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pro_ble_matic's review against another edition
3.0
Another thriller down for the count. This is the first thriller that started with a map through the Sarek park, where the couples are vacationing through, and overall timeline of the events that will be taking place, so you start off knowing that there are two very serious, possibly fatal accidents.
For the majority of the book, we are following an unreliable narrator, and it's hard not to be on her side until the end where we receive another point of view, and in my opinion, a second unreliable narrator. The ending was overall lackluster, though points you more towards one over the other's story, but not fully believing either. It is a classic he said she said scenario.
This didn't grip me so much into wanting to seek out more of Kvensler's reads, but not a bad find at the library to add to the list.
"Sarek seemed keen to protect its secrets." (pg138)
"What an inhospitable place this is." (pg232)
For the majority of the book, we are following an unreliable narrator, and it's hard not to be on her side until the end where we receive another point of view, and in my opinion, a second unreliable narrator. The ending was overall lackluster, though points you more towards one over the other's story, but not fully believing either. It is a classic he said she said scenario.
This didn't grip me so much into wanting to seek out more of Kvensler's reads, but not a bad find at the library to add to the list.
"Sarek seemed keen to protect its secrets." (pg138)
"What an inhospitable place this is." (pg232)
the_novel_nerd's review against another edition
3.0
As I completed The Couples Trip, I realized it was exactly what I expected it to be (considering I’ve never seen the book talked about/recommended). Was this thriller the worst thing I’ve ever read? Not by a long shot. Were the descriptions of the scenery and landscape beautiful? Absolutely. But the writing wasn’t my style, nor was the layout of the plot. There were certain sections of the book that had me on the edge of my seat, and other repetitive parts that were really dragging along. Also, forewarning to anyone else who decides to pick up The Couples Trip - don’t look too closely at the map until you’re a ways into the book. Unfortunately, the author (almost accidentally) gives away a few plot points with the locations/events listed on the map. Overall, it’s a somewhat interesting Swedish hiking thriller, but I don’t think it packs as much of a punch as the author was hoping for.
kimberlyb1995's review against another edition
3.0
Really liked the first 75 percent, hated the last 25 percent. Too bad..
korneliablom's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kringy_bat's review against another edition
4.0
This book felt like a breath of fresh air. I had no idea where it was going to go and I’m satisfied with the ending
mirella191's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
scott_thelibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
I was enjoying it until the ending. I don't know what that was, but it wasn't an ending.
maartenvdk's review against another edition
4.0
Spannend boek, leest lekker weg. Geen heel bijzonder plot.
calmcelebration9888's review against another edition
3.25
Trigger warning on this book for SA.
This was a nice debut. I would definitely read another book from this author. The book is a little too one note, but of course it’s a wilderness backpacking trip. I wished for more of a backstory that built better towards the ending. When you read the jacket, I think you will anticipate a serial killer who has hooked up with Milena and it wasn’t that at all. The book is kind of a slow burn and the ending not what you would expect. Also I wished for some perspective from Henrik, but the story was only told from Anna and Milena’s perspective. Probably the best part of the book was the beginning, when Anna is trying to figure out who Jacob’s identity.
Also one thing did bug me. If Henrik was really that bad off, the whole point of the beacon is so you can message for assistance. While he is correct that you pre-program contacts, it would send the contact coordinates which are then used to locate you in an emergency. The idea that Sweden would not have wilderness emergency services is a joke. They wouldn’t want people hiking in there if they didn’t offer emergency services.
This was a nice debut. I would definitely read another book from this author. The book is a little too one note, but of course it’s a wilderness backpacking trip. I wished for more of a backstory that built better towards the ending. When you read the jacket, I think you will anticipate a serial killer who has hooked up with Milena and it wasn’t that at all. The book is kind of a slow burn and the ending not what you would expect. Also I wished for some perspective from Henrik, but the story was only told from Anna and Milena’s perspective. Probably the best part of the book was the beginning, when Anna is trying to figure out who Jacob’s identity.
Also one thing did bug me. If Henrik was really that bad off, the whole point of the beacon is so you can message for assistance. While he is correct that you pre-program contacts, it would send the contact coordinates which are then used to locate you in an emergency. The idea that Sweden would not have wilderness emergency services is a joke. They wouldn’t want people hiking in there if they didn’t offer emergency services.