The Traitors by C. A. Lynch Published by HarperCollins Publishers Limited on February 1, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / General
Pages: 336
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
'Wickedly fun and highly addictive... a delicious read with all the elements of a perfect whodunit' Jeneva Rose, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage
'House on Haunted Hill mixed with Agatha Christie' NetGalley Reviewer
The brand new locked-room thriller for fans of Ruth Ware and Freida McFadden.
You are cordially invited to the Beechwood Castle for a night you'll never forget...
Six people find a thick cream envelope on their doorstep. Inside is an invitation to spend 24 hours in a crumbling manor house and be in with the chance to win a portion of one million dollars. The catch: Beechwood Castle was the site of one of the most horrific murders in modern history.
The smell of blood, decay and death still hangs heavy in the air.
Six people walk into the house. One of them is an imposter, all of them are traitors, which of them will survive the night?
See what early readers are saying about The Traitors:
'A classic locked room mystery'
'I was so wrapped up in the drama that I didn't guess the killer until the end'
'Heart-pounding... pay attention, discount no detail and don't read it in the dark'
'Kept me guessing'
'A unique twist on that genre'
'An absolutely mind-blowing, spine-chilling, and relentlessly gripping thriller'
'Really clever story. The ending was gripping'
'Good twists, an amazing location and good storytelling'
'Pacy and atmospheric... lots of gasps and a few surprises along the way'
'Tremendous fun'
The Traitors was my first introduction to C.A. Lynch’s books! Before I get to the story, the narration was on point though I did need to speed it up as some of the dramatic pauses grated on my nerves. With zero exaggeration, I binged this read in one session. Lynch really leans into the unlikable and flawed characters for this “locked room” thriller. You don’t need likable characters to enjoy this story. Lynch crafted believable, and occasionally off-putting, thoughts and personalities that set each of the six guests apart. If I missed the character’s name at the beginning of the chapter, I was quickly able to figure out who it was. That’s how well Lynch differentiated their characters!
My only complaint is the ending skipped over a couple connections that would have helped thoroughly explain everything. I don’t know how “predictable” the twist would be but Mr. B was listening and didn’t have it completely figured out. To be fair though, he is just along for the ride when reading and I tend to dissect.
Ultimately, I’m not sure how to review this appropriately without giving anything away. Lynch really dials up the grim atmosphere and the ever-present anxiety of most the characters kept me on edge. There wasn’t as much unreliable narration as I expected but it was a fun, twisty tale with an ending doused in red. I’ll absolutely be seeking out more of Lynch’s work because this was a thoroughly engaging thriller/mild horror!