Whilst I really enjoyed the story and the setting for it in general, the writing in the ARC made it really difficult to get into, sentences randomly cut out and returned several lines later etc.

The phrase "lifestyles of the rich and the famous, they're always complaining" kept popping into my head as I read this book. The title is well suited, as you read and see how the Lingates are like vipers, willing to bite and kill to keep their power/money/lifestyle. It is a kind of slow burn thriller with lots of twists as secrets and lies come to light on this week on Capri (as well as a dead body or two).

The characters are nicely real, though not really easy to like, even Helen who, with Lorna's help tries to find out the truth about the death of her mother and extract herself from the grasp of her family so that she can live her own life, away from the dark shadows of the past. Though I do like her, and a bit Lorna as they are not quite as rotten to the core. This book, shows well, what lengths anyone could go to for riches and freedom.

Told in mostly three views (Lorna, Helen, and Sara), weaving the past and the present, so that the reader gets the whole story. I did not expect that twists but it added to the story nicely and really made the case that the Lingates were a pit of vipers, willing to do anything to stay on top with the power.

I did enjoy this novel and I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this!

Thirty years after her mother's death, the daughter of a rich family revisits the scene. She quickly learns that secrets will be revealed over a sweltering summer in Capri, and that nobody in the family can be trusted. Anyone who likes a twisting finale and an exciting route to get there should definitely read this book.

A slow start, and a deeply unappealing group of characters, but The Vipers was an absorbing story.
Our primary focus is the wealthy Lingate family and what happens on their annual retreat to Capri. While the story is exploring the disappearance of the family’s assistant, Lorna, integral to the plot is the much earlier mystery surrounding the suspicious death of Sarah Lingate.
It’s safe to say that nobody is quite what they first appear to be. Secrets aplenty, and some truly treacherous behaviour. We do, eventually, get answers to the many mysteries permeating the novel. It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it will have its share of fans.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.

Was really looking forward to being able to read this book but I can't properly review this book due to significant formatting issues on the copy on both my Kindle and in the NG App. Have contacted NG to advise of the issue and hopefully it will be resolved - will be happy read and review if that happens.

Fab read really enjoyed it ,good mystery with a cast of suspects and history of family dynamics come to the surface

I really enjoyed The Cloisters but I couldn't get to grips with the writing style in this book. I had to keep rereading passages. Unfortunately it was a rare DNF. I've given a neutral 3 star. Based on The Cloisters, I will definitely look out for future books by Hays.

While holidaying on Capri with her husband and family celebrated playwright Sarah Lingate goes missing. When she's discovered dead the police quickly absolve the Lingates of any blame, but many on the island aren't so sure of their innocence

Years later the Lingates return to the island for their now annual show of face, but this year things are going to be different. Sarah's daughter Helen is intent on escaping her family's overbearing control, even if that means long held secrets are revealed.

The title, The Vipers, is apt. The Lingates are a nest of snakes, obsessed with maintaining their status and fortune to the exclusion of all else. Unfortunately, every character that comes into their orbit is tainted by association and end up unsympathetic.

Another, much bigger, issue is that it's back loaded with twists. The final half dozen or so chapters seem to be packed with twist after twist after twist. To the point that I found myself not caring who, if anyone, had actually murdered Sarah.

Thanks to NetGalley, Transworld Publishers and the author for an advance copy

No review provided as copy received had major file issues. I gave it a 3 but this is tempered by the issues I had and would potentially have been higher otherwise

Evil in book form!
Characters are so vivid and I was tricked by many which I love in a book
Capri shimmers but there are snakes in the grass
Why would you return to an island every year where someone died in mysterious circumstances?
And why does one woman want to escape and flee her life there?
Oh this needs a read to find out!

Set in Capri, we follow the heir of a wealthy family. Years ago, Sarah died, and now the case reopens.
A dysfunctional family of curious characters and the suspense were my favourites.
The writing is strong and the setting works like magic.

The Vipers is the British edition of an American thriller / suspense novel known as "Saltwater", but this time with a luxurious cover and Waterstones-exclusive sprayed edges.

Set on an Italian island of Capri, it immerses the reader in the atmosphere of hot summer and rich, luxurious holidays in this famous tourist destination. It centers the Lingate family, who under a facade of glamour and carefree life hide dark secrets and strained family relationships.

The braided timeline jumps between Helen in the present day, Sarah, her mother, 30 years ago, and Lorna, her assistant, few days before the main timeline. Helen is kept in a gilded cage - her obedience in exchange for living an opulent life. But the question what happened to her mother those 30 years ago doesn't let go and Helen must find the truth, even at the cost of shattering her family. She teams with Lorna - but can she trust her, or will Lorna use this connection for her own benefit only and betray Helen?

The pacing slowly builds up the picture and hangs various secrets in the air up to halfway point, after which the avalanche of twists unfurls. Nothing is as it seemed and the meticulously built tower of lies and pretending falls apart piece by piece. The ending was breathtakingly shocking but also very satisfying.

Thank you Bantam, Transworld Publishers and Random House UK for the ARC!

A solid sophomore novel from Hays, I was so excited to get a copy of The Vipers to read and review after loving The Cloisters! Whilst the plot and setting for this novel is drastically different to her debut, Hays’ writing is still as atmospheric as before, and builds a cinematic world with dynamic and rounded characters.

The plot is engaging and well paced, Hays keeps you guessing throughout so that you are hooked into this plot and the fates of the characters.

I cant wait for this to be released in physical!

Holidaying on the island of Capri with her extended family, Helen and family assistant Lorna are plotting together to finally bring to light the events thirty years ago, when Helen’s mother Sarah was murdered.

Helen’s uncle, aunt, and father are exactly what the title indicates – a nest of vipers writhing with dark secrets and determined to protect the family name.

However, Lorna is also not what she seems and has her own past and motivations to contend with.

When Lorna disappears, Helen is convinced her family have covered up another murder. How can you catch a killer when you are dependent on them?

I did get confused about the ages of Helen and Lorna, possibly because of the names.

A slow-burning novel of manipulation and envy, which I thought I had figured out until the very end (I hadn’t!)

The Vipers is Katy Hays second novel and what a second novel it is! Set on the island of Capri the holiday retreat of the rich and famous, where secrets are kept or are they? The Lindgates come from "old money" but even that doesn't protect them from the gossips........30 years ago the island was shocked at the death of playwright Sarah Lindgate, was it an accident as the family claimed or was her husband to blame? Now 30 years later her daughter with the help of her uncle's personal assistant is desperate to escape the family and find out what really happened to her mother.

With her first novel The Cloisters you could see what a great writer Katy Hays is and with The Vipers she is proving that she can certainly write great, atmospheric, well plotted literary thrillers, her writing reminds me of Donna Tartt. This is a novel to savour and enjoy.........quite simply a joy to read!

What a brilliant twisty story. Gripped from the start and surprised by each unexpected turn that took the plot in a totally different direction. The cover is stunning; vibrant, striking, unusual and very fitting. It caught my eye immediately and I love the artwork. Katy Hays has a great eye for detail and although I’ve never visited Capri, I felt as if I was transported there; a lively place full of colour and warmth and nestled within, a strange and dysfunctional family with secrets.

The writing is effortless. Nothing feels contrived and for a truly great immersive mystery thriller, this has it all. Really enjoyed it.

From the delightful island of capri……. I raced through this book in one sitting. Excellent plot line and delivery. I may have whiplash from the never-ending twists and turns. Read this in one day. I could not put it down. Highly recommend!

A fabulously written gripping story that was a pleasure to read. I would absolutely recommend this book, it was brilliant

This gripping novel is a masterclass in suspense that had me racing through the pages, desperate to uncover the truth. The intricate web of relationships within the Lingate family kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, the plot twisted in a way that left me breathless. The characters are flawed and real, each carrying their own burdens, which makes the unraveling of their secrets all the more compelling. The writing is sharp and evocative, drawing me into a world where nothing is as it seems, and trust is a luxury few can afford. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down. It's a pulse-pounding thriller that challenges everything you think you know about family and loyalty, and it's definitely a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.

The Isle of Capri juts jaggedly into the Mediterranean, a playground of the rich and a bustling tourist haunt. Every year it plays host to a nest of monstrous vipers…. rotten to the core.

It all starts in July of 1992, when playwright Sarah Lingate goes missing from their holiday villa. The previous evening the wealthy family attend a celebratory dinner where Sarah and her husband Richard reportedly have a disagreement and Richard returns to Casa Malaparte alone.

In the present day, 30 years on from her mother‘s death, Helen Lingate, her boyfriend Freddy, her father Richard, uncle Marcus, aunt Naomi, along with Marcus‘s assistant Lorna are back on Capri for their annual vacation. Helen is straining within the family straight jacket and along with Lorna has hatched a plan to enable her to break free. However, the pair unleash way more than they bargain for. It’s as if they are entering shark filled waters.

If ever there’s a viperish bunch then this is it in the Lingates. Entitled, dangerous, suffocating and controlling but I’ll stop there as it’s best that you meet them for yourself. The characterisation is exemplary, they are so easy to visualise although clearly not easy to like. Even those you think you may like at the start, take my advice and hold that thought. One thing is for certain, they make for riveting reading even if at times my jaw drops at their antics.

Katy Hays does atmosphere terrifically well, that becomes clear to me in The Cloisters, her first book. She brings Capri alive, its sights, sounds, smells, the crowds and she utilises some magnificent locations to great effect in some taut and suspenseful scenes. I’ve been to Capri and in my opinion she absolutely nails it. Yes, it’s beautiful and romantic but the steep cliffs issue kind of threat, the sort where disaster could be but a step away.

The plot from the beginning is tense, mysterious, claustrophobic and conspiratorial. It’s obvious a game of cat and mouse is underway, but the million dollar question is, who is the cat and who are the mice?? Who is a friend and who a foe? This becomes a game of survival. It becomes increasingly intense as my suspicion antenna nearly spins into orbit. I constantly ask myself why would the family keep returning to Capri after what happens to Sarah? That would indeed be telling!

Although this keeps me gripped, reading on and wanting to know the truth if indeed it’s possible to get to it, I do wonder if it gets a bit prolonged?? Whilst I do enjoy most of the clever twists there’s one I do have a question mark against although I don’t see it coming and so kudos for that.

Overall, despite the minor reservations, I do think this is a cracking read and I am thoroughly entertained.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publisher for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.