Catherine Cooper’s latest chiller, The Island, is Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None for the social media generation.

When a group of influencers and journalists find themselves invited to a luxury retreat in the Maldives, they simply cannot believe their luck. With their every whim and desire catered for, all they have to do is enjoy this sumptuous experience. As a relative newcomer to the world of blogging, Malia isn’t sure why she has been included in this trip, but could this invitation be the prelude to bigger and better things? Or the beginning of a nightmare of epic proportions?

When a tropical storm cuts the island off completely, things quickly take a sinister turn as one by one, the guests begin to die. It’s abundantly clear that somebody has murder on their mind, but who could be killing off the people on the island? What is their motive? And are these just random attacks? Or could this be premeditated murder?

The guests have all got something to hide, but which one of them is the killer? Can they be stopped in time? Or will there be one last deadly twist?

Catherine Cooper’s The Island is a tension-filled page-turner packed with intrigue, suspense and jaw-dropping revelations that will keep readers up all night desperate to find out what is going to happen next.

Pacey, complex and impossible to put down, Catherine Cooper’s The Island is a propulsive thriller perfect for Lucy Foley fans.

I really enjoyed all the twists and turns in this book and learning about how all the characters were intertwined with each other. I really enjoyed this book and was hooked right from the start.

This was an excellent atmospheric read with believable characters and deftly written twists.

A press trip to the opening of a new resort in the Maldives is the setting for this novel. It sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime. But amazing though it is, after a little while it doesn’t feel quite like everyone is who they’re supposed to be. Interwoven with this story is another older one and for a long time it’s not quite clear how they relate to each other.

At the resort however, there are a couple of accidents and then people start to die. Cut off by a storm, this becomes a “locked island” mystery with some spectacular twists! I really enjoyed learning how the two stories came together and what was really going on!

Props to the author for some brilliantly researched aspects which made it all the more convincing.

An influencer trip to a luxury resort in the Maldives where my every desire is anticipated? Actually, I think I’ll pass! Highly recommended reading.

I literally read The Island as soon as it was released on Netgalley, and thanks to a massive reading and posting slump, I'm only now getting around to uploading!

Another addictive read, which I flew through. Set on the Maldives islands, a group of journalists, influencers, etc, are getting a sneak peek into a new lavish resort that will soon open. Then death toll starts to rise, and we get into the drama. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual timeline that went alongside it and how close and claustrophobic the setting felt. Fantastic ending, and Catherine never fails to disappoint me. I'm excited for the next one.

The stunning Maldives acts as a backdrop for this pacy thriller. As a group of influencers come together to taste the finest offerings from an exclusive resort, things quickly take a serious turn when one of them perishes under questionable circumstances. With another injured party and a turn in the weather, meaning no one can leave the island, things take a sinister twist. Dual timelines take us back and forthbtonthe 1990s and a drugs fuelled party ran by the twin owners of the resort Henry and Ophelia. It seems someone from the past is keen to havoc revenge. A great holiday read. #theisland #catherinecooper #harpercollinsuk #netgalley

Thank you NetGalley for my advance copy of this book. I really enjoy Catherine Cooper’a books so was excited to receive an advance copy. This is a really enjoyable, fast paced book which kept me with it all the way to the end. I really like this authors style of writing and I enjoyed how it went from the past to the present and seeing how the two events were related. I would recommend this book.

I have always liked this author and her novels and this is one to add to the collection. Loved the setting of the story and the back forth of the timeline.

Set on an island in the Maldives, a group of influencers and journalists are invited to spend time at a luxury resort. Sounds like heaven, until it's clear that someone on the island is a murderer. This is a fun, escapist read, perfect for a beach holiday - so many twists and turns your head will spin!

The Island was a brilliant thriller and/or suspense novel. I love Catherine Cooper's writing and storytelling. Would definitely recommend.

I love Catherine Cooper's novels, and I think this one might just be my favourite.

Set in the Maldives, a group of influencers and journalists are invited to the opening of the latest luxury Maldivian resort. Everything is wonderful until those present start dying, one by one.

This story flips back and forth in time, leaving the reader wondering how the two stands will converge. As ever, Catherine Cooper does not disappoint.

One of the things I love about her books is the theme of revenge, and how sometimes a good crime does go unsolved... I also love that they are always set in holiday locations where you wouldn't expect such dastardly deeds.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a thriller set in a luxury resort in the Maldives, where first guess find themselves stranded due to a violent storm. At the same time we follow a story of young teenagers at the smash ball. Right away we know it will all finish badly. But half of the book is gone and not much else happens except some glamorous resort experiences. Sadly, it was not a book for me - too slow and not enough believable.

I loved this! Set in a luxurious and once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination, The Island is a beautifully-written Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery where horrific things happen in an idyllic location. The book is cleverly plotted, and I didn't guess the ending at all which is always a brilliant fun surprise.

Probably my favourite Catherine Cooper book to date and yes I have read them and thoroughly enjoyed all the others too.

A fantastic cast of characters and an exceptional location, on an island in the Maldives where you can almost feel you are there too, but very grateful that I'm actually not. Raced through this book as was so hard to put down with the twists and turns and needed to know what happened next and "who dunnit".

Hope The Island gets made into a movie or short tv series as would transfer really well.

A big thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the Arc for review.

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Catherine Cooper's previous books and this one didn't disappoint. Set in the Maldives at an ultra luxury new resort, this very cleverly plotted read keeps you guessing and turning the pages right to the end... I felt that it was rather too far fetched and unlikely in parts, and worked out the various plot twists which is unusual for me, but it was excellent escapist reading.

Having read and loved The Chalet by this author, I jumped at this one. Another excellent 5 star read!

Malia is an insta influencer who is still growing her follower count. She is invited to an exclusive, brand new resort in the Maldives along with other journalists & influencers. Its an all expenses paid trip to drum up publicity for the Island. Everything you could ever want is included even a turtle sanctuary. What more could they want...a dead body in the underwater restaurant? Oh somethings not right.

There is a dual Timeline from 1990 which builds the story for present day. Multiple Povs & plenty of red herrings keep you guessing throughout.

I loved this! Everything I thought I had it, the next page proved me wrong. Catherine Cooper is now an autobuy author for me.

I chose to read a free eARC of The Island but that has in no way influenced my review.

Destination thrillers are fast becoming a favourite sub-genre of mine. I think, in part, it's due to the distinct lack of 'Summer' we had in the UK this year. Only a small part though. The main reason is more to do with a number of extremely talented writers being able to transport us 'sodden, rained upon readers' to luxurious and exotic locations. The Island is the second book I've read by Catherine Cooper (the first being The Chateau) and oh my goodness what a thrilling, highly compelling tale it was!

Influencer Malia can't believe her luck when she's picked to attend a soft launch of an exclusive new resort in the Maldives. The trip is so different to everything else she's been asked to promote but she's not going to point that out to Araminta, the resorts publicist. The small group of reporters and influencers are shown what the resort has to offer whilst being wined and dined by Araminta and resort owner, Henry Cadwallader. But then things start to go wrong. Essential equipment fails leading to injuries and accidents. Then the biggest storm the island has ever seen hits, stranding the group with minimal staff for company. Unable to call for help. What Malia first thought of as paradise soon becomes hell on earth...

The Island is a highly compelling and thoroughly engaging psychological thriller which I devoured with undeniable glee. I was always drawn back to the novel. Grabbing a few minutes here and there in the middle of 'adulting'. I was so keen to discover how the events of the prologue tied in to the rest of the story. By the end of the novel it all makes perfect sense but I could not wait to find out what the author was keeping from me! The story is told using a dual timeline - at a smash ball in May 1990 where students of an exclusive school drink themselves silly and take whatever is on offer. And in the present, as the press pack drink the finest champagne and gorge themselves on what the resort has to offer. There are obvious connections between the past and the present but I could not tie everything together in my mind, despite trying! I needed the skill and dare I say, deviousness, of the author to do that!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I LOVED The Island with its stunning setting and well-written sense of place, its cast of mainly unlikeable characters who create some lovely tension just by 'being', and a great, twisty plot that drew me into the characters' rather privileged world. Although the characters are mainly unlikeable I did really warm to Malia who through the whole experience still couldn't quite believe how lucky she was to have been invited! If you're looking for a spot of escapism in your next book and you're a fan of the psychological thriller then this is an absolute 'must read'. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was reminded once again what a talented author Cooper is. Full of beautifully written suspense and tension, with a lovely sense of foreboding throughout, this engaging, highly addictive read was just what I needed. Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Island. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

4.5 stars
As someone who has always wanted to visit one of the ultra luxe resorts in the Maldives, I absolutely adored the current day setting. I'm also a freelance journalist and blogger, which is why so much of this ran true. It also gave me an extra insight into the trip that I really appreciated. It was nice to see an author make an influencer likeable and relatable, as that isn't always the case.
I also enjoyed the switching of POVs and perspectives throughout. Having the two timelines run concurrently was well done too, as chapter by chapter we find out more.
The way that the drama continued to build as one thing after another started to go wrong and dead bodies started to pile up, was really captivating.
You truly felt like you were there on the island with the group.
It was well written and had great pacing that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
I liked the number of twists towards the end and understanding how the two murderers had ultimately pulled everything off.
And there was a good mix of more relatable and unlikeable characters to keep you invested.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another great thriller from Catherine Cooper, the writer of The Chateau and The Chalet (reviews for both are on my grid), The Island is a glamorous tale which soon turns into a claustrophobic nightmare.

Influencers and journalists are invited to the Maldives ran by wealthy twin hoteliers Henry and Ophelia Cadwallader to promote their latest resort. However, things quickly start to go wrong, and with the island soon cut off from the mainland by a storm, just how bad can the trip get?

I found The Island easy to get absorbed into, immediately hooked by a prologue before being introduced to an interesting bunch of influencers. Some are likeable, some are irritating, some we question if they should even be there at all…

The narrative moves between present day on the island and the secondary school years of Henry, Ophelia and another character, Xander, in 1990. The story unravels quite quickly and it isnt long between past and present crash together and we understand exactly what is going on at the island and why.

A short, snappy novel that is great fun and easy to fly through. Perfect escapism, though one might be put off island paradises after reading!

One of the best bits about doing this kind of blog is that it opens you up to books you would probably never have tried and authors you might otherwise have overlooked. Step forward Catherine Cooper, whose The Island confounded me by providing a fresh twist to some literary devices that can often leave me cold. Perhaps it was the glamour of the settings, the aristocracy of some of the characters and the hypocrisy of their actions that kept me hooked. Or was it that I was enjoying too much looking through my fingers at the bitchy snobbery at play, the arrogant and ignorant entitlement on show, and the horrible conceits (disguised as sophistication) that old money play on new, and both play on the poor? No. When it comes down to it, this is a cool story of revenge served cold in the most incongruous circumstances. Who can resist? (Spoiler: not me.)
There are two plot lines: a tale of teenage indiscretion from 1990, and the unfolding of consequences in the present day. Normally I find this dual narrative annoying and self-indulgent on behalf of an author: it puts a barrier between reader and writer and serves only to remind us that the author has both characters and readers dancing to their tune. Here, though, both storylines are so compelling that you can’t wait to have both move along. The action takes place on one night (and its aftermath) and a few days respectively. Most characters behave appallingly. On ‘the island’, the result is that you just can’t wait for the body count to mount as we’ve been told (promised?) that it will. You’ll work out who’s doing it all, then you’ll discard the truth in favour of a red herring. Everyone’s a suspect and nothing is what it seems at all.
That ambiguity is what drives the novel’s great themes, especially those relating to class. The premise of the whole tale is that there are twins, Henry and Ophelia, who are running an island resort in the Maldives. This resort is ridiculously high end. The consumption and luxury are utterly wasteful, but sold as ethical and sustainable. There’s a press visit, on which selected influencers soak it all up and feed it through their filters to Insta, or various travel titles. But thirty years ago Henry and Ophelia ran hedonistic parties for underage rich kids, and one of them had catastrophic consequences for a number of people. But since then Henry and a couple of others have managed to reinvent themselves: ‘Xander’ becomes ‘Alex’, for example.
Actually, Xander/Alex is one of the more interesting characters. Spoilers ahoy. While Henry and Ophelia’s tyrannical father ensures that their family’s reputation is kept intact despite the twins’ propensity for scandal, Henry never really achieves happiness and Ophelia finds bitterness in her cruelty. They cannot be free, but they are none the less a unit. The other main characters (who I won’t name here) are equally united. Xander/Alex is cut adrift by the twins and blamed by the others for things he may not have done. I am not sure that he deserves our sympathy, but at least part of his ‘crime’ seems to be that he isn’t sure which world he wants to be part of, and at the age of 17 that seems not unreasonable or at least not unusual.
Pacy, enjoyable and sometimes shocking, The Island promises a world away. But the world it presents, of terrible human beings being calculating on one hand and neglectful on the other, feels incredibly close to home. What a trip.

This is a really interesting and at times dark tale set in a beautiful new exclusive spa resort in the Maldives.

Run by twins Henry and Ophelia and assisted by old school friend Alex, the venture is financially supported by the father of the twins and an addition to their other high class hotels. At the soft launch various members of the press and influencers are invited. Almost at the outset the weather turns, the WiFi fails and a series of accidents start a spiral into some horrific deaths.

During their school years Henry and Ophelia had hosted parties for other well off teens, some of whom sold or took drugs. Sadly at one of these a young girl lost her life. Who was accountable for her death?

Well written and cleverly set in a beautiful backdrop to keep the horrors of the deaths in balance. The spa sounds amazing and the author describes it so vividly. The characters of Henry and Ophelia are built up well and I didn’t guess until nearly the end what was to be revealed.

A good read and one that I would recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.