The Villa is a twisty Gothic-type novel set in modern times and written by Rachel Hawkins. This scary thriller is meant to be read for just the pleasure of it without any social commentary. It is enriched with many Gothic standards.
There are two timelines in this story: the present with best friends reunited and the past with an array of artists. In the present, two friends spend a summer at an Italian villa. Both are authors but of different genres. Emily feels stuck in a rut, so she decides to investigate a murder that happened at the villa in the 1970s. The 1970s timeline includes a rock star, a drug dealer, an up-and-coming musician, the musician’s girlfriend, and the girlfriend’s sister who are all staying at the villa.
For those in the know, this is a re-imagining of the summer when Frankenstein was envisioned by Mary Shelley. She, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron had a ghost story contest in the summer of 1814. This re-imagining feels distinctive and innovative.
The present timeline highlights: Emily is struggling with writing the next book in her cozy mystery series. She is also going through a nasty divorce. Her best friend Chess whisks her away to an Italian villa. Chess is the bestselling author of several self-help books. Enter Emily’s soon-to-be ex-husband Matt. Matt is a complication that must be dealt with.
The past timeline highlights: Rock star Noel Gordon invites up-and-coming musician Pierce Sheldon to spend the summer at the villa. Along for the ride are Pierce’s girlfriend Mari, her sister Lara, and Johnnie who is another musician. Entanglements ensue. Someone is murdered.
How does all of this collide and make sense? You have to read this book to find out! There are twists galore, a missing manuscript, secrets, an isolated location, a well to hell, etc. The Villa is great entertainment.