Sharon Bolton has delivered again.

A very clever, complicated plot, slowly building up, keeping me in the dark right to the end. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Makes you wonder what you might receive in the post.....

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An absolutely gripping and atmospheric thriller! From the moment the strangers received their mysterious invitations, I was hooked. The premise of inheriting a billionaire’s fortune instantly grabbed my attention, and the tense, claustrophobic setting of the doomed cruise made it impossible to put this book down.

Each character was brilliantly crafted, with secrets and flaws that kept me second-guessing their motives the whole way through. I loved how the story peeled back the layers bit by bit, revealing dark truths and shocking twists I never saw coming. The suspense built perfectly, keeping me turning the pages late into the night.

The mix of mystery, psychological tension, and survival made this a truly addictive read. If you enjoy thrillers where every character is hiding something and no one can be trusted, this book is an absolute must-read x

🚢 The story follows seven strangers each receiving a token accompanied by a note. The message promises them a share of the immense fortune of billionaire Logan Quick. They are invited abroad a cruise ship. As the ship cuts through dark and restless waters, they find themselves entangled in a deadly game where survival depends on confronting the darkest secrets. Each wave brings them closer to the truth about the inheritance, about Logan Quick and about themselves.

🚢 Pick this up if you like/ don’t mind:
📌 psychological thriller
📌 fast paced
📌 twisted/ intriguing/ addictive
📌 isolation plot/ high stakes
📌 flawed characters where every character has a story and a secret/ strangers bound by a buried past
📌 the promise of wealth bringing out the best and the worst in people
📌 themes of greed, survival, secrets, deception, revenge

🚢 This was my second book by this author and once again the story pulled me in right from the start. The plot was gripping enough that I devoured it in two days at the expense of a few hours of precious sleep. One of the strongest element for me was the way each character was given a life of their own. They weren’t just names on a page, they had histories, secrets and personal struggles that felt real. Watching how they reacted to the sudden prospect of inheriting a fortune was fascinating. That said I will admit it took me a little while to keep track of who was who especially with such a large and complex cast. As someone who devours thrillers regularly I found some of the twists easier to spot ahead of time but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Overall it was an engaging read. Thanks NetGalley and author for the ARC.

Seven people receive a token informing them that they will each receive a share of billionaire Logan Quick's fortune when he dies. They are not sure if it is a hoax but soon link up with each other to try to solve the mystery. This culminates in a dangerous boat trip to the Scilly Isles where they must confront their past and their demons.
If you like a fast-paced psychological thriller with a cast of well-drawn characters you will enjoy this book.
Highly recommended.

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

4.5 rounded up

Cuique meritum- to each his deserts

There’s an exciting start at multiple knots as a boat heads to the Scilly Isles … Electricity gone, no working engine, no radio and worse is yet to come. As if that’s not enough a bombshell revelation shakes me up.

However, that is Now, let me take you back to Then when Holly receives a token and a solicitors letter, informing her that it entitles her to an equal share of Logan Quicks wealth, who just happens to be one of the U.K.’s richest men. She isn’t the only token recipient as Tara, Cheryl, Sabri, Robin, Craig and Tug (Trevor) also receive one. The million or even billion dollar question is – why? What links them and the elusive billionaire?

Sharon Bolton always delivers in my opinion as I know it will be a well thought out, polished and well written tale. All of the seven characters have really good back stories, some have truly awful lives or should that be awful people in them who make their lives a misery. They are all flawed in different ways but that’s partly what makes them so interesting. The relationships and the dynamics between them are very intriguing.

One of the main aspects of the book is the impact that the prospect of a lot of money can have and what it does to people. It’s very good on human nature, money seems to bring out the worst in people and of course, the times in which we live there’s very little chance of keeping things to yourself. Let’s settle for the word intrusive and of course, the motivation of greed.

The pace is good throughout, there are no lulls in the storytelling and my interest is riveted throughout. It’s suspenseful, tense and intense in equal measure and as the seven head towards the Scilly Isles it’s fair to say it well and truly ramps up especially as the truth begins to emerge. Several characters have their suspicions of what’s going on and why and that becomes a strong element. The ending is twisty and my sympathies flip backwards and forwards.

Overall, this is an excellent psychological thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Thanks to NetGalley and especially to Orion Publishing Group for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

Sharon Bolton's The Token starts with a great setup: seven strangers each get a note saying they might inherit billionaire Logan Quick's money. They each receive a token and an invite to a creepy cruise to a remote island. To figure out why they were picked, they need to work together while dealing with danger, including possible threats from each other. The main issue is their struggle as they deal with secrets and try to find the truth before it's too late.

The protagonist's story is intense, full of suspicion and fear. They form partnerships with the other six potential heirs. These characters are mysterious, with personal problems that come out when things get tough, creating interesting relationships that push the story forward. Bolton does a good job of showing human weakness; these characters aren't always likable, which makes their development even more interesting as they reveal their vulnerabilities and reasons for being there amid the high-pressure environment on the cruise. Each person's reaction to the crisis shows their background and mental state, making their actions unpredictable and interesting.

The book touches on trusting someone or being betrayed, greed, survival, and how secrets can change people. These ideas connect to common things in society today, intersecting wealth and privilege, and hard choices when you're stressed. The locked-up feeling on the ship is like facing your problems without a way out, making the reader think about how they would act in the same situation. The book looks at how money and power expose flaws, asking what people might do when they're desperate or want something badly.

The writing is clear and fast-paced. The story moves quickly in a straightforward way, which builds suspense without getting confusing. The author mixes feelings of dread and urgency to make a tense mood. The way the story is set up, with different viewpoints from the heirs, helps to build the story by showing different opinions. It keeps the reader guessing who to trust, if anyone. It also adds an emotional layer by showing the psychological stress each character is going through.

This personal story makes the messages about human nature and how the bad sides of ambition stand out. It makes you uneasy and think about the real cost of wanting too much and whether things happen because of fate or choice. The constant shift between feeling sympathetic and distrustful toward the characters keeps the reader involved, showing Bolton's skill. Sometimes, some characters' reasons feel rushed or not fully explored, which might make some twists less surprising for those characters.

The Token fits into the genre tradition of high-stakes isolation plots. It has a group of people competing for survival and secrets. Compared to Sharon Bolton's other books, this one focuses more on group behavior under stress. The foreshadowing makes the tense mood feel real, which will please fans of murder mysteries.

The Token makes a closed-off, suspenseful place and the character issues bigger, making the story feel personal and dangerous. The balance between showing secrets and keeping mystery is done well, though some might want a deeper look into some characters' pasts. This focus on speed sometimes leads to less emotional impact for those characters who aren't as developed.

Overall, The Token mixes a classic survival story with a look at human flaws when people are under pressure. It's told in sharp, engaging writing with a good structure. It makes readers think about trust, wealth, and the hidden sides of people around us, all in a suspenseful and emotional story that is fun and makes you think.


3.5/5

As ever, Sharon Bolton writes a twisty, compelling and utterly addictive tale that keeps you intrigued throughout.

A few strangers, a huge amount of money at stake, lots of secrets and a really well imagined set of characters all make The Token a classic one sitting read.


Most excellent. Recommended.

I really enjoyed this book, I read it in a day as I couldn't put it down!

The premise had me intrigued, 7 people receive a mysterious token that entitles them to a share of a billionaire's wealth. Why did he pick them? What links them?

Once you start reading it's hard to stop. A definite must read.

I really enjoyed this book, I read it in a day as I couldn't put it down!

The premise had me intrigued, 7 people receive a mysterious token that entitles them to a share of a billionaire's wealth. Why did he pick them? What links them?

Once you start reading it's hard to stop. A definite must read.

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
A new Sharon Bolton book will always trump over almost everything that I am currently reading and this one definitely did this time.
It has been in my 'Need to Read' list since it was announced she had a new book on the horizon and it has lived up to my expectations.
I have had a perfect weekend curled up with a large cup of tea and this book.
I know when its a really good book because it keeps me from any distractions, and my mind focused solely on the book, without it wandering off!
Plus I finished it in just over a day and I am not a fast reader.
For all her fans you are in for a special treat, and for anyone who isn't already a fan, you will be after this one.
If this is your first acquaintance with Sharon Bolton, welcome to your new favourite author.
Her entire back catalogue of work, including her S.J Bolton books are all highly recommended as well.
I hope you all enjoy reading The Token as much as I did.

Something a bit different.
Seven beneficiaries each receive a token.
A real edge of your seat read.
A well written story with great characters from this talented author.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

This book was addictive, fast-paced and a drama-filled rollercoaster ride! WOW!! Never in a million years did I see that twist coming out it literally blew my socks off!

Every chapter was as fabulous as the next, I was reading on the edge of my seat it was truly amazing!. I ADORE this authors writing style she’s quickly becoming my favourite author!

From the minute I picked it up I struggled to pull myself away I was hooked! There were SO many twists and turns it was amazing! My heart was pounding throughout! Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

This was truly first-class thriller writing! I’d highly recommend this book it’s a must read when it comes out!