What do you think?
Rate this book
Seven Bodies
An exclusive retreat. An isolated hotel. A storm that changes everything.
The Tornivan Hotel in the remote Scottish Highlands is Jules's last shot at success. When a wealthy investor and his wife arrive for a weekend stay, it feels like the chance she's been waiting for.
But as a blizzard arrives, the hotel's guests and staff find themselves snowed in with no way out, and they all have secrets of their own. When one of them disappears without a trace, panic spreads through the corridors.
Desperate to protect her reputation and save her dream, Jules makes a decision that could change everything. Because in this hotel, danger isn't out in the storm… it's already inside.
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Agatha Christie, Seven Bodies is a gripping, claustrophobic mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
The Tornivan Hotel in the remote Scottish Highlands is Jules's last shot at success. When a wealthy investor and his wife arrive for a weekend stay, it feels like the chance she's been waiting for.
But as a blizzard arrives, the hotel's guests and staff find themselves snowed in with no way out, and they all have secrets of their own. When one of them disappears without a trace, panic spreads through the corridors.
Desperate to protect her reputation and save her dream, Jules makes a decision that could change everything. Because in this hotel, danger isn't out in the storm… it's already inside.
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Agatha Christie, Seven Bodies is a gripping, claustrophobic mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
- GenresThriller
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
About the author
V.J. Randle
5 books14 followersVictoria read Classics at King's College, University of Cambridge before teaching Latin and Greek for over a decade. She has given many a tour of Hellenic sites over the years, both in the capacity of educator and holiday-maker. If you spot an excitable woman in a maxi skirt waving her arms about on top of The Acropolis, chances are it's her. Do say hello!
She now lives and writes in the North-East of Scotland with her husband, Will, and cat, Athena (who is every bit the goddess of stratagem as her namesake). Sign up to her newsletter at victoriarandleauthor.com to be the first to hear about all her writing news and the occasional bookish treat.
As I'm both an author and a reader, I only rate/review books I absolutely love and don't mention the rest (I don't like being critical of other authors' work publicly). So, this is why my ratings are all 5*s – they're genuine.
She now lives and writes in the North-East of Scotland with her husband, Will, and cat, Athena (who is every bit the goddess of stratagem as her namesake). Sign up to her newsletter at victoriarandleauthor.com to be the first to hear about all her writing news and the occasional bookish treat.
As I'm both an author and a reader, I only rate/review books I absolutely love and don't mention the rest (I don't like being critical of other authors' work publicly). So, this is why my ratings are all 5*s – they're genuine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 7, 2026
Victoria!!! Brilliantly claustrophobic closed-circle thriller set at a snowy Scottish resort. It gets a little crazy, in the best of ways. Truly twisty.
Read
December 29, 2025Jules runs an exclusive hotel in a remote part of Scotland, but unfortunately business isn’t going well. So when a wealthy investor books a room, she sees it as her chance to save the hotel. Several other guests arrive for the same weekend, but when a blizzard hits, they all find themselves trapped with no way to leave. Then one of the guests disappears—and soon the bodies start turning up.
A snowed-in, locked-room mystery? Yes, please. This was an absolutely brilliant read that had me tapping my Kindle screen as fast as possible just to reach the end and find out who the killer was—and wow, was I surprised. First, we discover who the killer is and the real reason everyone is there in the first place, with plenty of shocking revelations and twists along the way. But that final twist had me sitting bolt upright so fast I think I pulled something. Completely unexpected.
My only issue was that all the characters were incredibly unlikeable. There wasn’t a single one I could say I liked at any point in the story. Other than that, this was a great read.
A snowed-in, locked-room mystery? Yes, please. This was an absolutely brilliant read that had me tapping my Kindle screen as fast as possible just to reach the end and find out who the killer was—and wow, was I surprised. First, we discover who the killer is and the real reason everyone is there in the first place, with plenty of shocking revelations and twists along the way. But that final twist had me sitting bolt upright so fast I think I pulled something. Completely unexpected.
My only issue was that all the characters were incredibly unlikeable. There wasn’t a single one I could say I liked at any point in the story. Other than that, this was a great read.
March 15, 2026
My love of locked-room mysteries lured me in and I feel like I got catfished, just a little bit.
It feels a little like the author's trying too hard sometimes to make these people unlikeable.
And make no mistake - they all absolutely ARE unlikeable. Arrogant, selfish, secretive, psychotic, delusional, straight up...creepy. There are no normal people in this group. And everybody's upfront about their weird, there's no hiding it, no finding out about it gradually. There's no buildup. We meet them and are slapped in the face with their peculiarities right away, as though it's of the utmost importance that we know immediately that these people are flawed, weird, potentially murderers.
There's no one to root for, nobody to worry about. Because everybody feels like they're obviously capable of doing terrible things.
Because of this, a lot of the creepy atmosphere feels contrived.
The first half of this book is a chore to get through. The people are all annoying and terrible, they all have stupid backstories and are unlikeable right from the off. There's a snow storm supposedly coming, but it takes its sweet time actually showing up.
The pacing of the story is...sometimes non-existent. The front half of this book goes nowhere, we're just treated to random scenes from these characters to establish that none of them are great people, that all of them have terrible backstories, that they're capable of doing godawful things. That's it. It's just
Here's this shitty person doing this thing.
And now another shitty person's being shitty over here.
And oh, this shitty person is drinking whiskey.
This shitty person has a tragic backstory that's not really tragic because they're so shitty.
Frankly, I don't know why I didn't DNF this before the 50% mark.
THEN.
Slowly, this book's twists and nuances take hold and the atmosphere closes around you and I felt like I was trapped right alongside all of these people as all of these terrible revelations start to fall into place. To be honest, it had kind of an Identity sort of feel - where all of these people begin as total strangers, but by the end we learn that they are all strangely connected to one another. It's perhaps not the most plausible of plots - but that doesn't stop it from being gripping.
The back half of this book is what I was hoping for when I picked this story up. I can understand the Agatha Christie reference coming out of this story. It just takes it's sweet time getting to the point.
We spend SO much time on pointless buildup that the really great stuff feels hidden under a layer of grime. It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of people didn't make it to the halfway point. I almost didn't. But for those who stuck it out, I also understand the high ratings.
Unfortunately for me, I can't give a higher star rating to a book when I only enjoyed HALF of it.
It feels a little like the author's trying too hard sometimes to make these people unlikeable.
And make no mistake - they all absolutely ARE unlikeable. Arrogant, selfish, secretive, psychotic, delusional, straight up...creepy. There are no normal people in this group. And everybody's upfront about their weird, there's no hiding it, no finding out about it gradually. There's no buildup. We meet them and are slapped in the face with their peculiarities right away, as though it's of the utmost importance that we know immediately that these people are flawed, weird, potentially murderers.
There's no one to root for, nobody to worry about. Because everybody feels like they're obviously capable of doing terrible things.
Because of this, a lot of the creepy atmosphere feels contrived.
The first half of this book is a chore to get through. The people are all annoying and terrible, they all have stupid backstories and are unlikeable right from the off. There's a snow storm supposedly coming, but it takes its sweet time actually showing up.
The pacing of the story is...sometimes non-existent. The front half of this book goes nowhere, we're just treated to random scenes from these characters to establish that none of them are great people, that all of them have terrible backstories, that they're capable of doing godawful things. That's it. It's just
Here's this shitty person doing this thing.
And now another shitty person's being shitty over here.
And oh, this shitty person is drinking whiskey.
This shitty person has a tragic backstory that's not really tragic because they're so shitty.
Frankly, I don't know why I didn't DNF this before the 50% mark.
THEN.
Slowly, this book's twists and nuances take hold and the atmosphere closes around you and I felt like I was trapped right alongside all of these people as all of these terrible revelations start to fall into place. To be honest, it had kind of an Identity sort of feel - where all of these people begin as total strangers, but by the end we learn that they are all strangely connected to one another. It's perhaps not the most plausible of plots - but that doesn't stop it from being gripping.
The back half of this book is what I was hoping for when I picked this story up. I can understand the Agatha Christie reference coming out of this story. It just takes it's sweet time getting to the point.
We spend SO much time on pointless buildup that the really great stuff feels hidden under a layer of grime. It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of people didn't make it to the halfway point. I almost didn't. But for those who stuck it out, I also understand the high ratings.
Unfortunately for me, I can't give a higher star rating to a book when I only enjoyed HALF of it.
February 19, 2026
Edge. Of. Your. Seat 👏🏼
This is EXACTLY what I want when I start a new thriller 😱 You know when you’re so sure you’ve figured it out and you’re sitting there feeling smug about it? Yeah… this book said absolutely not Lynsey 😂 It completely took me out at the knees.
That final chapter?!?! WOW.
The plot idea is SO good, but what really made it for me was how character driven it is. Every single character was so well developed and real and I loved the multi POVs, it kept the tension building throughout.
The vivid characterisation and descriptive writing made it so immersive I genuinely felt like I was in the Scottish Highlands with them… and it was eerie 👀
Such a twisty, addictive read with short punchy chapters. Highly recommend if you love a thriller that keeps you guessing🔥📖
This is EXACTLY what I want when I start a new thriller 😱 You know when you’re so sure you’ve figured it out and you’re sitting there feeling smug about it? Yeah… this book said absolutely not Lynsey 😂 It completely took me out at the knees.
That final chapter?!?! WOW.
The plot idea is SO good, but what really made it for me was how character driven it is. Every single character was so well developed and real and I loved the multi POVs, it kept the tension building throughout.
The vivid characterisation and descriptive writing made it so immersive I genuinely felt like I was in the Scottish Highlands with them… and it was eerie 👀
Such a twisty, addictive read with short punchy chapters. Highly recommend if you love a thriller that keeps you guessing🔥📖
March 12, 2026
DNF @ 51% - rating this for the potential.
A locked thriller on a remote Scottish island with plenty of character secrets, and And Then There Were None vibes should technically be right up my alley. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about any of these horrible people, the plot has barely moved halfway through and while there’s nothing wrong with the writing, it’s just not compelling enough to hold my attention.
A locked thriller on a remote Scottish island with plenty of character secrets, and And Then There Were None vibes should technically be right up my alley. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about any of these horrible people, the plot has barely moved halfway through and while there’s nothing wrong with the writing, it’s just not compelling enough to hold my attention.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The idea of a locked room mystery in the Highlands really drew me in, especially at this time of year! Snow, roaring fireplaces, and a murder to solve - perfect!
The characters were all clearly defined, so no confusion over who was who, and the storyline moved along at a fair old rate. Great descriptions of the hotel and it's location too.
Inevitably, there needs to be a coincidence or two to make things turn out the way they do in this genre of book, but I felt I needed to suspend my disbelief slightly too much to allow for everything to fall into place in this situation!
Nevertheless, I spent an enjoyable few hours feeling very glad I hadn't taken advantage of the special offer to stay at the Tornivan Hotel, and could just read about it from under my blanket!
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books, for the eARC of this book.
The characters were all clearly defined, so no confusion over who was who, and the storyline moved along at a fair old rate. Great descriptions of the hotel and it's location too.
Inevitably, there needs to be a coincidence or two to make things turn out the way they do in this genre of book, but I felt I needed to suspend my disbelief slightly too much to allow for everything to fall into place in this situation!
Nevertheless, I spent an enjoyable few hours feeling very glad I hadn't taken advantage of the special offer to stay at the Tornivan Hotel, and could just read about it from under my blanket!
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books, for the eARC of this book.
February 16, 2026
Wow. Just wow.
Seven Bodies completely delivered on the promise of an isolated retreat thriller and then went several steps further. From the eerie setting to the simmering mistrust between characters, this book had me on edge the entire time.
What I loved most was how expertly I was kept out of the loop. Every time I thought I was piecing things together, the story subtly shifted. Clues were there — cleverly placed — but never obvious. It’s one of those rare thrillers where you feel close to the truth without ever actually reaching it.
And that final chapter? I genuinely did not see it coming. Even when everything was revealed, I was still reeling. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to flip back through the pages to see what you missed.
The claustrophobic atmosphere of the isolated retreat, the tension between the guests, the creeping realisation that no one is safe, it all builds into something sharp, unsettling and incredibly satisfying.
If you love locked-room style mysteries, mounting paranoia, and twists that truly shock, this is a must-read.
Absolutely a 5-star thriller for me.
Seven Bodies completely delivered on the promise of an isolated retreat thriller and then went several steps further. From the eerie setting to the simmering mistrust between characters, this book had me on edge the entire time.
What I loved most was how expertly I was kept out of the loop. Every time I thought I was piecing things together, the story subtly shifted. Clues were there — cleverly placed — but never obvious. It’s one of those rare thrillers where you feel close to the truth without ever actually reaching it.
And that final chapter? I genuinely did not see it coming. Even when everything was revealed, I was still reeling. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to flip back through the pages to see what you missed.
The claustrophobic atmosphere of the isolated retreat, the tension between the guests, the creeping realisation that no one is safe, it all builds into something sharp, unsettling and incredibly satisfying.
If you love locked-room style mysteries, mounting paranoia, and twists that truly shock, this is a must-read.
Absolutely a 5-star thriller for me.
February 21, 2026
This was twisted, suspenseful, eerie, and kept me completely immersed right till the last page.
Told from multiple POV, you are truly along for the creepy ride and delving into each dangerous character, and the disturbed events that occur in the isolated hotel across the weekend.
There were multiple clever twists, layers of secrets and lies, truly unhinged plans, and a tragic link connecting them all.
My suspects kept changing throughout, and even with the last few guests standing I didn't imagine the outcome.
This definitely delivers as a tense and twisty thriller.
Told from multiple POV, you are truly along for the creepy ride and delving into each dangerous character, and the disturbed events that occur in the isolated hotel across the weekend.
There were multiple clever twists, layers of secrets and lies, truly unhinged plans, and a tragic link connecting them all.
My suspects kept changing throughout, and even with the last few guests standing I didn't imagine the outcome.
This definitely delivers as a tense and twisty thriller.
February 20, 2026
What a book. This was a claustrophobic thriller that really messes with your mind. It begins with the Bodies and then we go back to the start of the retreat to learn the story.
I liked how the book began with short, sharp chapters each from a different character's perspective to introduce each of the potential victims or killer.
They are certainly an interesting bunch of people, each with their own distinct personality which comes across on the page from some excellent writing. The array of characters and remote, isolated setting gives this book a classic murder mystery feel.
It was a tense, deadly read that you know isn't going to have a happy ending. There are so many red herrings throughout the whole book, I was kept guessing only figuring out the solution just before the final pages. A fantastic whodunnit.
I liked how the book began with short, sharp chapters each from a different character's perspective to introduce each of the potential victims or killer.
They are certainly an interesting bunch of people, each with their own distinct personality which comes across on the page from some excellent writing. The array of characters and remote, isolated setting gives this book a classic murder mystery feel.
It was a tense, deadly read that you know isn't going to have a happy ending. There are so many red herrings throughout the whole book, I was kept guessing only figuring out the solution just before the final pages. A fantastic whodunnit.
March 2, 2026
It didn’t take me a long time at all to get invested into this one! We had multiple POVs, shorter chapters which I absolutely live for, a plot with SO many….SO many layers, characters that were drawing you in, questions throughout, guesses about what’s going on will leave you thinking are right for sure, only to find out another layer peeled back and tricked you again!
I had a great time reading this one! It was so fast paced!! Loved the setting too and the vibe of the building and scenery! I will definitely be back for more by this author!
I had a great time reading this one! It was so fast paced!! Loved the setting too and the vibe of the building and scenery! I will definitely be back for more by this author!
February 23, 2026
This is a solid 4⭐️ read and my first read from this author. I had such a fab time with this book and managed to fly through it as it’s less than 300 pages. I loved the eerie setting and the sense of suspense throughout. I will definitely be reading more books from this author and I highly recommend you add this one to your TBR’s.
January 18, 2026
This book was incredible. I couldn’t put it down. So many twists and turns and everything tied up nicely in the end. I needed breaks to process what just happened. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Read
December 22, 2025Advance Copy
Thrills and Chills at a Snowy Scottish Resort
Seven Bodies is a “Christiesque” murder mystery with a fascinatingly twisting plot set in a snowy secluded Scottish resort. At first the reader feels sympathy for the main character, Jules, the owner and proprietor of the failing resort which she once owned with her ex-husband, but she, like all her guests, has secrets in both her present and past. Nothing and no one are as they seem at the Tornivan Hotel on this weekend. The cast of characters include the small staff of a surly cook and a young “man of all work.” Guests include a couple who do not seem to have the same plans for their getaway, a lothario with a sinister hobby and a potential investor for the hotel with his rather odd wife. I recommend this novel to readers of Agatha Christie who enjoy a mystery with countless twists and turns and exciting surprise endings.
Thrills and Chills at a Snowy Scottish Resort
Seven Bodies is a “Christiesque” murder mystery with a fascinatingly twisting plot set in a snowy secluded Scottish resort. At first the reader feels sympathy for the main character, Jules, the owner and proprietor of the failing resort which she once owned with her ex-husband, but she, like all her guests, has secrets in both her present and past. Nothing and no one are as they seem at the Tornivan Hotel on this weekend. The cast of characters include the small staff of a surly cook and a young “man of all work.” Guests include a couple who do not seem to have the same plans for their getaway, a lothario with a sinister hobby and a potential investor for the hotel with his rather odd wife. I recommend this novel to readers of Agatha Christie who enjoy a mystery with countless twists and turns and exciting surprise endings.
February 27, 2026
⭐️4.5
This was quite literally a 3am page-turner. I told myself “just one more chapter” at least five times and suddenly it was the middle of the night.
This is very much a loving nod to 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie (which the author openly acknowledges), but it never feels like a carbon copy. Instead, it’s a sharp, modern take on the classic isolated, closed-circle mystery and it’s expertly done.
Set in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands, we’re introduced to Jules, a struggling hotel owner facing a make-or-break weekend. Wealthy investor Tim Melrose and his wife Gracie arrive, alongside a handful of other guests and staff — each one increasingly peculiar, deeply unlikeable (intentionally so), and clearly hiding something.
When a guest disappears and a brutal blizzard cuts the hotel off from the outside world, paranoia explodes. Secrets unravel. Alliances fracture and the real danger proves to be inside the hotel, not out in the storm.
What I loved most was the structure. The first half carefully builds atmosphere — tense, isolated, claustrophobic — taking time to establish each character and the simmering unease. Then the second half hits the accelerator and does not let up. The pacing is relentless, the twists stack up beautifully, and that sense of “trust no one” never wavers.
I did spot one of the major twists early on but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment in the slightest. I still didn’t predict the full picture, and the final showdown genuinely surprised me.
This was gloriously tense, deliciously twisty, and completely gripping from start to finish. Nothing lagged. By the end, I felt like I’d been through the storm myself.
Superb. And honestly? I think Agatha Christie herself would have enjoyed this one.
This was quite literally a 3am page-turner. I told myself “just one more chapter” at least five times and suddenly it was the middle of the night.
This is very much a loving nod to 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie (which the author openly acknowledges), but it never feels like a carbon copy. Instead, it’s a sharp, modern take on the classic isolated, closed-circle mystery and it’s expertly done.
Set in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands, we’re introduced to Jules, a struggling hotel owner facing a make-or-break weekend. Wealthy investor Tim Melrose and his wife Gracie arrive, alongside a handful of other guests and staff — each one increasingly peculiar, deeply unlikeable (intentionally so), and clearly hiding something.
When a guest disappears and a brutal blizzard cuts the hotel off from the outside world, paranoia explodes. Secrets unravel. Alliances fracture and the real danger proves to be inside the hotel, not out in the storm.
What I loved most was the structure. The first half carefully builds atmosphere — tense, isolated, claustrophobic — taking time to establish each character and the simmering unease. Then the second half hits the accelerator and does not let up. The pacing is relentless, the twists stack up beautifully, and that sense of “trust no one” never wavers.
I did spot one of the major twists early on but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment in the slightest. I still didn’t predict the full picture, and the final showdown genuinely surprised me.
This was gloriously tense, deliciously twisty, and completely gripping from start to finish. Nothing lagged. By the end, I felt like I’d been through the storm myself.
Superb. And honestly? I think Agatha Christie herself would have enjoyed this one.
February 26, 2026
I seem to be drawn to murder mysteries setting in beautiful and idyllic remote locations in Scotland. The Tornivan Hotel in the stunning Scottish Highlands sounds like the perfect place for a retreat, or a romantic getaway...but in reality we are faced with a locked in situation and a killer on the loose.
This book starts off quite gently as we are introduced to the characters, and there are quite a few of them. We've got Lucas and Sandeep who are there for a romantic weekend away. Jules, the hotel owner, Marta, the chef and Callan, who seems to do all the work at the hotel. We also meet married couple Tim and Gracie, and Zach the lone guest. Throughout the book we get to see multiple points of view from the characters. It was little bit confusing to start off with, but once I got used to how the characters were and the style of writing I enjoyed seeing the story from all different angles.
This was a classic whodunnit, where you are never sure who to trust. All characters seem to have their flaws and quite honestly all of them are unhinged. They all seem to have different motives and backgrounds but as the mystery unfolds we learn a lot more about each of them and their secrets and lies.
The stormy, blizzards and snow locks all of these people in together. They are cut off. The dark and atmospheric weather is such a great part of this book. A storm is whipped up outside and inside the hotel, where there is an impending sense of doom and despair.
This was an entertaining read, claustrophobic and tense.
This book starts off quite gently as we are introduced to the characters, and there are quite a few of them. We've got Lucas and Sandeep who are there for a romantic weekend away. Jules, the hotel owner, Marta, the chef and Callan, who seems to do all the work at the hotel. We also meet married couple Tim and Gracie, and Zach the lone guest. Throughout the book we get to see multiple points of view from the characters. It was little bit confusing to start off with, but once I got used to how the characters were and the style of writing I enjoyed seeing the story from all different angles.
This was a classic whodunnit, where you are never sure who to trust. All characters seem to have their flaws and quite honestly all of them are unhinged. They all seem to have different motives and backgrounds but as the mystery unfolds we learn a lot more about each of them and their secrets and lies.
The stormy, blizzards and snow locks all of these people in together. They are cut off. The dark and atmospheric weather is such a great part of this book. A storm is whipped up outside and inside the hotel, where there is an impending sense of doom and despair.
This was an entertaining read, claustrophobic and tense.
February 26, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
Umm excuse me while I go and find my head because I can’t seem to find it after this read. Holy cow. I’m still reeling I think from it. I can’t stop thinking about it. Is this on audio cause if it is I’ll be going to get it.
I’m not sure where to even begin with this book but here we go !!
So we not only had a really creepy setting but also no trust between the characters which was so well done and well delivered what else was well delivered was how you really didn’t see what was coming it was like small little clues were left but not enough for you to even know what way the story was gonna go. I love this in a book. Most of the time I can’t figure it out anyway but this time was over my head like no idea none nope. Guess why I stayed up so late reading this book. Although reading at night in the quiet of your house when you live in the middle of nowhere really adds to the creep effect and eeriness.
I loved everything about this book and more. The claustrophobic part with the guests and the isolated retreat made me think of my brother cause he is so claustrophobic I was ooo he would be freaking out. I mean who wouldn’t though. I really don’t want to say too much cause I feel like I may give something away on accident and I don’t want that because yall need to read this book!!!
Overall best book ever !!! So so good. Need more asap !!! Please!!!
Umm excuse me while I go and find my head because I can’t seem to find it after this read. Holy cow. I’m still reeling I think from it. I can’t stop thinking about it. Is this on audio cause if it is I’ll be going to get it.
I’m not sure where to even begin with this book but here we go !!
So we not only had a really creepy setting but also no trust between the characters which was so well done and well delivered what else was well delivered was how you really didn’t see what was coming it was like small little clues were left but not enough for you to even know what way the story was gonna go. I love this in a book. Most of the time I can’t figure it out anyway but this time was over my head like no idea none nope. Guess why I stayed up so late reading this book. Although reading at night in the quiet of your house when you live in the middle of nowhere really adds to the creep effect and eeriness.
I loved everything about this book and more. The claustrophobic part with the guests and the isolated retreat made me think of my brother cause he is so claustrophobic I was ooo he would be freaking out. I mean who wouldn’t though. I really don’t want to say too much cause I feel like I may give something away on accident and I don’t want that because yall need to read this book!!!
Overall best book ever !!! So so good. Need more asap !!! Please!!!
February 24, 2026
"The loch stretching alongside the driveway mirrored the landscape with such clear precision that it was as if the hotel was perched on the edge of a prism, where the boundaries of reality and reflection were blurred."
And so the scene is set for a twisty, gripping thriller, where you're never certain what you know. Jules is fighting for the future of her remote boutique hotel, and prepares to welcome two couples and a film maker for an exclusive weekend, while the hotel is manned by Jules herself and only 2 other staff. One of the couples is comprised of a potential investor and his wife, and a successful weekend could solve all her financial problems. As it turns out, finances are the least of Jules' problems, when guests start going missing, and murder is afoot. Cut off from any help, this is a wonderful locked room/country house murder mystery, where everyone comes under suspicion, and you have to keep reading to find out what happens next. Even the protagonists start questioning themselves, as the reader gets sucked in, and not everything is as it seems.
And so the scene is set for a twisty, gripping thriller, where you're never certain what you know. Jules is fighting for the future of her remote boutique hotel, and prepares to welcome two couples and a film maker for an exclusive weekend, while the hotel is manned by Jules herself and only 2 other staff. One of the couples is comprised of a potential investor and his wife, and a successful weekend could solve all her financial problems. As it turns out, finances are the least of Jules' problems, when guests start going missing, and murder is afoot. Cut off from any help, this is a wonderful locked room/country house murder mystery, where everyone comes under suspicion, and you have to keep reading to find out what happens next. Even the protagonists start questioning themselves, as the reader gets sucked in, and not everything is as it seems.
January 8, 2026
*Book Review*
🅟🅤🅑🅛🅘🅢🅗🅘🅝🅖 🅣🅞🅓🅐🅨 ➏🅣🅗 🅙🅐🅝🅤🅐🅡🅨 ➋⓿➋➏
This is the second book of @victoria.j.randle I have read now and what another delight this one was. It made for a very easy read and very cleverly thought out plot.
I loved the chapters being from the different characters throughout the book allowing you to watch the story unfold from multiple points of view. The way that Randle has made everything link was just pure genius.
There were many clever twists along the way some that I was able to call and some that took me by utter surprise. I did guess the killer early on but that took nothing away from the story and I still had fun directing the story to see where everything might slot in.
I did start at the book thinking that it was all a bit far fetched but the more you read and the more that unfolds it all makes perfect sense and not as far fetched as first thought.
Thankyou to Randle and @bloodhound.books for sending me an advanced copy of this book to read and review. I will defo be keeping my eye out for more of Victoria’s work in the future.
🅟🅤🅑🅛🅘🅢🅗🅘🅝🅖 🅣🅞🅓🅐🅨 ➏🅣🅗 🅙🅐🅝🅤🅐🅡🅨 ➋⓿➋➏
This is the second book of @victoria.j.randle I have read now and what another delight this one was. It made for a very easy read and very cleverly thought out plot.
I loved the chapters being from the different characters throughout the book allowing you to watch the story unfold from multiple points of view. The way that Randle has made everything link was just pure genius.
There were many clever twists along the way some that I was able to call and some that took me by utter surprise. I did guess the killer early on but that took nothing away from the story and I still had fun directing the story to see where everything might slot in.
I did start at the book thinking that it was all a bit far fetched but the more you read and the more that unfolds it all makes perfect sense and not as far fetched as first thought.
Thankyou to Randle and @bloodhound.books for sending me an advanced copy of this book to read and review. I will defo be keeping my eye out for more of Victoria’s work in the future.
December 3, 2025
The perfect murder mystery; a classic with a modern twist.
At remote Scottish hotel Tornivan, everyone is hiding a secret and there's a chilling air of menace invading this 'luxury retreat'. But while there's plenty of Champagne, Whisky, and roaring log fires on offer for the guests, death is lurking in the shadows.
The characters are a joy: intriguing, human, and suspicious. Wintery Scotland is brought to life so beautifully you can practically feel the cold. The plot is a tense delight, building inexorably to the perfect denouement. Everyone is a suspect, and the strands of the plot are woven together with such skill you'll be kept guessing until the very end.
This is the perfect book with which to hunker down on a dark winter's night. A real treat.
At remote Scottish hotel Tornivan, everyone is hiding a secret and there's a chilling air of menace invading this 'luxury retreat'. But while there's plenty of Champagne, Whisky, and roaring log fires on offer for the guests, death is lurking in the shadows.
The characters are a joy: intriguing, human, and suspicious. Wintery Scotland is brought to life so beautifully you can practically feel the cold. The plot is a tense delight, building inexorably to the perfect denouement. Everyone is a suspect, and the strands of the plot are woven together with such skill you'll be kept guessing until the very end.
This is the perfect book with which to hunker down on a dark winter's night. A real treat.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In this atmospheric thriller we meet Jules, fighting desperately to save her luxury Highland hotel.
Her final chance rests on impressing a potential investor during a high-stakes weekend, but the eccentric guests and uncooperative staff push her to the brink.
As tensions escalate and the body count mounts, a dark connection between the central characters emerges - they are all mysteriously linked to one person.
V.J Randle expertly builds suspense, peppering the dark narrative with farcical moments that kept me reading into the wee small hours.
My suspicions veered from one person to another until the unexpected ending threw everything on its head. A must read for fans of dark thrillers with twists and turns.
My thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Her final chance rests on impressing a potential investor during a high-stakes weekend, but the eccentric guests and uncooperative staff push her to the brink.
As tensions escalate and the body count mounts, a dark connection between the central characters emerges - they are all mysteriously linked to one person.
V.J Randle expertly builds suspense, peppering the dark narrative with farcical moments that kept me reading into the wee small hours.
My suspicions veered from one person to another until the unexpected ending threw everything on its head. A must read for fans of dark thrillers with twists and turns.
My thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Not many modern day writers can pay homage to Agatha Christie's classic 'And Then There Were None' in the style it deserves but V.J. Randle has proved that it can be done - and done well - very well infact.
A rundown boutique hotel in a remote area of the Scottish Highlands is the perfect location for the story to unfold in.
The characterisation is particularly well done, and each and every character is fully realised. As layer-upon-layer of back story is peeled away to unveil a whole host of secrets and lies the plot thickens.
This is a mystery full of twists and turns and gathers momentum for a blood-soaked denouement.
V.J. Randle deserves to find her name on a great many bestsellers lists. I can't wait to read her next novel.
A rundown boutique hotel in a remote area of the Scottish Highlands is the perfect location for the story to unfold in.
The characterisation is particularly well done, and each and every character is fully realised. As layer-upon-layer of back story is peeled away to unveil a whole host of secrets and lies the plot thickens.
This is a mystery full of twists and turns and gathers momentum for a blood-soaked denouement.
V.J. Randle deserves to find her name on a great many bestsellers lists. I can't wait to read her next novel.
February 22, 2026
Mind Thrilling
What a total mind game this book was. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, V.J. threw another twist in it. This story is told in multiple POVs which I didn’t think I would like, but ended up loving it. The story takes place at a hotel that is owned by Jules. Calan and Marta work at the hotel. And then you 5 new guests checking in on the same day. Could this just be coincidence? It’s hard not to spoil the book because these characters are all connected in some way, and finding out how is all the twists I can’t give away. Let’s just say the person I thought was behind it was not. My mind was scrambled in a good way after this read.
This was first read from V.J. And thoroughly enjoyed the story and the style if writing.
What a total mind game this book was. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, V.J. threw another twist in it. This story is told in multiple POVs which I didn’t think I would like, but ended up loving it. The story takes place at a hotel that is owned by Jules. Calan and Marta work at the hotel. And then you 5 new guests checking in on the same day. Could this just be coincidence? It’s hard not to spoil the book because these characters are all connected in some way, and finding out how is all the twists I can’t give away. Let’s just say the person I thought was behind it was not. My mind was scrambled in a good way after this read.
This was first read from V.J. And thoroughly enjoyed the story and the style if writing.
March 4, 2026
Talk about a book that kept me guessing until the very end! 😮
I absolutely love a locked-room mystery! So when the opportunity to read an ARC of this book became available, I was thrilled (pun intended). And this book did not disappoint. Each of the characters were unlikable enough that it made me not know who I could trust. The setting was isolated and creepy. And I loved how the story was told from a different character's perspective each chapter. This expertly added to the feeling of uncertainty. I did not see the final twist coming, which is the cherry on top!
I would definitely recommend this one, especially if you like a locked-room mystery, an isolate setting, and a book that keeps you guessing. Congratulations to @victoria.j.randle , this one is great! 🎉
I absolutely love a locked-room mystery! So when the opportunity to read an ARC of this book became available, I was thrilled (pun intended). And this book did not disappoint. Each of the characters were unlikable enough that it made me not know who I could trust. The setting was isolated and creepy. And I loved how the story was told from a different character's perspective each chapter. This expertly added to the feeling of uncertainty. I did not see the final twist coming, which is the cherry on top!
I would definitely recommend this one, especially if you like a locked-room mystery, an isolate setting, and a book that keeps you guessing. Congratulations to @victoria.j.randle , this one is great! 🎉
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A boutique hotel in the Scottish Highlands, five guests and three staff, wintertime, snow and murder, a very good combination.
Jules has been running the hotel since her marriage broke up, her only help is Marta, the chef and Calan the groundskeeper; this weekend is her last chance to get some investment. Tim and his wife Gracie have been invited in the hope of investing into the hotel. The other guests, Zachary, a photographer and Lucas and Sandeep have seemingly booked as the result of a special offer.
Can Jules keep it together for the weekend?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the tension builds with the story and I did not work out who was behind everything at all.
Jules has been running the hotel since her marriage broke up, her only help is Marta, the chef and Calan the groundskeeper; this weekend is her last chance to get some investment. Tim and his wife Gracie have been invited in the hope of investing into the hotel. The other guests, Zachary, a photographer and Lucas and Sandeep have seemingly booked as the result of a special offer.
Can Jules keep it together for the weekend?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the tension builds with the story and I did not work out who was behind everything at all.
January 6, 2026
LOVED this utterly enthralling page-turner. If you enjoy Agatha Christie or Knives Out style mysteries then you will also love this latest novel from V.J. Randle.
I was totally hooked from start to finish. Right from the beginning, I was transported to the most vividly depicted Scottish hotel in the depths of winter. Then the story builds and builds until it hits the big reveal which is an absolute jaw dropper in the most fantastic way.
This book continues to prove that Randle is practically unmatched in their ability to conjure up the most thrilling of mysteries with the deftest of touches. An absolute triumph and a must-read!
I was totally hooked from start to finish. Right from the beginning, I was transported to the most vividly depicted Scottish hotel in the depths of winter. Then the story builds and builds until it hits the big reveal which is an absolute jaw dropper in the most fantastic way.
This book continues to prove that Randle is practically unmatched in their ability to conjure up the most thrilling of mysteries with the deftest of touches. An absolute triumph and a must-read!
January 18, 2026
I went into Seven Bodies expecting a pretty standard Agatha Christie-style crime thriller, and honestly? It surprised me in the best way. This isn’t just a murder mystery with a body count slapped on for shock value. it was a heavily character-driven story, with characters intricately and mysteriously connected.
If you like thrilling whodunnit novels that trust the reader, have almost-tangible settings, and leave you thinking about them after you close the book, Seven Bodies would be the first book I’d recommend. It’s dark, twisty, and methodical. To me, it almost felt like “Pretty Little Liars” for adults. 10/10 no notes
If you like thrilling whodunnit novels that trust the reader, have almost-tangible settings, and leave you thinking about them after you close the book, Seven Bodies would be the first book I’d recommend. It’s dark, twisty, and methodical. To me, it almost felt like “Pretty Little Liars” for adults. 10/10 no notes
February 18, 2026
The premise of Seven Bodies grabbed my attention as soon as I read it & absolutely loved this book.
This was a gripping murder mystery with strong locked door murder vibes, this is the type of read that you can't help but fly through, its addictive & immersive, the author draws you right in and holds your attention until the very end.
This is very much a character driven story, they are well developed & fleshed out with each of them playing a part in bringing the story together. Its the perfect whodunit, packed with tension, suspense & twists all set to a wonderfully atmospheric, isolated & claustrophobic backdrop.
A must-read.
This was a gripping murder mystery with strong locked door murder vibes, this is the type of read that you can't help but fly through, its addictive & immersive, the author draws you right in and holds your attention until the very end.
This is very much a character driven story, they are well developed & fleshed out with each of them playing a part in bringing the story together. Its the perfect whodunit, packed with tension, suspense & twists all set to a wonderfully atmospheric, isolated & claustrophobic backdrop.
A must-read.
February 20, 2026
✨️Review Seven Bodies by V.J. Randle✨️
Hooked from the start!
Lucas and sandeep are funny especially spying on the tea outside the window
Zach gosh he can turn on the charm but there's defo something off about him.
Jules where to start!
Tim and Gracie just scream red flag!
What an interesting web they weave! They all started out so nice and then bam they pretty much all had creepy backgrounds and story's all so dark that you get to delve deeper into.
The suspense throughout had you on your toes
That ending tho! Did not see that coming and I thought I'd worked it out. How wrong I was!
Absolutely fantastic thriller!
Hooked from the start!
Lucas and sandeep are funny especially spying on the tea outside the window
Zach gosh he can turn on the charm but there's defo something off about him.
Jules where to start!
Tim and Gracie just scream red flag!
What an interesting web they weave! They all started out so nice and then bam they pretty much all had creepy backgrounds and story's all so dark that you get to delve deeper into.
The suspense throughout had you on your toes
That ending tho! Did not see that coming and I thought I'd worked it out. How wrong I was!
Absolutely fantastic thriller!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Seven people are in a remote Scottish hotel when one disappears and then a body is discovered. I enjoyed this read. The sense of being cut off was palpable and became increasingly so as tensions rise among each person, both guests and staff.
I liked how seemingly unrelated events in each person's life gradually became revealed to fit into one commonality. The author does a good job of directing you in one direction only to throw a curveball so just as I thought things were resolved, a further twist occurs. It was very cleverly done.
I liked how seemingly unrelated events in each person's life gradually became revealed to fit into one commonality. The author does a good job of directing you in one direction only to throw a curveball so just as I thought things were resolved, a further twist occurs. It was very cleverly done.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, gripping murder mystery.
It kept me guessing, but as I suspected one person and then then another, then along came a twist to prove me wrong, and I certainly wasn't prepared for that unexpected twisty ending.
It's a well written gripping murder mystery that has you guessing from start to finish and what an ending it is.
There's plenty of revelations and twists with strong, interesting characters .
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
It kept me guessing, but as I suspected one person and then then another, then along came a twist to prove me wrong, and I certainly wasn't prepared for that unexpected twisty ending.
It's a well written gripping murder mystery that has you guessing from start to finish and what an ending it is.
There's plenty of revelations and twists with strong, interesting characters .
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews