The Villa: A novel By Rachel Hawkins

The Instant New York Times Bestseller, "The Villa," by the acclaimed author Hawkins, weaves a gripping tale of betrayal, sisterhood, and the power of storytelling. Hawkins, hailed as the reigning queen of suspense, crafts a brilliant gothic suspense set at an Italian villa with a dark history.

The narrative follows childhood inseparables, Emily and Chess, whose adult lives strain their once unbreakable bond. Chess suggests a girls' trip to Italy, leading them to Villa Aestas in Orvieto, a high-end holiday home with a haunting past. In 1974, it was known as Villa Rosato, rented by notorious rock star Noel Gordon. The summer hosted up-and-coming musician Pierce Sheldon, his girlfriend Mari, and stepsister Lara, resulting in a chain of events culminating in Pierce's brutal murder.

As Emily delves into the villa's history, she suspects more to the 1974 story. The supposed tale of sex, drugs, and rock & roll gone wrong may have a more sinister layer. Clues in iconic works left behind by Mari and Lara hint at hidden truths. Yet, the journey to uncover the past strains Emily and Chess's relationship, revealing dangerous betrayals from both past and present.

Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, the Manson murders, and the summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron, "The Villa" welcomes readers into a deadly legacy. Hawkins intricately combines historical influences, creating a suspenseful narrative that explores the tangled webs of friendship, secrets, and the lasting impact of a fateful summer. 📚❤️