The Vipers

The latest novel by the acclaimed author of "The Cloisters" delves into a gripping tale of a wealthy family whose annual gatherings in Italy are disrupted by the resurfacing of a decades-old murder, unveiling a web of deceptions and betrayals. This chilling thriller will captivate fans of "Succession" and "The White Lotus."Set on the enchanting island of Capri, the narrative reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. Three decades ago, the world was stunned by the death of playwright Sarah Lingate at a lavish villa on the island. Although the Lingate family was cleared of any wrongdoing, they claim it was a tragic accident and return to Capri every July to reinforce their story.Helen Lingate, the family's sole heiress, seeks to break free from her father's firm grip and recruits the family's assistant, Lorna Moreno, to help her. Despite their outward portrayal of unity, the Lingate family is on the verge of collapse. Upon arriving at the villa, they receive an anonymous gift—a necklace that Sarah wore on the night of her death.This unsettling discovery unravels the already paranoid and secretive family. With the investigation into Sarah's death reopened, Helen's trust in those around her diminishes, including in Richard, her controlling father; Naomi, her drug-dependent aunt; Marcus, her detached uncle; and even Lorna, whose past proves to be mystifyingly obscure. As family tensions rise, long-buried truths and concealed secrets threaten to surface, posing the risk that they may not survive to leave the island.Hailed by COSMOPOLITAN as perfect for fans of thrillers like "The Fury" and "The Guest List," described by MAIL ON SUNDAY as an "elaborate game of cat and mouse," and considered a "must-read" by Julie Clark, author of "The Last Flight," this novel promises to be both engrossing and sinister.