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The Blue Hour
Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 22:43:36
25 copies available
U.S. only
The spellbinding new novel from the internationally bestselling author of The Girl on the Train.
An isolated Scottish island, accessible to the mainland only twelve hours a day. A famous (some might say infamous) artist whose notoriously unfaithful husband disappeared after visiting her twenty years ago. A present-day discovery that intimately connects three people and unveils a web of secrets and lies.
Welcome to Eris: an island with only one house, one inhabitant, one way out. Unreachable from the Scottish mainland for twelve hours each day.
Once home to Vanessa: A famous artist whose notoriously unfaithful husband disappeared twenty years ago.
Now home to Grace: A solitary creature of the tides, content in her own isolation.
But when a shocking discovery is made in an art gallery far away in London, a visitor comes calling.
And the secrets of Eris threaten to emerge....
An isolated Scottish island, accessible to the mainland only twelve hours a day. A famous (some might say infamous) artist whose notoriously unfaithful husband disappeared after visiting her twenty years ago. A present-day discovery that intimately connects three people and unveils a web of secrets and lies.
Welcome to Eris: an island with only one house, one inhabitant, one way out. Unreachable from the Scottish mainland for twelve hours each day.
Once home to Vanessa: A famous artist whose notoriously unfaithful husband disappeared twenty years ago.
Now home to Grace: A solitary creature of the tides, content in her own isolation.
But when a shocking discovery is made in an art gallery far away in London, a visitor comes calling.
And the secrets of Eris threaten to emerge....
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 10, 2024
About the author
Paula Hawkins
26 books36k followersPaula Hawkins is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Girl on the Train, which was made into a major motion picture. Her new novel of psychological suspense, Into The Water, is coming May 2.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
May 10, 2024
Wow! Okay! It took me nearly an hour to gather my thoughts about this incredibly sinister, claustrophobic psychological thriller! Did I like it? I don’t know. I’m a mess right now.
Being trapped on an island where access to the mainland is limited to 12 hours, with tides determining your fate, is the product of a creative mind! The complex, flawed characters, who you barely understand and barely connect with or even like, are intriguing.
The whirlwind life story of an artist and the secrets she left behind also drew me into the story. But the lack of connection with the characters and the ending, like a hard slap against my cheek, made me question if I fully enjoyed this wild ride and the author’s choices for the fates of her broken characters.
Let’s talk more about the plot to give you a clear picture so you can decide to dive into this book and reconsider your hesitations. Before you do that, if you’re a big fan of the author, you should absolutely give it a try because it’s much more intriguing than “Slow Fire Burning” and somehow even better than “Into the Water” (although I admit, the problem might be with me because I didn’t enjoy the author's latest books since “The Girl on the Train”).
Imagine a secluded Scottish island where one of the most talented artists, painter, and ceramic sculptor Vanessa Chapman lived. Not only was she famous for her art, but also for the unsolved mystery of her unfaithful husband Julian Chapman’s disappearance into thin air.
Interestingly, when Vanessa loses her fight to cancer, her entire collection of paintings and ceramic sculptures is inherited by the Fairburn Foundation, owned by her arch-nemesis/lover Douglas Fairburn. Her house is left to her old friend Grace, who took care of her until the day she died. Grace might have been more than just her friend, with the authority to provide the art pieces to the foundation, Vanessa’s secret diary, and her entire correspondence via letters to anyone who touched her life.
Two tragic events follow each other: first, Douglas Fairburn is shot during a hunting trip by his own wife Emmeline (could she have done it intentionally to avenge her husband, who had a relationship with Vanessa Chapman?). Emmeline might be the most dislikable and vindictive character in the book. His son Sebastian postpones his wedding, and his fiancée Helena decides to unite her life with Julian Becker: the blue-collared art curator of the foundation who specializes in Vanessa Chapman’s works. When an anthropologist informs them that one of Vanessa’s works contains human bone, things escalate, forcing Becker to meet with Grace, who lives alone in Vanessa’s Eris Island home, to learn more about the mystery of the artwork and find out if the bone belongs to the late husband Julian, whose body has never been found by the authorities.
But Becker has no idea that connecting with Grace may open Pandora’s box and reveal so many tragic secrets that ruin lives, even making him question his obsession with Vanessa’s art and his love triangle, which affects his self-esteem with gnawing doubts every day.
I can honestly say that the dysfunctional relationship and strange friendship between Grace and Becker reminded me of King’s Misery at some parts. I couldn’t feel pity for any of the characters, finding each of them too selfish or obsessed with other forms like Vanessa’s obsession with creating art, Becker’s obsession with Vanessa’s works that brings him closer to his mom who was lost at a young age, and of course Grace’s intense obsession with protecting Vanessa at all costs.
The ending also irritated me a little, but it is still unexpected and matches the entire sinister execution.
I also have to admit that despite this book’s dark and intense trajectory and dislikable characters who I didn’t care what will happen to them, it’s still riveting, luring you with a balanced pace and helping you reach the finish line a little easier. That’s why I didn’t get bored; nothing was dragging or extra slow-burn to make me yawn.
Overall, I weighed the opposite qualities of the book and rounded up my 3.5 stars to 4 artsy, obsessed, dark, capturing, claustrophobic stars.
Especially, I recommend it to the devoted fans of the author!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy of one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year in exchange for my honest thoughts, which I truly appreciated.
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Being trapped on an island where access to the mainland is limited to 12 hours, with tides determining your fate, is the product of a creative mind! The complex, flawed characters, who you barely understand and barely connect with or even like, are intriguing.
The whirlwind life story of an artist and the secrets she left behind also drew me into the story. But the lack of connection with the characters and the ending, like a hard slap against my cheek, made me question if I fully enjoyed this wild ride and the author’s choices for the fates of her broken characters.
Let’s talk more about the plot to give you a clear picture so you can decide to dive into this book and reconsider your hesitations. Before you do that, if you’re a big fan of the author, you should absolutely give it a try because it’s much more intriguing than “Slow Fire Burning” and somehow even better than “Into the Water” (although I admit, the problem might be with me because I didn’t enjoy the author's latest books since “The Girl on the Train”).
Imagine a secluded Scottish island where one of the most talented artists, painter, and ceramic sculptor Vanessa Chapman lived. Not only was she famous for her art, but also for the unsolved mystery of her unfaithful husband Julian Chapman’s disappearance into thin air.
Interestingly, when Vanessa loses her fight to cancer, her entire collection of paintings and ceramic sculptures is inherited by the Fairburn Foundation, owned by her arch-nemesis/lover Douglas Fairburn. Her house is left to her old friend Grace, who took care of her until the day she died. Grace might have been more than just her friend, with the authority to provide the art pieces to the foundation, Vanessa’s secret diary, and her entire correspondence via letters to anyone who touched her life.
Two tragic events follow each other: first, Douglas Fairburn is shot during a hunting trip by his own wife Emmeline (could she have done it intentionally to avenge her husband, who had a relationship with Vanessa Chapman?). Emmeline might be the most dislikable and vindictive character in the book. His son Sebastian postpones his wedding, and his fiancée Helena decides to unite her life with Julian Becker: the blue-collared art curator of the foundation who specializes in Vanessa Chapman’s works. When an anthropologist informs them that one of Vanessa’s works contains human bone, things escalate, forcing Becker to meet with Grace, who lives alone in Vanessa’s Eris Island home, to learn more about the mystery of the artwork and find out if the bone belongs to the late husband Julian, whose body has never been found by the authorities.
But Becker has no idea that connecting with Grace may open Pandora’s box and reveal so many tragic secrets that ruin lives, even making him question his obsession with Vanessa’s art and his love triangle, which affects his self-esteem with gnawing doubts every day.
I can honestly say that the dysfunctional relationship and strange friendship between Grace and Becker reminded me of King’s Misery at some parts. I couldn’t feel pity for any of the characters, finding each of them too selfish or obsessed with other forms like Vanessa’s obsession with creating art, Becker’s obsession with Vanessa’s works that brings him closer to his mom who was lost at a young age, and of course Grace’s intense obsession with protecting Vanessa at all costs.
The ending also irritated me a little, but it is still unexpected and matches the entire sinister execution.
I also have to admit that despite this book’s dark and intense trajectory and dislikable characters who I didn’t care what will happen to them, it’s still riveting, luring you with a balanced pace and helping you reach the finish line a little easier. That’s why I didn’t get bored; nothing was dragging or extra slow-burn to make me yawn.
Overall, I weighed the opposite qualities of the book and rounded up my 3.5 stars to 4 artsy, obsessed, dark, capturing, claustrophobic stars.
Especially, I recommend it to the devoted fans of the author!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy of one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year in exchange for my honest thoughts, which I truly appreciated.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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May 25, 2024
There is a fine line between love and obsession, and once that line is crossed, control is no longer possible.
Like her other books, Hawkins tale starts out slowly. A man who has devoted his working life to the artistic endeavors of Vanessa Chapman. A woman who has devoted her life personally in service to Vanessa. The tone is forbidding, tense, with a growing sense of dread. Something is going to happen, but what and to whom.
Can’t say I liked these characters, I really didn’t, but the author is skillful enough in her storytelling, for that to matter much. One can at least identify with some of their feelings, without approving of their actions. Patience is required of the reader, especially in the first part. Another solid read by Hawkins.
ARC from Edelweiss
Like her other books, Hawkins tale starts out slowly. A man who has devoted his working life to the artistic endeavors of Vanessa Chapman. A woman who has devoted her life personally in service to Vanessa. The tone is forbidding, tense, with a growing sense of dread. Something is going to happen, but what and to whom.
Can’t say I liked these characters, I really didn’t, but the author is skillful enough in her storytelling, for that to matter much. One can at least identify with some of their feelings, without approving of their actions. Patience is required of the reader, especially in the first part. Another solid read by Hawkins.
ARC from Edelweiss
Want to read
June 21, 2024Yes, please! I *LOVED* The Girl On the Train and A Slow Fire Burning!
Did I beg the publisher for this book shamelessly? Yes. Would I have bought this book with my own money? Um YES! A resounding yes.
Stay tuned for my review!
Did I beg the publisher for this book shamelessly? Yes. Would I have bought this book with my own money? Um YES! A resounding yes.
Stay tuned for my review!
August 11, 2024
It is funny to me that Paula Hawkins got popular with Girl on the Train, and then proceeded to never write another book like that again. That may be her breakout but clearly what she's really interested is the slow burn not the twisty speed-read. But she holds steady in her interest in not-that-good people, living in suspicion, failure, lying (to yourself and others) and slowly letting them reveal their true nature to us.
While there are a lot of pieces here, many histories for us to gradually learn, the center of the story is simple. Becker, our primary protagonist, is a curator at a foundation focusing on the now-deceased artist Vanessa Chapman. When one of her sculptures is under suspicion for containing human remains rather than animal bones, Becker is motivated to finally get her estate sorted out. There is additional concern because Chapman's estranged husband disappeared decades earlier, and any controversy around these bones could lead to more unsightly gossip than artistic appreciation. The estate, owned by the foundation, is in a delicate relationship with Grace, the woman who was Chapman's close friend and eventually her caretaker before her death. Grace lives in Chapman's house and is supposed to be sorting through her letters and works to determine what is personal (which stays with Grace) and what is professional (which will go to the foundation). As Becker tries to carefully get Grace to share more of Chapman's papers, we follow along through both the two characters as well as snippets of Chapman's letters.
Becker and Grace are in a strange detente. They both have a strong loyalty to Chapman, but because Becker cares only about her work and Grace doesn't care about her work at all, they can't help but get defensive with each other. Still, they both seem to mean well and slowly they get to know each other better. But there are mysteries everywhere. Becker doesn't understand Grace or her relationship with Chapman, and he doesn't understand Chapman's relationship to the foundation, which was nonexistent for years after she had a falling out with Becker's boss's father. The family behind the foundation has their own secrets and pose their own threat to Becker, not only as holding his livelihood but also because Becker's boss was engaged to Becker's wife, who left the boss for Becker.
All these triangles and jealousies play out slowly through the novel. It's not clear if we'll ever have any kind of big revelation, Hawkins doesn't seem to be any hurry. Until the end when we all of a sudden have several reveals in a row, followed by a quick bang-up finish without a nice little bow. It's a surprising path, but I like surprises so it worked well for me.
Quite readable, though Hawkins is a little wordy here. Because she's going for slow much of the time, this is likely some intentional padding to slow us down. It was never enough for me to mind it. Now we just need to stop taking GotT off the cover as a frame of reference and just let Hawkins be the writer she clearly wants to be.
While there are a lot of pieces here, many histories for us to gradually learn, the center of the story is simple. Becker, our primary protagonist, is a curator at a foundation focusing on the now-deceased artist Vanessa Chapman. When one of her sculptures is under suspicion for containing human remains rather than animal bones, Becker is motivated to finally get her estate sorted out. There is additional concern because Chapman's estranged husband disappeared decades earlier, and any controversy around these bones could lead to more unsightly gossip than artistic appreciation. The estate, owned by the foundation, is in a delicate relationship with Grace, the woman who was Chapman's close friend and eventually her caretaker before her death. Grace lives in Chapman's house and is supposed to be sorting through her letters and works to determine what is personal (which stays with Grace) and what is professional (which will go to the foundation). As Becker tries to carefully get Grace to share more of Chapman's papers, we follow along through both the two characters as well as snippets of Chapman's letters.
Becker and Grace are in a strange detente. They both have a strong loyalty to Chapman, but because Becker cares only about her work and Grace doesn't care about her work at all, they can't help but get defensive with each other. Still, they both seem to mean well and slowly they get to know each other better. But there are mysteries everywhere. Becker doesn't understand Grace or her relationship with Chapman, and he doesn't understand Chapman's relationship to the foundation, which was nonexistent for years after she had a falling out with Becker's boss's father. The family behind the foundation has their own secrets and pose their own threat to Becker, not only as holding his livelihood but also because Becker's boss was engaged to Becker's wife, who left the boss for Becker.
All these triangles and jealousies play out slowly through the novel. It's not clear if we'll ever have any kind of big revelation, Hawkins doesn't seem to be any hurry. Until the end when we all of a sudden have several reveals in a row, followed by a quick bang-up finish without a nice little bow. It's a surprising path, but I like surprises so it worked well for me.
Quite readable, though Hawkins is a little wordy here. Because she's going for slow much of the time, this is likely some intentional padding to slow us down. It was never enough for me to mind it. Now we just need to stop taking GotT off the cover as a frame of reference and just let Hawkins be the writer she clearly wants to be.
August 4, 2024
An artist who lived a reclusive life as the lone inhabitant on an island accessible only during low tide dies and leaves her works to be exhibited by her former lover’s foundation rather than leaving them to a woman who had been a confidante for years. A bone believed to be human is discovered as part of one of her pieces. Could it belong to her ex husband who mysteriously disappeared years ago? To investigate that and the fact that there seem to be some of her works missing, a young employee of the foundation, enthralled with the artist, is dispatched to meet with the confidante. But, there is so much more to this story…
There is a sense of something ominously foreboding throughout this novel. It is a study of insecurity, obsession, friendship, gender, love, the artistic process, loneliness, pathology. Written with multiple POVs and timelines and interspersed with the artist’s journal entries, there are twists and turns that are slowly revealed. I had a difficult time engaging with any of the characters or the plot. Fans of the author and art enthusiasts may well enjoy the story more than I did.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #MarinerBooks for the DRC.
There is a sense of something ominously foreboding throughout this novel. It is a study of insecurity, obsession, friendship, gender, love, the artistic process, loneliness, pathology. Written with multiple POVs and timelines and interspersed with the artist’s journal entries, there are twists and turns that are slowly revealed. I had a difficult time engaging with any of the characters or the plot. Fans of the author and art enthusiasts may well enjoy the story more than I did.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #MarinerBooks for the DRC.
October 1, 2024
3 stars/middle of the pact thriller for me. it’s a very slow burn which i didn’t mind—however when you have a slow burn that’s very obviously building up to the end, the ending will then make or break the book for you. for me, i decided the ending was semi-shocking but left me wanting more!
things i liked:
- her writing (she’s so talented) and the descriptions were spot on
- the setting—a remote Scottish island with secrets and a history
- the MMC, he was so charming and cute, albeit a bit naive
- the mystery—why are artists so weird!
this was a quick read and had my attention throughout, but i was left craving more at the end!! selfishly didn’t like part of the ending (although the shock factor was there)
worth the read, but not a “bump up on the TBR ASAP” thriller.
read if you liked: DAISY DARKER, THE GUEST LIST, THE SOULMATE
things i liked:
- her writing (she’s so talented) and the descriptions were spot on
- the setting—a remote Scottish island with secrets and a history
- the MMC, he was so charming and cute, albeit a bit naive
- the mystery—why are artists so weird!
this was a quick read and had my attention throughout, but i was left craving more at the end!! selfishly didn’t like part of the ending (although the shock factor was there)
worth the read, but not a “bump up on the TBR ASAP” thriller.
read if you liked: DAISY DARKER, THE GUEST LIST, THE SOULMATE
April 22, 2024
I was so excited to receive this ARC from queen of suspense Paula Hawkins. I must confess that I had a little trouble getting into this at first because there seemed to be a lot of characters and a lot going on. Once I reread the beginning, it all made sense and I was hooked. I loved the remote Scottish island setting and the storms. Hawkins’s characters are raw and real and the plot and interactions are complex. A few nice twists pull off a stellar ending. Fans will not be disappointed.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Mariner Books and Paula Hawkins for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Mariner Books and Paula Hawkins for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2024
The Blue Hour is a dark and gripping story set on an isolated Scottish island.
I don't know if it's just me, but I could have used a character guide. There's a lot of names that get thrown around right at the beginning and I had a hard time keeping them straight.
I have such a love for multiple POVs/timelines. Did I like any of the characters? Not particularly. It certainly didn't make me enjoy the story any less. If anything I couldn't wait to see what questionable things they would do next. My only complaint is that the ending was so rushed. The story would have also benefited from an epilogue to tie up some loose ends.
Overall I enjoyed this one. This is Hawkins best book since A Girl On The Train in my opinion.
My thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for this gifted copy!
I don't know if it's just me, but I could have used a character guide. There's a lot of names that get thrown around right at the beginning and I had a hard time keeping them straight.
I have such a love for multiple POVs/timelines. Did I like any of the characters? Not particularly. It certainly didn't make me enjoy the story any less. If anything I couldn't wait to see what questionable things they would do next. My only complaint is that the ending was so rushed. The story would have also benefited from an epilogue to tie up some loose ends.
Overall I enjoyed this one. This is Hawkins best book since A Girl On The Train in my opinion.
My thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for this gifted copy!
August 1, 2024
What a book, quite atmospheric. Set partially on a remote island that is accessible only during certain times of the tides. There are multiple mysteries but are introduced slowly. This is not a quick paced thriller, instead it is nuanced.
The book centers on the late artist Vanessa Chapman. She surprisingly willed all her creative works to the foundation run by Douglas Lennox. He was a sort of patron, and lover, of Vanessa before things turned very disagreeable.
Add in the director of the foundation, James Becker, who came from a working class background and still amazed at his fortune being among the upper class. And Grace Haswell, friend, doctor, and executor of Vanessa’s will, who lives in the house and island left to her. Grace hasn’t been the forthcoming with handing over the art work, her letters or journals, creating more disputes.
The book was well written. I found it hard to put down and just wanted to keep reading until the end.
Thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book.
The book centers on the late artist Vanessa Chapman. She surprisingly willed all her creative works to the foundation run by Douglas Lennox. He was a sort of patron, and lover, of Vanessa before things turned very disagreeable.
Add in the director of the foundation, James Becker, who came from a working class background and still amazed at his fortune being among the upper class. And Grace Haswell, friend, doctor, and executor of Vanessa’s will, who lives in the house and island left to her. Grace hasn’t been the forthcoming with handing over the art work, her letters or journals, creating more disputes.
The book was well written. I found it hard to put down and just wanted to keep reading until the end.
Thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book.
August 10, 2024
This one is definitely no thriller. It was more of a slow burn mystery with an atmospheric setting on a secluded island, which I enjoyed. I felt this one was on the slow side for me and was hoping there would be more twists. And though I didn't get that, I did like the sense of unease I got while reading. The writing was well done and there were parts that were suspenseful. Although this wasn't a top read for me, I will still be reading Paula Hawkins future books as I really enjoyed THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2024
A deceased artist, her companion and an obsessive curator propel this well written thriller that takes place on an island accessible only during low tide. There’s a sense of gothic menace throughout as the story reaches its revealing conclusion.
September 30, 2024
When a sinister discovery is made regarding one of Vanessa Chapman's installations in the Tate, investigations into the disappearance of her husband 20 years ago are reignited. Becker, who manages Vanessa's artwork after they were donated following her death, pays a visit to Eris island to learn more about Vanessa's past. There he meets Grace, Vanessa's "is-she-isn't-she" partner, who helps him by giving him access to Vanessa's private diaries.
The isolated island of Eris is the perfect setting for a suspenseful thriller. An island cut off by the tide for 12 hours a day is a good place for suspicion and intrigue to build! This is a very atmospheric novel, with the weather playing as much of a character as the people.
I finished The Blue Hour about a week before writing this review and after some thought, I'm calling it as my favourite Paula Hawkins novel. After a very intriguing start, the book went along at a steady pace and, at first, I wasn't convinced it was one I'd be utterly blown away by. However, as the story builds, it became intensely dark with a brilliant ending. A hugely interesting novel that, by the end, I absolutely loved!
The isolated island of Eris is the perfect setting for a suspenseful thriller. An island cut off by the tide for 12 hours a day is a good place for suspicion and intrigue to build! This is a very atmospheric novel, with the weather playing as much of a character as the people.
I finished The Blue Hour about a week before writing this review and after some thought, I'm calling it as my favourite Paula Hawkins novel. After a very intriguing start, the book went along at a steady pace and, at first, I wasn't convinced it was one I'd be utterly blown away by. However, as the story builds, it became intensely dark with a brilliant ending. A hugely interesting novel that, by the end, I absolutely loved!
September 5, 2024
perhaps if i had gone into this not expecting a thriller, then i would have enjoyed it more. but i found it super slow, dull, and lacklustre. by the time the twists happened, they had no effect on me and i wasn’t surprised by them. the characters were flat and under developed and overall i found the story boring. that being said, the writing itself is good, that’s not where the problem lies. i just feel that the story wasn’t executed right and needed a lot more development.
July 22, 2024
Twenty years ago, Julian Chapman disappeared without a trace, never to be found. His wife, Vanessa—a brilliant and enigmatic artist—never showed much remorse as Julian was known to be a serial cheater. But now Vanessa has passed and her estate—all seven million dollars worth—is left to the Fairburn Foundation which art curator, James Becker, is tasked with handling. Grace Haswell, executor of Vanessa’s will and companion for twenty years is less than happy about it. When unlikely circumstances bring James and Grace together, questions about Julian’s disappearance are brought back to the surface.
I loved the atmosphere of this story—dreary and bleak—but found the plot itself to be a little dull. There are certainly scenes that had my heart rate ramped up but overall, it fell short of my expectations.
Thank you Mariner Books and NetGalley for the digital copy! Out 10/29/2024!
I loved the atmosphere of this story—dreary and bleak—but found the plot itself to be a little dull. There are certainly scenes that had my heart rate ramped up but overall, it fell short of my expectations.
Thank you Mariner Books and NetGalley for the digital copy! Out 10/29/2024!
July 4, 2024
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins is a locked room thriller (that isn't truly locked), filled with unlikable characters, intriguing hooks, dramatic moments... and it should absolutely be on your TBR!
This suspenseful book is the perfect storm! The plot is creepy, with many layers slowly peeling away to reveal the true view. The isolated, almost-island setting is unique and quickly becomes its own character.
Admittedly, though, this book took me a while to get a full grasp on what was happening. The many characters and art world kept me an arms distance away, like I was on the outside of the window looking in... but when it all clicked, I was instantly addicted!
The closer I got to the end, the more I wanted to figure everything out! The puzzle pieces were there, just out of grasp, and I tried repeatedly to figure out exactly how they all fit together... though never succeeding. Although there was only one gasp-able moment, I remained on the edge of my seat the entire time!
This is a thrilling and mysterious five-star book that is perfect for the upcoming spooky season!
Thank you Doubleday Canada and Penguin Random House Canada and for the complimentary copy to read and review.
This suspenseful book is the perfect storm! The plot is creepy, with many layers slowly peeling away to reveal the true view. The isolated, almost-island setting is unique and quickly becomes its own character.
Admittedly, though, this book took me a while to get a full grasp on what was happening. The many characters and art world kept me an arms distance away, like I was on the outside of the window looking in... but when it all clicked, I was instantly addicted!
The closer I got to the end, the more I wanted to figure everything out! The puzzle pieces were there, just out of grasp, and I tried repeatedly to figure out exactly how they all fit together... though never succeeding. Although there was only one gasp-able moment, I remained on the edge of my seat the entire time!
This is a thrilling and mysterious five-star book that is perfect for the upcoming spooky season!
Thank you Doubleday Canada and Penguin Random House Canada and for the complimentary copy to read and review.
September 18, 2024
Rounded up from 4.75. Many thanks to the author and publishers for an ARC via giveaway here on Goodreads.
This was my first Paula Hawkins book and I throughly enjoyed it like a favorite mystery I think I know the solution to. But I don’t. Never completely. My favorite element was the snippets of diary entries and letters from the past. Part of me wishes there was one from James to Helena at the end maybe. I don’t know. But I would definitely recommend this as a book club read cuz I really want to talk to someone about it!
This was my first Paula Hawkins book and I throughly enjoyed it like a favorite mystery I think I know the solution to. But I don’t. Never completely. My favorite element was the snippets of diary entries and letters from the past. Part of me wishes there was one from James to Helena at the end maybe. I don’t know. But I would definitely recommend this as a book club read cuz I really want to talk to someone about it!
September 23, 2024
This book took me a little time to get into, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down! It’s told through three distinct voices: Vanessa, a famous artist whose cheating husband mysteriously disappeared years ago; Grace, her obsessive and solitary friend; and Becker, an art lover in the present day. At first, it felt like there were a lot of moving parts, but once the story began to unfold, everything clicked into place. The layered narrative had a slow, steady build that kept me intrigued.
I absolutely loved the setting. Eris Island, this remote and storm-battered Scottish isle, felt like a character in itself. The isolation, the wildness of the landscape—it all added to the eerie atmosphere and made me feel as though I was right there, trapped with the characters in their web of secrets. Hawkins does a fantastic job using the island's moods to mirror the tension in the story.
What really pulled me in was how the drama between the characters slowly unraveled. It’s not a thriller that bombards you with twists, but rather one that reveals its secrets at just the right pace. The domestic tensions and hidden truths added so much depth, and by the end, I was fully invested in discovering what really happened.
I’ve read Hawkins’ other novels, and this one felt a bit different—in a good way. The writing had a more poetic, reflective quality, but she still delivered that signature twisty ending that left me thinking long after I’d finished.
If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a slow-burn unraveling of secrets, this is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of Hawkins and anyone who loves a good, moody thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved the setting. Eris Island, this remote and storm-battered Scottish isle, felt like a character in itself. The isolation, the wildness of the landscape—it all added to the eerie atmosphere and made me feel as though I was right there, trapped with the characters in their web of secrets. Hawkins does a fantastic job using the island's moods to mirror the tension in the story.
What really pulled me in was how the drama between the characters slowly unraveled. It’s not a thriller that bombards you with twists, but rather one that reveals its secrets at just the right pace. The domestic tensions and hidden truths added so much depth, and by the end, I was fully invested in discovering what really happened.
I’ve read Hawkins’ other novels, and this one felt a bit different—in a good way. The writing had a more poetic, reflective quality, but she still delivered that signature twisty ending that left me thinking long after I’d finished.
If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a slow-burn unraveling of secrets, this is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of Hawkins and anyone who loves a good, moody thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 29, 2024
ARC for review. To be published October 28, 2024.
Eris is an isolated Scottish island which is only accessible to the mainland for twelve hours a day. Twenty years ago Julian Chapman, the estranged husband of renowned artist Vanessa disappeared while visiting her at her home there that she shared with friend and local physician, Grace Haswell.
Now a discovery upends life for Grace who is Vanessa’s executor and for James Becker, the curator at Fairbank, the foundation which was the recipient of all of Vanessa’s artistic output.
I enjoyed the incorporation of the art into the story, but, generally found the plot itself to be a bit lackluster and predictable, though not bad.
Eris is an isolated Scottish island which is only accessible to the mainland for twelve hours a day. Twenty years ago Julian Chapman, the estranged husband of renowned artist Vanessa disappeared while visiting her at her home there that she shared with friend and local physician, Grace Haswell.
Now a discovery upends life for Grace who is Vanessa’s executor and for James Becker, the curator at Fairbank, the foundation which was the recipient of all of Vanessa’s artistic output.
I enjoyed the incorporation of the art into the story, but, generally found the plot itself to be a bit lackluster and predictable, though not bad.
May 8, 2024
What's not to love here?
Remote Scottish Island! A missing philandering husband! A mysterious and reclusive female artist! A piece of art with a human bone in it! Rich people behaving badly! I really loved this, and can't wait for everyone else to get the chance to too.
Remote Scottish Island! A missing philandering husband! A mysterious and reclusive female artist! A piece of art with a human bone in it! Rich people behaving badly! I really loved this, and can't wait for everyone else to get the chance to too.
September 11, 2024
Eris an isolated Scottish tidal island accessible only during two separate six hour periods daily. It serves as the integral setting for three individuals over a couple of decades:
-Vanessa Chapman is an attractive famous artist who purchases the isolated home wtih a studio on Eris Island to create her sculptures and paintings. The reader learns in the opening chapters that Vanessa has died leaving her oeuvre to a foundation. Her habitually unfaithful husband disappeared 20 years ago.
-Grace Haswell, physian and self-perceived "ugly duckling", is befriended by Vanessa after Grace treats her for an accident. When she became ill Grace lived on Eris full time to take care of Vanessa. She relishes in feeling needed.
-James Becker, curator for and expert in Vanessa Chapman's work, is asked to investigate a recent discovery of a human leg bone in one of Vanessa's sculptures, which brings him to Eris Island to investigate Vanessa's remaining work and detailed journals and letters.
This character study reminds me of some of Agatha Christie's works with its isolated setting, inclement weather, and detailed characters. Although I enjoyed this mystery and psychological thriller, I thought it was more predictable than her debut novel, The Girl on the Train.
-
-Vanessa Chapman is an attractive famous artist who purchases the isolated home wtih a studio on Eris Island to create her sculptures and paintings. The reader learns in the opening chapters that Vanessa has died leaving her oeuvre to a foundation. Her habitually unfaithful husband disappeared 20 years ago.
-Grace Haswell, physian and self-perceived "ugly duckling", is befriended by Vanessa after Grace treats her for an accident. When she became ill Grace lived on Eris full time to take care of Vanessa. She relishes in feeling needed.
-James Becker, curator for and expert in Vanessa Chapman's work, is asked to investigate a recent discovery of a human leg bone in one of Vanessa's sculptures, which brings him to Eris Island to investigate Vanessa's remaining work and detailed journals and letters.
This character study reminds me of some of Agatha Christie's works with its isolated setting, inclement weather, and detailed characters. Although I enjoyed this mystery and psychological thriller, I thought it was more predictable than her debut novel, The Girl on the Train.
-
July 21, 2024
To be honest, I’m disappointed in this book. I’ve considered DNFing so many times, but I kept going hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel. The only plot twist is that there is no light at the end of the tunnel- the ending was very predictable in my opinion. Being a fan of Paula Hawkins, I’m sad that this book didn’t hit the spot.
The characters are flat and I didn’t have any connection with them.
Nothing really happens in this book.
The plot is basic. Basically a struggling artist meets a lonely old woman with abandonment issues. Lonely old woman becomes attached and won’t leave her alone. She’s jealous of the artist’s male lovers and becomes even more unhinged. And there’s a random curator with his own messed up family, trying to make the crazy old lady give him the artist’s final works after she dies. He ends up finding out things that he shouldn’t.
I wouldn’t call this a thriller. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat and there was no surprising twist for me. However, I really did like the idea of the island and how you can only access it during certain parts of the day. Of course, that means you can easily get trapped there too.
A great thank you goes out to Paula Hawkins, Mariner, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are flat and I didn’t have any connection with them.
Nothing really happens in this book.
The plot is basic. Basically a struggling artist meets a lonely old woman with abandonment issues. Lonely old woman becomes attached and won’t leave her alone. She’s jealous of the artist’s male lovers and becomes even more unhinged. And there’s a random curator with his own messed up family, trying to make the crazy old lady give him the artist’s final works after she dies. He ends up finding out things that he shouldn’t.
I wouldn’t call this a thriller. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat and there was no surprising twist for me. However, I really did like the idea of the island and how you can only access it during certain parts of the day. Of course, that means you can easily get trapped there too.
A great thank you goes out to Paula Hawkins, Mariner, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2024
1/1,5 ⭐️
Jestem zawiedziona. Od Hawkins przeczytałam tylko „Dziewczynę z pociągu”, ale o wiele bardziej mi się podobała niż to (pomimo że oceniłam na 3 ⭐️ chyba?).
Od czego, by tu zacząć? Bohaterowie - nikogo nie lubiłam, naprawdę nikogo i nie wiem, czy tylko ja tak mam, ale książki, w których żaden bohater nie wzbudza, chociaż najmniejszego grama sympatii mnie odrzucają i automatycznie nie obchodzi mnie już historia. Bo kogo tu lubić? Bohaterowie nie mają głębi i są powierzchownie opisani. Becker i Helena - może i z charakteru nie są okropni, ale nie zamierzam się rozczulać nad zdrajcami (on zdradził najlepszego przyjaciela i jebnął jego narzeczoną, ona zdradziła swojego narzeczonego z nim), zdrada to zdrada i już są dla mnie skreśleni. Zdradzony narzeczony - Sebastian Lennox, za mało o nim wiadomo, bo oprócz tam paru sytuacji i wiedzy, że jest bogaty nic sobą poza tym nie reprezentował. Ta trójka pozostaje przyjaciółmi i postanawiają żyć w zgodzie. Pierdolenie. Matka Sebastiana - wredna raszpla, ale też bym była w sumie, gdyby mój mąż był zdradzieckim frajerem (i też bym go zabiła). Vanessa Chapman - zero szacunku do jej osoby. Zwłaszcza po fragmencie, gdzie przyjaciółka prosi ją o przestanie przyjmowania z powrotem Marka (jej kochanka), bo jego żona jest psychicznie załamana i mają małe dziecko. A ONA CO? Między wersami, że to nie jej wina i jak wróci to wróci. Przekleństwa mi się cisną na język i ja rozumiem, że ona nie jest nic winna tamtej kobiecie i należy jebać tego faceta, ALE KOBIETA KOBIECIE? Dodatkowo ta matka Lennoxa i jej mąż byli u niej na wyspie i co zrobili? Gdy jego żona robiła obiad w kuchni, on i Vanessa jebali się w najlepsze i potem wrócili jakby nigdy nic. Dobrze, że zmarłaś wredna łajzo. Jej mąż aka Julian Chapman też ją zdradza i lubi pieniądze, tyle. Na Grace brak mi słów ogólnie - nudna, przylepa, dziwna. NO I KOGO TU LUBIĆ, JAK KAŻDA OSOBA W TEJ KSIĄŻCE JEST ZŁA, ZDRADZA ALBO MA NIERÓWNO POD SUFITEM?
Sama historia - nudna i według mnie powinna być tylko z jednej perspektywy. Za dużo tu wszystkiego nawtykane - listy, wywiady, dzienniki, audycje radiowe. Można się łatwo domyślić zakończenia i jak już się do niego dojdzie to nic nie czuć oprócz dalszego znużenia i radości z uwagi na skończenie tej wyczerpującej książki. Nie polecam, buziaki.
Jestem zawiedziona. Od Hawkins przeczytałam tylko „Dziewczynę z pociągu”, ale o wiele bardziej mi się podobała niż to (pomimo że oceniłam na 3 ⭐️ chyba?).
Od czego, by tu zacząć? Bohaterowie - nikogo nie lubiłam, naprawdę nikogo i nie wiem, czy tylko ja tak mam, ale książki, w których żaden bohater nie wzbudza, chociaż najmniejszego grama sympatii mnie odrzucają i automatycznie nie obchodzi mnie już historia. Bo kogo tu lubić? Bohaterowie nie mają głębi i są powierzchownie opisani. Becker i Helena - może i z charakteru nie są okropni, ale nie zamierzam się rozczulać nad zdrajcami (on zdradził najlepszego przyjaciela i jebnął jego narzeczoną, ona zdradziła swojego narzeczonego z nim), zdrada to zdrada i już są dla mnie skreśleni. Zdradzony narzeczony - Sebastian Lennox, za mało o nim wiadomo, bo oprócz tam paru sytuacji i wiedzy, że jest bogaty nic sobą poza tym nie reprezentował. Ta trójka pozostaje przyjaciółmi i postanawiają żyć w zgodzie. Pierdolenie. Matka Sebastiana - wredna raszpla, ale też bym była w sumie, gdyby mój mąż był zdradzieckim frajerem (i też bym go zabiła). Vanessa Chapman - zero szacunku do jej osoby. Zwłaszcza po fragmencie, gdzie przyjaciółka prosi ją o przestanie przyjmowania z powrotem Marka (jej kochanka), bo jego żona jest psychicznie załamana i mają małe dziecko. A ONA CO? Między wersami, że to nie jej wina i jak wróci to wróci. Przekleństwa mi się cisną na język i ja rozumiem, że ona nie jest nic winna tamtej kobiecie i należy jebać tego faceta, ALE KOBIETA KOBIECIE? Dodatkowo ta matka Lennoxa i jej mąż byli u niej na wyspie i co zrobili? Gdy jego żona robiła obiad w kuchni, on i Vanessa jebali się w najlepsze i potem wrócili jakby nigdy nic. Dobrze, że zmarłaś wredna łajzo. Jej mąż aka Julian Chapman też ją zdradza i lubi pieniądze, tyle. Na Grace brak mi słów ogólnie - nudna, przylepa, dziwna. NO I KOGO TU LUBIĆ, JAK KAŻDA OSOBA W TEJ KSIĄŻCE JEST ZŁA, ZDRADZA ALBO MA NIERÓWNO POD SUFITEM?
Sama historia - nudna i według mnie powinna być tylko z jednej perspektywy. Za dużo tu wszystkiego nawtykane - listy, wywiady, dzienniki, audycje radiowe. Można się łatwo domyślić zakończenia i jak już się do niego dojdzie to nic nie czuć oprócz dalszego znużenia i radości z uwagi na skończenie tej wyczerpującej książki. Nie polecam, buziaki.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
April 13, 2024An author I really like. And this cover is SO GOOD!
I can't wait to read this!!
I can't wait to read this!!
August 21, 2024
A Chilling Exploration of Isolation and Artistic Legacy
Paula Hawkins, the mastermind behind the global phenomenon "The Girl on the Train," has once again proven her prowess in crafting psychological thrillers that dig deep into the human psyche. In "The Blue Hour," Hawkins takes us on a journey to a remote Scottish island, where the boundaries between art and reality, love and obsession, blur into a haunting tapestry of secrets and lies.
As I turned the pages of this gripping novel, I found myself transported to Eris Island, a place where time seems to stand still and the relentless tide dictates the rhythm of life. Hawkins' prose is as mesmerizing as the churning sea that surrounds her characters, drawing readers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.
A Masterful Blend of Past and Present
The story unfolds through multiple timelines and perspectives, a narrative technique that Hawkins has honed to perfection. We're introduced to Grace Haswell, a retired doctor living on Eris Island, and James Becker, a curator obsessed with the work of the late artist Vanessa Chapman. As Becker delves deeper into Chapman's life and art, he unwittingly stirs up long-buried secrets that threaten to upend everything he thought he knew.
Hawkins expertly weaves together the threads of past and present, creating a tapestry rich with intrigue and emotion. The alternating timelines serve to heighten the tension, revealing just enough to keep readers guessing until the very end.
Characters That Linger Long After the Last Page
One of Hawkins' greatest strengths lies in her ability to create complex, flawed characters that feel achingly real. Grace Haswell, in particular, is a masterclass in character development. Initially presented as a lonely, somewhat pitiful figure, Grace's layers are slowly peeled back to reveal a woman capable of both great compassion and terrifying acts.
Vanessa Chapman, though present only through memories and diary entries, looms large over the narrative. Her presence is felt in every brushstroke, every ceramic piece, and every secret harbored by those she left behind. Hawkins has crafted a character so vivid that readers will find themselves mourning an artist who never existed.
James Becker serves as our entry point into this world, his initial enthusiasm for Chapman's work giving way to a growing unease as he uncovers more about her life on Eris. His journey from wide-eyed admirer to disillusioned investigator is both compelling and heartbreaking.
A Setting That Becomes a Character
Eris Island itself emerges as one of the most captivating elements of "The Blue Hour." Hawkins' descriptions of the rugged landscape, the unpredictable tides, and the ever-present threat of isolation create an atmosphere thick with tension and foreboding. The island becomes a mirror for the characters' inner turmoil, its beauty and danger reflecting their own complex natures.
The tidal nature of Eris—accessible only twelve hours a day—serves as a brilliant metaphor for the ebb and flow of truth and deception throughout the novel. Just as the causeway is revealed and then submerged, so too are the secrets of Eris' inhabitants exposed and then hidden once more.
A Twist That Will Leave You Breathless
No discussion of "The Blue Hour" would be complete without mentioning its jaw-dropping conclusion. Hawkins has proven herself a master of the unexpected twist, and this novel is no exception. The final revelations are both shocking and, in hindsight, perfectly set up throughout the story. It's a conclusion that will have readers immediately flipping back to earlier chapters, searching for clues they missed the first time around.
In the Company of Giants
"The Blue Hour" firmly establishes Hawkins as a worthy successor to psychological thriller greats like Patricia Highsmith and Daphne du Maurier. The novel's exploration of obsession and artistic legacy brings to mind Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley," while the isolated setting and mounting dread echo du Maurier's "Rebecca."
Fans of Donna Tartt's "The Secret History" will appreciate the novel's examination of the dark underbelly of artistic and academic circles, while those who enjoyed Maggie O'Farrell's "Hamnet" will find similar themes of legacy and the impact of loss on creativity.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While "The Blue Hour" is undoubtedly a triumph, there are a few minor issues that prevent it from achieving absolute perfection. The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags, with some repetitive introspection from the characters. Additionally, a few of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.
These small criticisms, however, do little to detract from the overall power and impact of the novel.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Masterpiece
"The Blue Hour" is a novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Hawkins has crafted a story that is at once a gripping thriller, a meditation on art and legacy, and a poignant exploration of the human psyche. It's a book that demands to be read, discussed, and revisited.
For fans of Hawkins' previous work, "The Blue Hour" represents a significant evolution in her writing. While it retains the page-turning quality of "The Girl on the Train" and "Into the Water," this latest offering showcases a new depth and maturity in her storytelling.
As I closed the book, I found myself haunted by the characters and the world Hawkins had created. The sound of waves crashing against Eris' shores seemed to echo in my ears, and I caught myself glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Grace Haswell's watchful gaze.
"The Blue Hour" is more than just a thriller - it's a work of art in its own right, as layered and complex as one of Vanessa Chapman's ceramics. It's a novel that deserves to be savored, discussed, and revisited. Paula Hawkins has outdone herself, cementing her place among the greatest thriller writers of our time.
Paula Hawkins, the mastermind behind the global phenomenon "The Girl on the Train," has once again proven her prowess in crafting psychological thrillers that dig deep into the human psyche. In "The Blue Hour," Hawkins takes us on a journey to a remote Scottish island, where the boundaries between art and reality, love and obsession, blur into a haunting tapestry of secrets and lies.
As I turned the pages of this gripping novel, I found myself transported to Eris Island, a place where time seems to stand still and the relentless tide dictates the rhythm of life. Hawkins' prose is as mesmerizing as the churning sea that surrounds her characters, drawing readers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.
A Masterful Blend of Past and Present
The story unfolds through multiple timelines and perspectives, a narrative technique that Hawkins has honed to perfection. We're introduced to Grace Haswell, a retired doctor living on Eris Island, and James Becker, a curator obsessed with the work of the late artist Vanessa Chapman. As Becker delves deeper into Chapman's life and art, he unwittingly stirs up long-buried secrets that threaten to upend everything he thought he knew.
Hawkins expertly weaves together the threads of past and present, creating a tapestry rich with intrigue and emotion. The alternating timelines serve to heighten the tension, revealing just enough to keep readers guessing until the very end.
Characters That Linger Long After the Last Page
One of Hawkins' greatest strengths lies in her ability to create complex, flawed characters that feel achingly real. Grace Haswell, in particular, is a masterclass in character development. Initially presented as a lonely, somewhat pitiful figure, Grace's layers are slowly peeled back to reveal a woman capable of both great compassion and terrifying acts.
Vanessa Chapman, though present only through memories and diary entries, looms large over the narrative. Her presence is felt in every brushstroke, every ceramic piece, and every secret harbored by those she left behind. Hawkins has crafted a character so vivid that readers will find themselves mourning an artist who never existed.
James Becker serves as our entry point into this world, his initial enthusiasm for Chapman's work giving way to a growing unease as he uncovers more about her life on Eris. His journey from wide-eyed admirer to disillusioned investigator is both compelling and heartbreaking.
A Setting That Becomes a Character
Eris Island itself emerges as one of the most captivating elements of "The Blue Hour." Hawkins' descriptions of the rugged landscape, the unpredictable tides, and the ever-present threat of isolation create an atmosphere thick with tension and foreboding. The island becomes a mirror for the characters' inner turmoil, its beauty and danger reflecting their own complex natures.
The tidal nature of Eris—accessible only twelve hours a day—serves as a brilliant metaphor for the ebb and flow of truth and deception throughout the novel. Just as the causeway is revealed and then submerged, so too are the secrets of Eris' inhabitants exposed and then hidden once more.
A Twist That Will Leave You Breathless
No discussion of "The Blue Hour" would be complete without mentioning its jaw-dropping conclusion. Hawkins has proven herself a master of the unexpected twist, and this novel is no exception. The final revelations are both shocking and, in hindsight, perfectly set up throughout the story. It's a conclusion that will have readers immediately flipping back to earlier chapters, searching for clues they missed the first time around.
In the Company of Giants
"The Blue Hour" firmly establishes Hawkins as a worthy successor to psychological thriller greats like Patricia Highsmith and Daphne du Maurier. The novel's exploration of obsession and artistic legacy brings to mind Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley," while the isolated setting and mounting dread echo du Maurier's "Rebecca."
Fans of Donna Tartt's "The Secret History" will appreciate the novel's examination of the dark underbelly of artistic and academic circles, while those who enjoyed Maggie O'Farrell's "Hamnet" will find similar themes of legacy and the impact of loss on creativity.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While "The Blue Hour" is undoubtedly a triumph, there are a few minor issues that prevent it from achieving absolute perfection. The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags, with some repetitive introspection from the characters. Additionally, a few of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.
These small criticisms, however, do little to detract from the overall power and impact of the novel.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Masterpiece
"The Blue Hour" is a novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Hawkins has crafted a story that is at once a gripping thriller, a meditation on art and legacy, and a poignant exploration of the human psyche. It's a book that demands to be read, discussed, and revisited.
For fans of Hawkins' previous work, "The Blue Hour" represents a significant evolution in her writing. While it retains the page-turning quality of "The Girl on the Train" and "Into the Water," this latest offering showcases a new depth and maturity in her storytelling.
As I closed the book, I found myself haunted by the characters and the world Hawkins had created. The sound of waves crashing against Eris' shores seemed to echo in my ears, and I caught myself glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Grace Haswell's watchful gaze.
"The Blue Hour" is more than just a thriller - it's a work of art in its own right, as layered and complex as one of Vanessa Chapman's ceramics. It's a novel that deserves to be savored, discussed, and revisited. Paula Hawkins has outdone herself, cementing her place among the greatest thriller writers of our time.
September 13, 2024
“Staying sane is a trick.”
Thank you, Mariner Books, for the gifted copy of The Blue Hour {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 10.10.2024
Pages: 320
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
I enjoyed so many elements of The Blue Hour, but ultimately, quite a few weren’t for me.
For starters, it was difficult to find my footing with the book. I went in expecting a thriller or fast-paced mystery, but I was met with a very slow-burn story. What really brought it down for me is that the mixed-media format (journal and letters) interrupted the pacing of the story and ultimately added nothing of interest to the story itself. I also thought that the characters were all insufferable and that it was hard to find any redeeming qualities in any of them.
I enjoyed a unique concept that created just the right amount of unease—an artist’s work featuring a human bone. Sign me up to figure that one out! The Blue Hour was also perfectly atmospheric, and the whole concept of living alone on an island that’s cut off from society during low tide was perfectly creepy!
Read if you enjoy:
🫣 Atmospheric settings
🐌 Slow burn
📝 Mixed media (journal/letters)
👀 Locked room mystery
I recommend reading The Blue Hour if you’re looking for an atmospheric, slow-burn mystery to keep you company this fall.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
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Thank you, Mariner Books, for the gifted copy of The Blue Hour {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 10.10.2024
Pages: 320
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
I enjoyed so many elements of The Blue Hour, but ultimately, quite a few weren’t for me.
For starters, it was difficult to find my footing with the book. I went in expecting a thriller or fast-paced mystery, but I was met with a very slow-burn story. What really brought it down for me is that the mixed-media format (journal and letters) interrupted the pacing of the story and ultimately added nothing of interest to the story itself. I also thought that the characters were all insufferable and that it was hard to find any redeeming qualities in any of them.
I enjoyed a unique concept that created just the right amount of unease—an artist’s work featuring a human bone. Sign me up to figure that one out! The Blue Hour was also perfectly atmospheric, and the whole concept of living alone on an island that’s cut off from society during low tide was perfectly creepy!
Read if you enjoy:
🫣 Atmospheric settings
🐌 Slow burn
📝 Mixed media (journal/letters)
👀 Locked room mystery
I recommend reading The Blue Hour if you’re looking for an atmospheric, slow-burn mystery to keep you company this fall.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
September 4, 2024
Paula Hawkins is very hit or miss for me. She is more of a miss because I have read three books by her and I have only liked one. This book focused too much on art and not enough on the thriller vibes. I found myself bored and just wanting this book to end.
July 22, 2024
Oh my gosh, you guys! I just finished this book and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. At first, it took me a hot minute to get into her writing style because it felt super different from her other books. But once I got into it, oh boy! It's one of those stories where I felt like I was missing something, but I totally wasn't. The tension builds so perfectly, and I loved that it wasn't just twist after twist. It was more of a steady climb to uncovering the truth, which was refreshing. The perfect show burn.
The main characters were so real! They weren’t perfect cookie cutter beautiful models…. And not that we'd be besties in real life, but they were so well-written. The relationships were deep and complicated, which made the story even more disturbing. And the ending? Absolute perfection. This book is a must-read for 2024!
And okay, let’s talk about all the "art" talk. As an artist, I could totally relate, but I can see how it might be a bit much for others. Still, the way the story wove all the little pieces together was just brilliant. I was hooked on the mystery and intrigue of Vanessa. The themes of love and obsession were right there in your face, and it was so compelling.
I have to admit, it wasn’t my favorite of her books and it took me a while to get into it. But once I hit the second half, it flew by. Now, I'm totally in a book hangover because of that ending. Thanks so much to Mariner Books for letting me have this sneak peek!
The main characters were so real! They weren’t perfect cookie cutter beautiful models…. And not that we'd be besties in real life, but they were so well-written. The relationships were deep and complicated, which made the story even more disturbing. And the ending? Absolute perfection. This book is a must-read for 2024!
And okay, let’s talk about all the "art" talk. As an artist, I could totally relate, but I can see how it might be a bit much for others. Still, the way the story wove all the little pieces together was just brilliant. I was hooked on the mystery and intrigue of Vanessa. The themes of love and obsession were right there in your face, and it was so compelling.
I have to admit, it wasn’t my favorite of her books and it took me a while to get into it. But once I hit the second half, it flew by. Now, I'm totally in a book hangover because of that ending. Thanks so much to Mariner Books for letting me have this sneak peek!
July 4, 2024
Solid if unspectacular story from Hawkins centering around the estate of a late painter/sculptor who led a mysterious and sheltered life, and the foundation to whom she left her work and their efforts to obtain all of her works. Controversy arises over one of her sculptures, which leads our intrepid hero to travel to her home and speak to the woman who now resides there, a mousy sort who may be hiding many secrets about the artist and what went on at the island home. Too much art talk causes it to drag at times, and it gets to be a bit ponderous, but the second half picks up and the last third is quite good, with revelations bringing the whole thing to a head in satisfactory style. Not my favorite Hawkins but, in the end, a pretty good read. 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy.
A human bone is found in one of a long dead artists exhibitions. Is it the artists missing ex-husband? Or is there a less gruesome explanation. On her death all her works and her remote Scottish home were left to her friend Grace. Grace’s isolation and peace is shattered by the arrival of an investigator who needs to uncover the truth.
I have read Hawkins previous works and enjoyed them. I found The Blue Hour to be one of her best books.
For me the lonely and secluded setting of a Scottish island was a perfect location for this type of thriller. The island being inhabited by one person once the tides change and cutting them off for twelve hour periods was a fascinating premise. The author drew me in with the descriptions of the geography in and around the island. The central mystery was well developed and kept me interested. I was surprised by how invested in the characters I had become. It’s a gripping read right to the very last revelation.
This would make a perfect three part BBC miniseries for the winter nights.
A human bone is found in one of a long dead artists exhibitions. Is it the artists missing ex-husband? Or is there a less gruesome explanation. On her death all her works and her remote Scottish home were left to her friend Grace. Grace’s isolation and peace is shattered by the arrival of an investigator who needs to uncover the truth.
I have read Hawkins previous works and enjoyed them. I found The Blue Hour to be one of her best books.
For me the lonely and secluded setting of a Scottish island was a perfect location for this type of thriller. The island being inhabited by one person once the tides change and cutting them off for twelve hour periods was a fascinating premise. The author drew me in with the descriptions of the geography in and around the island. The central mystery was well developed and kept me interested. I was surprised by how invested in the characters I had become. It’s a gripping read right to the very last revelation.
This would make a perfect three part BBC miniseries for the winter nights.
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