Member Reviews

I was excited to have the opportunity to read Reckless Girls because I enjoyed Rachel Hawkins’ previous book, The Wife Upstairs. This book was even better. It was a classic isolated, closed-circle mystery, which I enjoy, plus the constant sense of peril that comes with a thriller. It was a roller coaster ride of thinking things are going to work out and then another twist is thrown in happens. It was full of suspense, unexpected twists, and plenty of “no, don’t go in there!” I had a few question marks toward the end, but overall, I give Reckless Girls a strong recommendation for mystery or thriller fans, I received this Advanced Reader Copy of Reckless Girls from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

After reading the Wife Upstairs last year I was really excited to read Rachel Hawkins next release, Reckless Girls. The cover and the story were really speaking to me but sadly the book was not for me. This story follows Lux and her boyfriend Nico as they are hired to take two young woman to the secluded and possibly haunted Meroe Island in the south pacific. When they arrive to the island they find that there is already a boat anchored there but soon become friends with the couple on the other boat. For days the six of them enjoy a peaceful island paradise until another boat shows up and this time the party is not a fun one. I have really enjoyed books about people sailing all over the world and just traveling from island to island and really enjoyed that aspect of this book. I also really liked the history that the author gave to the Island, in fact I spent some time googling it because I wanted to know more about it. Sadly it is not a real place but that doesn't take away from the vibes of this book. Even though the writing was great I was just never that invested in any of the characters and the ending really left me wanting more. If you like a slower paced thriller and one that is set on a lush tropical island than I would check this one out as I think I am in the minority on this one. My disappointment with this one doesn't diminish the fact that I think Rachel is an excellent author and I can't wait to read her next release The Villas which comes out early 2023. Thank you St. Martin's Press for my gifted copy for review.

Was this review helpful?

Excellent book. Author kept the reader guessing until the very last page. In addition to suspense, the book takes the ready away by portraying a luxurious lifestyle. When things take a turn, the evils of the island are written in such a descriptive manner I felt the anxiety along with the main character! Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I love me a good "locked room" island mystery. I really enjoyed the setting of Reckless Girls. Rachel Hawkins did a great job bringing the tropics to life. The characters were fun or fun to hate and I enjoyed reading about their backgrounds. I loved the exploration of the island and the finds! This was a great thriller and I look forward to her next book!

Was this review helpful?

There is not much that I have found about Rachel Hawkins writing that I don't love. So it came as no surprise to me that I absolutely adored Reckless Girls! I am actually quite behind on my reviews and I can still VIVIDLY remember reading this book and what it was about from back in January (it is now July)! It left that much of an impression on me!

I think one of the things that I loved the most about this book was the setting and story were so different from your every day, run-of-the-mill mystery novel. Again, that's exactly what I love about Rachel Hawkins! She sets herself apart from everyone else and their writing with unique characters, plots, and settings!

Parts of the story were slightly unrealistic, but to me, that's not that big of a deal because in my eyes, I'm reading fiction to begin with so I don't expect every aspect of a book that I'm reading to be or feel factual! Some parts had me shaking my head like, No No No, but other than that, it didn't seem to distract me from what I was reading.

I felt like Hawkins really delved in and provided complex and interesting characters. There were quite a few important characters, but they weren't hard to keep track of who was who and who was doing what, which I really appreciate in a book!

Overall, as it was no surprise to me, I was thoroughly impressed with this book and super stoked that I got to read it! As is the usual case, I can't wait for the next book written by Rachel Hawkins!!

I would like to offer a HUGE THANK YOU to Rachel Hawkins, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of Reckless Girls, which has allowed me to contribute this honest and unbiased review.
1 like

Was this review helpful?

I literally flew through this book. An ensemble of six captivating characters are together on a deserted island living carefree and reckless! The book alternates between the "then" and "now" showing us the character's backstories. I was so intrigued about how the characters and their stories were going to weave together. This suspenseful and binge-worthy beach read is full of dark secrets and revenge.
4.5 huge stars. Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this at first, but then became confused. It was bizarre but definitely had entertainment value. The author did a good job building the anxiety and tension through the book. Nico started out as dreamy and then slowly gave off a weird vibe. I never trusted Brittany and Amma. I felt like something was off. One of them, if not both, were shady. I liked Lux. She was well developed.

Was this review helpful?

Reckless Girls is a thriller and suspense set on a remote island in the South Pacific. There are twists and turns, and the characters make questionable choices, but that's all part of the fun. Some parts didn't add up, and some exaggerated reckless decisions, but the title explains it. I was pretty disappointed with the ending, but I still give this book four stars because I really enjoyed it despite its flaws. Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins follows three groups of people to a deserted island a few days from Hawaii (by boat). These groups decide to visit and spend a few days relaxing in paradise, away from the hustle and bustle of life. Things, however, do not go exactly as planned and things begin happening that no one expected.

Overall I enjoyed the book, but I did guess some of what was going to happen as I read. I felt there were a few questions that weren't answered entirely to my satisfaction that I would have liked a little more clarity on. The end left me with more questions that it answered!

Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was a very well done and well rounded novel. I really enjoyed the characters and the development of the plot throughout.

Was this review helpful?

reckless girls - 4.5/5
This twisty mystery doesn’t immediately pull you in from the beginning but once the story gets going on the island the characters all land on it’s hard to put down. There is a lot of suspense building and is ultimately a show of character and strength in all out survival mode setting. The ending was completely unexpected and really brought the story together. Overall this was a super fun read.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was so happy and excited to be given the chance to read this book, especially after I had such an amazing time reading The Wife Upstairs by this author. I thought this book was very interesting with it being set in the ocean/on an island. I will say the escapism to the island was my favorite part. It was almost as if I was really on a vacation and I thank the author for the mini vacay.

As for the plot and the mystery, I wasn't impress. I didn't really enjoy the characters and thought the twists were pretty predicable. I also wanted a little more from the island. I did feel the island vibes but I felt like this was supposed to give off the creep island feel and I just didn't feel that.

I also think the synopsis of this story gives away a lot

Was this review helpful?

To be honest, I was bored by this book. I wanted more thriller aspect and learning of what is the truth of this mysterious idyllic island. But what I got was more of a soapy drama and working through the life problems of all 6 characters.

There was no suspense or creepiness. I wanted action and mystery!

I also realized I've read from this author before with her YA fantasy series Hex Hall, which I enjoyed, but her adult thrillers need more work. I still want to read The Wife Upstairs and I think I would like that one a lot more than I did Reckless Girls.

Was this review helpful?

What a great story that had me captivated from the first page the last! My first & definitely won’t be the last book I read by Rachel Hawkins.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Was this review helpful?

I read Rachel’s previous book and thought it was great and was very excited to start this book. I just wasn’t able to get into it after several attempts I will definitely try to read her next book.

Was this review helpful?

This storyline had all the potential in the world with its mysterious setting and cast of characters. Unfortunately, not much actually happened throughout the book! Was hoping for more action or suspense, but came up lacking. The ending seemed a bit far fetched as well.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book just as much as I was expecting to! I honestly did not know what was going to happen at any moment, and that suspense added to the experience for me! Rachel Hawkins has not let me down and I’m so looking forward to her future work!

Was this review helpful?

Excellent setting choice for a 'trapped' mystery that leads to a satisfying conclusion. Characters are human, with flaws and secrets of their own, which makes for a more enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

Rachel Hawkins does it again!! I was totally invested in these characters. Flipping the pages and listening along at record speed. Even though this was a slow burn kind of mystery it kept me guessing what was going to happen next. The suspense truly builds up throughout the book before the twist happen at the end of the book. Definitely worth the read! Go in blind and enjoy the ride!

A huge shout out to NetGalley & the publishers for an advance audiobook and ebook of Reckless Girls in exchange doe my honest review. 4 stars! And can we take a moment to admire this stunningly beautiful cover!! Absolutely stunning!

Was this review helpful?

This was a quick easy read for me. I did have a hard time though keeping the characters and their stories straight. I felt like all the women were a slightly different version of the same person. The story was a bit creepy but I was not really into it. I did not like the constant use of profanity either. It felt forced to make the characters seem "bad" or something.

This story was just not for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?