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Bad Tourists
Three tight-knit friends embark on an extravagant divorce trip to the Maldives where they can unwind and celebrate a new chapter in midlife—until they realize the resort of their dreams is harboring a killer.
Best friends Darcy, Camilla, and Kate escape for a post-divorce retreat in the Maldives, the perfect place to relax, reset, and embrace a fresh start in life. Darcy is learning how to be a free woman at forty-two. Camilla has found the perfect calling as a fitness and wellness influencer with a devoted following. And Kate is finally working on the book she was meant to write after years of telling other people’s stories.
Their dream getaway? The exclusive and isolated Sapphire Island Resort. With luxurious private villas, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched white sand beaches, relaxation is guaranteed. But this is no ordinary friendship, and they’re not the only guests on the island with secrets. Who left the body on the beach—and who’s next?
A propulsive and deliciously dark tale about female friendship, loyalty, and lies, Bad Tourists is a white-hot thriller from the first word to its mind-blowing finish.
Best friends Darcy, Camilla, and Kate escape for a post-divorce retreat in the Maldives, the perfect place to relax, reset, and embrace a fresh start in life. Darcy is learning how to be a free woman at forty-two. Camilla has found the perfect calling as a fitness and wellness influencer with a devoted following. And Kate is finally working on the book she was meant to write after years of telling other people’s stories.
Their dream getaway? The exclusive and isolated Sapphire Island Resort. With luxurious private villas, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched white sand beaches, relaxation is guaranteed. But this is no ordinary friendship, and they’re not the only guests on the island with secrets. Who left the body on the beach—and who’s next?
A propulsive and deliciously dark tale about female friendship, loyalty, and lies, Bad Tourists is a white-hot thriller from the first word to its mind-blowing finish.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 4, 2024
About the author
Caro Carver
2 books116 followersHello, and thank you for visiting my Goodreads page. I have been writing for as long as I can remember, using my grandparents old Remington typewriter to create little novels that I sent to publishers. I am a poet and novelist published in 23 languages, and have published a number of gothic fiction novels as C.J. Cooke. I hold a PhD in literature from Queen's University Belfast and work full-time at the University of Glasgow, where I teach Creative Writing. Scotland is a cool place to live; however, I do enjoy setting my thrillers in warm and sunny places :)
I am publishing my very first thriller as Caro Carver, Bad Tourists, in 2024. Set in the Maldives, it is optioned for a TV series and I am SO excited for everyone to read it! I am currently working on my second thriller to be published in 2025.
I am publishing my very first thriller as Caro Carver, Bad Tourists, in 2024. Set in the Maldives, it is optioned for a TV series and I am SO excited for everyone to read it! I am currently working on my second thriller to be published in 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
July 9, 2024
Firstly, I need to correct one misunderstanding: Caro Carver is not a debut author; she wrote under the name "C.J. Cooke" and published four other books that I truly enjoyed, especially "A Haunting in the Arctic" and "Lighthouse Witches," which are paranormal thrillers you shouldn't miss. As Caro Carver, she writes in a different genre: a psychological thriller, a twisty locked-room mystery that takes place in the Maldives, focusing on the friendship of three middle-aged women who gather to celebrate Darcy’s divorce in the most glorious way!
This is definitely different from her latest works, and I was truly impressed by her heart-shattering opening, where a scholarship archaeological student in her early twenties finds the entire student group and her professor massacred in Spinnaker Guesthouse. However, the tragic incident gets swept under the rug as 9/11 occurs at the same time, and all police resources are transferred to this earth-shattering tragedy.
Then we get introduced to Kate, who was the same girl who found the victims at the guesthouse. Still dealing with PTSD after 22 years, leaving her dreams to become an archaeologist behind, she works as a ghostwriter, dealing with pre-menopausal effects, living as a shell of herself, secluded, preferring cats, good books, and freshly brewed teas to crowds. When her path crosses with other tragedy victims - a free-spirited, hippy, influencer, Pilates instructor Camilla, who lost her twin brother at the massacre, and Darcy, who is about to divorce her tech millionaire husband, also lost her love of life at the incident - Kate feels like she finally has people who can understand her.
When Darcy invites them to celebrate her divorce in a super luxurious resort in the Maldives, with all expenses compensated, both Kate and Camilla join to help their friend deal with her most stressful process.
Who can say no to the isolated Sapphire Island Resort with luxurious villas, your own butler serving 24/7, crystal clear waters, drenched white sand beaches, and delicious Negronis served in the fancy beach bar? I honestly cannot!
They are not only celebrating Darcy’s divorce, but they also have to support each other for the approaching 22nd anniversary of the massacre.
But their dreamy holiday getaway slowly turns into a nightmare when they meet young Jade celebrating her honeymoon with her abusive husband Rob, who may give them very dangerous vibes. A body gets found on the beach, and things get out of hand. Could there be a killer out there threatening the women’s lives? What if this is someone from their past, waiting for the anniversary date to make them remember they will never be safe again?
Overall, this is a riveting page-turner that hooked me from the beginning. I wish I hadn't guessed the big twist before the big revelation at the end. It was still a well-established idea, and all the explanations filled the plot holes perfectly. But my expectations were a little high when I saw highly raving "you'll never see it coming" twist reviews (unfortunately, I saw it - great day for my hypersensitive Spidey senses, better than Spider-Man’s senses). I also admired the author’s previous works, which were excellently polished and well-executed smart thrillers.
I'm still giving 3.5 stars to 4 serial killer, twisty stars for the love of locked-room whodunit mysteries and the unconventional friendship path choice the author created. Who am I fooling? Of course, I can read anything both Caro Carver and C. J. Cooke write (or any name the author chooses).
Many thanks to NetGalley, Avid Press / Simon & Schuster, and S&S Book Club for providing me with both digital and physical copies in exchange for my honest feedback.
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This is definitely different from her latest works, and I was truly impressed by her heart-shattering opening, where a scholarship archaeological student in her early twenties finds the entire student group and her professor massacred in Spinnaker Guesthouse. However, the tragic incident gets swept under the rug as 9/11 occurs at the same time, and all police resources are transferred to this earth-shattering tragedy.
Then we get introduced to Kate, who was the same girl who found the victims at the guesthouse. Still dealing with PTSD after 22 years, leaving her dreams to become an archaeologist behind, she works as a ghostwriter, dealing with pre-menopausal effects, living as a shell of herself, secluded, preferring cats, good books, and freshly brewed teas to crowds. When her path crosses with other tragedy victims - a free-spirited, hippy, influencer, Pilates instructor Camilla, who lost her twin brother at the massacre, and Darcy, who is about to divorce her tech millionaire husband, also lost her love of life at the incident - Kate feels like she finally has people who can understand her.
When Darcy invites them to celebrate her divorce in a super luxurious resort in the Maldives, with all expenses compensated, both Kate and Camilla join to help their friend deal with her most stressful process.
Who can say no to the isolated Sapphire Island Resort with luxurious villas, your own butler serving 24/7, crystal clear waters, drenched white sand beaches, and delicious Negronis served in the fancy beach bar? I honestly cannot!
They are not only celebrating Darcy’s divorce, but they also have to support each other for the approaching 22nd anniversary of the massacre.
But their dreamy holiday getaway slowly turns into a nightmare when they meet young Jade celebrating her honeymoon with her abusive husband Rob, who may give them very dangerous vibes. A body gets found on the beach, and things get out of hand. Could there be a killer out there threatening the women’s lives? What if this is someone from their past, waiting for the anniversary date to make them remember they will never be safe again?
Overall, this is a riveting page-turner that hooked me from the beginning. I wish I hadn't guessed the big twist before the big revelation at the end. It was still a well-established idea, and all the explanations filled the plot holes perfectly. But my expectations were a little high when I saw highly raving "you'll never see it coming" twist reviews (unfortunately, I saw it - great day for my hypersensitive Spidey senses, better than Spider-Man’s senses). I also admired the author’s previous works, which were excellently polished and well-executed smart thrillers.
I'm still giving 3.5 stars to 4 serial killer, twisty stars for the love of locked-room whodunit mysteries and the unconventional friendship path choice the author created. Who am I fooling? Of course, I can read anything both Caro Carver and C. J. Cooke write (or any name the author chooses).
Many thanks to NetGalley, Avid Press / Simon & Schuster, and S&S Book Club for providing me with both digital and physical copies in exchange for my honest feedback.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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June 4, 2024
Three friends (Darcy, Camilla, & Kate) who share a tragic past decide to head to the Maldives to celebrate Darcy's divorce from her jerk husband.
After a few days of soaking in the sun and sipping cocktails there is a dead body discovered in the bay and it doesn't appear to be a drowning. Now the entire resort is in fear that there's a murderer on the loose and no one knows who they can trust. Including each other.
As they say, with friends like these who needs enemies.
This showed such promise in the start and the location is absolutely to die for - pun intended! However, the longer I spent time with these characters the more I didn't like them. Especially Camilla, the Pilates influencer. She really grated my nerves. Unlikeable characters isn't a complete deal breaker for me but what I do think is a deal breaker is the preposterous ending. Certain revelations will take you by surprise but not because it's a cleverly played twist. Not for me anyways. It took me by surprise by how utterly ludicrous it is. It's so ludicrous that the big baddie has to explain in detail at the end how they came up with all that went down and it was a head scratcher and an eye roller all at once. 🙄 As per usual I am an outlier so don't let my opinion sway your decision in reading this one. You may love it. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for my complimentary copy.
After a few days of soaking in the sun and sipping cocktails there is a dead body discovered in the bay and it doesn't appear to be a drowning. Now the entire resort is in fear that there's a murderer on the loose and no one knows who they can trust. Including each other.
As they say, with friends like these who needs enemies.
This showed such promise in the start and the location is absolutely to die for - pun intended! However, the longer I spent time with these characters the more I didn't like them. Especially Camilla, the Pilates influencer. She really grated my nerves. Unlikeable characters isn't a complete deal breaker for me but what I do think is a deal breaker is the preposterous ending. Certain revelations will take you by surprise but not because it's a cleverly played twist. Not for me anyways. It took me by surprise by how utterly ludicrous it is. It's so ludicrous that the big baddie has to explain in detail at the end how they came up with all that went down and it was a head scratcher and an eye roller all at once. 🙄 As per usual I am an outlier so don't let my opinion sway your decision in reading this one. You may love it. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for my complimentary copy.
July 7, 2024
Best friends Darcy, Camilla, and Kate escape for a post-divorce retreat in the Maldives, the perfect place to relax, reset, and embrace a fresh start in life. Darcy is learning how to be a free woman at forty-two. Camilla has found the perfect calling as a fitness and wellness influencer with a devoted following. And Kate is finally working on the book she was meant to write after years of telling other people’s stories.
Their dream getaway? The exclusive and isolated Sapphire Island Resort. With luxurious private villas, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched white sand beaches, relaxation is guaranteed. But this is no ordinary friendship, and they’re not the only guests on the island with secrets. Who left the body on the beach—and who’s next?
Hot damn! A delightfully dark and twisted, propulsive, well-plotted novel, Bad Tourists grabbed me right from the start and never let go. I’m not kidding. The first chapter pulled me in deep. Then there were the multiple seemingly unrelated subplots and the locked room mystery setting. Both combined to serve up a storyline steeped in foreboding and suspense. It was the conclusion, however, that took me over the edge. A masterclass in crazy, the spine-tingling events and gasp-inducing twists left my jaw firmly on the floor in the best possible way.
The characters won me over right from the start. Told via multiple POVs, each was impressively memorable as well as mildly eccentric. I especially loved how the three central personas were all middle-aged women. Often overlooked in psychological thrillers, they felt realistic and wholly compelling. Even better, however, were their crystal clear identities. Paired beautifully with a non-stop plot and an ever ratcheting pace, my brain just couldn’t fit the puzzle pieces into place before the final timely reveal. And let me tell you, it was quite the fiendishly perfect revelation.
All said and done, this dynamite book is sure to be one of the most binge-worthy, buzzed about thrillers just perfect for summer. A debut of sorts as Carver also writes gothic thrillers under the name C.J. Cooke, it’s clear that she’s not only talented in one thriller subgenre but two. With short chapters, riveting flashback scenes, and a few thoroughly unlikeable characters, I got sucked into the immersive storytelling from the very first word. So much so, in fact, that I finished it in just under five hours. So pre-order this sucker ASAP. After all, this is one girls’ trip you won’t want to miss. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Caro Carver and Avid Reader Press for both my physical and digital complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 9, 2024
Trigger warning: domestic violence, controlling relationship, gaslighting, knife violence
Their dream getaway? The exclusive and isolated Sapphire Island Resort. With luxurious private villas, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched white sand beaches, relaxation is guaranteed. But this is no ordinary friendship, and they’re not the only guests on the island with secrets. Who left the body on the beach—and who’s next?
Hot damn! A delightfully dark and twisted, propulsive, well-plotted novel, Bad Tourists grabbed me right from the start and never let go. I’m not kidding. The first chapter pulled me in deep. Then there were the multiple seemingly unrelated subplots and the locked room mystery setting. Both combined to serve up a storyline steeped in foreboding and suspense. It was the conclusion, however, that took me over the edge. A masterclass in crazy, the spine-tingling events and gasp-inducing twists left my jaw firmly on the floor in the best possible way.
The characters won me over right from the start. Told via multiple POVs, each was impressively memorable as well as mildly eccentric. I especially loved how the three central personas were all middle-aged women. Often overlooked in psychological thrillers, they felt realistic and wholly compelling. Even better, however, were their crystal clear identities. Paired beautifully with a non-stop plot and an ever ratcheting pace, my brain just couldn’t fit the puzzle pieces into place before the final timely reveal. And let me tell you, it was quite the fiendishly perfect revelation.
All said and done, this dynamite book is sure to be one of the most binge-worthy, buzzed about thrillers just perfect for summer. A debut of sorts as Carver also writes gothic thrillers under the name C.J. Cooke, it’s clear that she’s not only talented in one thriller subgenre but two. With short chapters, riveting flashback scenes, and a few thoroughly unlikeable characters, I got sucked into the immersive storytelling from the very first word. So much so, in fact, that I finished it in just under five hours. So pre-order this sucker ASAP. After all, this is one girls’ trip you won’t want to miss. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Caro Carver and Avid Reader Press for both my physical and digital complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 9, 2024
Trigger warning: domestic violence, controlling relationship, gaslighting, knife violence
July 1, 2024
I liked the concept of this novel, with three friends linked by a massacre in a run down hotel over twenty years ago going on a trip to the Maldives to celebrate the divorce of one of them. However, I didn’t enjoy the execution, firstly because I never got a good feel for the characters or their relationships to one another. They met as a result of the trauma, with two of them losing a brother or boyfriend and one being the only survivor of the massacre. I got the feeling they supposed to have been tight knit friends to go on a trip together, but there wasn’t much evidence for this. I don’t think they knew each other all that intimately at all, so it raises the question of why would they agree to go.
Secondly, the twists in the plot kept making me ask the question Why? It wasn’t clear what the motive was for what happened in the past, 22 years ago, or in the present. The way people behaved seemed unrealistic and even ridiculous at times. Overall, I think the concept and themes could have been better developed to heighten the plausibility and generate a suspenseful atmosphere. However, I seem to be an outlier here, so if you like the sound of the novel, you should read it for yourself. 2.5★
With thanks to Random House via Netgalley for a copy to read
Secondly, the twists in the plot kept making me ask the question Why? It wasn’t clear what the motive was for what happened in the past, 22 years ago, or in the present. The way people behaved seemed unrealistic and even ridiculous at times. Overall, I think the concept and themes could have been better developed to heighten the plausibility and generate a suspenseful atmosphere. However, I seem to be an outlier here, so if you like the sound of the novel, you should read it for yourself. 2.5★
With thanks to Random House via Netgalley for a copy to read
January 20, 2024
This book was twisty and engaging; I finished it in under 24 hours. It centers on 3 friends who are tied together from a 20+ year old tragedy- Darcy is going through a divorce and invites Camilla and Kate to join her on a trip to the Maldives to celebrate her newfound singledom. On the trip, they encounter Jade, who is on her honeymoon but realizes she has made a mistake in getting married, and the 4 forge a friendship. But everything in the idyllic tropical setting is not as it seems.
This story had many dark undertones that keeps the reader on edge throughout; there are multiple mysteries happening at the same time, but everything is weaved together expertly and there is no confusion in how it all fits together. The big twist is great and I didn’t even have an inkling of how it was going to turn out. I also loved the clear and atmospheric descriptions of the resort- they made me feel like I was there without providing too much detail that would have taken me out of the action.
Overall, this was a wild ride and a really well written mystery. I am giving it 4.5 stars and am going to go find some more books by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story had many dark undertones that keeps the reader on edge throughout; there are multiple mysteries happening at the same time, but everything is weaved together expertly and there is no confusion in how it all fits together. The big twist is great and I didn’t even have an inkling of how it was going to turn out. I also loved the clear and atmospheric descriptions of the resort- they made me feel like I was there without providing too much detail that would have taken me out of the action.
Overall, this was a wild ride and a really well written mystery. I am giving it 4.5 stars and am going to go find some more books by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2023
SHOOK! Is the only word I can come up with when I think about this book. Or was incredible and one I’m going to be thinking about for A WHILE. I was so intrigued to see how everything was going to come together, being a fan of CJ Cooke I knew it was going to be INSANE in the best possible way. This is going to be a summer MUST READ!
July 7, 2024
I’ve read a few of Caro Carver’s gothic thrillers which are published under a different name (C.J. Cooke) and loved them, so I was excited to read her new thriller which is this one. Overall, I liked this one. It’s a 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥 set in the beautiful Maldives and has a twist I wasn’t expecting. But here’s the thing about twists. Many authors will leave breadcrumbs (even if they are just grains) when it comes to the person “who-dun-it” but that wasn’t the case here. The actual killer was someone SO UNEXPECTED that I thought it was written wrong. It made NO SENSE for the story up until the very end and honestly, I’m not sure if I liked it or not. There just weren’t any clues at all and I’m the kind of reader that appreciates clues (even miniscule ones where I can say “yes that makes sense now”). Other than that I thought this was a solid summer thriller with interesting characters, a great backstory, and a beautiful setting.
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Vacation Thrillers
❥ Mega Twists
❥ Books set on an island
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Vacation Thrillers
❥ Mega Twists
❥ Books set on an island
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
December 31, 2023
A twisty, turny, deliciously dark thriller set in paradise. I couldn’t put it down.
June 30, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was such a thrilling summer beach read! Three friends bonded by trauma and loss take a vacation to embrace the new starts in their lives. This vacation ends up being so much more than that, though, as murder and death follow them.
June 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this fast paced mystery set in the Maldives. What an incredible setting for such a dark read. Despite its content, this was a fun and entertaining book that I read in 2 sittings. I was surprised to learn that this was a pen name for CJ Cooke, an author that I have always wanted to read.
3 friends who share a dark history travel to the Maldives to celebrate Darcy’s divorce. Cocktails, stunning views, beautiful food, massage sessions and snorkelling with turtles… heaven. But not everything is as it seems and they are soon looking over their shoulders as their past is back in their faces.
A variety of different characters, some more likeable than others. It was a shocking ending that I didn’t 100% see coming. Lots of ways this story could have gone which makes it fun.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 9th.
3 friends who share a dark history travel to the Maldives to celebrate Darcy’s divorce. Cocktails, stunning views, beautiful food, massage sessions and snorkelling with turtles… heaven. But not everything is as it seems and they are soon looking over their shoulders as their past is back in their faces.
A variety of different characters, some more likeable than others. It was a shocking ending that I didn’t 100% see coming. Lots of ways this story could have gone which makes it fun.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 9th.
December 5, 2023
So you know how book adverts always scream things like ‘UNPUTDOWNABLE’ and ‘SHOCKING TWIST’ and “HIGH OCTANE” and every other buzzword? Well, oh my God this one was all those things!
I absolutely went into this expecting not much and by the time I was done I’d eaten all the popcorn and chewed my nails down to nubs.
Forgive me, but I definitely did NOT see any of this coming.
From the moment you find out how these women met and why they’re together until the very last page, it’s a frantic pace of thoroughly entertaining reading.
Kudos to the author for completely surprising me time and again.
Loved this!
• ARC via publisher
I absolutely went into this expecting not much and by the time I was done I’d eaten all the popcorn and chewed my nails down to nubs.
Forgive me, but I definitely did NOT see any of this coming.
From the moment you find out how these women met and why they’re together until the very last page, it’s a frantic pace of thoroughly entertaining reading.
Kudos to the author for completely surprising me time and again.
Loved this!
• ARC via publisher
July 9, 2024
I very much LOVED this perfect multiple POV summer thriller from CJ Cooke in her debut writing as Caro Carver!! Three British friends take a trip to a resort in the Maldives to celebrate one's recent divorce only to find themselves forced to confront their past connections to a serial murder from twenty years ago! Twisty and full of emotional depth, I really enjoyed the domestic abuse storyline and the way I could not figure out what was going on. This was also great on audio narrated by Lesley Sharp and would make a PERFECT beach read! Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon Schuster for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 21, 2024
Darcy, Camilla, and Kate are on the vacation of a lifetime in the Maldives. They are experiencing top-notch luxury, courtesy of Darcy, a mother of three, who is celebrating her divorce. Camilla works as a Pilates instructor, while Kate is a ghostwriter. The three friends start off having a great time at the remote and exclusive Sapphire Island Resort. More than twenty years ago, their lives were deeply impacted by a horrendous tragedy and the anniversary of the event is coming up. At the resort, the women meet Jade, a beautiful young woman honeymooning at the resort. She doesn't do a good job hiding the fact that her new husband Rob is abusive. The discovery of a body washed ashore raises questions: was it an accidental drowning or a murder? Could this incident somehow be linked to the decades-old event of the past?
Bad Tourists by Caro Carver is divided into three suspenseful sections. Carver reveals the story of each woman and how the tragedy affected them. The most poignant narrative belongs to Kate, who keeps to herself hiding behind the identity of those she writes books for. Author Carvo has written previously written in the gothic horror mystery genre under the name C. J. Cooke. With an intense, intriguing storyline, as well as a clever twist, Carvo has successfully crafted a satisfying mystery thriller under her new pen name.
Many thanks to Avid Reader Press | Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this book before its release.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
Bad Tourists by Caro Carver is divided into three suspenseful sections. Carver reveals the story of each woman and how the tragedy affected them. The most poignant narrative belongs to Kate, who keeps to herself hiding behind the identity of those she writes books for. Author Carvo has written previously written in the gothic horror mystery genre under the name C. J. Cooke. With an intense, intriguing storyline, as well as a clever twist, Carvo has successfully crafted a satisfying mystery thriller under her new pen name.
Many thanks to Avid Reader Press | Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this book before its release.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
April 25, 2024
Darcy just found out her husband is having an affair, so they are getting divorced and she wants to celebrate with a girls trip to the Maldives. She is the mother of three boys, and the custody battle is raging. Getting away to an island paradise with her soon-to-be-ex’s money sounds like just the right thing. She invites along Camilla, a Pilates instructor/Instagram influencer, and Kate, a shy, overweight writer prone to anxiety.
These three seem like an odd group, because they’re together not from being longtime friends, but because they were all affected by a brutal massacre that happened 22 years prior. Kate was heading to an archeology event and was checked into a guesthouse very late at night by a very creepy man. The next morning, she awoke to find everyone else in the building murdered, and the creepy man gone.
Kate was the lone survivor, but the other two women were also affected. Camilla’s twin brother was killed in the attack, as was Darcy’s boyfriend. The man who checked Kate in turned out to be a pedophile who confessed to the crime and soon died of cancer while incarcerated. These women now have a morbid bond, and while they probably wouldn’t be friends outside of this situation, they are now bound by the gruesome horror of that night.
The women have hired a private investigator to find out if there was another killer in the house that night, and the evidence is pointing in that direction. A journalist wants to try to get the case re-opened, but they need more evidence. How can they disprove that the creepy pedophile who was dying of cancer violently killed six people by himself, some of them strong young men?
I really thought I had the ending pegged, and towards the end of the book, it looked like my suspicions were confirmed. Then, everything completely flipped and I realized that I was wrong, wrong, wrong about what happened that night! The truth about that massacre and this trip eventually comes out, and it’s a shocker. This a fantastic murder mystery with good characters and a lot of twists, and it’s the perfect beach read…if you can stomach the sea after this particular island vacation. 4.5 stars, and my definite recommendation.
(Thank you to Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster, Caro Carver and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 9, 2024.)
These three seem like an odd group, because they’re together not from being longtime friends, but because they were all affected by a brutal massacre that happened 22 years prior. Kate was heading to an archeology event and was checked into a guesthouse very late at night by a very creepy man. The next morning, she awoke to find everyone else in the building murdered, and the creepy man gone.
Kate was the lone survivor, but the other two women were also affected. Camilla’s twin brother was killed in the attack, as was Darcy’s boyfriend. The man who checked Kate in turned out to be a pedophile who confessed to the crime and soon died of cancer while incarcerated. These women now have a morbid bond, and while they probably wouldn’t be friends outside of this situation, they are now bound by the gruesome horror of that night.
The women have hired a private investigator to find out if there was another killer in the house that night, and the evidence is pointing in that direction. A journalist wants to try to get the case re-opened, but they need more evidence. How can they disprove that the creepy pedophile who was dying of cancer violently killed six people by himself, some of them strong young men?
I really thought I had the ending pegged, and towards the end of the book, it looked like my suspicions were confirmed. Then, everything completely flipped and I realized that I was wrong, wrong, wrong about what happened that night! The truth about that massacre and this trip eventually comes out, and it’s a shocker. This a fantastic murder mystery with good characters and a lot of twists, and it’s the perfect beach read…if you can stomach the sea after this particular island vacation. 4.5 stars, and my definite recommendation.
(Thank you to Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster, Caro Carver and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 9, 2024.)
December 7, 2023
To all my bookish friends…..
I have a PSA
If you have not already request, pre-ordered or heard of this book I am about to share with you, you need to drop what you are doing and RUN on over to request/ pre-order this book.
Holy Freaking Smoke 💨
Bad Tourist
I know I asked you all to pick my next book and well majority didn’t win in this case 🤣 of course my little squirrel brain had other intentions . I saw the cover and said let’s just read the first chapter and see how it plays out .
Oh no no no …
This is not how it worked out . One chapter turned into 2, turned into 3, ended in finishing this entire book in one sitting!!!!!
My mind is completely blown!!!! The narration was done with perfection. The details had me in awe and just the story itself had me completely consumed . I could not get enough!
Teaser :
Three tight-knit friends embark on an extravagant divorce trip to the Maldives where they can unwind and celebrate a new chapter in midlife—until they realize the resort of their dreams is harboring a killer.
Best friends Darcy, Camilla, and Kate escape for a post-divorce retreat in the Maldives, the perfect place to relax, reset, and embrace a fresh start in life. Darcy is learning how to be a free woman at forty-two. Camilla has found the perfect calling as a fitness and wellness influencer with a devoted following. And Kate is finally working on the book she was meant to write after years of telling other people’s stories.
Their dream getaway? The exclusive and isolated Sapphire Island Resort. With luxurious private villas, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched white sand beaches, relaxation is guaranteed. But this is no ordinary friendship, and they’re not the only guests on the island with secrets. Who left the body on the beach—and who’s next?
A propulsive and deliciously dark tale about female friendship, loyalty, and lies, Bad Tourists is a white-hot thriller from the first page to its mind-blowing finish.
I have a PSA
If you have not already request, pre-ordered or heard of this book I am about to share with you, you need to drop what you are doing and RUN on over to request/ pre-order this book.
Holy Freaking Smoke 💨
Bad Tourist
I know I asked you all to pick my next book and well majority didn’t win in this case 🤣 of course my little squirrel brain had other intentions . I saw the cover and said let’s just read the first chapter and see how it plays out .
Oh no no no …
This is not how it worked out . One chapter turned into 2, turned into 3, ended in finishing this entire book in one sitting!!!!!
My mind is completely blown!!!! The narration was done with perfection. The details had me in awe and just the story itself had me completely consumed . I could not get enough!
Teaser :
Three tight-knit friends embark on an extravagant divorce trip to the Maldives where they can unwind and celebrate a new chapter in midlife—until they realize the resort of their dreams is harboring a killer.
Best friends Darcy, Camilla, and Kate escape for a post-divorce retreat in the Maldives, the perfect place to relax, reset, and embrace a fresh start in life. Darcy is learning how to be a free woman at forty-two. Camilla has found the perfect calling as a fitness and wellness influencer with a devoted following. And Kate is finally working on the book she was meant to write after years of telling other people’s stories.
Their dream getaway? The exclusive and isolated Sapphire Island Resort. With luxurious private villas, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched white sand beaches, relaxation is guaranteed. But this is no ordinary friendship, and they’re not the only guests on the island with secrets. Who left the body on the beach—and who’s next?
A propulsive and deliciously dark tale about female friendship, loyalty, and lies, Bad Tourists is a white-hot thriller from the first page to its mind-blowing finish.
July 9, 2024
4.5⭐️
Out today! Highly recommend!
3 friends brought together by a shared tragedy embark on a vacation to the picturesque Maldives. Their lives have been forever changed since 9/10/2001, but they have a feeling there’s more to the story. They are determined to find justice. What starts as a typical vacay read turns into a horror twist.
I liked reading from several POVs and the fact that not all is what it seems. Every character introduced begs the question of “are the good or bad?”. This is an easy 2 day read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Caro Carver, and Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC. This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date 09 Jul 2024
This should be on everyone’s summer read list!
Out today! Highly recommend!
3 friends brought together by a shared tragedy embark on a vacation to the picturesque Maldives. Their lives have been forever changed since 9/10/2001, but they have a feeling there’s more to the story. They are determined to find justice. What starts as a typical vacay read turns into a horror twist.
I liked reading from several POVs and the fact that not all is what it seems. Every character introduced begs the question of “are the good or bad?”. This is an easy 2 day read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Caro Carver, and Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC. This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date 09 Jul 2024
This should be on everyone’s summer read list!
February 3, 2024
This book started out immediately with tension and suspense and never let up. Kate was the only survivor of a serial killer and her two friends lost loved ones that night. The three women bond later from their shared trauma. It’s now 22 years after the killings and they still believe the man arrested and jailed for the murders didn’t act alone. If you’re looking for a story to scare you, this should do just that. The twists in this fast paced thriller got me more than once! I’d recommend going into this one cold since reading too many reviews that may give something away could spoil the story.
Thank you @simonandshuster @carverofbooks for an advance reader’s copy of Bad Tourists.
November 13, 2023
Bad tourists, indeed. Darcy, Camilla, and Kate are taking a girls trip to the Maldives to celebrate Darcy’s divorce. But with a shared trauma in their past, relaxation may be impossible.
Told in multiple POVs, you’ll want to pay close attention to this read. Every character provides a piece of the puzzle to this vacation thriller, which would surely be a great read for your summer TBR.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an early copy!
Told in multiple POVs, you’ll want to pay close attention to this read. Every character provides a piece of the puzzle to this vacation thriller, which would surely be a great read for your summer TBR.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an early copy!
July 9, 2024
Wow! This one was gripping! A mass murder at a guesthouse in 2001. 6 people died. 1 survived. Fast forward to the present…Darcy, Camilla and Kate meet over zoom, to bond over their grief, becoming friends. Darcy lost her first love, Camilla lost her twin brother, and Kate was the sole survivor. The three of them embark on a vacation to the Maldives. Things begin to happen on their trip that are too hard to ignore….too many similarities to the “guesthouse slaughter.” There are people there that are hiding secrets.
This was suspenseful, and thrilling! Definitely a 5 star in my book! I was surprised to learned the author has penned other books under the name CJ Cooke. I loved The Lighthouse Witches, so I was excited to jump into this one! The characters were well developed and the setting was described beautifully. I loved the multiple points of view, and it was easy to keep up with. This would be a perfect vacation or beach read! The writing is done well, and it is an easy read that you won’t want to put down!
This was suspenseful, and thrilling! Definitely a 5 star in my book! I was surprised to learned the author has penned other books under the name CJ Cooke. I loved The Lighthouse Witches, so I was excited to jump into this one! The characters were well developed and the setting was described beautifully. I loved the multiple points of view, and it was easy to keep up with. This would be a perfect vacation or beach read! The writing is done well, and it is an easy read that you won’t want to put down!
June 27, 2024
Three friends (Darcie, Camilla, and Kate) are off to the Maldives to celebrate Darcie's divorce. These three women came together in their joint grief. All three suffered an unbearable loss twenty years ago when a man went on a murdering spree at a guesthouse, killing 6 people. Camilla lost a brother, Darcie lost a boyfriend, and Kate was the only survivor from that night, but she lost her old life. The three of them aren't happy about the investigation, wanting it reopened, believing the killer did not act alone. And someone is determined not to let that happen.
This was such a brilliant read. From the first chapter, it was just so good. The story jumps between a few different characters. It also jumps between past events that have happened and the present day. There were plenty of twists that keep you guessing, I certainly wasn't expecting it to go in the direction it did.
I'd say this is a must, for any thriller lovers looking for a summer read this year.
This was such a brilliant read. From the first chapter, it was just so good. The story jumps between a few different characters. It also jumps between past events that have happened and the present day. There were plenty of twists that keep you guessing, I certainly wasn't expecting it to go in the direction it did.
I'd say this is a must, for any thriller lovers looking for a summer read this year.
June 24, 2024
20 plus years ago 6 people were slaughtered in a B and B….Kate survived…..Darcy and Camilla lost loved ones
The 3 of them have built a unbreakable bond, so much so they go to the Maldives for a fortnight’s luxury holiday
But of course a luxury holiday is the last thing they get 🙃
A dark tale of the past careering with the present, beautiful surroundings, dark souls and a touch of (again) ‘well it is fiction’ made this a stirring read, cold in its delivery but hot in the despicable action
Fav line ’ ‘hack your software?,I can barely cut and paste’….
Interesting, unsettling read
The 3 of them have built a unbreakable bond, so much so they go to the Maldives for a fortnight’s luxury holiday
But of course a luxury holiday is the last thing they get 🙃
A dark tale of the past careering with the present, beautiful surroundings, dark souls and a touch of (again) ‘well it is fiction’ made this a stirring read, cold in its delivery but hot in the despicable action
Fav line ’ ‘hack your software?,I can barely cut and paste’….
Interesting, unsettling read
May 2, 2024
Coming July 9th. Looking for an exciting summer read? Look no further than Cara Carver's 'Bad Tourist'. The novel centers around three friends, Darcy, Camilla, and Kate, who take a beach vacation together. They enjoy the sun and relax in a luxurious villa on a lush island. However, their idyllic vacation takes a turn for the worse when they meet Jade, a young woman in an abusive relationship with her husband, Rob. The trio plans to help Jade escape from her toxic relationship, but things get complicated when they discover that an unknown entity is targeting them. As they try to uncover the truth behind the attacks, they realize that their pasts might be catching up to them. Kate, in particular, has been haunted by a traumatic experience from her past, where she narrowly escaped a murderous rampage. With a gripping storyline filled with suspense and twists, 'Bad Tourist' is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller. This is a book that you won't be able to put down until you finish it. I loved the characters, plot, and ending, which I didn't see coming at all.
I just reviewed Bad Tourists by Caro Carver. #NetGalley
I just reviewed Bad Tourists by Caro Carver. #NetGalley
December 1, 2023
Darcy, Kate and Camilla are haunted by a gruesome mass murder that happened the day before 9/11. Darcy lost her boyfriend, Camilla her brother and Kate…Kate, the only survivor, slept through six murders. Now, years later, newly divorced Darcy has planned a girl’s trip to celebrate the end of a bad marriage. She’s invited Kate and Camilla to join her at an exclusive resort in the Maldives. The three women think that the man jailed for the murders did not act alone and hope that the detective they’ve hired will find the real killer. Oh, he will. He will after a lot of violence, more death and many surprises.
Bad Tourists is hard to put down and even harder to figure out even though the clues start to come faster and faster in the final chapters. By the time I had started to wonder how some of the action was even possible, I was totally hooked. The three women are all well described as is their new resort friend Jade. Her situation is sad and unfortunately, too real. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avid Reader Press and Caro Carver fr this ARC.
Bad Tourists is hard to put down and even harder to figure out even though the clues start to come faster and faster in the final chapters. By the time I had started to wonder how some of the action was even possible, I was totally hooked. The three women are all well described as is their new resort friend Jade. Her situation is sad and unfortunately, too real. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avid Reader Press and Caro Carver fr this ARC.
July 9, 2024
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!! :)
Thanks to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for the ARC copy of this book! I LOVED IT!! This was a twisty psychological thriller that I truly could not put down. It kept me on the edge of my seat and flipping through the pages faster than any other book has in a while. Definitely a must-read this summer!!!
Kate, Darcy, and Camilla are best friends that take a trip to the Sapphire Island Resort in the Maldives to celebrate Darcy's divorce. A harrowing, murderous event in 2001 tied them together and created unbreakable bonds between the three women. The 22nd anniversary of that is also during this trip. The PTSD and emotional toll of the day will never be far from their minds, but Darcy hoped that the trip might help them distance themselves from it and bring some semblance of relief from the terror the friends have to relive year after year.
Soon after arriving at the resort, they come across a young woman, Jade, whom is on her honeymoon with her abusive, derisive new husband, Rob. Jade befriends the older women quickly. All three seem to have a hunch of what's going on behind closed doors with Rob, but none want to directly approach the subject... Not until a dead body is found in the water between Sapphire Island and the neighboring resort on Emerald Island. They start feeling threatened by Rob, too. The women try to keep themselves safe, but that's quite the task to accomplish with a killer lurking in their midst.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for the ARC copy of this book! I LOVED IT!! This was a twisty psychological thriller that I truly could not put down. It kept me on the edge of my seat and flipping through the pages faster than any other book has in a while. Definitely a must-read this summer!!!
Kate, Darcy, and Camilla are best friends that take a trip to the Sapphire Island Resort in the Maldives to celebrate Darcy's divorce. A harrowing, murderous event in 2001 tied them together and created unbreakable bonds between the three women. The 22nd anniversary of that is also during this trip. The PTSD and emotional toll of the day will never be far from their minds, but Darcy hoped that the trip might help them distance themselves from it and bring some semblance of relief from the terror the friends have to relive year after year.
Soon after arriving at the resort, they come across a young woman, Jade, whom is on her honeymoon with her abusive, derisive new husband, Rob. Jade befriends the older women quickly. All three seem to have a hunch of what's going on behind closed doors with Rob, but none want to directly approach the subject... Not until a dead body is found in the water between Sapphire Island and the neighboring resort on Emerald Island. They start feeling threatened by Rob, too. The women try to keep themselves safe, but that's quite the task to accomplish with a killer lurking in their midst.
July 8, 2024
I really wanted to like this novel, it had a great premise and strong start. However, let me start by saying I just don’t get the title, lol. Three friends embark on one heck trip celebrating a recent divorce. The ties that bind them together in friendship aren’t a shared past, but shared trauma. 22 years ago Camilla’s twin brother and Darcy’s boyfriend were murdered amongst others at the Spinnaker Guesthouse. The only survivor of the massacre was Kate.
Looming over their trip is the anniversary of the massacre and each friend experiences this date differently. Strangely the resort is also not without drama. One of the guests is seriously unhinged and making threats against some of the other guests. As his identity becomes known more info about Darcy and her ex-husband’s business are revealed.
This is where the plot gets weird for me. The connections were forced as was the twist. There were definitely missed opportunities for the ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Looming over their trip is the anniversary of the massacre and each friend experiences this date differently. Strangely the resort is also not without drama. One of the guests is seriously unhinged and making threats against some of the other guests. As his identity becomes known more info about Darcy and her ex-husband’s business are revealed.
This is where the plot gets weird for me. The connections were forced as was the twist. There were definitely missed opportunities for the ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2024
This is one of those crazy-good books that just begs you to read it! Darcy has invited girlfriends to go to the Maldives with her to celebrate her divorce. But it will also be during the 22nd anniversary of the mass murder of six people at The Spinnaker Guest House where these women met. Fortunately, the man who apparently committed this heinous crime died in prison recently and Jade and husband, Rob are on their honeymoon so it's all a cause for celebration. Or is it?? Going back and forth from past to present, the novel details how these women came to know each other, how they feel now, and the secrets that each of them are reluctant to reveal. Yes, it's bloody but it's also a bloody good romp in crazy town!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 3, 2024
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
An unlikely trio of friends go on a fancy vacation to the Maldives to celebrate the divorce of one of them. Darcy, newly divorced from her husband with a good job in the tech industry and her three sons, invites her friend, Kate, who seems to be a bit of a frumpy introvert, and her friend, Camilla, who is a friendly, outgoing pilates instructor. It's a very odd threesome to say the least. The chapters alternate between Darcy, Kate, and Camilla, as well as Darcy's ex-husband and another person at the resort, Jade. The three women notice Jade, who is beautiful, and on her honeymoon with her hunky husband. All is not as it seems however, the three friends notice pretty quickly that Jade seems to cower and maybe even fear her husband. As the story unfolds, we find out how these three became friends and, it isn't pretty. This one is a wild ride for sure. This is a great debut mystery thriller from Caro Carver. July 2024 Pub Date
An unlikely trio of friends go on a fancy vacation to the Maldives to celebrate the divorce of one of them. Darcy, newly divorced from her husband with a good job in the tech industry and her three sons, invites her friend, Kate, who seems to be a bit of a frumpy introvert, and her friend, Camilla, who is a friendly, outgoing pilates instructor. It's a very odd threesome to say the least. The chapters alternate between Darcy, Kate, and Camilla, as well as Darcy's ex-husband and another person at the resort, Jade. The three women notice Jade, who is beautiful, and on her honeymoon with her hunky husband. All is not as it seems however, the three friends notice pretty quickly that Jade seems to cower and maybe even fear her husband. As the story unfolds, we find out how these three became friends and, it isn't pretty. This one is a wild ride for sure. This is a great debut mystery thriller from Caro Carver. July 2024 Pub Date
November 24, 2023
Bad Tourists by Caro Carver is this author's first book in the genre of women's suspense thrillers and a solid start for a first book.
Three tight-knit friends embark on a lavish divorce trip to the Maldives, where they can unwind and celebrate a new chapter in midlife. Then, they realize the resort of their dreams is harboring a killer.
Bad Tourists includes shifty and not-quite-sure-why-they-are-friends characters. This is definitely a dark story shrouded in loyalty, lies, and deception.
#NetGalley @AvidReaderPress
Three tight-knit friends embark on a lavish divorce trip to the Maldives, where they can unwind and celebrate a new chapter in midlife. Then, they realize the resort of their dreams is harboring a killer.
Bad Tourists includes shifty and not-quite-sure-why-they-are-friends characters. This is definitely a dark story shrouded in loyalty, lies, and deception.
#NetGalley @AvidReaderPress
July 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What a wild ride! I tore through this book flipping digital pages faster than my little kindle clicker could handle.
Kate, Camilla and Darcy take a dream vacation to the Maldives to celebrate Darcy’s divorce. The women are all very different and I found their connection really interesting. Of course, the trip doesn’t go quite the way they planned and secrets are revealed along the way.
Overall, this isn’t the greatest piece of literature I’ve ever read but it was twisty and fun. I was surprised by a few details and happy that a few others didn’t go the way I expected them to. The ending is a bit bananas but it was entertaining.
You might have to suspend disbelief a bit here and I was left with a few questions upon finishing. I don’t always need everything explained perfectly, but I do wish the author had gone a bit deeper into one of the big mysteries. Also, I personally could have done with a few less red herrings.
I’d do just about anything for a vacation to the Maldives right about now but after reading BAD TOURISTS, maybe it’s for the best that I don’t have $50k to shell out on a girls trip!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader! All opinions are my own.
Kate, Camilla and Darcy take a dream vacation to the Maldives to celebrate Darcy’s divorce. The women are all very different and I found their connection really interesting. Of course, the trip doesn’t go quite the way they planned and secrets are revealed along the way.
Overall, this isn’t the greatest piece of literature I’ve ever read but it was twisty and fun. I was surprised by a few details and happy that a few others didn’t go the way I expected them to. The ending is a bit bananas but it was entertaining.
You might have to suspend disbelief a bit here and I was left with a few questions upon finishing. I don’t always need everything explained perfectly, but I do wish the author had gone a bit deeper into one of the big mysteries. Also, I personally could have done with a few less red herrings.
I’d do just about anything for a vacation to the Maldives right about now but after reading BAD TOURISTS, maybe it’s for the best that I don’t have $50k to shell out on a girls trip!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader! All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2024
Delightfully twisty! I never would have guessed the outcome of this book. Three friends go on a post-divorce vacation to the Maldives for some rest, relaxation but what actually happens is so much more sinister. This is a dark, suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.
Friendships, loyalty and innocence are all put to the test in this wonderfully written thriller told from multiple POV's.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Avid Reader Press, Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster and Caro Carver for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 7/9/24
Friendships, loyalty and innocence are all put to the test in this wonderfully written thriller told from multiple POV's.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Avid Reader Press, Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster and Caro Carver for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 7/9/24
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