High Season by Katie Bishop is an absolute gem of a novel that effortlessly blends the intrigue of a murder mystery/thriller with the depth and emotion of literary fiction. From the very first page, I was hooked by the well-developed characters and the engaging plot.

The main female characters are particularly noteworthy, each one likable and richly drawn. Their interactions and personal journeys add layers of complexity to the story, making it a truly immersive experience.

One of the standout elements of the book is the documentary aspect, which adds a unique and fun twist to the narrative. It keeps the reader engaged and adds an extra layer of realism to the unfolding mystery.

Overall, High Season is a must-read for fans of both thrillers and literary fiction. Katie Bishop has crafted a story that is not only thrilling but also deeply emotional and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it!

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review..

High Season was emotional, gripping, tender and tells a twisty story of truth, memory, coming of age, and kept me flipping through the pages till the very end. Nina , when she was 6, was the youngest witness to testify at her own sister's murder trial 20 years later, when she returned to the crime scene, as a true crime documentary is being made about the murder, Nina is forced to examine her own meomory no matter what the cost. Great pyschological thriller.

When six-year old Nina witnesses her older sister's murder, she becomes one of the youngest children to testify in a murder trial in France. Years later, the memory of that night still haunts her. When a documentary crew comes to town to highlight the case, she must confront her memories of that night and grapple with how reliable they truly are. I really enjoyed the commentary woven throughout High Season on true crime and social media, and the way that murder and death gets turned into content for attention, money, and fame.

Fantastic story with well rounded and fleshed out characters. Drawn into the finish and highly recommend

High Season was the best book I have read so far this year. I loved the variety of characters Ms. Bishop has created. While some characters were not necessarily likable, they were all 'relatable'. I usually like books that go back and forth in time, and Ms. Bishop has done a great job in this. Her shift between time periods was smooth and built stories and characters profiles in a wonderful way. There was always a feeling of suspense, even 'danger', that kept me reading. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next!

Many thanks to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.

This was 3.5-4 stars in my opinion.

The one issue I had with this book was its length—it started strong but dragged in the later sections.

The story follows Nina Drayton, who returns to her childhood home in the south of France, where her sister Tamara was murdered. Only five at the time, Nina hopes revisiting the past will clarify her memories. Struggling with trauma and medication, she now works as a child psychologist, a choice her family disapproves of.

Josie Jackson, convicted of Tamara’s murder, spent ten years in prison but remains an outcast even after her release. But was she truly guilty? The case gains new attention when true crime TikToker Imogen Faye uncovers fresh evidence.

The narrative shifts between 2004 and 2024, offering deep character insights. I particularly enjoyed Nina’s character and wished for more focus on her. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if it had explored child psychology through the lens of Nina’s degree and personal trauma, rather than the teen relationship drama that took center stage. That said, I really appreciated the flashbacks to the early 2000s—they felt familiar since I came of age during that time. The first two parts were compelling, but the latter half dragged with unnecessary details.

Still, I enjoyed the book overall and plan to read more from this author.

High Season by Katie Bishop was a wonderful book. I like how the book starts with 5 year old Nina at her mother’s birthday celebration when she stumbles upon someone dead in the pool. Unfortunately the dead person is Tamara, Nina’s sister. The story is told in two timelines. Nina as a 25 year old trying to recall the actually events of that particular day. She had testified that Josie her babysitter had caused her sister’s death. This weighs hard on Nina as she becomes an adult. Then we see how Josie struggles with acclimating to society once she is released from custody. Both are interested in finding the truth. The story goes back and forth between these two timelines leading to an unexpected ending. Definitely a must read!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy.

**Features:**
- Character driven murder mystery
- Family secrets and wealthy people behaving badly
- Explores the nature of memory and manipulation

**Synopsis:**

Nina has been haunted by the death of her older sister, Tamara, for almost as long as she can remember. As the only witness to her sister’s drowning by her babysitter, Josie Jackson, Nina became the youngest person to testify in a French trial at the age of six. Though she has been dealing with the trauma of these events ever since, Nina was too young to still remember the details of that fateful day. Now, twenty years later, Nina is contacted as part of a new true crime documentary focusing on her sister’s murder and the insecurities she felt over the gaps in her memory only grow stronger. Meanwhile, Josie Jackson is struggling to build a new life after she has spent ten years in jail. The documentary offers a new opportunity to investigate the case, but will what it reveals bring closure or reveal a past better left buried?

**Thoughts:**

An idyllic location, a terrible murder, and secrets buried in memory. The truth about Tamara’s murder is uncovered through two timelines; the weeks leading up to Tamara’s death and twenty years later when the case becomes the focus of a documentary. Main character Nina’s discomfort with the gaps in her memory surrounding Tamara’s death puts her in the complicated position of wanting to know the truth while also fearing what she might uncover if she opens that door. I was immediately intrigued by Nina’s self-questioning and she very much feels like the black sheep in a wealthy family used to getting their way. I found unraveling this mystery through the eyes of an unwitting secret keeper extremely compelling and it is executed extremely well in this story!

In addition to Nina, the story also focuses on Josie Jackson, the person accused of Tamara’s murder. Where Nina’s perspective poses some interesting questions, Josie’s perspective provides an examination of how wealth can be used to abuse and manipulate as well as the very real struggle to re-establish yourself after being labeled a criminal. The chapters set in the past slowly converge with Nina’s and Josie’s journey to uncover the truth in the present in a way that felt meaningful to me. Though the book starts to drag a little towards the end, it is a really compelling story that is just as much about the characters as it is about the secrets they keep.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

High Season by Katie Bishop is a captivating blend of intrigue, suspense, and psychological depth, all set against the stunning backdrop of the South of France. The novel expertly weaves together a rich setting with a gripping narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The South of France setting is nothing short of magical—Bishop’s vivid descriptions transport you to sun-drenched streets, sparkling seas, and luxury villas. It’s a world of wealth and glamour, yet also one filled with undercurrents of tension and mystery. The locale adds an undeniable allure to the story, making it feel like you’re not just reading about the characters but actually experiencing the place alongside them.

The true crime element is masterfully woven into the plot, adding a layer of suspense that constantly kept me on edge. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn deeper into a web of secrets and lies, with an ominous atmosphere that ramps up the tension. Bishop does a fantastic job of keeping the reader guessing, with twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning pages.

What truly stood out for me, however, was the exploration of child psychology. The way Bishop delves into the minds of Nina in the story adds complexity and depth, examining how young minds can be influenced by their environments, emotions, and the adults around them. This psychological layer makes the novel even more thought-provoking, as it raises questions about nature versus nurture and the hidden forces shaping these young lives.

High Season is a brilliant blend of atmospheric setting, psychological insight, and thrilling suspense. It’s a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a mix of crime, psychological depth, and a captivating location.

Katie Bishop's High Season is a captivating exploration of memory's fragility, family secrets, and the ripple effects of trauma. Set against the lush, sun-soaked backdrop of the Côte d'Azur, the story alternates between two pivotal summers—2004, when Tamara Drayton's tragic death shattered her privileged family, and 2024, as a true crime documentary resurfaces unanswered questions about that fateful night.

At the heart of the narrative is Nina Drayton, who, as a five-year-old, became the youngest witness in a French murder trial after claiming she saw their babysitter, Josie, drown her sister Tamara. Now, two decades later, Nina is compelled to return to the Pink House, the family's opulent estate, to confront the past and uncover the truth.

Bishop masterfully weaves a dual-timeline narrative, delving into the complexities of familial relationships, the unreliability of memory, and the dark undercurrents that can lurk beneath a life of privilege. The Côte d'Azur setting is rendered with vivid, atmospheric detail, immersing readers in a world where beauty and darkness coexist.

The novel's strength lies in its character development and the intricate portrayal of how past traumas reverberate through time. Nina's journey is both poignant and gripping, as she grapples with her fragmented recollections and the weight of her family's legacy.

While the pacing is deliberate, allowing for deep character exploration, some readers may find the unfolding of events to be gradual. However, this measured approach enhances the suspense and emotional resonance, culminating in revelations that are both surprising and satisfying.

High Season is a thought-provoking and atmospheric novel that examines the intersections of memory, truth, and the indelible impact of the past. Katie Bishop's evocative storytelling ensures that this tale will linger with readers long after the final page.

The story focuses on the Drayton family.. As a child, Nina found her sister Tamara floating in the pool at their summer home. Now, because of a documentary, what happened that day has come into question, The book jumps between the events leading up to Tamara’s death and the present. I enjoyed seeing the perspective of Josie, who was accused of the murder. Overall this was a well done book that kept me turning the pages.

Read if you like:
- A past and present timeline
- A true crime element
- Child psychology
- A South of France setting

At age 5, Nina Drayton witnessed her older sister’s drowning and then gave evidence that convicted her babysitter of murder. Twenty years later, Nina has doubts about her memories of the event and sets out to find the truth about what happened.

This was a fun and intriguing story! I was drawn to it for the element of a child giving witness testimony and the psychology of memories of trauma. I liked how the story played out and was satisfied by the ending. I recommend to those who enjoy thrillers in a fun setting with a true crime element!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC ebook! High Season releases on August 12!

Thank you so much for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review! WOW this book was such a page turner! Completely bingable and such a good storyline. This one is a must read for the summer

Thank you to Netgalley, Katie Bishop, and MacMillan publishing for this e-ARC.

This story follows best friends, Josie and Hannah, and the rich family, The Draytons, they work for during high season on the Cote d'Azure. The Drayton family includes, twins, Tamara and Blake, their younger half sister Nina, and their once famous mother, Evelyn.

Tamara is murdered at one of Evelyn's wild birthday parties, and Nina, only 5 years old, claims to have seen Josie push her sister under the water. Nina is one of the youngest people ever to testify in court and her testimony sends Josie to prison for 10 years. But is Josie really guilty?

We find the answers through true crime podcaster, Imogen Faye, and the documentary a film crew wants to do about her podcast, and the Drayton family tragedy. Will they clear Josie's name and find another killer? Read this book to find out.

High Season follows Nina, who at 5 years old testified that a family friend killed her sister, and the search to find the truth 20 years later. This book is separated in multiple parts with two timelines and multiple POVs. I enjoyed the podcast chapters throughout the book.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of and the timelines were confusing at times. I felt like the second half of the book dragged a bit too. That being said, this book was really well done and the characters felt believable. I didn’t know where the story was going and the end was satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

High Season by Katie Bishop is set in the Cote de Azur, Southern France. Timeline alternates between 2004 and 2024 with multiple points of view throughout.
The Draytons are a wealthy English family with a summer home in France- twin teenagers Tamara and Blake, younger sibling Nina and mother Evelyn, who has too many ex-husbands to keep track of. In 2004, teenager Tamara Drayton is found dead in the pool. Josie Jackson , a local teen was tried and found guilty of her murder. Little Nina Drayton who was 6 years old at the time, was the only one who could testify to seeing it happen. She was the star witness.
Fast forward twenty years and Josie is out of prison, trying to resume a normal life and failing miserably as her name has too much notoriety. Nina is all grown up, about to embark on a career in child psychology, which is an interesting choice considering she has struggled with depression and anxiety since the trial.
Now, a true crime podcaster has picked up the story of Tamara’s death and is bringing up all the uncertainties and questions that went unanswered twenty years ago. This brings Josie and Nina back to France and brings up a whole lot of past that eventually leads to the truth.
This was a fun, fast paced read, and if you enjoy true crime podcasts, this will give you that little something extra. I could say it could have gone even a little heavier on the podcast parts, but I am a fan of them. I loved the setting and isn’t it always a guilty pleasure to read about horrible rich people?
Story was pretty intense and the whole way through I was really looking forward to finding out what really happened. Ending was the only letdown of the whole book because it wasn’t as much of a surprise as I thought it would be, but still an enjoyable read. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for my ARC.

Nina Dayton sent a murderer to jail when she was only 5 years old. She’s the youngest person to ever testify in a murder trial in France after she witnesses her babysitter kill her older sister Tamara.

Or did she? Now 20 years later, Nina doesn’t remember what happened and is no longer sure what she saw back then. When a podcaster/documentarian contacts her to discuss the case she begins to look back. What really happened back then? Was her five year old memory trustworthy, or did the wrong person go to jail?

Told from the perspectives of several different characters, High Season dives into the world of crime podcasts, secret lives of the wealthy, and brings into question the reliability of memory.

I rate this book 4 stars. I found it engrossing and fast paced. I kept turning pages late into the night.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for making this book available in exchange for my honest review.

10 out of 10, must recommend! This story unfolds in four interconnected parts, weaving together a nonlinear timeline through the perspectives of multiple characters. Bishop expertly delivers pieces of this murder mystery in tiny doses that keep the reader yearning for more. I usually don't enjoy reading about characters from high society, but Bishop does a remarkable job making them both relatable and detestable at the same time. The author successfully humanizes the people who work for society’s elite, while also exposing the dehumanization these workers experience at the hands of their employers.

Plus, it's just a good story.

I will say, the real killer is a bit cliche and I figured it out far too early in the book. However, it was definitely worth the ride.

While a murder mystery, this reads a little more like a women’s fiction or coming of age. It’s more methodical, more about the characters, but I didn’t feel it was too slow or drawn out. All in all I really enjoyed it.

The multiple perspectives of the characters, as well as the dual timeline, gave a really well done picture of the life of teenagers growing up with class/wealth gaps, fighting to figure out who they are and who they are to others. Then as adults, how all that plus irrevocable mistakes change who you are, and you’re given the choice to question, fight, or do the right thing when offered. Well portrayed and interesting progression into the whodunit of the murder.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

Intriguing plot with some really complicated characters. I really enjoyed the quick pacing of the story and the way in which everything unfolded. Loved the switching timelines from past to present. Great and satisfying ending! Would like to read more from this author!