The Chalet: A Book Review

Set in the French Alps, Hugo and his wife Ria arrive at La Madière resort to impress their new investor, Simon, for Redbush Holidays. Simon and his wife Cass with their daughter and her nanny Sarah arrive at the resort, a day later. The setting and the location of the book are apt. It’s cold with a blizzard looming over and snowstorm. It resonates with the theme “revenge best served cold” with someone planning cold-blooded murder.

Hugo is a shy business owner but, with the help of Olivia, his secretary, he runs a successful vacation company. Ria, his wife, is a sybarite and as long as she gets her quota of luxury, she is calm, otherwise; you see the cranky side of hers. Hugo loves her and is grateful she married him.

Simon and Cass needed to get away as Cass is going through post-partum depression. Simon feels protective towards Cass and his daughter but never shows it to them.

Once the four of them meet at the chalet, there’s an air of mystery. The reader feels something is amiss right from the start. And once you start, you cannot stop reading it. The book has few characters. They appear to have a hidden agenda.

The story alternates between different characters set in alternate timelines. Cooper created two timelines and executed this alternate sequence with impeccable finesse. Cooper highlighted quite a few sensitive topics such as sexual abuse/ rape, mental health and children growing up in households where a parent has similar issues.

The book is fast-paced, and the ending is intriguing and just. It ended on a note there might be a sequel.

Catherine Cooper amazes her reader through her writing and excellent plotline. The mystery-thriller fans should keep their eyes peeled for her books.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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