Maggie Burkhardt, 81, formerly of Winconsin, is living at the Royal Karnak Hotel in Luxor, Egypt, after losing her husband and daughter. She spends her days avoiding the sun, chatting with other long-term residents and the hotel manager, and ‘fixing’ the lives of unhappy hotel guests. However, Maggie is not the kindly old woman that people perceive. It takes 8-year-old Otto to pierce her façade. And Otto is no innocent child himself — a nastier little shit would be hard to find. The two end up in a bitter fight for survival where there are no limits to what they will do to outwit and bring down the other. Even if it comes to murder. As the heat rises, Maggie and Otto spiral and havoc ensues.
It’s all very White Lotus-y, with the exotic hotel setting, feckless rich people idling away their time, demanding entitled guests and put-upon staff.
Wicked and delicious and nauseating.
Havoc is my first novel by Christopher Bollen and I’m delighted to discover this author. He reminds me of Lionel Shriver (an author I loved before finding out more about her political views. Ugh. Won’t be buying her books anymore…), for his incisive satire and wit. Now I’ll just buy his books instead.
Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
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