I very much enjoyed this well written and engaging novel. Set in Italy, it features a range of carefully developed characters. Two families are thrown together when Zoe, Harry and Charlie stay in the luxurious Villa Lucia. The owner, Cerys, is an alcoholic, whose addiction was brought on by a brutal rape and an abusive marriage. She hides her drinking from her daughter, Lowri, whose over protective father, Nick, would quickly step in if he had any suspicion that Cerys is drinking again. Meanwhile, the housekeeper and gardener, Lucia and Lorenzo, have secrets and resentments of their own. When Harry is found murdered, suspicion falls on everyone. The book explores the developing relationship between the two young people, both, to some extent, victims of overpowering fathers, yet still conflicted about their filial love for their dads. Meanwhile, a strong bond of sisterhood and support is growing amongst the three women. The temptations and emotional conflicts of alcoholism are movingly described. This book is definitely a page turner, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. I hope the author will not take offence when I write that I enjoyed this novel more than the later novels in the Snowdonia series, which seem to have become rather formulaic. This, on the other hand, was refreshingly different and far from stereotypical. A highly recommended beach read which has a satisfying depth and an ultimate feeling of genuine justice.

The twists and turns you don't see coming, it was written beautifully and paced just fast enough for a quick read, but not too fast where it feels like it was rushed

Very readable even though I guessed the twist and the guilty party! Beautiful Tuscan setting and compelling characters

An enjoyable, fast-paced thriller that kept me guessing throughout. I thought I had guessed the murderer more than once only to find out I was wrong. It seemed everyone had a motive but who was it?! The twisted ending was great!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read all of Simon McCleave’s other books so I think I can say I am a fan. This standalone book is a great addition to the collection. It was a super quick read which I raced through in just a couple of hours. As well as the traditional crime thriller we got to explore much deeper topics including domestic abuse, toxic masculinity and alcoholism. The pacing was good and the mystery was compelling. The multi POV worked nicely to deepen the engagement with all of the characters. 10/10 will always pick up a Simon McCleave.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

After a split from her abusive husband, Cerys manages to buy him out of the villa in Tuscany that they purchased just one year earlier. Now running the property as a holiday rental, she has been joined for the summer by her daughter Lowri, who is on her gap year. With domestic help from near neighbours, the villa is proving to be a success, though Cerys certainly has her own demons to face. When the latest family turn up, it proves to be a holiday that none of them will forget.

I really enjoyed this book, and was invested in the relationships from the start. A great setting, good characters and almost believable situations.

A standalone book that is a big change from the author’s usual crime procedural series, and I think a good move.

3.5*

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for this ARC. The publication date is the 26th July. I loved the setting of this book and I devoured it in one sitting as I was gripped to find out what would happen next as I eagerly turned the pages. I was hooked!

I was hooked from the very first line it was very fast- paced! I liked the dynamics of the relationships between all the characters especially between Zoe and Harry.

Overall, I’d highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️stars.

A body is floating face down in the middle of the infinity pool. For a second I think I’m imagining it. My head is throbbing as I pull my sunglasses down over my eyes. It’s not even 8 a.m. and the blazing Tuscan sunshine is already stifling! Good book! I definitely enjoyed reading this one! This book had suspense, intrigue, murder, mystery, a great who done it and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and had me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley And the publisher for sharing this book with me!

It was fast-paced and exciting. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my first book by McCleave, and I enjoyed it so much! It kept me guessing until the end. Four stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Last Night at Villa Lucia by Simon McCleave due to be published July 26, 2024.
Cerys runs a beautiful vacation getaway, Villa Lucia, in Tuscany. When she discovers a body floating facedown in her pool she thinks she is imagining it. She had been drinking heavily so can’t remember what happened. Was it her, her daughter, the victim’s wife, their son, the caretaker, his wife? Time will tell!
This was a fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from the start. I finished it in one day – a really fast read. The dynamics of the characters kept me interested as they intertwined in each other’s lives. Once I started reading it was hard to put down and try to figure out who killed Harry?
I noticed that Simon McCleave also has two series, but this one was an excellent standalone!
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