I picked up The Weekend expecting a tense little mystery, but it quickly became one of those books that had me muttering “just one more chapter” until I realised I’d devoured half of it in a single sitting. The premise is irresistible. Six friends head to the Yorkshire Dales for their annual New Year’s trip, only for a storm to force them into the mouth of a cave. Inside, they stumble across a backpack filled with a life‑changing amount of money.
The story unfolds through multiple points of view, mainly Helen’s, and despite the large cast, I found it surprisingly easy to follow. Each character has their own history, flaws, and motivations, and I loved how my feelings towards them shifted constantly. Sometimes I sympathised with them, other times I questioned every choice they made.
What really hooked me was the moral dilemma at the centre of the plot. Would I hand the money in? Would I keep it? Would I trust my friends to make the same choice? The book leans into these questions beautifully, and I found myself thinking about them long after I’d put it down. The Yorkshire setting adds a brilliant sense of atmosphere too. The bleak weather, the isolation, the farmhouse that should feel cosy but somehow doesn’t, it all feeds into the tension.
The second half shifts into a sharper, more thriller‑driven pace. Secrets start to unravel, loyalties wobble, and the stakes rise quickly. I thought I had the twists worked out more than once, only to realise I was completely wrong. The pacing is tight, the chapters are short, and the sense of unease builds steadily. It’s the kind of book that keeps you guessing right until the final pages.
If I had one small gripe, it’s the ending. I loved how everything tied together, but it did feel a little abrupt. That said, the final reveal genuinely made me smile, and I closed the book feeling thoroughly entertained.
If you enjoy character‑driven suspense, multiple POVs, moral dilemmas, and stories that make you question everyone’s motives, this will be right up your street. It’s fast paced, addictive, and perfect for readers who love being kept on their toes.
The Weekend is a gripping, thought‑provoking read that blends friendship drama with escalating tension. With its clever structure, shifting perspectives, and plenty of twists, it’s a book that pulls you in and refuses to let go. Even with its slightly sudden ending, it’s a thoroughly engaging thriller that left me thinking about the characters long after I’d finished.
Thank you Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
