island—was vividly brought to life, with descriptions of sunrises over the water and the relaxing feeling of sipping a drink while taking in the view. The island felt like a place where everyone was running from something, with some characters carrying much darker secrets than others. The twists came fast and furiously, and by the end, I was left questioning everything I thought I knew. The suspense was built so effectively that I was left in a constant state of shock and intrigue, moving from horror to awe.

Overall, The Resort is a fast-paced, suspense-filled novel that will keep you guessing until the very last page. If you enjoy a tense, page-turning mystery, I highly recommend this book.

I really struggled to get through this book. I'm not sure if it was because there were a lot of characters, but not a lot of connection to them, or if it was the setting that I didn't really connect with. No matter what the actual issue may be, I just found this book lacking. I think another reader may enjoy this though, so I wouldn't discourage others from reading it!

"Welcome to paradise. We hope you survive your stay..."
The Resort follows two women, a group of expats and then the murder that will bring their paradise collapsing down. This was a captivating and page turning read from beginning to end. I loved this vacation thriller and it takes place on a remote island in Thailand. This was written well and all of the characters in this were great. The book will keep you guessing until the very end and then the epilogue will be one that you do not want to miss. This is a perfect beach read! I loved this book and would recommend it to any reader especially to those you love thrillers. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this amazing read in exchange of my honest review of The Resort by Sara Ochs.

"The Resort" by Sara Ochs is a gripping debut thriller that breathes fresh life into the destination mystery genre. Set on the fictional Thai island of Koh Sang, this novel masterfully blends atmospheric storytelling with intricate plot twists.

The story alternates between two perspectives: Cass, a "Permanent" resident and scuba diving instructor, and Brooke, a social media influencer visiting the island. Both characters harbor secrets, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative. When a murder occurs, the paradise-like setting transforms into a claustrophobic backdrop for suspicion and danger.

Ochs excels at world-building, vividly bringing Koh Sang to life with its lush vegetation and turquoise waters. This idyllic scenery contrasts sharply with the dark undercurrents of the characters' hidden pasts, creating a palpable sense of tension throughout the novel.

The pacing is expertly handled, with a leisurely build-up in the first half giving way to a breakneck speed in the latter part as secrets unravel. Ochs demonstrates skill in planting clues and red herrings, ensuring that readers remain engaged and guessing until the end.

While some plot elements may feel familiar to genre enthusiasts, Ochs manages to subvert expectations with well-crafted twists. The final reveal, in particular, has been noted for its ability to surprise even seasoned thriller readers.

"The Resort" showcases Ochs' potential as a thriller writer, combining elements of Agatha Christie-style mysteries with modern themes of identity and reinvention. Her background as a law professor and avid traveler lends authenticity to the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Resort" is a compelling and atmospheric thriller that marks an impressive debut for Sara Ochs. It's a must-read for fans of destination mysteries and psychological suspense.

I love a surprising thriller that also has strong, well-built characters and a unique setting - and this one has it all! Sara Ochs is now on my list of auto-read authors!

For readers who enjoyed 'The Clinic' this thriller feels like the employee's side of a 'White Lotus' episode.

While the atmosphere of The Resort is eerie, the plot is pretty good, and the first chapter had me itching to read more. I felt like Cass and Brooke didn't hold the story together for me. Each POV was interesting, and all the allusions to the secrets they are carrying certainly made me want to figure out what they were hiding. I didn't connect to Brooke or Cass the way I wanted to, which made it hard for me to be fully invested in what was happening.

3.5 rounded to 4. The mystery within a mystery within a mystery was pretty clever. I enjoyed it. There was some things that didn't quite make sense and the ending was kind of anticlimactic.

The Resort by Sara Ochs delivers an enticing mix of tropical paradise and dark secrets, creating a suspenseful setting that immediately draws you in. The isolated resort backdrop adds an eerie tension, and Ochs builds a slow-burn mystery filled with lies, hidden motives, and unexpected connections.

While the premise is engaging and the atmosphere well-crafted, the plot leans on familiar thriller tropes, and some twists feel a bit predictable. Character development also falls a little flat, making it harder to fully invest in the stakes.

Still, it’s an entertaining, quick read—perfect for fans of destination thrillers looking for a bit of escapism with a dark twist.

I wish this book had been better. There was an intriguing premise that initially drew me in, but unfortunately, the execution left much to be desired. While the setting of the novel is captivating, with its luxurious and mysterious resort, the story ultimately fails to deliver on its potential.

The plot starts off with a bang, promising suspense and excitement. However, as the story progresses, the pacing becomes uneven, and the suspense quickly fizzles out. The plot twists feel predictable, and the narrative struggles to maintain a consistent level of tension and intrigue.

The characters, while having interesting backgrounds, lack depth and development. Their motivations and actions often feel contrived, making it difficult to connect with them on an emotional level. The interactions between characters sometimes come across as forced, detracting from the overall impact of the story.

Additionally, the writing style can be repetitive and lacks the polish needed to elevate the narrative. There are moments where the descriptions and dialogue feel clunky, disrupting the flow of the story and making it a less engaging read.

In summary, "The Resort" has the makings of a great thriller but falls short in its execution. While there are glimpses of potential, the book ultimately struggles to keep readers invested. Two stars for a novel that had promise but didn't quite hit the mark.

I should have written a review right after I read it because now I can't even remember what happened. Even reading the synopsis doesn't help ring any bells. If that doesn't tell you what I thought of the book, I don't know what will.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.