A review by theawkwardbookw
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

5.0

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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*

Chess and Emily used to be inseperable until their adult life came between them. When Chess suggests a girls trip to a villa in Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to spend 6 weeks rekindling their friendship. The women discover that in 1974, four famous people stayed in the house, and a chain of events lead to the murder of a young musician. As Emily finds inspiration for her next novel, she digs deeper into the Villa and its many secrets.

I stinking loved this! Apparently Rachel Hawkins' adult books are my jam, since I keep giving them 5 stars. The story is told in alternating timelines of the past and present. I think I found the 'past' chapters much more interesting as you as the reader are trying to piece together the tragic events that occurred at the Villa. I loved how the stories were interwoven with one another and almost mirrored one another. None of these characters are particularly likeable, but I think that is a staple in Hawkin's books at this point. The friendship between Emily and Chess was so toxic... I would have punched Chess out long ago if I were Em. I really enjoyed the audiobook and had a great time listening to it! I thought the inclusion of the quotations from other books, and the transcripts from podcasts about the 1970s characters was really cool and added a little extra to the book as well.

Overall, definitely recommend Rachel Hawkins as an author, I just find her books so entertaining!