Book Review: Bad Summer People

Mrs P

Aug 3

None of them would claim to be a particularly good person. But who among them is actually capable of murder?

Emma Rosenblum ~ Bad Summer People

Synopsis

Jen Weinstein and Lauren Parker rule the town of Salcombe, Fire Island every summer. They hold sway on the beach and the tennis court, and are adept at manipulating people to get what they want. Their husbands, Sam and Jason, have summered together on the island since childhood, despite lifelong grudges and numerous secrets. Their one single friend, Rachel Woolf, is looking to meet her match, whether he's the tennis pro-or someone else's husband. But even with plenty to gossip about, this season starts out as quietly as any other.
Until a body is discovered, face down off the side of the boardwalk.

Review

Anyone else love an antihero?

This book is full of the most unlikable characters you could imagine. Rich, privileged, entitled, selfish people. While this makes for an interesting read, the plot falls short. Plus there are only so many chapters of snide remarks and jealousy that one can read.

It's very readable and I enjoyed it, but overall I would probably only describe it as 'fine'. It's a good beach read and the perfect choice to binge in one go and then leave in the hotel.

However, it's not a book that you will remember forever and as I said before, the characters really are despicable. This means that it's almost impossible to feel empathy for any of them; when they suffer a setback (of sorts), I doubt a single reader will care, as the characters are so wrapped up in their shallow little lives.

Fun but forgettable.