When recently-widowed Oxford fellow Emily is invited for a weeklong retreat at the isolated Chalet des Anglais with some of her fellow colleagues and undergrads, she thinks it might be just what she needs in her time of grief. However, strange things seem to be happening to and around her, and she has a feeling one of their group is out to get her.

BRIGHT AND DEADLY THINGS by Lexie Elliott is a slow burn, atmospheric thriller. This is my first read by Elliott and I can see what draws readers to her work.

I loved how each character came into their own personality and quirks, and I really enjoyed that remote, no electricity feel, however, it didn’t have the full isolation I was hoping to get out of this book and setting!

While I love a good slow burn, this one was almost too slow and drawn out for my taste, and also doesn’t lead to anything truly groundbreaking to warrant such a slow meander.

I will say if you love an atmospheric read concerning academics with a slightly supernatural twist, don’t hesitate to pick this one up!

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Publication Date: February 14, 2023