This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own
Then Things Went Dark: A Novel by Bea FitzgeraldPublication Date: August 27, 2024
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark / Sourcebooks
Pages: 432
Goodreads: Add It
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
Rating: ★★★
Synopsis:
No murder has ever had more witnesses...
Six people land on a desert island with a camera crew in tow and a huge cash prize up for grabs, ready to make their reality show debut. The contestants are suitably glamorous, hot, and dramatic–but they are also hungry to prove themselves. Millions are watching their every move, which means twelve million people see exactly when Rhys Sutton dies.
Three weeks and twenty-one episodes later, five contestants sit in a Portuguese police station: the best friend, the rival, the ex-girlfriend, the f*ck-buddy, and the sworn enemy.
No-one is talking – but how do you keep secrets when everyone is watching? Especially when, just a day before his murder, Rhys was the most hated man on television.
Rachel Hawkins meets Love Island in this salacious thriller set on a tropical island where the price of fame is high and everyone has motive to kill.
REVIEW
Alright, so Bea Fitzgerald’s Then Things Went Dark is like the ultimate reality TV show gone wrong. Imagine six contestants, each with quirks and ambitions, landing on a desert island to compete. We’ve got influencers, chefs, actors, activists—you name it. But things take a dark turn when one of them ends up dead. Suddenly, it’s not just about winning the competition; it’s about surviving a twisted game of scandals, alliances, and betrayals. Every contestant becomes a suspect, and the drama is off the charts.
Meet the Characters
- Araminta Yaxley-Carter: Think glitz and glamour. She’s an influencer who loves to flaunt her luxurious lifestyle.
- Isko Andrada: A chef with a fiery personality—literally and figuratively.
- Rhys Sutton: An actor who’s desperately trying to revive his career.
- Kalpana Mahajan: An activist with strong convictions and a no-nonsense attitude.
- Jerome: The wildcard. Mysterious and with his own hidden agenda.
Each of these characters brings something unique to the table, and their interactions create a dynamic and sometimes explosive atmosphere.
Themes to Chew On
The book digs into the dark side of fame and the crazy lengths people will go to keep up appearances. But it’s not just about staying alive on the island; it’s about keeping your sanity intact too. Alliances form and shatter as contestants weave through a web of deceit and manipulation. You’ll constantly question what’s real and what’s just for show.
Bea Fitzgerald’s Writing Style
Bea’s known for her YA fantasy, but she nails this adult thriller. The story’s fast-paced, full of drama, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. She’s got a knack for mixing character development with jaw-dropping plot twists, making the book both gripping and unpredictable.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
Then Things Went Dark has a lot of strengths and weaknesses in the plot. The plot is engaging with twists and turns galore! You’ll be guessing right till the end. The characters are complex and each one has layers, with backgrounds and motivations that add depth. It’s also more than just a thriller. It’s a critique of fame and reality TV. As great as all that is, some people might find the constant twists a bit much. With six main contestants, a few characters might not get as much spotlight, leaving you wanting more.
All in all, Then Things Went Dark is a rollercoaster of a thriller that packs in suspense and social commentary, making it a standout debut in the adult thriller genre.
