Review of The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten
Let me start by saying that anyone who knows me understands my fascination with thrillers that intertwine friendship, secrets, and chilling disappearances. So, when I stumbled upon Camilla Sten’s The Bachelorette Party, I was all in. The dual timelines, a podcast element, and a haunting island off the coast of Sweden pulled me in right from the start. But as much as I wanted to love this book, it turned out to be a bit of a rocky sail through turbulent waters.
The story revolves around a close-knit group of four friends who escape to a secret island every year for a weekend of fun and rejuvenation—a tradition steeped in nostalgia. This year, however, bad things lurk beneath the surface. Fast forward ten years, and we meet Tessa Nilsson, a disgraced podcaster whose passion for true crime has her caught up in the mystery of her friends’ disappearance from that very same island. Tessa is now at a Bachelorette retreat for her best friend—an eerie echo of the past, packed with the potential for drama and danger.
Sten’s writing is sharp and atmospheric, conjuring up the island’s isolating beauty while delving into Tessa’s psyche. Unfortunately, I found the narrative choppy, as if we were hopping between scenes rather than settling into the story. While Tessa’s perspective brought a flicker of interest for me—her motivations and past weighed heavily—I often felt like I was grasping at straws, struggling to hold onto the overall arc of the plot.
The podcast aspect was a clever addition; it brings contemporary relevance to Tessa’s character, grounding her in today’s true crime obsession. However, the execution felt disjointed, which kept me from fully immersing myself in the unfolding tension. Instead of feeling a built-up sense of dread about what was coming next, I found my mind drifting, questioning plot points rather than eagerly turning pages.
One of the book’s highlights is definitely its ambiance. The remote island setting serves as a dual character—both a haven and a trap. The chilling reminders of lost friendships and the weight of secrecy added layers that armchair sleuths like me absolutely crave. Yet, instead of feeling haunted, I was left slightly underwhelmed.
I do think The Bachelorette Party could resonate differently with others, especially those looking for a quick read—a "Popcorn Thriller," as I’d call it. It’s the sort of book that might work during a sun-soaked beach weekend, where the stakes aren’t as high as they would be in a more nuanced psychological thriller. The plot’s twists could strike just the right chord for someone else, offering enough suspense to make it worth the read.
In closing, I have to reckon that books, like friendships, vary in compatibility. While this one didn’t quite click for me like I hoped it would, I’ll never shy away from Sten’s work. After all, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her previous book, The Resting Place, and I look forward to her future stories. So if you’re intrigued by the premise, or if you enjoy thrillers with a blend of nostalgia and mystery, don’t let my lukewarm review dissuade you. Dive in, and it just might capture your imagination in ways it didn’t for me!