TLDR:

The Villa is a gothic suspense/thriller by Rachel Hawkins. You may have read her other popular books: The Wife Upstairs and Reckless Girls.

Notable elements:

- Italian Getaway
- Murder Mystery
- Books About Books

What I liked:

- Dual-Timeline — The entanglement between the mysteries of past and present is both compelling and gripping. The present narrative is a mirror held up to the past, where Emily can make a uniquely informed choice in her ending.
- Power and Betrayal — This book is a stunning exploration in power and betrayal, namely, how we have a choice in whom we give the power to betray us.
- Complex Relationships — The moral ambiguity of the characters encourages numerous, questionable decisions that threaten the integrity of once-believed impenetrable relationships.

Reminds me of:

- Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Verity by Colleen Hoover

Content warnings:

- Murder, Blood, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Death of a Child, Assault

Final thoughts:

I really enjoyed The Villa by Rachel Hawkins! Filled with jaw-dropping surprises, the book kept throwing curveballs just when I thought I had it all figured out; there is nothing simple about this “Italian getaway” story.

The Villa was a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. As it switches back and forth between a past event and present day, you wonder where are the ties between these two groups of people, asides from the obvious: The Villa. With an eerie feel that 'houses remember,' this story sweeps you into the Italian scenery with the feel of when is the next ball going to drop?

The tension Emily seems to have with everyone is a constant presence that she has to deal with. Between her navigation of a separation, writers block and conflicting feelings of her best friend, things just heighten to the point where you're waiting for the volcano to explode!

Thank you to @NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my advanced copy!

First, big thanks to Net Galley, Rachel Hawkins, and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of The Villa.

Have you ever read a book that allows you to temporarily live in an alternative time period or universe? There are some books that allow you to develop deep relationships with the characters; there are some books that allow you to live in a setting you'd never experience outside of the book. And then there are those rare books that allow you to experience both of those and live in a different world, and The Villa is one of those rare gems. It's got elements of horror, mystery, romance, and truly helps to define the power of female friendships.

What's most impressive about Hawkins' latest novel is her ability to layer her the creativity. It's not only a fictional story, but three of the female leads are writers, and we get to read some of their fiction. Two other are songwriters, so we get to experience original and creative lyrics and songs, as well. The story moves between different points-of-view and different time periods: present day and the mid 1970s. The novel is so well-written and intricately developed that readers are truly living in The Villa across multiple decades and experiencing life in Italy through multiple characters.

When beginning this novel, readers should be prepared to pay close attention to the characters and their attributes. The characters are similar, and some have similar names (i.e., Mari and her mother Marianne). The time periods are clearly labeled, even if the decade changes within a single chapter. Once readers are confident that they can keep the characters straight, buckle up -- this book is truly a wild ride.

What impressed me most about The Villa is that I ended up wanting to read the fiction-within-the-fiction. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sad that the horror novel Lilith Rising and the album Aestas aren't real! It takes a talented and skilled writer to leave readers bummed that the fake novel within the fiction isn't real.

This is not my first Rachel Hawkins book, but it is now my favorite Rachel Hawkins book. You can get your copy on #pubday: January 3, 2022. Trust me -- this is the perfect way to treat yourself after a busy holiday!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first Rachel Hawkins' book. I liked the dual timelines of the present day and 1970s. Ms. Hawkins did a great job weaving the 1970s murder to the present day. Throughout the book I had several theories going and none of them were right. She kept me guessing. I feel the Villa was a character itself. “Houses remember." Love how she wove this line into the story. If you are looking for an intriguing mystery/thriller, give this one a try.

Thank you for this advanced copy! I found this story captivating and I loved the dual timelines and the inclusion of newspaper articles and such to give insight into the 1974 murder that occurred at the Villa. I also enjoyed the morally grey characters and I liked how at the end, Mari takes control of her narrative. I didn’t see it coming that she didn’t actually commit the murder, but I could appreciate that plot twist and how Mari does in fact cut herself free in the end.

I also thought it was really engaging to watch Emily and Chess mirror Mari and Lara throughout the story, especially towards the end. It felt reminiscent of the saying “life imitates art, art imitates life”. I did notice what I thought were some typos but this was a great novel and a really unique premise for a thriller! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

The Villa was such an enjoyable story. It felt like the best parts of The Wife Upstairs and Reckless Girls rolled into one. The alternating timelines jumped back and forth an just the right spots giving us new information about exactly when we needed it and I loved the vibe of an beautifully but maybe a little creepy Italian Villa.

I appreciated that every character was alternately likeable and unlikeable. They all had moments to shine and moments when they were dark. The house felt claustrophobic at times which brought out the neuroses and eccentricities of the guests the longer they stayed together in what initially seemed like a paradise. I also enjoyed the way the art referenced in the book, songs and books written by the characters, being present on the page. It felt like an extra glimpse into the minds of the residents of the Villa.

I am really loving everything Hawkins writes! This was another fantastic story from her! It's a dual timeline murder mystery with plots in both timelines that absolutely sucked me in!

I loved the villa setting and how the two timelines played off each other. The twists were great and I thought it was a fun story!

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

The Cast:
Emily: cozy mystery writer going through a rough divorce
Chess: friend to Emily, social media star, writer of self-help books.

Mari: aspiring writer
Lara: aspiring musician
Pierce: Mari's boyfriend, musician
Noel: Famous musician

Emily and Chess embark on a vacation to Italy. Upon arrival Emily discovers that there has been a murder in this Villa in the 70's. She becomes very interested in the murder and the people involved.

Told in alternating timelines of now and back in the 70's

I loved the 70's feel to Mari's story and the mystery surrounding it.
I did not like the back stabbing vibe of some of the friendships, but they also helped make the story.

Overall, a good read.

Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc

REVIEW: The Villa 🇮🇹

“Later, she'll look back at this moment and wonder why there was no warning, no sense of the horrors that would unfold in that house.”

I’ll always grab a Rachel Hawkins book. They are always guaranteed to be page turning with great characters, this was no exception.

Alternating timelines focused on Emily and her friend Chess in present day staying at the villa to get away from Emily’s stressful divorce and writer’s block. Back in the 19070s, Mari and her stepsister Lara at the villa with 3 other musicians when one ends up murdered.

Not only are timelines alternating, the style does also. Switching between Emily’s POV, Mari’s POV, articles in books, song lyrics, at first I was so confused. Once I got on board though I really liked all the intertwining section. I did think it would be spookier based on the synopsis and it wasn’t scary at all, just not that type of book. Depending on who you are rooting for, the end will be more satisfying for some than others!

📚Read this if you like:
- The Wife Upstairs
- Historical/gothic fiction
- The Lies I Tell
- Mary Shelley/Frankenstein backstory

My rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I heard that this was a book that will keep you up late into the night and turning the pages in a hurry to find out what happened but I found it so boring and very predictable.

Both timelines were a bit awkward and I didn't like that it was female based but in every female relationship they hated each other and were awful to eachother.

Everything was kind of a miss for me with this one.

ARC BOOK REVIEW
The Villa
by Rachel Hawkins

Publishing date: 1/3/2023
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

In 1974, Mari, her step sister Lara, and their current lovers, head to a beautiful italian mansion to spend the summer. While there, Mari finds her self  drawn to writing a book that develops into one of the most popular female horror books ever to be written, Lilith Rising.  Their summer ends with a murder that rocked the world.

Fast forward to present day where Emily and Chess, childhood besties, head to the same villa  to do some writing. They are both successful authors with very different lives. Emily is currently going through a nasty divorce while Chess is single and rich.  They both feel that this Italian summer is what they need to get back in their writing grove. However, their summer in the villa leads  to some harsg realities and they both find themselves enthralled in the Villas past.  Emily is determined to find clues left behind by Mari regarding the 1974 murder, but it seems as though the Villa is about to claim another vicitim before the summer ends.

Review:
This is hard for me to rate. Partially because the story held my interest. I felt like something BIG was going to happen and I read this in a couple sittings because I couldn't wait to see where the book was taking me.   However, nothing BIG happened? I felt like there was this massive buildup but I was left wanting more. And after I finished, I found myself a little confused on what ACTUALLY happened.

It wasn't a BAD book. But it was just an " okay" read or me. I did enjoy the story just wished it packed more of a WOW.

Based off the summary, I was expecting a super dark, ominous vibe but I didn't feel that unfortunately.

As always, big thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the chance to read this early!

Fast-paced, suspenseful and edge-of-your seat excitement is what you will get with this story which is told in dual timelines. Present day - former best friends since childhood, Chess and Emily have grown apart and reconnect after Emily and her husband split up. Emily is a successful write of cozy mysteries and Chess is a famous influencer on social media and also an author of self-help books. Chess asks Emily to vacation at a villa in Italy for the summer nd she accepts. At the villa, they discover that there had been a murder there back in 1974, so Emily starts exploring what happened and who was involved. People at the villa back in 1974 included a famous musician who had invited an up and coming musician, Pierce, who left his wife to live with Mari, a wannabe author and her stepsister, Lara. who is also a wannabe musician/composer. Pierce's drug dealer, Johnnie, also accompanied them. Hang onto your hat because a lot of things happen in both timelines to make this an unputdownable reads!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this truly fantastic read.

Rachel Hawkins may be one of my favorite thriller writers, and she does not disappoint with The Villa. I found it to have a slightly slow start, and I wasn't sure where it would really go, but then the alternate timeline was introduced. I was hooked! Set in the picturesque Italian countryside, this story offers different things for different readers. I appreciate the gothic literature elements immensely, but I can also see the appeal for those who enjoy dual timelines and perspectives, connections to rock music from the 70s, and the art of writing itself. The synopsis almost leads you to believe that the story won't come together, but it definitely does! Houses remember, and readers will too as this story sticks for a bit after you finish.

Great mystery/thriller novel! Certainly kept me on my toes, I had no idea what was going to happen next! Also love that it was set in Italy—that’s my dream country to visit. I will definitely be checking out more of Rachel’s books!

My third Rachel Hawkins book that I have read and by far my favourite!

This book is great for people who loved Daisy Jones and the Six and who are hoping to recapture some of that energy (with a sprinkle of mystery, murder, and intrigue, of course).

Emily is a recently divorced cozy mystery author struggling with her relationships, her health, and some serious writer’s block. She is invited by her frenemy Chess (childhood friend turned now online self-help guru and author) to an Italian villa for the summer and she reluctantly agrees. During her time at the villa, she becomes engrossed in researching a grizzly murder that took place there in 1974. The book flashes back and forth from the present day to that summer in 1974 when the house was inhabited by famous rock musician Noel Graham and his entourage.

I loved the flashbacks to the summer of 1974 and the interactions, and drama between the cast of characters living in the house. I found myself shocked by the twists and turns in this book and had a great time reading. Definitely recommend!

Long time friends Emily and Chess have rented an Italian Villa in order to re connect as well as get some writing done as well. They are both successful writers, Chess being world renowned and even having been on Oprah, and Emily having written a successful 9 book series but is stuck on the 10th as she goes through a painful divorce.
There are also chapters told from the POV of the characters who lived in the Villa in 1974- young, star crossed lovers who were looking for musical inspiration, only things ended up taking a dark turn.
As Emily and Chess spend their summer trying to work on their projects and their relationships, they find that history often repeats itself.
I wanted to like this more than I did. It wasn’t terrible or anything, it just wasn’t anything super memorable. And the brief addition of podcasters that were never mentioned again was kinda weird.
The narrator did do a good job with differentiating the characters and keeping me engaged in the story.
Thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review

This book just didn’t keep me on my toes. It was too much of a slow burn story and i just needed more. I feel a thrilled needs to be exciting and this just dragged a little too long

The Villa follows Chess and Emily, childhood friends who are reconnecting in their 30s, by going on a trip to the infamous Villa Aestas. I've read most of Rachel Hawkin's books now, and I feel like this one had a different vibe than her two other books. Not only are you following the storyline of Chess and Emily, but you're also getting bits and pieces from 1974 when a rock star rents the villa as a creative getaway that ends in murder. I've come to expect Hawkin's books to be faster-paced stories with a lot of red herrings, but The Villa was more of a slow burn, and I found myself struggling with the pacing. It was harder for me to dive in and enrich myself in the story, but there were still enough twists and turns that kept me interested. A lot was going on in the plot, and I feel like it wasn't wrapped up as well as I was hoping, and left me wanting more. With Reckless Girls and now The Villa, Hawkins has focused on these ideal, glamorous locations, and I wonder if she'll continue this theme in her next book!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This one was more of a slow burn than I'm used to in a thriller, especially by Rachel Hawkins. I think the pacing just didn't work for me because of that.

2.5 stars

The Villa is a slow pace thriller… I’m not sure if it is a thriller because it did move certainly slowly for me, about two best friend writers and their complicated history together and also a group of 70’s rock stars vacationing in Italy that turns deadly on both fronts. I really think this had potential to be a great story but everywhere it went never ended up where I thought it would to really pack that punch. There’s too many things going on and red herrings and things that needed more to make it make more sense or have a bit more closure. It was still semi entertaining and I did read it one setting because I wanted to see how it ended. It’s always fun reading about writers and I love a good vacation whodunit, so I did enjoy that and the true crime aspect of it.