I did enjoy the fact it was set on a cruise ship, however the story was just slow and boring that I found it so hard to actually read it to the end. I did complete it but I wouldn't rush out to buy it and read it again!

The writing was boring, took too long to get into the main plot, felt like it was just words to make up space and also the main character is just stupid because who would accept an invitation from someone they haven't spoken to for 3 years and who knows that she is upset with her over their "secret".

Emily receives an invitation to join the wealthy Scarmado family aboard their luxury new ship, as estranged best friend, Belle, is now married into the family. Soon Emily starts receiving threatening notes and terrible things start to happen. Will she make it back to shore?

I enjoyed the setting of the luxury cruise ship, although this has been done quite a lot recently. I also enjoyed trying to work out the secrets and there are a few twists within the story. Unfortunately this is as far as my positives go. There is a lot of characters and I struggled to connect with most of them; many came across as unlikeable or one dimensional, with unbelievable relationships. I found the overall story quite slow while finding I wasn’t really that invested and struggled to carry on reading. It may be that I have too many similar books recently that this one did not really hold my interest. This book would, however, suit those looking for a quick, easy popcorn thriller. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

A Powerful Family, A Luxury Cruise, A Killer on board.

Despite losing touch recently when Emily receives an invite from her oldest friend Belle to join her on a cruise ship owned by her billionaire husband she finds it hard to refuse. She soon wishes she had said no though when miles from land and safety threats become real and people start to get injured. Who is behind it all and exactly how far will they go to protect the secrets of the Scarmado family.

This book was full of secrets and I found myself disliking every single character. I really didn’t believe Emily and Belle’s friendship but liked other relationships that formed. Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and good luck to the author in its release.

Publication Date - 29/02/2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#FiveNights
#RachelWolf

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Firstly it’s the first book I’ve read by this author and it was fabulous. The character build left me wanting more and more from them and the twists were fabulous. I devoured this in a day so to say I enjoyed it was an understatement! Excellent!

This story will grab you by the seat of your pants and not let go till the end!!! I’ve got no nails left the tension was so real and I tried my hardest to work out who the baddie was and I couldn’t!!!Honestly, what a great plot!! I loved the characters, the setting, which all came together perfectly!!!
Fantastic 5 star read!!!
Many thanks to Head Of Zeus for the opportunity to read this arc copy for review consideration via Netgalley.
#Netgalley, #HeadOfZeus, #RachelWolfAuthor.

Addictive, edge of your seat thriller that I couldn't put down!

Loved the cruise ship setting for something a bit different.

Definitely recommend

I was looking forward to this one as love books set on cruise ships,I did like the descriptions of the boat and life on board,the luxury and wealth but the story I found at times hard going and the characters dialogue interaction not great,also the constant mentioning of what happened 3 years ago without telling you what had happened wore thin quickly so apologies but this was a dnf for me

It all begins with a invitation for a five night luxury cruise a cruise sent to Em from Belle, They were once close and old childhood friends till 3 years ago. They were involved in a traumatic event, which caused the split of their friendship.

The story is told via different people over several time periods in different locations. Em is the main character and she is navigating her way through the becoming best firends with Belle. Plus how the family Belle married into reacts to Belle. Along the way, we are introduced to them and they aren't the closest family I have met. It sets the tone for the plot and how it all comes together. There is tension, suspence and an ending I didn't see coming!! I felt the descriptions of the ship were well written and I found myself on the ship along with the characters.

I have to say that this book appealed to me and I have enjoyed it, but It did seem totally implausible to have so many bodies during a 5 day journey.
It was very formulaic, as if the author had been to a crime writers group and learnt the possible scenarios and then put them all into one story.

That cover first of all is brilliant

I was hooked! And then I started reading it and was even more hooked. Never go on a cruise with rich people thought! IT seems like a very bad idea after reading this.

Great concept thriller and whilst some of it is unbelievable, there's nowt so queer as rich folk so you never know!

Five Nights reads as the love child of Succession and The White Lotus in this thriller dripping with privilege, glamour and deadly secrets.

Wolf takes the locked room setting to new heights in this scandalous and suspenseful read. This is a book that just oozes suspense and suspicion. Like the privileged lives it follows, it is all about appearances that are deceitful, conniving and hiding more than a few secrets. Though Emily is a great in for the audience as the outsider peeking in for the trip, she is also not being entirely truthful to everyone around her. There are some great timeline narrative fractures that play influential roles in the story and serve to up the dramatic tension. You have multiple mysteries to solve and Wolf has packed the pages with clues, red herrings and rabbit holes for you to go running down. It is a sleek and well paced book that glitters and gleams.

The prose is sharp, including some excellent social commentary that leans more on the sun drenched scandal side of it. In particular, this is the sort of unfathomable wealth that then makes for the best headlines when a whiff of imperfection is uncovered. There is a really interesting thread about the lasting effects of trauma and survivor’s guilt, which feeds into some of the character dynamics in unexpected and surprising ways. There is a history here, teased and pulled out in small glimpses until you can fit all the pieces together. It is such a character focused plot - all centering around inheritance, legacy and the consequences of long buried actions. Everything is a facade and you have to reveal the villains hiding behind smiling faces. It is a luxurious nightmare.

Five Nights is a fantastic thriller, full of intrigue, glamour and a peek behind the curtain of the uber rich.

This book had me guessing who was actually doing what. Who did what in the past and who might be attacked next! The backstory wasn't an annoying past/ present jumping back and forth, but was woven into the storyline so I didn't have trouble remembering what was happening when. The actual culprit took me completely by surprise as I'd suspected several different people leading up to the murder, then had to revise my suspects. I'd recommend this book

rating 3.5 stars - this started of a little slow, although i was still gripped enough to keep reading. It picked up around the halfway mark and I sped through the last ~30% in one sitting wanting to know how things ended. At times it felt like there was a little too much going on and the ending felt a bit sudden/rushed. Could have done with another couple of chapters I think to wrap it up nicer but overall a good read.

I did enjoy this novel. however I felt that it was a little long and could have been condensed some. I like the connection between characters and the back and forth in tense's. there was a lot in one book I think though. I would still recommend this to my followers and friends

This book is a perfect escapism thriller. An ideal holiday read and I really enjoyed it. Short sharp chapters, easy to read, and a story that gets going early in the suspense.
This is a good psychological thriller on the open water which has a Succession/ Prosper vibe due to the squabbling siblings of the Patriarch and a storyline to at shows a clear indication that someone in the main party is a murderer. What we are looking to find out is who and why?
Emily and Bella are life long friends who have not seen each other in a few years after a traumatic event when they were crewing a yacht in Sri Lankan waters. They both have had very different lives in the interim, but now are reunited when Bella invites Emily on to her new husbands £5m cruise ships maiden voyage. But is history the only thing binding them together?
The story goes back and forth between the present with the Emily, Bella and her new multi millionaire hubby Mattia and his grown up children, and the past told by Viola, Mattia’s first wife and her telling of their story from first meet to their final anniversary and her demise.
Small clue half way through lead me to work out the main antagonist of the story.
If you like Catherine Cooper and Lisa Jewell this is a great author for you.

I read Five Nights over a couple of days. It follows Emily who embarks on a five night cruise to New York at the request of her old friend Belle. A friend she’s not seen or spoken to in three years. Belle has recently married into the Scarmardo family and this cruise is pure opulence and luxury. However it’s not the voyage she expects, she receives threatening notes, someone dies and it appears someone does know her secret. This book is glamour and sophistication, it’s also deception and fear and will keep you hooked to the end. Thank you to NetGalley, Aria and Aries and the author for the chance to review.

The premise of this book really intrigued me, but the story never really grew on me. The characters were boring and lacked development, the pacing felt very slowed considering the story only took place over a week, the plot twist were great, but felt a bit rushed.
I really liked the whole idea of it taking place on a cruise and I loved the fact that the plot twist was so far from what it had been leading up to.
It wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t that great either. However if you like a good mystery with a huge plot twist, but don’t need a big character development or the pace to be quick this book might be for you. The author writes very well and I am very tempted to read more of her stuff when she publish more.

I loved this with its short, snappy chapters, strong female lead, dysfunctional family, glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous (even if only fictional). Full of secrets and lies, literally any one could have been the perpetrator and it definitely kept you guessing and changing your mind. You do have to suspend belief slightly - as in the heroine is the only one who can possibly catch the perpetrator, despite the police arriving, having a damaged ankle and being unconscious for over 24 hours. But just go with it and hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Embarking on a transatlantic journey from Europe to the US, the film unfolds on a luxury ship with predominantly unlikable yet affluent characters. Despite their lack of charm, the storyline weaves an engaging thriller, immersing viewers in a world of opulence tainted by dark secrets and hidden motives.

The characters exude entitlement and arrogance, making it challenging to form a genuine connection. Yet, these unlikable traits drive the narrative, establishing a dynamic fueled by personal vendettas, concealed motives, and intricate schemes.

The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, infusing characters with charisma and cunning. The palpable tension among passengers, despite mutual disdain, creates an atmosphere where each interaction carries the potential for explosive revelations.

As the luxury ship sails across the Atlantic, the plot unfolds with well-timed twists and turns, skillfully avoiding melodrama. Cinematography captures the grandeur of the vessel and the moral decay of its inhabitants, creating a visual spectacle that complements the storyline.

While lacking likability, the characters' complexity adds layers, offering a compelling exploration of human nature and consequences of unchecked privilege. The film stands as a testament to skillful storytelling, demonstrating that even detestable characters can deliver a gripping cinematic experience.

In conclusion, the film provides a captivating journey into the world of unlikable wealthy characters, presenting a suspenseful thriller that transcends the limitations of its disdainful protagonists. As the luxury ship ventures through treacherous waters, the audience navigates the morally ambiguous depths of deceit, ensuring a memorable cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.