I enjoyed the setting and the fact that it was a destination suspense thriller. I felt the book started off quite slowly, but it definitely picked up by the 60% mark, and I enjoyed the ending. If you enjoy destination suspense thrillers, you will enjoy this one!

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 star

I really enjoyed this book! It’s my first book from Ali Lowe that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be my last. I started and finished this today so you could say I was hooked! Loved it!!

There was so much happening but I loved it, I did get a little confused here and there because of the amount of characters and trying to keep up with all the names but overall loved it and it truly felt like I was reading a season of White Lotus (one of my favourite tv shows)

Welcome to Loloma Island Resort, a six star resort at Fiji.
The book begins with some guests arriving at the resort for their New Year celebration at the island.
Sadly, the supposedly holiday island turned into murderous island. From the incidental diving nightmare, unexpected sudden death, and a body washed up on the shore.
Ali Lowe created amazing plot and story line which will make you suspecting almost every guests and also the resort staff.
It's definitely a crazy twisty thriller that I could highly recommend for your best read of 2025. And, the epilogue just made a perfection for this book.

4.5 stars.

New Year's Eve, Loloma Island, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean, it’s set to be a night that no one will forget, especially when a body washes up on the shore. Who are the victim and the villain? A billionaire’s daughter, an out-of-money start-up founder, a young dive instructor, the spouse, or the lover?

This was such a perfect holiday read. The island setting, the suspense, the unlikable characters and the twists were all perfectly interwoven to create this page turner which I devoured super quickly.

First of all, the description of Loloma made me want to book the next flight there immediately. The resort’s hospitality service was top notch (and realistic), and brought me into holiday vibe straight away. Then, we got the perfect mix of characters - both Kitty and Luella intrigued me from the start for different reasons.

I’d highly recommend jumping in blind for maximum experience! I don’t always remember the details of the popcorn thrillers I’ve read, but I know I’ll remember this one for a long time, because of its rich plot, character motivations and dialogues. The twists were layered and unpredictable, and I had fun!

Not for a moment would this reviewer wish to suggest that this is a time in history when the murder of an obnoxious rich person, on a luxury island, busily engaged in being obnoxious and threatening to all and sundry is an enjoyable idea, but it did come across, in this novel, as particularly pleasing. In a not as uncomfortable as as you'd think way.

THE PRIVATE ISLAND by Ali Lowe is a take on a locked room scenario, combined with some filthy rich unpleasant people and some not so filthy rich, but guests as well people, who all come together with a lot of motives to want somebody dead. As the blurb describes the main players:

The billionaire's daughter, glamorous, untouchable, hungry for her inheritance.
The start-up founder, out of money, and out of time.
The young dive instructor, in way over his head and struggling to stay afloat.
The husband, blinded by desire, in all the wrong ways.
And the lover, hidden in the shadows, where no one can see them....

This list doesn't include a deeply put upon wife, an estranged and angry sister, and a quietly determined and clear-eyed Head of Housekeeping and Aunt.

It all comes together in a very engaging combination of characters, and idyllic setting. A tropical island preparing to see in the new year with a masked party, champagne, fireworks and a few more deaths than the staff are quite used to dealing with. Whilst one death seems natural, the second, on the other hand, is quite obviously anything but. The problem is that there are more than enough suspects, almost too many of them really.

THE PRIVATE ISLAND very quickly became very compulsive reading. Got to love an author with the skill to write deeply unpleasant people with this much joie de vivre. The author's that is - the characters demonstrated just how money does not make you happy, or human for that matter. The standout "investigator" in the bunch is definitely housekeeper Una although the put upon wife Kitty, eventually emerges from her internal conflict to become both an ally, and a lot more that's particularly unexpected.

The setting serves as a great exclusive locked room resort, but there's also connections between some of the characters and the place which help to bring the staff and the client's together when required, and all the while, there's trouble brewing, and murderous intent that includes the distinct possibility that there's more sympathy for the main suspect than there ever could be for the victim.

Right from the very start THE PRIVATE ISLAND was engaging, entertaining, and an excellent whodunnit. The why always seemed pretty obvious, the only mystery there seemed to be why it took so long for somebody to kill a person that obnoxious, but the lovely twist in the tail was that second to final reveal. It was so... base, so nasty, so apt. And then there's an ultimate reveal.

Destination thrillers are always a blast to read. I love feeling like I'm in a different setting and after reading them, I always itch to travel. Ali Lowe's The Private Island is set in Fiji. When a body washes ashore at an exclusive resort, there are so many suspects who could be responsible.

This was such an entertaining book which kept me flipping the pages so fast. I just had to know who did it! Told through multiple POVs and with twists aplenty, I found myself fully savouring this book. And with a cover like that, now I think I need to visit Fiji!

The Private Island is an exhilarating destination thriller laced with opulence, greed, jealousy and deception, making it the ideal read to wrap up your summer reading.

Fiji has always held a special place in my heart, and this book instantly whisked me back to its enchanting shores. Set during the lead-up to New Year's at an isolated lux six-star island resort, Ali Lowe skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, capturing the essence of Fiji while expertly building an atmosphere filled with tension and suspense.

I loved the dynamic cast—characters I genuinely rooted for alongside those I couldn’t stand. It really kept my judgment on the edge! 🤣 It's truly refreshing to see Fijians portrayed as key characters in this narrative. I've always found resort staff to be incredibly kind and genuine, and this authenticity shines brightly in their perspective chapters.

The third act was a whirlwind, shattering everything I thought I understood with a series of shocking revelations.

I also love that the published copy includes a Map of the Island (because we love a map!) and the resort’s 'cocktail of the day' featured each day really elevated the island vibes to the next level for me. I can't wait to try every single one of them—let the fun begin!

Thank you to the team at @hachetteaus and @Netgalley for providing me with an eARC for review. I'll be grabbing a physical copy this weekend to add to my Ali collection, and also get it signed at the upcoming Criminal Minds Panel hosted by Dymocks.

Suuuch a twisty book!

Ali Lowe really does know how to write a twisty psychological thriller that throws you off the scent and this is another great one!

It was a really interesting setting, different to her last few books. Moving away from the family life, to the glitz and glam of a 6 star holiday. Where everything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong.

While I had little inklings along the way of who was doing everything when it all came together I was shocked. There were a few different story lines, but they all came together quite nicely at the end in what was an ending I didn’t quite expect. There was one character and storyline that I felt a little unnecessary but overall it was a great book!

I hadn’t read anything by Ali Lowe before diving into this latest release, but just a few chapters in, it was clear why she’s considered one of Australia’s top thriller/mystery authors.

The Private Island is exactly what it sounds like a an exclusive six-star resort in Fiji, where the ultra-wealthy escape for a holiday they’ll never forget. For this group of guests, though, paradise quickly turns into something far more sinister.

Told through multiple POVs, the story follows both holidaymakers and hotel staff as New Year’s shifts from a dream getaway to a nightmare. I’m not one for spoilers, so I won’t share much more, but let’s just say things take a serious turn when a body washes up on shore one morning.

Like any great thriller, I had no idea where things were headed - who was guilty, who was innocent, and who was simply caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Every character had a backstory that kept me wondering two things: how nice would it be to be in Fiji right now? And more importantly, what on Earth is going on, and can we trust anyone?!

With twists and turns every few chapters - even right up until the final pages - I couldn’t put it down. I was so hooked I devoured it in a day, and the ending? It does not disappoint!

Huge thanks to Ali, Hachette, and NetGalley for the early digital copy. To say I loved it would be the understatement of the year!

“Even the most beautiful things, she thinks, can be deadly”

Even though this was a murder mystery, it made me want to go back to Fiji. I've been to an island close to where this was set (although definitely wasn't a 6 star resort). It's a lovely place.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I finished it pretty fast, however i wish there was a bit more characterisation. Some of the personalities weren't strong enough, that they did fade into the background a bit and made them not memorable.

Overall i do recommend though! it's a fun read.

Thank you NetGalley and to Hachette Australia & New Zealand for the ARC.

The Private Island by Ali Lowe.

"Even the most beautiful things, she thinks, can be deadly".

Welcome to paradise - Loloma Island, Fiji. A tranquil place but when a body is found washed up on the shore everyone is a suspect and no-one is safe. Everyone has a secret to hide.

The Private Island is the perfect summer holiday read. The location was a chef's kiss. I really enjoyed the different points of view between the characters. Ali definitely gave us some unlikeable characters (one standing out more than others) and of course some likeable characters too (Una).

I loved the cocktail of the day recipes throughout the book and saved them for a later date. They sound delicious. Just when you think you have all the answers you get taken for another wild ride.

Thank you Hachette Books Australia and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book for my honest book review.

This book took me back to a wonderful family holiday we spent on a small Fijian island about 18 years ago. It described life on the island perfectly - I felt like I was back there, with the fragrance of the frangipanis, the waves crashing on the sand and the warm and friendly Fijian people. This island may have been a tad more extravagant than ours, but along with that came an abundance of mystery and mayhem!

From the minute the guests arrive, tensions are high, culminating in a catastrophic New Years Eve. The drama doesn’t just involve the visitors though, the staff have plenty going on too! There are wonderful characters to both love and despise, many suspects to keep you guessing, lots of twists and turns and a very clever ending!

I loved this latest book of Ali’s! It’s an extremely addictive page turner and would make a great holiday read!

Ali Lowe is back with another fantastic, mysterious, twisty thriller set in the gorgeous Fijian islands

It’s the lead up to New Year’s Eve and the guests are arriving at the luxury Loloma Resort & Spa. The hotel staff are prepared for the busy few days to come. Una has been a loyal and model employee, always striving for perfection in her job. And also looking after her grown nephew Sailasa who too works at Loloma. He is a hard worker but hiding something from his Aunt

As the guests arrive, we meet two couples who are ready for a relaxing getaway. Before Benedict and his billionaire wife Luella step foot off the boat, they already have the staff intimidated and on edge, knowing this couple will expect a perfect stay. Meanwhile, Fergus and his wife Kitty are far more relaxed and friendly, but soon Fergus recognises his old colleague Benedict, is it a coincidence they are here at the same date?

In between cocktails, sun and exciting water adventures the island is in full party swing! But when a body washes up on the shore the celebrations are halted, is there a murderer on the island?

This fabulous twisty thriller, is filled with lies, revenge and many suspicious characters
The tropical backdrop is the ideal location, plus the storytelling through multiple POVs had me guessing right up until the very end

Thank you so much @netgalley @hachetteaus for my early review copy

A fantastic gripping story of whodunnit!

It was an absolute pleasure to dive into this book with lots of suspense and twists.

A really great read that I couldn’t put it down and I highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher Hachette Australia & New Zealand for the ARC.

Ali Lowe delivers another highly entertaining, addictive read with The Private Island, the perfect beach thriller.

Set in a luxurious six-star resort on a remote Fijian island, the story unfolds against the backdrop of a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration. The cast—both privileged guests and hotel staff—includes some truly awful characters you’ll love to hate, others you’ll root for, and plenty hiding secrets. When a body washes ashore, everyone becomes a suspect.

I was hooked from the start and couldn’t wait to dive back in each time I had to put it down. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Ali masterfully threw in twists that made me second-guess everything.

This will be a hit with readers who love an engaging drama mixed with a juicy whodunnit. The tropical setting gave me all the White Lotus vibes, and honestly, this would make a fantastic screen adaptation.

Thank you to @netgalley and @hatchette for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars! Ali has done it again with a story you just can't put down! There were so many OMG, wait WHAT?!, wow moments in this story. In the prologue a body is discovered and as soon as we were introduced to one of the main characters I hoped they were going to end up being the body (is that bad? I don't care, they were an awful character, if someone was dying in this book it deserved to be them 😂) I thought I could see how the story was playing out but I was wrong and that makes for some great reading as you realise more secrets and revelations. Plus as always in Ali's books the epilogue was fabulous when that last little tidbit is exposed

4.5 stars!
Ali Lowe takes us on a journey to a remote island in Fiji where a few couples and a few singles are staying at a luxury resort. They are counting down to New Year’s Eve and hoping for a night they won’t forget. When a body washes up on the shore…things take a turn.

Tensions are high throughout and each character has a secret or two they are hiding. I loved this ride and the excellent character development of our island guests and hotel employees. I loved how absolutely ridiculous Luella was. There were a lot of characters but I felt like the book was written really clearly so it was easy to keep track of everyone. This was very enjoyable and I was questioning who could be trusted and who may have motive to kill. I thought it was quite unique that our main character is Una, one of the housekeepers at the resort. Her perspective and character is great and she dives in head first to investigate even though it’s not her job.

I loved this! Very entertaining and so intricately executed! Thank you so much to @hachetteaustralia and @netglley for the E-arc. It’s time for me to get to more of her backlist…I’ve only read The Running Club.

Review: The Private Island by Ali Lowe. Bula!! The first thing I loved about this book is the setting, a 6 star private island, an hour boat ride from Port Denerau, Fiji. This book made me crave an island holiday so badly, everything from the heat, the hustle and bustle of the port, and the welcome song from the staff on the island.
This island is a very exclusive and expensive resort, and the guests seem to all be very different. Unfortunately one of the guests ends up on the beach, dead…. But who is the culprit? And why?
I loved the short chapters that often ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, so honestly, there was no good point to put it down, I just really wanted to keep reading.
A couple of the characters gave me second hand embarrassment over how they treated the staff, who were so patient and kind with everyone (as anyone who has visited Fiji would know, there’s always a friendly smile and a jovial “Bula” when you cross paths!).
Several undercurrents of tension between the guests honestly kept me guessing til the end.
Loved it!
Thankyou Ali, NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
5⭐️

I love holidaying in Fiji, so when I heard Ali’s new book was set there I couldn’t wait to read it!

The start of the book is quite mysterious and I wasn’t quite sure where this was heading. There were lots of visitors on the island, there was also a lot of spite, hatred, secrets and nasty personalities.

Half way through the book, things started to heat up and I was not expecting this story to unfold! Whoa!! Excellent diversions and twists, that ending was pretty remarkable too! Didn’t expect that one!!

This book didn’t really have many likeable characters, only one, the lovely Una, our hardworking, lovely, Fijian house keeper on the island. She was definitely my favourite!

If you’re looking for a mystery filled with twists, this one is for you!

Thank you @hachette and @netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Set at the illustrious, exclusive Loloma resort in Fiji, The Private Island follows a muddled together group of couples, families, secret lovers and estranged siblings on the count down to New Years Eve when something terrible happens and someone washes up dead.

Ali does such a great job at painting the most serene picture of Fiji and carving out each individual character. Every voice was so unique and had such a different and interesting perspective.

I love Ali's writing. I love the way she tells a story. Overall it was just a really good time.

4.25 ⭐