The Chalet

by Catherine Cooper

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The moment I read the blurb; I knew I had to read The Chalet by Catherine Cooper. It promised a thrilling and mysterious journey, and it did not disappoint.  This story is one where I believe the reader needs to go in blind. An intricately woven plot with characters you will either hate or love, an atmospheric setting, a mystery that will keep you guessing from start to finish and an ending which will have you champing at the bit. Now I am waiting and wishing that the story will continue and keeping my fingers crossed that the author will grant me my wish.

The story takes place in the French Alps in a mountain Chalet surrounded by ski slopes. In 1998, two brothers went skiing in a blizzard, but only one returns. Fast forward 22 years later, a group of people are staying at the same location amid a blizzard, the same conditions that existed in 1998. There are four persons in this group who are connected to the missing brother, but of the four one is there for the main purpose of revenge. This is where things get interesting.

The events of the story began in 1998 and came full circle in 2020. It alternated between the two timelines and was told from several POVs. At no time did I feel confused, but it made curious about the connections between the past and the present.

I found the story to be detailed and easy to follow. With its many suspects and several red herrings, the story kept me glued to the pages, and I struggled to put the book down.

Most of the characters featured turned out to an unlikeable bunch. Obnoxious, entitled, selfish and a host of other negative characteristics. Although there were persons, I would have no interest in meeting, I recognized their importance to the plot. They made the story interesting and mysterious.

I enjoyed the mystery and had a great time seeing how it all developed. Figuring out the identity of the person who wanted revenge proved a challenge because of many red herrings.

The end hinted at more to come and I for one am curious to see how it will play out.

Overall, I found The Chalet to be an entertaining and well- written story of revenge, secrets and murder. If you are a fan of crime fiction, then this would be a great addition to your library.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading