The Traitors

by Carissa Ann Lynch

The brand new locked-room thriller for fans of Ruth Ware and Frieda McFadden. You are cordially invited to the Beechwood Castle for a night you’ll never forget…

Six people find a thick cream envelope on their doorstep. Inside is an invitation to spend 24 hours in a crumbling manor house and be in with the chance to win a portion of one million dollars. The Beechwood Castle was the site of one of the most horrific murders in modern history.

The smell of blood, decay and death still hangs heavy in the air.

Six people walk into the house. One of them is an imposter, all of them are traitors, which of them will survive the night?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Suspense

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2024

About the author

Besides my family, my greatest love in life is books. Reading them, writing them, holding them, smelling them…well, you get the idea. I’ve always loved to read, and some of my earliest childhood memories are me, tucked away in my room, lost in a good book. I received a five dollar allowance each week, and I always — always — spent it on books. My love affair with writing started early, but it mostly involved journaling and writing silly poems. Several years ago, I didn’t have a book to read so I decided on a whim to write my own story, something I’d like to read. It turned out to be harder than I thought, but from that point on I was hooked. My first and second books were released by Sarah Book Publishing: This Is Not About Love and Grayson’s Ridge. I’m a total genre-hopper. Basically, I like to write what I like to read: a little bit of everything! I reside in Floyds Knobs, Indiana with my husband, three children, and massive collection of books. I have a degree in psychology and worked as a counselor.

Reviews

[megs_bookrack · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5-stars**

💙💛😱💛💙😱💙💛😱💛💙😱💙💛😱💛💙

Over 25-years ago, Beechwood Castle was the site of a grisly axe murder. Three teens lost their lives on that gruesome night, while one teen survived. A final girl.

In the aftermath of the killing, the local community was left reeling. In an effort to catch the person responsible, a local cop ended up killing a boy he suspected was the murderer, but as it turns out, he was most likely innocent.



The castle has had a rocky history every since, the grounds falling into ruin. Now six people have received invitations for an overnight stay at the infamous castle. The selling point, the chance to win a portion of a million dollar cash payout.

All they need to do, make it a full 24-hours on the property.



From the publisher:

Six people walk into the house. One of them is an imposter, all of them are traitors, which of them will survive the night?

The Traitors is a hoot! It definitely reads like a B-Horror film, but y'all know that I have no problem with that.



It gets categorized as a Locked-Room Mystery, and while I guess I can understand that comp, to me it's the classic set-up for a blood bath of a Horror Thriller.

Sure, there's some mystery as to who is killing people, but to me the blood and brutal slayings sort of take center stage. It is a And Then There Were None format, but with much more of a heavy-handed Horror slant.

That's all semantics though, either way, it's a fun time.



I enjoyed the initial character set-up. Getting to meet each of the six people who received a Willy Wonka-esque Golden Ticket invite for the overnight stay at Beechwood.

I was instantly reaching for the popcorn as the drama of this cast of unlikable characters began. They each had their own motivations for being there, but who wasn't supposed to be there at all? That was the question.

It seems someone has infiltrated and they begin picking off the competition one-by-one. Is it as simple as that though, or is something else going on?



I had a lot of theories as to what was going on. It's all a bit chaotic, but there's never a lack of action. Lynch keeps the pace going at a nice steady speed throughout.

The twists and turns were surprising and they kept me engaged. I wasn't just eating the popcorn, I was throwing it at some of these characters.



This is the third novel I have read by Carissa Ann Lynch and I've had fun with them all. They don't take themselves too seriously. We're all just here for a good time.

I would recommend this to anyone who just wants a fun, quick-paced, intense, OTT-dramatic weekend read. If you enjoy multiple kills, unlikable characters and an ominous setting, you absolutely need to check this out.

I enjoy all of those things and feel like this novel checks all those boxes.



Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review.

I had fun with this and am definitely planning to pick up more from Carissa Ann Lynch!

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six invitations have been received. If they spend the night in Beechwood Castle, which is notorious for several murders, they have a chance to win a portion of a million dollars! It's that simple - spend the evening. But is it really that easy??? Not so much! When the six people (Penelope, Staci, Bonnie, Cornelius, Lolly, & Rad) arrive they are informed that one in their midst is an imposter, and all of them are traitors. After their meeting and introductions, it becomes clear that some of them are connected in some way.

I enjoyed the atmosphere in this book. A crumbling manor home with a dark history! It had me right there. People must spend the night in this creepy setting! Buckle me in, I'm ready to take this ride. I enjoyed the trapped feeling of the book. Being alone in a creepy house and wondering why each of you was invited. ding ding ding, this is right up my alley.

I enjoyed the tension, the mounting sense of dread and the feeling of not knowing who can be trusted really worked for me. When night falls, they feel the chill in the air, shivers will go up their spines as a simple night in a manor becomes a nightmare.

The book is told through the POVs of the characters, and I appreciated that there was no confusion about whose POV was being told. Readers learn more about the characters, their pasts, why they accepted the invitation and their attempts to figure out whodunit.

Tense, chilling, and atmospheric


3.5 stars

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, One More Chapter and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

[Jeneva Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wickedly fun and highly addictive! Lynch delivers a thrilling locked-room mystery, loaded with gloomy atmosphere, scandalous characters, and twists you won't see coming. The Traitors is a delicious read with all the elements of a perfect whodunit!

[Aisvarya (Semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atmospheric with a lot of drama!!

What to expect -
🪓Infamous mansion with a dark past
🪓Unreliable narrators
🪓True crime vibes
🪓Secrets, lies & deception
🪓Multiple POVs
🪓Murder mystery

The Beechwood Castle is known for its dark past and the haunting secrets it carries within its walls. The most infamous crime happened thirty years ago when a group of teenagers were killed by an axe murderer. Since then, the castle has remained shut - until a new owner buys the place and plans to remodel it. Before starting the renovation, he invites six people to spend a night there, with the promise that if they make it through, they'll walk away with their share of the prize money.

What follows after their arrival is crazy, chaotic, and dramatic, and I ate it all up!! Cuz I'm always here for more drama🤭🙈

The castle and its interiors ooze creepy, eerie vibes, and reading it during the fall made it even more perfect. With so many murders tied to its history, the macabre details regarding it only add to its chilling atmosphere. And the fact that it hasn't undergone any renovations since the axe murders makes the entire setting even more unsettling, keeping the characters on edge at all times.

But of course, each character has their own reason for accepting the invitation to visit the Castle :

✨Staci - a true crime YouTuber hoping to uncover details about the massacre 30 years ago and finally make it big
✨Lolly - the final girl from the massacre, desperate for money to care for her father and daughter
✨Penelope - a true crime author who hasn't had a hit in a while, and wants to use this opportunity for her next book
✨Cornelius - a sleazy architect who believes the new owner wants to hire him for the remodeling (hated him from the start!!!)
✨Bonnie - a psychic fresh out of jail who feels drawn to the castle's dark energy
✨Rad Williams - the ex-cop who investigated the 1996 murders

Having such a wide range of characters - some unlikeable, and some unreliable - made for an intriguing read. The only character I absolutely despised from the start was the pervert, Cornelius. The guy had the audacity to jerk off while peeping on a woman at work, and now that his wife hates him for the creep he is, he claims that he "didn't rape her, just looked at her." Like WHAT?!!!🤬🤬🤬 I wanted him to pay for it all, and in a way, he did!!!

Also, the plot itself moved swiftly once they all arrived at the Castle, and some of the twists genuinely surprised me. My only complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed, and I wish we had more clues leading up to the reveal of the real murderer.

Overall, it's a quick, atmospheric, and twisty read. I would highly recommend it if you want a thriller that's fast-paced and packed with a lot of drama.

✨Pre-read -
Found my next audiobook on Everand.

Six people competing for a million dollars, and all they have to do is spend a night in the infamous Manor, intrigued👀

[Louise Wilson]

Six people find a thick cream envelope on their doorstep. Inside is an invitation to spend twenty-four hours in a crumbling manor house and be in with a chance to win a portion of one million dollars. The Beachwood Castle was the site of one of the most horrific murders in modern history. The smell of blood, decay, and death still hangs heavily in the air. Six people walk into the house. One of them is an imposter, all of them are traitors, which of them will survive the night.

This is a thrilling and twisted locked room mystery. Twenty-seven years ago, Beachwood Castle was a crime scene after a massacre had taken place, the killer was never found. Now, six people have been invited to spend the night in the crumbling mansion. If they survive the night, they will share one million dollars. This book has an eerie, gothic feel to it. There's not much more I can say about this book except it's well-written, the characters are well-developed, and the plot is gripping. I don't want to give away any spoilers.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #CALynch for my ARC of #TheTraitors in exchange for an honet review.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but predictable, characters lacked depth and dialogue sometimes sounded like a novel intended for young adults. The plot needed more red herrings, more twists, more substance. I was disappointed because the description of the main plot sounded intriguing.

Apart from those glitches the book hold my attention but like I said this book was intended only to entertain and it performed that function.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real page-turner and one I mostly couldn't put down. I say ‘mostly’ because while I was still trying to figure out who the murderer was, thinking that it was a clever storyline keeping me guessing, the author tells us. It was as if someone had popped my balloon! For me, it was a disappointing ending to a really good story.

I have no doubts that this book will sell. ‘Traitors’ is a really popular reality show in the UK. I don’t watch it but you can’t escape the trailers! It’s also set in a castle with everyone wondering who the traitors are. I understand a US version is in production. It’s not the same as this book but the premise is similar. That, together with the title and setting, will be enough to draw readers in.

With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy.

[Kimberly R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six people receive invitations to Beechwood Castle where mass murders occurred nearly 30 years ago. They each will receive a lot of money if they can make it through the night. They begin receiving creepy notes and fear sets in.
This was a pretty scary gothic read full of interesting characters. I hated to put it down. Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC that will be released February 1, 2024!

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Traitors by C.A. Lynch is a mystery novel.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins, One More Chapter - in particular Chloe Cummings for sending me a widget,  and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals,but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Beechwood Castle is now a crumbling mansion, and is about to be renovated by a new, unknown owner.  It has a history of violence, most recently when three teenagers were massacred.    Before the renovations begin,  six people will be invited to spend 24 hours within its haunted walls, and each will be able to claim their portion of the million dollars being offered.

Most, but not all of the six are in need of the money, and all six have done things that are at the most mean, and some unethical.  They are all looking for redemption of some form.

Staci, the true-crime podcaster.  Lolly, the sole survivor of the massacre.  Cornelius, the out-of-work architect.  Penelope, the washed-up author. Bonnie, out on parole.  Rad, the disgraced police officer.  One of these is an imposter.  One of them may be a killer.
 

My Opinions:
This was a bit of a locked-room mystery with a definitely creepy feel.

All of the characters had faults, but a couple of them were easier to like than others.  Lolly, Bonnie and Rad had some redeeming qualities, but I couldn't say I particularly liked the others.  That being said, they were all interesting.

The plot was quite good, and I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong about the murderer -- hence the 4 stars  (I was at 3.5 before that).

The short chapters made it a fast read, and overall, it was a fun, entertaining mystery!


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Tanja Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a weak 4 stars, but it gets that because for about half the book I absolutely loved it and hoped it wouldn’t end! That is, until the inevitable killing started, whereupon my enthusiasm dwindled.

Six people are invited to a recently reopened house with a notorious history: it was the site of a brutal mass murder of six teens. The invitees are a true crime writer, a true crime podcaster, a clairvoyant, a former detective, an architect and the survivor of the original massacre. The story alternates between these perspectives. They all have something to hide and tensions rise. If they stay one night in the house they are set to get quite a bit of money though - and maybe, the truth. The build up is great and the resolution is quite good. I just didn’t like the new killings.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twenty seven years ago, Beechwood Castle, with delusions of grandeur for it is more a mansion than a castle, was the location of a massacre. Three friends were brutally murdered by way of a person swinging an ax. The killer was never found.

Now, six people have been invited to spend one night at the now crumbling mansion. Those who make it through the night will receive a healthy dose of money. There’s a true crime author, a cop, a YouTuber, an architect, a psychic and last, but by no means least, the final girl from all those years ago. All six are apparently traitors, and one is an alleged imposter. Who? Why were these six invited here? By whom? And will they all survive the night?

I might possibly have mentioned this before but I find it remarkably hard to stay away from locked room mysteries. 'The Traitors' is kind of like a final girl story wrapped in a layer of “and then there were none”. (which in my opinion is still the best locked room mystery ever.) It really doesn't take a genius to realise not all these characters will make it out alive.

It’s pretty much impossible to figure out who the imposter is supposed to be. Because while the reader is introduced to all six characters one by one, it was hard to get a real feel for them, to figure out their motivations or intentions. Bar maybe one or two, none of them are particularly likeable. I didn’t find myself rooting for anyone and herein lies a little problem.

Because of course bodies will drop but since that connection with the characters wasn’t necessarily there, I didn’t care about them perishing at all. The story lacked a certain amount of depth for me to become invested in the characters and circumstances they found themselves in. And I'm still not entirely sure why all six were labeled as traitors, so I definitely missed something there.

That’s not to say 'The Traitors' isn’t a good book. The story is intriguing for sure, there’s a certain level of tension and suspense, and while I feel I should have figured out who the killer was, I didn’t. But for me personally, it’s unfortunately also a book that didn’t make the impact I expected and one that’ll easily be forgotten. At 270 pages, it’s a quick and entertaining read, but it never quite got my juices flowing.

[Alex Z (azeebooks) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, I hate it when the set up for a book is so great, but it just doesn’t follow through.

We have a situation where 6 people get an invitation to spend the night in a crumbling manor where grisly murders have taken place. If they spend the night, there’s a million dollars for them to split. We have to figure out how these characters are related and why they were all chosen to spend the night.

I wanted to love this so much but all of the characters were just vile and when they started dying I could only shrug. There didn’t feel like there was any tension and the big reveal fell flat. I think making the book more fleshed out and longer could have went a long way. The idea of this unsolved murder spree, and the subsequent invitations to the scene was so great and with the right characterizations, it could have been an edge of your seat horror.

⭐⭐.5

Available February 1, 2024

Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review *

In C.A. Lynch's captivating debut novel, "The Traitors," six individuals with a dark past find themselves drawn to the haunting Beechwood Castle, a once-grand estate now shrouded in mystery and decay. The invitation, delivered in a thick cream envelope, promises a thrilling 24-hour stay and a chance to share a $1 million prize. However, as they step through the castle gates, a sense of unease settles upon them, for Beechwood is not merely a relic of the past; it's a place steeped in secrets and haunted by a chilling history.

Lynch masterfully weaves a web of suspense, gradually revealing the characters' hidden motives and the dark secrets that bind them together. The isolated setting of Beechwood Castle amplifies the sense of paranoia and isolation, as the six strangers grapple with their own fears and suspicions. The atmosphere is both eerie and captivating, with Lynch's evocative prose transporting readers into the heart of the story.

The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own unique backstory and set of motivations. From the enigmatic ex-con to the ambitious lawyer, each individual brings a distinct perspective to the narrative, adding depth and intrigue to the plot. Lynch deftly explores the themes of betrayal, guilt, and redemption, as the characters confront their past mistakes and grapple with the consequences of their actions.

As the night progresses, the tension mounts, and the line between reality and illusion blurs. Strange occurrences and unsettling discoveries keep the reader guessing, while Lynch skillfully drops hints and red herrings along the way. The mystery is intricate and well-crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the end.

However, while the plot and characters are largely compelling, the pacing of the story could have been tightened in certain sections, particularly in the middle chapters. The introduction of certain side characters and plot developments felt a bit rushed, and could have benefited from a more gradual incorporation into the narrative. Additionally, while the atmosphere of Beechwood Castle is effectively established, the exploration of its history and connection to the mystery could have been more deeply developed to further enhance the overall experience.

Despite these minor flaws, "The Traitors" remains an engrossing and suspenseful read that will leave readers satisfied and eager for more from this promising new author. Lynch's knack for crafting intriguing characters and weaving a captivating mystery makes this a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and locked-room mysteries.

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd describe this as a psychological thriller with a slight mystery horror theme. A bunch of loosely connected individuals all from the town of Rock Hill find themselves invited to a strange evening at Beechwood castle the site of a former axe massacre. If they follow the rules and play the game they stand to walk away with a substantial sum of money. We have the true crime Youtuber, an award-winning but now on-the-skids crime writer, a disgraced Architect, a killer retired cop, an ex-con and psychic, and lastly the final girl left still breathing from the previous gruesome killings. All are invited to the castle for a night they'll never forget.

This was mostly enjoyable, but I do feel that the first half was much stronger than the second and then this just seemed to fizzle out losing its momentum resulting in a very anti-climatic finale that I saw coming a mile off. The issue was that there were only a few possible suspects making this then super easy to predict. 

Overall it isn't a long read and I did like the idea and found the central plot intriguing it just on paper sounded way better than it turned out to be. the writing itself was fine it just was also slightly boring and quite slow in places and it also felt somewhat predictable. It was told from multiple POVs but I found myself not really liking any of the characters involved as they were all quite an unlikable bunch, some more so than others. It was a quick read that was ok but nothing was outstanding or that memorable about this either. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of The Traitors.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six unlikeable characters with dark secrets are lured to an old mansion named Beechwood Castle by a mysterious invite. Beechwood was the site of a trio of axe murders 27 years ago when 3 out of 4 friends were killed by a murderer who was never caught. The six are: Lolly (only survivor of the original killings), Staci (true crime podcaster who faked evidence to improve ratings), Cornelius (architect & creepy perv previously arrested for voyeurism), Penelope (fading true crime writer), Bonnie (ex-con & psychic who served time for fraud), & Rad (ex-cop who worked the original case & accidentally shot their only suspect, Bobby Reeks.) All of them have their own reasons for being there, but one of them is an imposter, & when they start being picked off one by one, they begin to wonder if the murderer is one of the other guests?

I rather enjoyed this one. None of the six main characters are particularly likeable, trustworthy, or trusting which makes for a pressure-cooker atmosphere. I must admit I didn't guess the culprit & I like a book that can keep me guessing, but I did think the ending was a little disappointing compared to the rest of the book. Overall though, it's just the ticket if you're looking for a quick, fun read that's not too demanding.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[OutlawPoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get your popcorn ready!

This is a painless, brainless, but effortlessly entertaining read. While the plot may be a bit old, the author’s style is sharp and they have a way of just trickling out all these secrets and lies that leave you shocked.

I had absolutely no clue about the ‘who’ in this whodunnit and I was gob-smacked. Like…wow!

A devious, suspenseful and definitely fun read.

• ARC via Publisher

[Lisa Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six people recieve envelopes inviting them to spend 24 hours in a run down manor house. Beechwood Castle is famous for a gruesome mass killing years before.

Six people enter, one is an imposter, but all of them are traitors. Who will survive?

This was a very addictive locked room thriller and had me gripped from the beginning! I suspected all of the characters throughout the course of the story and some more than once. There are so many red herrings in this with all of the things these people have gone through in their pasts. I would never have guessed the true killer and was completely shocked at the reveal. This was very well written and I highy recommend to my fellow thriller lovers.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun one!! It’s a locked room mystery type story where 6 people are invited to spend the night at a crumbling castle where multiple murders accrued decades ago. Whoever makes it through the night wins a share of a million dollars. Each character needs the money and also has other demons to exorcise. Of course scary and bad things start happening almost immediately and the characters must fight for their lives.

The characterization in this book was really well done and even when the characters weren’t likable, they were believable. The side stories and secret connections between them were interesting and I didn’t get people confused because they each had a clear story arc. The twist at the end was great and I didn’t see it coming at all.

Overall, this is a fun read (and quick too!). I’d recommend to those who like mysteries. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Branita J · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first this book was a little slow. But that's to be expected with some books. It does pick up and get good. It will leave you guessing about who is the killer. C. A. Lynch does a fantastic job with the story. She tells the story by changing the perspective of each chapter. You get to see each person's POV, which keeps things from getting monotonous. It's one of the most interesting books I've read this year. Definitely, an unusual one, too easy the least.

Thank you to NetGalley, C. A. lynch, and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this arc.

[Lauren WK · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been great - certainly the set up and early plot was interesting. But for me the writing felt childish, the characters weren’t believable and the potential for tension, jump scares and horror wasn’t met. The book ended before it ever got going.

Positives - it was short and so I didn’t waste too much time on it.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite the enjoyable thriller. This book is told from the POV of 6 characters and while I normally dislike multi-POV stories, the characters here had enough depth and distinction from each other. All of them have done bad things, but some were more likable than others. I also liked the locked-room setting at the crumbling castle.

In terms of pacing, this book is a bit on the slower side and we spend the first 100 pages or so getting to know the characters before the arrival of them at the castle. While I didn’t mind the slow pace, it might not be for everyone. But, I appreciated the author giving all of the characters a backstory and personality traits.

The current mystery is tied into the past and it was interesting to see how they were connected. I definitely was surprised by the killer so that was a nice unexpected reveal. Overall, this book is on the slower side but I appreciated the depth of the characters and the story.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beechwood “castle” is a mansion which is crumbling. Twenty-seven years ago, three teenagers were brutally murdered. One survived. Twenty-seven years on a cream envelope land through the doors of six people inviting them to stay the night at the “castle” If they make it through the night, they will receive a substantial award.
The six people were all very different from one another young and older, with different careers and walks of life. All of them are traitors, and one of them is an imposter.
I felt that the author did a great job of letting us get to know each character and it switched from different characters' POV, building them into real people. The setting was well described making it easy to imagine it.
Each person had their issues and could have been the imposter. Could I guess who the murderer from both incidents was? Absolutely not, this had me guessing the whole time.
This was like watching a scary movie, I didn’t know what would happen next and was on the edge of my seat.
It was a fast-paced, well-written book, I thought it was great!

[✨ Aaron Jeffery ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1996 Beechwood Castle was the scene of a horrific massacre in which several young people lost their lives. One person, Lolly, survived but the killer was never found. Twenty-seven years later six people find an envelope on their doorstep containing an invitation to spend 24 hours inside Beechwood Castle to win a share of one million dollars. One of them is Lolly. But all is not as it seems — one of the six guests is an imposter and all of them are traitors. Not everyone will survive the night. . .

I love a good locked room mystery so The Traitors was right up my alley. With a creepy and foreboding atmosphere, I read the entire book with a tightly wound knot in my stomach. I was constantly on edge anticipating things going bump in the night. Told through each guest's point of view, their background stories came to life. Although a relatively short book, the author got the pacing exactly right. I thought it was an enjoyable, quick and easy read.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book – eerie gothic mansion, invitations from an unknown host, and murder! Literally the only issue I had was that it wasn’t a longer story so I could enjoy it more! Six people receive invitations to Beechwood Castle to spend one night. If they do so, they will win their portion of one million dollars. Sounds easy, right? So what if this abandoned home was the site of gruesome murders a few decades ago? And several times before that, as well. But that’s all in the past, right?

There’s little else to say without giving away spoilers, except something vague like “Beware, people are not always as they seem.” It is true in this story but it doesn’t help explain anything! I’d compare this book to the movie adaptation of “Clue” with Tim Curry – pure camp and dark comedy throughout. You can’t take it too seriously, just have fun and go along for the ride. This would make a great screenplay because I would love to see these characters come to life. Combined with the atmosphere of the abandoned ‘castle’ it would be awesome on screen.

Like I said at the start, I only wish the story were a bit longer. But on the other hand, how many times do people take note of repetition and unnecessary filler? Maybe it’s the perfect length, after all. I just need another one like this to read, ASAP

[gem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, this is not a locked room mystery! The original murders were not in a locked room with no reasonable explanation for the deaths, it’s was blatantly explained they were in the castle & someone axe murdered people. The events of the night in the castle were also not a fucking locked room as whilst the reveal was ludicrous, it wasn’t impossible & they were running around the castle and the grounds, so at best it could’ve been touted as a closed circle but even that’s not entirely accurate.

I have no idea why they were called traitors, yes they all had slightly dodgy pasts or a misdeed to their name, but they weren’t traitors, they were just shitty people or had done shitty things.

The first third of the book (or what it felt like) was overly long character introductions for the six characters. Given that the murders start almost immediately as they arrive at the castle it seems pointless to have gone into that much depth. Presumably it was to make us question who could’ve brought them to the castle & for what reasons, and a couple of them seemed utterly pointless to be honest.
The chapters in the middle where people were getting murdered were actually ok, but it then seemed to come to a screeching halt as it became apparent that whoever this killer was was just playing a game for their own amusement. The reveal of who the killer was was really fucking frustrating & stupid and felt like a cop out. Yes, it made sense once it was explained, but it needed way more build up to, it just felt like the author had ran out of steam & thought “oh fuck, I’ve killed so many characters I’d better tell them who the killer is *picks name out of hat*”.

I think what’s annoying me the most (out of a long list), is this had the potential to be a great House on Haunted Hill type murder mystery, or one of the more recent crime thrillers that are closed circle & executed well. It was all too convenient.

The writing was ok, albeit there seemed far too many commas and the tone in which the characters spoke didn’t always work and there was a lot of repetition of phrases or random bits of information. I don’t think I’ll rush to read anything else by this author and to be honest I’m amazed at so many 4 star reviews saying how good it was. It makes me wonder how many crime books these people have read before if they think this is good, or whether they were being disingenuously effusive because they got a copy from netgalley. (If people did love it then fair enough, like I said the middle bit was pretty good, and I’m probably comparing it to too many other books I’ve read in a similar vein).

[Nicola Stevenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has such a good setup & I had high hopes for it, but this was a massive letdown. We meet the six main characters & their backstories before anything happens, and they were some of the most odious characters that I have had the misfortune to read about in a while. It felt like we go more backstory than we got action in Beechwood Castle. For much of the time, I was hoping that the killer would kill them all, but it was not to be.

While I didn’t enjoy this book, I do think it would make a good movie - the plot & the obnoxious characters lend themselves more to the screen than the pages of a book.

Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Fictionophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Southern Indiana, lies Beechwood Castle - a derelict manor on forty acres of woodland. The 'Castle' has had a macabre and gruesome history going back centuries...

Six local people receive the following invitation:

"You are cordially invited to Beechwood Castle on November 9th, 2023 for night you'll never forget. You are invited to stay one night, as our guest. If you follow the rules and complete the night, you will receive your one-sixth share of one million dollars."

The six (who were required to sign legal documents agreeing not to sue if they get injured or killed, documents that waived all of their rights to privacy, and that promised they wouldn't say anything about their experiences until the 'stay' was over):

Staci - a twenty-something social media influencer who hosts a YouTube channel discussing cold cases of missing and murdered women. She has no steady job, has mental health issues, and lives with her brother and her sister-in-law. When she arrives at the 'Castle' her actions come across as rather gauche.

Lolly -  is the only survivor of the 1996 Beechwood Castle massacre, in which three of her teenage friends were brutally murdered with an axe. Now she is a forty-something single mother to a thirteen year old girl, who cares for her dementia ridden father and works at Home Depot.

Bonnie - a psychic and ex-convict. She was convicted of fraud and drug charges which resulted in her daughter being taken into care when she was just an infant. Bonnie has had no contact with her daughter for over two decades.

Penelope - a sixty-nine year old writer of true crime novels whose career has been on the decline for some time. Though wealthy and happily married, she longs for the literary recognition she feels she is entitled to. She comes across and curt, sarcastic and unpleasant.

Cornelius - an architect who lost his job after being jailed for 'perversion'. His marriage is circling the drain and he is the father of two boys.

Rad - a retired widower, and disgraced fifty-something policeman. He lost his job years ago, when he was accused of killing the man suspected of killing those three teens at Beechwood Castle in 1996. He seeks closure...

Permeated with a sinister sense of menace, the narrative follows the six invitees as they accept the challenge in order to win the lucrative financial prize. Facts about the six are slowly revealed. Chilling discoveries follow...  With a finale that would make a great movie denouement, "The Traitors" will titillate and engross readers looking for a brief escape via the written word.

I'm uncertain as to why the title was chosen. I could not unearth any hints in the novel as to why the participants were 'traitors'.

The novel reads like a cross between an Agatha Christie mystery and a farcical horror story. With lots of violent deaths, some black humour, and characters that you as the reader are not heavily invested in, the book was an enjoyable romp. The type of story you'd tell around a campfire perhaps... or, the type of book perfect for reading in late October.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very intrigued by the description of this book and it is a very gripping story. Six people are invited to spend 24 hours in Beechwood Castle, the site of a horrible tragedy years before in which only one person survived. They are promised a huge reward if they manage to stay the entire time. Some think they will be part of a reality show and are looking forward to the publicity as well as the chance at the money.

We are given a glimpse into the lives of the six participants before the event, told from their own point-of-view. When they arrive at the castle, they are given instructions by a hostess hired to kick off the gathering and then leave them on their own. Each of the participants is hiding something, but one could be a killer! This part of the book reminded me of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.

It's interesting getting to know each of the characters and trying to figure out who can be trusted and who is dangerous. The castle provides the perfect scary backdrop for a story that comes out and says not everyone will survive the night. I enjoyed the suspense, but some parts of the book are gory and veer more into horror territory than I usually read. There are a few different twists and turns as the reader and the characters learn more about the people they are sharing a house with. The ending was surprising although the resolution did fall a little flat for me. Overall, I enjoyed this suspenseful book and will keep an eye out for more by this author.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Sarah [ Page.Turning.Thrills ] · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one is safe and everyone is a suspect.

"The Traitors" by C. A. Lynch is a highly entertaining and fast-paced read. I absolutely loved it! It starts out like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and merges into a game of Clue. The character development is complete as Lynch introduced each one individually at the beginning of the story. Even though there are multiple characters, I didn't find myself confused as to who was who. They each have their flaws.

Thanks @onemorechapterhc for inviting me to read this with a gifted eARC for review purposes. All opinions expressed are mine alone.