The Vipers

As it seems, most of this year's crime fiction is set on Capri, evoking the dual attraction of an idyllic background setting in the face of blunt murder conspiracies. With Katy Hays, we dive very deep into the twisted family dynamics of the Lingate family and their unspeakable wealth. While at the beginnig of the book, I was engrossed by the display of laissez-faire when it comes to the Lingate lifestyle, I found myself pretty soon revolted by their egotism, carelessness and over the top extravagance. It is very imporant, though, that none of the characters are sympathetic with his or her own secrets to keep in order build the perfect suspense for constant suspicion, mistrust and premature conclusions. Although I did feel for Helen and her undeniable golden cage, I did not get truly close to her. Normally, this would affect my reading experience in a negative way but in this story it works for the better. I trusted no one and suspected everyone - however I did not see the ending coming at all, which was the most fun of it all. Perfect summer murder mystery!

Living the dolce vita! Well, the Lingate family not so much. But me! Highly enjoying this mystery, sitting in the sun, imagining myself in Capri... Starting off as slow-burn, we get to know the Lingate family, their assistant Lorna and Capri as the backdrop of Sarah Lingate's suicide in 1992 (yeah, nobody believes that). Thirty years later as the family vacations once again on the island, Helen (Sarah’s daughter) has her suspicions of what really happened to her mother. Little did she know, there's so much more to find out... I absolutely loved the drama of this dysfunctional familiy, all their secrets being revealed and you better prepare yourself, the ending is going to be explosive! I never expected the outcome, which made it so much fun to read and I promise you, this is the perfect summer read.