The Lion's Den by Katherine St. John Published by Grand Central Publishing on June 30, 2020
Pages: 369
Format: ARC
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
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Belle likes to think herself immune to the dizzying effects of fabulous wealth. But when her best friend, Summer, invites her on a glamorous getaway to the Mediterranean aboard her billionaire boyfriend's yacht, the only sensible answer is yes. Belle hopes the trip will be a much-needed break from her stalled acting career and uniquely humiliating waitressing job, but once she's aboard the luxurious Lion's Den, it soon becomes clear this jet-setting holiday is not as advertised.
Belle's dream vacation quickly devolves into a nightmare as she and the handful of other girls Summer invited are treated more like prisoners than guests by their controlling host-and in one terrifying moment, Belle comes to see Summer for who she truly is: a vicious gold digger who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Belle realizes she's going to have to keep her wits about her -- and her own big secret closely hidden -- if she wants to make it off the yacht alive.
I pulled an all-nighter reading The Lion’s Den. Yes, there’s some over the top drama and questionable character choices, but it’s deliciously addictive! I have the dark circles under my eyes to prove it. I would not have guessed this is Katherine St. John’s debut novel.
Belle puts aside her strained relationship with her best friend, Summer, to enjoy a free week-long girls’ trip to the South of France on a luxury yacht—courtesy of Summer’s über rich boyfriend. There’s an undercurrent of tension in the small group of friends from the start and it only grows stronger as the story progresses.
The chapters alternate between the present and past. It’s a storytelling device that can be tricky to pull off without losing the reader’s attention. In this case, the author handles it deftly and it highlights the complex dynamics between the main characters, while adding more mystery and suspense to the plot. The uncertainty engaged me from cover to cover.
One downside is that there are some issues between characters that are still left unaddressed by the end of the book. I missed a feeling of complete closure that perhaps an epilogue would have satisfied.
Filled with greed, danger, betrayal, jealousy, wealth, and mystery, this book is like a thrilling soap opera on the sea. If you’re looking for an escape and don’t mind some melodrama, I recommend The Lion’s Den.
Recommended for fans of:
Suspense
Lifestyles of the filthy rich
Drama galore
Champagne
*I received an early copy from the publisher to voluntarily read.*
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About Katherine St. John
Katherine St. John is a native of Mississippi and graduate of the University of Southern California. Over the years she has worked as an actress, screenwriter, director, photographer, producer, singer/songwriter, legal assistant, bartender/waitress, yoga instructor, real estate agent, and travel coordinator… but finds she likes writing novels best. Katherine currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and children.
I tried this one, but gave up. I think the issue was that I didn’t enjoy any of the characters 🙈 – I hate when that happens.
Sorry this wasn’t a winner for you. Life’s too short to waste on characters you don’t like! LOL
That’s exactly what I was thinking – on to the next one 😁