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The Chalet
Four friends. One luxury getaway. The perfect murder.
French Alps, 1998
Two young men ski into a blizzard… but only one returns.
20 years later
Four people connected to the missing man find themselves in that same resort. Each has a secret. Two may have blood on their hands. One is a killer-in-waiting.
Someone knows what really happened that day.
And somebody will pay.
French Alps, 1998
Two young men ski into a blizzard… but only one returns.
20 years later
Four people connected to the missing man find themselves in that same resort. Each has a secret. Two may have blood on their hands. One is a killer-in-waiting.
Someone knows what really happened that day.
And somebody will pay.
390 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2020
621 people are currently reading
4425 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cooper
9 books268 followersI am a freelance journalist living in the South of France with my husband and two teenage children. We moved from London in 2009 so that the children could grow up bilingual and we could all ski more, and to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.
I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.
I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.
The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.
Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.
I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.
The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.
Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,135 reviews
October 8, 2020
The story begins in 1998, in La Madiere, a ski resort in the French Alps, where brothers Will and Adam Cassiobury have taken their girlfriends on holiday. It’s not the best of holidays, as the brothers have always had a difficult relationship, they argue constantly, and sadly, only one of the brothers returns home.
Fast forward to 2020, where we return to the same resort, in the midst of a vicious snowstorm, with the only road into the resort blocked. This sets the scene perfectly for this claustrophobic thriller from Catherine Cooper.
The group of people we meet this time around are taking a luxurious holiday together, none of them actually get on, but most importantly four of them are linked to the missing brother. After an avalanche, a body is discovered, but is it linked to the disappearance of the brother in 1998?
I’m not always a fan of dual timelines, but with The Chalet, it worked really well. The claustrophobic confines of a ski resort during a cold, dark winter, with the resort being battered by one of the worst snowstorms in years, closing the only road, and isolating everyone within, added much to the atmosphere. The characters were fully fleshed, and at ease in their given roles, but they were a mostly narcissistic bunch and therefore unlikeable.
One, or more of them know exactly what happened in 1998, but these secrets have been well hidden, and that’s the way it’s intended to stay! However, one of the group is there for the sole purpose of getting to the truth, and it makes for a great read as the threads of the story are woven slowly and purposely together to find out just what really happened on that fateful day in 1998.
* I was invited to read The Chalet by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Fast forward to 2020, where we return to the same resort, in the midst of a vicious snowstorm, with the only road into the resort blocked. This sets the scene perfectly for this claustrophobic thriller from Catherine Cooper.
The group of people we meet this time around are taking a luxurious holiday together, none of them actually get on, but most importantly four of them are linked to the missing brother. After an avalanche, a body is discovered, but is it linked to the disappearance of the brother in 1998?
I’m not always a fan of dual timelines, but with The Chalet, it worked really well. The claustrophobic confines of a ski resort during a cold, dark winter, with the resort being battered by one of the worst snowstorms in years, closing the only road, and isolating everyone within, added much to the atmosphere. The characters were fully fleshed, and at ease in their given roles, but they were a mostly narcissistic bunch and therefore unlikeable.
One, or more of them know exactly what happened in 1998, but these secrets have been well hidden, and that’s the way it’s intended to stay! However, one of the group is there for the sole purpose of getting to the truth, and it makes for a great read as the threads of the story are woven slowly and purposely together to find out just what really happened on that fateful day in 1998.
* I was invited to read The Chalet by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
September 17, 2020
Catherine Cooper writes a terrific piece of crime fiction set in the beautiful, snowy and atmospheric ski resort of La Madiere in France which shifts between two timelines of 1998 and over twenty years later in 2020. In 1998, Will Cassiobury and his older brother, Adam, with their girlfriends arrive for a ski holiday. Will's girlfriend, Louisa, met him at Oxford, but she is not from the same social and economic strata, and is acutely aware of the fact, and while the others can ski, she cannot, and the gear she has borrowed emphasises the differences between them and her. Will is really keen on Louisa, and has paid for her, and whilst he is initially enthusiastic about teaching Louisa to ski, this wears off quickly as Louisa struggles and she is consequently becoming less and less enamoured of it, although matters improve a little when she receives more professional help.
Will has a difficult relationship with Adam although he loves his brother, despite the competitive Adam picking on him constantly. In poor weather, the brothers hire a guide to go skiing, but only one brother comes back alive. In 2020, Hugo and his wife, Ria, have booked a luxurious chalet, looked after and catered for by the lovely Millie, in La Madiere, inviting Simon and his wife, Cass, with their young child, Inigo, to join them. Hugo is hoping to persuade Simon to invest in his company, and wanting Ria to support him in this endeavour. They are joined by Cameron, the chalet owner and Matt, the manager, on occasions. With troubled relationships emerging, matters are exacerbated when the body of the dead Cassiobury brother is discovered after an avalanche.
Not everyone is as they appear in Cooper's twisted and suspenseful story of a past that returns to haunt the present. The location is so gloriously atmospheric, and amidst the wide ranging cast there are some distinctly unlikeable characters, particularly Adam and Cameron. This is a entertaining and enjoyable mystery that many crime fiction readers will enjoy, and is likely to especially appeal to fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
Will has a difficult relationship with Adam although he loves his brother, despite the competitive Adam picking on him constantly. In poor weather, the brothers hire a guide to go skiing, but only one brother comes back alive. In 2020, Hugo and his wife, Ria, have booked a luxurious chalet, looked after and catered for by the lovely Millie, in La Madiere, inviting Simon and his wife, Cass, with their young child, Inigo, to join them. Hugo is hoping to persuade Simon to invest in his company, and wanting Ria to support him in this endeavour. They are joined by Cameron, the chalet owner and Matt, the manager, on occasions. With troubled relationships emerging, matters are exacerbated when the body of the dead Cassiobury brother is discovered after an avalanche.
Not everyone is as they appear in Cooper's twisted and suspenseful story of a past that returns to haunt the present. The location is so gloriously atmospheric, and amidst the wide ranging cast there are some distinctly unlikeable characters, particularly Adam and Cameron. This is a entertaining and enjoyable mystery that many crime fiction readers will enjoy, and is likely to especially appeal to fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
August 9, 2023
I picked The Chalet randomly while browsing through my old unread Netgalley ARCs (I should really devote to them more).
With all the sun and hotness this summer brought, it was nice to escape to more wintery place, at least in my mind.
The book tales place in France at snow resort, where people go to winter vacation to enjoy skiing, good food and just relax.
It is told from multiple points of views and takes place in 2/3 time zones.
One is in 1998 when one young guy died during snow storm, another in our time line and one that takes us on a few years journey.
I went into the book blind, and I think that was the best decision that I have made (the poor decision was not to read it earlier).
This way I didn't have any predictions about the story or anticipations, and I enjoyed the story for what it was.
I ended up really liking it and it surprised me how fast I finished this 390 pages long book.
In reality, it felt like it only had 200 pages, so I guess that is also one of the signs that the book was entertaining.
I have to admit that I didn't get attach to any of the characters, nor could I relate to any of them.
If I am completely honest, only few of them I really payed close attention to, while others were therw just for the sake of the story and in my mind they were all blake faces who's names I wouldn't be able to tell you even if you payed me money.
I think it is important to say that the book deals with some serious topics that can be triggering to some.
Sexual assault being the first one, then alcoholism and poverty, and the last one being body harm.
I understand this was a debut novel and I have to phrase the author because it was written really good and I would definitely want to read something else Catherine Cooper writes in the future.
Good job Catherine!!
In the end, I just want to recommend this book i hope you will enjoy it too.
It is obviously appropriate for all the seasons, as I have read it in the middle of summer even if it takes place during winter.
With all the sun and hotness this summer brought, it was nice to escape to more wintery place, at least in my mind.
The book tales place in France at snow resort, where people go to winter vacation to enjoy skiing, good food and just relax.
It is told from multiple points of views and takes place in 2/3 time zones.
One is in 1998 when one young guy died during snow storm, another in our time line and one that takes us on a few years journey.
I went into the book blind, and I think that was the best decision that I have made (the poor decision was not to read it earlier).
This way I didn't have any predictions about the story or anticipations, and I enjoyed the story for what it was.
I ended up really liking it and it surprised me how fast I finished this 390 pages long book.
In reality, it felt like it only had 200 pages, so I guess that is also one of the signs that the book was entertaining.
I have to admit that I didn't get attach to any of the characters, nor could I relate to any of them.
If I am completely honest, only few of them I really payed close attention to, while others were therw just for the sake of the story and in my mind they were all blake faces who's names I wouldn't be able to tell you even if you payed me money.
I think it is important to say that the book deals with some serious topics that can be triggering to some.
Sexual assault being the first one, then alcoholism and poverty, and the last one being body harm.
I understand this was a debut novel and I have to phrase the author because it was written really good and I would definitely want to read something else Catherine Cooper writes in the future.
Good job Catherine!!
In the end, I just want to recommend this book i hope you will enjoy it too.
It is obviously appropriate for all the seasons, as I have read it in the middle of summer even if it takes place during winter.
January 22, 2022
4.5 stars! I loved this book! Do you have a "type" of book that always appeals to you? Well apparently I do! ❤️ I have been obsessed with reading this book since the day I heard about it!
✅ Lots of lots of snow ❄️
✅ Exclusive ski lodge ⛷
✅ Missing body 😳
Yep! This checks all the boxes for me! As huge fans of One by One and Shiver 🥶 - Javier and I knew this would be the perfect buddy read for us! We were 💯 correct!
The alternating timelines between 1998 and 2020 kept me captivated. Two brothers go out skiing.........only one comes back...is it an accident? Or is there more to this story? 🤔Twenty years later...a body is found. 😳🥶
I seriously flew through this book in record time! Fast paced, tense and atmospheric! All my favorite things. Oh and that ending! Makes me wonder! 😉🎿
The Chateau is definitely on my "soon to read" list! Have you read this one? Do you love the secluded snowy mysteries?
I would like to thank myself for this gorgeous gifted copy I bought myself! 🥰🥰🥰
✅ Lots of lots of snow ❄️
✅ Exclusive ski lodge ⛷
✅ Missing body 😳
Yep! This checks all the boxes for me! As huge fans of One by One and Shiver 🥶 - Javier and I knew this would be the perfect buddy read for us! We were 💯 correct!
The alternating timelines between 1998 and 2020 kept me captivated. Two brothers go out skiing.........only one comes back...is it an accident? Or is there more to this story? 🤔Twenty years later...a body is found. 😳🥶
I seriously flew through this book in record time! Fast paced, tense and atmospheric! All my favorite things. Oh and that ending! Makes me wonder! 😉🎿
The Chateau is definitely on my "soon to read" list! Have you read this one? Do you love the secluded snowy mysteries?
I would like to thank myself for this gorgeous gifted copy I bought myself! 🥰🥰🥰
August 26, 2020
What links or unites a group of well to do guests in a luxury chalet in La Mediere in the French Alps in January 2020 with the death of a British skier in the same place in December 1998? The story is told in dual timelines and from multiple points of view.
First of all, the setting is fantastic and the heavy snowfall adds a chilly atmosphere to the growing tension between the guests in 2020. The multiple narratives takes a bit of getting used to but as soon as you sort out who the various characters are, it works well. However, none of the characters are especially likeable with the possible exception of Hugo and I do tend to be more invested in a novel if I can like the protagonists. The story is well written and the plot is more along the lines of revenge for the 1998 death and so as it reaches the conclusion it does not contain much mystery or the element of surprise. The guilt of some of the characters carry is interesting and is conveyed well.
Overall this is a quick, enjoyable read and one that would be especially suitable for a cold winters day on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate!
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC
First of all, the setting is fantastic and the heavy snowfall adds a chilly atmosphere to the growing tension between the guests in 2020. The multiple narratives takes a bit of getting used to but as soon as you sort out who the various characters are, it works well. However, none of the characters are especially likeable with the possible exception of Hugo and I do tend to be more invested in a novel if I can like the protagonists. The story is well written and the plot is more along the lines of revenge for the 1998 death and so as it reaches the conclusion it does not contain much mystery or the element of surprise. The guilt of some of the characters carry is interesting and is conveyed well.
Overall this is a quick, enjoyable read and one that would be especially suitable for a cold winters day on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate!
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC
February 21, 2021
#.5 stars
I was really looking forward to reading this book due to the setting in La Madiere France where a British national is murdered in December 1998 then moves forward to the present day January 2020, four couples arrive for a business holiday for a week in the snow now that sounds good doesn't it? Well as we go further into the book things spiral out of control, that was the good bit BUT now the down side i was bored wasn't rushing to pick this up it became confusing at times EG was i reading about who killed the person , or was i reading about one couples love lifei absolutely hate romance.
All in all this was a disappointing read not the book i expected i may be in the minority but it was a total waste of time thus the 3 stars.
I was really looking forward to reading this book due to the setting in La Madiere France where a British national is murdered in December 1998 then moves forward to the present day January 2020, four couples arrive for a business holiday for a week in the snow now that sounds good doesn't it? Well as we go further into the book things spiral out of control, that was the good bit BUT now the down side i was bored wasn't rushing to pick this up it became confusing at times EG was i reading about who killed the person , or was i reading about one couples love lifei absolutely hate romance.
All in all this was a disappointing read not the book i expected i may be in the minority but it was a total waste of time thus the 3 stars.
November 17, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publisher for inviting me to this this ARC.
This book is a dual story line about an accident in a French Ski resort in 1998 and another incident in 2020 at the same resort. That is told in two time frames and by multiple characters.
I don’t like writing negative reviews and I rarely do, especially for debut writers. But I found this story slow and the characters unlikable, almost without exception they were pretentious, selfish, arrogant snobs. Maybe that’s what French ski resorts are like. If they are, remind me to stay away from them. There was not one person who I could identify with and who had any redeeming qualities. I accept nasty characters are needed in a book, but to have so many coming together, in was like a convention of horrible people.
The only reason I got to the end was it was an ARC and I felt obliged to finish it. I felt the ending was so wishy washy. The last line was as corny as hell, was it put in as a dare? Possibly 2.25 stars but could easily been a 1 star book.
This book is a dual story line about an accident in a French Ski resort in 1998 and another incident in 2020 at the same resort. That is told in two time frames and by multiple characters.
I don’t like writing negative reviews and I rarely do, especially for debut writers. But I found this story slow and the characters unlikable, almost without exception they were pretentious, selfish, arrogant snobs. Maybe that’s what French ski resorts are like. If they are, remind me to stay away from them. There was not one person who I could identify with and who had any redeeming qualities. I accept nasty characters are needed in a book, but to have so many coming together, in was like a convention of horrible people.
The only reason I got to the end was it was an ARC and I felt obliged to finish it. I felt the ending was so wishy washy. The last line was as corny as hell, was it put in as a dare? Possibly 2.25 stars but could easily been a 1 star book.
October 19, 2020
Hey, new week, new review for ‘The Chalet ‘ ( thanks Deryl for posting about this book ) and next up am excited to be reading ‘Trust No One’ the soon to be published new book by Keri Beevis
A real super find that is easily and quickly read and a real good yarn
Simply put it is a book about revenge and revenge with a capital R
4 ‘friends’ go ski-ing but all have secrets and 1 has been to the resort before, also at the resort is someone they knew and also someone that knows more about the past than they are saying PLUS an unexpected blast from the past appears to identify a body that has lain in the snow undiscovered for years, it sounds a bit confusing but once you are into the scenery ( beautifully described ) and the characters ( and there are some rum and obnoxious ones ) the past and present makes sense and it turns into a really fine whodunit and who is going to do it now to get the revenge they seek
A dark ending and a wonderful last line added to this book that on a miserable grey day in a funny ( well you know what I mean ) old world took over my imagination and gave a thrilling part family saga part psychological part adventure read
10/10
5 Stars
A real super find that is easily and quickly read and a real good yarn
Simply put it is a book about revenge and revenge with a capital R
4 ‘friends’ go ski-ing but all have secrets and 1 has been to the resort before, also at the resort is someone they knew and also someone that knows more about the past than they are saying PLUS an unexpected blast from the past appears to identify a body that has lain in the snow undiscovered for years, it sounds a bit confusing but once you are into the scenery ( beautifully described ) and the characters ( and there are some rum and obnoxious ones ) the past and present makes sense and it turns into a really fine whodunit and who is going to do it now to get the revenge they seek
A dark ending and a wonderful last line added to this book that on a miserable grey day in a funny ( well you know what I mean ) old world took over my imagination and gave a thrilling part family saga part psychological part adventure read
10/10
5 Stars
October 4, 2020
The Chalet was a book that I was really looking forward to reading. I am not sure if I read it too soon after reading another book set in the snow with murders and revenge but for me it was just ok.
I felt that all the characters were unlikeable and I get that they should have been. There were too many coincidences in the story for my liking. The dual timeline aspect was good. I can see that a lot of people have enjoyed this book.
If you are a fan of revenge stories, nasty characters and things happening a bit too easily hen this book is for you. I liked it but I didn’t love it.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read
I felt that all the characters were unlikeable and I get that they should have been. There were too many coincidences in the story for my liking. The dual timeline aspect was good. I can see that a lot of people have enjoyed this book.
If you are a fan of revenge stories, nasty characters and things happening a bit too easily hen this book is for you. I liked it but I didn’t love it.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read
July 29, 2020
Excellent debut novel by Catherine Cooper an author I am sure we will hear a lot more from in the future.
Instantly absorbed by this exciting novel, so much that I pretty much read it in one sitting. Set in the French alps on a ski resort, the story is told in a then and now format. Twenty years ago two brothers were skiing on the French Alps but only one returned. Two decades later at the same resort there is another tragedy when a dead body is discovered. Are these two deaths connected and were they accidents?
A fairly fast read with some excellent characters and a suspenseful plot. I can thoroughly recommend this book.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Harper Collins for supplying this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Instantly absorbed by this exciting novel, so much that I pretty much read it in one sitting. Set in the French alps on a ski resort, the story is told in a then and now format. Twenty years ago two brothers were skiing on the French Alps but only one returned. Two decades later at the same resort there is another tragedy when a dead body is discovered. Are these two deaths connected and were they accidents?
A fairly fast read with some excellent characters and a suspenseful plot. I can thoroughly recommend this book.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Harper Collins for supplying this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2021
I'm too bored to come up with anything whittier than "Blah" and "Ugh"
February 6, 2021
The Chalet by Catherine Cooper is an exciting immersive read set in the French ski resort of La Madiere.
In 1998 two men go missing on the mountain when the weather turns bad..... only one man is found.
In 2020 Ria is on holiday with her husband in an amazingly luxurious villa. Her husband has invited another couple to stay, he is hoping a business deal may be struck by the end of the week.
During their stay a body is discovered on the mountain after a storm.
The story is told from these two time lines.
The pacing was good and kept those pages turning. Loved reading about the setting and of course all those not so nice characters! Great winter read and I’ll be looking out for more by this author in the future.
In 1998 two men go missing on the mountain when the weather turns bad..... only one man is found.
In 2020 Ria is on holiday with her husband in an amazingly luxurious villa. Her husband has invited another couple to stay, he is hoping a business deal may be struck by the end of the week.
During their stay a body is discovered on the mountain after a storm.
The story is told from these two time lines.
The pacing was good and kept those pages turning. Loved reading about the setting and of course all those not so nice characters! Great winter read and I’ll be looking out for more by this author in the future.
November 4, 2021
"The chalet is een vlot leesbaar boek dat me steeds aanzette om verder te gaan lezen. Het is een echt mysterie dat ontrafeld moet worden, maar hier en daar waren er wat overbodige stukjes bij. Toch drukte dat de pret niet en beloon ik the chalet graag met 4 sterren op 5!"
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2021...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2021...
January 2, 2021
Oh, this was a fun, wintry read to end 2020. The perfect atmosphere of an Alpine chalet and a murderer out for revenge.
This is told in several POVs in two timelines. We open with an unnamed narrator (there are two in this book) who related the fateful day on which the premise is set. There's also Hugo, one of the vacationers at the chalet, his wife Ria. Simon, a prospective business partner also at the chalet. Rounding out the group are Louisa, girlfriend to Will and his brother Adam. The shifting POVs were well done and kept up the tension and pace very well. I was trying to figure out who was lying (like everyone!) and about what and if it had to do with what happened before, so that was great. I figured out some and others left me agog. The end was well done and even held some surprise and a question that is likely never to be answered definitively. Which drove me a bit crazy but I decided I was ultimately glad.
This was one propulsive read that once I picked it up, would not let me go. The ending left me thinking, "Possible sequel? Tell me more." I'll definitely read it. This was my first book by Catherine Copper and I'm definitely looking forward to more.
Recommended.
This is told in several POVs in two timelines. We open with an unnamed narrator (there are two in this book) who related the fateful day on which the premise is set. There's also Hugo, one of the vacationers at the chalet, his wife Ria. Simon, a prospective business partner also at the chalet. Rounding out the group are Louisa, girlfriend to Will and his brother Adam. The shifting POVs were well done and kept up the tension and pace very well. I was trying to figure out who was lying (like everyone!) and about what and if it had to do with what happened before, so that was great. I figured out some and others left me agog. The end was well done and even held some surprise and a question that is likely never to be answered definitively. Which drove me a bit crazy but I decided I was ultimately glad.
This was one propulsive read that once I picked it up, would not let me go. The ending left me thinking, "Possible sequel? Tell me more." I'll definitely read it. This was my first book by Catherine Copper and I'm definitely looking forward to more.
Recommended.
October 21, 2020
The Chalet is a multiple timeline mystery that has multiple points of view. I'm not going to summarize this as I feel that doing so will give away too much of the mystery. Checking out the synopsis will give you all the information you need to go into this one.
The multiple timelines and points of view change from chapter to chapter and are labelled as to the point in time, place, and the character who is narrating. This wasn't confusing at all until Part 3 when we are introduced to a nameless character and their backstory. This was a bit jarring. The characters are all very entitled and are quite unlikable overall. I felt no connection or sympathy for any of them. They were in the case of our main characters well developed with a good background history though. The pacing is what kept me hooked, along with seeing what happened to the characters in the end. Overall, I'm going to go with a 3.5 rounded up to 4.
My appreciation to HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction, Catharine Cooper, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The multiple timelines and points of view change from chapter to chapter and are labelled as to the point in time, place, and the character who is narrating. This wasn't confusing at all until Part 3 when we are introduced to a nameless character and their backstory. This was a bit jarring. The characters are all very entitled and are quite unlikable overall. I felt no connection or sympathy for any of them. They were in the case of our main characters well developed with a good background history though. The pacing is what kept me hooked, along with seeing what happened to the characters in the end. Overall, I'm going to go with a 3.5 rounded up to 4.
My appreciation to HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction, Catharine Cooper, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2021
In 1998, Will and his brother Adam are on a ski trip with their girlfriends. After a ski accident, one brother is found alive while the other brother is missing and presumed dead. In 2020, present day, four couples gather together at a French ski resort for business meetings and skiing. When an avalanche uncovers a dead body, the brother is called in to identify his brother who had disappeared. The story goes back and forth between the past and present storylines and while the story kept my interest I did not find it particularly gripping and I couldn’t find a single character to like. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 20, 2021
I really enjoyed the Chalet. The dual timelines were very effective and I enjoyed all the twists and turns
December 7, 2022
A highly enjoyable debut that really roots the reader at a ski resort in the French alpes.
Told over dual timelines as the novel opens during 1998 as two brothers hire a guide only for one to go missing during a blizzard.
Whilst the rest of the novel Is set at the star of 2020 as four people who have a connection to the missing man arrive at the luxury resort.
The narrative brilliantly weaves between the two time periods with ease and whilst I expected not to enjoy the company of these spoilt hideous characters, I was still invested to know the connection.
There was some rather effective twists and the reveal was perfectly executed, but most importantly the location really adds depth to my enjoyment of this thriller.
I'm certainly looking forward to reading more from this author.
Told over dual timelines as the novel opens during 1998 as two brothers hire a guide only for one to go missing during a blizzard.
Whilst the rest of the novel Is set at the star of 2020 as four people who have a connection to the missing man arrive at the luxury resort.
The narrative brilliantly weaves between the two time periods with ease and whilst I expected not to enjoy the company of these spoilt hideous characters, I was still invested to know the connection.
There was some rather effective twists and the reveal was perfectly executed, but most importantly the location really adds depth to my enjoyment of this thriller.
I'm certainly looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 21, 2020
We start this fantastic book in 1998 in a french ski resort where brothers Will and Adam have taken their girlfriends on holiday. The brothers go out skiing together but tragically only one brother returns.
Fast forward to 2020 to the same skiing resort. This time the guests are different but when there is an avalanche and a body is discovered, it is identified as Will’s. The new guests are somehow connected to the missing brother. It seems they all have their own secrets.
I love a story with dual timelines and this worked really well with this book. I have never been skiing so I loved the descriptions of the chalet and skiing. A great mystery that will keep you hooked!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Fast forward to 2020 to the same skiing resort. This time the guests are different but when there is an avalanche and a body is discovered, it is identified as Will’s. The new guests are somehow connected to the missing brother. It seems they all have their own secrets.
I love a story with dual timelines and this worked really well with this book. I have never been skiing so I loved the descriptions of the chalet and skiing. A great mystery that will keep you hooked!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 6, 2021
It’s 1998 and brothers Adam and Will are on holiday with their girlfriends on the French alps at a resort. When the brothers want some time out from their other halves. So, they decide to go out and have time on the slopes. But the weather is not good but, Cameron the instructor thinks that they can still go out. But when they do the brothers get lost out in the snow and only Adam returns.
Twenty years later back at the resort Ria and Hugo are entertaining clients to get sponsorship money for Hugo’s company. Yet again the weather is so bad, and the roads are closed, and the guests are all snowed in at the luxury chalet. When there is an avalanche and after they discover a body that has been frozen in the snow. Could It be Will from all that time ago?
Thank you, Harper Collins and NetGalley for a copy of The Chalet by Catherine Cooper. This is a superb debut by the author. I didn’t realise it was until I read the reviews, it was that good. This is a real page turner that you will not want to put down and I thought just the right length. I reckon Catherine Cooper one to watch. I can’t wait for more from this author.
Twenty years later back at the resort Ria and Hugo are entertaining clients to get sponsorship money for Hugo’s company. Yet again the weather is so bad, and the roads are closed, and the guests are all snowed in at the luxury chalet. When there is an avalanche and after they discover a body that has been frozen in the snow. Could It be Will from all that time ago?
Thank you, Harper Collins and NetGalley for a copy of The Chalet by Catherine Cooper. This is a superb debut by the author. I didn’t realise it was until I read the reviews, it was that good. This is a real page turner that you will not want to put down and I thought just the right length. I reckon Catherine Cooper one to watch. I can’t wait for more from this author.
August 10, 2020
Shortly after reviewing One by One by Ruth Ware, a story that is set in the French Alps during a blizzard, I read The Chalet, set in the French Alps during a blizzard. Coincidence… both books have a group of people staying in a luxury chalet, and in both books people have secrets in their past.
The Chalet is Catherine Coopers’ debut and a very good one too! She uses the beautiful but dangerous Alps as a good background for the story. The main characters are very well developed and the writing style is very entertaining. I loved the details about the luxurious food and I really felt for the young female who tries to keep up with her rich friends who all learned to ski at an early age. The story evolves slowly but steady and the flashbacks work to help the reader to try and find the solution to the plot – which wasn’t too difficult but luckily also not too easy.
I will certainly put the name of this author on my ‘to follow’ list.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
The Chalet is Catherine Coopers’ debut and a very good one too! She uses the beautiful but dangerous Alps as a good background for the story. The main characters are very well developed and the writing style is very entertaining. I loved the details about the luxurious food and I really felt for the young female who tries to keep up with her rich friends who all learned to ski at an early age. The story evolves slowly but steady and the flashbacks work to help the reader to try and find the solution to the plot – which wasn’t too difficult but luckily also not too easy.
I will certainly put the name of this author on my ‘to follow’ list.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
October 1, 2020
"I haven't finished yet!"
OMG! - A debut novel - Really? - No Way!
I haven't read a book this quickly in I don't know how long, and that's not because it was a PDF copy which needed to be read on my computer, or because I have a little more free time as I am still at home. No! I rattled through this one at a great rate of knots because I simply needed to know how it ended, and I needed to know right now!
In my haste, the pages practically turned themselves, on a book which had just about everything going for it. The opening paragraph piqued my interest; the storyline was crammed full of suspense and some subtly introduced red herrings to keep me guessing; whilst the ending was both conclusive and open-ended, which would generally get my back up a little, but in this case seemed right and natural. Reading The Chalet as a stand alone story definitely works a treat if you are not much of a series reader, however I just hope that there is going to be a follow-on story very soon, to tie up that niggling loose end!
I really got on board with Catherine's skilled, effortless and mature writing style and was amazed at just how finely balanced and fluid she managed to keep the story, between it being plot and character driven. The short, clipped chapters, which randomly switched between multiple places and time zones, causing me have to stop and piece things together occasionally, but only in an enjoyable way and never distracting enough to be bothersome. Visually descriptive narrative and dialogue drew me in and made me, the outside neutral observer, a part of this carefully planned journey of revenge, retribution and closure.
A multi-layered, pacey plot, featured parallel storylines of the 'then and now', told through several different voices of the many prime characters, which I saw gradually coming together, as motives were revealed, grievances aired and old scores prepared to be settled. Twists and turns were added regularly throughout the course of this richly crafted journey, so that what I thought five minutes ago, was now no longer feasible, making me have to constantly re-evaluate my conclusions. There were some quite disturbing, profoundly touching and emotionally distressing sections of narrative, but these were handled with consummate ease and empathy by Catherine, who showcased them sympathetically, as a perceptive, social commentary of our times, throwing a thoughtful and caring spotlight on the mental health issues and behavioural problems we face in all walks of society. These cameos were all essential to the storyline and in no way sought to overshadow the carefully choreographed and planned murder/mystery at the heart of it all. With all the main players gathered together in one place, I was just waiting for a detective straight out of an Agatha Christie novel, to appear and unmask the murderer - But this plot was far too subtle for that to happen and I never saw coming, the final flourish which Catherine left me to ponder on, so obvious, so sneaky and so unexpected.
'Revenge is a dish best served cold'!
The profusion of complex players in this ever evolving drama, were the most undesirable and ill-matched set of individuals as you could ever hope to meet, although I became so invested in them as a rather stunned and often open-mouthed observer, that they almost became real. Despite them being really well defined and developed, to the point where I could almost read their thoughts as if I knew them personally, none of them were really open enough to connect with on any intellectual level and the dynamics between them were generally strained and false, having very little depth, to say the very least. However of the the four central characters, there is actually only one who doesn't fit, has something to hide and a reason to be afraid. The two lead male roles, are those of Hugo and Simon and at first I must admit that I had firmly slotted Simon into some dastardly plan for the unfolding events, but that is maybe because I found him so noxious as a person. When I realised that in fact both he and Hugo were simply a couple of not very competent businessmen, with large bank balances obtained at other people's hard work and expense, I had great fun sitting back and unpicking the rather noisome personalities which Catherine had woven around them.
There are so many secrets, so much lying and deceit, so many inter-twined stories which bind them together as both a whole unit and as individual sub groups within the unit, that I don't know how Catherine managed to keep track of them all when she was plotting her storyline! I wish my mind could work on that many parallel planes at the same time!!
OMG! - A debut novel - Really? - No Way!
I haven't read a book this quickly in I don't know how long, and that's not because it was a PDF copy which needed to be read on my computer, or because I have a little more free time as I am still at home. No! I rattled through this one at a great rate of knots because I simply needed to know how it ended, and I needed to know right now!
In my haste, the pages practically turned themselves, on a book which had just about everything going for it. The opening paragraph piqued my interest; the storyline was crammed full of suspense and some subtly introduced red herrings to keep me guessing; whilst the ending was both conclusive and open-ended, which would generally get my back up a little, but in this case seemed right and natural. Reading The Chalet as a stand alone story definitely works a treat if you are not much of a series reader, however I just hope that there is going to be a follow-on story very soon, to tie up that niggling loose end!
I really got on board with Catherine's skilled, effortless and mature writing style and was amazed at just how finely balanced and fluid she managed to keep the story, between it being plot and character driven. The short, clipped chapters, which randomly switched between multiple places and time zones, causing me have to stop and piece things together occasionally, but only in an enjoyable way and never distracting enough to be bothersome. Visually descriptive narrative and dialogue drew me in and made me, the outside neutral observer, a part of this carefully planned journey of revenge, retribution and closure.
A multi-layered, pacey plot, featured parallel storylines of the 'then and now', told through several different voices of the many prime characters, which I saw gradually coming together, as motives were revealed, grievances aired and old scores prepared to be settled. Twists and turns were added regularly throughout the course of this richly crafted journey, so that what I thought five minutes ago, was now no longer feasible, making me have to constantly re-evaluate my conclusions. There were some quite disturbing, profoundly touching and emotionally distressing sections of narrative, but these were handled with consummate ease and empathy by Catherine, who showcased them sympathetically, as a perceptive, social commentary of our times, throwing a thoughtful and caring spotlight on the mental health issues and behavioural problems we face in all walks of society. These cameos were all essential to the storyline and in no way sought to overshadow the carefully choreographed and planned murder/mystery at the heart of it all. With all the main players gathered together in one place, I was just waiting for a detective straight out of an Agatha Christie novel, to appear and unmask the murderer - But this plot was far too subtle for that to happen and I never saw coming, the final flourish which Catherine left me to ponder on, so obvious, so sneaky and so unexpected.
'Revenge is a dish best served cold'!
The profusion of complex players in this ever evolving drama, were the most undesirable and ill-matched set of individuals as you could ever hope to meet, although I became so invested in them as a rather stunned and often open-mouthed observer, that they almost became real. Despite them being really well defined and developed, to the point where I could almost read their thoughts as if I knew them personally, none of them were really open enough to connect with on any intellectual level and the dynamics between them were generally strained and false, having very little depth, to say the very least. However of the the four central characters, there is actually only one who doesn't fit, has something to hide and a reason to be afraid. The two lead male roles, are those of Hugo and Simon and at first I must admit that I had firmly slotted Simon into some dastardly plan for the unfolding events, but that is maybe because I found him so noxious as a person. When I realised that in fact both he and Hugo were simply a couple of not very competent businessmen, with large bank balances obtained at other people's hard work and expense, I had great fun sitting back and unpicking the rather noisome personalities which Catherine had woven around them.
There are so many secrets, so much lying and deceit, so many inter-twined stories which bind them together as both a whole unit and as individual sub groups within the unit, that I don't know how Catherine managed to keep track of them all when she was plotting her storyline! I wish my mind could work on that many parallel planes at the same time!!
August 21, 2020
This is a duel storyline about an accident on the ski slopes in France in 1998 and another incident in 2018 at the same resort.
The story is told in two time frames and by multiple characters.
I found this story slow and the characters unlikable.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publisher for inviting me to this this e-copy.
The story is told in two time frames and by multiple characters.
I found this story slow and the characters unlikable.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publisher for inviting me to this this e-copy.
September 9, 2020
Two brothers go skiing in France in 1998 and only one returns.
20 years later and we are at the same resort with a group staying in an upmarket chalet. Is there a connection between this group and the tragedy 20 years previous?
This was a lovely bit of escapism in these covid times. Ski resorts, a beautiful chalet etc. Perfect escapism.
The story is told from present day with different narrators and also from 20 years previous, in the same format.
I really enjoyed this for the most part. A very easy to read story with a couple of interesting and well written characters. The story is intriguing for the most part and you will find yourself flying through this book.
There are some problems however. There are some characters included which are purely there as red herrings and they literally serve no other purpose and are as wooden as can be. Nearly an afterthought.
The book has lovely pacing throughout but then takes a bit of a tangent and is over before you realize. The ending felt quite rushed and not thought out too well. The last line as well s as corny as hell.
Despite my criticisms I did enjoy this read. It just fell apart for me towards the end.
Enough in it though to pique the interest and I will look forward to reading more of Catherine Coopers books in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and Catherine Cooper for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
20 years later and we are at the same resort with a group staying in an upmarket chalet. Is there a connection between this group and the tragedy 20 years previous?
This was a lovely bit of escapism in these covid times. Ski resorts, a beautiful chalet etc. Perfect escapism.
The story is told from present day with different narrators and also from 20 years previous, in the same format.
I really enjoyed this for the most part. A very easy to read story with a couple of interesting and well written characters. The story is intriguing for the most part and you will find yourself flying through this book.
There are some problems however. There are some characters included which are purely there as red herrings and they literally serve no other purpose and are as wooden as can be. Nearly an afterthought.
The book has lovely pacing throughout but then takes a bit of a tangent and is over before you realize. The ending felt quite rushed and not thought out too well. The last line as well s as corny as hell.
Despite my criticisms I did enjoy this read. It just fell apart for me towards the end.
Enough in it though to pique the interest and I will look forward to reading more of Catherine Coopers books in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and Catherine Cooper for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2020
French Alps, 1998: Two young men ski into a blizzard, but only one returns.
Twenty years later: Four people connected to the missing men find themselves at the same ski resort. They all have a secret. Two might have blood on their hands. One is a killer in waiting.
Two brothers and their girlfriends go to the French Alps but only one brother came back. Twenty years later, Rita and her husband, Hugo are entertaining potential investors in their business in a chalet at the same ski resort. The setting and the luxury chalets are beautifully described. The chapters are told alternately from Rita and Hugo's perspectives. The story is well written and it will keep you guessing. I loved this murder mystery.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #CatherineCooper for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty years later: Four people connected to the missing men find themselves at the same ski resort. They all have a secret. Two might have blood on their hands. One is a killer in waiting.
Two brothers and their girlfriends go to the French Alps but only one brother came back. Twenty years later, Rita and her husband, Hugo are entertaining potential investors in their business in a chalet at the same ski resort. The setting and the luxury chalets are beautifully described. The chapters are told alternately from Rita and Hugo's perspectives. The story is well written and it will keep you guessing. I loved this murder mystery.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #CatherineCooper for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2020
This really wasn't very good. Peopled by unlikeable cardboard characters and full of cliches, with very confusing split timelines and narrative voices but nevertheless very easy to see what was going to happen.
Does the auther really think Hugo could succeed in business with his avoidance of meetings ? Or the chalet owner really succeed in the super-luxe chalet business with his behaviour and voiced opinions of his super-rich clients ?
She clearly knows something about skiing, but not about how France regulates guides or instructors or indeed that they are two very different things. And the idea that either would take skiers they have not evaluated down an off piste run in bad conditions is just laughable.
Does the auther really think Hugo could succeed in business with his avoidance of meetings ? Or the chalet owner really succeed in the super-luxe chalet business with his behaviour and voiced opinions of his super-rich clients ?
She clearly knows something about skiing, but not about how France regulates guides or instructors or indeed that they are two very different things. And the idea that either would take skiers they have not evaluated down an off piste run in bad conditions is just laughable.
November 13, 2020
This was both delightful and satisfying.
CW for drug use, cutting, sexual assault, child abandonment, could be more
Despite the warnings I found this to be not very intense, a nice mostly relaxing thriller.
The storyline was interesting and engaging without being overly upsetting or intense.
I was more invested in the story than any of the characters and this had rotating pov chapters and a timeline that jumped between the past and present storylines.
I listened to it on audiobook in an afternoon.
I'd give it 3.75 rounded up🌹
I like these kinda remote location psychological thrillers.
CW for drug use, cutting, sexual assault, child abandonment, could be more
Despite the warnings I found this to be not very intense, a nice mostly relaxing thriller.
The storyline was interesting and engaging without being overly upsetting or intense.
I was more invested in the story than any of the characters and this had rotating pov chapters and a timeline that jumped between the past and present storylines.
I listened to it on audiobook in an afternoon.
I'd give it 3.75 rounded up🌹
I like these kinda remote location psychological thrillers.
January 14, 2022
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
A thrilling read that had me breathless with anticipation, I whizzed through this as quickly as a skier on a snow slope. For a debut novel from Cooper, this was a fantastic read that I could not put down, so drawn into the narrative that I was.
A thrilling read that had me breathless with anticipation, I whizzed through this as quickly as a skier on a snow slope. For a debut novel from Cooper, this was a fantastic read that I could not put down, so drawn into the narrative that I was.
January 13, 2024
I don’t have regrets in life. Apart from this book.
October 31, 2020
The Chalet is Catherine Cooper’s mesmerising debut crime thriller, set in the picturesque French Alps and is perfect escapism in a time when our movement and ability to holiday is restricted. It's 1998 and brothers Adam and Will Cassiobury and their girlfriends are on holiday at La Madière ski resort in the scenic Puylaurens region of Southern France. Unfortunately, the brothers’ relationship is fraught and always has been; they argue constantly. When one day the brothers, having no ski experience, hire a guide to go skiing in poor weather conditions, only one brother comes back alive. Fast forward to 2020, 22 years later, and Hugo and his wife, Ria, have booked themselves a break in a luxury chalet in the same resort. They invite friends Simon and his wife, Cass, to join them, with their young child, Inigo, in the hope that Hugo can persuade Simon to invest in his business. There is trouble brewing between the members of the group and what should be a holiday of rest and relaxation turns into a nightmare when, after an avalanche, the body of the deceased Cassiobury brother is discovered.
This is a riveting thriller and one I read from start to finish in a single gulp. It was completely unputdownable and had me guessing until the last few pages, as not everyone is quite what they initially appear to be. Most of the characters are highly unlikeable, pompous, pampered and sometimes annoying, but I enjoyed the fact that many of them were wolves in sheep's clothing. With it's twisted and sinister dual storyline and short, snappy chapters it keeps you turning the pages more and more anxiously to get to the truth. Cooper has penned an extraordinary debut with all the ingredients for a superb crime thriller; it's suspenseful with a tension that simmers just below the surface for most of the book before it explodes outwards towards the end and the sheer opulence of the resort had me pining for a break away. The location, though, is the star of the whole story as it's so remote and atmospheric that you can almost feel the frigid conditions as you read. I can't wait to pick up her next book coming in 2021. A highly recommended and entertaining thriller. A real treat. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
This is a riveting thriller and one I read from start to finish in a single gulp. It was completely unputdownable and had me guessing until the last few pages, as not everyone is quite what they initially appear to be. Most of the characters are highly unlikeable, pompous, pampered and sometimes annoying, but I enjoyed the fact that many of them were wolves in sheep's clothing. With it's twisted and sinister dual storyline and short, snappy chapters it keeps you turning the pages more and more anxiously to get to the truth. Cooper has penned an extraordinary debut with all the ingredients for a superb crime thriller; it's suspenseful with a tension that simmers just below the surface for most of the book before it explodes outwards towards the end and the sheer opulence of the resort had me pining for a break away. The location, though, is the star of the whole story as it's so remote and atmospheric that you can almost feel the frigid conditions as you read. I can't wait to pick up her next book coming in 2021. A highly recommended and entertaining thriller. A real treat. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
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