Title: The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary, Thriller
Length: 350 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
In this pulse-pounding thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Nanny, a group of women travel to the most remote place in England for a weekend escape, only to discover a startling note that one of their husbands will be killed before they return home—perfect for fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.
Three couples
Two bodies
One secret
Dark Fell Barn is a “perfectly isolated” retreat, or so says its website when Jayne books a reservation for her friends. A quiet place, far removed from the rest of the world, is exactly what they need.
The women arrive for a girls’ night ahead of their husbands. There’s ex-Army Jayne, hardened and serious, but also damaged. Ruth, the driven doctor and new mother who is battling demons of her own. Young Emily, just wed and insecure, the newest addition of this tight-knit band. Missing this year is Edie, who was the glue holding them together, until her husband died suddenly.
But what they hoped would be a relaxing break soon turns to horror. Upon arrival at Dark Fell Barn, the women find a devastating note claiming one of their husbands will be murdered. There are no phones, no cell service to check on their men. Friendships fracture as the situation spins wildly out of control. Betrayal can come in many forms.
This group has kept each other’s secrets for far too long.
Review:
The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan is a riveting thriller.
For this year’s couple’s weekend, Jayne, Ruth and Emily arrive at Dark Fell Barn just ahead of a ferocious storm. Their husbands, Mark, Toby and Paul, will be arriving the next day when they are detained at the last minute. Also missing this year is Edie, whose husband Rob died six months earlier. The women are spooked by a shocking note they are uncertain whether or not should be taken seriously. Jayne tries to quell each other’s fears but Emily is determined to phone her husband, Paul. With the storm still raging outside, Jayne agrees to accompany Emily as she attempts to find a cell signal. As the night wears on, Jayne, Emily and Ruth become increasingly suspicious of each other. After only one of their husbands arrive in the morning, the other two women are desperate to learn if their worst fears will come true.
Jayne is a former Army intelligence officer so she puts her rusty skills to use at various points throughout the evening. She suffers from PTSD but it is much better controlled than it used to be. Ruth is a new mother juggling her career as a doctor with taking care of her six-month-old son. It soon becomes apparent to Jayne and Emily that their friend has a problem with alcohol. Emily is much younger than her husband Paul and she has nothing in common with the other two women. She will not be deterred from trying to reach her husband and she takes an unnecessary risk that takes a troubling turn.
The Long Weekend is a compelling thriller that is incredibly atmospheric. The characters are well-drawn and their fear permeates the unfolding story. Dark Fell Barn is very isolated and the brutal weather adds another layer of tension to the women’s growing anxiety. Chapters detailing the chilling events back in town alternate with the events taking place at the Dark Fell Barn. With absolutely shocking twists and turns, Gilly Macmillan brings this fast-paced thriller to a suspense-laden conclusion.
