Hawkins' latest is absolutely a page-turner, and I really enjoyed the heightened sense of mystery created by the claustrophobic nature of the characters' circumstance: Spending time together on a deserted South Pacific island that's picture-perfect yet holds a lore of shipwrecks, cannibalism, and whispers of murder. I both read and listened to this book. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, does an amazing job, especially performing all of the different accents of the main six characters. This narration enhanced the characterization of each, while making it easy to differentiate between them and stay focused as the narrative weaved back and forth between past and present.

When her boyfriend Nico is hired to transport college friends Amma and Brittany to the deserted Pacific Ocean island of Meroe, Lux McAllister tags along looking for adventure. Still somewhat adrift after the death of her mother and a lack of purpose/ambition, she's anxious for some fun and sun with her boyfriend. When the foursome reaches the island in Nico's boat The Susannah (named after his ex), they come upon a larger boat with wealthy and gorgeous Jake and Eliza aboard. The six quickly start hanging out, swimming, partying, and drinking, until another boat approaches with an odd man on board. His arrival starts a snowball effect of fear (Lux finds a skull in the jungle), horror, and violence. Is it the island itself that brings out the base instincts of its inhabitants or have those instincts been in these characters all along?

Hawkins's writing and plotting keep you engrossed, as the mystery and tension stay heightened throughout. Some minor quibbles--a lack of time spent on the connection between Lux and Nico and an ending that didn't 100% satisfy me--but all in all, this is a strong, tense mystery and an entertaining physical book to spend a snowy day with (especially for the gorgeous description of the beaches, sun, and sand) or a engrossing audiobook to listen to while cleaning or relaxing. If you like mysteries and books about the bad beneath the beauty, this one is for you. Definitely recommend!