An engaging “domestic thriller,” The Winters: A Novel certainly kept my attention for a few days.

I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense as I anxiously read up to the point when this love story went wrong.

And a reader knows it’s all going to “go wrong” as soon as a young woman who works in the Cayman Islands at a boat charter (honestly I can’t even remember her name; the book is from her point of view) meets Max, a wealthy politician who recently lost his wife in a dramatic accident.

This younger woman moves back with him to the East Coast and his mansion on a private island, and at this point the novel becomes extremely reminiscent the classic novel Rebecca and its Manderley both in scenery and plot details. This is not a retelling of Rebecca but there are many similarities and references.

My related Post on the classic Rebecca

The most obvious issue for the soon-to-be Mrs. Winters is Max’s teenaged daughter Dani who has it out for his fiancé and everyone else. Dani’s behavior is a nightmare, and the fiancé must manage  the daughter as well as her own obsession with how perfect the first Mrs. Winters appears to have been. (Her name was Rebekah!!) But as we learn more, not everything is adding up…

This is an entertaining and satisfying read. And I did enjoy the throw-backs to Rebecca. This is the second book I’ve read recently that reminded me of the classic. But you don’t have to be familiar with Rebecca to enjoy this new book although those who are may enjoy parts of it more.

This is the third book I’ve finished off my winter reading list. I got my hands on another off the list today as well as the new book by the author or The Paris Wife. I will hopefully be recommending both of those soon.

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