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: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
THEN – In charge of her little sister at the beach, Claire allowed Eleanor to walk to the shop alone to buy an ice cream. Placing a coin into her hand, Claire told her to be quick, knowing how much she wanted the freedom.
Eleanor never came back.
NOW – The time has finally come to sell the family farm and Claire is organising a reunion of her dearest friends, the same friends who were present the day her sister went missing.
When another girl disappears, long-buried secrets begin to surface. One of the group hides the darkest secret of them all…
If you loved Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, this gripping psychological thriller packed full of twists and turns will be impossible to put down
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!
Samantha Hayes grew up in a creative family where her love of writing began as a child. Samantha has written eight thrillers in total, including the bestselling Until You’re Mine. The Independent said “fantastically written and very tense” while Good Housekeeping said “Her believable psychological thrillers are completely gripping.” Samantha’s books are published in 22 languages at the last count.
When not writing, Samantha loves to cook, go to the gym, see friends and drink nice wine. She is also studying for a degree in psychotherapy. She has three grown-up children and lives in Warwickshire.
Ooh, you’ve made me curious now!
LikeLike
So I reached my goal! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab review Meggy. Currently reading this one and I am totally hooked. Almost halfway through now. Glad to see that you liked it.
LikeLike
I hope you enjoyed it till the end! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I did,thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved her novel Until You’re Mine and I’m pretty excited about this one as well after reading your review too! I’ll have to add it to my pile!
LikeLike
I admit I did not know about Until You’re Mine, now I want to check it out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a book that will pull you right in.
I love it when your suspicions are right about a character as long as it’s not too obvious. Glad you enjoyed it Meggy.
Amanda xx
LikeLike
I was happy to be on the right track without having anything too obvious pointing at the truth! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this author and I bought this a while ago on preorder so I hope to read it soon1 Fab review ❤
LikeLike
How have I missed this review??? Another fab one my dear, you make me feel sorry I never requested this one. Good to hear you enjoyed it! ❤
LikeLike
Probably because I haven’t been active and I am slowly disappearing, haha! This book is a strong one, for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely review my Sweechie, it seems like you got so into this book and in the character’s stories, I love it when that happens! 😀
LikeLike
Thank you, love ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not my cup of tea, but looks like it could be a gripping read 🙂
LikeLike
It was very fun to see everything unfold!
LikeLike
Oh wow you’ve made this sound incredible too- this sounds like a thrilling read and I’m so curious about how it makes the past and present reunite (beautifully put!) Wonderful review!
LikeLike
Thank you, love!! I was happily surprised by this one!
LikeLike
This sounds fantastic, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Great review!
LikeLike
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love love love the cover on this one!! Thanks for introducing me to this, definitely putting it on my TBR.
LikeLike
Glad to read this! 😀 I hope you enjoy!
LikeLike
[…] Hayes, A Haven for Book Lovers: The Reunion by Samantha Hayes, Chocolate’n’Waffles: Under One Roof: The Reunion by Samantha Hayes , Novel Gossip: Review: The Reunion by Samantha Hayes, Damppebbles: #BlogTour #BookReview: The […]
LikeLike