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The Chateau
A dream girls trip to a luxurious French chateau devolves into a deadly nightmare of secrets and murder in this stylish, twisty thriller for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Lisa Jewell.
Welcome to picturesque Provence, where the Lady of the Chateau, Séraphine Demargelasse, has opened its elegant doors to her granddaughter Darcy and three friends. Twenty years earlier, the four girlfriends studied abroad together in France and visited the old woman on the weekends, creating the group’s deep bond. But why this sudden invitation?
Amid winery tours, market visits, and fancy dinners overlooking olive groves and lavender fields, it becomes clear that each woman has a hidden reason for accepting the invitation. Then, after a wild evening’s celebration, Séraphine is found brutally murdered.
As the women search for answers to this shocking crime, fingers begin pointing and a sinister Instagram account pops up, exposing snapshots from the friends’ intimate moments at the chateau, while threatening to reveal more.
As they race to uncover who murdered Séraphine and is now stalking them, they learn the chateau houses many secrets…several worth killing for.
Welcome to picturesque Provence, where the Lady of the Chateau, Séraphine Demargelasse, has opened its elegant doors to her granddaughter Darcy and three friends. Twenty years earlier, the four girlfriends studied abroad together in France and visited the old woman on the weekends, creating the group’s deep bond. But why this sudden invitation?
Amid winery tours, market visits, and fancy dinners overlooking olive groves and lavender fields, it becomes clear that each woman has a hidden reason for accepting the invitation. Then, after a wild evening’s celebration, Séraphine is found brutally murdered.
As the women search for answers to this shocking crime, fingers begin pointing and a sinister Instagram account pops up, exposing snapshots from the friends’ intimate moments at the chateau, while threatening to reveal more.
As they race to uncover who murdered Séraphine and is now stalking them, they learn the chateau houses many secrets…several worth killing for.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 23, 2023
894 people are currently reading
51015 people want to read
About the author
Jaclyn Goldis
5 books455 followersJaclyn Goldis is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and NYU Law. She practiced estate planning law at a large Chicago firm for seven years before leaving her job to travel the world and write novels. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @jaclyngoldis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,997 reviews
December 30, 2023
Wow! This is fascinating pop corn reading! I devoured in one sitting, visualizing the picturesque French chateau in Provence and wished to get teleported there in seconds. The detailed depictions gave me so much information about the scenery! I truly learned a lot about the city with so much information including where to shop, where to eat, where to visit!
It felt like I jumped into the book to visit this glamorous but also claustrophobic chateau and walk through each rooms, watching the sightseeing behind the curtains. The author achieved a marvelous job by taking us to splendid murder mystery journey!
Here’s the quick summary of the plot:
In her late nighties, Seraphine Demargelasse is the lady of the chateau, invites her granddaughter Darcy alongside her three close friends to celebrate one of the women’s birthday. She also plans to make a big announcement will change the course of their lives but without having a chance to make her big declaration, she’s found brutally murdered.
Darcy is heartbroken with her grandmother’s tragic death. But she also realizes her close friends keep big secrets from her.
Arabelle, granddaughter of chateau’s housekeeper/ caregiver Sylvie who has working for Seraphine for sixty years. She seems like having the best life with her thriving restaurant business, publishing cook books, climbing numbers of Instagram followers. But she did something so bad that affect the bond of four women’s friendship.
Cancer survivor Vix ( Victoria), struggling artist, suffering from bad breakup with her latest girlfriend, keeping secret her meetings with Seraphine and the tasks she’s been doing for her for years in exchange of monthly payments. Now she has to hide everything for the sake of their friendship.
And high achiever, spinning instructor, perfectionist Jade also fights with her own demons, sensing Darcy blames her on something she’s done!
Could one of them be responsible of this brutal murder? Are they truly devoted friends or is it some kind of act from the beginning?
I liked the smart twist and mind bending conclusion. One of the best psychological thriller reads I’ve lately read! Perpetrator is definitely great kind of sociopath who is perfectly portrayed!
I’m looking forward to read more works of the author in near future!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books / Emily Bestler Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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It felt like I jumped into the book to visit this glamorous but also claustrophobic chateau and walk through each rooms, watching the sightseeing behind the curtains. The author achieved a marvelous job by taking us to splendid murder mystery journey!
Here’s the quick summary of the plot:
In her late nighties, Seraphine Demargelasse is the lady of the chateau, invites her granddaughter Darcy alongside her three close friends to celebrate one of the women’s birthday. She also plans to make a big announcement will change the course of their lives but without having a chance to make her big declaration, she’s found brutally murdered.
Darcy is heartbroken with her grandmother’s tragic death. But she also realizes her close friends keep big secrets from her.
Arabelle, granddaughter of chateau’s housekeeper/ caregiver Sylvie who has working for Seraphine for sixty years. She seems like having the best life with her thriving restaurant business, publishing cook books, climbing numbers of Instagram followers. But she did something so bad that affect the bond of four women’s friendship.
Cancer survivor Vix ( Victoria), struggling artist, suffering from bad breakup with her latest girlfriend, keeping secret her meetings with Seraphine and the tasks she’s been doing for her for years in exchange of monthly payments. Now she has to hide everything for the sake of their friendship.
And high achiever, spinning instructor, perfectionist Jade also fights with her own demons, sensing Darcy blames her on something she’s done!
Could one of them be responsible of this brutal murder? Are they truly devoted friends or is it some kind of act from the beginning?
I liked the smart twist and mind bending conclusion. One of the best psychological thriller reads I’ve lately read! Perpetrator is definitely great kind of sociopath who is perfectly portrayed!
I’m looking forward to read more works of the author in near future!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books / Emily Bestler Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
June 1, 2023
A locked-room murder mystery at a chateau in the French countryside? I’m all in!
Got my armchair-detective badge on, my Inspector Poirot mustache penciled in, a lavender candle burning to conjure the South of France.
Un, deux, trois. Ready, set, go.
Annnnnnd, 300+ pages later… oh mon Dieu, what a let down.
*insert very disappointed face (sans mustache) here*
Okay, the backstory: Darcy, Jade, and Vix met in college during a study-abroad program in Avignon. The three spent their weekends visiting Darcy’s grandmother, Séraphine Demargelasse at her chateau in Provence. There, the girls befriended Arabelle, the daughter of one of the hired staff. Twenty years later, the women return to Chateau du Platane for a reunion.
On the plus side, the chateau oozes atmosphere and, along with the beautiful French countryside, is really a character in and of itself.
On the minus side, let’s begin with the storytelling. Told from multiple POVs, outside of the author telling us of their differences — this one struggled with infertility; that one’s a very successful chef; this one teaches spin class; that one had a mastectomy — the characters’ voices are so similar that I honestly had a difficult time distinguishing between them.
Added to that, Jaclyn Goldis threw everything but the kitchen sink into this novel: murder, infidelity, cancer, financial troubles, illegitimate children; antisemitism; lesbian breakup; large inheritance; the Holocaust…get the picture?
I don’t know, I feel like The Chateau had such potential to be a real thriller — murder, mystery, secrets — but it just missed the mark. It’s not even like it fell flat. More like it was too much. Too many voices (all sounding the same); too much drama; too many topics.
I’m an outlier on this one, but I just can’t recommend The Chateau when there are so many fabulous new releases to enjoy this spring and summer.
Got my armchair-detective badge on, my Inspector Poirot mustache penciled in, a lavender candle burning to conjure the South of France.
Un, deux, trois. Ready, set, go.
Annnnnnd, 300+ pages later… oh mon Dieu, what a let down.
*insert very disappointed face (sans mustache) here*
Okay, the backstory: Darcy, Jade, and Vix met in college during a study-abroad program in Avignon. The three spent their weekends visiting Darcy’s grandmother, Séraphine Demargelasse at her chateau in Provence. There, the girls befriended Arabelle, the daughter of one of the hired staff. Twenty years later, the women return to Chateau du Platane for a reunion.
On the plus side, the chateau oozes atmosphere and, along with the beautiful French countryside, is really a character in and of itself.
On the minus side, let’s begin with the storytelling. Told from multiple POVs, outside of the author telling us of their differences — this one struggled with infertility; that one’s a very successful chef; this one teaches spin class; that one had a mastectomy — the characters’ voices are so similar that I honestly had a difficult time distinguishing between them.
Added to that, Jaclyn Goldis threw everything but the kitchen sink into this novel: murder, infidelity, cancer, financial troubles, illegitimate children; antisemitism; lesbian breakup; large inheritance; the Holocaust…get the picture?
I don’t know, I feel like The Chateau had such potential to be a real thriller — murder, mystery, secrets — but it just missed the mark. It’s not even like it fell flat. More like it was too much. Too many voices (all sounding the same); too much drama; too many topics.
I’m an outlier on this one, but I just can’t recommend The Chateau when there are so many fabulous new releases to enjoy this spring and summer.
April 22, 2023
Okay wow!! Let’s talk about this book!! 😍 First off that cover!!! OMG 😱 right?!! Who loves… a locked 🔒 room mystery?? 🙋♀️…A Chateau in France.. 🇫🇷 🙋♀️… and of course… MURDER…😳 OMGGG count THIS girl in!! 😉 Huge shoutout to @atriabooks @atriathrillers for sending this gifted copy my way!! Five stars!! ⭐️ Pub date 5/23🥳🥳🥳
Okay this was so much more than I expected… let me tell you why… Four besties 👯♀️ are invited to gather at a stunning French chateau to celebrate a birthday???🥳 To discuss a will?? What exactly is behind this invitation?? 🤔 When someone ends up brutally murdered.. EVERYONE is a suspect! 😬🤫 Okay sounds like your typical fab locked 🔒 room mystery? Right? WRONG..here is why…
Van Gogh… I am absolutely fascinated with him and his work.. I honestly had no idea he did some of his best work in a asylum.. 🤷♀️.. I also didn’t know you can tour a replica of his room… Oh how I ran 🏃♀️ to Google!! 😍 Yes my friends.. this all plays a part in our murder mystery …🤫🤫🤫 What else sets this apart???? See below ⬇️
Woven into the history of the house 🏡 is a shocking.. heart wrenching story about the Holocaust… It didn’t overshadow the murder mystery.. it just added depth to the story and an emotional component.. and then I read the author’s acknowledgments… thanking her grandparents she never got to meet… oh my heart broke in a million pieces.. 💔.. One of the most emotional author notes I have read. It actually made me look even harder into the storyline. It did bring me to tears… 💔 I told you… this was so much more…
Back to our locked 🔒 room mystery… THAT ENDING!! Whattt?? 😳🤯🤯 Ummm … totally blindsided me!! 😂 I didn’t expect that last little detail… 😳 …Clever! 😏
Okay this was so much more than I expected… let me tell you why… Four besties 👯♀️ are invited to gather at a stunning French chateau to celebrate a birthday???🥳 To discuss a will?? What exactly is behind this invitation?? 🤔 When someone ends up brutally murdered.. EVERYONE is a suspect! 😬🤫 Okay sounds like your typical fab locked 🔒 room mystery? Right? WRONG..here is why…
Van Gogh… I am absolutely fascinated with him and his work.. I honestly had no idea he did some of his best work in a asylum.. 🤷♀️.. I also didn’t know you can tour a replica of his room… Oh how I ran 🏃♀️ to Google!! 😍 Yes my friends.. this all plays a part in our murder mystery …🤫🤫🤫 What else sets this apart???? See below ⬇️
Woven into the history of the house 🏡 is a shocking.. heart wrenching story about the Holocaust… It didn’t overshadow the murder mystery.. it just added depth to the story and an emotional component.. and then I read the author’s acknowledgments… thanking her grandparents she never got to meet… oh my heart broke in a million pieces.. 💔.. One of the most emotional author notes I have read. It actually made me look even harder into the storyline. It did bring me to tears… 💔 I told you… this was so much more…
Back to our locked 🔒 room mystery… THAT ENDING!! Whattt?? 😳🤯🤯 Ummm … totally blindsided me!! 😂 I didn’t expect that last little detail… 😳 …Clever! 😏
August 14, 2025
**2.5-stars**
When Darcy's Grandmother, the elegant, yet aging, Séraphine Demargelasse, invites Darcy and her four best girlfriends to her French Chateau for a luxury Girls Getaway, they can hardly say no.
The women all studied together in France 20-years earlier and they spent many weekends at Séraphine's. It was at that time, their life-long bonds of friendship were formed, including with Séraphine. It is a beautiful spot, with many beautiful memories.
Prior to the trip, Séraphine tells Darcy she wants to discuss her will with her. This sets a bit of an ominous tone and Darcy wonders if her Grandmother is unwell.
The trip starts off fine, with everyone getting used to being in each other's company again, enjoying the sights and accommodations. It's clear they're hiding some things from one another, but what friendship group doesn't?
After a boisterous evening celebration, Séraphine is found murdered. Everyone is in shock. Who could have done this?
There's a limited number of guests, it had to be one of them, but why? Who would want poor Séraphine dead? What is there to gain?
From there the story follows the various characters as the investigation into the murder begins. Everyone is a suspect and in kind, they slowly begin to fall apart.
Here's the thing, starting off, I was very intrigued by this. I love a story that follows friends, or family, traveling together, staying in remote locations on holiday. I like learning about the characters and their varied lives.
This started out strong with that set-up and while the characters weren't particularly likable, I never mind that. I like when you get everyone's perspective in a friendship group, because no matter how close they are, there's always something: secrets, resentments, betrayals, etc. I love watching it all come to light. I'm here for the drama.
Unfortunately, about halfway through this just fell off a cliff for me. It felt like it was trying to do too much and with so much thrown in, it made everything feel less impactful.
There is a betrayal revealed that turned me off. It's weird because I've read that same thing before, but the way it was done here, I was just over it. I can't even really explain why.
I don't think it was necessarily that betrayal though, like the circumstance, that killed this for me, but more like from that point on, every subsequent thing the author threw at us had me tuning out more and more. It was a turning point.
Additionally, I didn't feel invested enough in the mystery. I didn't really care who did it. I hadn't felt connected in any way to Séraphine and her murder hardly felt gripping.
I realize that sounds awful, but I just wasn't invested enough to care, I guess.
I wanted more intrigue, suspense and nail-biting moments. Instead I feel like it turned into more of a character study than a murder mystery.
Again, I feel like the downfall of this book is that it tried to do too much. It diluted the impact with so many things happening concurrently. Like the Van Gogh thing??? Completely unnecessary, IMO.
I feel like I've said enough at this point. You get it. I really wanted to like this one, but it ended up being a big miss for me. I tried, I did, but overall, pure mehhhhhhh.
Thank you to the publisher, Atria Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Even though this wasn't my cup of tea, I would be willing to pick up this author's next book. I'm a firm believer in second chances!
When Darcy's Grandmother, the elegant, yet aging, Séraphine Demargelasse, invites Darcy and her four best girlfriends to her French Chateau for a luxury Girls Getaway, they can hardly say no.
The women all studied together in France 20-years earlier and they spent many weekends at Séraphine's. It was at that time, their life-long bonds of friendship were formed, including with Séraphine. It is a beautiful spot, with many beautiful memories.
Prior to the trip, Séraphine tells Darcy she wants to discuss her will with her. This sets a bit of an ominous tone and Darcy wonders if her Grandmother is unwell.
The trip starts off fine, with everyone getting used to being in each other's company again, enjoying the sights and accommodations. It's clear they're hiding some things from one another, but what friendship group doesn't?
After a boisterous evening celebration, Séraphine is found murdered. Everyone is in shock. Who could have done this?
There's a limited number of guests, it had to be one of them, but why? Who would want poor Séraphine dead? What is there to gain?
From there the story follows the various characters as the investigation into the murder begins. Everyone is a suspect and in kind, they slowly begin to fall apart.
Here's the thing, starting off, I was very intrigued by this. I love a story that follows friends, or family, traveling together, staying in remote locations on holiday. I like learning about the characters and their varied lives.
This started out strong with that set-up and while the characters weren't particularly likable, I never mind that. I like when you get everyone's perspective in a friendship group, because no matter how close they are, there's always something: secrets, resentments, betrayals, etc. I love watching it all come to light. I'm here for the drama.
Unfortunately, about halfway through this just fell off a cliff for me. It felt like it was trying to do too much and with so much thrown in, it made everything feel less impactful.
There is a betrayal revealed that turned me off. It's weird because I've read that same thing before, but the way it was done here, I was just over it. I can't even really explain why.
I don't think it was necessarily that betrayal though, like the circumstance, that killed this for me, but more like from that point on, every subsequent thing the author threw at us had me tuning out more and more. It was a turning point.
Additionally, I didn't feel invested enough in the mystery. I didn't really care who did it. I hadn't felt connected in any way to Séraphine and her murder hardly felt gripping.
I realize that sounds awful, but I just wasn't invested enough to care, I guess.
I wanted more intrigue, suspense and nail-biting moments. Instead I feel like it turned into more of a character study than a murder mystery.
Again, I feel like the downfall of this book is that it tried to do too much. It diluted the impact with so many things happening concurrently. Like the Van Gogh thing??? Completely unnecessary, IMO.
I feel like I've said enough at this point. You get it. I really wanted to like this one, but it ended up being a big miss for me. I tried, I did, but overall, pure mehhhhhhh.
Thank you to the publisher, Atria Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Even though this wasn't my cup of tea, I would be willing to pick up this author's next book. I'm a firm believer in second chances!
May 3, 2023
The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis is a twisty and suspenseful novel set in the French countryside of Provence.
Séraphine Demargelasse has invited her granddaughter Darcy and her three friends to her family chateau. Twenty years ago, the four women used to visit Séraphine regularly while they were studying abroad. Now, they’re all in their forties and dealing with various personal issues, but head to France to learn why Séraphine has summoned them.
She has something to tell them, but after a night of partying, one of the girls finds Séraphine brutally murdered in her bed. Suddenly, the group of friends realize they don’t trust each other as much as they thought. They begin to be suspicious of one another, especially when a creepy Instagram account starts posting pictures of them with ominous captions.
This suspenseful thriller follows multiple perspectives. It touches on different topics, including antisemitism, infertility, class, queer relationships, and art.
The writing is slightly repetitive. In the beginning, the same bits get regurgitated with each pov. And there is not much distinction between each character’s voice. They all sound similar, even with their distinct descriptions.
Despite those issues, I still gobbled up this story. The French countryside, the secrets, and the themes all created an intriguing atmosphere that kept me glued to the pages.
I’ll definitely keep an eye out for future books by this author.
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
Séraphine Demargelasse has invited her granddaughter Darcy and her three friends to her family chateau. Twenty years ago, the four women used to visit Séraphine regularly while they were studying abroad. Now, they’re all in their forties and dealing with various personal issues, but head to France to learn why Séraphine has summoned them.
She has something to tell them, but after a night of partying, one of the girls finds Séraphine brutally murdered in her bed. Suddenly, the group of friends realize they don’t trust each other as much as they thought. They begin to be suspicious of one another, especially when a creepy Instagram account starts posting pictures of them with ominous captions.
This suspenseful thriller follows multiple perspectives. It touches on different topics, including antisemitism, infertility, class, queer relationships, and art.
The writing is slightly repetitive. In the beginning, the same bits get regurgitated with each pov. And there is not much distinction between each character’s voice. They all sound similar, even with their distinct descriptions.
Despite those issues, I still gobbled up this story. The French countryside, the secrets, and the themes all created an intriguing atmosphere that kept me glued to the pages.
I’ll definitely keep an eye out for future books by this author.
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
May 19, 2023
Definitely more drama than thriller, The Chateau is a suspenseful tale of four friends who come together to celebrate one of their own’s 40th birthday and end up getting way more than they bargained for! If you’re looking for a thriller, this one isn’t it, but it has juicy drama, suspense, and secrets galore. I wish the ending had a bit more closure, but it was an entertaining journey nonetheless. Recommended for those wanting a fast read this summer!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
January 6, 2023
My thanks to Atria books, Jaclyn Goldis and Netgalley. I loved this dang story. I actually had a review, but it got lost. Maybe it will show up in the etherverse? I had a hard time connecting with ALL of these characters. But, as sometimes happens, you eventually find a connection. As I did. My favorite thing about this story? Yeah, that would be the fact that I couldn't figure it out! Sheesh! I do love it when that happens! But also, it's just a great location for a book. It sounds ridiculous, but I have a zone?.I guess? I'm no good with overpopulated areas. I've lived in cities and they can kiss my ass! Give me snow capped mountains, fresh creeks and streams and I am completely comfortable. So, maybe I would love France. I bet the countryside is gorgeous!
Also, I really don't know what the etherverse is, but I figured that nobody reads this far down in a review. So, I'm going to cuss. Damn! Shit! And also hell!
Also, I really don't know what the etherverse is, but I figured that nobody reads this far down in a review. So, I'm going to cuss. Damn! Shit! And also hell!
May 17, 2023
This book was amazing!! I loved it!! I couldn’t put the book down!! I read the whole thing in one sitting!! It has easily become one of my favorites
July 28, 2023
Twenty years after first setting foot on the stunning grounds of Chateau du Platane as a group, Darcy, Vix, Arabelle, and Jade are back at the behest of its owner, Séraphine Demargelasse. After half a lifetime, they are finally back in the place that cemented a deep and unbreakable bond. For all those years ago, they had spent weekend after weekend with Séraphine while they studied abroad in France. Ever since, their friendship has played a pivotal role in their lives and they’re happy to be back in where it all began.
On arrival, they’re met with the indomitable and fierce, Séraphine. She is glad to see them, but insinuates that there are things she needs to share. Words that might be hard to hear, but given her age, it’s time for them to learn the truth. Eager and nervous, they each clamor at what the grand dame has to say, but she puts their questions off, insisting they enjoy their time first and she’ll fill them in later.
The next day they luxuriate in a delightful visit to a local winery, followed by a trip to a quintessential French market and a sumptuous dinner. Their memories from two decades ago once again fresh in their minds, the each keep the real reason they’ve returned to the chateau to themselves. After all, despite their tightly knit friendships, each woman has secrets they very much want to hide.
So when they are awoken by a chilling scream early the next morning, they are terrified by what could have occurred. And it seems the very worst has happened. For in her extravagant suite, Séraphine lies dead with a knife in her heart. Who could possibly be behind the gruesome crime? Surely not one of their own?
To make matters worse, amidst the horror, a chilling Instagram account has appeared. With claims that there are secrets bubbling beneath the surface of the deeply bonded group, the threat merely adds to the hysteria within the once impenetrable walls of the chateau. Who is behind this added menace? And what secret, in particular, are they daring to confess?
As the women race to uncover who murdered Séraphine—and is now threatening them—they begin to look at each other with new eyes. Can they really trust one another wholeheartedly? Or are there things about one another they could never have fathomed? For the house they all grew to love all those years ago just might hold more secrets than they could ever imagine. Secrets, in fact, that might be worth killing for.
Sigh. While there were certainly plenty of thrills in The Chateau, this one was decidedly more of a drama, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, there were some stellar twists, heaps of secrets and lies, plus a truly top-notch climax, but, for the most part, the book was a very long, slow burn. Let me explain.
Told through multiple POVs (pretty much every main character listed), the storyline invited me into the idyllic French countryside as well as the fully fleshed out lives of this tightly knit group of friends. Through evocative descriptions and deep backstories, the story truly came alive. At the same time, however, it dragged quite a bit. Perhaps because it was touted as a thriller, I found myself disappointed by the definite lack of thrills for much of the plot.
On top of that, much of the storyline was a somewhat wandering exploration of the past. Granted, that was unquestionably necessary given the direction of the plot, but at the same time the method of its organization irritated me. In my opinion, multiple timelines would have served up this story better. But then, I’m just an unimaginative reader, so what do I know?
But let me turn my attention back to the truly brilliant selling points on this one. Because between the varied potential unreliable narrators and the truly epic climax, the last third of this book was undeniably a home run. Even better, it was delivered by the sociopathic murderer as well as just one more of their prey. Yes, the sudden change of personality and speed of delivery rankled a bit, but given how truly tip-top it was, I’ll ignore any frustration I may have felt.
The only other piece that truly drove me bananas was the conclusion. Anyone familiar with my reviews surely knows how much I despise when a book isn’t definitively wrapped up. Well, this one has a great, big, blaring unresolved finale. My only hope is that this is merely book one and a sequel will answer all my burning questions, but somehow, I don’t think so. Ultimately, I found myself willing my hands not to hurl this one at the wall when I got to the last sentence. I do have to say, however, that the altogether stunning last twist threw me for a loop, but I digress.
All said and done, I found myself wonderfully swept up by this gripping exploration of friendship and history. And not just the kind of history between friends. No, this book touched on one truly apropos topic as of late, that of anti-Semitism. Done in a way that both gave a voice to the fear as well as providing an education of the past, it was something to revel in. And, for that, I can not give Goldis enough praise. Ultimately, I strongly recommend giving this one a try. Just don’t expect an action-packed, rollercoaster ride of thriller, as this is decidedly not that. It was, however, utterly addictive, thoroughly unputdownable, and wholly bingeable (excuse the surplus of adverbs, but I think they’re all warranted). Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: cancer, anti-Semitism, infidelity, mention of: spousal abuse, rape, financial problems, infertility
On arrival, they’re met with the indomitable and fierce, Séraphine. She is glad to see them, but insinuates that there are things she needs to share. Words that might be hard to hear, but given her age, it’s time for them to learn the truth. Eager and nervous, they each clamor at what the grand dame has to say, but she puts their questions off, insisting they enjoy their time first and she’ll fill them in later.
The next day they luxuriate in a delightful visit to a local winery, followed by a trip to a quintessential French market and a sumptuous dinner. Their memories from two decades ago once again fresh in their minds, the each keep the real reason they’ve returned to the chateau to themselves. After all, despite their tightly knit friendships, each woman has secrets they very much want to hide.
So when they are awoken by a chilling scream early the next morning, they are terrified by what could have occurred. And it seems the very worst has happened. For in her extravagant suite, Séraphine lies dead with a knife in her heart. Who could possibly be behind the gruesome crime? Surely not one of their own?
To make matters worse, amidst the horror, a chilling Instagram account has appeared. With claims that there are secrets bubbling beneath the surface of the deeply bonded group, the threat merely adds to the hysteria within the once impenetrable walls of the chateau. Who is behind this added menace? And what secret, in particular, are they daring to confess?
As the women race to uncover who murdered Séraphine—and is now threatening them—they begin to look at each other with new eyes. Can they really trust one another wholeheartedly? Or are there things about one another they could never have fathomed? For the house they all grew to love all those years ago just might hold more secrets than they could ever imagine. Secrets, in fact, that might be worth killing for.
Sigh. While there were certainly plenty of thrills in The Chateau, this one was decidedly more of a drama, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, there were some stellar twists, heaps of secrets and lies, plus a truly top-notch climax, but, for the most part, the book was a very long, slow burn. Let me explain.
Told through multiple POVs (pretty much every main character listed), the storyline invited me into the idyllic French countryside as well as the fully fleshed out lives of this tightly knit group of friends. Through evocative descriptions and deep backstories, the story truly came alive. At the same time, however, it dragged quite a bit. Perhaps because it was touted as a thriller, I found myself disappointed by the definite lack of thrills for much of the plot.
On top of that, much of the storyline was a somewhat wandering exploration of the past. Granted, that was unquestionably necessary given the direction of the plot, but at the same time the method of its organization irritated me. In my opinion, multiple timelines would have served up this story better. But then, I’m just an unimaginative reader, so what do I know?
But let me turn my attention back to the truly brilliant selling points on this one. Because between the varied potential unreliable narrators and the truly epic climax, the last third of this book was undeniably a home run. Even better, it was delivered by the sociopathic murderer as well as just one more of their prey. Yes, the sudden change of personality and speed of delivery rankled a bit, but given how truly tip-top it was, I’ll ignore any frustration I may have felt.
The only other piece that truly drove me bananas was the conclusion. Anyone familiar with my reviews surely knows how much I despise when a book isn’t definitively wrapped up. Well, this one has a great, big, blaring unresolved finale. My only hope is that this is merely book one and a sequel will answer all my burning questions, but somehow, I don’t think so. Ultimately, I found myself willing my hands not to hurl this one at the wall when I got to the last sentence. I do have to say, however, that the altogether stunning last twist threw me for a loop, but I digress.
All said and done, I found myself wonderfully swept up by this gripping exploration of friendship and history. And not just the kind of history between friends. No, this book touched on one truly apropos topic as of late, that of anti-Semitism. Done in a way that both gave a voice to the fear as well as providing an education of the past, it was something to revel in. And, for that, I can not give Goldis enough praise. Ultimately, I strongly recommend giving this one a try. Just don’t expect an action-packed, rollercoaster ride of thriller, as this is decidedly not that. It was, however, utterly addictive, thoroughly unputdownable, and wholly bingeable (excuse the surplus of adverbs, but I think they’re all warranted). Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: cancer, anti-Semitism, infidelity, mention of: spousal abuse, rape, financial problems, infertility
January 19, 2023
The Chateau is a new thriller written by Jaclyn Goldis, a new author to me. I selected the book because of its cover and title, as well as it being listed on Goodreads as a top 2023 thriller book readers were looking forward to reading. I finished it this weekend over two nights, easily gripped by the semi-locked room mystery where four 40ish friends return to one's grandmother's French estate. They have visited on and off for twenty years but the old woman calls them back for a final time together, as she is in her 90s and beginning to wane. Secrets come flying out of the pages left and right. Some dating back to the Holocaust and others of very recent. Instagram plays an important role, too, but not enough to detract from the main point - someone kills the grandmother, and readers must guess which of the four is guilty. Add in a few servants, a best friend to the older woman, and a new groundskeeper, and there is plenty to keep you guessing. I enjoyed the changing POV across all 6 women and 1 man, and I ultimately guessed 100% wrong on the killer's identity, mostly because of other secrets that had been buried deeper. I knew one that was held tight to the end, but I was incorrect as to what really happened all those years ago. Lots to tie back to World War II and a famous Van Gogh painting too. I would definitely read more from the author.
February 3, 2023
Twenty years ago a group of four women spent a summer together at a Chateau in Provence, France that would end up bonding them for life. Now Seraphine, the owner of the chateau and grandmother to one of the women has invited all four women back. But this is not simply a time to reminisce and relive those long ago good times. Seraphine is dying, and before she goes, there are truths that must be told. When Seraphine ends up brutally murdered, it becomes clear these are the kind of secrets that are worth killing to keep hidden. How well do these “lifelong friends” really know each other, and could one of them really be a murderer?
3.5 stars rounded down. A lot of this read more like a drama to me, and I actually wish it had been one. The mystery and thriller parts were by far the weakest bits for me, whereas I savored the drama and long buried secrets between family and friends. I also absolutely loved the setting and the rich, vivid descriptions of the French countryside. And the secrets held by all were deep and juicy, by far enough to carry an interesting tale on their own. What a story there could have been had these secrets bubbled to the surface while everyone was still alive to deal with the fallout.
We follow along mostly in the POV of the four friends, with occasional chapters from Seraphine and the groundskeeper Raph. Everyone is at least a little bit unreliable; they all have something to hide. In a locked room mystery where first person narration is used, it can be tricky to allow the reader in on the thoughts of someone who is likely the culprit without giving it all away. I don’t think that balance was achieved here. I felt a little cheated at the reveal when one character’s tone completely changed. It was unnecessary and cheapened the book a bit. It was also the only time a character’s voice felt truly distinct to me. I struggled quite a bit to keep up with who was who and whose chapter I was reading early on, in large part to all of the women having a very similar tone. They had fleshed out character traits and fully drawn lives, but they all spoke very similarly.
However, there was a lot here I enjoyed and I would certainly pick up another book from this author, especially one more on the lit fic/historical fiction side of things.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for a copy of this title for review.
3.5 stars rounded down. A lot of this read more like a drama to me, and I actually wish it had been one. The mystery and thriller parts were by far the weakest bits for me, whereas I savored the drama and long buried secrets between family and friends. I also absolutely loved the setting and the rich, vivid descriptions of the French countryside. And the secrets held by all were deep and juicy, by far enough to carry an interesting tale on their own. What a story there could have been had these secrets bubbled to the surface while everyone was still alive to deal with the fallout.
We follow along mostly in the POV of the four friends, with occasional chapters from Seraphine and the groundskeeper Raph. Everyone is at least a little bit unreliable; they all have something to hide. In a locked room mystery where first person narration is used, it can be tricky to allow the reader in on the thoughts of someone who is likely the culprit without giving it all away. I don’t think that balance was achieved here. I felt a little cheated at the reveal when one character’s tone completely changed. It was unnecessary and cheapened the book a bit. It was also the only time a character’s voice felt truly distinct to me. I struggled quite a bit to keep up with who was who and whose chapter I was reading early on, in large part to all of the women having a very similar tone. They had fleshed out character traits and fully drawn lives, but they all spoke very similarly.
However, there was a lot here I enjoyed and I would certainly pick up another book from this author, especially one more on the lit fic/historical fiction side of things.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for a copy of this title for review.
May 16, 2023
4.5 stars
The Chateau is a book I practically devoured this past weekend. A good example of a thriller with depth to the story but without bogging it down. This book had a nice balance in which you still get that page turner, twists and turns reading experience.
Seraphine Demargelasse lives in a luxurious French chateau. Her granddaughter, Darcy, studied abroad in France and often times she and her 3 friends would come and spend time with Seraphine. Fast forward 20 years and Seraphine has invited the women to visit her once again. Sounds like a wonderful way for everyone to reconnect except the get together soon takes an awful turn as Seraphine is murdered. So, whodunit?
The pacing was excellent as the chapters alternated between the various characters so the story moved along nicely as you learned bits and pieces about each character. I'm not going to say the ending is unpredictable but I was satisfied in that the author did string me along for quite awhile before I was reasonably confident on where things were headed. And there were some surprises throughout the story.
Not the most likeable bunch of characters but the story did hook me and my interest level remained high from start to finish. Recommend if you enjoy thrillers.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
The Chateau is a book I practically devoured this past weekend. A good example of a thriller with depth to the story but without bogging it down. This book had a nice balance in which you still get that page turner, twists and turns reading experience.
Seraphine Demargelasse lives in a luxurious French chateau. Her granddaughter, Darcy, studied abroad in France and often times she and her 3 friends would come and spend time with Seraphine. Fast forward 20 years and Seraphine has invited the women to visit her once again. Sounds like a wonderful way for everyone to reconnect except the get together soon takes an awful turn as Seraphine is murdered. So, whodunit?
The pacing was excellent as the chapters alternated between the various characters so the story moved along nicely as you learned bits and pieces about each character. I'm not going to say the ending is unpredictable but I was satisfied in that the author did string me along for quite awhile before I was reasonably confident on where things were headed. And there were some surprises throughout the story.
Not the most likeable bunch of characters but the story did hook me and my interest level remained high from start to finish. Recommend if you enjoy thrillers.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
February 22, 2024
Dnf after almost 150 pages. I hyped this one up too ugh. 😣
June 29, 2023
Just look at that cover!!!!
I mean we’re talking the holy grail of house covers right there, kids. Unfortunately the book itself was mostly a flop for me. The main problem was that this was marketed as a whodunit, but you don’t even get a dead granny until 30%. And granny didn’t even need to be murdered for this story. This one is all about the various skeletons that end up falling out of the cupboards when a group of longtime friends get together for a girls’ trip. Granny provided the chateau and was the catalyst behind certain skeletons, but again, she could have been dead to begin with and the ladies could have been coming together either for her funeral or reading of the will without any of the stabby even occurring. But it is what it is. Take this to the pool for some mindless summertime fun if nothing else. (Just be forewarned that this author comes off as a real Francophile who likes to toss in an obnoxious amount of super basic French words to her narration.)
I mean we’re talking the holy grail of house covers right there, kids. Unfortunately the book itself was mostly a flop for me. The main problem was that this was marketed as a whodunit, but you don’t even get a dead granny until 30%. And granny didn’t even need to be murdered for this story. This one is all about the various skeletons that end up falling out of the cupboards when a group of longtime friends get together for a girls’ trip. Granny provided the chateau and was the catalyst behind certain skeletons, but again, she could have been dead to begin with and the ladies could have been coming together either for her funeral or reading of the will without any of the stabby even occurring. But it is what it is. Take this to the pool for some mindless summertime fun if nothing else. (Just be forewarned that this author comes off as a real Francophile who likes to toss in an obnoxious amount of super basic French words to her narration.)
February 10, 2023
Oh hello, yes it’s me. I’m finally back with a review—this week has been so busy, but I finally finished a book! You all voted and picked THE CHATEAU as my next read and you all were spot on with this one! I loved it.
THE CHATEAU centers around four best friends—Darcy, Jade, Vix (Victoria), and Arabelle and their vacation to Darcy’s grandmother’s palatial chateau in Provence, France. Jade is turning 40 and they are here to celebrate, but also meet with Darcy’s grandmother as she has called them all to meet with her. Seraphine has something to tell the women, but sadly after a night of celebrations, she is murdered. Without going into full detail about what’s going on, the four women and the chateau’s staff is frightened to say the least, especially because Seraphine’s death will open a lot of skeletons that the women did not want to be blasted open.
This book is a light mystery, but mainly a DRAMA, so don’t go into this book expecting a thriller. That being said, the ending threw me completely for a loop—I was completely hoodwinked! In the best way possible. The dynamics between the four women was so juicy and the mystery being Seraphine’s death was just the cherry on top. This book has excellent queer and Jewish representation, and it’s done in such a tastefully way—not performative or pointless to the story. I love the setting, I loved the drama, and I loved that I had no idea where this story was going until I got there. Unlike any mystery / drama I’ve read in the past, but if you enjoy Lucy Foley novels, you need to put THE CHATEAU on your TBR. This is Jaclyn Goldis’ first venture into this genre but I don’t expect it to be her last, and I’ll be waiting for whatever she has next. STARS: 4, PUB: 5/23
THE CHATEAU centers around four best friends—Darcy, Jade, Vix (Victoria), and Arabelle and their vacation to Darcy’s grandmother’s palatial chateau in Provence, France. Jade is turning 40 and they are here to celebrate, but also meet with Darcy’s grandmother as she has called them all to meet with her. Seraphine has something to tell the women, but sadly after a night of celebrations, she is murdered. Without going into full detail about what’s going on, the four women and the chateau’s staff is frightened to say the least, especially because Seraphine’s death will open a lot of skeletons that the women did not want to be blasted open.
This book is a light mystery, but mainly a DRAMA, so don’t go into this book expecting a thriller. That being said, the ending threw me completely for a loop—I was completely hoodwinked! In the best way possible. The dynamics between the four women was so juicy and the mystery being Seraphine’s death was just the cherry on top. This book has excellent queer and Jewish representation, and it’s done in such a tastefully way—not performative or pointless to the story. I love the setting, I loved the drama, and I loved that I had no idea where this story was going until I got there. Unlike any mystery / drama I’ve read in the past, but if you enjoy Lucy Foley novels, you need to put THE CHATEAU on your TBR. This is Jaclyn Goldis’ first venture into this genre but I don’t expect it to be her last, and I’ll be waiting for whatever she has next. STARS: 4, PUB: 5/23
October 9, 2023
reading vlog: https://youtu.be/cW8dmJhCvWo
June 3, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“I think we only see what we want to see, one hundred percent of the time.”
I'm not too sure if saying The Chateau is 'certain to be the hot new thriller of the year', but I can agree that it was twisty - not so much tense. 😮💨 According to Google, a thriller is defined as a 'type of mystery that tends to be action-packed and fast-paced with moments that are full of tension, anxiety, and fear. Without fail, they are plot-driven stories.'
Jaclyn Goldis did bring a few of those elements to her story, but I still feel reluctant to call it a thriller. The story begins with four friends - Darcy, Vix, Arabelle, and Jade - returning to the French countryside for a week-long trip at Chateau Du Platane at the behest of Seraphine, Darcy's grandmother - who wants to reveal some family truths that she has kept hidden from them for many years. But, before that moment of truth comes, tragedy strikes that prevents the truth coming to light. 👀👀 And what was meant to be a relaxing fulfilling trip suddenly spirals into the threads of friendships unraveling, relationships turning sour, and secrets buried long long ago, suddenly resurfacing that were both warranted and unwarranted for all parties involved.
“This place is good for burying things, n’est-ce pas?”
I’m not sure if she’s talking about this country, or this house. But it doesn’t really matter. Because the truth is that, with enough effort, everything buried can be dug up.”
There was a good mystery in place - I'll give it that - however, there was too much time and detail given to the character's backstories - well, when I think about it - the plot itself, was really all about each of the characters' motives and what they had initially planned upon their arrival. With each of the perspectives we were offered - we got glimpses into their past, their family lives, their connection to Darcy's grandmother, and their feelings about her wealth along with how all of them have benefited from it in their own individual purposes.
Strangely enough, the only one who we were not privy to their main purpose was the actual killer, so that was pretty much a give-away. And hat binds them, somehow, all together is their intense feelings on certain manners that are not addressed or revealed till much later in the story. And while that was something interesting, I don't think I could appreciate the full affect of it, because of how it was presented.
“We are bound by this chateau, and the past, and certain loose ends.”
Because, 'tell and show' really only works, for me, if it's in a live-action situation - I don't like it when the mystery is outlined to us - literally told to us, without any revelation or hint into it - that's just bad writing for me. 😒 What this felt more of was the floundering of these deep friendships suddenly gone terribly sour without ever realizing that the ill intentions and feelings had been there all along without neither of them ever realizing it.
“Every time we make promises we tell lies at the same time. We don’t mean to, no, but by definition, promises are a future endeavor... Promises are things you say on behalf of your future self. But future selves are inherently unpredictable, messy, human.”
I won't spill too much detail into how each of the ladies had their lives affected before and after the murder. What I did like that there was the attention given to each women's lives was well-balanced and hinted with enough intrigue and some deliberate secrecy in their relationship with the victim that easily made any of them the target. They were multi-faceted, complete with their own individual singular backgrounds, different and unique personalities, and compelling rich histories with each other that served as a catalyst and precursor of what was to come.
“Other people’s love stories, especially ones ripped apart so viciously, always have you thinking about your own. It’s who we humans are, at the bottom of things—concerned most with ourselves.”
And yet, it still did feel that too much of the focus on the past, itself, which failed to make it thrilling enough for me in the present situation the characters found themselves in. Especially with the way how it all transpired - the little clues that were spaced throughout were not enough to make any significant basis on it to even be a mystery. Does that make sense? For me, a mystery has to offer something - some concrete evidence that you can grab onto and make something of it - when all is just going to be told to the readers - it kinda misses the point, doesn't it?
But, that ending, though - haha, *wrings hands nervously* I would have thought the author would just end it, but the way she left the ending - with the potential of a sequel - for some hurt - some mischief not yet achieved - left me on an edge of intrigue that perhaps the story is not quite yet over - or is it??? 😨
“I think we only see what we want to see, one hundred percent of the time.”
I'm not too sure if saying The Chateau is 'certain to be the hot new thriller of the year', but I can agree that it was twisty - not so much tense. 😮💨 According to Google, a thriller is defined as a 'type of mystery that tends to be action-packed and fast-paced with moments that are full of tension, anxiety, and fear. Without fail, they are plot-driven stories.'
Jaclyn Goldis did bring a few of those elements to her story, but I still feel reluctant to call it a thriller. The story begins with four friends - Darcy, Vix, Arabelle, and Jade - returning to the French countryside for a week-long trip at Chateau Du Platane at the behest of Seraphine, Darcy's grandmother - who wants to reveal some family truths that she has kept hidden from them for many years. But, before that moment of truth comes, tragedy strikes that prevents the truth coming to light. 👀👀 And what was meant to be a relaxing fulfilling trip suddenly spirals into the threads of friendships unraveling, relationships turning sour, and secrets buried long long ago, suddenly resurfacing that were both warranted and unwarranted for all parties involved.
“This place is good for burying things, n’est-ce pas?”
I’m not sure if she’s talking about this country, or this house. But it doesn’t really matter. Because the truth is that, with enough effort, everything buried can be dug up.”
There was a good mystery in place - I'll give it that - however, there was too much time and detail given to the character's backstories - well, when I think about it - the plot itself, was really all about each of the characters' motives and what they had initially planned upon their arrival. With each of the perspectives we were offered - we got glimpses into their past, their family lives, their connection to Darcy's grandmother, and their feelings about her wealth along with how all of them have benefited from it in their own individual purposes.
Strangely enough, the only one who we were not privy to their main purpose was the actual killer, so that was pretty much a give-away. And hat binds them, somehow, all together is their intense feelings on certain manners that are not addressed or revealed till much later in the story. And while that was something interesting, I don't think I could appreciate the full affect of it, because of how it was presented.
“We are bound by this chateau, and the past, and certain loose ends.”
Because, 'tell and show' really only works, for me, if it's in a live-action situation - I don't like it when the mystery is outlined to us - literally told to us, without any revelation or hint into it - that's just bad writing for me. 😒 What this felt more of was the floundering of these deep friendships suddenly gone terribly sour without ever realizing that the ill intentions and feelings had been there all along without neither of them ever realizing it.
“Every time we make promises we tell lies at the same time. We don’t mean to, no, but by definition, promises are a future endeavor... Promises are things you say on behalf of your future self. But future selves are inherently unpredictable, messy, human.”
I won't spill too much detail into how each of the ladies had their lives affected before and after the murder. What I did like that there was the attention given to each women's lives was well-balanced and hinted with enough intrigue and some deliberate secrecy in their relationship with the victim that easily made any of them the target. They were multi-faceted, complete with their own individual singular backgrounds, different and unique personalities, and compelling rich histories with each other that served as a catalyst and precursor of what was to come.
“Other people’s love stories, especially ones ripped apart so viciously, always have you thinking about your own. It’s who we humans are, at the bottom of things—concerned most with ourselves.”
And yet, it still did feel that too much of the focus on the past, itself, which failed to make it thrilling enough for me in the present situation the characters found themselves in. Especially with the way how it all transpired - the little clues that were spaced throughout were not enough to make any significant basis on it to even be a mystery. Does that make sense? For me, a mystery has to offer something - some concrete evidence that you can grab onto and make something of it - when all is just going to be told to the readers - it kinda misses the point, doesn't it?
But, that ending, though - haha, *wrings hands nervously* I would have thought the author would just end it, but the way she left the ending - with the potential of a sequel - for some hurt - some mischief not yet achieved - left me on an edge of intrigue that perhaps the story is not quite yet over - or is it??? 😨
June 20, 2023
Seraphine knows her end is near. She is 94. She invites her granddaughter Darcy and her 3 friends to her chateau – their first visit together in 20 years. But before she can reveal her secrets to her, she is brutally murdered.
Who could have done this?
Her granddaughter?
One of her friends?
One of her employees?
What was the motive?
What were the secrets she was keeping and wanting to reveal to Darcy?
Each chapter is told from a different POV. The first half of the story is quite slow, leaving readers wondering whether they just want to give up (that’s me wondering).
The book tripped along losing some of its momentum, but its second half was more engaged in solving the mystery.
Still, the characters were not particularly likable, another fault of the story.
Being a mystery lover, I was intrigued by the compelling themes and shocking secrets. And then the ending. Oy!
Still…
It took such a long time to get to the point, that the only thing I felt any good about in the story, was the beautiful French setting.
June 10, 2023
old friends reunited in an
ancient french castle where
dark secrets have been hidden:
some of them cut a lot deeper
than ordinary frenemy rivalry. ♡
ancient french castle where
dark secrets have been hidden:
some of them cut a lot deeper
than ordinary frenemy rivalry. ♡
May 24, 2023
This book was a definite chore to get through. So much so that it ground all my reading progress of other books to a halt.
The chapters are broken up into each characters' point of view but they are all so similar (despite the author's attempt to vary them with their careers, families, hang-ups, etc.) that I was frustrated and utterly bored. On top of the snooze inducing monotony in voices, they all had problems I couldn't care less about. With no sympathetic/likable characters, the suspense aspect was essentially snuffed out; I didn't care what happened or to who.
The plot moved glacially and nothing struck me as particularly original to the suspense/thriller genre. All in all I'm sad to say the only feeling I'm left with after experiencing The Chateau is relief.
Regardless, I am grateful to NetGalley, Jaclyn Goldis, and Atria for providing me with the digital arc.
The chapters are broken up into each characters' point of view but they are all so similar (despite the author's attempt to vary them with their careers, families, hang-ups, etc.) that I was frustrated and utterly bored. On top of the snooze inducing monotony in voices, they all had problems I couldn't care less about. With no sympathetic/likable characters, the suspense aspect was essentially snuffed out; I didn't care what happened or to who.
The plot moved glacially and nothing struck me as particularly original to the suspense/thriller genre. All in all I'm sad to say the only feeling I'm left with after experiencing The Chateau is relief.
Regardless, I am grateful to NetGalley, Jaclyn Goldis, and Atria for providing me with the digital arc.
May 16, 2023
Don’t do it. I want to give this less than one star, but goodreads won’t let me.
I had been anticipating this one for a while and was super pumped when I got an advanced reader copy. I set my TBR list to the side and started reading it right away.
First of all - it is probably the most boring and least thrilling thriller that I have ever read. I hated every single character, and could not tell them apart to save my life. Now that’s saying a lot because they were all given sympathetic traits, but it didn’t matter and it felt forced. I hated them all equally.
Séraphine invites her granddaughter Daphne and Daphne’s three best friends to come stay with her in the French Chateau they all visited when in college. Grandma is dying of cancer and wants to spill some secrets to the girls before she goes, but the book kicks off with grandma being stabbed to death before she has the chance. The whole concept is just weird, like whose grandma is inviting them and their friends by hand written invitations, at the ages of 40 to come stay for a visit…? The connection just felt off.
As mentioned, each character is given an overly sympathetic backstory that just isn’t developed. One has infertility issues and a cheating husband, one had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer, one has a horrible family backstory involving the holocaust. Still…. I couldn’t bring myself to like any of them.
The final plot twist or twists is just too much and not enough at the same time. It’s basically answered with “well that person is just a sociopath” after taking the time to develop the character. There’s nothing I hate more than that cop out. Then the author throws more twists by trying to explain how everything is related but it’s trying too hard. Maybe if there was more character development and less detailing what type of pajamas each person is wearing at any given time it would have worked better.
Overall, I found it excruciatingly boring and I wish I’d just DNF’d at 32% when I had the second or third urge to do so.
I had been anticipating this one for a while and was super pumped when I got an advanced reader copy. I set my TBR list to the side and started reading it right away.
First of all - it is probably the most boring and least thrilling thriller that I have ever read. I hated every single character, and could not tell them apart to save my life. Now that’s saying a lot because they were all given sympathetic traits, but it didn’t matter and it felt forced. I hated them all equally.
Séraphine invites her granddaughter Daphne and Daphne’s three best friends to come stay with her in the French Chateau they all visited when in college. Grandma is dying of cancer and wants to spill some secrets to the girls before she goes, but the book kicks off with grandma being stabbed to death before she has the chance. The whole concept is just weird, like whose grandma is inviting them and their friends by hand written invitations, at the ages of 40 to come stay for a visit…? The connection just felt off.
As mentioned, each character is given an overly sympathetic backstory that just isn’t developed. One has infertility issues and a cheating husband, one had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer, one has a horrible family backstory involving the holocaust. Still…. I couldn’t bring myself to like any of them.
The final plot twist or twists is just too much and not enough at the same time. It’s basically answered with “well that person is just a sociopath” after taking the time to develop the character. There’s nothing I hate more than that cop out. Then the author throws more twists by trying to explain how everything is related but it’s trying too hard. Maybe if there was more character development and less detailing what type of pajamas each person is wearing at any given time it would have worked better.
Overall, I found it excruciatingly boring and I wish I’d just DNF’d at 32% when I had the second or third urge to do so.
August 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This one started slow for me, but ultimately got better when things started to unfold and got juicier (about 100 pages in). Multiple POVs and as one of my buddy read partners @finda pointed out - the chapters are less dialogue based and more inner monologue/thoughts in the beginning. I did find there was more dialogue towards the end which made it easy to fly through. I would put this in the classic bucket of a locked room mystery! Everyone has a secret in this book, so there are certainly lots of red herrings. Everything comes together in the end and typically I don’t enjoy endings like this one, but it was very well done leaving me feeling satisfied!
This one started slow for me, but ultimately got better when things started to unfold and got juicier (about 100 pages in). Multiple POVs and as one of my buddy read partners @finda pointed out - the chapters are less dialogue based and more inner monologue/thoughts in the beginning. I did find there was more dialogue towards the end which made it easy to fly through. I would put this in the classic bucket of a locked room mystery! Everyone has a secret in this book, so there are certainly lots of red herrings. Everything comes together in the end and typically I don’t enjoy endings like this one, but it was very well done leaving me feeling satisfied!
June 1, 2023
The Chateau is really fun thriller rich in Jewish history and culture.
The plot centers around a group of four friends who are invited to spend the weekend at a luxurious French chateau owned by Seraphim (one of the girl’s grandmas). Seraphine plans to make a big announcement that will change the course of all their lives, but before she gets the chance, she is found brutally murdered. As the plot unravels, it becomes clear that each women has a hidden reason for accepting this spontaneous invitation so you can only begin to wonder who is behind her death and what other secrets they can all be hiding.
I was almost going to pass on this book and am so glad I didn’t! While some of the build up was a bit slow, it was fun seeing how all the pieces eventually came together in such a clever way. I love how the author touched on many different and important topics such as, the Holocaust, antisemitism, class divide, art history, and queer relationships.
The audiobook was amazing as there were 8 narrators for each of the differing POVs. This made each character come to life and helped me stay on top of each of the individual storylines, especially as twists were revealed.
Read if you like:
-Slow-burn suspense
-Drama
-Alternating POVs
-Jewish rep
-Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell
Thank you Simon Audio and Atria Books for the ARC!
Pub 5/23/23
The plot centers around a group of four friends who are invited to spend the weekend at a luxurious French chateau owned by Seraphim (one of the girl’s grandmas). Seraphine plans to make a big announcement that will change the course of all their lives, but before she gets the chance, she is found brutally murdered. As the plot unravels, it becomes clear that each women has a hidden reason for accepting this spontaneous invitation so you can only begin to wonder who is behind her death and what other secrets they can all be hiding.
I was almost going to pass on this book and am so glad I didn’t! While some of the build up was a bit slow, it was fun seeing how all the pieces eventually came together in such a clever way. I love how the author touched on many different and important topics such as, the Holocaust, antisemitism, class divide, art history, and queer relationships.
The audiobook was amazing as there were 8 narrators for each of the differing POVs. This made each character come to life and helped me stay on top of each of the individual storylines, especially as twists were revealed.
Read if you like:
-Slow-burn suspense
-Drama
-Alternating POVs
-Jewish rep
-Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell
Thank you Simon Audio and Atria Books for the ARC!
Pub 5/23/23
December 27, 2022
3 stars. Summoned by her grandmother Seraphine, Darcy and her three best friends travel to France, where they all met twenty years ago. Seraphine knows this will be the last time they all come together, but she doesn’t predict the tragedy that will ensue. Add in tons of drama and secrets between friends and family, and this trip is definitely not the vacation of a lifetime.
It took me forever to keep track of the characters, which friend was which. I also didn’t immediately enjoy the writing, with overly drawn out descriptions and storylines. I found the characters to all be extremely unlikeable. The plot was interesting, with a murder and secret family histories that tie the characters together in unpredictable ways. Overall, I was thankful to Atria books for the ARC but this one fell a little short for me. Too much explanation and not enough actually happening. But I loved the setting and the Van Gogh references!
It took me forever to keep track of the characters, which friend was which. I also didn’t immediately enjoy the writing, with overly drawn out descriptions and storylines. I found the characters to all be extremely unlikeable. The plot was interesting, with a murder and secret family histories that tie the characters together in unpredictable ways. Overall, I was thankful to Atria books for the ARC but this one fell a little short for me. Too much explanation and not enough actually happening. But I loved the setting and the Van Gogh references!
September 8, 2023
A twisty whodunnit against the backdrop of a beguiling, imposing Chateau. Filled with secrets and resentments, each character enters with wounded hearts and premeditated goals, but nothing is quite what it seems. Dark and weaving together several timelines and betrayals, this novel builds tension until an explosive conclusion that keeps the reader guessing. A looming thriller that takes both the journey and the destination into account; all is fair in love and revenge.
May 12, 2023
So, I’m not going to lie. The first 20% of the book was a bit of a challenge for me. It was almost a DNF. I just couldn’t with most of the characters and I thought the secrets revealed would be banal.
Reader, they were not banal.
I am so glad I kept reading! This wasn’t just a toxic friends book (I mean, it was but not ONLY). The secrets and truths were beyond devastating. Some were heartbreaking. Most of the characters grew on me and I found myself completely invested in our murder and all the history that lead up to it.
And the ending? Chef’s kiss.
From an almost DNF to 4 stars – very glad I kept reading!
• ARC via Publisher
Reader, they were not banal.
I am so glad I kept reading! This wasn’t just a toxic friends book (I mean, it was but not ONLY). The secrets and truths were beyond devastating. Some were heartbreaking. Most of the characters grew on me and I found myself completely invested in our murder and all the history that lead up to it.
And the ending? Chef’s kiss.
From an almost DNF to 4 stars – very glad I kept reading!
• ARC via Publisher
September 23, 2023
3.5 stars
To start out - this is an absolutely GORGEOUS cover. Honestly, it's the only reason I picked this book up. I went into this one completely blind.
There's a lot going on in this book all at once and it's a theme we actually see pretty common in books. Several friends, go on a vacation together, secrets and drama unfold and ultimately someone is murdered. Well this time, four friends all go to France after being requested by one friend's grandmother.
With all the different POVs it was VERY hard to figure out who was who in the beginning. We have POVs from all 4 women, plus the grandmother, plus the gardener - that's SIX POVs. After I got it all figured out the book seemed to FLY by.
These characters are not written to be likable by any means I don't think. Each of them have their quirks but all of them have secrets. Darcy and Vix were my favorites. I really enjoyed the way the mystery was laid out and how it proceeded. I'll even give this book props because while I did guess a few of the twists, the main one BLEW me away. AND the dots all connected. I really didn't see plot holes in the main story.
Now.... some of those side secrets and plot points were a little much. I can't say much without ruining anything but it lost me in the end when it came to the family drama and secrets involved. I'll include spoilers below for those who want to read about them.
3.5 stars for me because this one was a fast and entertaining read that kept me captivated. The ending checked out AND was something I didn't guess. But some of it was a little over the top. I am interested in seeing what else Goldis has written/will write in the future.
⚠️SPOILERS BELOW⚠️
- The grandma being a lesbian/bi?? Dude... I called that from the SECOND they said that the housekeeper had been with her for so long. Then once you got to the scenes around them I felt like it was obvious. But I did love the idea of their relationship, it was cute.
- The "R" in the note grandma scribbled while being murdered, was also obvious to me that it was meant to be a red herring and they would all suspect Ralf (Raph? - I forget his name). I also immediately came to the conclusion that it was about the grandpa. His death was brought up way too much for it NOT to be involved in some way. Although I will say, I didn't call that it was Annabell who did it. I figured that it was either the grandma herself, the housekeeper (so they could be together) or Darcy.
- Annabell and Oliver??! I did not call that one at ALL and I genuinely GASPED when that was revealed. The ending with them too???? CRAZY. Did not see that coming. LOVED it though. The idea that Oliver HELPED her blew me away. Annabell going all crazy just because he was her grandpa too was a bit much.
- Jade's whole Holocaust backstory - MEH. I feel like that was just added in out of no where. It was all too much connected at that point. I can see a few connections such as Annabell and Darcy being related but that whole Jade being connected too felt too OTT. The fact that Darcy wasn't even related was nuts but also felt too OTT.
To start out - this is an absolutely GORGEOUS cover. Honestly, it's the only reason I picked this book up. I went into this one completely blind.
There's a lot going on in this book all at once and it's a theme we actually see pretty common in books. Several friends, go on a vacation together, secrets and drama unfold and ultimately someone is murdered. Well this time, four friends all go to France after being requested by one friend's grandmother.
With all the different POVs it was VERY hard to figure out who was who in the beginning. We have POVs from all 4 women, plus the grandmother, plus the gardener - that's SIX POVs. After I got it all figured out the book seemed to FLY by.
These characters are not written to be likable by any means I don't think. Each of them have their quirks but all of them have secrets. Darcy and Vix were my favorites. I really enjoyed the way the mystery was laid out and how it proceeded. I'll even give this book props because while I did guess a few of the twists, the main one BLEW me away. AND the dots all connected. I really didn't see plot holes in the main story.
Now.... some of those side secrets and plot points were a little much. I can't say much without ruining anything but it lost me in the end when it came to the family drama and secrets involved. I'll include spoilers below for those who want to read about them.
3.5 stars for me because this one was a fast and entertaining read that kept me captivated. The ending checked out AND was something I didn't guess. But some of it was a little over the top. I am interested in seeing what else Goldis has written/will write in the future.
⚠️SPOILERS BELOW⚠️
- The grandma being a lesbian/bi?? Dude... I called that from the SECOND they said that the housekeeper had been with her for so long. Then once you got to the scenes around them I felt like it was obvious. But I did love the idea of their relationship, it was cute.
- The "R" in the note grandma scribbled while being murdered, was also obvious to me that it was meant to be a red herring and they would all suspect Ralf (Raph? - I forget his name). I also immediately came to the conclusion that it was about the grandpa. His death was brought up way too much for it NOT to be involved in some way. Although I will say, I didn't call that it was Annabell who did it. I figured that it was either the grandma herself, the housekeeper (so they could be together) or Darcy.
- Annabell and Oliver??! I did not call that one at ALL and I genuinely GASPED when that was revealed. The ending with them too???? CRAZY. Did not see that coming. LOVED it though. The idea that Oliver HELPED her blew me away. Annabell going all crazy just because he was her grandpa too was a bit much.
- Jade's whole Holocaust backstory - MEH. I feel like that was just added in out of no where. It was all too much connected at that point. I can see a few connections such as Annabell and Darcy being related but that whole Jade being connected too felt too OTT. The fact that Darcy wasn't even related was nuts but also felt too OTT.
February 13, 2023
It was a cold, rainy day yesterday, so I decided to settle in and read this book from cover to cover, because why not? What immediately set me up to dislike these characters was how flat, arrogant, conceited and SIMILAR they all sounded. If the names weren't at the top of each chapter, I would have sworn it was the same narrator throughout the book.
That said, I wasn't sure if the author was trying to make "relatable" characters, or unlikable characters, but the key word here is "TRYING" because she was trying absolutely too hard. This entire book was trying way too hard to BE something.
Therefore, I can't WAIT for it to blow up and trend on TikTok this summer. A book like this that tries too hard to be everything to everyone is inevitably going to catch a lot of waves while readers are on a beach or catching a flight. "So relatable, so real." To whom?
Overall, I really disliked this book. It was full of fluff, unlikable characters, overused plot, and tried way too hard to touch every base to appease any and all readers. In the end, it felt like any watered-down mystery that severely lacked any creativity and originality.
That said, I wasn't sure if the author was trying to make "relatable" characters, or unlikable characters, but the key word here is "TRYING" because she was trying absolutely too hard. This entire book was trying way too hard to BE something.
Therefore, I can't WAIT for it to blow up and trend on TikTok this summer. A book like this that tries too hard to be everything to everyone is inevitably going to catch a lot of waves while readers are on a beach or catching a flight. "So relatable, so real." To whom?
Overall, I really disliked this book. It was full of fluff, unlikable characters, overused plot, and tried way too hard to touch every base to appease any and all readers. In the end, it felt like any watered-down mystery that severely lacked any creativity and originality.
February 20, 2023
This is my book so I am giving it five stars! It's a book close to my heart, with one storyline loosely inspired by my grandmother, who escaped the Nazis during WW2 and faced impossible decisions, like those some of my characters face, too. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
May 23, 2023
Fast-paced and fun. Just don’t think about it too much
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