08 November 2023

I promised I would work my way through all of Catherine Cooper’s books and this is the last one on the list. I have now read all of them and I cannot wait to see what this author brings our next. Her scenic novels always leave me wanting more.

“The Chalet” from 2020 is not my favourite of her work, but this book was a chilling alpine thriller you do not want to miss.

This gripping psychological thriller is set against the backdrop of the French Alps, where an unsolved mystery from the past collides with the hidden secrets of the present. The story takes you on a thrilling journey through a web of deceit, murder and retribution. Leaving you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The novel unfolds in two timelines, the first in 1998 and the second 20 years later, beautifully interweaving the past and present to create an intriguing and immersive tale. Th the snowy expanse of the French Alps, two young men embark on a ski trip, but only one returns, setting the stage for a mystery that will haunt those involved for decades.

Fast forward two decades and we meet four people who share a connection to the missing man and the mysterious incident. Each character arrives at the same resort, carrying their own burden and secrets, with the possibility that some of them may be hiding dark truths. The tension escalates as it becomes apparent that one of them might be a killer-in-waiting, setting the stage for a high-stakes and deadly game of cat and mouse.

The story is shrouded in an eerie atmosphere, with the snow-covered landscape of the French Apls serving as the perfect backdrop for a tale of mystery and suspense. The author masterfully conveys the isolation and claustrophobia of a remote winter resort, making you feel the biting cold and the oppressive weight of secrets that hang heavily in the air.

The characters are intricately developed, each with their own motives, desires and secrets. The shifting perspectives allow you to delve into their innermost thoughts and experiences, creating a sense of intimacy with the characters. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems and the characters’ layers are gradually peeled away, revealing the complexity of their relationships and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface.

Secrets are at the heart of the story and the author skilfully builds suspense by revealing them in measured doses. The sense of impending danger is visible as the characters’ past collides with their present and the truth behind the events of 1998 inches closer to the surface. The author plays with your perceptions, leading you down an unexpected path and keeps you guessing until the final shocking revelation.

The pacing is brilliant. The author maintains a taut and relentless tempo throughout the tale, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency. The short, suspenseful chapters make it difficult to put the book down and the carefully placed cliffhangers ensure that you are constantly craving the next revelation.

“The Chalet” is a heart-pounding and chilling thriller that delivers suspense and intrigue in spades. With its clever use of multiple timelines, well-drawn characters and relentless pace the book keeps you engrossed from beginning to end. The combination of a beautiful setting and a web of secrets makes “The Chalet” a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy tales of suspense, mystery and the enduring consequences of the past. This dark and gripping novel will leave you breathless and thoroughly satisfied. Adding this book to your TBR will not leave you disappointed.