This is a thriller, but it is also an exploration of what it means to be a curator. Who decides what is kept and what is shared? Who owns the meaning of a piece of art or a sample of writing? Art historian and curator Julian Becker is obsessed with the infamous dead artist, Vanessa Chapman and jumps at the chance to become the curator of her collection. However, the collection is owned by his childhood friend Sebastian Fairburn, and her letters and diaries are guarded by Vanessa’s companion, Grace. Julian’s attempts to gain access to the “meaning” of Vanessa’s art explores questions of class, gender, and authenticity. Fans of The Girl on the Train will appreciate the gothic suspense of the characters and settings, and literary fiction lovers will find much to enjoy in this sophisticated character exploration.

Another winner from Ms. Hawkins! I really enjoyed this. The plot is fairly minimal, but I felt very immersed in this little world. The setting is particularly brilliant, and really adds to the tension of the story. Interesting characters and choices made by the characters. Would definitely recommend this one!

Really enjoyed this! A slow build but once it got going, I couldn't put it down. I thought the ending was excellent as well and did a great job of tying everything together.

I had really high hopes for this book. I absolutely loved The Girl on the Train. However, this book fell flat. I felt like I was in second grade trying to read at college level-- the language used felt very antiquated and hard to follow.  I also had a hard time keeping up with the art terms and all of the characters. I will definitely try to read the book again--maybe it just wasn't the right time for me.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read the ARC for an honest review.

I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this book. There were times when I couldn’t put it down, and then other times when I was completely confused. I enjoyed the premise of this book as I’ve never read anything like it. But I didn’t really care for any of the characters. The were a few subplots that were unnecessary in my opinion and the book ended so abruptly.


Thank you Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Sometimes I wish I had a tail to wiggle when I got excited.

That’s bizarre, right?

Well if I DID have a tail it would be wagging right now.

I went on a book binge for the past week and would put one book down and pick up the best without even so much as a pee break .

I was lost in the pages and I couldn’t not quench my insatiable lust for more and more thrillers. Deep down, subconsciously, I was searching for a book that would make me stop dead in my tracks.

Mission accomplished

The Blue Hour

Paula Hawkins is the queen when it comes to delivering 5 star books and this book literally broke the 5 star scale.

Mesmerized by the cover, this was a book I just had to have. I wish I could whisper a warning in my naive little ear before I picked this one up as my day became completely consumed by Hawkins’ words. Yes, this book is THAT good.

My mind is blown…

I will be unable to pick up another book for a bit. I need to let this one settle in.

Here’s a bit of a teaser for you :

Welcome to Eris: an island with only one house, one inhabitant, one way out. Unreachable from the Scottish mainland for twelve hours each day.

Once home to Vanessa: A famous artist whose notoriously unfaithful husband disappeared twenty years ago.

Now home to Grace: A solitary creature of the tides, content in her own isolation.

But when a shocking discovery is made in an art gallery far away in London, a visitor comes calling.

And the secrets of Eris threaten to emerge....

I’ve been a fan since Girl on the Train and I’m so happy that Paula Hawkins gets better with each book! I absolutely loved this one.

I really enjoy Paula Hawkins’ books, but to be honest, it was obvious who killed Julian, the revenge on Nick, and poor Beck. Having said that, Grace is a fantastic psychopath, and it’s wonderful to see her rage unfold. Entertaining, and swift, I look forward to the next one.

Solid if unspectacular story from Hawkins centering around the estate of a late painter/sculptor who led a mysterious and sheltered life, and the foundation to whom she left her work and their efforts to obtain all of her works. Controversy arises over one of her sculptures, which leads our intrepid hero to travel to her home and speak to the woman who now resides there, a mousy sort who may be hiding many secrets about the artist and what went on at the island home. Too much art talk causes it to drag at times, and it gets to be a bit ponderous, but the second half picks up and the last third is quite good, with revelations bringing the whole thing to a head in satisfactory style. Not my favorite Hawkins but, in the end, a pretty good read. 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Blue Hour’s pace is a lot different from Hawkins’s previous works. A whole lot slower, to be precise. You do feel the storm building from within but it requires patience, loads of it. I almost gave up, only kept going because the eerie atmosphere reminded me of some of Mary Higgins Clark’s novels, then about Stephen King’s Misery, but reading the ending, I’m almost sorry I didn’t trust myself and stop reading on the numerous times I wanted to. This story obviously wasn’t for me.
The Blue Hour’s pace is a lot different from Hawkins’s previous works. A whole lot slower, to be precise. You do feel the storm building from within but it requires patience, loads of it. I almost gave up, only kept going because the eerie atmosphere reminded me of some of Mary Higgins Clark’s novels, then about Stephen King’s Misery, but reading the ending, I’m almost sorry I didn’t trust myself and stop reading on the numerous times I wanted to. This story obviously wasn’t for me.

Definitely an interesting read. Anyone looking for an edge-of-your-seat mystery may end up being a little disappointed as this novel tends to be very slow paced, and takes more of an atmospheric approach to the genre. Although not what I was expecting I think it will linger with me for a long time.

I sped through the beginning of this title and then almost DNF once I got 3/4 through. You knew what was coming and the suspense seemed forced. I didn’t like any of the characters and really nothing was redeeming about anyone or anything. A bit of a disappointment.

Wow. This book was amazing and I could not put it down. I'm still thinking about it, days later. It's one of those books that you immediately need to talk to someone about it and that, to me, is the sign of an incredible writer. Paula Hawkins ceases to amaze me with her brilliant character development and plot lines. Highly recommend.

Of all the Paula Hawkins novels I've read, this felt the most human. Every character was a deep dive and had real motivations - so much grey area in the Blue Hour! This felt less of a murder mystery and more of a study in human nature... dealing with passion, depression, love, lust, jealousy, paranoia, loneliness. The novel is a real tour deforce of internal struggles, even leading to an ending that is left ambiguous. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I really feel its beautiful step in the author's writing.

The Blue Hour - Paula Hawkins
Pub Date: October 29, 2024
Rating: 2/5

Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The Blue Hour surrounds a well known artist, who passed away from cancer and lived on an isolated island where she created most of her work. A recent discovery brings into question what happened on that island and how many bodies are buried there.

To be honest, this was a total miss for me. It was incredibly slow paced and I read an entire book before finishing this one. It was almost an DNF. The author takes the reader at a snail's pace and most of the pages are just descriptive language with nothing actually happening until you get 75% through the book. Even then, the ending is predictable, and just....disappointing. This story had potential, but sadly let me down.

a fast paced page turner until the end. I couldn't put this one down until I got to the end. Once you pick this up, you won't be able to put it down. If you love Girl On The Train, you will love this as well! I highly recommend for all mystery/thriller lovers out there.

An interesting mix of mystery, psychological thriller, and women's fiction. A bit less psychological thriller than Hawkins' previous titles, but it does come around to that in the end. Some great character development and intrigue throughout this novel.

Interesting plot with the world of art and artists in the background. Paula Hawkins fans will enjoy.

Hawkins weaves gorgeous descriptions of an isolated island retreat into her psychological thriller art mystery. Other reviewers didn't like the multi genre interludes, but I did. There is a lot to track here, but the twist at the end is worth it.

A compelling story of a gifted artist living on an isolated Scottish island and the mystery surrounding her missing husband.

Richly atmospheric with lush descriptions of the island, the characters are well drawn and intriguing. The story keeps you guessing to the end.