Gripping from start to finish, this book keeps you turning the pages until the very end. I cannot recommend it highly enough, a great book for fans of thrillers.

This wasn’t what I was expecting based on the synopsis, I thought I’d be reading an escape room type story with people being chased off an island or someone in the holiday group being a little unhinged.

However this does have an element of suspense running through it and I was intrigued.... Erin is on a quest to get the truth about a plane crash involving her sister Lori which she should also have been on... The story is written ‘now’ from the view point of Erin and ‘then’ from the view point of Lori.

You will find yourself wanting to get through the book to find out what the real truth is about the crash... some twists and turns... a few surprises along the way.

I must say I didn’t know which way Clarke was going to take it and wasn’t expecting the ending.. although I’m not sure based on what I read of the relationship between the sisters that it fitted.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lucy Clarke certainly knows how to write a thriller and The Castaways shows her skill and talent within the genre. There’s secrets, a twisted sister dynamic, a plane crash and a remote island – what is not to love?

The story alternates between Past and Present and is told through two narrative perspectives of sisters Lori and Erin. I have seen this technique become confusing in other novels, but the past chapters are only told from the perspective of Lori and the present chapters by Erin (although there’s a few flashbacks in her writing) which helps to keep things straight forward. Lori’s chapters are a slow burn, only giving snippets of information and a lot of cliff hangers to keep you reading. Erin’s chapters are interspersed by some veiled secrets and a sense that we don’t always know the full extent of the story. I actually enjoyed both points of view and didn’t find myself racing through one to get to another which is a nice change.

At over 400 pages I did feel like the book could have been edited a little better – at least 50 pages could easily have been condensed or cut. It’s actually quite a simple plot when you think back over it in hindsight – particularly Erin’s chapters. I really didn’t enjoy the reveal in the ending (no spoilers!) - I thought it felt a bit too convenient and unrealistic. I did however like the resolution of Erin’s character and that was a nice twist that I did not see coming.

Overall, The Castaways is a fun thriller with lots of secrets to reveal. Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins UK – Harper Fiction for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A well written book about two sisters and what befalls them after one sister boards a plane and the second sister misses it. It is written in the past by one sister and the present by the other. A good book to curl up by a fire and read as you need to know 'what happens next'.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the advance copy of this book.

Two sisters ,Erin and Lori , who have always been close since the death of their parents are living together in Erin's small flat since Lori gt divorced from her husband Pete. The 2 girls have quite a different lifestyle , Lori being the elder being tidy and organised and Erin living like a student as Lori says.
Lori books an holiday for them both on a Fijian island , with money left over from her divorce settlement . When they arrive at the mainland to stay overnight before leaving for the Island Resort the next day , they have an argument , where things are said on both sides , and Erin storms off.and goes to a bar and gets drunk.
The next day Lori boards the small plane for the final destination , expecting Erin to turn up. She doesn't but Lori continues as booked. The plane takes off but after a short while loses contact and disappears . Searches are put in place but nothing is found . The plane has crashed on a remote island off the flight plan. Four of the passengers including the stewardess and the mother of a tiny baby called Sonny are killed on impact , but 5 including Lori , Sonny , and Mike the pilot survive. Lori as the only woman , who had always longed to be a mother starts to look after Sonny , whilst the men , Felix , Daniel and Mike fix shelters , light beacon fires to draw attention to themselves and Mike keeps lookout from a ridge for any sign of help. Months later Mike is found ill on the mainland after working in a resort , cash in hand with no I.D. . The papers find out about this and Erin goes out to find out what he is covering up and how he was rescued . Were all the passengers killed as he claims , or is there more to his story ? You need to read the book to find out more but I found this book well written with many unexpected turns along the way to it's finale.

Oh my goodness. THIS WAS AMAZING! I started it at bedtime and could not put it down! I just needed to know what happened. One of my favourite thrillers I've read in recent times. I look forward to reading more Lucy Clarke. This is totally different to much else I've read and I love that it didn't follow a normal thriller timeline. I really felt for both the sisters and I have already recommended it to a friend! Big fan! Thanks!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Castaways, I couldn't put it down! I was gripped right from the beginning.
Two sisters are going off to Fiji for a holiday together, but something happens and only one turns up to the airport to get their flight. The sister who didn't make it soon finds out that the flight with her sister on, didn't make it to its destination and no one knows what happened to the plane!
It then moves on two years and there still hasn't been any answers. The story follows what Erin, trying to find out what happened to that flight, when miraculously the pilot shows up and has been living under an alias. Erin becomes more desperate to find out what happened, as she has renewed hope that her sister is still alive. This coincides with the story telling what happened to Lori from when she got on to the plane, and what happened when they crashed on an island.
Both storylines come together at the end to give you some answers about what has gone on. This story just keeps you on the edge of your seat, and constantly guessing about what is going to happen! The author perfectly sets the scenes through her writing, and you really get the sense on the island itself and feel as if you are there.
I was very impressed with this book and will definitely be reading more books by Lucy Clarke.

Rating: 5 stars

It’s been so long since I've managed to read a book in one sitting, but with castaway I just couldn’t put it down.

The plot was highly addicting and unpredictable, making me unsure of the ending right up until the last second. I was so enthralled with what would happen to Lori - it took all my restraint not to check the ending whilst reading.

The themes within this book were written well, and I often felt emotionally moved. The vivid imagery and writing were wonderful for painting the scene of what it was like on the island, causing me to feel the horrors of the island itself and become even more invested in the ending to find out what would happen to Lori and if she would be okay.

At first I wasn’t sure about the ending of this book as it felt slightly abrupt, however after thinking more about it the simplicity of it feels very fitting, and leaves a beautiful message.

I would highly recommend this book and I will definitely be checking out other books written by the author.

Sisters Lori and Erin are holidaying in Fiji and plan to take an inter-island flight the next day. But following a heated argument at dinner, Erin storms off in a huff. In the morning Lori arrives at the airport alone; thinking Erin will turn up under her own steam. Growing increasingly anxious as the minutes tick by and with no sign of Erin, Lori reluctantly boards the plane alone. It's a decision that changes both their lives forever.

The plane veers off course and crashes into a remote island. As the days pass, the survivors come to realise any hope of rescue is fading. With their plight now desperate, a fight for survival ensues — survival not only from the elements but from one another.

Fast forward two years and the plane wreckage still hasn't been located. Everyone on board is now presumed dead and the crash is no longer newsworthy. Unable to accept that her sister perished in the accident, Erin returns to Fiji in search of answers.

When I saw the book cover for The Castaways I knew I had to read it. It's exactly the kind of story I love — an exotic location, a terrifying accident, hidden secrets and a search for the truth. I really enjoyed it. The dual timelines of 'Then' — as told by Lori — and 'Now' — Erin's search for answers — work incredibly well. The plot is multifaceted, suspenseful and gripping.

The horrors of survival on an inhospitable island are excellently portrayed and I felt included in their struggles. Characters are fully developed; but be prepared for some nasty, self-centred dispositions. The plot is fabulously twisty but try as I might, I just couldn't figure out how it would end. It's pure escapism and I loved every moment.

Sisters Lori and Erin have gone on holiday together to Fiji. But they fall out the night before a plane journey to one of the many islands and Lori takes the journey alone. But she never makes it as the small plane crashes on route. It fate and the fate of the passengers and pilot unknown. Erin is beside herself wracked with guilt and, when the investigation peters out due to lack of evidence, starts her own in earnest. And then, two years later, the pilot turns up alive, well barely as he was rushed into hospital. Erin, like the other relatives, is sent the transcript of the police's "chat" with him but is convinced he is lying so, and here her job in media helps, travels back to Fiji, determined to get the truth of what really happened once and for all.
Whilst Erin is investigating in the present, meeting the pilot's family, talking to him and following a couple of clues, we also go back to the past. To the moments leading up to the crash and what followed thereafter. Don't worry, no spoilers here but suffice to say that some of the stories you will read here are a bit juicy and there are a lot of secrets and lies and more than sufficient duplicitous behaviour!
What I really loved about this book was reading about how they fared on the island. I'd love to wax lyrical about things I loved and what made me chuckle, but I fear spoilers so I can't. Suffice to say that that side of things held me completely rapt all the way through.
Actually, all the way through I did have half an eye on wondering how on earth the author could possible wrap it all up? What was her end game? Obviously I can't say here but I do have to say that I did have a very negative knee jerk reaction to something which could have sent this book down the three stars route but then I went with what I was reading and by the very end I realised I was over reacting and wound my neck in and accepted the ending for what it actually was... perfect.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Best read of 2021 yet !!

As I settle into a book, one of my thoughts is how could this book end? What are we aiming to find out before we leave this story? I like to think the reader knows what they want to know how the story ends - find a killer, do they fall in love, happily ever after, You know what you want by the end of this story. I'm glad of that. That's what I look for in a book. Believe it or not some books don't.

This was good on so many levels for me. An unusual setting for a thriller, like that. Characters to get to know, like that too. Not too many characters to feel confused, tick. Atmospheric, tick. The want for character's happiness, tick. Fantastic ending, most definitely tick. Twists, oh yeah.

Go by this blurb ...

Beautiful beaches.
Golden sunsets.
Nothing for miles.

You’ll never want to leave.
Until you can’t…

Gripping, twisty and full of sun-soaked atmosphere, THE CASTAWAYS will whisk you far away to the island – and never let you go.

The Castaways is one of those novels that very quickly sucks you in and doesn’t let you go until the very last page. I found it absolutely addictive reading.

The synopsis does not give much away, and I found that reading it without knowing much at all about the plot itself added to my intrigue, so I’ll aim to avoid spoiling the suspense by revealing too much here. The plot centers around sisters Lori and Erin, who have a bad argument the night before they’re due to take go on holiday to Fiji together. Erin misses the flight, which goes missing with Lori on it. Fast forward to a few years later, and Erin is newly invigorated to try and find out exactly what happened to the plane.

The story is told in two parts – ‘now’, following Erin in the present day, and ‘then’, following Lori as she embarks on the doomed plane journey. The plot is fairly slow to start with, but no less interesting, and picks up pace as we find out more and more about what happened. There’s plenty of tension in both storylines and I found I couldn’t put it down, I just wanted to know exactly what had happened to Lori!

The Castaways is a fun, enjoyable and, at times, moving read. There’s some satisfying twists which I really enjoyed and which felt believable too. I have already read a few other books by Lucy Clarke and really enjoyed them too, and the addition of The Castaways has cemented this author as a new favourite for escapist, fast paced thrillers.

I enjoyed this thriller by Lucy Clarke & read it very quickly. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book was not for me sadly. I tried 3 times to get into this book but it didnt hold me attention.

I have enjoyed all Lucy Clarke books so was excited to read this one .I enjoyed it but was not blown away with it.
Sisters Lori and Erin are meant to be going on holiday to Fiji but what happens to make Erin miss the flight?
The plane then does not arrive at its destination and Lori ends up marooned on a desert island .with 3 other passengers and a baby.
To find out what happened to the missing plane becomes an obsession with Erin. She uncovers some nasty surprises and shocks in her quest.
I felt I had read something similar before but still an enjoyable read with some twists and surprises.
Not a book to read on your holiday flight!

Fantastic thriller, full of twists and turns! This book tells the story of two sister, Lori and Erin. While on a luxury holiday in Fiji, they are meant to get on a flight together to one of the islands. Erin doesn't board the flight and later discovers that it never arrived at its destination. The book switches between the perspectives of the two sisters - Lori as she boards the flight and Erin two years later as she continues to search for clues about what happened.
This book wasn't what I expected from the description (it sounded more like an Agatha Christie style mystery) but I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted to keep reading to discover what would happen next. Very clever plot and well-written characters.

Two sisters; Lori and Erin, heading off to a South Pacific Island on holiday. However, they row, Lori takes the plane to the island... and crashes. Erin spends her time trying to find her, hurting from their final row.

The story alternates from Lori and Erin's perspectives, and is told very well. The tension really builds. You can feel the heat and smell the sand on the desert island! It tugs at the heart strings, as the author explores relationships and commitments. The only bit I didn't like was the final few chapters... they didn't work for me. But then the final chapter left me with a lump in my throat - may we all find our own island.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First of all - this is a superb book and should not be missed. Never a dull or over elaborate/descriptive moment, pace very good and characterisations excellent
Oddly, this was my second review in a row where I can summarise the main theme as Robinson Crusoe in the 21st century. The mystery surrounding the passengers on the missing plane brought to mind Lost, the TV series from a few years ago,. I did not watch much of it but I recollect it being extremely long and got a bit lost on how to end it with a sensible reason. So I did have this at the back of my mind as I progressed through the book.
The chapters alternate between Lorin THEN (the missing sister) and Erin NOW (the sister looking for answers). The storyline has several good twists and I was never certain what was going to happen.
I am not going to reveal anything about the final chapters as you must read it to find out. Suffice to say I was expecting a happy reconciliation ending, a sad dead ending, a 'don't really know what happened' ending or a mix of these endings. I believe the ending is excellent and it left me with a 'that makes sense' feeling.
So - don't miss it

'The Castaways' tells the story of two sisters, Lori and Erin, as their plane flying them to their holiday destination suddenly disappears without a trace. However, due to an argument the night before, only Lori boarded the plane. Two years later, Erin is still struggling with the disappearance of her sister and desparately searching for some kind of closure.

I really enjoyed the story, and devoured the book in two sittings. The book wasn't fast-paced, as it flitted between the past and the present, but it was still a real page-turner.

I must say that the storyline really didn't match what I thought it would be based on the blurb. I assumed that a group of holidaymakers would become trapped on a 5 star resort, which turns out to be really dark and creepy. However, this wasn't the case. If you're thinking about reading this book, definitely go with the title, rather than the blurb! It's still a good read- it was my own expectations that threw me off a little to begin with.

The characters were relatable, if not all likeable, and the power dynamic definitely gave off 'Lost' (the TV show) vibes, which I loved.

I'll definitely buy multiple copies of this book for our libraries, as I can see lots of readers enjoying it.

The cliche says we should never judge a book by its cover, which is both true and easy with this one because, at the time of reading, it basically has a picture of an island, a few words about sand, and the title along with an attempt an ominous thought that people can't leave - which you stand a good chance of figuring out from the title. I mean, it's pretty and kind of intriguing, but it tells you nothing. if you're in a shop with a physical copy right in front of you as you consider the appeal just ignore any urge to flick through some pages and see how it grabs you. No really, I'd totally do the same as you, but it would be a mistake. One I was thankfully saved from by the magic of books via the Internet and blind faith in a recommendation. So, with that in mind, I'm not suggesting you put the book back on the shelf - that would also be a mistake. I'm saying take it straight to someone who works there and just buy it. if you really want to know more about it just keep reading your phone and I'll try to explain the whole thing without explaining the whole thing.

Two sisters, Lori and Erin, head off to a small resort in Fiji for a holiday. They both take up different parts of the story in converging storylines, Lori handles the "Then" while Erin tells us about "Now". Which all sounds very simple I know, partly because it is. This book starts out like that, pretty simple and straightforward. It's a nice pleasant read with surprisingly little drama given a title that tells you there will be some trapped on an exotic island lot coming your way. You don't even have to wait that long to reach it either. But you do have to wait a little longer to buy into the mystery yourself. That simple introduction makes for more of a curiosity than a full-blown mystery. But hang in there, I promise!

It's a book that builds very cleverly. You drift along merrily for a short while before realising you're actually pretty invested in the whole thing. And it does that to you again, and again, and again. It somehow manages to drop a huge plot point that captures your attention, it gives you something to ponder as you drift a little longer not really noticing that nothing more of it until suddenly it becomes another huge plot point and jolts you (in a good way) back into asking "So what did happen then?" Before you know it you're on the home stretch and new information is coming thick and fast, and for a long time that just makes the whole thing cloudier. Yes, if you're one of those people who turn to the back of a mystery to solve it before you start you'll probably land right in the middle of the peak intrigue, the story has pushed most of the mystery as far back into the book as it can go while still leaving time to answer all the questions. If the start of the book is a lazy read on a lounger sipping mai tais, the end is when you wake up the next day and discover you booked yourself in to go parasailing and don't even have time for breakfast. And it works. Yes, it all seems a bit frantic but afterwards you have a huge grin on your face and lots of great memories. Sign up for the adrenaline rush, and read this book too. Although maybe not if you're going on holiday to a small island in Fiji - in that case do the parasailing first and read the book when you get home, it'll be worth the wait.