Under One Roof: The Reunion by Samantha Hayes @bookouture @samhayes

Welcome on my stop for one of the most chilling stories I have read. Sometimes what looks normal turns out to be awfully scary. Really…

As usual, this review is my unbiased thanks to the fabulous Bookouture team and the wonderful Kim!

Title: The Reunion
Author: Samantha Hayes
Publisher: Bookouture
Date of publication: 9th Feb 2018
Format: e-ARC
Source: Publisher
Number of pages: 386
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The more I read books from Bookouture, the more I want to find a little lodge in the middle of nowhere and live as a recluse! Yes, The Reunion had this effect on me. How could it not? Now I’m even glad I don’t have a group of old friends to gather on special occasions… 

Whether it be in the words themselves or simply the story, The Reunion is an escape game without the exit issue. Friends and family meeting again after many years and a tragedy, for the sake of an old man, for … some relief? Right from the start, the book hit me hard as it tackles a subject I am facing with a family member. I hesitated, one finger lingered on the close tab. But something held me back and I am glad it did.  

I easily stepped into Claire’s shoes; a woman, daughter, wife, mother, friend. Faced with life’s hardships, riddled with a guilt that has not left her side for decades, she only wanted a respite from it all. What could possibly go wrong when you are surrounded by loved ones? From my experience? Everything! But the author takes the gathering to another level of hell!  

We jump from one point of view to another, we witness things that don’t seem important, we get clues that will become essential later, but not in a big family crisis way. The Reunion is quiet. As quiet as so many people can be parked in one place! The shadow of past events leaves a coat of silence around, things happen in hushed tones, letting an unsettling feeling creep under your skin as the family saga unfolds and plays with your emotions.  

There’s a character for everyone to appreciate, to suspect, to connect to, to feel sorry for. I disliked some, I did not care for others. But Samantha Hayes makes sure you always are on the edge of your seat. Yes, I ended up having strong suspicions about a certain character, and yes, I was right (I always feel so proud when it happens!) but it doesn’t matter. The astonishing narration and the blend of events and dates, days and nights, are enough to keep you going. 

You get a mixed bowl of people who creates such intense drama you cannot stay out of it and it becomes your reunion, too. You are part of it. This is where the genius lies in The Reunion. It took me minutes to realize my jaw was almost touching the floor, this is HOW GOOD IT IS!! Don’t try and learn too much about the story before you grab it. Or before it grabs you. Open the book and enjoy watching the past and the present reunite. 

Have I convinced you? Try the other stops on the tour and grab a copy here!