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. 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.
| Story Evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Plot | |
| Characters | |
| World Building | |
| Writing Style | |
| Pacing | |
| Cover | |
| Enjoyment | |
| Ending | |
| Overall: |  |
[bctt tweet=”The Chalet by Catherine Cooper offered up an atmospheric mystery with an intricately woven plot, which would appeal to fans of crime fiction. #mystery #newrelease” username=”TtlyAdd2Reading”]
About Catherine Cooper
Catherine is a freelance journalist living in the South of France with her husband and two teenage children. They moved from London in 2009 so that the children could grow up bilingual and they could all ski more, and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. She learned to ski on a school trip when she was 14 and have loved it ever since. She is an avid thriller reader and have been since she discovered Agatha Christie as a child. The Chalet is her first published full-length novel, though she has also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production. Other than skiing and reading she loves to travel, theme parks and she spends far too much time on social media. Some of her other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
- Accidentally Forever: Carrie Ann Ryan - April 28, 2025
- Enchantra: Kaylie Smith - April 26, 2025
- Blog Tour: The Spring In My Heart - April 24, 2025
this sounds tasty – I wants
I love how you enjoyed the atmosphere and following all that happens so that you can’t wait for the next part.
One of those titles that could have meant anything from a Christmas novel set in a snow covered chalet to a mystery. So glad its the latter, The Chalet sounds like my kind of read.
http://pettywitter.blogspot.co.uk
this sounds tasty – I wants
I do believe you would enjoy it.
I do believe you would enjoy it.
I love how you enjoyed the atmosphere and following all that happens so that you can’t wait for the next part.
One of those titles that could have meant anything from a Christmas novel set in a snow covered chalet to a mystery. So glad its the latter, The Chalet sounds like my kind of read.
http://pettywitter.blogspot.co.uk
It would be perfect for you if enjoy a good mystery.
It would be perfect for you if enjoy a good mystery.
I can enjoy an obnoxious book character with a good plot surrounding them. In real life… not so much ?
It sounds almost like Ware’s new book, but the twist has on revenge has me curious!
Yes, I have seen where readers have mentioned that the setting in both both books are similar.
I can enjoy an obnoxious book character with a good plot surrounding them. In real life… not so much ?
The book sounds fab and I actually like that cover. Great review.
The book sounds fab and I actually like that cover. Great review.
Always enjoy a good murder mystery and can see this as a good movie for Netflix. Glad you enjoyed it! Hugs, RO