This is part of my Summer Reads series where I’ll be reviewing a series of “not just cookbooks”.
‘Agatha Christie meets the glamour of après-ski’ SUNDAY TIMES
Well then, with a description like that, I couldn’t NOT dive into this book. Actually I discovered this most excellent summer read a little but unconventionally – I am a member of a number of Facebook groups pertaining to our region in Southwest France and happened upon this book in a post there recently because the author lives in Southwest France too! When I started reading a little bit more about the book (and her upcoming The Chateau), I knew it would make the PERFECT summer read!
From the publisher:
French Alps, 1998
Two young men ski into a blizzard… but only one returns.
20 years later
Four people connected to the missing man find themselves in that same resort. Each has a secret. Two may have blood on their hands. One is a killer-in-waiting.
Someone knows what really happened that day.
And somebody will pay.
This is the kind of book I like to describe as a “plane read” or a “beach read” – one that you will probably devour in one sitting. The story is told in dual timelines (1998/ 2020) and from different points of view so it’s definitely easier to keep track of what’s going on if you read it in one or two sittings. Considering the multiple storylines, which might sound confusing (the body of the missing man is found 20 years later, bringing characters from the first storyline to the present-day alongside the back story of one of the main characters spanning their entire life) it’s well-crafted and pretty easy to follow once you get into the rhythm of he writing.
It’s a fast-paced read where the idea of “coincidence” and connection between the two plots is obvious but just HOW it’s going to happen isn’t. Cooper keeps us guessing until well into the novel! A well thought-out plotline, characters you’re interested in finding out more about (even if some of them aren’t particularly likeable), gorgeous scenery and a pinch of revenge – what more would you want in a Summer Read?
Buy The Chalet on Amazon (this link should bring you to the Amazon store geographically closest to you). Or, for free worldwide shipping, buy from The Book Depository.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post also contains affiliate links from The Book Depository. This means that if you click over and purchase something, I will receive a very small percentage of the purchase price (at no extra cost to you). Thank you in advance!
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Buy my books! In the French kitchen with kids and French Food for Everyone: le goûter (after school snacks) and le dîner (dinner) are out now! Click here for details and how to order!
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There’s nothing like a good whodunnit.