What is it about Italy that seems to make it the perfect setting for any book? This time, summer in Tuscany is the setting for a rather tense family-centred thriller by Kate Gray, and it is a book that I absolutley loved; in fact, it is safe to say that I could not put this book down. And, before I go any further, I need to say a massive thank you to Mountain Lion Press for sending me this proof copy because it is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Kate Gray is an auto-buy author for me to this has been an extra special treat.
One hot summer, Rosie is invited to stay with her boyfriend’s family in their home in Tuscany. What should be a summer of rest and relaxation, turns into a summer of mystery and secrets. Is Theo’s family as picture-perfect as the setting would suggest? And why do all the locals seem to give them a wide berth, and treat them with suspicion?
As the hot summer days pass, more secrets seem to come to the surface. The historic murder of a British schoolgirl seems to be taking centre stage again, especially as another young local woman goes missing. Do the family know what happened to her? Or, are they just the victims of circumstances as the outsiders in the town?
Spoiler-free, this book is a brilliant read. It was a great bit of escapism during these rather cold and stormy days we have been having.
I enjoyed that the story is told from a number of different points of view. This adds to the mystery and tension as you are considering who is the unreliable narrator, or how different characters view moments in the tale. It really has you playing armchair detective.
I think the biggest endorsement I can give this book is that it kept me up past my bedtime. I had to keep reading as I reached the conclusion of the book to find out exactly what was going to happen, and if justice was going to be served.
So, publishing in April, I would absolutely be adding this to your wishlist, because it is a thrilling read in a stunning setting.