What do you think?
Rate this book
Dying to be Here
As soon as you first see the house, a former hotel in a picturesque enclave of the Cypriot hills, you know this abandoned resort is the perfect home for you – with breath-taking views, a refreshing pool, and peace and quiet, away from the rest of the world. A place to recover and grow.
But paradise isn’t cheap, and as the debts mount, you could lose everything you've worked so hard for.
Until someone makes you an offer: to keep your home, all you have to do is take a life.
But you could never do that… could you?
You’d die to stay here. But would you kill to?
But paradise isn’t cheap, and as the debts mount, you could lose everything you've worked so hard for.
Until someone makes you an offer: to keep your home, all you have to do is take a life.
But you could never do that… could you?
You’d die to stay here. But would you kill to?
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2024
285 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Emerson
7 books72 followersThis author is also published under Tracey Emerson.
Tracey’s latest psychological thriller, The Perfect Holiday, is published by Boldwood Books. Before writing fiction, she worked in theatre and community arts. As well as acting, she ran drama workshops in healthcare settings, focusing on adults with mental health issues. Her short stories have been widely published in anthologies and literary magazines, and her feature writing has appeared in Stella magazine, Woman’s Own and The Sydney Morning Herald. Her first psychological thriller, She Chose Me, was published by Legend Press in 2018.
She has a PhD in Creative Writing from The University of Edinburgh and works as a literary consultant and writing tutor. She is also the Creative Director of The Bridge Awards, a philanthropic organisation that provides micro-funding for art and community projects.
Tracey’s latest psychological thriller, The Perfect Holiday, is published by Boldwood Books. Before writing fiction, she worked in theatre and community arts. As well as acting, she ran drama workshops in healthcare settings, focusing on adults with mental health issues. Her short stories have been widely published in anthologies and literary magazines, and her feature writing has appeared in Stella magazine, Woman’s Own and The Sydney Morning Herald. Her first psychological thriller, She Chose Me, was published by Legend Press in 2018.
She has a PhD in Creative Writing from The University of Edinburgh and works as a literary consultant and writing tutor. She is also the Creative Director of The Bridge Awards, a philanthropic organisation that provides micro-funding for art and community projects.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 8, 2024
Going into “the last resort” I definitely though I’d be reading about regular vacationers who end up at some deadly resort where people mysteriously drop dead, but the plot is miles away from my best guess going into this blind.
To start with the cover is captivating and enticing and gives you that summer vacay gone wrong feel.
The plot follows an “intentional community” (or should we just call a cult a cult), made up of people who are trying to hide from their past, go to a resort of sorts with the promises of safety within a non judgemental community.
The motto is “the past does not exist” (convenient), however to someone, the past is still very much relevant and they are their seeking vengeance and revenge.
This plot is a little too slow burn for my tastes but overall there was potential in the premise.
The warm sunny setting of Cyprus is a stark contrast to the dark undertones of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, T J Emerson and Boldwood books for an advanced copy
To start with the cover is captivating and enticing and gives you that summer vacay gone wrong feel.
The plot follows an “intentional community” (or should we just call a cult a cult), made up of people who are trying to hide from their past, go to a resort of sorts with the promises of safety within a non judgemental community.
The motto is “the past does not exist” (convenient), however to someone, the past is still very much relevant and they are their seeking vengeance and revenge.
This plot is a little too slow burn for my tastes but overall there was potential in the premise.
The warm sunny setting of Cyprus is a stark contrast to the dark undertones of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, T J Emerson and Boldwood books for an advanced copy
March 15, 2024
3.5/5
This book didn’t go in the direction I was expecting. I went into it blind, thinking it would be about a vacation gone bad. It is nothing of the sort. Pure Hearts is a community who lives isolated from city dwellers. They lived off the land in an old resort they purchased. Money is tight. Years ago, one of the members Eva, was depressed and committed suicide. Her daughter was sent to live with her grandparents. Present day, she comes back to Pure Hearts for justice. She thinks someone killed her mom. She is willing to donate $3million dollars to the community if the members kill their “leader.”
This was a decent book, but I felt like it dragged in places. I liked learning about the past and how it was affecting the present. I really enjoyed the ending! The characters were full of secrets and the author did a fantastic job painting the scene of how the community lived.
This book didn’t go in the direction I was expecting. I went into it blind, thinking it would be about a vacation gone bad. It is nothing of the sort. Pure Hearts is a community who lives isolated from city dwellers. They lived off the land in an old resort they purchased. Money is tight. Years ago, one of the members Eva, was depressed and committed suicide. Her daughter was sent to live with her grandparents. Present day, she comes back to Pure Hearts for justice. She thinks someone killed her mom. She is willing to donate $3million dollars to the community if the members kill their “leader.”
This was a decent book, but I felt like it dragged in places. I liked learning about the past and how it was affecting the present. I really enjoyed the ending! The characters were full of secrets and the author did a fantastic job painting the scene of how the community lived.
February 12, 2024
This book did not go in the direction I thought it would! I thought it would be a vacation gone wrong type of book but was surprised that it wasn't! I think the blurb is a bit misleading though.
However, the writing in the book is good, but the book itself was a bit underwhelming. I was not entertained as much as I thought I would be which was disappointment.
The story felt very slow, maybe it was just not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
However, the writing in the book is good, but the book itself was a bit underwhelming. I was not entertained as much as I thought I would be which was disappointment.
The story felt very slow, maybe it was just not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 29, 2024
I absolutely loved taking part in yesterday's 24hr listenalong of The Last Resort by TJ Emerson with #boldaudio and @xigxag_official it was an #thenurderlistenalong extravaganza. Set in the stunning hills of Cyprus, the glorious sunshine and sparkling pools should be the perfect escapism for those seeking luxury retreat, but this getaway has a more sinister undercurrent. A strange melee of characters, a dark history and revenge stirred with murderintent make for a much less inviting resort. Told from multiple perspectives, the audiobook is narrated by two authors to slowly peel back the layers and the twists. A great summer listen, thanks to Bold Audio and XigXag audiobooks. #TheLastResort #thelastresortlistenalong #themurderlistenalong #boldaudio #xigxag #thriller #summerlistens #tjemersonauthor
February 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.
The books description sounded incredible and I was so excited to be provided an ARC. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I found it slow to get into and predictable.
The books description sounded incredible and I was so excited to be provided an ARC. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I found it slow to get into and predictable.
October 29, 2024
When I 1st saw the 100's & 100's of pages in this book, I literally thought to myself, "what the heck is there to even say about a fictional spiritual commune that will take that long?"
Well- apparently there was a lot!
I never once thought that the book was dragging along, or that I wished it would end faster.
ALL those pages were completely necessary!
The small, compact cast of characters were all so well- described that I could Still see them in my mind, even days after finishing the book!
And that landscape! Cyprus is the country that I never knew I needed to visit! Whether it's the cobblestone streets or the lusciusness of the olive grove- it all came to life magically!
And the food!
It had its own starring role, that left me wanting tomatoes, avacados, feta cheese, & fresh sourdough bread every time I submerged back into this book!
The book did switch time periods, however (between 2008, 2018, & 2019), but these transitions were both necessary and done seamlessly.
It was easy to follow, and the short chapters made it user- friendly, where I could just pop in & out of the book, depending on my day (& my capacity for reading!)
The ending STILL was not my favorite, but I'm slowly trying to acclimate myself to the reality that some books end better with the reader being able to use their imaginations- as opposed to it explicitly being described in black & white!
I can definitely see why there is a bit of a line- up behind me for this book at our local library, so my recommendation likely isn't necessary.
I'm still giving it though!
Plus an extra 1/2 star!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Well- apparently there was a lot!
I never once thought that the book was dragging along, or that I wished it would end faster.
ALL those pages were completely necessary!
The small, compact cast of characters were all so well- described that I could Still see them in my mind, even days after finishing the book!
And that landscape! Cyprus is the country that I never knew I needed to visit! Whether it's the cobblestone streets or the lusciusness of the olive grove- it all came to life magically!
And the food!
It had its own starring role, that left me wanting tomatoes, avacados, feta cheese, & fresh sourdough bread every time I submerged back into this book!
The book did switch time periods, however (between 2008, 2018, & 2019), but these transitions were both necessary and done seamlessly.
It was easy to follow, and the short chapters made it user- friendly, where I could just pop in & out of the book, depending on my day (& my capacity for reading!)
The ending STILL was not my favorite, but I'm slowly trying to acclimate myself to the reality that some books end better with the reader being able to use their imaginations- as opposed to it explicitly being described in black & white!
I can definitely see why there is a bit of a line- up behind me for this book at our local library, so my recommendation likely isn't necessary.
I'm still giving it though!
Plus an extra 1/2 star!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
March 9, 2024
Pure Heart is a spiritual community in Cyprus that has only a handful of members who live their days simply and with common goals. However they are short of money and the place has started falling apart. Word has come that a young woman who left the group as a child wants to return and since she is very, very rich the group hopes she will choose to return to the fold and share her money. I appreciated hearing about a spiritual group that was not an evil cult and I liked hearing the stories about the group members all of whom share the motto "The past does not exist." Sofia, the young woman who is returning was the daughter of a wealthy Russian woman who ended her life while at the group. Sofia was taken from the group legally by her wealthy (and possible mobster} grandparents and hasn't returned for 10 years.
The pacing is on the slower side which I enjoyed in this novel because it allowed me to get to know the various characters. I especially enjoyed the leader Quinn who was a loving person but sometimes misguided on what is best for others. Other characters included the cook Joe and his wife Holly who did the gardening and former child star Zoe and her husband Carl a failed author plus Mel a former police officer who is devoted to Quinn.
When Sofia arrives she comes with numerous bags of luggage and two armed bodyguards and the group understands things will never be the same. As Sofia's visit continues, there are deaths and secrets revealed and it ended in an expected way. The blurb is a bit incorrect on the content but I enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful scenery and the fresh food and spiritual practices the group offered. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
The pacing is on the slower side which I enjoyed in this novel because it allowed me to get to know the various characters. I especially enjoyed the leader Quinn who was a loving person but sometimes misguided on what is best for others. Other characters included the cook Joe and his wife Holly who did the gardening and former child star Zoe and her husband Carl a failed author plus Mel a former police officer who is devoted to Quinn.
When Sofia arrives she comes with numerous bags of luggage and two armed bodyguards and the group understands things will never be the same. As Sofia's visit continues, there are deaths and secrets revealed and it ended in an expected way. The blurb is a bit incorrect on the content but I enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful scenery and the fresh food and spiritual practices the group offered. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
July 12, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Pure Heart is a new-age, spiritual community situated in a former luxury resort in the Cypriot hills. Isolated from mainstream society, the members are all expats who came there to recover from their lives and heal from past traumas under the guidance of self-proclaimed healer Quinn. They all trust and adore Quinn, who serves not only as their spiritual leader, but the head of the community as well. At Pure Heart, she has created a peaceful, accepting space for the members who live there. It seems idyllic. Almost…
Sofia spent most of her childhood at Pure Heart. She was 12 years old when she was forced to leave in order to live with her grandparents in the wake of her mother Eva’s suicide. At the time, she didn’t want to go. Her childhood had been nothing but happy. She loved it at Pure Heart. The members were family to her. They loved her as their own, and she loved them too, especially Quinn who had been the closest to her and her mum. It’s no surprise that when she re-establishes contact with the members ten years later and announces her plans to visit, the members are overjoyed and anticipate a happy reunion. But the Sofia that arrives at Pure Heart is nothing like the young girl who left. Beautiful, successful, and wealthy, she’s come for more than a reunion. She’s come for revenge against the person she says killed her mother. It’s no other than Quinn.
Sofia wants Quinn dead. She wants the other members to kill her. While the members are loyal to Quinn at first, their loyalty begins to shift when secrets are uncovered, truths are revealed, and another character slowly takes over as the new leader.
Immersive, addicting, and full of low-key suspense, “The Last Resort” by T.J. Emerson is a slow burning thriller that lures you one chapter at a time until you are as hooked on Pure Heart as the members. Told from multiple characters’ points of view at different periods of time, the book started out feeling like it was about a loving community of friends brought together by Quinn and a new-age lifestyle. It was interesting enough to keep reading, but it seemed more like women’s or friendship fiction than a mystery or thriller. However, after Sofia returns to Pure Heart for revenge, that changes. Pure Heart isn’t a loving community at all. It’s a cult with plenty of sinister secrets to hide.
“The Last Resort” is a slower paced thriller with mostly un-shocking twists and suspense that builds as slowly as the plot moves. The characters are well fleshed out and interesting. However, Sofia never features prominently as an active character (she’s mentioned more than she’s present), so I never cared about her or her story. I wasn’t that invested in Quinn either. She was manipulative, but not much more. The big twists in the book required an investment or interest in both characters to be thrilling or simply satisfying, so they fell flat for me. So did the ending. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the book. I did. As a mystery, it worked for me as I tried to figure out why Sofia blamed Quinn for her mother’s death and a few other things going on in the book.
T.J. Emerson is obviously a talented author, or I wouldn’t have gotten lured in as I did. By the end, I felt like I was part of Pure Heart. I can’t wait to read more of what she writes in the future.
Pure Heart is a new-age, spiritual community situated in a former luxury resort in the Cypriot hills. Isolated from mainstream society, the members are all expats who came there to recover from their lives and heal from past traumas under the guidance of self-proclaimed healer Quinn. They all trust and adore Quinn, who serves not only as their spiritual leader, but the head of the community as well. At Pure Heart, she has created a peaceful, accepting space for the members who live there. It seems idyllic. Almost…
Sofia spent most of her childhood at Pure Heart. She was 12 years old when she was forced to leave in order to live with her grandparents in the wake of her mother Eva’s suicide. At the time, she didn’t want to go. Her childhood had been nothing but happy. She loved it at Pure Heart. The members were family to her. They loved her as their own, and she loved them too, especially Quinn who had been the closest to her and her mum. It’s no surprise that when she re-establishes contact with the members ten years later and announces her plans to visit, the members are overjoyed and anticipate a happy reunion. But the Sofia that arrives at Pure Heart is nothing like the young girl who left. Beautiful, successful, and wealthy, she’s come for more than a reunion. She’s come for revenge against the person she says killed her mother. It’s no other than Quinn.
Sofia wants Quinn dead. She wants the other members to kill her. While the members are loyal to Quinn at first, their loyalty begins to shift when secrets are uncovered, truths are revealed, and another character slowly takes over as the new leader.
Immersive, addicting, and full of low-key suspense, “The Last Resort” by T.J. Emerson is a slow burning thriller that lures you one chapter at a time until you are as hooked on Pure Heart as the members. Told from multiple characters’ points of view at different periods of time, the book started out feeling like it was about a loving community of friends brought together by Quinn and a new-age lifestyle. It was interesting enough to keep reading, but it seemed more like women’s or friendship fiction than a mystery or thriller. However, after Sofia returns to Pure Heart for revenge, that changes. Pure Heart isn’t a loving community at all. It’s a cult with plenty of sinister secrets to hide.
“The Last Resort” is a slower paced thriller with mostly un-shocking twists and suspense that builds as slowly as the plot moves. The characters are well fleshed out and interesting. However, Sofia never features prominently as an active character (she’s mentioned more than she’s present), so I never cared about her or her story. I wasn’t that invested in Quinn either. She was manipulative, but not much more. The big twists in the book required an investment or interest in both characters to be thrilling or simply satisfying, so they fell flat for me. So did the ending. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the book. I did. As a mystery, it worked for me as I tried to figure out why Sofia blamed Quinn for her mother’s death and a few other things going on in the book.
T.J. Emerson is obviously a talented author, or I wouldn’t have gotten lured in as I did. By the end, I felt like I was part of Pure Heart. I can’t wait to read more of what she writes in the future.
April 3, 2024
Gripping, twisty, and dark! That's how I like my psychological thrillers. The Last Resort is a story that takes the reader on a sinister journey. Told through varying timelines and by various characters, this made it an intriguing read.
The setting of a commune under pressure builds the tension so well. Each character is far from perfect and begs the question, how far will anyone go to keep their home? The fact that the short chapters kept me hooked. Every time I thought I would put the book down, I came to another chapter! This is a book that I needed to keep turning the pages of.
A well paced story with enough secrets, lies, and twists to satisfy the most ardent psychological thriller reader! I know I loved it!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ebook to write my honest review.
The setting of a commune under pressure builds the tension so well. Each character is far from perfect and begs the question, how far will anyone go to keep their home? The fact that the short chapters kept me hooked. Every time I thought I would put the book down, I came to another chapter! This is a book that I needed to keep turning the pages of.
A well paced story with enough secrets, lies, and twists to satisfy the most ardent psychological thriller reader! I know I loved it!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ebook to write my honest review.
February 8, 2024
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for an advance e-copy of this book.
The premise of this book is really interesting (I found the blurb a bit misleading) - a spiritual retreat (cult?) with a dark past where folks who are seeking to escape their former lives go to hide. A former resident returns to the rundown premises, surprisingly seeking revenge and not solace as had been expected. People's ideas of past truths are challenged, and an offer is made that might save the resort but will require taking a life.
This was a bit of a slow burn for me - the story is an interesting one, but the pace is a bit slow. It took me a while to get into, but the middle part of the story was a page-turner. Toward the end, though, it felt like it was dragging a little with too much detail. The characters are interesting (not super likeable though!) and well developed - but the pace is very slow. An excellent beach read (or long-haul flight choice!).
3.5 stars.
The premise of this book is really interesting (I found the blurb a bit misleading) - a spiritual retreat (cult?) with a dark past where folks who are seeking to escape their former lives go to hide. A former resident returns to the rundown premises, surprisingly seeking revenge and not solace as had been expected. People's ideas of past truths are challenged, and an offer is made that might save the resort but will require taking a life.
This was a bit of a slow burn for me - the story is an interesting one, but the pace is a bit slow. It took me a while to get into, but the middle part of the story was a page-turner. Toward the end, though, it felt like it was dragging a little with too much detail. The characters are interesting (not super likeable though!) and well developed - but the pace is very slow. An excellent beach read (or long-haul flight choice!).
3.5 stars.
April 8, 2024
Very interesting premise and enigmatic characters. I enjoyed the read and it was a quick one given it was 400+ pages and could have dragged, but didn't. There's a lot going on here and if you are willing to suspend belief for a bit and don't roll your eyes too hard when mind, body and spirit healing are explored, I think you'll very much enjoy the trip.
October 9, 2025
'You’d die for a stay here. But would you kill for it'?
I joined a listen-along for this book back in July 2024 (it was called The Last Resort then), and apologies for the delay in posting my review!
I wasn’t sure what to expect—maybe a Death in Paradise style mystery—but what I got was a story full of dark secrets, a slow-burn mystery, and some truly sinister goings-on. I enjoyed learning about the history behind the retreat and the events of the past, though I could have done with less of the spiritual wellbeing stuff—that just isn’t my cup of tea.
The characters were fascinating, annoying, and downright awful in equal measures. Not awful in a bad way, but I definitely wanted to shake a few of them! Reviews for this book are mixed; it seems people either love it or hate it. It’s a slow-paced story with deep dives into each character, so give it a try if you enjoy character-driven mysteries—you might just love it.
Thank you to Boldwood for the opportunity to listen to and review Dying to be Here (The Last Resort) by T.J. Emerson.
I joined a listen-along for this book back in July 2024 (it was called The Last Resort then), and apologies for the delay in posting my review!
I wasn’t sure what to expect—maybe a Death in Paradise style mystery—but what I got was a story full of dark secrets, a slow-burn mystery, and some truly sinister goings-on. I enjoyed learning about the history behind the retreat and the events of the past, though I could have done with less of the spiritual wellbeing stuff—that just isn’t my cup of tea.
The characters were fascinating, annoying, and downright awful in equal measures. Not awful in a bad way, but I definitely wanted to shake a few of them! Reviews for this book are mixed; it seems people either love it or hate it. It’s a slow-paced story with deep dives into each character, so give it a try if you enjoy character-driven mysteries—you might just love it.
Thank you to Boldwood for the opportunity to listen to and review Dying to be Here (The Last Resort) by T.J. Emerson.
March 22, 2024
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
The Last Resort is equal parts creepy and psychological thriller. Told in various perspectives, and in varying timeframes, depending on the character, the reader gets a feel for the slow ooze of fear and trepidation that stems from Pure Heart, a spiritual community (commune) that is run by one of the primary characters, Quinn. We learn that an unfortunate suicide had happened at Pure Heart a decade ago, leaving behind Sofia, who was merely a child at the time. Fast forward to the present–Sofia comes back to Pure Heart to reconnect with those who had practically raised her and had at one time promised to protect her and keep her from harm when she was young, even though Sofia’s feelings on the matter aren’t in line with those sentiments.
At first, Sofia’s return is a fateful event for Quinn. But soon after, Quinn and the other inhabitants begin to see the truth behind Sofia’s return, beginning with an offer that sends every single person into moral ambiguity. The way the story is written reminded me of watching a thriller on tv or at the movie theater, where things appear to be simplistic, when it is anything but. The fear is tampered down by the sunny atmosphere and warmth of the Grecian backdrop. The dark secrets that linger beneath the surface are drowned out by the vast rolling hills and gardens, its fruits and vegetables laden with ripened fruit. Pure Heart is self-sufficient. A safe haven for individuals who needed a change of scenery. A secluded hideout for possible death and destruction.
I liked how quickly the pace picked up after life-altering decisions have been made. The turning point where there is no going back for Quinn and the rest of the crew. How they all fall in line, one after the other. From the get go, it had been decided that there was no way that anyone could take a life. But eventually, those lines become blurred into gray matter, with a pretty explosive ending that is chaotic and messy, just as I’d imagine a situation like that to be in real life. It was also interesting how the author chose to use certain distinguishing characteristics of communication from one character to the next. Quinn’s was the most unique and differing. And for good reason.
In the end, no one is without fault, and every single person is a blend of good and evil. The Last Resort really delved into human character and pushed the boundaries and limits of what is acceptable. Like the synopsis asked: Would you kill for it? That is the ultimate scary question, and kept me on my toes the entire time I read this book. A definite five-star experience!
The Last Resort is equal parts creepy and psychological thriller. Told in various perspectives, and in varying timeframes, depending on the character, the reader gets a feel for the slow ooze of fear and trepidation that stems from Pure Heart, a spiritual community (commune) that is run by one of the primary characters, Quinn. We learn that an unfortunate suicide had happened at Pure Heart a decade ago, leaving behind Sofia, who was merely a child at the time. Fast forward to the present–Sofia comes back to Pure Heart to reconnect with those who had practically raised her and had at one time promised to protect her and keep her from harm when she was young, even though Sofia’s feelings on the matter aren’t in line with those sentiments.
At first, Sofia’s return is a fateful event for Quinn. But soon after, Quinn and the other inhabitants begin to see the truth behind Sofia’s return, beginning with an offer that sends every single person into moral ambiguity. The way the story is written reminded me of watching a thriller on tv or at the movie theater, where things appear to be simplistic, when it is anything but. The fear is tampered down by the sunny atmosphere and warmth of the Grecian backdrop. The dark secrets that linger beneath the surface are drowned out by the vast rolling hills and gardens, its fruits and vegetables laden with ripened fruit. Pure Heart is self-sufficient. A safe haven for individuals who needed a change of scenery. A secluded hideout for possible death and destruction.
I liked how quickly the pace picked up after life-altering decisions have been made. The turning point where there is no going back for Quinn and the rest of the crew. How they all fall in line, one after the other. From the get go, it had been decided that there was no way that anyone could take a life. But eventually, those lines become blurred into gray matter, with a pretty explosive ending that is chaotic and messy, just as I’d imagine a situation like that to be in real life. It was also interesting how the author chose to use certain distinguishing characteristics of communication from one character to the next. Quinn’s was the most unique and differing. And for good reason.
In the end, no one is without fault, and every single person is a blend of good and evil. The Last Resort really delved into human character and pushed the boundaries and limits of what is acceptable. Like the synopsis asked: Would you kill for it? That is the ultimate scary question, and kept me on my toes the entire time I read this book. A definite five-star experience!
March 10, 2024
Despite recently losing their financing and co-leader Charlie the gang add Pure Heart are getting excited One of their youngest members Sophie is grown-up and is coming back to Pure Heart and just to make the ice cream even sweeter she is wealthy. The gang especially Leader Quinn is hoping once Sophia feels the restorative Energy at the resort she will help them with their financial woes. The problem lies in the fact that it is also the place her mother Eva hung her self.. when she first arrives with her two Russian bodyguards in tow while the gang is ready to celebrate she decides to hit the hay early in the week later for Quinn‘s 60th birthday they once again get together ready for the guru La La Land type celebration to begin Sophia brings in Champaign and stops the party in med flow to offer an ultimatum. She blames someone for the death of her mother and she will be more than happy to give €3 million so this group could continue to hide from the real world but first they must kill the one Sophia blames for Eva‘s death. The rest of the group refuses to kill this person but Sophia is staying for a month and has faith that the keep the easy life they know they will succumb to their need for the money. The rest of the book is made up of a lot of stuff that’s nothing to write home about then there’s a mysterious event that may or may not have been caused by one of the group and then there’s Sophia constantly bringing in the rest of the world to their pleasant resort until about 20% before the end. True craziness begins but nothing will prepare the reader for the truly awesome OMG ending this book provides. I would love to say I thoroughly enjoyed the book but that would be a lie I did however enjoy it for the most part but the ending really saved it I have read other books by TJ Emerson that I have loved and will continue to look forward to her books and definitely am recommending The Last Resort I love and enjoy books about cults and I guess you can call this one such a book it is a slow moving plot but not so slow you lose interest anyone who loves those type of books will probably enjoy this one. I want to thank boldwoodBooks and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
June 28, 2024
This is the first book that I've read by this author and have had it on my wishlist for a while now - so what better opportunity than bingeing it in one day!
I never read the blurb of a book before I read it - I may have read it in the past....but not when I'm just about to dive in....
And I have to admit that it took me quite a while to really get into this one and I think in my head, I was expecting something completely different?
There were quite a few characters to get to grips with and to learn who they were partnered with and this was complicated further as we delved into the multiple pov's and multiple timelines.
Don't get me wrong - these were very well established at the start of each chapter, it just me a while to get used to as I listened.
I feel if I'd been actually reading this as a book, I'd have struggled less with this aspect.
Once I'd got everybody sorted in my head, it became much easier to follow the storyline.
I actually loved the format of this as we follow the main story in a near past timeline with added chapters from much earlier to fill in the backstory of both the resort and the characters.
However, every so often, we are thrown into a present, where we hear a police report which hints at something sinister happening at the resort.
Following the story through multiple different pov's gave us a vivid and clear view of each character and their thoughts and feelings on each event as it happened.
Sofia's offer allowed us to delve further into what someone would do for justice and how far someone would go for money.
This really shouldn't have been a dilemma, but given all of the further secrets, lies and twists thrown into the mix, this became a tense and intriguing read.
The setting was perfect.
Being hidden away in the seclusion of the Cypriot Hills, this created the perfect backdrop to a great thriller.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking out for more by this author in the future.
I never read the blurb of a book before I read it - I may have read it in the past....but not when I'm just about to dive in....
And I have to admit that it took me quite a while to really get into this one and I think in my head, I was expecting something completely different?
There were quite a few characters to get to grips with and to learn who they were partnered with and this was complicated further as we delved into the multiple pov's and multiple timelines.
Don't get me wrong - these were very well established at the start of each chapter, it just me a while to get used to as I listened.
I feel if I'd been actually reading this as a book, I'd have struggled less with this aspect.
Once I'd got everybody sorted in my head, it became much easier to follow the storyline.
I actually loved the format of this as we follow the main story in a near past timeline with added chapters from much earlier to fill in the backstory of both the resort and the characters.
However, every so often, we are thrown into a present, where we hear a police report which hints at something sinister happening at the resort.
Following the story through multiple different pov's gave us a vivid and clear view of each character and their thoughts and feelings on each event as it happened.
Sofia's offer allowed us to delve further into what someone would do for justice and how far someone would go for money.
This really shouldn't have been a dilemma, but given all of the further secrets, lies and twists thrown into the mix, this became a tense and intriguing read.
The setting was perfect.
Being hidden away in the seclusion of the Cypriot Hills, this created the perfect backdrop to a great thriller.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking out for more by this author in the future.
February 9, 2024
Okay, for starters, this book had a very misleading blurb. It came across sounding like the standard "holiday trip gone horrible wrong" trope that is fodder for so many thrillers.
As it turned out this book is actually about a self-styled spiritual commune which is actually a hideout for people seeking to escape past events in their lives. The motto of the place reflects that too: "The past does not exist"!
Anyway, as it turns out, over the course of a *very* slowly unfolding story, we find out the past has just returned to bite this group of people in the bum. After facing some financial issues with their set up in Cyprus, the group has been looking for financing.
This now appears to be forthcoming from someone who grew up at the commune and has since made a life elsewhere. But as it turns out, Sofia's motives for returning to Cyprus have far more to do with revenge than spiritual reawakening...
The pacing of the story definitely felt a bit off, and a large part of the first half was unnecessarily slow. But some aspects of the story were interesting, and the descriptions of the location were very atmospheric. So the book is a somewhat mixed offering, but has something to offer, especially as the story deepens.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
As it turned out this book is actually about a self-styled spiritual commune which is actually a hideout for people seeking to escape past events in their lives. The motto of the place reflects that too: "The past does not exist"!
Anyway, as it turns out, over the course of a *very* slowly unfolding story, we find out the past has just returned to bite this group of people in the bum. After facing some financial issues with their set up in Cyprus, the group has been looking for financing.
This now appears to be forthcoming from someone who grew up at the commune and has since made a life elsewhere. But as it turns out, Sofia's motives for returning to Cyprus have far more to do with revenge than spiritual reawakening...
The pacing of the story definitely felt a bit off, and a large part of the first half was unnecessarily slow. But some aspects of the story were interesting, and the descriptions of the location were very atmospheric. So the book is a somewhat mixed offering, but has something to offer, especially as the story deepens.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 17, 2024
The Last Resort by T.J. Emerson
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
As soon as you first see the House in the Hills, an old hotel in a picturesque enclave of the Cypriot hills, you know it's the perfect home for you – with breath-taking views, a refreshing pool, and peace and quiet, away the rest of the world. A place to recover and grow.
But paradise isn’t cheap, and as the debts mount, you could lose everything you've worked so hard for.
Until someone makes you an offer: to keep your home, you have to take a life.
But you could never do that… could you?
You’d die for a stay here. But would you kill for it?
My Opinion
The Last Resort has a stunning cover, but the paradise shown is far from the truth. With short chapters, this book was easily one of those where you could just keep reading when you should be doing something else. I didn't completely go into this book without knowing what it was about but it still managed to take me by surprise.
Each character seems to have their own secrets that they are determined to keep. T.J. Emerson has done a great job of writing about the community. In places, this was a bit of a slow read but I felt it was needed after some of the drama.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
As soon as you first see the House in the Hills, an old hotel in a picturesque enclave of the Cypriot hills, you know it's the perfect home for you – with breath-taking views, a refreshing pool, and peace and quiet, away the rest of the world. A place to recover and grow.
But paradise isn’t cheap, and as the debts mount, you could lose everything you've worked so hard for.
Until someone makes you an offer: to keep your home, you have to take a life.
But you could never do that… could you?
You’d die for a stay here. But would you kill for it?
My Opinion
The Last Resort has a stunning cover, but the paradise shown is far from the truth. With short chapters, this book was easily one of those where you could just keep reading when you should be doing something else. I didn't completely go into this book without knowing what it was about but it still managed to take me by surprise.
Each character seems to have their own secrets that they are determined to keep. T.J. Emerson has done a great job of writing about the community. In places, this was a bit of a slow read but I felt it was needed after some of the drama.
Rating 4/5
June 2, 2024
Cyprus
The Pure Heart group lives in an old type of mansion. There are 17 members. At the time, Eva is a young woman who suffers from depression. Her daughter, Sofia, 12, is well-loved by the members of the little community. Eva took her life and Sofia was removed from the place by her wealthy Russian grandparents. An elderly man once funded the place but when he dies, the members realize that his money has been depleted.
Ten years later.
Quinn is the accepted head of the community. Money is very tight for them. They grow their own vegetables and fruit and have chickens. They all believe that the past does not exist and they live for today and tomorrow. When they hear from Sofia that she is coming for a visit for a time, everyone is delighted to see the young woman she has become. But the elegant woman arrives with lots of luggage and two Russian bodyguards. Feeding two more is worrisome for them.
Oh dear. This book was a real struggle. I cannot even imagine what kind of person would willingly want to live in a place like this. Is there such a thing as a cult mentality? I suppose one would have to have something like that to fit into this place. So much of this book is just hoopla and totally cringe-worthy. Not for me. Sorry.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Pure Heart group lives in an old type of mansion. There are 17 members. At the time, Eva is a young woman who suffers from depression. Her daughter, Sofia, 12, is well-loved by the members of the little community. Eva took her life and Sofia was removed from the place by her wealthy Russian grandparents. An elderly man once funded the place but when he dies, the members realize that his money has been depleted.
Ten years later.
Quinn is the accepted head of the community. Money is very tight for them. They grow their own vegetables and fruit and have chickens. They all believe that the past does not exist and they live for today and tomorrow. When they hear from Sofia that she is coming for a visit for a time, everyone is delighted to see the young woman she has become. But the elegant woman arrives with lots of luggage and two Russian bodyguards. Feeding two more is worrisome for them.
Oh dear. This book was a real struggle. I cannot even imagine what kind of person would willingly want to live in a place like this. Is there such a thing as a cult mentality? I suppose one would have to have something like that to fit into this place. So much of this book is just hoopla and totally cringe-worthy. Not for me. Sorry.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 26, 2024
The Last Resort draws you in from the very first page with its inviting portrayal of a secluded Cyprus getaway – the perfect escape for the protagonist to retreat to. However, this paradise comes at a high cost, and the financial pressures mount up, leaving you wondering how far the character will go to hold onto this dream home.
When all seems lost, a shocking offer presents a moral dilemma: murder to keep the house. This unexpected twist ramps up the stakes and suspense very masterfully. As a reader, you can’t help but devour the pages to discover whether desperation wins out over the conscience.
While I won’t spoil the ending, the author provides a thrilling trajectory toward the finale with many hair-raising moments. The tension-filled premise and the high-risk decisions maintain the momentum and will keep thriller fans rapidly turning pages.
With its serene setting belying darker secrets and the riveting suspense, The Last Resort delivers an addictive psychological thriller with moral complexity. It’s a 4-star escape into a twisted paradise that stays with you for long after the final page. I highly recommend this to all you thriller fans.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
When all seems lost, a shocking offer presents a moral dilemma: murder to keep the house. This unexpected twist ramps up the stakes and suspense very masterfully. As a reader, you can’t help but devour the pages to discover whether desperation wins out over the conscience.
While I won’t spoil the ending, the author provides a thrilling trajectory toward the finale with many hair-raising moments. The tension-filled premise and the high-risk decisions maintain the momentum and will keep thriller fans rapidly turning pages.
With its serene setting belying darker secrets and the riveting suspense, The Last Resort delivers an addictive psychological thriller with moral complexity. It’s a 4-star escape into a twisted paradise that stays with you for long after the final page. I highly recommend this to all you thriller fans.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 1, 2024
This begins telling of a commune type group who were on the brink of financial collapse in Cyprus a few years ago. The members are awaiting the arrival of a young woman Sofia, now extremely wealthy, who left but was brought up within the community. Sofia has a gift for the group, however it comes with a condition, one of justice for her mothers death. Eva, her mother, committed suicide however Sofia believes one of the group was responsible for her demise and wants the balance restored. It turns out each of the group have secrets one way or another, some from their past , others from time on the island. When Sofia places her ultimatum things are brought to light.
This is a very descriptive read which puts the reader in the heart of the drama and of the scenery of beautiful Cyprus. It's chilling at times and shows the varying facets of human nature and how things can turn rather quickly. A brilliant premise and one executed incredibly well. More twists and turns than you can shake a stick at, and a clever ending make this a read to keep the reader interested until the very end. Clever, twisty, nicely done!
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog
-----------------------------------------
March 2, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
As soon as you see the House in the Hill, an old hotel in a picturesque enclave of the Cypriot hills, you know it's the perfect home for you - with breathtaking views, a refreshing pool, and peace and quiet, away from the rest of the world. A place to recover and grow. But paradise isn't cheap, and as the debt mounts, you could lose everything you've worked hard for. Until someone makes you an offer: to keep your home, you have to take a life. But you could never do that.... could you?
It did take me a while to get into this book, and the pace was slow, so I took half a star off my rating for those reasons. A spiritual resort which is really a place where people go when they want to escape past events in their lives. Their motto is, "The past does not exist." Then someone makes them an offer, to keep your home - you have to take a life.
This is a descriptively written story. A nicely twisted read with something sinister brewing.
Published 18th March
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #TJEmerson for my ARC OF #TheLastResortin exchange for an honest review.
As soon as you see the House in the Hill, an old hotel in a picturesque enclave of the Cypriot hills, you know it's the perfect home for you - with breathtaking views, a refreshing pool, and peace and quiet, away from the rest of the world. A place to recover and grow. But paradise isn't cheap, and as the debt mounts, you could lose everything you've worked hard for. Until someone makes you an offer: to keep your home, you have to take a life. But you could never do that.... could you?
It did take me a while to get into this book, and the pace was slow, so I took half a star off my rating for those reasons. A spiritual resort which is really a place where people go when they want to escape past events in their lives. Their motto is, "The past does not exist." Then someone makes them an offer, to keep your home - you have to take a life.
This is a descriptively written story. A nicely twisted read with something sinister brewing.
Published 18th March
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #TJEmerson for my ARC OF #TheLastResortin exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This genre is not my norm, but having read the synopsis I thought I would apply for the Boldwood Books 24 hour listenalong that they arranged.
At first, it did take me some chapters to get my bearings with the multiple characters pov and it being in 3rd person.
This story is set in the beautiful Cyprus within the Pure Heart community. Are they some kind of hippy cult, quite possibly. Headed by Quinn, over the years she has helped many ‘lost souls’ Zoe, Holly, Joe and Mel to name a few. These people have had some kind of past addiction or trauma in their lives, so Pure Hearts has been their place to live and forget and be part of a community. However, following an unfortunate incident with her mother Eva, Sophia, has come back to the community with one jaw dropping proposal to the members of Pure Heart.
This was such an interesting story, with quite a few twists involved. It is very much a slow burn, so you really have to keep at it. I thought the writing was very good and the narrators did a great job with all of the different POV’s. I was hoping for more of a thriller though, but overall it was a pleasant surprise and I’m glad I listened to it.
Thank you @theboldbookclub and @xigxag_official for the gifted audio
This genre is not my norm, but having read the synopsis I thought I would apply for the Boldwood Books 24 hour listenalong that they arranged.
At first, it did take me some chapters to get my bearings with the multiple characters pov and it being in 3rd person.
This story is set in the beautiful Cyprus within the Pure Heart community. Are they some kind of hippy cult, quite possibly. Headed by Quinn, over the years she has helped many ‘lost souls’ Zoe, Holly, Joe and Mel to name a few. These people have had some kind of past addiction or trauma in their lives, so Pure Hearts has been their place to live and forget and be part of a community. However, following an unfortunate incident with her mother Eva, Sophia, has come back to the community with one jaw dropping proposal to the members of Pure Heart.
This was such an interesting story, with quite a few twists involved. It is very much a slow burn, so you really have to keep at it. I thought the writing was very good and the narrators did a great job with all of the different POV’s. I was hoping for more of a thriller though, but overall it was a pleasant surprise and I’m glad I listened to it.
Thank you @theboldbookclub and @xigxag_official for the gifted audio
September 6, 2024
The Last Resort is a book that I didn’t know which way it was going to take me.
The book is based at a spiritual community in Cyprus, Pureheart. Sophia has returned, she used to live her with her mother but unfortunately she died and her grandparents took her back home with them. It is now several years later and she has returned along with two bodyguards as she is a kidnap risk due to the amount of money she has inherited. Quinn is the leader and has been for many years but she is struggling to keep on top of the finances due to heavy loan repayments. Sophia returning is perhaps a bit of light in the dark but although Sophia offers enough money to keep Pureheart going for many years to come it comes at a price and Quinn hopes the rest of the community sides with herself and not go along with Sophia’s suggestion.
This was a book that was quite slow going, it did help me as you really got to know the characters, there were quite a few twists and I enjoyed it with the ending not going the way I expected it to.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
The book is based at a spiritual community in Cyprus, Pureheart. Sophia has returned, she used to live her with her mother but unfortunately she died and her grandparents took her back home with them. It is now several years later and she has returned along with two bodyguards as she is a kidnap risk due to the amount of money she has inherited. Quinn is the leader and has been for many years but she is struggling to keep on top of the finances due to heavy loan repayments. Sophia returning is perhaps a bit of light in the dark but although Sophia offers enough money to keep Pureheart going for many years to come it comes at a price and Quinn hopes the rest of the community sides with herself and not go along with Sophia’s suggestion.
This was a book that was quite slow going, it did help me as you really got to know the characters, there were quite a few twists and I enjoyed it with the ending not going the way I expected it to.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2025
Another Netgalley Backlog
I started this over the weekend as I found the premise intrughing however This book felt flat for me, and I struggled to wade through it. I didn't feel any connection to the characters, and their development was lacking. Sofia lost her mom at Pure Heart, and the group hasn’t seen her since she left with her grandparents. Now that she’s back, they’re excited and happy to see her as an adult and see how she’s grown. However, this feeling doesn’t last long once she arrives.
The premise is good, and the “will they, won’t they” aspect had me intrigued, but there were too many chapters ending with variations of phrases like “if only we knew…” and “who knew this would be the last…” These repeated lines took away from the story and made me want to put the book down.
On a positive note, I thought the ending was clever; I didn’t see it coming and felt there was more to it than what was revealed. A few clues scattered throughout hinted that someone else was involved, but this aspect wasn't fully addressed.
#FlatRead #CharacterDevelopment #IntriguingPremise #RepetitivePhrases #CleverEnding #MissedPotentialexplained.
12 s
I started this over the weekend as I found the premise intrughing however This book felt flat for me, and I struggled to wade through it. I didn't feel any connection to the characters, and their development was lacking. Sofia lost her mom at Pure Heart, and the group hasn’t seen her since she left with her grandparents. Now that she’s back, they’re excited and happy to see her as an adult and see how she’s grown. However, this feeling doesn’t last long once she arrives.
The premise is good, and the “will they, won’t they” aspect had me intrigued, but there were too many chapters ending with variations of phrases like “if only we knew…” and “who knew this would be the last…” These repeated lines took away from the story and made me want to put the book down.
On a positive note, I thought the ending was clever; I didn’t see it coming and felt there was more to it than what was revealed. A few clues scattered throughout hinted that someone else was involved, but this aspect wasn't fully addressed.
#FlatRead #CharacterDevelopment #IntriguingPremise #RepetitivePhrases #CleverEnding #MissedPotentialexplained.
12 s
February 11, 2024
This is my first book by this author and this is always a bit more exiting. I don't know the writing style and so I don't know if this will pull me in or push me away.
First of all I would like to say something about the cover. I don't know if it has something to do with my star sign (I am an aquarius ) but I love water. This does not mean I like to swim, but I love view or picture featuring water. A river, a waterfall, the sea or an ocean, a lake... and of course a swimming pool. So I fell in love with the cover.
The book is a bit slow paced. You constantly feel the atmosphere in the story is building up to something sinister, the author really made me wait for it.
But once it's picking up the pace, you feel dragged away by it. Loyalty is a beautiful thing, but once something else presents itself, people can be challenged to make a u-turn. The big question is will the scale tip to the right side...?
An enjoyable book taking you to sunny Cyprus where the peaceful existence of a small group of people is uprooted. 4 stars
Thank you
First of all I would like to say something about the cover. I don't know if it has something to do with my star sign (I am an aquarius ) but I love water. This does not mean I like to swim, but I love view or picture featuring water. A river, a waterfall, the sea or an ocean, a lake... and of course a swimming pool. So I fell in love with the cover.
The book is a bit slow paced. You constantly feel the atmosphere in the story is building up to something sinister, the author really made me wait for it.
But once it's picking up the pace, you feel dragged away by it. Loyalty is a beautiful thing, but once something else presents itself, people can be challenged to make a u-turn. The big question is will the scale tip to the right side...?
An enjoyable book taking you to sunny Cyprus where the peaceful existence of a small group of people is uprooted. 4 stars
Thank you
March 10, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. To start, I don't think the cover or the blurb really match with the story. I thought this was going to be about friends on vacation at a fancy resort. Instead, it is about a group of people at essentially a commune.
What worked for me - the description of the Cypriot landscape and food. The beginning chapters waiting for Sofia. And the cats! I am a cat person, so I think my favorite part of the book was all the cats running around.
What did not work for me - basically everything else. I am not sure why there were chapters from different characters' viewpoints. For the most part, they were repetitive about the day-to-day at their home, and I don't think all the points of view were really necessary to the story. I don't think the plot was very realistic, and the end did not fit at all with the lead-up. I also think there was some unfinished business/ unanswered questions.
This one really didn't thrill me unfortunately.
What worked for me - the description of the Cypriot landscape and food. The beginning chapters waiting for Sofia. And the cats! I am a cat person, so I think my favorite part of the book was all the cats running around.
What did not work for me - basically everything else. I am not sure why there were chapters from different characters' viewpoints. For the most part, they were repetitive about the day-to-day at their home, and I don't think all the points of view were really necessary to the story. I don't think the plot was very realistic, and the end did not fit at all with the lead-up. I also think there was some unfinished business/ unanswered questions.
This one really didn't thrill me unfortunately.
March 30, 2024
This book is set in the gorgeous countryside near the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus, an area I have visited many times and I was very much looking forward to what I thought may be a holiday style mystery/thriller.
In fact this is indeed set in the beautiful area of Cyprus but is essentially a book that follows a commune or maybe a cult of people who live in the remote area and are for one reason or another living outside of society. When Sofia returns many years after living there with her mother, who died there tragically, the plot becomes dark and the community turn against one another.
Despite the promise of the book it was a little slow in getting going and some of the descriptions and stories were a bit confusing and somewhat unbelievable. Some great descriptions of the area and a few interesting surprises towards the end but not what I was expecting.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
In fact this is indeed set in the beautiful area of Cyprus but is essentially a book that follows a commune or maybe a cult of people who live in the remote area and are for one reason or another living outside of society. When Sofia returns many years after living there with her mother, who died there tragically, the plot becomes dark and the community turn against one another.
Despite the promise of the book it was a little slow in getting going and some of the descriptions and stories were a bit confusing and somewhat unbelievable. Some great descriptions of the area and a few interesting surprises towards the end but not what I was expecting.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2024
Starting with the cover. I love it. It drew me in and is perfect for the story. My thoughts so far are that this is going to be really good when it gets going. It has started off a bit slow but it is gaining momentum. I am enjoying the duel timeline so I get a bit of backstory too.
I loved the setting because it’s perfect for somewhere that a ‘commune’ would settle and where some stuff could go down! I was interested in the whole premise.
I’m enjoyed getting to know the characters. I was curious as to who has doing the little reports and where it was going. They are all stating clearly that they would do anything to keep the commune going so I thought it was going to make for thrilling reading. Unfortunately I found that didn’t happen. It was a very slow start and didn’t pick up until nearly 90%.
It wouldn’t stop me reading more by this author but I found myself not rushing to pick it up.
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @ for the gifted copy for review.
I loved the setting because it’s perfect for somewhere that a ‘commune’ would settle and where some stuff could go down! I was interested in the whole premise.
I’m enjoyed getting to know the characters. I was curious as to who has doing the little reports and where it was going. They are all stating clearly that they would do anything to keep the commune going so I thought it was going to make for thrilling reading. Unfortunately I found that didn’t happen. It was a very slow start and didn’t pick up until nearly 90%.
It wouldn’t stop me reading more by this author but I found myself not rushing to pick it up.
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @ for the gifted copy for review.
November 6, 2024
Opened this book at random on my kindle on holiday in Cyprus, and was delighted to see it was actually set in Cyprus.
And even happier to say that it hasn't made me fear for my life or anything equally sinister while on holiday here.
Set up in the mountains, its a retreat, a community of like minded people working to be the best versions of themselves they can possibly be.
But even in this sun-drenched setting things can go wrong and there are a surprising number of secrets to be uncovered.
And a massive moral dilemma that shocks all the residents into trying to work out whether they can really do the unthinkable for a huge sum of money.
it was eye opening and certainly gripping, and I loved the story being told from various view points.
A thrilling book and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And even happier to say that it hasn't made me fear for my life or anything equally sinister while on holiday here.
Set up in the mountains, its a retreat, a community of like minded people working to be the best versions of themselves they can possibly be.
But even in this sun-drenched setting things can go wrong and there are a surprising number of secrets to be uncovered.
And a massive moral dilemma that shocks all the residents into trying to work out whether they can really do the unthinkable for a huge sum of money.
it was eye opening and certainly gripping, and I loved the story being told from various view points.
A thrilling book and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 5, 2024
A spiritual retreat, where people with something to hide in their past hide away from the world.
A death in the past, and a child, who is grown, wants revenge.
No wonder the chant is "The past does not exist"
I was underwhelmed by this book.
The writing is good, but the story was achingly slow.
I kept waiting for something to happen.
I like to think that people draw comfort from esoteric practices, rather than straight religion.
There are chants and affirmations and singing bowls, belief in 'signs' from the Universe.
However, the characters in this book use the spiritual to hide.
There was a lot that was easily predicted. Just shows one what money can buy, and what people who don't have money will do to obtain it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
A death in the past, and a child, who is grown, wants revenge.
No wonder the chant is "The past does not exist"
I was underwhelmed by this book.
The writing is good, but the story was achingly slow.
I kept waiting for something to happen.
I like to think that people draw comfort from esoteric practices, rather than straight religion.
There are chants and affirmations and singing bowls, belief in 'signs' from the Universe.
However, the characters in this book use the spiritual to hide.
There was a lot that was easily predicted. Just shows one what money can buy, and what people who don't have money will do to obtain it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews