First Impressions
Having previously read The Cloisters, I was curious to see how Katy Hays would approach her second novel. The Vipers is an entirely different beast—less a tightly woven mystery and more of a slow-burning family drama with layers of deceit and buried secrets. The intrigue surrounding Sarah Lingate’s death immediately drew me in, but what kept me reading was the novel’s atmospheric setting and morally complex characters.
Plot Summary
Set against the dazzling cliffs of Capri, The Vipers follows the wealthy and secretive Lingate family. For thirty years, they have returned to their villa to reaffirm the belief that Sarah Lingate’s death was merely an accident—until the thirtieth anniversary, when they arrive to find a chilling reminder of her final night: her lost necklace, mysteriously reappearing.
At the heart of the novel is Helen, Sarah’s daughter, who has spent her life haunted by unanswered questions. As she begins to dig deeper into her mother’s death, another shocking event takes place—Marcus Lingate’s assistant, Lorna, goes missing. As Helen pieces together long-buried secrets, she uncovers the dark underbelly of her family’s wealth and privilege, realising that nothing about her mother’s death was as simple as it seemed.
Themes
Hays expertly explores themes of family dysfunction, privilege, and female agency. The Lingates are a fascinating study in power, wealth, and the lengths people will go to protect their reputations. The novel also delves into women’s experiences within patriarchal structures, highlighting how their choices are scrutinised in ways men’s rarely are. Helen’s journey from being controlled by her family to asserting her independence is central to the story, adding a compelling psychological layer to the mystery.
What Worked
What Worked- A Multi-Perspective, Dual Timeline Narrative – The novel unfolds across different points in time, offering insight into both Sarah’s life before her death and Helen’s present-day investigation.
- An Atmospheric Setting – Capri is vividly described, almost becoming a character in itself. The contrast between its idyllic beauty and the darkness lurking within the Lingate family adds depth to the story.
- Twists and Turns – While not a pulse-pounding thriller, the novel offers enough suspense to keep the reader engaged. The unfolding revelations, especially toward the end, were cleverly done.
- Morally Grey Characters – None of the characters are entirely likeable, but they are compelling. Their self-interest, entitlement, and ruthlessness add a fascinating tension to the novel.
What Could Have Been Stronger
For those expecting a high-stakes thriller, The Vipers leans more heavily into family drama rather than a traditional mystery. The pacing, particularly in the first half, is slow, which may frustrate readers looking for instant intrigue. While the final twists are unexpected, the resolution may feel implausible or too convenient for some. Additionally, with multiple perspectives and timelines, there were moments where keeping track of the narrative became somewhat confusing.
Who Might Enjoy This Book?
Who Might Enjoy This Book?- Fans of slow-burning, atmospheric mysteries
- Readers who love messy, wealthy families with dark secrets
- Those interested in psychological suspense rather than fast-paced thrillers
- Anyone looking for an immersive setting with rich descriptions of Capri
- People who enjoy dual-timeline narratives with multiple perspectives
Conclusion
The Vipers is an intriguing, layered family drama with elements of suspense and psychological tension. While it doesn’t deliver the tightly plotted mystery I had initially expected, it thrives in its exploration of wealth, power, and deception. If you enjoy slow-burning, intricately woven narratives that focus on flawed characters and hidden truths, this one is worth picking up.
This book is also published under the title “Saltwater” in some countries.
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for the opportunity to read this book.
Also read: The Cloisters by Katy Hays
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