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The Rip
Luxury villas on hot white sand, views for miles over turquoise water. Flawless hostess Penny gathers guests to an island for her husband’s birthday celebrations. But she soon regrets inviting self-obsessed Eloise…When a child vanishes on the night of the party, their perfect island weekend is ripped apart. Even paradise harbours murky secrets… Has he been taken? Has he drowned? In the panic to find any trace, Penny casts about for someone to blame—even if that person is her own daughter, Rosie. Even clear waters descend to pitch black… But it’s not the first time Rosie’s been attacked by her mother. And it’s not the first time she’s turned to Eloise for support. As the sun beats down and dark secrets rise to the surface, can they find the missing child before it’s too late—or will this sudden disappearance endanger them all? …and someone among them knows the whole shocking truth.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2024
About the author
Holly Craig
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Holly Craig lives on the Western Australian coast. She spent her childhood on boats and on Rottnest Island. The beach and river were her playground and have shaped the settings in her novels.
Holly has degrees in journalism, public relations, English teaching and creative writing from Curtin University. She lives in Fremantle with her family.
Holly Craig lives on the Western Australian coast. She spent her childhood on boats and on Rottnest Island. The beach and river were her playground and have shaped the settings in her novels.
Holly has degrees in journalism, public relations, English teaching and creative writing from Curtin University. She lives in Fremantle with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
January 18, 2024
I feel like the description of this book has little to do with the actual story. The description makes it sound like a riveting thriller where a child goes missing and the main characters have deep dark secrets that possibly have to do with the missing child.
The child didn't go missing until almost halfway through the book. And, all those "dark secrets" had nothing to do with the missing child and barely anything to do with the story in general. I feel like there were a lot of loose ends. The "twist" was also not exciting and was very predictable. I kept waiting for something shocking to happen.
It's also very hard to read a book with such unlikable main characters. The two main characters spent 60% of the book complaining about each other and constantly bashing each other for being bad mothers. The jealousy between them was unbearable. It just got to be too much. This one just wasn't for me I guess.
I appreciate the eARC from Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for my honest review!
The child didn't go missing until almost halfway through the book. And, all those "dark secrets" had nothing to do with the missing child and barely anything to do with the story in general. I feel like there were a lot of loose ends. The "twist" was also not exciting and was very predictable. I kept waiting for something shocking to happen.
It's also very hard to read a book with such unlikable main characters. The two main characters spent 60% of the book complaining about each other and constantly bashing each other for being bad mothers. The jealousy between them was unbearable. It just got to be too much. This one just wasn't for me I guess.
I appreciate the eARC from Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for my honest review!
January 23, 2024
This is first book I have read set on Rottnest Island, off the coast of WA, Australia. It sounds like a stunning place. For the characters in The Rip, it is meant to be safe place for a family holiday. But when one of the kids go missing, it becomes anything but.
The deep dark secrets soon threaten to be exposed while they frantically search for the missing boy. How could he go missing? Has he wandered off and fallen into the water? Or did somebody take him? All will be revealed as you read this page turning thriller that I read on my flight over to Fiji. It was the perfect escape read.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for my advanced copy to read. Published in February and will be available on Kindle Unlimited
The deep dark secrets soon threaten to be exposed while they frantically search for the missing boy. How could he go missing? Has he wandered off and fallen into the water? Or did somebody take him? All will be revealed as you read this page turning thriller that I read on my flight over to Fiji. It was the perfect escape read.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for my advanced copy to read. Published in February and will be available on Kindle Unlimited
February 13, 2024
Holly Craig’s The Rip is an examination of an almighty clash of strong personalities. Although this is billed as a missing child case, there’s a definite sense that this is merely an aside, with the real focus the head to head battle between Eloise and Penny.
The holiday to Rottnest Island came at the invitation of Penny who was using the vacation as an opportunity to celebrate her husband Kav’s birthday. Scott and Eloise are part of the party but it’s Scott, best mates with Kav, who’s the real invitee. Eloise is only there because she’s Scott’s wife and her huge internet following, cosmetically enhanced body and perfect family are all fuel to Penny’s hatred of her.
For her part, Penny is an unreasonable bitch who is quick to find fault with others while excusing her own oversights as completely justifiable - and how dare anyone suggest otherwise. She’s hiding devastating events from her past and resents her 16 year old daughter Rosie for something that happened many years before. Her shining light is her adopted son, 6 year old Edmund, who was taken from his drug addicted parents as a baby.
During the birthday celebrations while the parents are partying at the nearby hotel, one of the children goes missing from the holiday cabin in which they were all staying at. Nobody remembers seeing or hearing anything and, inevitably, it’s Rosie who cops the blame for the disappearance. Eloise also finds herself in the crosshairs with all kinds of blame and accusations flying left and right.
The Rip is set on Rottnest Island in Western Australia, a beautiful and very picturesque part of the world from all reports. It’s a pity there was very little in the way of description of the surrounding landscape. This could have been set at any seaside town in Australia for all the attention that was paid to pointing out any notable features that might transport me to the place. I felt that was a missed opportunity.
Much of the story centres on the emotional outbursts of the main characters as they voice their dislike and make outlandish judgements on one another. Much of it’s fuelled by a deep fear of being found out with a definite impression that both Penny and Eloise are in an elaborate process of faking it to impress their peers. In a smaller dose, I think I’d be okay with it, but the sniping carried on for way too long, overshadowing areas of the story that would have made it more enjoyable. (More lavish descriptions of Rottnest Island, for example).
While I didn’t particularly like Penny or Eloise, once the focus turned more fully to the disappearance and subsequent, the plot became more engaging. It’s a shame it made up such a short proportion of the book. If a greater portion to the novel were devoted to the tension and drama that was automatically built up here, I’m sure I would have found it far more enjoyable.
My thanks to Thomas Mercer and NetGalley for a digital ARC which allowed me to read, enjoy and review this book.
The holiday to Rottnest Island came at the invitation of Penny who was using the vacation as an opportunity to celebrate her husband Kav’s birthday. Scott and Eloise are part of the party but it’s Scott, best mates with Kav, who’s the real invitee. Eloise is only there because she’s Scott’s wife and her huge internet following, cosmetically enhanced body and perfect family are all fuel to Penny’s hatred of her.
For her part, Penny is an unreasonable bitch who is quick to find fault with others while excusing her own oversights as completely justifiable - and how dare anyone suggest otherwise. She’s hiding devastating events from her past and resents her 16 year old daughter Rosie for something that happened many years before. Her shining light is her adopted son, 6 year old Edmund, who was taken from his drug addicted parents as a baby.
During the birthday celebrations while the parents are partying at the nearby hotel, one of the children goes missing from the holiday cabin in which they were all staying at. Nobody remembers seeing or hearing anything and, inevitably, it’s Rosie who cops the blame for the disappearance. Eloise also finds herself in the crosshairs with all kinds of blame and accusations flying left and right.
The Rip is set on Rottnest Island in Western Australia, a beautiful and very picturesque part of the world from all reports. It’s a pity there was very little in the way of description of the surrounding landscape. This could have been set at any seaside town in Australia for all the attention that was paid to pointing out any notable features that might transport me to the place. I felt that was a missed opportunity.
Much of the story centres on the emotional outbursts of the main characters as they voice their dislike and make outlandish judgements on one another. Much of it’s fuelled by a deep fear of being found out with a definite impression that both Penny and Eloise are in an elaborate process of faking it to impress their peers. In a smaller dose, I think I’d be okay with it, but the sniping carried on for way too long, overshadowing areas of the story that would have made it more enjoyable. (More lavish descriptions of Rottnest Island, for example).
While I didn’t particularly like Penny or Eloise, once the focus turned more fully to the disappearance and subsequent, the plot became more engaging. It’s a shame it made up such a short proportion of the book. If a greater portion to the novel were devoted to the tension and drama that was automatically built up here, I’m sure I would have found it far more enjoyable.
My thanks to Thomas Mercer and NetGalley for a digital ARC which allowed me to read, enjoy and review this book.
April 8, 2024
I haven’t disliked a book this much in a long time. The characters annoyed me from the very beginning and stayed that way until the very end. I don’t necessarily need a book to be feasible in “real life” to enjoy it, but this one took it too far. Basically the two characters hate each other but bond over realizing they are both terrible people and mothers….also they don’t tell their spouses anything….also they can somehow live with themselves? I don’t buy it. Seriously only read it because it was free with audible.
February 29, 2024
Not very enjoyable, too much going on with too much information that didn't lead anywhere and left a lot of loose ends. Also the two main characterd were so unlikeable.
March 8, 2024
I loved this book. Each chapter is narrated by one or the other of the two main characters, so we get to hear their real thoughts. Their back stories are revealed gradually via flashbacks.
The narrators are excellent.
The book kept my interest throughout, thankfully, and there is a small twist at the end...
The narrators are excellent.
The book kept my interest throughout, thankfully, and there is a small twist at the end...
April 27, 2024
It’s party time on a quaint Australian island where nothing bad ever happens! Oops! But there’s the setting and it’s the most positive thing I have to say about The Rip. There are occasional glimmers of good writing, but overall, this one is a fail for me.
I’m hard-pressed to even say what it’s about. You’d think it was about a missing child. You might think it is a thriller. You’d be wrong on both counts.
It’s true a young child described as odd and quirky, with the unfortunate moniker of Edmund, disappears while under the care of his teenaged sibling. Her name is Rosie, which just doesn’t suit her. She is not at all likable, but given the traumatic event in her early childhood, her faults are of no surprise, but still. She’s a sucky human being.
The story is told in alternating points of view and both characters are despicable. Eloise is an ex-prostitute turned shallow influencer and adulterous wife. Penny is pretty shallow herself, driven to be perfect, which just isn’t possible as she put the blame on her four-year-old daughter when an infant died due to her own negligence. I’d take the cheating ex-hooker over that any day of the week. That’s abou as low as you can go, Penny! So both of these women have some serious stains on their pasts they’d really like to keep on the down-low! Redemption is a weak theme, but can’t say it works.
There is an odd dynamic between them which carried no weight for me as I just did care about either of them.
The predictable twist was barely a twist. I kept waiting for something to happen, only to be met with a very lame quasi-happy ending.
I’m hard-pressed to even say what it’s about. You’d think it was about a missing child. You might think it is a thriller. You’d be wrong on both counts.
It’s true a young child described as odd and quirky, with the unfortunate moniker of Edmund, disappears while under the care of his teenaged sibling. Her name is Rosie, which just doesn’t suit her. She is not at all likable, but given the traumatic event in her early childhood, her faults are of no surprise, but still. She’s a sucky human being.
The story is told in alternating points of view and both characters are despicable. Eloise is an ex-prostitute turned shallow influencer and adulterous wife. Penny is pretty shallow herself, driven to be perfect, which just isn’t possible as she put the blame on her four-year-old daughter when an infant died due to her own negligence. I’d take the cheating ex-hooker over that any day of the week. That’s abou as low as you can go, Penny! So both of these women have some serious stains on their pasts they’d really like to keep on the down-low! Redemption is a weak theme, but can’t say it works.
There is an odd dynamic between them which carried no weight for me as I just did care about either of them.
The predictable twist was barely a twist. I kept waiting for something to happen, only to be met with a very lame quasi-happy ending.
March 7, 2024
This book hooked me quick but then dropped me like a hot potato in the end.
I definitely let my imagination get the best of me. I created so many possible endings and twists that the actual ending left me totally underwhelmed.
I read this as a buddy read with 10 others - I’m not sure that I’d even rate it 2 stars if I hadn’t. The hype was real with that group.
I definitely let my imagination get the best of me. I created so many possible endings and twists that the actual ending left me totally underwhelmed.
I read this as a buddy read with 10 others - I’m not sure that I’d even rate it 2 stars if I hadn’t. The hype was real with that group.
April 1, 2024
Entertaining. Fast paced thriller. And I love the Australian accent :-) and the respect paid to the Elders of the Rottnest Island in the authors notes at the end.
April 28, 2024
The first half of this book is two unlikeable women bitching about each other and the second half is the same but a child has gone missing
January 4, 2024
ARC
“The Rip” is a run of the mill mystery/thriller that honestly doesn’t bring much new to the table, featuring some of the most infuriating characters I’ve read in a while. It’s a slow burn, taking nearly half of the book for the mystery to actually begin, with the payoff at the end not being worth the setup unfortunately. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it just wasn’t for me. It’s an easy beach read that’s entertaining enough, but if you’re wanting to find something fast paced and stimulating, this may not be the read for you.
“The Rip” is a run of the mill mystery/thriller that honestly doesn’t bring much new to the table, featuring some of the most infuriating characters I’ve read in a while. It’s a slow burn, taking nearly half of the book for the mystery to actually begin, with the payoff at the end not being worth the setup unfortunately. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it just wasn’t for me. It’s an easy beach read that’s entertaining enough, but if you’re wanting to find something fast paced and stimulating, this may not be the read for you.
March 9, 2024
It’s rare for me not to like ANY of the characters. This is one of those books. It was awful. I kept reading hoping it would improve it didn’t. Ended up throwing in the towel which has only happened with a small number of books, I can usually limp on
January 9, 2024
Penny gathers guests to an island getaway for her husband's birthday celebrations. But she soon regrets inviting Eloise, with her large internet following, perfect clothes and family. Neither pair really hit it off and the tension begins. But then a child vanishes on the beautiful safe island and their worlds are ripped apart. Theories begin as to where they went, whether he wandered off, were taken or drowned in the ocean. Blame is cast and tension is high.
This was such a page turner and you can just imagine yourself on the island setting that the author has so generously created for us. There were a bunch of unlikeable characters, all with secrets that are sprinkled throughout in this provocative and fast moving suspense. Another fabulous novel by the author and I cannot wait for more by her. 4.5*
Thanks so much to the author, NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this gifted review copy.
This was such a page turner and you can just imagine yourself on the island setting that the author has so generously created for us. There were a bunch of unlikeable characters, all with secrets that are sprinkled throughout in this provocative and fast moving suspense. Another fabulous novel by the author and I cannot wait for more by her. 4.5*
Thanks so much to the author, NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this gifted review copy.
December 24, 2023
This had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put this book down.
I think this is a great book if you’re wanting to dip your toes into the Thriller genre.
I loved that both of the main characters that the story follows have secrets that leave you side eyeing them. I tend to be suspicious of absolutely everyone in this genre because you never know who to trust.
I will definitely be picking up more works by this author, especially being that they are an Australian.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think this is a great book if you’re wanting to dip your toes into the Thriller genre.
I loved that both of the main characters that the story follows have secrets that leave you side eyeing them. I tend to be suspicious of absolutely everyone in this genre because you never know who to trust.
I will definitely be picking up more works by this author, especially being that they are an Australian.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2024
The most punchable characters I've read in a long time, and not in a fun way.
April 28, 2024
Ja ir vēlme lasīt trilleri, kura centrā ir šaubas par to, kurš ir vainīgs bērna nozušanā, tad šī nebūs īstā grāmata. Lielāko grāmatas daļu divas sievietes necieš viena otru un stāsta, cik slikta māte un cilvēks kopumā ir otra un vienlaicīgi viņām mazliet skauž, kāda dzīve ir otrai. Es nebiju nevienas pusē, jo abām izdevās pārlecināt, ka abas ir nepatīkami cilvēki. Tiek vicināti mājieni par nelāgiem notikumiem abu pagātnē, kurus daļēji atklāj, bet arī tas neliekas nekāds pārsteigums. Lielais notikums ar bērna pazušanu ir tikai ap grāmatas vidu un manās acīs viņa meklēšana bija tik vien kā sižeta blakus līnija. Tāda sieviešu attiecību drāma un trillera dekorāciju fona.
April 9, 2024
The Rip by Holly Craig takes us to the breathtaking setting of Rottnest Island, where a child's disappearance during a birthday celebration shatters the tranquility.
Through the intertwined lives of Penny and Eloise, the novel delves into the complexities of female relationships and envy against the backdrop of a gripping mystery.
Both characters are WIDLY imperfect but I enjoyed switching between both their viewpoints, chapters also short as well which makes it beautifully fast paced!
There no “mind blowing” plot twist but the story remains engaging and is honestly a satisfying read. The mystery kinda takes a backseat but the exploration of dark secrets beneath paradise will keep you hooked!
Through the intertwined lives of Penny and Eloise, the novel delves into the complexities of female relationships and envy against the backdrop of a gripping mystery.
Both characters are WIDLY imperfect but I enjoyed switching between both their viewpoints, chapters also short as well which makes it beautifully fast paced!
There no “mind blowing” plot twist but the story remains engaging and is honestly a satisfying read. The mystery kinda takes a backseat but the exploration of dark secrets beneath paradise will keep you hooked!
April 25, 2024
I listened to this because it was free and I was waiting for my monthly Audible credit to arrive lol. I couldn’t get past how unlikeable the characters are and how the story overall is just absurdly predictable. The “twists” felt more like the author trying to figure out on paper where the story was going, which just made it drag on even more.
I did finish it though, so that’s something (extra star for that.) Nevertheless, this book was just not it for me.
I did finish it though, so that’s something (extra star for that.) Nevertheless, this book was just not it for me.
April 4, 2024
Don’t judge me. It was free! These two women have the MEANEST inner dialogue, are self serving, and hateful to one another. The story rattled on pointlessly for far too long and then in just two chapters it got to the plot and ended.
March 25, 2024
I enjoyed listening to this domestic thriller with some strong personalities, buried secrets, and plenty of tension. Set on Rottnest Island in WA, Australia (a gorgeous place I visited in my teens) what starts off as a celebration, turns into a nightmare.
March 27, 2024
Great plot…. Annoyed with the female character (Penny)
March 13, 2024
A group of friends come together to celebrate a birthday at a luxurious holiday resort. The story alternates between the perspectives of two women; Eloise and Penny, whose husband’s birthday it is. Both women have very strong personalities but also secrets which may mean they have more in common than they realise. Their oneupmanship needs to take a bit of a back seat - though not completely - when Penny’s son goes missing and Penny, looking for someone to blame hits out at her own troubled daughter.
I find Holly Craig’s books very dramatic in tone - rather like spending too much time with a group of teenage girls! The characters are all unlikeable at best and, as the reader knows how and why the disappearance took place, there aren’t any real surprises.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop
I find Holly Craig’s books very dramatic in tone - rather like spending too much time with a group of teenage girls! The characters are all unlikeable at best and, as the reader knows how and why the disappearance took place, there aren’t any real surprises.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop
February 26, 2024
⭐️GoodReads giveaway
Enjoyed this book but it did seemed dragged out and could’ve been shorter.
Enjoyed this book but it did seemed dragged out and could’ve been shorter.
March 28, 2024
The book summary makes you think you are getting a mystery...a boy goes missing on a vacation island. That's a lie. The majority of the book is two women going back and forth gossiping about how much they hate each other (and envy each other). The deep dark secrets are played up as a big shock factor (spoiler alert they are not).
March 25, 2024
Luxury villas on hot white sand, views for miles over turquoise water.
Even paradise harbours murky secrets…
An Island getaway with friends and their children for a fun week of birthday celebrations quickly turns into a nightmare when a child disappears …
Another immersive page turner by Holly Craig. I loved The Shallows and was excited to get an early copy of The Rip, suffice to say it didn’t disappoint. There is a cast of relatable, yet unlikable characters. In signature Holly fashion, she expertly creates intense, atmospheric settings and well developed characters.
Told in duel POV with short snappy chapters and filled with mystery, secrets and intrigue makes this a total page turner.
Many thanks to #netgalley @amazonpublish #thomasandmercer @hollycraig for an advanced e-arc 💌 Out now.
Even paradise harbours murky secrets…
An Island getaway with friends and their children for a fun week of birthday celebrations quickly turns into a nightmare when a child disappears …
Another immersive page turner by Holly Craig. I loved The Shallows and was excited to get an early copy of The Rip, suffice to say it didn’t disappoint. There is a cast of relatable, yet unlikable characters. In signature Holly fashion, she expertly creates intense, atmospheric settings and well developed characters.
Told in duel POV with short snappy chapters and filled with mystery, secrets and intrigue makes this a total page turner.
Many thanks to #netgalley @amazonpublish #thomasandmercer @hollycraig for an advanced e-arc 💌 Out now.
February 20, 2024
I struggled with this book, the plot is okay and the action moves at an okay pace but for me the whole issue was the book just felt okay. To me, I felt like Craig was building to a bigger connection or event that never happened and I felt a bit let down. There is some excitement in the plot but not a lot and it felt a bit anti-climatic.
My other issue is with the two main characters; Eloise and Penny. I just did not find them likeable at all. To me, they did not have a redeeming feature between them and as a result I did not really care about them or what happened to them.
I finished this so something must have held my attention but this was not a great read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy.
My other issue is with the two main characters; Eloise and Penny. I just did not find them likeable at all. To me, they did not have a redeeming feature between them and as a result I did not really care about them or what happened to them.
I finished this so something must have held my attention but this was not a great read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy.
March 26, 2024
Absolut shit. Apparently feminism never made it to Australia. Ridiculous scenarios and superficial characters.
October 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, WA, based also, which was nice to picture while reading. The characters were relatable, and overall, it's one of my favourite reads so far. 😀
March 6, 2024
Unveiling Secrets on Rottnest Island
Rating: 2.5 Stars
In Holly Craig's "The Rip," the serene Rottnest Island off the Western Australian coast serves as the backdrop for a tale of concealed truths and fractured relationships. At its heart are two women, Penny and Eloise, each harboring secrets and insecurities amidst the unsettling disappearance of a child during a celebratory weekend.
The narrative opens with Penny hosting a gathering to mark her husband's 40th birthday, inviting close friends and family, including the complex Eloise and her family. As the tension brews between Penny and Eloise, the veneer of perfection they both cling to begins to crack, revealing their vulnerabilities and inner turmoil.
"The Rip" excels in its portrayal of Penny and Eloise, two distinct personalities navigating the complexities of their lives. Eloise, the affluent social media influencer, and Penny, the self-assured mother, are captivating characters whose flaws and aspirations drive the narrative. Initially, the story captivates with its exploration of Eloise's curated image and Penny's judgmental demeanor, offering insight into their multifaceted personalities.
What particularly stood out to me was the choice of setting in Rottnest Island. Having never encountered a story set in this picturesque locale before, I appreciated the unique atmosphere it lent to the narrative. Craig's vivid descriptions of the island's landscapes and the juxtaposition of its tranquil beauty with the unsettling events unfolding added depth and richness to the story, immersing me in a setting both familiar and foreign.
However, the novel falters with the introduction of the central plotline involving the missing child. Intended as a crescendo of suspense, it detracts from the nuanced dynamics between Penny and Eloise, descending into melodrama and implausible character actions. The shift towards the disappearance subplot feels contrived, diluting the authenticity and momentum established in the earlier chapters.
Moreover, character motivations become increasingly questionable, particularly in the actions of Rosie and Eloise. Their decisions appear disjointed from their established personas, straining credibility. Eloise's extreme measures to safeguard her secrets, including jeopardizing a child's safety, feel forced and out of character, undermining the narrative's authenticity.
Similarly, Rosie's behavior becomes increasingly perplexing as the story unfolds, leading to actions that defy rationality. The motivations behind these actions lack coherence, detracting from the believability of the characters and their choices.
In essence, "The Rip" presents a promising premise set against the picturesque backdrop of Rottnest Island but falls short in execution. While the exploration of Penny and Eloise's intricate relationship is engaging, the narrative loses its footing in the latter half, succumbing to clichés and melodrama. Despite its shortcomings, the novel offers glimpses of compelling character dynamics and evocative setting, making it a moderately satisfying read.
In conclusion, "The Rip" may appeal to readers intrigued by the complexities of female relationships and the fragility of perfection. However, those seeking a tightly woven mystery may find themselves disappointed by its descent into melodrama and improbable plot twists.
Acknowledgement: I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley, the author Holly Craig, and the publisher for providing me with a review copy of "The Rip."
Rating: 2.5 Stars
In Holly Craig's "The Rip," the serene Rottnest Island off the Western Australian coast serves as the backdrop for a tale of concealed truths and fractured relationships. At its heart are two women, Penny and Eloise, each harboring secrets and insecurities amidst the unsettling disappearance of a child during a celebratory weekend.
The narrative opens with Penny hosting a gathering to mark her husband's 40th birthday, inviting close friends and family, including the complex Eloise and her family. As the tension brews between Penny and Eloise, the veneer of perfection they both cling to begins to crack, revealing their vulnerabilities and inner turmoil.
"The Rip" excels in its portrayal of Penny and Eloise, two distinct personalities navigating the complexities of their lives. Eloise, the affluent social media influencer, and Penny, the self-assured mother, are captivating characters whose flaws and aspirations drive the narrative. Initially, the story captivates with its exploration of Eloise's curated image and Penny's judgmental demeanor, offering insight into their multifaceted personalities.
What particularly stood out to me was the choice of setting in Rottnest Island. Having never encountered a story set in this picturesque locale before, I appreciated the unique atmosphere it lent to the narrative. Craig's vivid descriptions of the island's landscapes and the juxtaposition of its tranquil beauty with the unsettling events unfolding added depth and richness to the story, immersing me in a setting both familiar and foreign.
However, the novel falters with the introduction of the central plotline involving the missing child. Intended as a crescendo of suspense, it detracts from the nuanced dynamics between Penny and Eloise, descending into melodrama and implausible character actions. The shift towards the disappearance subplot feels contrived, diluting the authenticity and momentum established in the earlier chapters.
Moreover, character motivations become increasingly questionable, particularly in the actions of Rosie and Eloise. Their decisions appear disjointed from their established personas, straining credibility. Eloise's extreme measures to safeguard her secrets, including jeopardizing a child's safety, feel forced and out of character, undermining the narrative's authenticity.
Similarly, Rosie's behavior becomes increasingly perplexing as the story unfolds, leading to actions that defy rationality. The motivations behind these actions lack coherence, detracting from the believability of the characters and their choices.
In essence, "The Rip" presents a promising premise set against the picturesque backdrop of Rottnest Island but falls short in execution. While the exploration of Penny and Eloise's intricate relationship is engaging, the narrative loses its footing in the latter half, succumbing to clichés and melodrama. Despite its shortcomings, the novel offers glimpses of compelling character dynamics and evocative setting, making it a moderately satisfying read.
In conclusion, "The Rip" may appeal to readers intrigued by the complexities of female relationships and the fragility of perfection. However, those seeking a tightly woven mystery may find themselves disappointed by its descent into melodrama and improbable plot twists.
Acknowledgement: I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley, the author Holly Craig, and the publisher for providing me with a review copy of "The Rip."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews