Author Sara Ochs’s debut destination thriller is a slow build two person POV thriller that exposes the dangers of paradise in a taut, entertaining suspense novel. On the Thai party island of Koh Sang, dive instructor Cassie and social media influencer Brooke, are both likable narrators, but both are escaping from something in their past. They tell simultaneous stories about a mysterious accident that has left dive student Lucy drowned. Another young woman also died shortly before Brooke arrived. Cassie is definitely trying to remake herself at the resort after something happened 3 years ago and Brooke has used all her money in order to investigate something. But what?

The narrative starts out steadily, then finally revs up and produces multiple twists. Author Ochs creates well-developed characters and a plot that kept me engrossed until the very end. It’s gripping and action-packed and the perfect beach read for those who aren’t always in the mood for a happily-ever-after romance. 4 stars!

An audiobook usually enhances the experience, but in this case, I felt that the voices of Cassie and Brooke seemed too similar — I had to rewind too often to the chapter beginning to figure out if Brooke or Cassie is speaking. This is a rare case where I’d suggest reading the book over listening to the audiobook.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Blue, gray and brown, but no green.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): YES/NO

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark/RB Media and NetGalley for a free advanced ebook and audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to Recorded Books for the copy of this ALC!

THE RESORT is a twisty, toxic thriller debut from Sara Ochs that you won't want to miss! Featuring multiple POVs and a group of highly suspicious expats on Koh Sang Resort, THE RESORT is the sort of thriller that makes you keep cleaning so you can keep listening to your audiobook. Remote island settings, tropical storms, multiple murders, and constantly questioning who to trust make this thriller excellent. This a great rec if you like thrillers with girls trips, vacations, shady friend groups, or island settings, like ONE OF THE GIRLS, SHE STARTED IT, or THE ONLY SURVIVORS. And since this is her debut, I can't wait for more from Sara!

Audio is definitely the way to go for THE RESORT, since it's done in an excellent full cast (Miranda Raison, Dakota Blue Richards, Joe Jameson, Pema Monaghan).

Diving into the pages of this sea-inspired thriller was an exhilarating experience. The novel weaves a tale around the mysteries of the ocean and the promises that bind its characters. With each twist, the plot thickens, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. Personally, I lean towards a storytelling style that delves deeper into character emotions, but the abundance of surprises undoubtedly adds a unique flair to the narrative.

The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the mesmerizing world beneath the waves. From the breathtaking coral reefs to the hidden caverns, every detail is painted with precision, making it a treat for those who harbor a love for the sea. Despite my preference for fewer twists, there's no denying the novel's ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

In the end, this diving adventure unfolds as a satisfying thriller with its own charm. It might not align perfectly with my taste for profound narratives, but for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping journey into the unknown depths, this novel proves to be a worthy companion.

That ending 🌀
I loved the atmosphere of Koh Sang and the idea of all these mysterious strangers with secrets living side by side. There were a ton of tiny twists with one major bomb that caught me off guard

The narration was okay. It was at times hard to differentiate between Brooke and Cass.

This is a twisty thriller in a sexy island resort setting, full of bad people doing bad things - but their motivations match their actions, so I’m here for it! Definitely a fun time for any thriller fans (though it does touch on some other awful topics, beyond the obvious murdering). I will read whatever the author writes next!

📚 Series or Standalone: standalone
📚 Genre: thriller
📚 Target Age Group: adult
📚 Cliffhanger: no

✨ Will I Reread: maybe
✨ Recommended For: fans of White Lotus

💕 Characters: 4/5
💕 Writing: 4/5
💕 Plot: 4/5
💕 Pacing: 4/5
💕 Unputdownability: 4/5
💕 Enjoyment: 4/5
💕 Book Cover: 5/5

Thanks, NetGalley and Sourcebooks, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for this ARC.

I liked this read, but I didn’t love it. The narrator’s did well, but I found myself getting confused with the POVs due to the narrators sounding too similar at times.

I found myself invested half way through and slowly losing interest to the end. The end had a good twist, but by then I no longer cared for the characters.

I’d recommend this to fans of thrillers with drama or newbies to the thriller genre.

I will be screaming about this audiobook from the rooftops! What a thrilling ride! The narration was perfect, and the fast pace had me devouring this book. I was so shocked by that ending. This may be a top thriller of 2024!

2.5 stars - simply wasn't a trope I wanted to read about.
TW: SA, grooming

This was just okay for me. It is the author's debut work and that in itself is something to celebrate and note before reading my review below.

I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator was fine. No issues there. It had multiple POVs and a twist that I didn't see coming. My issue with it was the twist/ reasons for the killings and where the story went after. The epilogue was definitely great, and was another twist.. that said I don't love when the bad person seems to get away with it. That happens too often in real life, so I'd at least like my thriller reads to end with some real justice.

The premise and the resort vibe itself was enjoyable. It was just where the story went that didn't work for me. I don't really enjoy thrillers that touch on SA and grooming. With that said, I do think the writing was good, and perhaps I will enjoy the author's next book more.

Thank you netgalley for the arc of the audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review.