Book Review: High Season by Katie Bishop
Oh, summer reading season, how I adore you! With the sun shining and a glass of lemonade by my side, there’s something magical about diving into a new book that promises a tantalizing escape. This summer, I couldn’t resist picking up High Season by the immensely talented Katie Bishop, whose previous novel, The Girls of Summer, enchanted me last year. There’s just something about Bishop’s knack for crafting intricate stories set against sun-soaked backdrops that keeps me coming back for more.
Set against the picturesque Cote d’Azur, High Season unravels the chilling mystery of the Drayton family’s past. The story begins with the tragic drowning of seventeen-year-old Tamara Drayton in the family pool. As Tamara’s five-year-old sister Nina becomes the sole witness, she shatters their idyllic summer with the assertion that their babysitter, local townie Josie Jackson, pushed her sister into the water. Fast-forward twenty years, and Josie is released from prison, only for the past to resurface, much to Nina’s horror. When a local true crime podcaster arrives on the scene, the story of that fateful day becomes impossible to escape.
Bishop masterfully navigates a dual timeline and multiple perspectives, switching seamlessly among Nina, Tamara, Josie, and Josie’s best friend Hannah—both present-day and two decades earlier. While this might sound like a complex narrative structure, Bishop’s writing flows with such grace that I found myself easily moving from one character’s voice to another. Each chapter deepens the suspense, leading me on a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations, and I found myself racing to uncover the truth behind Tamara’s death.
One of the aspects that stood out to me was Bishop’s exquisite prose. Her vivid descriptions painted the South of France in vibrant hues, making me feel as though I could hear the waves lapping against the shore and feel the warm sand beneath my feet. Lines such as “the azure blue water glimmered like a thousand sapphires” perfectly captured the essence of summer, even as the narrative delves into darker themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the burden of memories.
The intricate web of relationships was another captivating element. Nina’s struggle to reconcile her childhood memories with the adult world she now inhabits is both poignant and relatable. I could feel Tamara’s ghost lingering throughout the story, serving as a haunting reminder of the past that refuses to be buried. And then there’s Josie—an underestimated character whose perspective brings depth to the narrative and invites readers to reconsider the notion of guilt and innocence.
High Season left me guessing until the very end, with its cleverly crafted twists and a climactic conclusion that brought resolution—and quite a bit of satisfaction. It made me reflect on how our perceptions of truth can be shaped by the age, by the biases we carry, and even by the passage of time. Watching Nina wrestle with her own doubts and convictions drew me deeply into her journey, resulting in a reading experience that was both thrilling and thought-provoking.
In sum, High Season is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and those who revel in stories about family secrets, love, and the complexities of memory. I anticipate this book will have broad appeal, especially for readers who enjoyed Bishop’s prior work. Whether you’re lounging at the beach or cozied up at home, prepare for a riveting ride that will keep you guessing and flipping pages long into the night.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be eagerly lounging in the sun, dreaming of my next vacation getaway in Bishop’s enchanting world. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!
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