Hey, everyone. Over the past few years, I’ve branched out into reading several different genres, but my favorite is always a good murder mystery or suspense story. The Girls Weekend was just that.
A big thanks to Mae Clair for recommending this one!
Blurb:
Their reunion just became a crime scene . . .
June Moody, a thirty-something English professor, just wants to get away from her recent breakup and reunite with girlfriends over summer break. Her old friend and longtime nemesis, Sadie MacTavish, a mega-successful author, invites June and her college friends to a baby shower at her sprawling estate in the San Juan Islands. June is less than thrilled to spend time with Sadie–and her husband, June’s former crush–but agrees to go.
The party gets off to a shaky start when old grudges resurface, but when they wake the next morning, they find something worse: Sadie is missing, the house is in shambles, and bloodstains mar the staircase. None of them has any memory of the night before; they wonder if they were drugged. Everyone’s a suspect. Since June had a secret rendezvous with Sadie’s husband, she has plenty of reason to suspect herself. Apparently, so do the cops.
A Celtic knot of suspense and surprise, this brooding, atmospheric novel will keep you guessing as each twist reveals a new possibility. It will remind you of friendships hidden in the depths of your own past, and make you wonder how well you really know the people you’ve loved the longest.
My Review:
I first learned of The Girls Weekend through a Book Bub recommendation. Because of mixed reviews, I hesitated to buy it until I read a friend’s review. I’m glad I did.
Five former college friends, now in their late thirties, decide to get together for a girl’s weekend at the home of Sadie MacTavish. Sadie is a highly successful author who has it all—a beautiful house, husband, daughter, wealth.
It doesn’t take long to realize Sadie is a manipulative and cunning person. Easy to see why everyone has a reason to dislike her, especially June Moody, the POV character. After a night of drinking, four friends wake up to find Sadie has disappeared and none of them can recall what they did the night before. Blood spatter and a missing statue leads them to believe Sadie isn’t just missing but possibly murdered.
The book kept me guessing as to the killer’s identity—Sadie’s family, the gardener, the daughter’s boyfriend, the four friends—including the main character, June. I have to say I was surprised by the outcome.
Several reviewers were critical of the sloppy police procedures followed in this book, but imagine an Agatha Christie type murder mystery (sans Hercule Poirot) and you have the makings of a great story.
Five stars from me.
Joan Hall 
Sounds like what I call a “darned good read.”
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That it was, Rae!
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I know I have read another review of this book, Joan. It must have been Mae’s. I thought then that this book sounded good.
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I thoroughly enjoyed it, Robbie.
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I remember reading Mae’s review, and I like the whole setup of this story. Sounds like one I’d enjoy. Great review, Joan!
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I thoroughly enjoyed it, Teri!
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I love a murder mystery. Sounds like a good read.
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it was Michele.
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Funny how swirling water and a warmly lit cabin can look so creepy! Wonderful review, Joan, I might have to check this out 🙂
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Book covers often draw me in. This one was no exception. Mae’s review sealed the deal on me purchasing it.
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This sounds like a worthy read, Joan. If the author can keep the reader guessing who the murderer is throughout the story, then they’ve done their job well! Thanks for sharing!
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It’s hard to do sometimes, Jan. Not only did she keep me guessing, I kept thinking, “I hope it isn’t…”
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Great review, Joan 🙂 I have this on my TBR list.
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I think you’ll enjoy it, Denise!
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Super review, Joan. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, John.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Joan. I know not all books work for all readers, but you and I both love a good suspense/mystery. I thought so many phrases and descriptions were exquisite in this story, too.
Wonderful review!
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I agree. Her descriptions were wonderful. She really brought me into the setting. Thanks again for the recommendation.
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Glad you enjoyed this one too!
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It was a good one, Jay.
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Sounds like a worthy inclusion in the genre.
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One of the best I’ve read in a while.
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Thank you, Joan. After reading your review, I’m totally intrigued. 🙂
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Mae’s review sold me on the book. Glad mine intrigued you, Gwen.
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Sounds like The Girls Weekend hit all the right buttons for you. Awesome review!
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Thanks, Priscilla. I like it when I find a book that is hard to put down.
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This sounds like a page-turner. I always enjoy books with authors as main characters. Thanks for sharing your review, Joan.
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My first book had an author as the main character. (She was what I’d want to be… A NYT best-selling author.) 🙂
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🙂
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I just purchased it, Joan. Thanks for the heads up!
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Hope you enjoy it.
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Sounds like a fun read. Thanks for sharing, Joan 🙂
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I did enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by, Harmony!
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reading your post on this interesting book, Joan… I just had a timely and valuable mini lesson on blurb construction…
Just what I need at the moment, so thanks for that!
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I hate writing book blurbs! Writing a novel is much easier. Thankfully both my editor and critique partners have helped me in this area.
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It must be lovely to have a little help with them!
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I am really blessed in that regard.
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