
Author: Ruth Kelly
Published by: Pan Macmillan on Aug. 15, 2023
Genres: Mystery/Thriller
Pages: 432
Format: Paperback
Source: Publishers Group Canada
Book Rating: 8/10
A Villa in Paradise
It’s destined to be the ultimate reality show: Ten contestants. A luxurious villa on a stunning private island. Every moment streamed live to a global audience who have unprecedented control over those competing for the cash prize.
The Journalist
Coerced by her callous editor to enter the show undercover, Laura is a journalist told to get the inside scoop on her fellow contestants. But once the games begin, she soon finds herself out of her depth and at the mercy of a ruthless producer – a woman willing to do anything to increase viewer numbers.
Reality TV to Die For
There is more to every contestant than meets the eye, including Laura. They all have secrets they’d like to keep buried, and the pressure in paradise quickly reaches boiling point. How far will the contestants go to secure audience votes? How far will Laura herself go? And would somebody really kill to win?
Review:
Seductive, sinister, and captivating!
The Villa is a scheming, disturbing tale that sweeps you away to a secluded island and onto the set of the latest reality TV show where a varied cast of characters have gathered, tensions are high, money is coveted, deception is rife, everyone has a hidden agenda, and sex, violence, despicable behaviour, and death are definitely not out of the question.
The writing is crisp and edgy. The characters are self-obsessed, ambitious, sleazy, and competitive. And the plot, using a mix of narration, police interviews, and viewer feedback, is an enticing, suspenseful mix of twists, turns, secrets, deception, manipulation, obsession, greed, jealousy, voyeurism, gossip-mongering, red herrings, malicious intentions, and murder.
Overall, The Villa is a cunning, entertaining, satisfying read by Kelly that is a eerie reminder of just how low people are willing to go for their five minutes of fame and fortune.
This novel is available September 25, 2023.
Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
It sounds like a very timely and relatable story. So many people are hooked on reality shows these days, but this is one show I don’t think I want to go on.